bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nanoluciferase-encoded bacteriophage illuminates viral infection dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells
Authors: Zborowsky Sophia , Balacheff Quentin , Theodorou Ioanna , Kane Rokhaya , Delattre Raphaëlle , Weitz Joshua S , Tournebize Régis , Debarbieux Laurent 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are increasingly considered for both treatment and early detection of bacterial pathogens given their specificity and rapid infection kinetics. Here, we exploit an engineered phage expressing nanoluciferase to detect signals associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa lysis spanning single cells to populations. Using several P. aeruginosa strains we found that the latent period, burst size, fraction of infected cells, and efficiency of plating inferred from fluorescent light intensity signals were consistent with inferences from conventional population assays. Notably, imaging-based traits were obtained in minutes to hours in contrast to the use of overnight plaques, which opens the possibility to study infection dynamics in spatial and/or temporal contexts where plaque development is infeasible. These findings support the use of engineered phages to study infection kinetics of virus-cell interactions in complex environments and potentially accelerate the determination of viral host range in therapeutically relevant contexts.
Susceptibility of clinical isolates of novel pathogen Stenotrophomonas sepilia to novel benzoquinolizine fluoroquinolone levonadifloxacin
Authors: Chakraborty Surajit , Shekhar Nishant , Singhal Lipika , Rawat Rajneesh Singh , Duseja Ajay , Verma Rahul K , Bansal Kanika , Kour Ivneet , Biswas Sanjay , Rajni Ekadashi , Sahu Suneeta , Patil Prabhu B , Gautam Vikas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Stenotrophomonas sepilia, identified in 2021, is part of the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex (Smc) and shares high genomic identity with S. maltophilia. Resistance to levofloxacin, the recommended fluoroquinolone for S. maltophilia, is being increasingly reported. Recent studies indicate that levonadifloxacin, a novel benzoquinolizine, may be more effective. This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of levofloxacin and levonadifloxacin against clinical isolates of S. sepilia.

Objectives
To assess the antibacterial effectiveness of levofloxacin and levonadifloxacin against novel pathogen S. sepilia.

Methods
A total of 116 S. maltophilia isolates, identified by MALDI-TOF MS, were collected from five centres across India. S. sepilia was confirmed by PCR using primers targeting a unique genomic sequence (NCBI accession number LXXZ00000000.1). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of levonadifloxacin and levofloxacin were determined by using the microbroth-dilution method and Etest as per CLSI guidelines. The levofloxacin breakpoint was used to interpret MICs of levonadifloxacin.

Results
Among a total of 116 circulating S. maltophilia isolates collected, 46 were identified as S. sepilia, representing a prevalence rate of (∼40%), thus highlighting its significance as an important pathogen within the Smc. Both levofloxacin and levonadifloxacin demonstrated a 98% inhibition rate against the 46 S. sepilia tested. Only one S. sepilia isolate resistant to levofloxacin showed intermediate susceptibility to levonadifloxacin, which consistently had lower MICs.

Conclusions
Levofloxacin and levonadifloxacin show similar susceptibility rates against S. sepilia, with levonadifloxacin exhibiting lower MICs. Further studies are required to establish clinical utility of levonadifloxacin in managing these infections.
Increasing adherence and collecting symptom-specific biometric signals in remote monitoring of heart failure patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mohapatra Sukanya , Issa Mirna , Ivezic Vedrana , Doherty Rose , Marks Stephanie , Lan Esther , Chen Shawn , Rozett Keith , Cullen Lauren , Reynolds Wren , Rocchio Rose , Fonarow Gregg C , Ong Michael K , Speier William F , Arnold Corey W 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Mobile health (mHealth) regimens can improve health through the continuous monitoring of biometric parameters paired with appropriate interventions. However, adherence to monitoring tends to decay over time. Our randomized controlled trial sought to determine: (1) if a mobile app with gamification and financial incentives significantly increases adherence to mHealth monitoring in a population of heart failure patients; and (2) if activity data correlate with disease-specific symptoms.

Materials and Methods
We recruited individuals with heart failure into a prospective 180-day monitoring study with 3 arms. All 3 arms included monitoring with a connected weight scale and an activity tracker. The second arm included an additional mobile app with gamification, and the third arm included the mobile app and a financial incentive awarded based on adherence to mobile monitoring.

Results
We recruited 111 heart failure patients into the study. We found that the arm including the financial incentive led to significantly higher adherence to activity tracker (95% vs 72.2%, P = .01) and weight (87.5% vs 69.4%, P = .002) monitoring compared to the arm that included the monitoring devices alone. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between daily steps and daily symptom severity.

Discussion and Conclusion
Our findings indicate that mobile apps with added engagement features can be useful tools for improving adherence over time and may thus increase the impact of mHealth-driven interventions. Additionally, activity tracker data can provide passive monitoring of disease burden that may be used to predict future events.
Isolation and characterization of bone mesenchymal cell small extracellular vesicles using a novel mouse model
Authors: Monroe David G , Javeed Naureen , Rowsey Jennifer L , Ruan Ming , McCabe Chantal E , Piatkowski Bryan T , Roy Abhishek , Bobbili Madhusudhan R , Grillari Johannes , Khosla Sundeep 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of cell–cell communication and are involved in transferring specific biomolecular cargo to recipient cells to regulate their physiological functions. A major challenge in the understanding of EV function in vivo is the difficulty ascertaining the origin of the EV particles. The recent development of the “Snorkel-tag,” which includes EV-membrane-targeted CD81 fused to a series of extra-vesicular protein tags, can be used to mark EVs originating from a specific source for subsequent isolation and characterization. We developed an in vivo mouse model, termed “CAGS-Snorkel,” which expresses the Snorkel-tag under the control of the Cre-lox system, and crossed this mouse with either Prx1-Cre (mesenchymal progenitors) or Ocn-Cre (osteoblasts/osteocytes) and isolated Snorkel-tagged EVs from the mouse bone marrow plasma using a magnetic bead affinity column. miRNA-sequencing was performed on the isolated EVs, and although similar profiles were observed, a few key miRNAs involved in bone metabolism (miR-106b-5p, miRs-19b-3p, and miRs-219a-5p) were enriched in the Ocn-derived relative to the Prx1-derived EV subpopulations. To characterize the effects of these small EVs on a bone cell target, cultured mouse bone marrow stromal cells were treated with Prx1 or Ocn EVs, and mRNA-sequencing was performed. Pathways involved in ossification, bone development, and extracellular matrix interactions were regulated by both EV subpopulations, whereas a few pathways including advanced glycation end-products signaling were uniquely regulated in the Ocn EV subpopulation, underlying important biological effects of specific EV subpopulations within the bone marrow microenvironment. These data demonstrate that EV isolation in vivo using the CAGS-Snorkel mouse model is a useful tool in characterizing the cargo and understanding the biology of tissue-specific EVs. Moreover, while bone mesenchymal cell populations share a common EV secretory profile, we uncover key differences based on the stage of osteoblastic differentiation that may have important biological consequences.
Momentary motivations for digital disconnection: an experience sampling study
Authors: Klingelhoefer Julius , Gilbert Alicia , Meier Adrian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
A much-discussed solution for undesirable (over-)use of mobile technologies lies in digital disconnection. Reasons for why individuals reduce their digital media use have been assessed mostly cross-sectionally without accounting for various disconnection practices across everyday situations. This study focuses on three motivations to disconnect that can vary between situations: to (a) avoid distractions, (b) improve well-being, and (c) be more present. A 14-day experience sampling study with 230 young adults (Mage = 25.31, SD = 4.50) yielded 7,360 situations of disconnective behavior. Multilevel regression analyses show that motivations to avoid distractions and to be more present were relevant for disconnection on the situational level. However, a person’s average level of these motivations did not predict disconnective behavior. The well-being motivation was not associated with disconnection either between or within participants. Additional analyses explore variations across time and different levels of digital disconnection.
Two sides of the same coin? Transient hybridization in refugia and rapid postglacial ecological divergence ensure the evolutionary persistence of sister Nothofagus
Authors: Premoli Andrea C , Mathiasen Paula , Acosta María C , McCulloch Robert D 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Glacial periods have been considered as inhospitable environments that consist of treeless vegetation at higher latitudes. The fossil record suggests many species survived the Last Glacial Maximum within refugia, usually at lower latitudes. However, phylogeographic studies have given support to the existence of previously unknown high-latitude refugia that were not detected in the fossil record. Here, we test the hypothesis that cold-tolerant trees of Patagonia survived cold periods in microclimatically favourable locales where hybridization occurred between sister taxa. To study local presence through glacial periods in multiple refugia, we used pollen records and genetic information (isozymes, microsatellites, and combined nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences) of population pairs of Nothofagus antarctica and N. pumilio that belong to the ancient subgenus Nothofagus which can potentially hybridize in nature, along their entire latitudinal range in Patagonia. Studied species share the N. dombeyi type pollen, which was abundant at &gt;20% in the northernmost latitudinal bands (35–43°S), even during the Last Glacial Maximum. Mid- and southern latitudinal records (44–55°S) yielded lower abundances of ~10% that increased after c. 15.0 cal. ka BP. Therefore, fossil pollen evidence suggests a long-lasting local presence of Nothofagus throughout glacial–interglacial cycles but mostly as small populations between 44°S and 51°S. We found species-specific and shared genetic variants, the latter of which attained relatively high frequencies, thus providing evidence of ancestral polymorphisms. Populations of each species were similarly diverse, suggesting survival throughout the latitudinal range. Estimates of coalescent divergence times were broadly synchronous across latitudes, suggesting that regional climates similarly affected populations and species that hybridized through climate cycles, fostering local persistence.
An unusually large genome from an unusually large stonefly: A chromosome-length genome assembly for the giant salmonfly, Pteronarcys californica (Plecoptera: Pteronarcyidae)
Authors: Eichert Anna , Sproul John , Tolman Ethan R , Birrell Jackson , Meek Jared , Heckenhauer Jacqueline , Nelson Charles Riley , Dudchenko Olga , Jeong Jiyun , Weisz David , Aiden Erez Lieberman , Hotaling Scott , Ware Jessica L , Frandsen Paul B 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Pteronarcys californica (Newport 1848) is commonly referred to as the giant salmonfly and is the largest species of stonefly (Insecta: Plecoptera) in the western United States. Historically, it was widespread and abundant in western rivers, but populations have experienced a substantial decline in the past few decades, becoming locally extirpated in numerous rivers in Utah, Colorado, and Montana. Although previous research has explored the ecological variables conducive to the survivability of populations of the giant salmonfly, a lack of genomic resources hampers exploration of how genetic variation is spread across extant populations. To accelerate research on this imperiled species, we present a de novo chromosomal-length genome assembly of P. californica generated from PacBio HiFi sequencing and Hi-C chromosome conformation capture. Our assembly includes 14 predicted pseudo chromosomes and 98.8% of Insecta universal core orthologs. At 2.40 gigabases, the P. californica assembly is the largest of available stonefly assemblies, highlighting at least a 9.5-fold variation in assembly size across the order. Repetitive elements account for much of the genome size increase in P. californica relative to other stonefly species, with the content of Class I retroelements alone exceeding the entire assembly size of all but two other species studied. We also observed preliminary suborder-specific trends in genome size that merit testing with more robust taxon sampling.
Partisanship, expertise, or connections? A conjoint survey experiment on lobbyist hiring decisions
Authors: Miller David R , McCrain Joshua , Hassell Hans J G , Egerod Benjamin C K 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Lobbyists are important agents of organized interests. While prior studies have investigated the observed hiring patterns of interest groups, conclusions about the demand for lobbyist characteristics may be confounded by the availability of lobbyists with certain characteristics. To assess the demand for lobbyists with expertise, connections, and who share groups’ preferences, we use a conjoint survey experiment to examine the hiring preferences for lobbyists. We find that organized interests prefer lobbyists with policy-specific expertise and the necessary connections to get access to decision-makers, but find little evidence that connections are more valuable than expertise. We also find that organized interests prefer lobbyists who share their political ideology, but that this preference diminishes when the hiring organization is not aligned ideologically with the party in unified control of government. Overall, our study paints a more nuanced picture of the role of preferences and connections in lobbying than many would expect.
Human-centered design approach to building a transition readiness mHealth intervention for early adolescents
Authors: Carrera Diaz Kenia , Yau Joanna , Iverson Ellen , Cuevas Rachel , Porter Courtney , Morales Luis , Tut Maurice , Santiago Adan , Ghavami Soha , Reich Emily , Sayegh Caitlin S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may be an efficacious strategy for promoting health behaviors among pediatric populations, but their success at the implementation stage has proven challenging. The purpose of this article is to provide a blueprint for using human-centered design (HCD) methods to maximize the potential for implementation, by sharing the example of a youth-, family-, and clinician-engaged process of creating an mHealth intervention aimed at promoting healthcare transition readiness.

Method
Following HCD methods in partnership with three advisory councils, we conducted semistructured interviews with 13- to 15-year-old patients and their caregivers in two phases. In Phase 1, participants described challenges during the transition journey, and generated ideas regarding the format, content, and other qualities of the mHealth tool. For Phase 2, early adolescents and caregivers provided iterative feedback on two sequential intervention prototypes. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis in Phase 1 and the rapid assessment process for Phase 2.

Results
We interviewed 11 youth and 8 caregivers. The sample included adolescents with a range of chronic health conditions. In Phase 1, participants supported the idea of developing an autonomy-building tool, delivering transition readiness education via social media style videos. In Phase 2, participants responded positively to the successive prototypes and provided suggestions to make information accessible, relatable, and engaging.

Conclusions
The procedures shared in this article could inform other researchers’ plans to apply HCD in collaboration with implementation partners to develop mHealth interventions. Our future directions include iteratively developing more videos to promote transition readiness and implementing the intervention in clinical care.
Exploration of medicinal plants as potential therapeutics against COVID-19: molecular insights and drug development prospects with other significant medicinal information a retrospective exposition
Authors: Dilip Bhandare Saurabh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The study aims to explore the potential of medicinal plants and their phytoconstituents as effective inhibitors of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The focus is on investigating specific medicinal plants known for their pharmacological properties, such as: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, to determine their viability in developing COVID-19 treatments.

Materials and methods
This study involves a comprehensive study of medicinal plants, including: Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil), known for their beneficial health effects. Molecular docking studies were conducted to assess the interactions between phytoconstituents from these plants and SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The compounds’ drug-like characteristics and safety profiles were also evaluated to determine their potential as therapeutic agents.

Results
The molecular docking studies revealed that the phytoconstituents from the studied medicinal plants exhibit favourable interactions with SARS-CoV-2 proteins, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets. These compounds demonstrated promising drug-like characteristics and safety profiles, indicating their suitability for further development as COVID-19-fighting medications.

Discussion
The results indicate that medicinal plants and their bioactive substances hold significant potential for developing therapies against COVID-19. The ability of these organic substances to interact with key viral proteins and provide various therapeutic benefits highlights their potential as multi-functional treatment options. However, further research is necessary to confirm these findings and to understand the full scope of their therapeutic efficacy and safety in clinical settings.

Conclusions
Medicinal plants and their phyto-constituents represent a promising avenue for developing effective treatments for COVID-19. The favourable interactions with SARS-CoV-2 proteins and the promising drug-like characteristics observed in this study suggest that these natural compounds could be integral in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research and clinical trials are essential to fully validating their potential and translating these findings into practical medical applications.
A national survey of medical staffs’ required capability and workload for accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi , Tanaka Hiroki , Kato Takahiro , Akita Kazuhiko , Takemori Mihiro , Kasai Yusaku , Kashihara Tairo , Takai Yoshihiro , Nihei Keiji , Onishi Hiroshi , Igaki Hiroshi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to identify the required capabilities and workload of medical staff in accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). From August to September 2022, a questionnaire related to the capabilities and workload in the accelerator-based BNCT was administered to 12 physicians, 7 medical physicists and 7 radiological technologists engaged in BNCT and 6 other medical physicists who were not engaged in BNCT to compare the results acquired by those engaged in BNCT. Only 6–21% of patients referred for BNCT received it. Furthermore, 30–75% of patients who received BNCT were treated at facilities located within their local district. The median required workload per treatment was 55 h. Considering additional workloads for ineligible patients, the required workload reached ~1.2 times longer than those for only eligible patients’ treatment. With respect to capabilities, discrepancies were observed in treatment planning, quality assurance and quality control, and commissioning between medical physicists and radiological technologists. Furthermore, the specialized skills required by medical physicists are impossible to acquire from the experience of conventional radiotherapies as physicians engaged in BNCT were specialized not only in radiation oncology, but also in other fields. This study indicated the required workload and staff capabilities for conducting accelerator-based BNCT considering actual clinical conditions. The workload required for BNCT depends on the occupation. It is necessary to establish an educational program and certification system for the skills required to safely and effectively provide BNCT to patients.
‘NO MORE WALLS IN THE SEAS’: Migration graffscapes and migrants’ messages while en route to and in Europe
Authors: Uzureau Océane , Rota Marina , Verhaeghe Floor , Lietaert Ine , Elhaj Rihab , Derluyn Ilse 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This article explores forced migrants’ use of graffiti writing along their precarious and fragmented migration journeys. Previous research has recognized the use of graffiti by activist groups, yet existing empirical evidence of the materiality of life in transit and of forced migrants’ reactions to it remains scarce. Our analysis reveals how graffiti documents migrants’ agentic reactions to the uncertainty and adverse experiences they faced along their irregular journey. It shows how people on the move, who are stuck in transit situations, voice complex feelings, reclaim their identities and narratives, and denounce political struggles and restrictive migration policies. We argue that they use graffiti to cope with the uncertainty of their journey by nurturing solidarity and hope, and by producing a guidebook of supportive and protective advice addressed to the community of unauthorized travellers.
A nonparametric framework for treatment effect modifier discovery in high dimensions
Authors: Boileau Philippe , Leng Ning , Hejazi Nima S , van der Laan Mark , Dudoit Sandrine 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Heterogeneous treatment effects are driven by treatment effect modifiers (TEMs), pretreatment covariates that modify the effect of a treatment on an outcome. Current approaches for uncovering these variables are limited to low-dimensional data, data with weakly correlated covariates, or data generated according to parametric processes. We resolve these issues by proposing a framework for defining model-agnostic TEM variable importance parameters (TEM-VIPs), deriving one-step, estimating equation, and targeted maximum likelihood estimators of these parameters, and establishing these estimators’ asymptotic properties. This framework is showcased by defining TEM-VIPs for data-generating processes with continuous, binary, and time-to-event outcomes with binary treatments, and deriving accompanying asymptotically linear estimators. Simulation experiments demonstrate that these estimators’ asymptotic guarantees are approximately achieved in realistic sample sizes in randomized and observational studies alike. This methodology is also applied to gene expression data collected in a clinical trial assessing the effect of a novel therapy on disease-free survival in breast cancer patients. Predicted TEMs have previously been linked to treatment resistance.