bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘What happened?’: perceptions of patients with hypertension of conflicting results between self-reported medication adherence and chemical adherence testing: a qualitative study
Authors: Soldan Sara , Flint Corien , Jaarsma Tiny , Westland Heleen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims
To explore the perceptions of outpatients with hypertension regarding the conflicting results between their self-reported medication adherence and chemical adherence testing.

Methods and results
An exploratory generic qualitative study design with semi-structured interviews was conducted. Thirteen adult patients being treated with antihypertensives were interviewed. Patients had a negative chemical adherence test for at least one prescribed antihypertensive, while they reported adhering to their medication. Audio-recorded interviews were thematically analysed. Six themes emerged: (1) becoming frustrated with medication intake, (2) being uncomfortable with addressing medication nonadherence, (3) feeling ashamed and angry about their nonadherence, (4) feeling falsely accused of nonadherence, (5) experiencing results as a wake-up call, and (6) wanting to be heard and listened to. Participants reacted differently to the adherence test results. Two distinct groups were identified among the participants: the first group felt shameful, disappointed, and angry at themselves for being nonadherent; the second group felt falsely accused and rejected the adherence test results. No differences between both groups were found in their reasons for becoming frustrated with medication intake and their behaviour after the adherence test results. Patients felt that communication with clinicians is key in the treatment support of patients with hypertension.

Conclusion
Clinicians need to consider the reasons for nonadherence and the different responses of patients to the chemical adherence test results in their support to optimize treatment for patients with hypertension.
Sphingosine kills intracellular Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: May Helene , Liu Yongjie , Kadow Stephanie , Edwards Michael J , Keitsch Simone , Wilker Barbara , Kamler Markus , Grassmé Heike , Wu Yuqing , Gulbins Erich 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Sphingosine has been previously shown to kill many strains of pathogenic bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphyloccus aureus, Acinetobacter, and atypical mycobacteria. However, these studies were performed on isolated or extracellular bacteria and it is unknown whether sphingosine also targets intracellular bacteria. Here, we demonstrate that exogenously-added sphingosine directly binds to extracellular P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, but also targets and binds to intracellular bacteria. Intracellular sphingosine and bacteria were identified by sequential immunostainings. We further show that exogenously-added sphingosine also kills intracellular P. aeruginosa and S. aureus using modified gentamycin assays. Intracellular killing of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus by sphingosine is not mediated by improved phagosomal-lysosomal fusion. In summary, our data indicate that sphingosine binds to and most likely also directly kills extra- and intracellular P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.
Identification investigations: a collaborative approach to the resolution of long-term unidentified persons cases at the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner
Authors: Soler Angela , Goldstein Justin Z , Naka Aden , Santiago Stephanie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (NYC OCME) investigates approximately 9 000–10 000 deaths every year, each of which necessitates a formal identification. Although standard identification protocols resolve the majority of these cases, there are still a substantial number of long-term unidentified persons cases that require a targeted investigation. This process involves not only the comprehensive review of all available postmortem data (e.g. scene findings, personal effects, autopsy findings, toxicology results, forensic anthropology reports, dental findings, fingerprints, forensic biology), but also the collection of antemortem data through focused informant interviews, analyzing casefiles and/or archival records, reviewing public missing person postings (e.g. National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)), and collaborating with law enforcement and other agencies. This holistic approach to identification investigations is systematic yet flexible, allowing for the needs of each unidentified person and/or missing person case to be thoroughly assessed and efficiently addressed. These efforts have proven successful at NYC OCME, resulting in over 80 long-term unidentified persons identifications confirmed in the last 7 years, dating as far back as 1969. This paper provides a detailed breakdown of the NYC OCME framework for long-term unidentified persons investigations, citing multiple case studies to underscore how investigators utilize multiple lines of evidence to generate potential leads. Although each jurisdiction faces a unique set of demands and limitations, sharing these investigative strategies and perspectives may benefit practitioners contending with long-term unidentified persons cases and their inherent complexities.

Key points
Deploying deep Solanaceae domestication and virus biotechnology knowledge to enhance food system performance and diversity
Authors: Pasin Fabio , Uranga Mireia , Charudattan Raghavan , Kwon Choon-Tak 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Our knowledge of crop domestication, genomics, and of the plant virosphere unevenly represents the taxonomic distribution of the global biodiversity, and, as we show here, is significantly enriched for the Solanaceae. Within the family, potato, tomato, eggplant, pepper, and over 100 lesser-known edible species play important nutrition and cultural roles in global and local food systems. Technologies using engineered viruses are transitioning from proof-of-concept applications in model plants to the precise trait breeding of Solanaceae crops. Leveraging this accumulated knowledge, we highlight the potential of virus-based biotechnologies for fast-track improvement of Solanaceae crop production systems, contributing to enhanced global and local human nutrition and food security.
Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Drug Resistance in Rhode Island, USA, 2004–2021
Authors: Aung Su , Novitsky Vlad , Steingrimsson Jon , Gillani Fizza S , Howison Mark , Nagel Katherine , Solomon Matthew , Bertrand Thomas , Bhattarai Lila , Fulton John , Bandy Utpala , Kantor Rami 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) acquired drug resistance (ADR) compromises antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods
We aggregated all HIV-1 protease–reverse transcriptase–integrase sequences over 2004–2021 at the largest HIV center in Rhode Island and evaluated ADR extent, trends, and impact using Stanford Database tools. Trends were measured with Mann-Kendall statistic, and multivariable regressions evaluated resistance predictors.

Results
Sequences were available for 914 ART-experienced persons. Overall ADR to any drug decreased from 77% to 49% (−0.66 Mann-Kendall statistic); nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors 65% to 32%, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors 53% to 43%, and protease inhibitors 28% to 7% (2004–2021), and integrase strand transfer inhibitors 16% to 13% (2017–2021). Multiclass resistance decreased from 44% to 12% (2-class) and 12% to 6% (3-class). In 2021, 94% had at least one 3-drug or 2-drug one-pill-once-daily (OPOD) option. Males and those exposed to more ART regimens were more likely to have ≥2-class resistance, and higher regimen exposure was also associated with fewer OPOD options.

Conclusions
Comprehensive analyses within a densely-sampled HIV epidemic over 2004–2021 demonstrated decreasing ADR. Continued ADR monitoring is important to maintain ART success, particularly with rising INSTI use in all lines of therapy and 2-drug and long-acting formulations.
c-di-GMP and AHL signals-triggered chemical communication under electrical signaling disruption restores Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilm formation
Authors: Zhu Qian , Zheng Yanyan , Zhou Xingwang , Wang Dunjia , Yuan Mengjiao , Qian Dingkang , Liang Sha , Yu Wenbo , Yang Jiakuan , Hou Huijie , Hu Jingping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Electrogenic biofilms, which have attracted considerable attention in simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery in bioelectrochemical systems, are regulated by chemical communication and potassium channel-mediated electrical signaling. However, how these two communication pathways interact with each other has not been thoroughly investigated. This study first explored the roles of chemical communication, including intracellular bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) and extracellular N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated quorum sensing, in electrogenic biofilm formation through an integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. Electrical signaling disruption inhibited the formation and electroactivity of Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilm, which was mainly ascribed to the reduction in biofilm viability and extracellular protein/polysaccharide ratio. The upregulation of expression levels of genes encoding c-di-GMP and AHL synthesis by transcriptomic analysis, and the increased secretion of N-butanoyl-L-homoserine lactone by metabolomic analysis confirmed the enhancement of chemical communication under electrical signaling disruption, thus indicating a compensatory mechanism among different signaling pathways. Furthermore, protein–protein interaction network showed the convergence of different signaling pathways, with c-di-GMP-related genes acting as central bridges. This study highlights the interaction of different signaling pathways, especially the resilience of c-di-GMP signaling to adverse external stresses, thereby laying the foundation for facilitating electrogenic biofilm formation under adverse conditions in practical applications.
Globally distributed bacteriophage genomes reveal mechanisms of tripartite phage–bacteria–coral interactions
Authors: Wallace Bailey A , Varona Natascha S , Hesketh-Best Poppy J , Stiffler Alexandra K , Silveira Cynthia B 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Reef-building corals depend on an intricate community of microorganisms for functioning and resilience. The infection of coral-associated bacteria by bacteriophages can modify bacterial ecological interactions, yet very little is known about phage functions in the holobiont. This gap stems from methodological limitations that have prevented the recovery of high-quality viral genomes and bacterial host assignment from coral samples. Here, we introduce a size fractionation approach that increased bacterial and viral recovery in coral metagenomes by 9-fold and 2-fold, respectively, and enabled the assembly and binning of bacterial and viral genomes at relatively low sequencing coverage. We combined these viral genomes with those derived from 677 publicly available metagenomes, viromes, and bacterial isolates from stony corals to build a global coral virus database of over 20,000 viral genomic sequences spanning four viral realms. The tailed bacteriophage families Kyanoviridae and Autographiviridae were the most abundant, replacing groups formerly referred to as Myoviridae and Podoviridae, respectively. Prophage and CRISPR spacer linkages between these viruses and 626 bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes and bacterial isolates showed that most viruses infected Alphaproteobacteria, the most abundant class, and less abundant taxa like Halanaerobiia and Bacteroidia. A host–phage–gene network identified keystone viruses with the genomic capacity to modulate bacterial metabolic pathways and direct molecular interactions with eukaryotic cells. This study reveals the genomic basis of nested symbioses between bacteriophage, bacteria, and the coral host and its endosymbiotic algae.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model-based optimization of temocillin dosing strategies for the treatment of systemic infections
Authors: van Os Wisse , Nussbaumer-Pröll Alina , Pham Anh Duc , Wijnant Gert-Jan , Ngougni Pokem Perrin , Van Bambeke Françoise , van Hasselt J G Coen , Zeitlinger Markus 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Temocillin is increasingly considered as an alternative to carbapenems. However, there is no consensus on optimal dosing strategies and limited data on temocillin efficacy in systemic infections.

Objectives
We compared temocillin dosing strategies using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling and simulation based on plasma exposure and in vitro time–kill data.

Methods
Temocillin effects on four Escherichia coli strains were evaluated using static time–kill experiments and the hollow-fibre infection model, in which unbound plasma concentrations following intermittent and continuous infusion regimens of 4 and 6 g daily were replicated over 72 h. A PK/PD model was developed to describe the time–kill data. The PK/PD model was coupled to a population PK model of temocillin in critically ill patients to predict bacterial killing and resistance development following various dosing regimens.

Results
Amplification of resistant subpopulations was observed within 24 h for all strains. The PK/PD model described the observed bacterial kill kinetics and resistance development from both experimental systems well. Simulations indicated dose-dependent bacterial killing within and beyond the currently used daily dose range, and a superiority of continuous compared with intermittent infusions. However, regrowth of resistant subpopulations was frequently observed. For two strains, bacteriostasis over 72 h was predicted only with doses that are higher than those currently licensed.

Conclusions
Continuous infusions and 6 g daily doses of temocillin kill E. coli more effectively than 4 g daily doses and intermittent infusions, and may increase efficacy in the treatment of systemic infections. However, higher daily doses may be required to suppress resistance development.
Impact of the SIK3 pathway inhibition on osteoclast differentiation via oxidative phosphorylation
Authors: Kamei Katsuhiko , Yahara Yasuhito , Kim Jun-Dal , Tsuji Mamiko , Iwasaki Mami , Takemori Hiroshi , Seki Shoji , Makino Hiroto , Futakawa Hayato , Hirokawa Tatsuro , Nguyen Tran Canh Tung , Nakagawa Takashi , Kawaguchi Yoshiharu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Maintenance of bone homeostasis and the balance between bone resorption and formation are crucial for maintaining skeletal integrity. This study sought to investigate the role of salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3), a key regulator in cellular energy metabolism, during the differentiation of osteoclasts. Despite osteoclasts being high energy-consuming cells essential for breaking down mineralized bone tissue, the specific function of SIK3 in this process remains unclear. To address this issue, we generated osteoclast-specific SIK3 conditional knockout mice and assessed the impact of SIK3 deletion on bone homeostasis. Our findings revealed that SIK3 conditional knockout mice exhibited increased bone mass and an osteopetrosis phenotype, suggesting a pivotal role for SIK3 in bone resorption. Moreover, we assessed the impact of pterosin B, a SIK3 inhibitor, on osteoclast differentiation. The treatment with pterosin B inhibited osteoclast differentiation, reduced the numbers of multinucleated osteoclasts, and suppressed resorption activity in vitro. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that SIK3 deletion and pterosin B treatment influence a common set of genes involved in osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Furthermore, pterosin B treatment altered intracellular metabolism, particularly affecting key metabolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. These results provide valuable insights into the involvement of SIK3 in osteoclast differentiation and the molecular mechanisms underlying osteoclast function and bone diseases.
Non-dominated sorting simplified swarm optimization for multi-objective omni-channel of pollution-routing problem
Authors: Zhu Wenbo , Liang Tzu-Ching , Yeh Wei-Chang , Yang Guangyi , Tan Shi-Yi , Liu Zhenyao , Huang Chia-Ling 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The activities of the traffic department mainly contribute to the generation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The swift expansion of the traffic department results in a significant increase in global pollution levels, adversely affecting human health. To address GHG emissions and propose impactful solutions for reducing fuel consumption in vehicles, environmental considerations are integrated with the core principles of the vehicle routing problem. This integration gives rise to the pollution-routing problem (PRP), which aims to optimize routing decisions with a focus on minimizing environmental impact. At the same time, the retail distribution system explores the use of an omni-channel approach as a transportation mode adopted in this study. The objectives of this research include minimizing total travel costs and fuel consumption while aiming to reduce GHG emissions, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing the convenience of shopping and pickup for customers through the integration of online and offline modes. This problem is NP-hard; therefore, the Non-dominated Sorting Simplified Swarm Optimization (NSSO) algorithm is employed. NSSO combines the non-dominated technique of Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) with the update mechanism of Simplified Swarm Optimization to obtain a set of Pareto-optimal solutions. Moreover, the NSSO, a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, is adopted to address multi-objective problems. The PRP benchmark dataset is utilized, and the results are compared with two other multi-objective evolutionary algorithms: NSGA-II and Non-dominated Sorting Particle Swarm Optimization (NSPSO). The findings of the study confirm that NSSO exhibits feasibility, provides good solutions, and achieves faster convergence compared with the other two algorithms, NSGA-II and NSPSO.
Low evolutionary potential for blue-green egg colouration in a wild bird population
Authors: D’Arpa Stefania R , Gil Diego , Muriel Jaime , Monclús Raquel , Pérez-Rodríguez Lorenzo , Martinez-Padilla Jesús 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Exploring the evolutionary architecture of female sexual traits and their potential evolvability is important to understand their possible role as postmating sexual signals. Egg colouration has been proposed to be one of these postmating sexual signals, honestly advertising female quality in birds, especially in blue-green laying species. In this study, we used an animal model in a Bayesian framework to estimate the evolvability of multiple descriptors of blue-green egg colouration and egg size in a wild long-term monitored population of spotless starlings (Sturnus unicolor). Our results show low to moderate heritability (h2 = 0.31–0.44) for 3 egg colour descriptors (blue-green chroma, chroma, and lightness) and egg size. Using the coefficient of additive genetic variance (CVA) and the evolvability (IA) as proxies of evolutionary potential of all components of this trait, we found low values of CVA for all these variables, suggesting a small evolutionary potential of these phenotypic traits, contrasting to previous results reported in another blue-green egg laying species. Our results indicate a modest raw genetic material of this trait on which sexual selection can act upon and, therefore, a small probability for these traits to respond easily to selection.
Auxetic metamaterial inspired by the seesaw motion
Authors: Lim Teik-Cheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
A mechanical metamaterial has been constructed using a network of interconnected isosceles triangles and right triangles by inspiration from the seesaw motion. The connections are defined as hinges with rotationally elastic restraints wherein each isosceles triangle is connected to three neighboring rotating units, while each right triangle is connected to four neighboring rotating units. The effective Poisson's ratio under on-axes loading were established using geometrical approach, while the on-axes Young's moduli were developed by matching the spring rotational energy at the hinges of the metamaterial during relative rotation of the rigid units with the strain energy of deformation of the homogenized continuum. Results reveal that by adjusting the geometrical parameters, the Poisson's ratio can range from positive to negative values. The results also show that both the Poisson's ratio and Young's moduli have a wide range of geometrical parameters for fine-tuning at low mechanical properties and well as a narrow range of geometrical parameters for coarse tuning at high mechanical properties. These observations suggest that the metamaterial has a wide range of applications from soft robotics to structural applications by adjustment of its geometrical parameters.
Evaluation of a structured pharmacist-led intervention on glycemic control in underprivileged diabetic patients: a randomized open-label trial
Authors: Abdul-Latif Maha , Nagib Reem , Amin Mohamed , El-Yazbi Ahmed F 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study assesses the impact of a structured clinical pharmacist intervention on glycemic control in diabetic patients maintained on intensive insulin therapy attending the internal medicine clinic in a hospital with limited financial resources.

Methods
A randomized parallel open-label clinical trial design was employed. Ethical approval was obtained from the Egyptian Ministry of Health (MOH) ethics committee. Adult diabetic patients, on intensive insulin therapy, were recruited from an internal medicine clinic at an MOH hospital. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups; control, on premixed insulin twice daily, and intervention, receiving a structured pharmacist intervention including the addition of regular insulin doses as needed. Patients were followed up for three months. A 1% reduction of HbA1c level at the conclusion was considered the primary outcome.

Key findings
One hundred and twenty-five patients (62 control and 63 intervention) consented to participate in the study, of whom 98 (46 control and 52 intervention) completed the follow-up period. At three months, the odds ratio for HbA1c reduction by at least by 1% in the intervention group was 3.2 (95% CI 1.45–7.08). Very few cases of hypoglycemia were reported in either group. The HbA1c reduction was not affected by age, weight, or literacy status of the patients.

Conclusions
Clinical pharmacist interventions, even in environments with scarce resources and socioeconomic challenges, remain effective in achieving better glycemic control. This trial has been registered in the Pan-African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201610001812290, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/).
Bouveret syndrome preceding classical gallstone ileus: a rare presentation of a cholecystoduodenal fistula
Authors: Qian William , Soares Jewel , Jayewardene Ishanth Devinda , Peck Nigel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Bouveret syndrome is the rarest variant of gallstone ileus characterized by the passage and impaction of a gallstone through a bilioenteric fistula leading to gastric outlet obstruction. The documented movement of an impacted gallstone in Bouveret syndrome through the gastrointestinal tract has not been previously discussed in the literature. A 64-year-old man presented with acute on chronic epigastric pain, fevers, and vomiting. Abdominal computed tomography established a diagnosis of Bouveret syndrome. A trial of endoscopic gallstone extraction was unsuccessful. Laparoscopic gastrotomy and stone removal were later attempted, however, intraoperatively it was noted that the stone had migrated and was now impacted in the jejunum causing a small bowel obstruction. The clinical picture was now that of gallstone ileus. Laparoscopic enterolithotomy was performed successfully. This article discusses the radiological, endoscopic, and intraoperative findings in this rare case of Bouveret syndrome that had evolved into classical gallstone ileus following stone migration.