bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attitudes towards surgical safety checklists among American College of Veterinary Surgeons diplomates
Authors: Hawker William T. G. , Singh Ameet , DeForge Teagan , Mankin Kelley Thieman , Giuffrida Michelle A. , Weese J. Scott 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo examine attitudes towards surgical safety checklists (SSCs) among American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and to identify barriers to implementation.Study designQualitative online research survey.Sample populationA total of 1282 current ACVS diplomates.MethodsAn anonymous online survey was distributed to current ACVS diplomates via email. ACVS diplomates were identified using publicly available data through the ACVS website. A total of 1282 surveys were electronically distributed, and respondents were given 4 weeks to respond. The survey consisted of 34 questions examining (1) demographic information, (2) current use of SSCs, (3) knowledge and attitudes towards SSCs, (4) perceived advantages and disadvantages to use of SSCs, (5) implementation strategies, and (6) potential reasons for noncompletion of SSCs.ResultsSurvey response rate was 20% (257/1282). A total of 169 of 249 (67.9%) respondents indicated using SSCs. Respondents generally agreed that SSCs were proven to reduce surgical complications (196/249 [78.7%]) and did not perceive any disadvantages to use (100/138 [75.2%]). Respondents not using SSCs were more likely to perceive them as a waste of time (p < .001). The most common reasons for noncompletion of SSCs were forgetfulness (21/52 [39.6%]) and time constraints (19/52 [36.5%]). Improved training (72/138 [52.2%]) and modifying the SSC based on staff feedback (69/138 [50%]) were suggested as methods to improve SSC uptake.ConclusionRespondents currently using SSCs were generally satisfied. Time constraints and memory related issues were common causes for noncompletion of SSCs.Clinical significanceEfforts to expand the implementation of SSCs in veterinary surgery should focus on improved engagement of relevant stakeholders and modification of the SSC to suit local conditions.
Design of Three-Dimensional-Printed Compression Ring for Enhanced Wound Healing of Colorectal Anastomosis to Minimize Dehiscence and Leakage Post Colectomy
Authors: Phowarasoontorn Parima , Rajakaruna SojaThilini , Nisha Aliha , Holter Jesper , Al-Ketan Oraib , Vega Carlos Abril , Barajas-Gamboa Juan S. , Al-Bahri Shadi , Ramadi Khalil B. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Bowel resection surgery, also known as colectomy, is a primary therapeutic intervention where a neoplastic or cancerous segment of the bowel is removed and an anastomosis constructed to reestablish intestinal continuity. Several techniques can be used to create the anastomosis, including mechanical staplers or manual sutures. A potentially life-threatening complication in colon anastomosis is dehiscence and leakage. Various contributing factors can hinder the formation of anastomosis, including technical failure (human error, staple malfunction), inflammation caused by foreign body response (sutures and staples), collagenolytic bacteria, and patient comorbidities (chemotherapy, old age, and obesity). Here, we report a three-dimensional (3D)-printed compression ring with electrical stimulation (ES) functionality to improve wound healing and anastomotic closure. The device consists of a one-way locking mechanism for initial deployment, an elastic band tightening mechanism to secure seal as tissue heals, and electrodes for electrical stimulation to enhance wound healing. The compression ring was assembled with 83.4±3.9 N of force and delivers 147.5±8.8 kPa of pressure to tissue, effectively restricting blood flow to the clamped tissue. This helps to create the anastomosis between remaining tissue on either side. Our design facilitates manual assembly without necessitating an additional delivery device. Electrical impedance analysis confirmed adequate tissue–electrode contact. We tested this device with ex vivo ovine intestinal tissue and confirmed that the compression ring was able to withstand up to 2.0±0.4 kPa intraluminal pressure immediately following installation. By combining mechanical strength and electrical stimulation, this device could potentially improve wound healing, anastomotic closure, and minimize the risk of leaks.
From
mec
cassette to
rdhA
: a key
Dehalobacter
genomic neighborhood in a chloroform and dichloromethane–transforming microbial consortium
Authors: Bulka Olivia , Picott Katherine , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan , Edwards Elizabeth A. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Chloroform (CF) and dichloromethane (DCM) are groundwater contaminants of concern due to their high toxicity and inhibition of important biogeochemical processes such as methanogenesis. Anaerobic biotransformation of CF and DCM has been well documented but typically independently of one another. CF is the electron acceptor for certain organohalide-respiring bacteria that use reductive dehalogenases (RDases) to dechlorinate CF to DCM. In contrast, known DCM degraders use DCM as their electron donor, which is oxidized using a series of methyltransferases and associated proteins encoded by the
mec
cassette to facilitate the entry of DCM to the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway. The SC05 culture is an enrichment culture sold commercially for bioaugmentation, which transforms CF via DCM to CO
2
. This culture has the unique ability to dechlorinate CF to DCM using electron equivalents provided by the oxidation of DCM to CO
2
. Here, we use metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses to identify the functional genes involved in each of these transformations. Though 91 metagenome-assembled genomes were assembled, the genes for an RDase—named
acdA
—and a complete
mec
cassette were found to be encoded on a single contig belonging to
Dehalobacter
. AcdA and critical Mec proteins were also highly expressed by the culture. Heterologously expressed AcdA dechlorinated CF and other chloroalkanes but had 100-fold lower activity on DCM. Overall, the high expression of Mec proteins and the activity of AcdA suggest a
Dehalobacter
capable of dechlorination of CF to DCM and subsequent mineralization of DCM using the
mec
cassette.

IMPORTANCE

Chloroform (CF) and dichloromethane (DCM) are regulated groundwater contaminants. A cost-effective approach to remove these pollutants from contaminated groundwater is to employ microbes that transform CF and DCM as part of their metabolism, thus depleting the contamination as the microbes continue to grow. In this work, we investigate bioaugmentation culture SC05, a mixed microbial consortium that effectively and simultaneously degrades both CF and DCM coupled to the growth of
Dehalobacter
. We identified the functional genes responsible for the transformation of CF and DCM in SC05. These genetic biomarkers provide a means to monitor the remediation process in the field.
Human coronavirus OC43 infection remodels connexin 43-mediated gap junction intercellular communication
in vitro
Authors: Karmakar Souvik , Das Sarma Jayasri 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

β-coronaviruses cause acute infection in the upper respiratory tract, resulting in various symptoms and clinical manifestations. OC43 is a human β-coronavirus that induces mild clinical symptoms and can be safely studied in the BSL2 laboratory. Due to its low risk, OC43 can be a valuable and accessible model for understanding β-coronavirus pathogenesis. One potential target for limiting virus infectivity could be gap junction-mediated communication. This study aims to unveil the status of cell-to-cell communications through gap junctions in human β-coronavirus infection. Infection with OC43 leads to reduced expression of Cx43 in A549, a lung epithelial carcinoma cell line. Infection with this virus also shows a significant ER and oxidative stress increase. Internal localization of Cx43 is observed post-OC43 infection in the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) region, which impairs the gap junction communication between two adjacent cells, confirmed by Lucifer yellow dye transfer assay. It also affects hemichannel formation, as depicted by the EtBr uptake assay. Impairment of Cx43 trafficking and the ability to form hemichannels and functional GJIC are hampered by virus-induced Golgi apparatus disruption. Altogether, these results suggest that several physiological changes accompany OC43 infection in A549 cells and can be considered an appropriate model system for understanding the differences in gap junction communication post-viral infections. This model system can provide valuable insights for developing therapies against human β-coronavirus infections.

IMPORTANCE

The enduring impact of the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic underscores the importance of studying human β-coronaviruses, advancing our preparedness for future coronavirus infections. As SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious, another human β-coronavirus OC43 can be considered an experimental model. One of the crucial pathways that can be considered is gap junction communication, as it is vital for cellular homeostasis. Our study seeks to understand the changes in Cx43-mediated cell-to-cell communication during human β-coronavirus OC43 infection.
In vitro
studies showed downregulation of the gap junction protein Cx43 and upregulation of the endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress markers post-OC43 infection. Furthermore, HCoV–OC43 infection causes reduced Cx43 trafficking, causing impairment of functional hemichannel and GJIC formation by virus-mediated Golgi apparatus disruption. Overall, this study infers that OC43 infection reshapes intercellular communication, suggesting that this pathway may be a promising target for designing highly effective therapeutics against human coronaviruses by regulating Cx43 expression.
Identification of a novel neurovirulence factor encoded by the cryptic orphan gene UL31.6 of herpes simplex virus 1
Authors: Kato Akihisa , Iwasaki Ryoji , Takeshima Kousuke , Maruzuru Yuhei , Koyanagi Naoto , Natsume Tohru , Kusano Hideo , Adachi Shungo , Kawano Shuichi , Kawaguchi Yasushi 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Although the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genome was thought to contain approximately 80 different protein coding sequences (CDSs), recent multi-omics analyses reported HSV-1 encodes more than 200 potential CDSs. However, few of the newly identified CDSs were confirmed to be expressed at the peptide or protein level in HSV-1-infected cells. Furthermore, the impact of the proteins they encode on HSV-1 infection is largely unknown. This study focused on a newly identified CDS, UL31.6. Re-analyzation of our previous chemical proteomics data verified that UL31.6 was expressed at the peptide level in HSV-1-infected cells. Antisera raised against a viral protein encoded by UL31.6 (pUL31.6) reacted with a protein with an approximate molecular mass of 37  kDa in lysates of Vero cells infected with each of three HSV-1 strains. pUL31.6 was efficiently dissociated from virions in high-salt solution. A UL31.6-null mutation had a minimal effect on HSV-1 gene expression, replication, cell-to-cell spread, and morphogenesis in Vero cells; in contrast, it significantly reduced HSV-1 cell-to-cell spread in three neural cells but not in four non-neural cells including Vero cells. The UL31.6-null mutation also significantly reduced the mortality and viral replication in the brains of mice after intracranial infection, but had minimal effects on pathogenic manifestations in and around the eyes, and viral replication detected in the tear films of mice after ocular infection. These results indicated that pUL31.6 was a tegument protein and specifically acted as a neurovirulence factor by potentially promoting viral transmission between neuronal cells in the central nervous system.

IMPORTANCE
Recent multi-omics analyses reported the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genome encodes an additional number of potential coding sequences (CDSs). However, the expressions of these CDSs at the peptide or protein levels and the biological effects of these CDSs on HSV-1 infection remain largely unknown. This study annotated a cryptic orphan CDS, termed UL31.6, an HSV-1 gene that encodes a tegument protein with an approximate molecular mass of 37  kDa, which specifically acts as a neurovirulence factor. Our study indicates that HSV-1 proteins important for viral pathogenesis remain to be identified and a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of HSV-1 will require not only the identification of cryptic orphan CDSs using emerging technologies but also step-by-step and in-depth analyses of each of the cryptic orphan CDSs.
Capsule-deficient group A
Streptococcus
evades autophagy-mediated killing in macrophages
Authors: Shi Yong-An , Lu Shiou-Ling , Noda Takeshi , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Chiang-Ni Chuan 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

The hyaluronic acid capsule is crucial in protecting group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) against phagocytic killing. However, there have been reported outbreaks caused by capsule-deficient GAS strains, and the mechanisms underlying their evasion of immune clearance remain unclear. This study demonstrated that the capsule-deficient mutant [Cap(−)] of the
emm1
strain increased survival within phagocytic cells compared to the wild-type strain [Cap(+)]. Although both Cap(+) and Cap(–) strains exhibited similar abilities to disrupt the phagosome, only the Cap(+) strain was colocalized with lysosomes and acidified compartments in phagocytic cells, indicating its susceptibility to autophagosome elimination. In contrast, the Cap(–) mutant evaded the recognition of galectin-8 and ubiquitin, impairing selective autophagy-mediated elimination. These findings suggest that a deficiency in the capsule could impair the intracellular elimination of GAS in macrophages, revealing previously unknown aspects of the host’s recognition of the GAS capsule in macrophages.

IMPORTANCE

Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes diseases ranging from mild pharyngitis to severe necrotizing fasciitis. Phagocytic cells serve as the primary defense against bacterial infections, exhibiting remarkable efficiency in eliminating intracellular pathogens. The hyaluronic acid capsule is a critical virulence factor that contributes to the resistance of phagocytosis in GAS. Nevertheless, the outbreaks caused by GAS strains that lack the hyaluronic acid capsule have been reported, and the selective advantage of capsule-deficient strains during infection is not fully understood. This study showed that the autophagic adaptor proteins recognize the capsulated GAS strain but not the capsule-deficient mutant, indicating that the hyaluronic acid capsule could be the autophagic target in macrophages. These findings imply that the hyaluronic acid capsule of GAS actually enhances its elimination within phagocytic cells, subverting the understanding of the capsule in GAS pathogenesis.
Crystal Structure and Toxicity of the Polymorphic Modifications of the Rodenticide Difenacin
Authors: Kochetov A. N. , Nosikova L. A. , Kudryashova Z. A. , Chernyshev V. V. , Tafeenko V. A. , Dunaev S. F. , Tsivadze A. Yu. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Two new polymorphic forms (I and II) of 2-(diphenylacetyl)indanedione-1,3 (C23H16O3, difenacin, DF) were obtained by original methods. The crystal structures of the polymorphic forms, solved by X‑ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, were compared with those of the known modification III. The structure of the latter was re-determined and studied at a low temperature. The crystal parameters of the polymorphic forms of DF are: (I) Pna21: a = 8.549(2) Å, b = 35.323(7) Å, and c = 5.803(1) Å; Z = 4; (II) P21/c: a = 25.856(1) Å, b = 12.363(1) Å, and c = 16.081(1) Å; β = 94.00(1)°; Z = 12; (III) P21/n: a = 10.365(2) Å, b = 12.239(2) Å, and c = 13.227(2) Å; β = 95.83(1)°; Z = 4. For samples I and II, the recording was performed at room temperature; for III, at 173 K. The number of independent molecules in the polymorphs was found to be different: one molecule in I and III, and three in II. In difenacin crystals, the conformation of neutral C23H16O3 molecules is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding, with the enol proton localized near the oxygen atom of the keto group of the acyl fragment. The crystal packings contain various sets of C–H···O contacts and intermolecular π–π stacking interactions of indanedionate fragments, with interplanar distances varying from 3.50 to 3.65 Å. The C23H16O3 molecule does not contain a chiral center, but the phenyl groups in the acyl substituent in the crystals are nonequivalent, which should lead to optical activity (stereoisomers in equal amounts). The polymorphic forms proved equally efficient in the same dosage of 2.28 mg/kg for white rats.
Severity of acute phase reaction in children receiving the first dose of zoledronic acid and the impact of the underlying condition: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nayak Sapna , Rayner Lauren , Mughal Zulf , McKinney Georgia , Mason Avril , Wong Sze Choong , Padidela Raja , Chinoy Amish 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionZoledronic acid (ZA), used for treatment of children with osteoporosis, can cause acute phase reaction (APR) following the first infusion. Many institutions have a policy to admit and monitor all children for their first ZA infusion.ObjectiveTo determine if the APR with the first ZA dose warrants hospital-level care and evaluate if its severity correlates with the underlying condition.DesignRetrospective cross-sectional analysis.SettingsTwo tertiary centres across the UK that run paediatric metabolic bone disease services.PatientsChildren who received first ZA infusion as inpatients at these centres.InterventionsNil.Main outcome measuresThe Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) and length of hospital stay to assess the severity of APR.Results107 patients were included. Peak PEWS≤3 was found in 85% of children. 83% required admission for <24 hours. The various patient populations (osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), immobility-induced osteoporosis, idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis, systemic inflammatory disorders and steroid-induced osteoporosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)) did not differ significantly in the mean peak PEWS and the length of hospital stay. However, when compared directly, the group with DMD and that with systemic inflammatory disorders and steroid-induced osteoporosis differed significantly in the mean peak PEWS (p=0.011) and the length of hospital stay (p=0.048), respectively, as compared with the OI group.ConclusionMost patients had a mild APR not requiring overnight hospital admission, after their first ZA dose. However, certain groups seem to suffer more severe APR and may warrant consideration of inpatient monitoring with the first infusion.
Early adopters of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections in a real-world clinical setting
Authors: Chan Philip A , Malyuta Yelena , Parent Hannah , Tao Jun , Erbe Maximillian , Salhaney Peter , Maynard Michaela , DeWitt William , Reisopoulos Antonio , Nunn Amy 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesDoxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) is a novel prevention approach which has demonstrated efficacy in preventing bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) including people who are living with HIV and those on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We evaluated patient knowledge and interest in DoxyPEP, as well as early adopters of its use.MethodsIn 2023, patients presenting for HIV and STI services at a primary care and sexual health clinic were asked about DoxyPEP knowledge, interest and use. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate demographics and behaviours associated with these outcomes.ResultsA total of n=421 people presented for care. Of these, 314 were MSM/TGW. Fifteen percent were Black/African-American, and 21% were Hispanic/Latino. A total of 50% of MSM/TGW had heard of DoxyPEP, 49% were interested and 18% reported prior DoxyPEP use. Having a history of STI infection ever (adjusted OR (aOR) 5.95, 95% CI 2.69 to 13.13) and in the past 12 months (aOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.56 to 5.72) were both associated with DoxyPEP use. Individuals who had ever used HIV PrEP had nearly three times the odds of ever taking DoxyPEP (aOR 2.88, 95% CI 1.56 to 5.30). There was no association between the use of DoxyPEP and race, ethnicity or HIV status.ConclusionsAmong MSM and TGW, there is already significant awareness, interest and use of DoxyPEP to prevent bacterial STIs. Public health efforts should focus on improving access and delivery of this STI prevention intervention to MSM and TGW.
Spatially covariant gravity with nonmetricity
Authors: Yu Yang , Chen Zheng , Gao Xian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractScalar fields play an important role in constructing modified gravity theories. In the case of a single scalar field with timelike gradient, the corresponding Lagrangian in the unitary gauge takes the form of spatially covariant gravity (SCG), which is proved useful in analyzing and extending the generally covariant theories. In this work, we apply the SCG method to the scalar-nonmetricity theory, of which the Lagrangian is built of the nonmetricity tensor and a scalar field. We derive the 3+1 decomposition of the geometric quantities and especially covariant derivatives of the scalar field up to the third order in the presence of a nonvanishing nonmetricity tensor. By fixing the unitary gauge, the resulting Lagrangian takes the form of a SCG with nonmetricity, in which all the ingredients are spatial tensors. We then exhaust the scalar monomials of SCG with nonmetricity up to $$d=3$$

d
=
3

with d the total number of derivatives. Since the disformation tensor plays as an auxiliary variable, we take the Lagrangian with $$d=2$$

d
=
2

as an example to show that after solving the disformation tensor, we can get an effective SCG theory for the metric variables but with modified coefficients. Our results provides a novel approach to extending the scalar-nonmetricity theory.
Dielectric Boundary Force for the Minimization of the Mean-Field Electrostatic Free-Energy Functional Including the Ionic Size Effect
Authors: Zhang Zhengfang , Zhang Qingxia , Li Chan , Chen Weifeng 
Published: May 2024

The generalized Poisson–Boltzmann equation with the uniform ionic size is investigated. In mean-field theory, the ionic size effect is added by modifying the entropy effect of solvent molecules in the electrostatic free-energy functional of ion concentrations. Taking minimization of the mean-field electrostatic free-energy functional including the ionic size effect with respect to the ion concentrations, the minimum free-energy is obtained (see (4.6) in Li [(2009a) “Continuum electrostatics for ionic solutions with non-uniform ionic sizes,” Nonlinearity 22(4), 811–833]. Maximizing the minimum free-energy with respect to the electrostatic potential determines the generalized Poisson–Boltzmann equation. By the definition of shape derivative, the first variation of this minimum free-energy with respect to variation of the dielectric boundary is derived. Thus, the dielectric boundary force of an ionic solution with multiple ionic species with the uniform ionic size is obtained.