bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal variations in meibomian gland structure—A pilot study
Authors: Swiderska Kasandra , Blackie Caroline A. , Maldonado‐Codina Carole , Fergie Martin , Read Michael L. , Morgan Philip B. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate whether there is a measurable change in meibomian gland morphological characteristics over the course of a day (12 h) and over a month.MethodsThe study enrolled 15 participants who attended a total of 11 study visits spanning a 5‐week period. To assess diurnal changes in meibomian glands, seven visits were conducted on a single day, each 2 h apart. For monthly assessment, participants attended an additional visit at the same time of the day every week for three consecutive weeks. Meibography using the LipiView® II system was performed at each visit, and meibomian gland morphological parameters were calculated using custom semi‐automated software. Specifically, six central glands were analysed for gland length ratio, gland width, gland area, gland intensity and gland tortuosity.ResultsThe average meibomian gland morphological metrics did not exhibit significant changes during the course of a day or over a month. Nonetheless, certain individual gland metrics demonstrated notable variation over time, both diurnally and monthly. Specifically, meibomian gland length ratio, area, width and tortuosity exhibited significant changes both diurnally and monthly when assessed on a gland‐by‐gland basis.ConclusionsMeibomian glands demonstrated measurable structural change over short periods of time (hours and days). These results have implications for innovation in gland imaging and for developing precision monitoring of gland structure to assess meibomian gland health more accurately.
Preparation of Ag@3D‐TiO2 Scaffolds and Determination of its Antimicrobial Properties and Osteogenesis‐promoting Ability
Authors: Liu Tiansheng , Yang Guijun , Li Tong , Wang Qi , Liu Houjiang , He Fang 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesThe micro‐nano structure of 3D‐printed porous titanium (Ti) alloy with excellent performance in avoiding stress shielding and promoting bone tissue differentiation provides a new opportunity for the development of bone implants, but it necessitates higher requirements for bone tissue differentiation and the antibacterial properties of bone implants in clinical practice.MethodsThis study investigated the preparation, antimicrobial properties, and osteogenesis‐promoting ability of the 3D printed porous Ti alloy anodic oxidized Ag‐carrying (Ag@3D‐TiO2) scaffolds. The 3D printed porous Ti alloy (3D‐Ti), anodized 3D printed porous Ti alloy (3D‐TiO2), and Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds were synthesized using electron beam melting. The antimicrobial properties of the scaffolds were examined using antibacterial tests and their cytocompatibility was assessed using a cell proliferation assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. In vitro cellular assays were used to investigate the effects of the scaffold microstructural features on cell activity, proliferation, and osteogenesis‐related genes and proteins. In vivo animal experiments were used to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory and osteogenesis‐promoting abilities of the scaffolds.ResultsThe Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds exhibited sustained anti‐microbial activity over time, enhanced cell proliferation, facilitated osteogenic differentiation, and increased extracellular matrix mineralization. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (COL‐I), and osteocalcin (OCN)‐related genes and proteins were upregulated. In vivo animal implantation experiments, the anti‐inflammatory effect of the Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds were observed using histology, and a large amount of fibrous connective tissue was present around it; the Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds were more bio‐compatible with the surrounding tissues compared with 3D‐Ti and 3D‐TiO2; a large amount of uniformly distributed neoplastic bone tissue existed in their pores, and the chronic systemic toxicity test showed that the 3D‐Ti, 3D‐TiO2, and Ag@3D‐TiO2 scaffolds are biologically safe.ConclusionThe goal of this study was to create a scaffold that exhibits antimicrobial properties and can aid bone growth, making it highly suitable for use in bone tissue engineering.
Writing opacity: Going beyond pseudonyms with spirit portraiture
Authors: Peacock Vita 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhat does it mean to go beyond pseudonyms? Building on fieldwork with privacy and data protection advocates in Germany, this article incorporates ethical imperatives coming from within and beyond the field, to develop a different mode of writing it calls spirit portraiture. This entails characterizing natural persons, without including any personal data through which they could be re‐identified, with or without the use of computing. Drawing on three ethnographies that already go beyond pseudonyms, it repositions the axis of representation away from revelation and concealment—that pivots around a monist notion of empirical truth—towards opacity and legibility—that pivots instead around its own point of intervention.
“Everything I Have Seen There, That I Know …”: Witnessing the Colombian armed conflict through refugees’ narratives of implication
Authors: Ackerman Alana 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this article, I engage with the predicament of witnessing as a condition for persecution and displacement. I argue that observing violence during war is a critical form of implication. In the context of the Colombian armed conflict, members of armed groups often threaten the lives of those who observe their acts of violence, producing a chain of terror that extends outward from the original moment of witnessing. This chain of violence collapses a supposed distinction between the witness‐as‐observer (testis) and the witness‐as‐survivor (superstes). In a global context of exclusionary asylum and immigration systems, this article provides an expansive understanding of why some people face persecution and are forced to flee their homes and cross international borders. Through an ethnography of refugees’ experiences witnessing and subsequently surviving persecution in Colombia, this article contributes to anthropological scholarship on displacement, refuge, asylum, and witnessing.
Identifying physiological indicators of the cognitive, thermal, and combined (cognitive‐thermal) stress conditions
Authors: Carrizosa‐Botero Susana , Roldán‐Rojo Tatiana A. , Rendón‐Vélez Elizabeth 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPhysiologically based stress detection systems have proven to be effective in identifying different stress conditions in the body to determine the source of stress and be able to counteract it. However, some stress conditions have not been widely studied, including thermal stress, cognitive stress, and combined (thermal–cognitive) stress conditions, which are frequently encountered in work or school environments. In order to develop systems to detect and differentiate these conditions, it is necessary to identify the physiological indicators that characterize each of them. The present research aims to identify which physiological indicators (heart rate, respiratory rate, galvanic skin response, and local temperature) could differentiate different stress conditions (no‐stress, cognitive stress, thermal stress, and combined (thermal–cognitive) stress conditions). Thirty participants were exposed to cognitive, thermal, and combined stress sources while recording their physiological signals. The findings indicate that both mean heart rate and mean galvanic skin response identify moderate thermal and cognitive stress conditions as distinct from a no‐stress condition, yet they do not differentiate between the two stress conditions. Additionally, heart rate uniquely identifies the cognitive–thermal stress condition, effectively distinguishing this combined stress condition from the singular stress conditions and the no‐stress condition. Mean local temperature specifically signals thermal stress conditions, whereas mean respiratory rate accurately identifies cognitive stress conditions, with both indicators effectively separating these conditions from each other and from the no‐stress condition. This is the first basis for differentiating thermal and cognitive stress conditions through physiological indicators.
Tailoring cytomegalovirus prophylaxis based on T cell immunity panel assessment in kidney transplant patients at high risk of cytomegalovirus
Authors: Servais Abigail M. , McMullen John S. , Bowen Riley , Kleiboeker Steven B. , Ulloa Isabelle , Duncan Kara , Miles Clifford D 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundValganciclovir prophylaxis against cytomegalovirus (CMV) is recommended for solid organ transplant recipients, but is associated with drawbacks, including expense and leukopenia. Our center adopted a strategy of serial assessment with a CMV‐specific T cell immunity panel (CMV‐TCIP) and cessation of valganciclovir prophylaxis upon demonstration of adequate CD4+ responses in kidney transplant patients at high risk of CMV disease.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed adult recipients of a kidney or pancreas transplant between August 2019 and July 2021 undergoing serial CMV‐TCIP monitoring. Included patients were considered high risk for CMV, defined by donor positive (D+)/recipient negative (R−) CMV IgG serostatus, or recipient positive (R+) patients who received induction with a lymphocyte‐depleting agent. Prophylaxis was discontinued after a patient's first CMV‐specific CD4+ T cell value of ≥0.20%. Risk of clinically significant CMV infection (csCMVi) in those who underwent early discontinuation of CMV prophylaxis and predictors of CMV T cell immunity were analyzed.ResultsOf 54 included patients, 22 stopped prophylaxis early due to CMV‐specific CD4+ T cell immunity at a median of 4.7 (IQR: 3.8–5.4) months after transplant. No instances of csCMVi were observed in the 22 patients who had prophylaxis discontinued early, of whom 19/22 were CMV R+ and 3/22 were CMV D+/R−. Donor/recipient CMV serostatus was predictive of immunity (p <.001).ConclusionEarly discontinuation of valganciclovir prophylaxis in patients with CMV CD4+ T cellular immunity appears safe and potentially beneficial in this preliminary series, especially in R+ patients. Further study is warranted, given that truncated prophylaxis may yield patient‐level benefits.
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Broué's abelian defect group conjecture for blocks with cyclic hyperfocal subgroups
Authors: Hu Xueqin , Zhang Kun , Zhou Yuanyang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we prove that the hyperfocal subalgebra of a block with an abelian defect group and a cyclic hyperfocal subgroup is Rickard equivalent to the group algebra of the semidirect of the hyperfocal subgroup by the inertial quotient of the block. In particular, the hyperfocal subalgebra is a Brauer tree algebra, which is analogous to the structure of blocks with cyclic defect groups. As a consequence, we show that Broué's abelian defect group conjecture holds for blocks with cyclic hyperfocal subgroups.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on the Relaxation Behavior of Power Plant Flange Connections Under Steady State and Transient Conditions
Authors: Kettler Kevin , Klenk Andreas , Weihe Stefan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
An essential part of today's power plants are flanges, for example, as connection between turbine housings and pipes. They allow for revisions, inspections, and maintenance measures. Ongoing changes toward higher amounts of renewable energy sources leading to higher demands in flexibility to counterbalance weather-related fluctuations. This flexibility leads to changing load types with more frequent warm and hot starts, causing uncertainties for the design and the determination of maintenance intervals of bolted flange connections. In this context, results of a recently finished research project and ongoing numerical investigations are presented. Tests were conducted on a model of an IP turbine flange under near-to-service loads, such as internal pressure and temperature, using a test rig allowing heating on the flange's inner surface. Concerning different influences on the stress relaxation behavior, results are shown for tests with martensitic and nickel-based bolted joints. The total test time of 5000 h for each bolted joint consist of 2000 h under steady-state conditions and 3000 h under transient conditions. Comparisons of the results with the martensitic and nickel-based bolted joint show an opposite creep strain distribution in the bolt and flange. In addition, a significant influence of the already existing creep deformation from previous load periods can be observed. Comparative simulations with a modified Graham–Walles creep model are carried out. The results confirm the differences in creep behavior with both bolted joints and reproduce the observed influence of the previous creep deformation.
Performance Analysis and Clinical Evaluation of an Automated Tool for Plantar Threshold Sensitivity Assessment in a Non-Diabetic Control Population
Authors: Castellano Vitale Kyle , Commander Jon , Burch Thomas , Burch Hayden , Remy Jessica , Harman Benjamin , Zabala Michael E. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Neuropathy is associated with sensation loss in the extremities. Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments are common tools used to assess an individuals' sensation perception. It has long been characterized using hand-applied Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments, however they are subjected to clinician biases and material deviations, and other factors that affect the reproducibility to administer a consistent amount of contact force on the plantar surface. A tool was developed to automate this testing protocol and to more accurately determine an individual's threshold sensitivity at various locations on the plantar surface. Individuals without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) were classed as control subjects. They were evaluated using a hand applied monofilament and the automated tool. The device accuracy of the automated tool was first determined, followed by subject's threshold sensitivity at each location. Twenty-six locations were evaluated per person between 0.35 and 10.0 grams-force. A threshold sensitivity index norm was calculated based on the threshold sensitivity at each location per individual and was plotted against age, body mass index, ankle brachial index, fasting blood sugars, and HbA1c. The device demonstrated accuracy with an absolute error less than or equal to 0.4 grams-force at most locations. Age showed the strongest relationships to sensation loss. As age increased sensitivity to touch decreased. The automated tool was shown to be effective in determining an individual's threshold sensitivity in individuals without DM2. The calculation of the threshold sensitivity index norm was useful to classify sensation loss. The automated tool has the potential to effectively diagnosis neuropathy and document disease progression.
In vitro
and
in vivo
activities of KSP-1007, a broad-spectrum inhibitor of serine- and metallo-β-lactamases, in combination with meropenem against carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Takemoto Koji , Nakayama Ryo , Fujimoto Koichi , Suzuki Yumiko , Takarabe Yukiko , Honsho Masako , Kitahara Sachiko , Noguchi Yoshihiko , Matsui Hidehito , Hirose Tomoyasu , Asami Yukihiro , Hidaka Jun , Sunazuka Toshiaki , Hanaki Hideaki 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

KSP-1007 is a novel bicyclic boronate-based broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibitor and is being developed in combination with meropenem (MEM) for the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, a global health concern, and here, we describe its characteristics. KSP-1007 exhibited low apparent inhibition constant (

K
i

app
) values against all classes of β-lactamase, including imipenemase types and oxacillinase types from
Acinetobacter baumannii
. Against 207
Enterobacterales
and 55
A
.
baumannii
, including carbapenemase producers, KSP-1007 at fixed concentrations of 4, 8, and 16 µg/mL dose-dependently potentiated the
in vitro
activity of MEM in broth microdilution MIC testing. The MIC
90
of MEM/KSP-1007 at 8 µg/mL against
Enterobacterales
was lower than those of MEM/vaborbactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, imipenem/relebactam, and colistin and similar to those of aztreonam/avibactam, cefiderocol, and tigecycline. The
in vitro
activity of MEM/KSP-1007 at ≥4 µg/mL against
Enterobacterales
harboring metallo-β-lactamase was superior to that of cefepime/taniborbactam. MEM/KSP-1007 showed excellent activity against
Escherichia coli
with PBP3 mutations and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase compared to aztreonam/avibactam, cefepime/taniborbactam, and cefiderocol. MEM/KSP-1007 at 8 µg/mL showed greater efficacy against
A. baumannii
than these comparators except for cefiderocol, tigecycline, and colistin. A 2-fold reduction in MEM MIC against 96
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
was observed in combination with KSP-1007. MEM/KSP-1007 demonstrated bactericidal activity against carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacterales
,
A. baumannii
, and
P. aeruginosa
based on minimum bactericidal concentration/MIC ratios of ≤4. KSP-1007 enhanced the
in vivo
activity of MEM against carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacterales
,
A. baumannii
, and
P. aeruginosa
in murine systemic, complicated urinary tract, and thigh infection models. Collectively, MEM/KSP-1007 has a good profile for treating carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.
Multiple E3 ligases act as antiviral factors against SARS-CoV-2 via inducing the ubiquitination and degradation of ORF9b
Authors: Yu Miao , Li Jie , Gao Wenying , Li Zhaolong , Zhang Wenyan 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) open reading frame 9b (ORF9b) antagonizes the antiviral type I and III interferon (IFN) responses and is ubiquitinated and degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. However, E3 ubiquitin ligases that mediate the polyubiquitination and degradation of ORF9b remain unknown. In this study, we identified 14 E3 ligases that specifically bind to SARS-CoV-2 ORF9b. Specifically, three E3 ligases, HECT, UBA, and WWE domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (HUWE1), ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component n-recognin 4 (UBR4), and UBR5, induced K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation of ORF9b, thereby attenuating ORF9b-mediated inhibition of the IFN response and SARS-CoV-2 replication. Moreover, each E3 ligase performed this function independent of the other two E3 ligases. Therefore, the three E3 ligases identified in this study as anti-SARS-CoV-2 host factors provide novel molecular insight into the virus-host interaction.

IMPORTANCE
Ubiquitination is an important post-translational modification that regulates multiple biological processes, including viral replication. Identification of E3 ubiquitin ligases that target viral proteins for degradation can provide novel targets for antagonizing viral infections. Here, we identified multiple E3 ligases, including HECT, UBA, and WWE domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (HUWE1), ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component n-recognin 4 (UBR4), and UBR5, that ubiquitinated and induced the degradation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) open reading frame 9b (ORF9b), an interferon (IFN) antagonist, thereby enhancing IFN production and attenuating SARS-CoV-2 replication. Our study provides new possibilities for drug development targeting the interaction between E3 ligases and ORF9b.
Microbroth dilution method for antibiotic susceptibility testing of fastidious and anaerobic bacteria of the urinary microbiome
Authors: Geaman Wilson , Choi Brian I. , Kaindl Jacob , Gonzalez Caroline , Wolfe Alan J. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Bacterial isolates from the human urinary microbiome have been extensively studied for their antibiotic resistance; however, little work has been done on those isolates that are difficult to grow
in vitro
. This study was designed to qualify a serum-based medium, New York City Broth III (NYCIII), and a broth microdilution method to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of previously underreported or undescribed microbes that have a difficult time growing in standard Mueller-Hinton broth. Here, we demonstrate that NYCIII microbroth dilution can be an effective method for the determination of antibiotic susceptibility of species found in the human urinary microbiome. We show that this method serves well to characterize fastidious and anaerobic urinary microbes that have no Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, including several in the families
Aerococcaceae
,
Lactobacillaceae
, or
Actinomycetaceae
. Previous studies using expanded quantitative urine culture reveal that urine samples from clinical patients are commonly polymicrobial in composition. Thus, we test whether NYCIII can serve as a viable harmonized medium, capable of supporting antibiotic susceptibility testing in a range of fastidious, non-fastidious, and anaerobic urinary microbes. We propose this methodology to be standardized comparable to CLSI standards to allow for resistance testing in uncharacterized urinary bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Antibiotic susceptibilities of fastidious and anaerobic bacteria of the human urinary microbiome are largely underreported due to difficulty in growing them in the lab environment. The current standard medium, Muller-Hinton broth, has difficulty supporting the growth of many of these species, leaving microbiologists without a standardized method. To address this need, this study offers a methodology to survey susceptibilities in a high-throughput manner of these understudied microbes with a proposed harmonized medium, NYCIII, which is capable of supporting the growth of both fastidious and non-fastidious urinary microbes. Broader standardization of this method can allow for the development of antibiotic-resistant breakpoints of the many uncharacterized urinary microbes.