bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of irritable bowel syndrome‐like symptoms in quiescent inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ahmed Mehwish , Pu Autumn , Jencks Kara , Bishu Shrinivas , Higgins Peter , Chey William D. , Rao Krishna , Lee Allen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMany patients with quiescent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)‐like symptoms. Although these symptoms cause significant reductions in quality of life, evidence‐based treatments are lacking as risk factors and pathophysiology of these symptoms are not clearly defined. We aimed to identify risk factors for development of IBS‐like symptoms in IBD patients with quiescent disease.MethodsWe performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study of adults with IBD from 2015 to 2021. Quiescent IBD was defined by a fecal calprotectin level <250 μg/g of stool or endoscopic evidence of quiescent disease. Cox regression was performed to identify variables that were independently associated with the incident development of IBS‐like symptoms in IBD patients.Key ResultsA total of 368 IBD patients were included for analysis, including 278 patients with UC and 88 with Crohn's disease. 15.5% of quiescent IBD patients developed IBS symptoms, with an incidence rate of (95% CI 48.0–82.0) 63.3 per 1000 person‐years. In the multivariate model, mood disorders (including anxiety and depression) and Crohn's disease were associated with increased risk for developing IBS symptoms. Male sex and higher iron levels conferred lower risk for developing IBS symptoms. Results from the multivariable model were similar in sensitivity analysis with quiescent IBD defined by fecal calprotectin level <150 mcg/g.Conclusions & InferencesMood disorder and Crohn's disease were positively associated with IBS‐like symptoms in quiescent IBD, whereas male sex and iron levels were protective. Our results were robust to different fecal calprotectin levels, arguing against inflammation as a mechanism for IBS‐like symptoms. This data suggests noninflammatory mechanisms may be important in the pathogenesis of IBS‐like symptoms in quiescent IBD. Future work may address whether modifying these risk factors may alter disease course.
Biomechanical effects of clear aligner with different shape design at extraction space area during anterior teeth retraction
Authors: Mao Bochun , Tian Yajing , Xiao Yujia , Liu Jiayi , Liu Dawei , Li Jing , Zhou Yanheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of clear aligner (CA) with different shape designs at extraction space (CAES) area during space closing.Materials and MethodsA finite‐element method (FEM) model of mandibular dentition, periodontal ligaments, attachments, and corresponding CA was established. The connecting rod design of CAES was modelled for the control group. Eight test groups with different heights of CAES from −4 mm to +4 mm were designed. Tooth displacement tendencies were calculated. The maximum principal stress in PDLs, teeth, and CAs was analysed. Both global coordinate system and local coordinate system were also used to evaluate individual tooth movements.ResultsAcross all groups, stresses concentrated on the lingual outer surface of CAESs. For the lowered CAES groups, both the stress value and the stress distribution area at CAESs were increased. The lowered CAES groups showed reduced movement in anterior teeth and less tipping tendency of the canines.ConclusionThe shape of CAES has a biomechanical impact on anterior teeth movement and should be considered in aligner design. The results suggest that increasing the height of CAES can enhance anterior teeth retraction, while lowered CAES may facilitate controlled root movement. Changes in the shape of CAES represent a potential direction for biomechanical improvement of clear aligner in extraction cases and are worth exploring.
PARAMETRIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ENGLISH AND KOREAN RESPONSE PARTICLES: A DISCOURSE‐BASED HPSG APPROACH1
Authors: Kim Jong‐Bok 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAcross languages, polarity particles like yes and no can be used as a response to the polar (yes/no) question. This paper offers a discourse‐based account for the distribution and interpretation of response particles in languages like English and Korean. The paper supports the view that response particles are anaphoric in nature and their interpretation is determined by the salient antecedent evoked by the context in question. The paper also suggests that the parametric differences between English‐style polarity‐based and Korean‐style truth‐based answering systems have to do with tight interactions between the anaphoric nature of response particles and discourse structure, rather than with the position of negation in syntactic structures. This direction, formalized in the framework of HPSG, offers a simpler account for the parametric differences between the two different answering systems as well as other related puzzles concerning variations in contextual bias.
Physician educators' perceptions of experiences contributing to teaching
Authors: Ma TingLan , Costello Joseph A. , Dong Ting , Durning Steven J. , Maggio Lauren A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionPhysician educators are essential in training the next generation of physicians. However, physician educators' perspectives about what experiences they find beneficial to their teaching and the prevalence of these experiences remain unknown. Guided by social cognitive career theory (SCCT) and communities of practice (CoP), we explored what experiences physician educators perceive as beneficial in preparing them to teach.MethodsIn 2019, the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine in the United States surveyed its physician alumni to understand their education experiences during medical school, their current career path and what has contributed to their teaching role. Content analysis was applied to extract themes across the text response. Chi‐square analysis was applied to examine if perceived contributing factors vary based on physician educators' gender, specialty and academic ranks.ResultsThe five most prevalent contributing factors participants (n = 781) identified are (1) experiences gained during residency and fellowship (29.8%), (2) teaching as faculty member (28.9%) and (3) class experiences and peer interaction during medical school (26%). We organised three themes that reflected major avenues of how physician educators acquire teaching skills: reflection about quality teaching, journey as learners and learning by doing. Gender and clinical specialty were differentially associated with contributing factors such as faculty development and meta‐reflection.ConclusionThe results are in line with theories of SCCT and CoP, in which we identified self‐directed learning and regulation in shaping physician educators' teaching. The findings also revealed gaps and potential contexts for more formalised teaching practices to develop physician educators.
Complete genome sequence of
Clostridium butyricum
DKU-11, isolated from healthy infant feces
Authors: Mo SangJoon 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Clostridium butyricum
DKU-11, a bacterium has been isolated from the stools of breastfed infants near Cheonan-Asan city, Republic of Korea, and has a genome sequence of 4,630,814 bp. The GC content is 28.7% and a total of 4,137 coding sequences in two contigs.
Discovery of α-(1→6)-linked mannan structures resembling yeast
N
-glycan outer chains in
Aspergillus fumigatus
mycelium
Authors: Kadooka Chihiro , Tanaka Yutaka , Kishida Rintaro , Hira Daisuke , Oka Takuji 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

The cellular surface of the pathogenic filamentous fungus
Aspergillus fumigatus
is enveloped in a mannose layer, featuring well-established fungal-type galactomannan and
O
-mannose-type galactomannan. This study reports the discovery of cell wall component in
A. fumigatus
mycelium, which resembles
N
-glycan outer chains found in yeast. The glycosyltransferases involved in its biosynthesis in
A. fumigatus
were identified, with a focus on two key α-(1→2)-mannosyltransferases, Mnn2 and Mnn5, and two α-(1→6)-mannosyltransferases, Mnn9 and Van1.
In vitro
examination revealed the roles of recombinant Mnn2 and Mnn5 in transferring α-(1→2)-mannosyl residues. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (
1
H-NMR) analysis of cell wall extracts from the ∆
mnn2
∆
mnn5
strain indicated the existence of an α-(1→6)-linked mannan backbone in the
A. fumigatus
mycelium, with Mnn2 and Mnn5 adding α-(1→2)-mannosyl residues to this backbone. The α-(1→6)-linked mannan backbone was absent in strains where
mnn9
or
van1
was disrupted in the parental ∆
mnn2
∆
mnn5
strain in
A. fumigatus
. Mnn9 and Van1 functioned as α-(1→6)-linked mannan polymerases in heterodimers when co-expressed in
Escherichia coli
, indicating their crucial role in biosynthesizing the α-(1→6)-linked mannan backbone. Disruptions of these mannosyltransferases did not affect fungal-type galactomannan biosynthesis. This study provides insights into the complexity of fungal cell wall architecture and a better understanding of mannan biosynthesis in
A. fumigatus
.

IMPORTANCE

This study unravels the complexities of mannan biosynthesis in
A. fumigatus
, a key area for antifungal drug discovery. It reveals the presence of α-(1→6)-linked mannan structures resembling yeast N-glycan outer chains in
A. fumigatus
mycelium, offering fresh insights into the fungal cell wall’s design. Key enzymes, Mnn2, Mnn5, Mnn9, and Van1, are instrumental in this process, with Mnn2 and Mnn5 adding specific mannose residues and Mnn9 and Van1 assembling the α-(1→6)-linked mannan structures. Although fungal-type galactomannan’s presence in the cell wall is known, the existence of an α-(1→6)-linked mannan adds a new dimension to our understanding. This intricate web of mannan biosynthesis opens avenues for further exploration and enhances our understanding of fungal cell wall dynamics, paving the way for targeted drug development.
First report of the chromosomal integration of carbapenemase gene
bla
IMP-19
in
Acinetobacter baumannii
AB322: the legacy of integron in phage-plasmid?
Authors: Shih Yung-Luen , Bregente Carl Jay Ballena , Chen Pek Kee , Thuy Tran Thi Dieu , Chen Yu-Chen , Kuo Han-Yueh , Lu Hsu-Feng , Kao Cheng-Yen 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Integration of carbapenemase gene
bla
IMP
into the chromosome of carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
(CRAB) has not been reported. The aim of this study was to explore the genomic characteristics of CRAB AB322 isolated from a Taiwanese patient diagnosed with bacteremia in 2011, whose chromosome harbors
bla
IMP-19
. Disk diffusion and broth microdilution were employed to analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility of AB322 to 14 antimicrobials. Nanopore whole-genome sequencing platform was utilized for AB322 genome sequencing, and conjugation was further performed to investigate the transferability of
bla
IMP-19
to amikacin-resistant
A. baumannii
218 (AB218) and
Acinetobacter nosocomialis
254 (AN254). The results showed that AB322 was classified as multidrug-resistant
A. baumannii
but remained susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam, colistin, and tigecycline. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the AB322 genome, consisting of a 4,098,985-bp chromosome, a 71,590-bp conjugative plasmid named pAB322-1, and an 8,726-bp plasmid named pAB322-2. Multilocus sequence typing analysis indicated that AB322 belonged to sequence type 1. AB322 chromosome harbored numerous acquired antimicrobial resistance genes, including
aph(3′)-Ia
,
aadA1b
,
aadA1
,
aac(6′)-Ib3
,
aac (3)-Ia
,
bla
ADC-25
,
bla
OXA-69
,
bla
IMP-19
,
catA1
,
sul1
, and
tet(A
), conferring resistance to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracyclines. Moreover,
bla
IMP-19
was identified to be situated within class 1 integron In240 and an incomplete PHAGE_Salmon_SJ46_NC_031129 on AB322 chromosome. However, conjugation experiments revealed that
bla
IMP-19
could not be transferred to AB218 and AN254 in our testing conditions. In conclusion, we first report the presence of chromosomal-integrated
bla
IMP-19
in CRAB, possibly mediated by integron. The future dissemination of
bla
IMP-19
among different species, leading to carbapenem resistance dissemination, requires close monitoring.

IMPORTANCE

The horizontal transfer of antimicrobial-resistant genes is crucial for the dissemination of resistance, especially as
Acinetobacter baumannii
has emerged as a clinically significant pathogen. However, in this study, we first report the integration of the
bla
IMP-19
gene into the chromosome of
A. baumannii
, and such horizontal transfer may be associated with integron-phage elements. Additionally, it is possible that these DNA fragments carrying antimicrobial-resistant genes could further spread to other pathogens by moving horizontally onto conjugative plasmids.
Microbial keratitis in Southern Malawi: a microbiological pilot study
Authors: Somerville Tobi F , Mdala Shaffi , Zungu Thokozani , Gandiwa Moira , Herbert Rose , Everett Dean , Corless Caroline E , Beare Nicholas A V , Neal Timothy , Horsburgh Malcolm J , Darby Alistair , Kaye Stephen B , Kayange Petros C 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveMicrobial keratitis (MK) is a significant cause of blindness in sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated the feasibility of using a novel corneal impression membrane (CIM) for obtaining and processing samples by culture, PCR and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in patients presenting with suspected MK in Malawi.Methods and analysisSamples were collected from patients presenting with suspected MK using a 12 mm diameter polytetrafluoroethylene CIM disc. Samples were processed using culture and PCR forAcanthamoeba, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of isolates to eight antimicrobials were measured using susceptibility strips. WGS was used to characteriseStaphylococcus aureusisolates.Results71 eyes of 71 patients were included. The overall CIM isolation rate was 81.7% (58 positive samples from 71 participants). 69 (81.2%) of isolates were Gram-positive cocci. Coagulase-negativeStaphylococcus31.8% andStreptococcusspecies 14.1% were the most isolated bacteria. Seven (9.9%) participants were positive for HSV-1. Fungi andAcanthamoebawere not detected. Moxifloxacin and chloramphenicol offered the best coverage for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates when susceptibility was determined using known antimicrobial first quartile concentrations and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing breakpoints, respectively. WGS identified known virulence genes associated withS. aureuskeratitis.ConclusionsIn a resource-poor setting, a CIM can be used to safely sample the cornea in patients presenting with suspected MK, enabling identification of causative microorganisms by culture and PCR. Although the microbiological spectrum found was limited to the dry season, these preliminary results could be used to guide empirical treatment.
‘Door-to-prophylaxis’ as a novel quality improvement metric in prevention of venous thromboembolism following traumatic injury
Authors: Van Gent Jan-Michael , Clements Thomas W , Lubkin David E , Kaminski Carter W , Bates Jonathan K , Sandoval Mariela , Puzio Thaddeus J , Cotton Bryan A 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveVenous thromboembolism (VTE) risk reduction strategies include early initiation of chemoprophylaxis, reducing missed doses, weight-based dosing and dose adjustment using anti-Xa levels. We hypothesized that time to initiation of chemoprophylaxis would be the strongest modifiable risk for VTE, even after adjusting for competing risk factors.MethodsA prospectively maintained trauma registry was queried for patients admitted July 2017–October 2021 who were 18 years and older and received emergency release blood products. Patients with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (VTE) were compared to those without (no VTE). Door-to-prophylaxis was defined as time from hospital arrival to first dose of VTE chemoprophylaxis (hours). Univariate and multivariate analyses were then performed between the two groups.Results2047 patients met inclusion (106 VTE, 1941 no VTE). There were no differences in baseline or demographic data. VTE patients had higher injury severity score (29 vs 24), more evidence of shock by arrival lactate (4.6 vs 3.9) and received more post-ED transfusions (8 vs 2 units); all p<0.05. While there was no difference in need for enoxaparin dose adjustment or missed doses, door-to-prophylaxis time was longer in the VTE group (35 vs 25 hours; p=0.009). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, every hour delay from time of arrival increased likelihood of VTE by 1.5% (OR 1.015, 95% CI 1.004 to 1.023, p=0.004).ConclusionThe current retrospective study of severely injured patients with trauma who required emergency release blood products found that increased door-to-prophylaxis time was significantly associated with an increased likelihood for VTE. Chemoprophylaxis initiation is one of the few modifiable risk factors available to combat VTE, therefore early initiation is paramount. Similar to door-to-balloon time in treating myocardial infarction and door-to-tPA time in stroke, “door-to-prophylaxis time” should be considered as a hospital metric for prevention of VTE in trauma.Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective study with up to two negative criteria.
The Kerr–Bumblebee exact massive and massless scalar quasibound states and Hawking radiation
Authors: Senjaya David 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this letter, we will focus on the Klein–Gordon equation with rotating axially symmetric black hole solution of the Einstein–Bumblebee theory, so called the Kerr–Bumblebee black hole, as its 3 + 1 background space-time. We start with constructing the covariant Klein–Gordon equation component by component and with the help of the ansatz of separation of variables, we successfully separate the polar part and found the exact solution in terms of Spheroidal Harmonics while the radial exact solution is discovered in terms of the Confluent Heun function. The quantization of the quasibound state is done by applying the polynomial condition of the Confluent Heun function that is resulted in a complex-valued energy levels expression for a massive scalar field, where the real part is the scalar particle’s energy while the imaginary part represents the quasibound stats’s decay. And for a massless scalar, a pure imaginary energy levels is obtained. The quasibound states, thus, describe the decaying nature of the relativistic scalar field bound in the curved Kerr–Bumblebee space-time. We also investigate the Hawking radiation of the Kerr–Bumblebee black hole’s apparent horizon via the Damour–Ruffini method by making use the obtained exact scalar’s wave functions. The radiation distribution function and the Hawking temperature are successfully obtained.
$$f\left( R,\square R\right) $$-gravity and equivalency with the modified GUP Scalar field models
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInspired by the generalization of scalar field gravitational models with a minimum length we study the equivalent theory in modified theories of gravity. The quadratic generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) gives rise to a deformed Heisenberg algebra in the application, resulting in the emergence of additional degrees of freedom described by higher-order derivatives. The new degrees of freedom can be attributed to the introduction of a new scalar field, transforming the resulting theory into a two-scalar field theory. Thus, in order to describe all the degrees of freedom we investigate special forms of the sixth-order modify $$f\left( R,\square R\right) -$$

f

R
,
□
R

-

theory of gravity, where the gravitational Lagrangian has similar properties to that of the GUP scalar field theory. Finally, the cosmological applications are discussed, and we show that the de Sitter universe can be recovered without introducing a cosmological constant.
Multifaceted online coordinated behavior in the 2020 US presidential election
Authors: Tardelli Serena , Nizzoli Leonardo , Avvenuti Marco , Cresci Stefano , Tesconi Maurizio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOrganized attempts to manipulate public opinion during election run-ups have dominated online debates in the last few years. Such attempts require numerous accounts to act in coordination to exert influence. Yet, the ways in which coordinated behavior surfaces during major online political debates is still largely unclear. This study sheds light on coordinated behaviors that took place on Twitter (now X) during the 2020 US Presidential Election. Utilizing state-of-the-art network science methods, we detect and characterize the coordinated communities that participated in the debate. Our approach goes beyond previous analyses by proposing a multifaceted characterization of the coordinated communities that allows obtaining nuanced results. In particular, we uncover three main categories of coordinated users: (i) moderate groups genuinely interested in the electoral debate, (ii) conspiratorial groups that spread false information and divisive narratives, and (iii) foreign influence networks that either sought to tamper with the debate or that exploited it to publicize their own agendas. We also reveal a large use of automation by far-right foreign influence and conspiratorial communities. Conversely, left-leaning supporters were overall less coordinated and engaged primarily in harmless, factual communication. Our results also showed that Twitter was effective at thwarting the activity of some coordinated groups, while it failed on some other equally suspicious ones. Overall, this study advances the understanding of online human interactions and contributes new knowledge to mitigate cyber social threats.
Efficient excitation-transfer across fully connected networks via local-energy optimization
Authors: Sgroi S. , Zicari G. , Imparato A. , Paternostro M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe study the excitation transfer across a fully connected quantum network whose sites energies can be artificially designed. Starting from a simplified model of a broadly-studied physical system, we systematically optimize its local energies to achieve high excitation transfer for various environmental conditions, using an adaptive Gradient Descent technique and Automatic Differentiation. We show that almost perfect transfer can be achieved with and without local dephasing, provided that the dephasing rates are not too large. We investigate our solutions in terms of resilience against variations in either the network connection strengths, or size, as well as coherence losses. We highlight the different features of a dephasing-free and dephasing-driven transfer. Our work gives further insight into the interplay between coherence and dephasing effects in excitation-transfer phenomena across fully connected quantum networks. In turn, this will help designing optimal transfer in artificial open networks through the simple manipulation of local energies.