bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TIG and MIG Welded Dissimilar AA7075 / AA6061 Aluminium Alloys Subjected to Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Rana Rajeev , Karunakar D. Benny , Karmakar Anish 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The present work investigates the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of TIG and MIG welded dissimilar AA7075 / AA6061 aluminum alloys subjected to Friction Stir Processing (FSP). Initially, aluminum plates were welded using TIG and MIG processes along the rolling direction. Next, FSP was performed on the TIG and MIG welded plates using a rotating tool with a welding speed of 40 mm/min and a tool rotating speed of 940 rpm. The microstructures of the welded joints have been quantified using optical microscopy, Field Emission–Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Electron Back Scattered Diffraction. Vickers hardness and tensile tests were carryout out to assess the mechanical properties. The findings revealed that the application of FSP on TIG-welded joints resulted in smaller grain sizes. TIG+FSP joint possessed the highest yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and stir zone hardness compared to the MIG+FSP joint. Lower hardness was found on the heat-affected zone of the AA6061 side for the MIG+FSP joint.
The V˙O2max Legacy of Hill and Lupton (1923)—100 Years On
Authors: Millet Grégoire P. , Burtscher Johannes , Bourdillon Nicolas , Manferdelli Giorgio , Burtscher Martin , Sandbakk Øyvind 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: One hundred years ago, Hill and Lupton introduced the concept of maximal oxygen uptake (), which is regarded as “the principal progenitor of sports physiology.” We provide a succinct overview of the evolvement of research on , from Hill and Lupton‘s initial findings to current debates on limiting factors for and the associated role of convective and diffusive components. Furthermore, we update the current use of in elite endurance sport and clinical settings. Practical Applications and Conclusions: is a healthy and active centenarian that remains a very important measure in elite endurance sports and additionally contributes as an important vital sign of cardiovascular function and fitness in clinical settings. Over the past 100 years, guidelines for the test protocols and exhaustion criteria, as well as the understanding of limiting factors for , have improved dramatically. Presently, possibilities of accurate and noninvasive determination of the convective versus diffusive components of by wearable sensors represent an important future application. is not only an indicator of cardiorespiratory function, fitness, and endurance performance but also represents an important biomarker of cardiovascular function and health to be included in routine assessment in clinical practice.
Do Fundamental Movement Skill Domains in Early Childhood Predict Engagement in Physical Activity of Varied Intensities Later at School Age? A 3-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kasanen Maria , Laukkanen Arto , Niemistö Donna , Kotkajuuri Jimi , Luukkainen Nanne-Mari , Sääkslahti Arja 
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to determine how total fundamental movement skill (FMS) score and, separately, locomotor skill (LMS), and object control skill scores in children 3–8 years old predicted their specific-intensity physical activity 3 years later. Overall, 441 Finnish children (51.7% female, baseline mean age of 5.6 years) participated in the study. Total FMS, LMS, and object control skill scores were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, third edition. The time spent engaged in physical activity of different intensities (light, moderate, vigorous, moderate-to-vigorous, light-to-vigorous, and sedentary behavior) was determined using accelerometers. A two-level regression model was used in the analysis, considering potential covariates and interactions. The results showed that moderate physical activity, vigorous physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were predicted by the total FMS score (β = 0.177 to 0.203, p = .001–.003) and the LMS score (β = 0.140 to 0.164, p = .004–.014), but not the object control skill score. Moreover, the LMS score inversely predicted sedentary behavior (β = −0.116, p = .042). In conclusion, higher FMS and, specifically, LMS scores seem to predict more engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and less sedentary behavior over time. However, most of the variance in physical activity remains unexplained.
Guiding antimicrobial stewardship through thoughtful antimicrobial susceptibility testing and reporting strategies: an updated approach in 2023
Authors: Pierce Virginia M. , Bhowmick Tanaya , Simner Patricia J. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial susceptibility test and report guidelines are an important tool for antimicrobial stewardship programs. Since 1972, Tables 1 within the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M100 document have provided a general framework upon which clinical microbiologists and antimicrobial stewardship teams can build algorithms for susceptibility testing and reporting that meet the specific needs of their institution. Many changes were made to Tables 1 in M100-Ed33 to modernize the content to reflect the landscape of current clinical practice, including the growing armamentarium of antimicrobial agents, the emergence of new mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, the increasing prevalence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, and updated consensus recommendations for first-choice and alternative agents for treatment. With these items in mind, the CLSI Table 1
ad hoc
working group revised Tables 1 with the ultimate goal of supporting institutions in the creation of individualized test and report strategies that support local antimicrobial stewardship program initiatives. These strategies are built on the concepts of selective and cascade reporting. This minireview introduces the concept of CLSI M100-Ed33 Tables 1, describes the changes to Tables 1 introduced in 2023, and provides clinical vignettes that demonstrate how Tables 1 can be used in various scenarios to devise antimicrobial susceptibility test and report strategies.
Evaluation of the Qvella FAST System and the FAST-PBC cartridge for rapid species identification and antimicrobial resistance testing directly from positive blood cultures
Authors: Sy Issa , Bühler Nina , Becker Sören L. , Jung Philipp 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Blood culture diagnostics require rapid and accurate identification (ID) of pathogens and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Standard procedures, involving conventional cultivation on agar plates, may take up to 48 hours or more until AST completion. Recent approaches aim to shorten the processing time of positive blood cultures (PBC). The FAST System is a new technology, capable of purifying and concentrating bacterial/fungal pathogens from positive blood culture media and producing a bacterial suspension called “liquid colony” (LC), which can be further used in downstream analyses (e.g., ID and AST). Here, we evaluated the performance of the FAST System LC generated from PBC in comparison to our routine workflow including ID by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry using Sepsityper, AST by automatized MicroScan WalkAway
plus
and directly inoculated disk diffusion (DD), and MICRONAUT-AM for yeast/fungi. A total of 261 samples were analyzed, of which 86.6% (226/261) were eligible for the comparative ID and AST analyses. In comparison to the reference technique (culture-grown colonies), ID concordance of the FAST System LC and Sepsityper was 150/154 (97.4%) and 123/154 (79.9%), respectively, for Gram positive; 67/70 (95.7%) and 64/70 (91.4%), respectively, for Gram negative. For AST, categorical agreement (CA) of the FAST System LC in comparison to the routine workflow for Gram-positive bacteria was 96.1% and 98.7% for MicroScan and DD, respectively. Similar results were obtained for Gram-negative bacteria with 96.6% and 97.5% of CA for MicroScan and DD, respectively. Taken together, the FAST System LC allowed the laboratory to significantly reduce the time to obtain correct ID and AST (automated MicroScan) results 1 day earlier and represents a promising tool to expedite the processing of PBC.
Signal peptide and N-glycosylation of N-terminal-CD2v determine the hemadsorption of African swine fever virus
Authors: Pérez-Núñez Daniel , García-Belmonte Raquel , Riera Elena , Fernández-Sesma Marta H. , Vigara-Astillero Gonzalo , Revilla Yolanda 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the cause of African swine fever (ASF), a devastating disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boar and is currently responsible for the largest animal epidemic. One of the characteristics of ASFV infection, but absent in naturally attenuated strains, is hemadsorption (HAD), a phenomenon that has been linked to virulence. In this study, we have shown that ASFV HAD depends exclusively on the Nt domain of the ASFV CD2v protein during infection. CD2v is a highly glycosylated protein, and we found that glycosylation is essential for HAD. However, despite the higher degree of CD2v glycosylation, only simultaneous N-glycosylation of two Asp residues on the Nt region is the determinant for HAD. On the contrary, we have demonstrated that the presence of a specific signal peptide sequence on CD2v not only influences the degree of CD2v glycosylation but is also critical for HAD, although not for CD2v localization. Finally, we have shown that the CD2v expression during infection of the non-HAD NH/P68 strain is not sufficient for HAD, despite its glycosylation and cell surface localization. Complementation studies of CD2v from NH/P68 with CD2v signal peptides from HAD+ strains indicate (i) that different signal peptides from different genotypes are able to restore HAD and (ii) the existence of a HAD-inhibitory sequence in NH/P68-CD2v. This study lays the molecular basis for ASFV HAD, which could be key for the study of virulent and pathogenic aspects of the virus, as well as the rational development of new vaccines against ASFV.

IMPORTANCE
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the cause of the current major animal epidemic worldwide. This disease affects domestic pigs and wild boars, has spread since 2007 through Russia, Eastern Europe, and more recently to Western European countries, and since 2018 emerged in China, from where it spread throughout Southeast Asia. Recently, outbreaks have appeared in the Caribbean, threatening the Americas. It is estimated that more than 900,000 animals have died directly or indirectly from ASFV since 2021 alone. One of the features of ASFV infection is hemoadsorption (HAD), which has been linked to virulence, although the molecular and pathological basis of this hypothesis remains largely unknown. In this study, we have analyzed and identified the key players responsible of HAD, contributing to the identification of new determinants of ASFV virulence, the understanding of ASFV pathogenesis, and the rational development of new vaccines.
M2a macrophages facilitate resolution of chemically-induced colitis in TLR4-SNP mice
Authors: Vlk Alexandra M. , Prantner Daniel , Shirey Kari Ann , Perkins Darren J. , Buzza Marguerite S. , Thumbigere-Math Vivek , Keegan Achsah D. , Vogel Stefanie N. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an innate immune receptor responsive to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human TLR4 that encode an A896G transition at SNP rs4986790 (D299G) and a C1196T transition at SNP rs4986791 (T399I) render individuals hyporesponsive to LPS. In humans, these SNPs are also associated with increased susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Using knock-in mice engineered to express the murine homologs of these human TLR4 mutations (“TLR4-SNP” mice), we have shown that TLR4-SNP mice develop significantly more severe colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) than wild-type (WT) mice, similar to IBD in humans expressing these SNPs. Previous studies have provided indirect evidence for “tissue repair” M2 macrophages (Mφ) in the resolution of colitis. Signaling through the IL-4/IL-13 receptor, IL-4Rα, and the transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ), have been shown to be required for induction of M2a Mφ, and our data provide direct evidence for the involvement of both in the repair of DSS-induced colonic damage. In response to DSS, colons of TLR4-SNP mice produced reduced levels of M2a Mφ marker mRNA and protein, including PPARγ, and therapeutic administration of the PPARγ agonist ligand, rosiglitazone, resolved colitis in TLR4-SNP mice, and increased expression of the M2a protein, Ym1. Together, these data indicate that the failure of TLR4-SNP mice to resolve DSS-induced colitis may be secondary to their failure to induce “tissue repair” M2a Mφ.

Importance
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, impacts millions of individuals worldwide and severely impairs the quality of life for patients. Dysregulation of innate immune signaling pathways reduces barrier function and exacerbates disease progression. Macrophage (Mφ) signaling pathways are potential targets for IBD therapies. While multiple treatments are available for IBD, (i) not all patients respond, (ii) responses may diminish over time, and (iii) treatments often have undesirable side effects. Genetic studies have shown that the inheritance of two co-segregating SNPs expressed in the innate immune receptor, TLR4, is associated with human IBD. Mice expressing homologous SNPs (“TLR4-SNP” mice) exhibited more severe colitis than WT mice in a DSS-induced colonic inflammation/repair model. We identified a critical role for M2a “tissue repair” Mφ in the resolution of colitis. Our findings provide insight into potential development of novel therapies targeting Mφ signaling pathways that aim to alleviate the debilitating symptoms experienced by individuals with IBD.
Complete closed genome sequences of three multidrug-resistant uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Guragain Manita , Kanrar Siddhartha , Bagi Lori , Chen Chin-Yi 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Infection by antibiotic-resistant extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
may result in treatment failure and thus pose a serious public health threat. Here we report the complete closed genome sequence of three multidrug-resistant (MDR) human uropathogenic
E. coli
isolates using long-read sequencing technology and
de novo
assembly.
Complete coding sequence of two feline panleukopenia virus strains isolated from domestic cats (
Felis catus
) in Tennessee, USA
Authors: Roozitalab Ashkan , Elsakhawy Ola K. , Abouelkhair Mohamed A. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Here, we announce the complete coding sequence of two strains of feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) that were obtained from deceased domestic cats in animal shelters in Tennessee. The provided sequence data will contribute to a deeper comprehension of the genetic characteristics and evolutionary patterns of FPLV in the USA.
Vaborbactam increases meropenem susceptibility in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates displaying MexXY and AmpC upregulation
Authors: Castanheira Mariana , Doyle Timothy B. , Hubler Cory M. , DeVries Sean , Shortridge Dee 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the resistance mechanisms among
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates exhibiting meropenem (MEM) MIC values higher than meropenem-vaborbactam (MEV).
P. aeruginosa
clinical isolates collected in US hospitals from 2014 to 2019 were susceptibility tested. Whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing were performed. Results were analyzed for strain typing, acquired β-lactamases, and mutations in chromosomal genes; gene expression was measured for known β-lactam resistance contributors. Results were compared to a control group of 10
P
.
aeruginosa
isolates displaying MIC values at 8 mg/L for meropenem ± vaborbactam (MEM = MEV). Out of 88 isolates displaying MEM > MEV, 33 (37.5%) isolates had reproducibly lower MIC values for meropenem-vaborbactam compared to meropenem when retested. The expression of
mexX
,
mexY
,
mexZ
, and
ampC
was significantly greater among a higher percentage of the MEM > MEV isolates. Furthermore, the association of
mexXY
and
ampC
overexpression was detected in 17/33 MEM > MEV isolates and only 1/10 MEM = MEV isolate. In addition, the
Pseudomonas
-derived cephalosporinase amino acid substitution R79Q was detected among 33.3% of the isolates displaying MEM > MEV, and none of the isolates displayed MEM = MEV. Other resistance mechanisms were not observed or were equally observed in both groups. In rare cases, vaborbactam plays a role in lowering the meropenem MIC values in
P. aeruginosa
clinical isolates likely due to the inhibition of the AmpC gene that was overexpressed in the presence of upregulation of MexXY with or without alterations in the AmpC gene.

IMPORTANCE

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates are intrinsically resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents and meropenem is an important therapeutic option to treat infections caused by this organism. Meropenem-vaborbactam activity is similar to that of meropenem alone against
P. aeruginosa
isolates. Isolates belonging to this species that display lower meropenem-vaborbactam compared to meropenem are rare. We initiated this study to understand the resistance mechanisms that could lead to lower meropenem-vaborbactam MIC values when compared to meropenem alone. We documented that isolates displaying lower meropenem-vaborbactam exhibited overexpression of MexXY and AmpC. In addition, isolates displaying the R79Q PDC (AmpC) mutation were more likely to display lower meropenem-vaborbactam when compared to isolates displaying the same MIC values for these agents.
Burkholderia pseudomallei
BicA protein promotes pathogenicity in macrophages by regulating invasion, intracellular survival, and virulence
Authors: Stockton Jacob L. , Khakhum Nittaya , Stevenson Heather L. , Torres Alfredo G. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia pseudomallei
(
Bpm
) is the causative agent of melioidosis disease.
Bpm
is a facultative intracellular pathogen with a complex life cycle inside host cells. Pathogenic success depends on a variety of virulence factors with one of the most critical being the type 6 secretion system (T6SS).
Bpm
uses the T6SS to move into neighboring cells, resulting in multinucleated giant cell (MNGC) formation, a strategy used to disseminate from cell to cell. Our prior study using a dual RNA-seq analysis to dissect T6SS-mediated virulence on intestinal epithelial cells identified BicA as a factor upregulated in a T6SS mutant. BicA regulates both type 3 secretion system (T3SS) and T6SSs; however, the extent of its involvement during disease progression is unclear. To fully dissect the role of BicA during systemic infection, we used two macrophage cell lines paired with a pulmonary
in vivo
challenge murine model. We found that Δ
bicA
has a distinct intracellular replication defect in both immortalized and primary macrophages, which begins as early as 1 h post-infection. This intracellular defect is linked with the lack of cell-to-cell dissemination and MNGC formation as well as a defect in T3SS expression. The
in vitro
phenotype translated
in vivo
as Δ
bicA
was attenuated in a pulmonary model of infection, demonstrating a distinct macrophage activation profile and a lack of pathological features present in the wild type. Overall, these results highlight the role of BicA in regulating intracellular virulence and demonstrate that specific regulation of secretion systems has a significant effect on host response and
Bpm
pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Melioidosis is an understudied tropical disease that still results in ~50% fatalities in infected patients. It is caused by the Gram-negative bacillus
Burkholderia pseudomallei
(
Bpm
).
Bpm
is an intracellular pathogen that disseminates from the infected cell to target organs, causing disseminated disease. The regulation of secretion systems involved in entry and cell-to-cell spread is poorly understood. In this work, we characterize the role of BicA as a regulator of secretion systems during infection of macrophages
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Understanding how these virulence factors are controlled will help us determine their influence on the host cells and define the macrophage responses associated with bacterial clearance.
Sequence similarity network and protein structure prediction offer insights into the evolution of microbial pathways for ferrous iron oxidation
Authors: Li Liangzhi , Liu Zhenghua , Meng Delong , Liu Yongjun , Liu Tianbo , Jiang Chengying , Yin Huaqun 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Dissimilatory ferrous iron [Fe(II)] oxidation is a well-established microbial energy generation strategy. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the distribution and evolution of recognized Fe(II) oxidation pathways through comparative analysis. Interestingly, we have discovered a wide range of taxonomic groups that harbor homologs to known Fe(II) oxidation proteins. The presence of these homologs among phylogenetically distant lineages and their frequent association with mobile genetic elements strongly suggest horizontal gene transfer events involving Fe(II) oxidation proteins, such as the
rus
operon of
Acidithiobacillus
and Cyc572 from
Leptospirillum
lineages belonging to classes
Gammaproteobacteria
and
Betaproteobacteria
often present at the hub positions of the protein sequence similarity networks from which homologs of other taxa are derived. In addition, RoseTTAFold predictions have provided valuable insights into the structural characteristics of previously unknown Fe(II) oxidation components. Despite having limited sequence identity, a significant number of acknowledged proteins involved in different Fe(II) oxidation pathways exhibit close structural similarities, including Cyc2 and Cyc572. Collectively, this study significantly enhances our understanding of the distribution and evolution of microbial ferrous iron oxidation pathways.

IMPORTANCE

Microbial Fe(II) oxidation is a crucial process that harnesses and converts the energy available in Fe, contributing significantly to global element cycling. However, there are still many aspects of this process that remain unexplored. In this study, we utilized a combination of comparative genomics, sequence similarity network analysis, and artificial intelligence-driven structure modeling methods to address the lack of structural information on Fe(II) oxidation proteins and offer a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of Fe(II) oxidation pathways. Our findings suggest that several microbial Fe(II) oxidation pathways currently known may have originated within classes
Gammaproteobacteria
and
Betaproteobacteria
.