bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyridylpiperazine efflux pump inhibitor boosts in vivo antibiotic efficacy against K. pneumoniae
Authors: Vieira Da Cruz Anais , Jiménez-Castellanos Juan-Carlos , Börnsen Clara , Van Maele Laurye , Compagne Nina , Pradel Elizabeth , Müller Reinke T , Meurillon Virginie , Soulard Daphnée , Piveteau Catherine , Biela Alexandre , Dumont Julie , Leroux Florence , Deprez Benoit , Willand Nicolas , Pos Klaas M , Frangakis Achilleas S , Hartkoorn Ruben C , Flipo Marion 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance is a global problem, rendering conventional treatments less effective and requiring innovative strategies to combat this growing threat. The tripartite AcrAB-TolC efflux pump is the dominant constitutive system by which Enterobacterales like Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae extrude antibiotics. Here, we describe the medicinal chemistry development and drug-like properties of BDM91288, a pyridylpiperazine-based AcrB efflux pump inhibitor. In vitro evaluation of BDM91288 confirmed it to potentiate the activity of a panel of antibiotics against K. pneumoniae as well as revert clinically relevant antibiotic resistance mediated by acrAB-tolC overexpression. Using cryo-EM, BDM91288 binding to the transmembrane region of K. pneumoniae AcrB was confirmed, further validating the mechanism of action of this inhibitor. Finally, proof of concept studies demonstrated that oral administration of BDM91288 significantly potentiated the in vivo efficacy of levofloxacin treatment in a murine model of K. pneumoniae lung infection.
Orofacial Pain and Risk of Dysphagia in Women With Fibromyalgia: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: del Carmen Villaverde-Rodríguez María , Correa-Rodríguez María , Casas-Barragán Antonio , Tapia-Haro Rosa María , Aguilar-Ferrándiz María Encarnación 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
This study aims to analyze the frequency of dysphagia risk and swallowing-associated quality of life (QoL) in a sample of women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and examine the potential relationship between risk of dysphagia and chronic orofacial pain (COP) in a sample of women with FMS.

Method:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 46 women with FMS. COP was assessed by mouth opening, the orofacial visual analog scale (VAS), and the craniofacial pain and disability inventory (CF-PDI). Risk of dysphagia was assessed using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the volume–viscosity swallowing test (V-VST). Swallowing-associated QoL was determined using the Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) questionnaire.

Results:

Thirty patients were identified as being at risk for dysphagia (65.21%) using the EAT-10 and, according to the SWAL-QOL, 41.30% of patients had alterations in QoL associated with swallowing. The EAT-10 correlated positively with orofacial VAS, CF-PDI-total, CF-PDI-pain and disability, and CF-PDI-jaw-functional status. In relation to SWAL-QOL, negative correlations were observed for orofacial VAS, CF-PDI-total, CF-PDI-pain and disability, and CF-PDI-jaw-functional status. Patients at risk of dysphagia (EAT-10 and V-VST) had significantly higher scores in orofacial VAS (
p
= .002 and
p
= .015), CF-PDI-total (
p
= .006 and
p
= .014), and CF-PDI-pain and disability (
p
= .004 and
p
= .013).

Conclusions:
In this sample of women with FMS, we identified a high rate of dysphagia risk. Also, a high percentage of these women presented alterations in QoL associated with swallowing. Patients at risk for dysphagia had significantly higher orofacial VAS and CF-PDI-total scores, supporting the relationship between dysphagia risk and COP in FMS. Further research to establish the need for appropriate assessment referrals in clinical practice to determine whether dysphagia is present in this population is needed.
Who Helps Children With Communication Disorders Access Sex Education? Practice Patterns of Speech-Language Pathologists and Psychologists
Authors: Wolford Laura L. , Jansen Kate L. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose:
Children with communication disorders are often systematically excluded from sex education curricula. They may also have difficulty accessing the curricula because of the materials' linguistic and pragmatic complexity. Even curricula written for children with intellectual disabilities do not typically include considerations for communication disorders. This places them at risk for sexually transmitted infections, sexual health misinformation, and sexual assault. Yet, it is unclear which professionals are assisting children with communication disorders to access sex education.

Method:

North American speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and clinical psychologists (
N
= 112) completed a survey that asked about their practice patterns in helping children access sex education, as well as their beliefs about the importance of sex education, how disabilities affect sex education, perceived barriers, and their self-efficacy and role in addressing sex education.

Results:
Although SLPs and clinical psychologists believed that communication disorders could affect sex education and consent and felt they had some responsibility for helping their clients in accessing sex education, they did not regularly assist their clients in this area. Both groups of clinicians were divided in their views of their own roles and responsibility. SLPs were especially polarized; every question about their role in addressing sex education included SLPs who fully agreed and some who fully disagreed with the statement.

Conclusions:
Children with communication disorders do not consistently receive assistance accessing sex education curricula from either SLPs or clinical psychologists. Clinicians need education to support them addressing sex education and clear guidance about their roles in this area.
Performance Analysis of Three MPPT Controls Under Partial Shading: P&O, PSO and ANN
Authors: Atillah Mohamed Amine , Stitou Hicham , Boudaoud Abdelghani , Aqil Mounaim 
Published: December 2023

Photovoltaic energy has gained an important place among renewable energies. Given its weather-dependent efficiency, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) techniques are essential to maximize the energy extracted from the panels.
Partial shading is a phenomenon that degrades the efficiency of photovoltaic panels, by distorting the power vs. voltage curve, which consequently has several peaks, one of which is a global maximum.
The aim of this work is to evaluate the ability of MPPT methods to find the global maximum power point in partial shading conditions. To achieve this, the work focuses on simulating and discussing the performance of three MPPT methods, the Perturb and Observe (P&O) command, a command based on particle swarm optimization (PSO), and a command based on artificial neural networks (ANN).
By comparing the results of simulations of the three controllers under different partial conditions, we can see that the P&O controller loses accuracy in partially shaded conditions, while the PSO controller is more accurate but with a very slow response time, and lastly, the ANN-based controller offers the best precision and speed performance.
Identification with Buddhism among young Chinese Indonesians: multicultural dynamics and generational transitions
Authors: Xie Jingyi , Ma Siyu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAmidst the diverse cultural and religious tapestry of Indonesia, Buddhism holds a prominent position as a major faith. Within the context of multiculturalism and generational shifts, this study explores the evolving identification of young Chinese Indonesians with Buddhism. This research addresses the existing knowledge gap by investigating the intricate interplay of historical, cultural, and religious elements that help shape young Chinese Indonesians’ identification with Buddhism. By conducting a thorough analysis of quantitative data gathered from young Chinese Indonesians through a survey, this study investigates six dimensions of identification with Buddhism. This examination considers variables such as age, family background, and regional disparities. Furthermore, to obtain deeper insights and support the quantitative findings, the researchers conducted semistructured interviews to gather qualitative data. The findings reveal the characteristics of young Chinese Indonesians’ identification with Buddhism. First, there are significant variations in identification levels across regions, with relatively lower levels in Java and higher levels in other archipelagos. Personal factors, such as parents’ occupations, also influence individuals’ degree of identification with Buddhism. Second, today’s Chinese Indonesian youth maintain their identification with Buddhism through family ties despite overall intergenerational decline. The participants also show a keen interest in modern religious symbols, dissemination methods, and content. Third, the Buddhist identity of Chinese Indonesian youth transcends traditional values and cultural content, reflecting characteristics of multiculturalism and cultural blending. They not only appreciate various aspects of local culture but also incorporate Buddhist values and symbols into the mainstream of globally shared culture, creating a more extensive and modern collective cultural identity. Unveiling the factors that shape Buddhist identification among Chinese Indonesian youths has implications for fostering intercultural and intergenerational cohesion. The insights derived from this research can contribute to the design of effective strategies aimed at advancing the broader goal of cultural harmony and social unity in Indonesia.
Current perspectives for the use of medical ozone in veterinary medicine
Authors: Aamer Haytham , Nour Eman , Refaie Ayman , Youssef Mohamed , El-Ashker Maged 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Although ozone has been used in veterinary medicine for more than 30 years, it is still inadequate and limited to certain areas and breeds. Medical ozone has gained popularity worldwide as current medical treatments have become more expensive, and there are growing concerns about antibiotic-resistant infections. In this review, we present current perspectives on the application of ozone in veterinary diseases, highlighting its mechanisms of action, how it is generated, and how it acts in living tissues. Furthermore, we address the impact of medical ozone on various diseases in animals, including renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. We also report the inherent biases and limitations of clinical studies and case series related to ozone therapy in veterinary medicine, without control groups. Although the information provided in this review is promising and confirms the potential of medical ozone therapy in the treatment of animal diseases, the accuracy of the results of this therapeutic modality is of vital importance in view of the objections identified in the authorization of ozone therapy and the existence of some limitations associated with relevant studies, which offer the possibility of potential biases.
A review on GaN HEMTs: nonlinear mechanisms and improvement methods
Authors: Du Chenglin , Ye Ran , Cai Xiaolong , Duan Xiangyang , Liu Haijun , Zhang Yu , Qiu Gang , Mi Minhan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The GaN HEMT is a potential candidate for RF applications due to the high frequency and large power handling capability. To ensure the quality of the communication signal, linearity is a key parameter during the system design. However, the GaN HEMT usually suffers from the nonlinearity problems induced by the nonlinear parasitic capacitance, transconductance, channel transconductance etc. Among them, the transconductance reduction is the main contributor for the nonlinearity and is mostly attributed to the scattering effect, the increasing resistance of access region, the self-heating effect and the trapping effects. Based on the mechanisms, device-level improvement methods of transconductance including the trapping suppression, the nanowire channel, the graded channel, the double channel, the transconductance compensation and the new material structures have been proposed recently. The features of each method are reviewed and compared to provide an overview perspective on the linearity of the GaN HEMT at the device level.
The blue color mechanism on sapphires from different gem deposits before and after heating under oxidizing atmosphere
Authors: Thengthong W , Sakkaravej S , Wongkokua W , Saiyasombat C , Monarumit N 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The blue color of sapphire is commonly related to the amount of Fe and Ti impurities replacing Al3+ in the Al2O3 structure. Generally, the color intensity on sapphires is related to the gem deposits including the basaltic-related and metamorphic-related ones. The color of sapphires has been changed after heating under oxidizing atmosphere. However, the explanation about the color mechanism from some previous research contradicted each other and it was still wondered. For this reason, this research is focused on the role of Fe and Ti oxidation states as well as the blue color mechanism on sapphires before and after heating under oxidizing atmosphere. In this study, the sapphire samples were collected from different gem deposits including basaltic-related sapphires from Kanchanaburi province, Thailand and metamorphic-related ones from Sri Lanka before and after heating at 1100 °C under oxidizing atmosphere. As a result, the blue color on sapphires before heating can be described as a hole color center assigned to Fe3+-Ti4+ mixed acceptor states inside an energy band gap that could receive an electron from the valence band for charge-balancing after excitation. After heating, the basaltic-related sapphires turned from dark blue to light blue and the metamorphic-related ones turned from light blue to colorless. The Fe3+-Ti4+ mixed acceptor states were decreased because a hole color center was filled by an electron from oxygen during the heating process instead of an electron from the valence band. Therefore, it can be concluded that the blue color mechanism on sapphires before and after heating under an oxidizing atmosphere can be explained by an energy band model involving the presence or absence of Fe3+-Ti4+ mixed acceptor states as well as a hole color center inside an energy band gap.
Skin innervation across amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical stages: new prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Nolano Maria , Provitera Vincenzo , Caporaso Giuseppe , Fasolino Ines , Borreca Ilaria , Stancanelli Annamaria , Iuzzolino Valentina V , Senerchia Gianmaria , Vitale Floriana , Tozza Stefano , Ruggiero Lucia , Iodice Rosa , Ferrari Sergio , Santoro Lucio , Manganelli Fiore , Dubbioso Raffaele 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Over recent decades, peripheral sensory abnormalities, including the evidence of cutaneous denervation, have been reported among the non-motor manifestations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, a correlation between cutaneous innervation and clinical features has not been found.
The aims of this study were to assess sensory involvement by applying a morpho-functional approach to a large population of ALS patients stratified according to King’s stages and correlate these findings with the severity and prognosis of the disease.
We recruited 149 ALS patients and 41 healthy controls. Patients undertook clinical questionnaires for small fibre neuropathy symptoms (Small Fiber Neuropathy Symptoms Inventory Questionnaire) and underwent nerve conductions studies (NCS) and 3-mm punch skin biopsies from leg, thigh and fingertip. We assessed intraepidermal nerve fibre (IENF) and Meissner corpuscle (MC) density by applying an indirect immunofluorescence technique. Moreover, a subset of 65 ALS patients underwent a longitudinal study with repeat biopsies from the thigh at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Serum NfL levels were measured in 40 patients.
Sensory symptoms and sensory NCS abnormalities were present in 32.2% and 24% of patients, respectively, and increased across clinical stages. Analogously, we observed a progressive reduction in amplitude of the sensory and motor ulnar nerve potential from stage 1 to stage 4.
Skin biopsy showed a significant loss of IENFs and MCs in ALS compared with healthy controls (all P &lt; 0.001). Across the clinical stages, we found a progressive reduction in MCs (P = 0.004) and an increase in IENFs (all P &lt; 0.027). The increase in IENFs was confirmed by the longitudinal study. Interestingly, the MC density inversely correlated with NfL level (r = −0.424, P = 0.012), and survival analysis revealed that low MC density, higher NfL levels and increasing IENF density over time were associated with a poorer prognosis (all P &lt; 0.024).
To summarize, in patients with ALS, peripheral sensory involvement worsens in parallel with motor disability. Furthermore, the correlation between skin innervation and disease activity may suggest the use of skin innervation as a putative prognostic biomarker.
Characterization of the Chemical Constituents in Radix gentianae by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pan Xu , Guan Jiao , Cui Yue , Li Lele , Lin Xiaoying , Feng Bo , Zhu Heyun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Radix gentianae (RG) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of acute and chronic hepatitis in clinic. However, the chemical profile of RG is still unconfirmed, which hindered the progress of pharmacological study and clinical application. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography together with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry techniques were employed to separate and characterize the chemical constituents in RG. Under the optimized conditions, a total of 60 compounds were rapidly identified or tentatively characterized. Results indicated that iridoid glucosides, flavonoids, organic acids, amino acids, saccharides and nucleosides were major constituents in RG. It is concluded the established method can help to clarify the substance basis and provide useful information for ascertaining the bioactive constituents and action mechanism of RG.
Regional and National Trends in Consumption of Antimicrobials in Pakistan; Pre and Post-COVID (2019–2021)
Authors: Mustafa Tauqeer , Niazi Muhammad Rehan Khan , Lakdawala Zahra , Mirza Shaper 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, a growing public health problem in Pakistan, have been hampered by the lack of high-quality national and provincial-level antimicrobial consumption data. The singular objective of this retrospective study was to measure antimicrobial consumption over 3 years between 2019 and 2021.

Methods
The study was designed to estimate antimicrobial consumption at National and Regional levels. Antimicrobial consumption data was collected by IQVIA covering 110 districts of Pakistan in which 88% of sales are census (accurate sales collected directly from distributors), whereas 12% of sales (sales of 300 pharmacies) are projected on the national level. To determine the usage for 3 consecutive years, the consumption of antibiotics was calculated as defined daily doses (DDD) of antibiotics per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID).

Results
The results of our study demonstrated a steep increase in the consumption of antimicrobials from 2019 to 2021. An increase in consumption of most classes of antibiotics was observed both nationally and Regionally. Quinolones, penicillins (co-amoxiclav), macrolides, and third-generation cephalosporins remained the most frequently used antibiotics nationally. A 40% increase in intravenous use of antimicrobials was observed between 2019 and 2021 at the national level. Moxifloxacin, Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, and linezolid were the most commonly used intravenous antibiotics. Region 7 (Peshawar) demonstrated the highest consumption, followed by Region 1 (Karachi) and Region 6 (Faisalabad). Among the most commonly used antibiotics, the use of third-generation cephalosporin (cefixime), quinolones, penicillins (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid), and macrolides (azithromycin) was most noticeable in all regions, particularly in those with the higher consumption of antibiotics.

Conclusions
Although the increase in consumption of all antibiotics is concerning, the steep increase in the use of watch and reserve category antibiotics during the study period calls for immediate actions to limit and regulate their usage.
ALS iPSC-derived microglia and motor neurons respond to astrocyte-targeted IL-10 and CCL2 modulation
Authors: Allison Reilly L , Ebert Allison D 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons (MNs). The loss of MNs in ALS leads to muscle weakness and wasting, respiratory failure, and death often within two years of diagnosis. Glial cells in ALS show aberrant expression of pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic proteins associated with activation and have been proposed as ideal therapeutic targets. In this study, we examined astrocyte-targeted treatments to reduce glial activation and neuron pathology using cells differentiated from ALS patient-derived iPSC carrying SOD1 and C9ORF72 mutations. Specifically, we tested the ability of increasing interleukin 10 (IL-10) and reducing C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2/MCP-1) signaling targeted to astrocytes to reduce activation phenotypes in both astrocytes and microglia. Overall, we found IL10/CCL2NAb treated astrocytes to support anti-inflammatory phenotypes and reduce neurotoxicity, through different mechanisms in SOD1 and C9ORF72 cultures. We also found altered responses of microglia and motor neurons to astrocytic influences when cells were cultured together rather than in isolation. Together these data support IL-10 and CCL2 as non-mutation-specific therapeutic targets for ALS and highlight the role of glial-mediated pathology in this disease.
A phage-encoded RNA-binding protein inhibits the antiviral activity of a toxin–antitoxin system
Authors: Guegler Chantal K , Teodoro Gabriella I C , Srikant Sriram , Chetlapalli Keerthana , Doering Christopher R , Ghose Dia A , Laub Michael T 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Bacteria harbor diverse mechanisms to defend themselves against their viral predators, bacteriophages. In response, phages can evolve counter-defense systems, most of which are poorly understood. In T4-like phages, the gene tifA prevents bacterial defense by the type III toxin–antitoxin (TA) system toxIN, but the mechanism by which TifA inhibits ToxIN remains unclear. Here, we show that TifA directly binds both the endoribonuclease ToxN and RNA, leading to the formation of a high molecular weight ribonucleoprotein complex in which ToxN is inhibited. The RNA binding activity of TifA is necessary for its interaction with and inhibition of ToxN. Thus, we propose that TifA inhibits ToxN during phage infection by trapping ToxN on cellular RNA, particularly the abundant 16S rRNA, thereby preventing cleavage of phage transcripts. Taken together, our results reveal a novel mechanism underlying inhibition of a phage-defensive RNase toxin by a small, phage-encoded protein.