bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic analyses of an Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae urinary tract co‐infection using long‐read nanopore sequencing
Authors: Fordham Stephen Mark Edward , Barrow Magdalena , Mantzouratou Anna , Sheridan Elizabeth 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEscherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates presenting with the same antimicrobial susceptibility profile were recovered from the same catheter sample of urine (CSU). Both strains were recovered from a patient with a long‐standing indwelling urinary catheter. Each isolate had its DNA extracted following culture. Nanopore long‐read sequencing was used to build the plasmids and chromosomes from each strain to closure to discern the potential horizontal propagation of resistance‐encoding plasmids and the relationship between resistance genes and insertion sequences. Plasmids derived from resistance strains in the urinary microbiota remain poorly characterized. The same 11 antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes were found in plasmids from each strain. The 185,239‐bp FIB(K) pKBM1, from the K. pneumoniae strain, additionally encoded the five AMR genes: sul2, strA, strB, blaTEM‐1B, and blaCTX‐M‐15. A multimeric array of AMR genes and IS26 insertion sequences were found in the plasmids from both isolates. Both plasmids from each isolate were similar. Horizontal transfer of plasmids, followed by subsequent plasmid rearrangement, is likely to have occurred during infection. Furthermore, the resistance region in the plasmids shared similarity against the internationally prevalent plasmid, pKPN3‐307_typeA, commonly identified in K. pneumoniae ST307. Biofilm formation in catheterized patients may allow close cell contact between strains. Horizontal propagation of resistance genes may occur, leading to polymicrobial infections.
A simulation approach to investigate factors influencing the cost of omitted objectives in multiattribute models
Authors: Kusumastuti Sarah A. , John Richard S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEmpirical evidence suggests that decision‐makers are ill‐equipped to identify all relevant objectives in a decision problem. We examine the effect of an incomplete set of objectives using a Monte Carlo simulation to compare a baseline model to a reduced model incorporating only a subset of objectives. We assess the performance of reduced models varying in the number of objectives, the number of alternatives, the correlations among objectives, and attribute weights. Results suggest that missing objectives will most impact multiattribute models with negative correlations between objectives; similarly, models with equally weighted objectives suffer more than models with unequal weights. Decision problems with more objectives tend to be less impacted by missing objectives, given the same proportion of missing objectives. In contrast, decision problems with more alternatives are more impacted for some performance measures but less on others. However, the variation in model performance due to the number of objectives and alternatives is relatively minor compared to the variation due to the nature of the correlation between objectives.
Newly discovered variants in unexplained neonatal encephalopathy
Authors: Zhang Rong , Xie Jingjing , Yuan Xiao , Yu Yan , Zhuang Yan , Zhang Fan , Hou Jianfei , Liu Yanqin , Huang Weiqing , Zhang Min , Li Junshuai , Gong Qiang , Peng Xiaoming 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe genetic background of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is complicated and early diagnosis is beneficial to optimizing therapeutic strategy for patients.MethodsNE Patients with unclear etiology received regular clinical tests including ammonia test, metabolic screening test, amplitude‐integrated electroencephalographic (aEEG) monitoring, brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning, and genetic test. The protein structure change was predicted using Dynamut2 and RoseTTAFold.Results15 out of a total of 113 NE Patients were detected with newly reported pathogenic variants. In this sub‐cohort, (1) seizure was the primary initial symptoms; (2) four patients had abnormal metabolic screening results, and two of them were also diagnosed with excessive blood ammonia concentration; (3) the brain MRI results were irregular in three infants and the brain waves were of moderate–severe abnormality in about a half of the patients. The novel pathogenic variants discovered in this study belonged to 12 genes, and seven of them were predicted to introduce a premature translation termination. In‐silicon predictions showed that four variants were destructive to the protein structure of KCNQ2.ConclusionOur study expands the mutation spectrum of genes associated with NE and introduces new evidence for molecular diagnosis in this newborn illness.
Gut Microbiota Plays Essential Roles in Soyasaponin's Preventive Bioactivities against Steatohepatitis in the Methionine and Choline Deficient (MCD) Diet‐Induced Non‐Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Mice
Authors: Su Chuhong , Wang Jiexian , Luo Huiyu , Chen Junbin , Lin Fengjuan , Mo Jiaqi , Xiong Fei , Zha Longying 
Published: January 2024

ScopeGut microbiota (GM) is involved in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) development. Phytochemicals soyasaponins can prevent NASH possibly by modulating GM. This study aims to investigate the preventive bioactivities of soyasaponin monomers (SS‐A1 and SS‐Bb) against NASH and explores the mechanisms by targeting GM.Methods and resultsMale C57BL/6 mice are fed with methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet containing SS‐A1, SS‐Bb, or not for 16 weeks. Antibiotics‐treated pseudo germ‐free (PGF) mice are fed with MCD diet containing SS‐A1, SS‐Bb, or not for 8 weeks. GM is determined by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Bile acids (BAs) are measured by UPLC‐MS/MS. In NASH mice, SS‐A1 and SS‐Bb alleviate steatohepatitis and fibrosis, reduce ALT, AST, and LPS in serum, decrease TNF‐α, IL‐6, α‐SMA, triglycerides, and cholesterol in liver. SS‐A1 and SS‐Bb decrease Firmicutes, Erysipelotrichaceae, unidentified‐Clostridiales, Eggerthellaceae, Atopobiaceae, Aerococcus, Jeotgalicoccus, Gemella, Rikenella, increase Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Akkermansiaceae, Romboutsia, and Roseburia. SS‐A1 and SS‐Bb alter BAs composition in liver, serum, and feces, activate farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in liver and ileum, increase occludin and ZO‐1 in intestine. However, GM clearance abrogates the preventive bioactivities of SS‐A1 and SS‐Bb against NASH.ConclusionGM plays essential roles in soyasaponin's preventive bioactivities against steatohepatitis in MCD diet‐induced NASH mice.
Moral courage and its influencing factor among oncology specialist nurses: A multi‐centre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zheng Hongling , Luo Lei , Tan Xiaohui , Cen Yao , Xing Naifang , Huang Hui , Cai Yanling 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimMoral courage among healthcare workers has been extensively studied. However, few studies have been conducted on oncology specialist nurses, who frequently encounter complex moral situations. This study aimed to describe the current situation regarding moral courage and explored its influence on oncology specialist nurses in China.DesignThis was an exploratory, descriptive study.MethodsA convenience sample of 390 nurses was conducted from 15 hospitals in Sichuan Province, China, between March and May 2023. Participants were assessed using the Moral Distress Scale‐Revised, Nurses' Moral Courage Scale and the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire.ResultsThe results demonstrated that moral courage was negatively associated with moral distress, and positively associated with moral sensitivity. Having a master's degree or above, an intermediate title or senior title, medical ethics training, moral distress or moral sensitivity contributed to explaining 54.1% of the variance in moral courage.ConclusionsMoral courage was associated with several factors. Developing clinical intervention strategies and effective teaching methods will be critical for improving moral courage.No Patient or Public Contribution.
Exploring the underpinnings of why millennials engage in charitable activities: Empirical evidence from Türkiye
Authors: Kocaman Rıdvan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNonprofit organizations have long competed for limited funds due to the decrease in government funding and increased demand for social services. It is possible to meet this need by engaging millennials in charitable activities because of their power to achieve both growth and sustainability. However, they behave and communicate differently than other cohorts of individuals and thus nonprofits have substantial work to tap into their charitable behaviors. Accordingly, the current paper aims to explore the underpinnings of why millennials engage in charitable activities. To do this, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 18 participants who regularly donate their time and/or money. Then, data was analyzed with qualitative content analysis technique. Findings indicate that millennials support a range of charitable causes with the motivations of being socially recognized, being self‐satisfied, mitigating guilt, and having congruence with the organization. Results contribute to the growing body of knowledge on both individual charitable motivation and especially, charitable motivations of the relevant cohort of individuals. Additionally, the current study provides insightful knowledge that can help managers and marketers on how to engage with millennials in both nonprofits and other sectors.
Damage mechanisms in composite laminated shells subjected to multiple impacts at different points
Authors: Ferreira L. M. , Coelho C. A. C. P. , Reis P. N. B. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of damage interference resulting from impact loads on the mechanical response and impact fatigue life of E‐glass/epoxy composite laminate shells. The analysis involves single impacts at different points to evaluate the impact strength's dependency on boundary conditions. Notably, there is a gradual reduction in both maximum impact force and absorbed energy beyond 10 mm from the centre, towards unconstrained edges, accompanied by an increase in displacement. Specifically, at a distance of 30 mm, the maximum force and absorbed energy register a decrease of 9.4% and 7.9%, respectively, while the displacement rises by 14.5%. The findings reveal that the damage severity decreases as the impact point is closer to the unconstrained edge of the specimen, which can be attributed to a stiffness reduction, which can reach up to 22%. Symmetrically induced pre‐damages exhibit no discernible effect on the subsequent impact response. It is observed that beyond 10 mm from the shell's centre, the number of impacts required to reach puncture increases by 10.5% and 21.1% for distances of 20 and 30 mm, respectively. Furthermore, it is also found that alternating impacts between symmetrical points show no inclination towards a preferential point for puncture.Highlights
The single impact strength's dependents on the boundary conditions.
Reduction in both maximum impact force and absorbed energy near the unconstrained edges.
Damage severity decreases as the impact point is closer to the unconstrained edges.
Symmetrically induced pre‐damages have no discernible effect on the subsequent impact response.
Alternating impacts between symmetrical points show no inclination towards a preferential point for puncture.
Green and efficient utilization of cellulose by in situ regenerating rod‐like cellulose crystals in dry blending rubber compounds
Authors: Li Peixing , Yuan Haoze , Wang Xinyu , Yu Cheng , Wang Xin , Sun Jutao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe crystalline cellulose has captured much attention as reinforcement material in rubber composites, but no successful cases have been found till now. Here, a facile approach of cellulose utilization was proposed by in‐situ regenerating cellulose in dry rubber matrix. Cellulose was dissolved in ionic liquid (IL), and then directly mixed with dry rubber, silica, and other ingredients. Taking advantages of the strong interaction between IL and silica, the dissolution equilibrium of cellulose/IL was destroyed and resulted in the regeneration of cellulose crystals in rubber matrix. The regenerated cellulose appeared at dry blending stage, and showed an ideal rod‐like shape (10–100 nm in diameter and 200–500 nm in length). While it grew in size at curing stage, and finally reached 100–200 nm in diameter and 1–2 μm in length. The regenerated cellulose exhibited pronounced reinforcement efficiency. This methodology has no any waste liquid discharged, and has a promising use in the preparation of cellulose/rubber composites.Highlights
Nanosized rod‐like cellulose was regenerated in dry rubber, instead of latex.
Regeneration of cellulose was due to interaction between ionic liquid and silica.
The in situ regenerated cellulose dispersed well in cured rubber compounds.
The regenerated cellulose exhibited a good reinforcement efficiency in rubber.
The whole machining process had no any waste liquid discharged.
Ductile poly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(4‐hydroxybutyrate)]‐based blends derived from biomass
Authors: Wang Guoqiang , Chi Xiang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPoly[(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐co‐(4‐hydroxybutyrate)] (P34HB), poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐(butylene furandicarboxylate)] (PBSF) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) were melt‐blended to prepare P34HB/PBSF/PVAc blends with improved ductility. The thermal properties, mechanical properties, rheological properties and morphology of the blends were systematically studied. The addition of PBSF promoted the melt crystallization of P34HB. The temperatures at 5% weight loss of the blends were higher than that of P34HB. The surface of the blends was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The surface of P34HB was very smooth, but the surfaces of the blends were rough. PVAc can increase the compatibility between P34HB and PBSF. Compared with P34HB, the elongation at break of the blends was increased to 219.1%. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Crystal structure of GTP‐dependent dephospho‐coenzyme A kinase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Kita Akiko , Ishida Yuna , Shimosaka Takahiro , Michimori Yuta , Makarova Kira , Koonin Eugene , Atomi Haruyuki , Miki Kunio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe biosynthesis pathways of coenzyme A (CoA) in most archaea involve several unique enzymes including dephospho‐CoA kinase (DPCK) that converts dephospho‐CoA to CoA in the final step of CoA biosynthesis in all domains of life. The archaeal DPCK is unrelated to the analogous bacterial and eukaryotic enzymes and shows no significant sequence similarity to any proteins with known structures. Unusually, the archaeal DPCK utilizes GTP as the phosphate donor although the analogous bacterial and eukaryotic enzymes are ATP‐dependent kinases. Here, we report the crystal structure of DPCK and its complex with GTP and a magnesium ion from the archaeal hyperthermophile Thermococcus kodakarensis. The crystal structure demonstrates why GTP is the preferred substrate of this kinase. We also report the activity analyses of site‐directed mutants of crucial residues determined based on sequence conservation and the crystal structure. From these results, the key residues involved in the reaction of phosphoryl transfer and the possible dephospho‐CoA binding site are inferred.
Successful discontinuation of corticosteroids through remission induction therapy with benralizumab for chronic eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: Kai Yoshiro , Kataoka Ryosuke , Suzuki Kentaro , Nakamura Eriko , Takano Masato , Muro Shigeo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractChronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP) is an eosinophilic lung disease. Treatment for CEP includes corticosteroids; however, CEP often recurs. A 53‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital because of poorly controlled asthma. She was treated with combination of moderate‐dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), a long‐acting β2‐agonist (LABA), and betamethasone/dexchlorpheniramine. She was switched to single‐inhaler triple therapy, after which her asthma control improved; thus, betamethasone/dexchlorpheniramine was discontinued. Ten weeks later, she was diagnosed with CEP due to marked eosinophilia and pulmonary eosinophilic infiltrates. Oral corticosteroid treatment was initiated, symptoms improved, and peripheral blood eosinophilia decreased with improved infiltrative shadows. Remission induction therapy was initiated with benralizumab combined with corticosteroid therapy. Eosinophilia and inflammatory responses decreased. After 7 months, corticosteroid was discontinued, and she was treated with benralizumab alone. She remained in remission for 4 months. This case suggests that benralizumab may be useful as a remission induction therapy in patients with CEP.
Achieving Fast and Stable Sodium Storage in Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) via Entropy Engineering
Authors: Jiang Ning , Wang Xinyu , Zhou Haoran , Wang Yichao , Sun Shouyu , Yang Cheng , Liu Yu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNa4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7) (NFPP) has been considered a promising cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) owing to its environmental friendliness and economic viability. However, its electrochemical performance is constrained by connatural low electronic conductivity and inadequate sodium ion diffusion. Herein, a high‐entropy substitution strategy is employed in NFPP to address these limitations. Ex situ X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals a single‐phase electrochemical reaction during the sodiation/desodiation processes and the increased configurational entropy in HE‐NFPP endows an enhanced structure, which results in a minimal volume variation of only 1.83%. Kinetic analysis and density functional theory calculation further confirm that the orbital hybrid synergy of high‐entropy transition metals offers a favorable electronic structure, which efficaciously boosts the charge transfer kinetics and optimizes the sodium ion diffusion channel. Based on this versatile strategy, the as‐prepared high‐entropy Na4Fe2.5Mn0.1Mg0.1Co0.1Ni0.1Cu0.1(PO4)2(P2O7) (HE‐NFPP) cathode can deliver a prominent rate performance of 55 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 and an ultra‐long cycling lifespan of over 18 000 cycles at 5 A g−1. When paired with a hard carbon (HC) anode, HE‐NFPP//HC full cell exhibits a favorable cycling durability of 1000 cycles. This high‐entropy engineering offers a feasible route to improve the electrochemical performance of NFPP and provides a blueprint for exploring high‐performance SIBs.
In Situ Biosynthesis of FeS Nanoparticles Boosts Current Generation in Bioelectrochemical Systems Through Efficient Electron Transfer
Authors: He Yuting , Fu Qian , Li Jun , Zhang Liang , Zhu Xun , Liao Qiang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe utility of electrochemical active biofilm in bioelectrochemical systems has received considerable attention for harvesting energy and chemical products. However, the slow electron transfer between biofilms and electrodes hinders the enhancement of performance and still remains challenging. Here, using Fe3O4 /L‐Cys nanoparticles as precursors to induce biomineralization, a facile strategy for the construction of an effective electron transfer pathway through biofilm and biological/inorganic interface is proposed, and the underlying mechanisms are elucidated. Taking advantage of an on‐chip interdigitated microelectrode array (IDA), the conductive current of biofilm that is related to the electron transfer process within biofilm is characterized, and a 2.10‐fold increase in current output is detected. The modification of Fe3O4/L‐Cys on the electrode surface facilitates the electron transfer between the biofilm and the electrode, as the bio/inorganic interface electron transfer resistance is only 16% compared to the control. The in‐situ biosynthetic Fe‐containing nanoparticles (e.g., FeS) enhance the transmembrane EET and the EET within biofilm, and the peak conductivity increases 3.4‐fold compared to the control. The in‐situ biosynthesis method upregulates the genes involved in energy metabolism and electron transfer from the transcriptome analysis. This study enriches the insights of biosynthetic nanoparticles on electron transfer process, holding promise in bioenergy conversion.
Bacterial Surface Appendages Modulate the Antimicrobial Activity Induced by Nanoflake Surfaces on Titanium
Authors: Liu Xiayi , Ishak Mohd I. , Ma Huan , Su Bo , Nobbs Angela H. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBioinspired nanotopography is a promising approach to generate antimicrobial surfaces to combat implant‐associated infection. Despite efforts to develop bactericidal 1D structures, the antibacterial capacity of 2D structures and their mechanism of action remains uncertain. Here, hydrothermal synthesis is utilized to generate two 2D nanoflake surfaces on titanium (Ti) substrates and investigate the physiological effects of nanoflakes on bacteria. The nanoflakes impair the attachment and growth of Escherichia coli and trigger the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially contributing to the killing of adherent bacteria. E. coli surface appendages type‐1 fimbriae and flagella are not implicated in the nanoflake‐mediated modulation of bacterial attachment but do influence the bactericidal effects of nanoflakes. An E. coli ΔfimA mutant lacking type‐1 fimbriae is more susceptible to the bactericidal effects of nanoflakes than the parent strain, while E. coli cells lacking flagella (ΔfliC) are more resistant. The results suggest that type‐1 fimbriae confer a cushioning effect that protects bacteria upon initial contact with the nanoflake surface, while flagella‐mediated motility can lead to elevated membrane abrasion. This finding offers a better understanding of the antibacterial properties of nanoflake structures that can be applied to the design of antimicrobial surfaces for future medical applications.
On‐Demand Preparation of Boron Nitride Nanosheets for Functional Nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Yu , Liu Yijie , Liu Xiangyu , Li Pengli , Li Zhe , Jiang Pingkai , Huang Xingyi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBoron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) have garnered significant attention across diverse fields; however, accomplishing on‐demand, large‐scale, and highly efficient preparation of BNNSs remains a challenge. Here, an on‐demand preparation (OdP) method combining high‐pressure homogenization and short‐time ultrasonication is presented; it enables a highly efficient and controllable preparation of BNNSs from bulk hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN). The homogenization pressure and number of cycles are adjusted, and the production efficiency and yield of BNNSs reach 0.95 g g−1h−1 and 82.8%, respectively, which significantly exceed those attained by using existing methods. The universality of the OdP method is demonstrated on h‐BN raw materials of various bulk sizes from various producers. Furthermore, this method allows the preparation of BNNSs having specific sizes based on the final requirements. Both simulation and experimental results indicate that large BNNSs are particularly suitable for enhancing the thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties of dielectric polymer nanocomposites. Interestingly, the small BNNS‐filled photonic nanocomposite films fabricated via the OdP method exhibit superior daytime radiative cooling properties. Additionally, the OdP method offers the benefits of low energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fossil energy use. These findings underscore the unique advantages of the OdP method over other techniques for a high‐efficiency and controllable preparation of large BNNSs.