bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pyruvate-dependent growth of
Methanosarcina acetivorans
Authors: Richter Marcus , Sattler Christian , Schöne Christian , Rother Michael 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Methanogenesis is a key step during anaerobic biomass degradation. Methanogenic archaea (methanogens) are the only organisms coupling methanogenic substrate conversion to energy conservation. The range of substrates utilized by methanogens is limited, with acetate and H
2
+CO
2
being the ecologically most relevant. The only single methanogenic energy substrate containing more carbon-carbon bonds than acetate is pyruvate. Only the aggregate-forming, freshwater methanogen
Methanosarcina barkeri
Fusaro was shown to grow on this compound. Here, the pyruvate-utilizing capabilities of the single-celled, marine
Methanosarcina acetivorans
were addressed. Robust pyruvate-dependent, methanogenic, growth could be established by omitting CO
2
from the growth medium. Growth rates which were independent of the pyruvate concentration indicated that
M. acetivorans
actively translocates pyruvate across the cytoplasmic membrane. When 2-bromoethanesulfonate (BES) inhibited methanogenesis to more than 99%, pyruvate-dependent growth was acetogenic and sustained. However, when methanogenesis was completely inhibited
M. acetivorans
did not grow on pyruvate. Analysis of metabolites showed that acetogenesis is used by BES-inhibited
M. acetivorans
as a sink for electrons derived from pyruvate oxidation and that other, thus far unidentified, metabolites are produced.

IMPORTANCE

The known range of methanogenic growth substrates is very limited and
M. acetivorans
is only the second methanogenic species for which growth on pyruvate is demonstrated. Besides some commonalities, analysis of
M. acetivorans
highlights differences in pyruvate metabolism among
Methanosarcina
species. The observation that
M. acetivorans
probably imports pyruvate actively indicates that the capabilities for heterotrophic catabolism in methanogens may be underestimated. The mostly acetogenic growth of
M. acetivorans
on pyruvate with concomitant inhibition of methanogenesis confirms that energy conservation of methanogenic archaea can be independent of methane formation.
Rift Valley Fever virus M and L genome segment detection: a comparison of field-deployable reverse transcription insulated isothermal PCR (RT-iiPCR) and laboratory-based multiplex reverse transcription real-time PCR
Authors: Trujillo Jessie D. , Wilson William C. , Craig Anthony , Van den Bergh Carien , Wang Thomas , Thompson Peter , Swanepoel Robert , Morozov Igor , Richt Juergen A. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Rift Valley Fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen that causes major agricultural and public health problems in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is considered a potential agro-bioterrorism agent for which limited countermeasures are available. To address diagnostic needs, here we describe a rapid and sensitive molecular method immediately employable at sites of suspected outbreaks in animals that commonly precede outbreaks in humans. The strategy involves the concurrent detection of two of the three RVFV genome segments (large and medium) using reverse transcription insulated isothermal PCR (RT-iiPCR) performed on a portable, touch screen nucleic acid analyzer, POCKIT. The analytical sensitivity for both the RT-iiPCR and a laboratory-based L and M multiplex reverse transcription real-time PCR assay was estimated at approximately 0.1–3 copies/reaction using synthetic RNA or viral RNA. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of detection of RVFV on the POCKIT, determined using sera from sheep and cattle (
n
= 181) experimentally infected with two strains of RVFV (SA01 and Ken06), were 93.8% and 100% (kappa = 0.93), respectively. Testing of ruminant field sera (
n
= 193) in two locations in Africa demonstrated 100% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. We conclude that the POCKIT dual-gene RVFV detection strategy can provide reliable, sensitive, and specific point-of-need viral RNA detection. Moreover, the field detection of RVFV in vectors or susceptible animal species can aid in the surveillance and epidemiological studies to better understand and control RVFV outbreaks.

IMPORTANCE

The content of this manuscript is of interest to the diverse readership of the
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
, including research scientists, diagnosticians, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogen that causes major agricultural and public health problems. Current and most sensitive diagnostic approaches that are molecular-based are performed in highly specialized molecular diagnostic laboratories. To address diagnostic needs, we developed a novel, rapid, and sensitive molecular method using a portable PCR machine, POCKIT, capable of immediate deployment at sites of suspected outbreaks. Here, we demonstrate that field-deployable RVFV detection can provide reliable, sensitive, and specific point-of-need viral RNA detection that could be used for diagnostic investigations and epidemiological studies, and can be performed in the field.
Elevated drug overdose mortality among Americans who visit Florida, 2003–2020
Authors: Shrira Ilan , Foster Joshua D 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveFlorida state has played a conspicuous role in the current U.S. drug epidemic. Reports suggest that even non-Florida residents may suffer excessive overdose fatalities while visiting the state, possibly in connection to two sets of events: (1) the overprescribing of controlled substances, and more recently, (2) the exploitation of patients’ insurance benefits by unscrupulous operators of substance use treatment facilities in Florida. To date, however, no research has examined the overdose fatalities of non-Florida residents inside Florida.MethodsDeath certificate data were used to calculate proportionate mortality ratios for overdoses among Florida residents and visitors. Deaths occurring in the rest of the USA were used as reference populations.ResultsBetween 2003 and 2020, overdose mortality was slightly elevated for Florida residents within their home counties (106.7 (95% CI 105.8 to 107.5)) and in other Florida counties (113.0 (95% CI 110.0 to 116.0)). Significantly, this mortality was much higher among out-of-state visitors in Florida (163.1 (95% CI 157.5 to 168.8)). When analysed by year, greater overdose mortality among visitors coincided with years when drug prescribing in Florida was rampant, and with the advent of expanded insurance coverage for substance use treatment. During this more recent period (since 2014), overdose mortality was exceptionally high for out-of-state visitors in Palm Beach County, where reports of malpractice in the Florida treatment industry have been concentrated.ConclusionsOverdose mortality was disproportionately high among out-of-state visitors in Florida. The results suggest that the regulatory policies in Florida may be implicated in drug-related casualties of people who live in other parts of the USA.
Mepivacaine dosing for spinal anesthesia in pediatric orthopedic surgery: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Carley Michelle , Sheetz Miriam , Lauzadis Justas , Zhong Haoyan , DelPizzo Kathryn 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundMepivacaine is an intermediate-acting local anesthetic used for spinal anesthesia in adults. Currently, there are no published dosing guidelines for spinal mepivacaine in patients under age 18.AimsThe purpose of this study is to describe the clinically used doses of mepivacaine by weight and age for orthopedic surgery in pediatrics.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of patients aged 0–18 who received mepivacaine for spinal anesthesia from 2016 to 2022. We performed a secondary analysis for patients aged 0–18 who received spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine or chloroprocaine.ResultsThe data extraction yielded 3627 single-shot mepivacaine spinals. Patient age ranged from 5 to 18 years. Median dosage in milligrams/kilograms (mg/kg) of mepivacaine was calculated for each age group. Our analysis revealed that dosage in mg/kg decreased by patient age and began to plateau at age 15. Bupivacaine was the most common single-shot spinal agent in patients under age 10. After age 10, mepivacaine was more common. Chloroprocaine began to be used in patients older than 8 years.ConclusionsWe describe mepivacaine dosage as a function of age and weight in patients younger than 18 years. As age and weight increased, a lower dose of mepivacaine per kg was administered for spinal anesthesia.
Qualitative perspective on nicotine pouches from adults who smoke cigarettes in North Carolina
Authors: Clark Sonia A , Baler Guido , Jarman Kristen L , Byron M Justin , Goldstein Adam O , Ranney Leah M 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundLittle is known about how nicotine pouch products are perceived by people who smoke, including if they are perceived as a cessation aid or a substitute for when they cannot smoke. We qualitatively investigated the reactions and perceptions about On!, a leading brand of nicotine pouches.MethodsWe conducted online semistructured interviews with 30 adults who smoke cigarettes. Participants viewed an On! brochure and an image of an opened nicotine pouch and were asked about their initial impression, who the intended user is, and how they thought of the product’s safety compared with other tobacco and cessation products. Transcripts were independently coded and the data were analysed using thematic content analysis.ResultsAmong the participants, half identified as female and slightly more than half were white (n=16). The mean age was 43 years old. The following are the central themes that emerged: (1) participants perceived the concealability, flavours and packaging of On! as appealing to youth and young adults; (2) participants perceived nicotine pouches as a product that would supplement rather than replace tobacco use; and (3) the product raised health concerns, which decreased interest in trying nicotine pouches.ConclusionsParticipants believed that the On! nicotine pouch promotional material may promote youth and young adult nicotine product initiation and dual product use for people who smoke. Most viewed On! as a product to use with cigarettes, rather than a way to quit cigarettes. Increased surveillance of nicotine pouches is warranted to monitor the trajectory of this emerging tobacco product and prevent youth initiation.
Super-extremal black holes in the quasitopological electromagnetic field theory
Authors: Hod Shahar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIt has recently been proved that a simple generalization of electromagnetism, referred to as quasitopological electromagnetic field theory, is characterized by the presence of dyonic black-hole solutions of the Einstein field equations that, in certain parameter regions, are characterized by four horizons. In the present compact paper we reveal the existence, in this non-linear electrodynamic field theory, of super-extremal black-hole spacetimes that are characterized by the four degenerate functional relations $$[g_{00}(r)]_{r=r_{\text {H}}}=[dg_{00}(r)/dr]_{r=r_{\text {H}}}=[d^2g_{00}(r)/dr^2]_ {r=r_{\text {H}}}=[d^3g_{00}(r)/dr^3]_{r=r_{\text {H}}}=0$$

[

g
00

(
r
)

]

r
=

r
H

=

[
d

g
00

(
r
)

/
d
r
]

r
=

r
H

=

[

d
2

g
00

(
r
)

/
d

r
2

]

r
=

r
H

=

[

d
3

g
00

(
r
)

/
d

r
3

]

r
=

r
H

=
0

, where $$g_{00}(r)$$

g
00

(
r
)

is the tt-component of the curved line element and $$r_{\text {H}}$$

r
H

is the black-hole horizon radius. In particular, using analytical techniques we prove that the quartically degenerate super-extremal black holes are characterized by the universal (parameter-independent) dimensionless compactness parameter $$M/r_{\text {H}}={2\over 3}(2\gamma +1)$$

M
/

r
H

=

2
3

(
2
γ
+
1
)

, where $$\gamma \equiv {_2F_1}(1/4,1;5/4;-3)$$

γ
≡

2

F
1

(
1
/
4
,
1
;
5
/
4
;
-
3
)

.
Study on water migration and the microstructure of unsaturated expansive clays
Authors: Liu Qiuyan , Wang Mingwu 
Published: February 2024

Because of the characteristics of water swelling and drying shrinkage, the mechanical performance of expansive clays in semi-arid areas deteriorates with changes in humidity and temperature. Hence, investigating the moisture migration in expansive clays is of great significance. Herein, scanning electron microscopy and water migration tests of unsaturated soil were carried out to address the water variation law and microscopic mechanisms in unsaturated expansive clays. It was found that small- and medium-sized pores (2–10

μ

m) are dominant, and these pores are conducive to an increase in the water content in the soil. Soil with a high water content exhibits a flocculent structure, characterized by a small fractal dimension and a high relative hydraulic conductivity. Conversely, soil with a low water content displays a dispersed structure, featuring a large fractal dimension and a low relative hydraulic conductivity. The water migration tests, which were carried out at constant temperatures (5, 20 and 40°C) and variable temperatures (15–25°C), show that the amount of migration at 5 and 20°C was about 25–40 and 40–60% of that at 40°C, respectively. The amount of water migration at a constant temperature was obviously lower than that recorded at variable temperatures. The research results have provided technical support for the effective control of soil change.
The Cretaceous diversification of angiosperms: perspectives from mesofossils
Authors: Friis Else Marie , Crane Peter R. , Pedersen Kaj Raunsgaard 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The plant fossil record during the Cretaceous documents a major transition in the dominant group of terrestrial autotrophs, as plant communities from the earlier Mesozoic were transformed by the appearance and rapid diversification of angiosperms. This transformation began in the Early Cretaceous, continued through the Late Cretaceous and led ultimately to the dominance of angiosperms in most terrestrial ecosystems today, which had profound consequences for the other organisms inhabiting terrestrial ecosystems and perhaps the planet as a whole. Our understanding of angiosperm diversification has been greatly improved over the past 50 years by integrated studies of fossil assemblages containing angiosperm pollen and leaves, but especially by new information from mesofossil floras that have provided previously unanticipated detail on floral form in Cretaceous angiosperms and have allowed the recognition of key dispersed pollen types
in situ
. Information from fossil flowers has greatly facilitated meaningful comparisons with living plants and integration with phylogenetic analyses of extant angiosperms based on DNA evidence. The combined insights from these discoveries provide a broadly consistent and coherent picture of angiosperm evolution through the Cretaceous, which comprises more than half of their entire evolutionary history.
High-Fat Diet Induced PPARδ Promotes Self-renewal of Preleukemic Progenitors in Development of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Yamada Hiroshi Y. , Rao Chinthalapally V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFrom risk association between acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and obese-overweight individuals, Mazzarella and colleagues hypothesized that a high-fat diet (HFD) promotes development of APL. Using mouse APL model (PML-RARα knock-in), the authors demonstrated that linoleic acid drives activation of PPARδ in hematopoietic progenitors, and that activation of PPARδ increases proliferation of progenitor cells with PML-RARA expression toward APL. Involvements of PPARδ on regulation of stem cell renewal and proliferation were shown in colorectal cancers earlier, but this study newly demonstrates in hematopoietic progenitors, while suggesting use of diet rich in linoleic acid with caution.See related article by Mazzarella et al., p. 59
Summer Russian Heat Waves Linked to Arctic Sea Ice Anomalies in 2010 and 2016
Authors: Zhang Xuanwen , Wu Bingyi , Ding Shuoyi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study investigates dominant features of the atmospheric circulation evolution associated with extreme heat waves (HWs) in Russia during the summers of 2010 and 2016, respectively, and their possible association with Arctic sea ice loss. Results show that a region of Russia (20°–70°E, 45°–65°N) experienced a lasting 44-day HW event from 4 July to 16 August 2010 and a 26-day HW event from 2 to 27 August 2016. The associated atmospheric circulation anomalies are characterized by the summer Arctic cold anomaly in the mid- to low troposphere and an anticyclonic circulation anomaly over the Ural Mountains. Simulation experiments forced by summer Arctic sea ice anomalies reproduce the major characteristics of observational associations. Observations and numerical simulations indicate that summer Arctic sea ice anomaly is conducive to the formation of the summer Arctic cold anomaly, which is often accompanied by the enhanced baroclinicity in most of the Arctic troposphere and increased and decreased meridional temperature gradient in the high and midlatitudes, respectively. Such a configuration strengthens westerly winds over most of the Arctic and weakens zonal westerly over the southern Ural Mountains. This anomalous zonal wind pattern establishes the background conditions for the sustained positive geopotential height anomaly in the mid- to low troposphere that dynamically facilitates the prevalence of Russian HW events. Moreover, when compared with 2016, the weaker meridional potential vorticity gradient anomaly in the summer of 2010 prolonged the persistence of Ural blocking, which may lead to longer HW events in Russia.
Current and upcoming treatment approaches to common subtypes of PTCL (PTCL, NOS; ALCL; and TFHs)
Authors: Moskowitz Alison J. , Stuver Robert N. , Horwitz Steven M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The treatment of common nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs), including PTCL, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS), anaplastic large-cell lymphomas, and T-follicular helper lymphomas, is evolving. These entities are currently treated similarly with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) or cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, and prednisone (CHOEP) for CD30-negative diseases, or brentuximab vedotin plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (CHP) for CD30-positive diseases, followed by consolidation with autologous stem cell transplantation in the first remission. Ongoing improvements in PTCL classification, identification of predictive biomarkers, and development of new targeted agents will lead to more specific therapies that address the unique biologic and clinical properties of each entity. For example, widespread efforts focused on molecular profiling of PTCL, NOS is likely to identify distinct subtypes that warrant different treatment approaches. New agents, such as EZH1/2 and JAK/STAT pathway inhibitors, have broadened treatment options for relapsed or refractory diseases. Furthermore, promising strategies for optimizing immune therapy for PTCL are currently under investigation and have the potential to significantly alter the therapeutic landscape. Ongoing frontline study designs incorporate an understanding of disease biology and drug sensitivities and are poised to evaluate whether newer-targeted agents should be incorporated into frontline settings for various disease entities. Although current treatment strategies lump most disease entities together, future treatments will include distinct strategies for each disease subtype that optimize therapy for individuals. This movement toward individualized therapy will ultimately lead to dramatic improvements in the prognosis of patients with PTCL.
Evolution and function analysis of auxin response factors reveal the molecular basis of the developed root system of Zygophyllum xanthoxylum
Authors: Xing Ying , Liu Chunli , Zheng Chuan , Li Hong , Yin Hongju 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
As a xerophytic shrub, forming developed root system dominated with lateral roots is one of the effective strategies for Zygophyllum xanthoxylum to adapt to desert habitat. However, the molecular mechanism of lateral root formation in Z. xanthoxylum is still unclear. Auxin response factors (ARFs) are a master family of transcription factors (TFs) in auxin-mediated biological processes including root growth and development.

Results
Here, to determine the relationship between ARFs and root system formation in Z. xanthoxylum, a total of 30 potential ZxARF genes were first identified, and their classifications, evolutionary relationships, duplication events and conserved domains were characterized. 107 ARF protein sequences from alga to higher plant species including Z. xanthoxylum are split into A, B, and C 3 Clades, consisting with previous studies. The comparative analysis of ARFs between xerophytes and mesophytes showed that A-ARFs of xerophytes expanded considerably more than that of mesophytes. Furthermore, in this Clade, ZxARF5b and ZxARF8b have lost the important B3 DNA-binding domain partly and completely, suggesting both two proteins may be more functional in activating transcription by dimerization with AUX/IAA repressors. qRT-PCR results showed that all A-ZxARFs are high expressed in the roots of Z. xanthoxylum, and they were significantly induced by drought stress. Among these A-ZxARFs, the over-expression assay showed that ZxARF7c and ZxARF7d play positive roles in lateral root formation.

Conclusion
This study provided the first comprehensive overview of ZxARFs and highlighted the importance of A-ZxARFs in the lateral root development.
Prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance of endemic healthcare-associated infections in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bunduki Gabriel Kambale , Masoamphambe Effita , Fox Tilly , Musaya Janelisa , Musicha Patrick , Feasey Nicholas 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) place a significant burden on healthcare systems globally. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and aetiologic agents of endemic HCAI in Africa.

Methods
MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, and Global Health databases (EBSCOhost interface) were searched for studies published in English and French describing HCAI in Africa from 2010 to 2022. We extracted data on prevalence of HCAI, risk factors, aetiologic agents, and associated antimicrobial resistance patterns. We used random-effects models to estimate parameter values with 95% confidence intervals for risk factors associated with HCAI. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022374559) and followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Results
Of 2541 records screened, 92 were included, comprising data from 81,968 patients. Prevalence of HCAI varied between 1.6 and 90.2% with a median of 15% across studies. Heterogeneity (I2) varied from 93 to 99%. Contaminated wound (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.31–2.19), long hospital stay (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 0.92–1.80), urinary catheter (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 0.35–2.78), intubation and ventilation (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 0.85–2.22), vascular catheters (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.52–2.45) were among risk factors associated with HCAI. Bacteria reported from included studies comprised 6463 isolates, with E. coli (18.3%, n = 1182), S. aureus (17.3%, n = 1118), Klebsiella spp. (17.2%, n = 1115), Pseudomonas spp. (10.3%, n = 671), and Acinetobacter spp. (6.8%, n = 438) being most common. Resistance to multiple antibiotics was common; 70.3% (IQR: 50–100) of Enterobacterales were 3rd -generation cephalosporin resistant, 70.5% (IQR: 58.8–80.3) of S. aureus were methicillin resistant and 55% (IQR: 27.3–81.3) Pseudomonas spp. were resistant to all agents tested.

Conclusions
HCAI is a greater problem in Africa than other regions, however, there remains a paucity of data to guide local action. There is a clear need to develop and validate sustainable HCAI definitions in Africa to support the implementation of routine HCAI surveillance and inform implementation of context appropriate infection prevention and control strategies.