bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep‐related bruxism, microarousals and oxyhaemoglobin desaturations in sleep stages: A cross‐sectional study in a large apnoeic population
Authors: de Miranda Diniz Silvana Alkmim , de Magalhães Lopes Regina , Guedes Luciana Macedo , Bruzinga Fábio Fernandes Borém , de Aguilar Seraidarian Karolina Kristian , de Magalhães Barros Vinícius , de Barros Massahud Maria Letícia , Seraidarian Paulo Isaias
Published: July 2024

Background

Sleep‐related bruxism (SB) is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth during sleep, mediated by the non‐peripheral central nervous system.

Purpose

The objectives of this cross‐sectional study were to evaluate associations between SB, microarousals and oxyhaemoglobin desaturations and to compare the frequency of SB and microarousals in sleep stages, in an apnoeic population.

Methods

Two hundred and forty individuals composed the sample, who underwent a single full‐night polysomnography. Self‐reports and clinical inspections were not considered for assessing SB. The polysomnographic assessment of SB was performed using electrodes placed on masseter muscles and chin. SB was defined as more than two events of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity per hour of sleep. Microarousals were considered when there were abrupt changes in electroencephalogram frequencies, without complete awakening, lasting from 3 to 15 s. Oxyhaemoglobin desaturations were defined as significant drops (≥3%) in basal oxygen saturations. With these data, SB, microarousals and oxyhaemoglobin desaturations were evaluated and submitted to statistical analysis.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed between bruxers and non‐bruxers when comparing the rates of microarousals (p < .001) and oxyhaemoglobin desaturations (p = .038). There was a higher number of SB and microarousals in NREM (non‐rapid eye movement) two sleep stage (p < 0.001). Bruxers had a greater risk of higher numbers of microarousals (OR = 1.023; p = .003), which did not occur for oxyhaemoglobin desaturations (OR = 0.998; p = .741).

Conclusions

A higher number of microarousals presents relationship with SB; associations between SB and oxyhaemoglobin desaturations remained inconclusive; higher frequency of SB and microarousals was observed in NREM 2 sleep stage.
Why do children not survive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation?
Authors: Alexander Georgina K , Namachivayam Siva P , Chiletti Roberto , Butt Warwick
Published: July 2024

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in critically ill children with cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Use is increasing in children with high‐risk comorbidities. Reasons children do not survive ECMO are poorly described.

Aims

Describe characteristics and cause of death, compare mortality in children with high‐risk comorbidities, evaluate mortality trends over a decade.

Method

All children <18 years old who received ECMO at this institution from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 were described and categorised by outcome: died on or <48 h post‐ECMO, died ≥48 h post‐ECMO, survived to hospital discharge. Children who did not survive ECMO (DNSE) were categorised to: ECMO withdrawal for irrecoverable original condition, withdrawal for poor prognosis neurological condition, brain death, withdrawal for poor prognosis with multiple complex conditions, and unsupportable. Poison regression was used to analyse survival trends.

Results

Four hundred twenty‐eight children received ECMO, 19% DNSE, 14% died ≥48 h post‐ECMO and 67% survived. ECMO was electively withdrawn for irrecoverable original condition (39%), poor prognosis for neurological condition (32%) or multiple complex conditions (18%). One hundred twenty‐two children had ≥1 high‐risk comorbidity. Children with genetic syndromes (58%), risk‐adjusted congenital heart surgery score‐1 ≥4 (53%), primary immunodeficiency (50%) had lower hospital survival. No children with malignancy/bone marrow transplant survived to hospital discharge. Overall hospital survival was 67%, with no significant change during the study period (P‐trend = 0.99).

Conclusion

Children who DNSE have therapy electively withdrawn for irrecoverable disease or poor prognosis. Children with high‐risk comorbidities have a reasonable chance of survival. This study informs clinicians ECMO may be a therapeutic option.
Impact of phytase supplementation on nutrient variability, growth, and digestibility in weaned pigs fed a corn‐SBM complex diet
Authors: Park Jong Wan , Kinara Elick , Hosseindoust Abdolreza , Moturi Joseph , Mun JunYoung , Ha SangHun , Park SeRin , Kim JinSoo
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated the effects of different nutrient matrices, with or without phytase supplementation, on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility, and blood inositol in pigs fed a complex diet based on corn‐soybean meal. Four hundred newly weaned cross‐bred (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) 21‐day‐old piglets of initial body weight 6.35 ± 1.91 kg were allotted to one of the five dietary treatments: Control (CNT), a corn‐soybean‐based standard diet; negative control 1 (NC1), a standard diet with reduced available phosphorus (Av.P) (−0.125%), metabolizable energy (ME) (−40 kcal), and crude protein (CP) (−0.3%); NC1 with 500 phytase units per kilogramme (FTU/kg) (N1P5); negative control 2 (NC2), a standard diet with greater reduction of Av.P (−0.150%), ME (−55 kcal), and CP (−0.45%,); and NC2 with 1000 FTU/kg (N2P10). Piglets were housed in a random arrangement based on sex and body weight and data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using analysis of variance. Results showed that the body weight and average daily gain of the NC2 treatment were lower (p < 0.05) compared to NC2. Gain to feed ratio was greater (p < 0.05) in the CNT and N1P5 treatments compared to the NC1, NC2, and N2P10 treatments. The CP digestibility was higher (p < 0.05) in N1P5 and N2P10 treatments compared to other treatments. Moreover, the digestibility of phosphorus and calcium was higher (p < 0.05) in N1P5 and N2P10 treatments than in CNT, NC1, and NC2 treatments. The digestibility of non‐dispensable AA; histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and valine were increased (p < 0.05) in N1P5 and N2P10 than in CNT, NC1, and NC2 treatments. Nevertheless, the digestibility of dispensable AA, glutamic acid, was higher (p < 0.05) in N1P5 and N2P10 treatments than in CNT, NC1, and NC2 treatments. Blood myo‐inositol concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in N1P5 and N2P10 treatments compared to CNT, NC1, and NC2 treatments in phase 2. These results demonstrated enhanced outcomes under conditions of moderate deficiency, whereas more pronounced deficiencies necessitated increased phytase dosages to observe significant improvements. The efficacy of phytase was evident in its ability to elevate average daily gain, gain to feed ratio, phosphorus and calcium, CP, AA, and blood myo‐inositol.
Exploring the impact of gut microbiota on liver health in mice and patients with Wilson disease
Authors: Zhong Hao‐Jie , Liu Ai‐Qun , Huang Dong‐Ni , Zhou Zhi‐Hua , Xu Shun‐Peng , Wu Lei , Yang Xin‐Ping , Chen Yangchao , Hong Ming‐Fan , Zhan Yong‐Qiang
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Distinctive gut microbial profiles have been observed between patients with Wilson disease (WD) and healthy individuals. Despite this, the exact relationship and influence of gut microbiota on the advancement of WD‐related liver damage remain ambiguous. This research seeks to clarify the gut microbiota characteristics in both human patients and mouse models of WD, as well as their impact on liver injury.

Methods

Gut microbial features in healthy individuals, patients with WD, healthy mice and mice with early‐ and late‐stage WD were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, WD‐afflicted mice underwent treatment with either an antibiotic cocktail (with normal saline as a control) or healthy microbiota (using disease microbiota as a control). The study assessed gut microbiota composition, hepatic transcriptome profiles, liver copper concentrations and hepatic pathological injuries.

Results

Patients with hepatic WD and mice with WD‐related liver injury displayed altered gut microbiota composition, notably with a significant reduction in Lactobacillus abundance. Additionally, the abundances of several gut genera, including Lactobacillus, Veillonella and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, showed significant correlations with the severity of liver injury in patients with WD. In WD mice, antibiotic treatment or transplantation of healthy microbiota altered the gut microbial structure, increased Lactobacillus abundance and modified the hepatic transcriptional profile. These interventions resulted in reduced hepatic copper concentration and alleviation of WD‐related liver injury.

Conclusions

Individuals and mice with pronounced WD‐related liver injury exhibited shifts in gut microbial composition. Regulating gut microbiota through healthy microbiota transplantation emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for treating WD‐related liver injury.
A novel pilot study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a wireless patch system in patients with chronic nausea and vomiting
Authors: Lacy Brian E. , Cangemi David J. , Accurso Joseph M. , Axelrod Steve , Axelrod Lindsay , Navalgund Anand
Published: July 2024

Background

Gastric sensorimotor disorders (functional dyspepsia [FD] and gastroparesis [GP]) are prevalent and burdensome. Prolonged ambulatory recording using a wireless patch may provide novel information in these patients.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) referred for gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) were eligible for study inclusion. Patients were excluded if they had prior foregut surgery; were taking opioids or other medications known to affect gastric emptying; had a HgbA1C > 10; or were recently hospitalized. Three wireless motility patches were applied to the skin prior to GES. Patients wore the patches for 6 days while recording meals, symptoms, and bowel movements using an iPhone app.

Key Results

Twenty‐three consecutive adults (87% women; mean age = 43.9 years; mean BMI = 26.7 kg/m2) were enrolled. A gastric histogram revealed three levels of gastric myoelectric activity: weak, moderate, and strong. Patients with delayed gastric emptying at 4 h had weak gastric myoelectrical activity. Patients with nausea and vomiting had strong intestinal activity. Those with FD had weak gastric and intestinal myoelectric activity, and a weak meal response in the stomach, intestine, and colon compared to those with nausea alone or vomiting alone.

Conclusions and Inferences

Patients with FD, and those with delayed gastric emptying, had unique gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity patterns. Reduced postprandial pan‐intestinal myoelectric activity may explain the symptoms of FD in some patients. Recording gastrointestinal activity over a prolonged period in the outpatient setting has the potential to identify unique pathophysiologic patterns and meal‐related activity that distinguishes patients with distinct gastric sensorimotor disease states.
Pediatric to adult transition care in neurogastroenterology and motility: A position paper from the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
Authors: Butt Mohsin F. , Groen Jip , Jonker Charlotte A. L. , Burton‐Murray Helen , Carrington Emma V. , Chang Lin , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Ellis Jacob , Escher Johanna C. , Gorter Ramon R. , Jewell Sorcha , Karrento Katja , Koster Emma C. , Nurko Samuel , Rosen Rachel , van Tilburg Miranda A. L. , Zarate‐Lopez Natalia , Corsetti Maura , Benninga Marc A.
Published: July 2024

Transition services—programs that support adolescents and young adults (AYAs) as they move from a child‐centered to a more autonomous, adult‐orientated healthcare system—have been associated with improved short‐ and long‐term healthcare outcomes. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of evidence exploring transition services within the neurogastroenterology and motility (NGM) field. The overall aim of this article, endorsed by the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, is to promote a discussion about the role of transition services for patients with NGM disorders. The AYAs addressed herein are those who have: (a) a ROME positive disorder of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), (b) a primary or secondary motility disorder (including those with motility disorders that have been surgically managed), or (c) an artificial feeding requirement (parenteral or enteral tube feeding) to manage malnutrition secondary to categories (a) or (b). The issues explored in this position paper include the specific physical and psychological healthcare needs of patients with NGM disorders; key healthcare professionals who should form part of a secondary care NGM transition service; the triadic relationship between healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients; approaches to selecting patients who may benefit most from transition care; methods to assess transition readiness; and strategies with which to facilitate transfer of care between healthcare professionals. Key areas for future research are also addressed, including the construction of NGM‐specific transition readiness questionnaires, tools to assess post‐transfer healthcare outcomes, and educational programs to train healthcare professionals about transition care in NGM.
The role of dynamic capabilities in the development of organisational ambidexterity and its effect on timely responsiveness in emerging market high‐tech firms
Authors: Ng Sin‐Pei , Ahmed Pervaiz K.
Published: July 2024

Although organisational ambidexterity (hereafter referred to as ambidexterity) allows emerging market high‐tech firms (EMHTFs) to align themselves with existing markets and to explore and seize new market opportunities to retain their competitiveness in rapidly changing business environments, little is known about how ambidexterity is developed and the role that dynamic capabilities play in the development of ambidexterity. We examine how dynamic capabilities, specifically, sensing and reconfiguring capabilities, influence the development of ambidexterity and the effect of ambidexterity on timely responsiveness. We also investigate the moderating effects of firm characteristics (i.e. firm size, sector, age, and status) and environmental turbulence (i.e. market, competitive, and technological turbulence) on both relationships. We find that the application of sensing and reconfiguring capabilities enables EMHTFs to develop ambidexterity and that ambidexterity improves timely responsiveness. Additionally, the relationship between the use of sensing capability and ambidexterity and between ambidexterity and timely responsiveness, appear robust across varying levels of market, competitive, and technological turbulence, and regardless of firm size, sector, age, and status. Furthermore, while EMHTFs across different sectors, age groups, and status benefit from using the reconfiguring capability to develop ambidexterity, we find that large firms benefit more than SMEs as the resource availability advantage of large firms allow them to reconfigure resources to support ambidextrous orientations in various ways. Hence, large firms can develop greater ambidexterity than SMEs, whose scarce resources limit how they can reconfigure resources to support ambidextrous orientations.
The AI revolution with 21st century skills: Implications for the wage inequality and technical change
Authors: Grant Rachael , Üngör Murat
Published: July 2024

We construct a three‐level constant elasticity of substitution production model. Labour is split into three components: (i) low‐skilled labour, (ii) high‐skilled labour with a traditional education background, and (iii) high‐skilled labour with an AI‐based education background. Rising use of automation in production will cause a rise in the skill premium (wages of both types of high‐skilled workers relative to low‐skilled workers) and AI skill premium (wages of high‐skilled labour with an AI‐based education relative to those with a traditional education background). Dependent on the value of the elasticity, automation may favour high‐skilled workers with an AI‐based education background.
Allogenic and autologous nondiluted serum eye drops—validation strategy compliant with good manufacturing practice
Authors: Dormann Frauke , Hähnel Viola , Müller Viktoria , Burkhardt Ralph , Offner Robert
Published: July 2024

Background and aims

Serum eye drops alleviate ocular symptoms of diseases such as sicca syndrome, or chronic graft‐versus‐host disease. This study was designed for good manufacturing practice validation of our standard manufacturing, storage and transport processes for both autologous and allogenic SEDs. Specifications of quality parameters are lacking and were aimed to be defined.

Methods

Using sterile collected, coagulated whole blood, serum was separated by centrifugation and filled into single‐use eye drop applicator vials. Quality control tests included visual inspection, sterility, leukocyte concentration, pH, vitamin A, TGF‐ß and VEGF‐A. Samples were collected after manufacture and after 24 h and 6 months of frozen storage (−20°C). Sterility testing was performed after opening the SED applicators at specified intervals. For transport validation, SEDs were packed in insulated transport bags and stored at 20–24°C and 30–32°C for 8 h.

Results

Vitamin A, TGF‐ß and VEGF‐A assays showed no difference in concentration between fresh and 24 h frozen serum. All specifications for pH (aim 7.4) and cellular contamination were met and microbiological contamination tests were negative. Shelf‐life was defined as 6 months at −20°C. Once opened, the product must be used within 24 h to avoid bacterial outgrowth. Transporting frozen SEDs from the manufacturer via a local pharmacy to the patient within a maximum of 4 h was demonstrated.

Conclusions

The GMP compliance of our production, storage and transport processes for autologous and allogenic SEDs was successfully validated. 100% serum eye drops in single‐use applicators can be safely used for up to 24 h after opening.
International trade and income convergence: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Damásio Sarah , Afonso Óscar , Neves Pedro Cunha , Sochirca Elena
Published: July 2024

We develop a meta‐analysis of the empirical literature that estimates the impact of international trade on income convergence between countries. We find that, on average, trade tends to generate inter‐country income convergence. Especially in more recent years, we identified a preference for publishing and citing studies that report a stronger effect of trade on convergence. We also find that the effect of trade on income convergence is sensitive to the characteristics of the countries included in the sample, data structure, and estimation techniques.
The use of serum paraoxonase‐1 to assess inflammation in horses with colitis
Authors: Winther Malou F. , Johnsson Josefine , Madsen Pernille K. , Pihl Tina H. , Paltrinieri Saverio , Cerón José J. , Scavone Donatella , Pardo‐Marin Luis , Jacobsen Stine
Published: July 2024

Background

Paraoxonase‐1 (PON‐1) has been suggested as a marker of inflammation and oxidative stress in horses and could potentially be used for prognostication in horses with colitis.

Objectives

Assessment of PON‐1 in horses with colitis and comparison of two methods.

Methods

Serum PON‐1 was measured by two methods (paraoxon and p‐nitrophenyl acetate) in 161 horses with colitis and 57 controls. Follow‐up samples obtained during hospitalization were available from 106 horses with colitis. The two methods were compared.

Results

Serum PON‐1 was significantly lower in horses with colitis than in healthy horses (P < .0001 for both methods) as well as in nonsurvivors compared with survivors (P = .0141 [paraoxon‐based method] and P < .0001 [p‐nitrophenyl acetate‐based method]), but with marked overlap between groups. PON‐1 activity did not change parallel to a change in inflammatory status in response to treatment when assessed at admission and in up to seven follow‐up samples. Admission PON‐1 activity could not reliably classify horses as survivors or nonsurvivors, with sensitivity and specificity ranging between 53.1% and 72.9%. Results from the two methods were comparable.

Conclusions

Both methods reliably measured serum PON‐1 activity. Significant differences in PON‐1 activity were found between healthy horses and horses with colitis and between survivors and nonsurvivors. However, PON‐1 activity varied considerably within groups. Both the proposed reference intervals as well as alternative cutoff values resulted in suboptimal diagnostic and prognostic performance, and the use of serum PON‐1 in horses with colitis thus seems to add little to existing diagnostic and prognostic markers.
Retrospective evaluation of the short‐term response of human intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in the management of canine immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (2010–2015): 27 cases
Authors: Zoia Andrea , Busato Francesca , Drigo Michele
Published: July 2024

Objective

To describe the short‐term response, early prognostic markers, and survival after treatment of canine immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP) with human intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) and methylprednisolone.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Settings

Private referral veterinary medical center.

Animals

Twenty‐seven client‐owned dogs with primary or secondary ITP.

Interventions

All dogs received 2 mg/kg IV methylprednisolone once daily and a single infusion of 5% hIVIG administered over 6–12 hours.

Measurements and Main Results

A substantial increase in platelet count within 60 ± 12 hours post‐hIVIG infusion (T60) was observed in 19 of the 27 (70%) dogs with ITP (responders). Thirty‐four variables, including serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G concentration 24 ± 12 hours post‐hIVIG infusion (T24IgG) and increase in serum IgG concentration 24 ± 12 hours post‐hIVIG infusion (T24ΔIgG), were compared between responders and nonresponders at 5 different time points. Mortality rates of responders and nonresponders were evaluated 14 days post‐hIVIG infusion. Serum T24IgG and serum T24ΔIgG were both significantly higher at T60 in responders. All responders were alive 14 days post‐hIVIG infusion, and their mortality rate was significantly lower compared with nonresponders.

Conclusions

Responder dogs had an excellent 14‐day survival rate. Serum T24IgG and serum T24ΔIgG concentrations accurately predicted response status at 60 hours post‐hIVIG infusion.
Sociolinguistic variation in Colloquial Singapore English sia
Authors: Hafiz Mohamed , Hiramoto Mie , Leimgruber Jakob R. E. , Gonzales Wilkinson Daniel Wong , Lim Jun Jie
Published: July 2024

Colloquial Singapore English (CSE), also known as ‘Singlish’, features a wide range of sentence‐final particles (SFP) influenced by local languages such as Hokkien, Cantonese, Mandarin and Malay. This study focuses on the SFP sia, a relatively new and less‐explored particle with Malay roots. We examine sia and its variants (sia, sial, siak and siol) using data from the Corpus of Singapore English Messages, a 6.9‐million‐word text‐message corpus from 2016 to 2022. While previous research has associated sia and its variants with strong illocutionary contexts, particularly among young male Singaporeans due to its vulgar and masculine connotations, our data indicate that sia is now used more broadly among CSE‐speaking youth. It is employed in both strong and weak illocutionary contexts, suggesting a shift away from its negative/vulgar associations. Sia and its variants are emerging as general phatic markers reflecting the identity of CSE‐speaking youth.
Efficient Phosphate Ions Removal Using Multi-Layered Poly(allylamine hydrochloride)/ Poly(styrene sulfonate) Incorporated Electrospun Cellulose Membrane
Authors: Asraf M. H. , Mokhter M. A. , Rosidi N. D. N. M. , Idrus N. S. M. , Malek N. A. N. N.
Published: July 2024

Phosphate ion removal in wastewater via nanofiltration is a major challenge in wastewater treatment. In this study, cellulose acetate (CA) incorporated with graphene oxide/ sodium dodecyl sulphate (GO/SDS) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride)/poly(styrene sulfonate) (PAH/PSS) were synthesized using the electrospinning method. The membranes were characterized using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), water contact angle, and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). In addition, a multi-layered electrospun cellulose membrane was stacked using a layer-by-layer (LbL) technique to produce a functional ultra-filtration membrane for enhanced phosphate ions removal. The results showed that the modified membranes had better hydrophilicity and lower flux rates as compared to the unmodified membrane. The incorporation of compressed multi-layered for both unmodified and modified membranes also indicated increased phosphate ions removal efficiency up to 18.99 % and 43.08 %, respectively. In addition, post-filtration revealed that phosphate was adsorbed onto the three-layer modified membrane. PAH/PSS-modified CA/GO/SDS membrane is an innovative modification of the cellulose membrane for the phosphate-contaminated water system.
SOYBEAN AND WASTE COOKING OIL BASED FEEDSTOCKS AS A SUSTAINABLE BIOFUEL
Authors: Jeremy Ong Jun Sheng , Abdul Malik Muhammad Syahiran , Othman Norazila , Abdul Wahid Mastura
Published: July 2024

Fuel in transportation is necessary and gas release from transportation activity raises concern of pollution. Sustainable fuels sources are from biomass can convert to the alternative to the bioenergy fuel. It is actively investigated with concern in the environmental effects if using conventional fuels from reservoir of fossil fuels. Hence, to counter these consequences, Sustainable Fuels (SF) is investigated as it is considered a renewable source of fuel. Thus, this study aims to establish an experiment to determine the suitability of biomass fuel by using soybean and waste cooking oil feedstocks. An experiment is set up to produce biomass fuel by using feedstock from different biomass particularly from soybean oil, a first-generation edible feedstock and waste cooking oil, a second-generation nonedible feedstock. The method chosen to produce biomass fuel is transesterification. The experiment will test the effects of a catalyst, namely solid Potassium Hydroxide, KOH, with three levels of concentration 0.75%, 1%, and 1.5% w/w KOH. Once the biomass fuel is produced it will undergo a series of tests to study the effect of parameters such as density, kinematic viscosity, caloric value, acid value and Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME). The results show that using the feedstock 0.75 w/w% of KOH, the yield of biomass fuel is the most for both feedstocks. It is noted that soybean oil yields slightly greater feedstock than waste cooking oil. The density for both feedstock is very similar at 0.87-0.88 g/cm3. The acid value of biomass fuel produced from waste cooking oil is much higher than soybean oil at 0.28 but still under the acceptance range of 0.5. The concentration of catalyst used is a major factor in the yield of biomass fuel. It is also noted that the first-generation edible feedstock of soybean oil produces greater quality of biomass fuel. Nevertheless, first-generation feedstock still poses the food competition threat in comparison to second-generation feedstock. Therefore, establishment of the second-generation feedstock from waste cooking oil produces biomass fuel that is close to the quality of soybean oil, it is a more preferred feedstock compared to soybean oil.
Development of 1400 °C (2552 °F) Class Ceramic Matrix Composite Turbine Shroud and Demonstration Test With JAXA F7 Aircraft Engine
Authors: Watanabe Fumiaki , Yamanaka Shohei , Noguchi Toshihito , Hirano Hiroto , Sato Hayao , Makida Mitsumasa , Hojo Masahiro
Published: July 2024

The authors developed 1400 °C (2552 °F) class ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material system, which consists of silicon carbide (SiC) fibers and SiC matrix and ytterbium silicate base matrix, aiming for higher temperature capability. Then they designed and manufactured high pressure turbine (HPT) shrouds for aircraft engines using that 1400 °C class material system, and they conducted strength tests and thermal cycle tests for turbine shroud components. After that, they conducted engine tests for the CMC turbine shrouds' demonstration in the actual engine environment jointly with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2021. The engine test was conducted for over 75 h including over 35 h hot time. After that, the test teardown inspection was conducted. No spallation of environmental barrier coating (EBC), no recession, and no wear on CMC turbine shrouds were found. As the result of the microstructure observation for cut faces of CMC turbine shrouds, no oxidation in SiC fibers, no chemical reaction in matrix, and no microcrack in matrix were found, but, some oxidation in fiber interface coating and microcrack in EBC were found. Bending strength tests with specimens cut out from CMC turbine shrouds were conducted in order to survey the degradation of material. As the result of bending test, the strength of the specimens cut out from engine-tested shrouds were equivalent to the strength of the specimens cut out from unused shrouds. The CMC turbine shrouds after engine test were determined to be serviceable; therefore, the developed 1400 °C class CMC shrouds were proven to be sound in an actual engine environment.
Modeling and Admittance Control of a Piezoactuated Needle Insertion Device for Safe Puncture of Spinal Membranes
Authors: Duan Yuzhou , Ling Jie , Zhu Yuchuan
Published: July 2024

Robotic-assisted lumbar puncture (LP) has been explored in recent years. The most important step in this procedure is accurately and safely puncturing the spinal membrane (dura mater) based on an automatic needle insertion device (NID). Piezoactuated NID has shown its advantages with high precision and compact structure. Soft control of the NID is important for insertion safety; however, for stick-slip piezoactuated NID, there are few studies due to the complex mechanism of stick-slip motion. Here, a modeling and admittance control method for a proposed stick-slip piezoactuated NID is proposed for safe puncture of the spinal membrane. To analytically model the NID, the compliant mechanism (CM) in the NID is reduced to a second-order system. The stick-slip friction and the spinal membrane are modeled based on the LuGre model and the Hunt–Crossley model, respectively. Based on these models, an admittance controller (AC) for the proposed NID is established to realize the precise control of the position and the safety protection against puncture errors. Simulations and preliminary experiments based on a prototype of the NID and a phantom of the spinal membrane were carried out to test the proposed modeling and control method. Results show that the proposed NID with AC has a maximum insertion error of 0.62 mm and the insertion depth decays by 80% when an unexpected force is applied. Therefore, the proposed model and control method have the potential to be used in real LP procedures by further development.
Liquid Cooling of Fuel Cell Powered Aircraft: The Effect of Coolants on Thermal Management
Authors: Frey Adam C. , Bosak David , Stonham Joseph , Sangan Carl M. , Pountney Oliver J.
Published: July 2024

Electric propulsors powered by Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) offer a net zero solution to aircraft propulsion. Heat generated by the PEMFCs can be transferred to atmospheric air via a liquid cooling system; however, the cooling system results in parasitic power and adds mass to the propulsion system, thereby affecting system specific power. The design of the cooling system is sensitive to the choice of liquid coolant and so informed coolant selection is required if associated parasitic power and mass are to be minimized. Two approaches to selection of coolants for PEMFC-powered aircraft are presented in this paper for operating temperatures in the range 80–200 °C (this covers low, intermediate, and high temperature PEMFCs). The first approach uses a figure of merit (FoM) alongside minimum and maximum operating temperature requirements. The FoM supports the selection of coolants that minimize pumping power and mass while maximizing heat transfer rate. The second approach uses a cooling system model to select “Pareto efficient” coolants. A hybrid-electric aircraft using a PEMFC stack is used as a representative case study for the two approaches. Hydrocarbon-based coolants are shown to be favorable for the case study considered here (aromatics for PEMFCs operating at <130 °C and aliphatics for PEMFCs operating at >130 °C). As the PEMFC operating temperature increases, the parasitic power and mass of the Thermal Management System (TMS) decreases. Operating at elevated temperatures is therefore beneficial for liquid cooled PEMFC-powered aircraft. Nevertheless, there are diminishing performance gains at higher operating temperatures.
Comparative Analysis of Total Pressure Measurement Techniques in Rotating Detonation Combustors
Authors: Wei Hongyi , Kayser Tim , Bach Eric , Paschereit Christian Oliver , Bohon Myles D.
Published: July 2024

Current total pressure measurement techniques in rotating detonation combustors (RDCs) are based on different assumptions and therefore show different applicability for specific RDC operating conditions, and few studies have directly compared these techniques. Therefore, this study comprehensively tested three total pressure measurement techniques: the direct Kiel probe method, the Mach-corrected capillary tube averaged pressure (CTAP) method, and the equivalent available pressure (EAP) method under different RDC geometries and mass flow rates, and compared them with their corresponding uncertainties considered. The results show that for all tests in this study, the EAP method shows the largest uncertainty range up to 24%, which is mainly contributed by the load cell calibration process, while the direct Kiel probe method has the lowest uncertainty range, which is consistently below 7%. These uncertainties were incorporated into the comparison between the three techniques via Gaussian process regression, showing that the direct Kiel probe method and the Mach-corrected CTAP method can present EAP-like total pressure. In particular, the total pressure of the single wave with counter-rotating components (SWCC) and L modes measured by the three techniques is very comparable. This work shows that the comparability of total pressure techniques depends on the specific RDC environment, and provides the possibility to evaluate the RDC performance with the simplest implementation.
A picomolar inhibitor of the
Plasmodium falciparum
IPP pathway
Authors: Kabeche Stephanie , Braukmann Thomas , Doenier Jon , Meister Thomas , Yeh Ellen
Published: July 2024

We identified MMV026468 as a picomolar inhibitor of blood-stage
Plasmodium falciparum
. Phenotyping assays, including isopentenyl diphosphate rescue of parasite growth inhibition, demonstrated that it targets MEP isoprenoid precursor biosynthesis. MMV026468-treated parasites showed an overall decrease in MEP pathway intermediates, which could result from inhibition of the first MEP enzyme DXS or steps prior to DXS such as regulation of the MEP pathway. Selection of MMV026468-resistant parasites lacking DXS mutations suggested that other targets are possible. The identification of MMV026468 could lead to a new class of antimalarial isoprenoid inhibitors.
Flagellar stator genes control a trophic shift from obligate to facultative predation and biofilm formation in a bacterial predator
Authors: Mookherjee Abhirup , Mitra Mohor , Sason Gal , Jose Polpass Arul , Martinenko Maria , Pietrokovski Shmuel , Jurkevitch Edouard
Published: July 2024

The bacterial predator
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
is considered to be obligatorily prey (host)-dependent (H-D), and thus unable to form biofilms. However, spontaneous host-independent (H-I) variants grow axenically and can form robust biofilms. A screen of 350 H-I mutants revealed that single mutations in stator genes
fliL
or
motA
were sufficient to generate flagellar motility-defective H-I strains able to adhere to surfaces but unable to develop biofilms. The variants showed large transcriptional shifts in genes related to flagella, prey-invasion, and cyclic-di-GMP (CdG), as well as large changes in CdG cellular concentration relative to the H-D parent. The introduction of the parental
fliL
allele resulted in a full reversion to the H-D phenotype, but we propose that specific interactions between stator proteins prevented functional complementation by
fliL
paralogs. In contrast, specific mutations in a pilus-associated protein (Bd0108) mutant background were necessary for biofilm formation, including secretion of extracellular DNA (eDNA), proteins, and polysaccharides matrix components. Remarkably,
fliL
disruption strongly reduced biofilm development. All H-I variants grew similarly without prey, showed a strain-specific reduction in predatory ability in prey suspensions, but maintained similar high efficiency in prey biofilms. Population-wide allele sequencing suggested additional routes to host independence. Thus, stator and invasion pole-dependent signaling control the H-D and the H-I biofilm-forming phenotypes, with single mutations overriding prey requirements, and enabling shifts from obligate to facultative predation, with potential consequences on community dynamics. Our findings on the facility and variety of changes leading to facultative predation also challenge the concept of
Bdellovibrio
and like organisms being obligate predators.

IMPORTANCE

The ability of bacteria to form biofilms is a central research theme in biology, medicine, and the environment. We show that cultures of the obligate (host-dependent) “solitary” predatory bacterium
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
, which cannot replicate without prey, can use various genetic routes to spontaneously yield host-independent (H-I) variants that grow axenically (as a single species, in the absence of prey) and exhibit various surface attachment phenotypes, including biofilm formation. These routes include single mutations in flagellar stator genes that affect biofilm formation, provoke motor instability and large motility defects, and disrupt cyclic-di-GMP intracellular signaling. H-I strains also exhibit reduced predatory efficiency in suspension but high efficiency in prey biofilms. These changes override the requirements for prey, enabling a shift from obligate to facultative predation, with potential consequences on community dynamics.
Exploiting the Affimer platform against influenza A virus
Authors: Debski-Antoniak Oliver , Flynn Alex , Klebl David P. , Rojas Rechy Moisés H. , Tiede Christian , Wilson Ian A. , Muench Stephen P. , Tomlinson Darren , Fontana Juan
Published: July 2024

Influenza A virus (IAV) is well known for its pandemic potential. While current surveillance and vaccination strategies are highly effective, therapeutic approaches are often short-lived due to the high mutation rates of IAV. Recently, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach, both against current strains and future IAV pandemics. In addition to mAbs, several antibody-like alternatives exist, which aim to improve upon mAbs. Among these, Affimers stand out for their short development time, high expression levels in
Escherichia coli
, and animal-free production. In this study, we utilized the Affimer platform to isolate and produce specific and potent inhibitors of IAV. Using a monomeric version of the IAV trimeric hemagglutinin (HA) fusion protein, we isolated 12 Affimers that inhibit IAV infection
in vitro
. Two of these Affimers were characterized in detail and exhibited nanomolar-binding affinities to the target H3 HA protein, specifically binding to the HA1 head domain. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), employing a novel spray approach to prepare cryo-grids, allowed us to image HA-Affimer complexes. Combined with functional assays, we determined that these Affimers inhibit IAV by blocking the interaction of HA with the host-cell receptor, sialic acid. Furthermore, these Affimers inhibited IAV strains closely related to the one used for their isolation. Overall, our results support the use of Affimers as a viable alternative to existing targeted therapies for IAV and highlight their potential as diagnostic reagents.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza A virus is one of the few viruses that can cause devastating pandemics. Due to the high mutation rates of this virus, annual vaccination is required, and antivirals are short-lived. Monoclonal antibodies present a promising approach to tackle influenza virus infections but are associated with some limitations. To improve on this strategy, we explored the Affimer platform, which are antibody-like proteins made in bacteria. By performing phage-display against a monomeric version of influenza virus fusion protein, an established viral target, we were able to isolate Affimers that inhibit influenza virus infection
in vitro
. We characterized the mechanism of inhibition of the Affimers by using assays targeting different stages of the viral replication cycle. We additionally characterized HA-Affimer complex structure, using a novel approach to prepare samples for cryo-electron microscopy. Overall, these results show that Affimers are a promising tool against influenza virus infection.
Detection and genomic characterization of an avian influenza virus A/mute swan/Mangystau/1-S24R-2/2024 (H5N1; clade 2.3.4.4b) strain isolated from the lung of a dead swan in Kazakhstan
Authors: Tabynov Kairat , Strochkov Vitaliy , Sandybayev Nurlan , Karibayev Talgat , Berdikulov Maxat , Yelchibayeva Leila , Zharmambet Kuantay , Kuanyshbek Aidana , Zhumadilova Zauresh , Tabynov Kaissar
Published: July 2024

The influenza virus strain A/mute swan/Mangystau/1-S24R-2/2024 (H5N1; clade 2.3.4.4b) was isolated in embryonated chicken eggs from the lung of a dead swan found around Lake Karakol (Kazakhstan) during a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in 2024. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic profile of the isolated strain.
Metagenome-Assembled Genome of “
Candidatus
Aramenus sp. CH1” from the Chichon volcano, Mexico
Authors: Marín-Paredes Roberto , Peña-Ocaña Betsy A. , Martínez-Romero Esperanza , Gutiérrez-Sarmiento Wilbert , Ruíz-Valdiviezo Víctor , Jasso-Chávez Ricardo , Servín-Garcidueñas Luis E.
Published: July 2024

The Chichon volcano contains several thermal manifestations including an acidic crater lake. Here we report a metagenome-assembled genome of “
Candidatus
Aramenus sp. CH1,” a
Sulfolobales
archaeon inhabiting the crater lake from the Chichon volcano. In this study, we generated a novel
Aramenus
genome sequence from a thermal area in Southern Mexico.
What’s old is new: leveraging existing antimicrobial susceptibility test methods for rapid results in patients with bloodstream infections
Authors: Prinzi Andrea M.
Published: July 2024

The use of rapid disk diffusion or modified automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) system approaches demonstrates excellent performance for gram-negative organisms directly from blood cultures. In a recent study, S. Khan, A. Das, A. Mishra, A. Vidyarthi, et al. (Microbiol Spectr 12:e03081-23, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03081-23
) compared the performance of three direct-from-blood AST methods against standard of care disk diffusion and automated AST. The results demonstrated high categorical agreements and low error rates across three protocols. The study suggests that locally validated direct-from-blood AST protocols offer reliable and fast results, particularly for resource-limited settings. However, local context and workflows should be considered prior to implementing rapid AST protocols, and more research is needed on the performance of rapid AST protocols for gram-positive organisms.
Perioperative application of chatbots: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Shih-Jung , Sun Chin-Yu , Chen Dan-Ni , Kang Yi-No , Lai Nai Ming , Chen Kee-Hsin , Chen Chiehfeng
Published: July 2024

Background and objectives

Patient–clinician communication and shared decision-making face challenges in the perioperative period. Chatbots have emerged as valuable support tools in perioperative care. A simultaneous and complete comparison of overall benefits and harm of chatbot application is conducted.

Materials

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for studies published before May 2023 on the benefits and harm of chatbots used in the perioperative period. The major outcomes assessed were patient satisfaction and knowledge acquisition. Untransformed proportion (PR) with a 95% CI was used for the analysis of continuous data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool version 2 and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies.

Results

Eight trials comprising 1073 adults from four countries were included. Most interventions (n = 5, 62.5%) targeted perioperative care in orthopaedics. Most interventions use rule-based chatbots (n = 7, 87.5%). This meta-analysis found that the majority of the participants were satisfied with the use of chatbots (mean proportion=0.73; 95% CI: 0.62 to 0.85), and agreed that they gained knowledge in their perioperative period (mean proportion=0.80; 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.87).

Conclusion

This review demonstrates that perioperative chatbots are well received by the majority of patients with no reports of harm to-date. Chatbots may be considered as an aid in perioperative communication between patients and clinicians and shared decision-making. These findings may be used to guide the healthcare providers, policymakers and researchers for enhancing perioperative care.
Association between continuity of care and inappropriate prescribing in outpatient care in Germany: a cross-sectional analysis conducted as part of the LoChro trial
Authors: Pfefferle Aline , Binder Nadine , Sauer Julia , Sofroniou Mario , Metzner Gloria , Farin Erik , Voigt-Radloff Sebastian , Maun Andy , Salm Claudia
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) are common in multimorbid patients. This study aims to describe PIMs and PPOs in an open-access outpatient setting and to investigate any association between continuity of care (CoC) and PIMs and PPOs in multimorbid older patients.

Design

Cross-sectional study using patient-confirmed outpatient medication plans to describe PIMs and PPOs using the ‘Screening Tool of Older Person’s Prescription/Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment’ version 2. Four Poisson regressions modelled the number of PIMs and PPOs using context-adapted versions of the Usual Provider of Care (UPC) and the Modified Modified Continuity Index (MMCI) as measures for CoC.

Setting

Southern Germany, outpatient setting.

Participants

321 participants of the LoChro-trial at 12-month follow-up (both arms). The LoChro-trial compared healthcare involving an additional care manager with usual care. Inclusion criteria were age over 64, local residence and scoring over one in the Identification of Older patients at Risk Screening Tool.

Primary outcomes

Numbers of PIMs and PPOs.

Results

The mean number of PIMs was 1.5 (SD 1.5), lower than the average number of PPOs at 2.9 (SD 1.7). CoC showed similar results for both indices with a mean of 0.548 (SD 0.279) for MMCI and 0.514 (SD 0.262) for UPC. Both models predicting PPOs indicated more PPOs with higher CoC; statistical significance was only demonstrated for MMCI (MMCI~PPO: Exp(B)=1.42, 95% CI (1.11; 1.81), p=0.004; UPC~PPO: Exp(B)=1.29, 95% CI (0.99; 1.67), p=0.056). No significant association between PIMs and CoC was found (MMCI~PIM: Exp(B)=0.72, 95% CI (0.50; 1.03), p=0.072; UPC~PIM: Exp(B)=0.83, 95% CI (0.57; 1.21), p=0.337).

Conclusion

The results did not show a significant association between higher CoC and lesser PIMs. Remarkably, an association between increased CoC, represented through MMCI, and more PPOs was found. Consultation of different care providers in open-access healthcare systems could possibly ameliorate under-prescribing in multimorbid older patients.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00013904