bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comb-assisted mercury spectroscopy in the deep-ultraviolet: towards the development of a new primary thermometer
Authors: Gravina S , Clivati C , Chishti N A , Castrillo A , Fasci E , Bertiglia F , Lopardo G , Sorgi A , Coluccelli N , Galzerano G , Cancio Pastor P , Levi F , Gianfrani L
Published: February 2023

We report on the development of a new primary thermometer based upon high-precision spectroscopy of mercury vapors in the deep-ultraviolet region for the practical realization of the new kelvin. The line profile of the (6s
2)1
S
0 → (6s6p)3
P
1 intercombination transition of the 200Hg bosonic isotope is observed with a high spectral fidelity using a coherent radiation source at 253.7 nm. This latter consists of a near-IR external cavity diode laser followed by a double-stage second-harmonic generation apparatus. Metrology grade UV spectroscopy is demonstrated by locking the diode laser to a self-referenced optical frequency comb synthesizer.
Introducing Machine-Learning in Spectroscopy for Plasma Diagnostics and Predictions
Authors: Koubiti M , Kerebel M
Published: February 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science techniques are increasingly introduced in physics including plasma physics where Machine Learning (ML) is applied to emission spectroscopy for plasma parameter determination. Recently, the open-access python-based Sickit-Learn ML platform was used to analyze line intensities in the order to infer the plasma electron densities and temperatures for conditions relevant to tokamak divertors. In this paper, we discuss the application of deep-learning (DL) to synthetic line spectra for conditions of magnetic fusion plasmas with hydrogen-deuterium (H-D) mixtures. The idea will be illustrated through application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to spectra of the Balmer-α line emitted by H-D mixtures, the aim being to obtain the isotopic ratios. The objective of our approach is to provide a new method to infer the hydrogen isotopic ratio sufficiently fast that can be exploited for real-time applications. We will demonstrate the proof-of-principle of our method through the application of a TensorFlow DL regression algorithm to theoretical line spectra generated with predetermined parameters.
Perspective for soft robotics: the field’s past and future
Authors: Tauber Falk , Desmulliez Marc , Piccin Olivier , Stokes Adam A
Published: February 2023

Since its beginnings in the 1960s, soft robotics has been a steadily growing field that has enjoyed recent growth with the advent of rapid prototyping and the provision of new flexible materials. These two innovations have enabled the development of fully flexible and untethered soft robotic systems. The integration of novel sensors enabled by new manufacturing processes and materials shows promise for enabling the production of soft systems with ‘embodied intelligence’. Here, four experts present their perspectives for the future of the field of soft robotics based on these past innovations. Their focus is on finding answers to the questions of: how to manufacture soft robots, and on how soft robots can sense, move, and think. We highlight industrial production techniques, which are unused to date for manufacturing soft robots. They discuss how novel tactile sensors for soft robots could be created to enable better interaction of the soft robot with the environment. In conclusion this article highlights how embodied intelligence in soft robots could be used to make soft robots think and to make systems that can compute, autonomously, from sensory inputs.
Title: Effects of Using Different Diets in the Growth Performance of Mangrove Red Snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus
Authors: Mosequera H R , Troyo J D Y , Nicanor R A
Published: February 2023

The mangrove red Snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) is a high-value marine fish and ideal culture species. The study was conducted to evaluate the growth and survival rate of mangrove red snapper fed with different diet types. The study was laid out in a randomized setup using three (3) treatments: Treatment 1- Trash fish, Treatment 2- Golden apple snail, and Treatment 3- Fiddler Crab using One- way ANOVA as a statistical tool. Based on the result of the study, mangrove red snappers fed with Trash fish gained the highest growth rate in terms of length, width, and weight of 8.89 cm, 2.19 cm, and 63.46 g. However, samples fed with fiddler crab (T3) obtained the lowest growth rate in terms of length, width, and weight of 3.72 cm, 1.06 cm, and 43.86 g. This study demonstrates that the samples got a 100% survival rate regardless of the treatment used. Furthermore, the result showed a significant difference in the growth rate of Mangrove Red Snapper in terms of length F=2100.544, width F=175.280, and weight F=319.770 with P<0.0001. Therefore, it was concluded that the use of trash fish (halfbeak and scalloped perchlet) is effective as a feed for the growth and survival of the Mangrove Red Snapper
HiConfidence: a novel approach uncovering the biological signal in Hi-C data affected by technical biases
Authors: Kobets Victoria A , Ulianov Sergey V , Galitsyna Aleksandra A , Doronin Semen A , Mikhaleva Elena A , Gelfand Mikhail S , Shevelyov Yuri Y , Razin Sergey V , Khrameeva Ekaterina E
Published: February 2023

The chromatin interaction assays, particularly Hi-C, enable detailed studies of genome architecture in multiple organisms and model systems, resulting in a deeper understanding of gene expression regulation mechanisms mediated by epigenetics. However, the analysis and interpretation of Hi-C data remain challenging due to technical biases, limiting direct comparisons of datasets obtained in different experiments and laboratories. As a result, removing biases from Hi-C-generated chromatin contact matrices is a critical data analysis step. Our novel approach, HiConfidence, eliminates biases from the Hi-C data by weighing chromatin contacts according to their consistency between replicates so that low-quality replicates do not substantially influence the result. The algorithm is effective for the analysis of global changes in chromatin structures such as compartments and topologically associating domains. We apply the HiConfidence approach to several Hi-C datasets with significant technical biases, that could not be analyzed effectively using existing methods, and obtain meaningful biological conclusions. In particular, HiConfidence aids in the study of how changes in histone acetylation pattern affect chromatin organization in Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells. The method is freely available at GitHub: https://github.com/victorykobets/HiConfidence.
The path of dishonesty: identification of mental processes with electrical neuroimaging
Authors: Globig Laura K , Gianotti Lorena R R , Ponsi Giorgia , Koenig Thomas , Dahinden Franziska M , Knoch Daria
Published: February 2023

Much research finds that lying takes longer than truth-telling. Yet, the source of this response time difference remains elusive. Here, we assessed the spatiotemporal evolution of electrical brain activity during honesty and dishonesty in 150 participants using a sophisticated electrical neuroimaging approach—the microstate approach. This uniquely positioned us to identify and contrast the entire chain of mental processes involved during honesty and dishonesty. Specifically, we find that the response time difference is the result of an additional late-occurring mental process, unique to dishonest decisions, interrupting the antecedent mental processing. We suggest that this process inhibits the activation of the truth, thus permitting the execution of the lie. These results advance our understanding of dishonesty and clarify existing theories about the role of increased cognitive load. More broadly, we demonstrate the vast potential of our approach to illuminate the temporal organization of mental processes involved in decision-making.
Age-related intrinsic functional connectivity underlying emotion utilization
Authors: He Hao , Lin Wenyi , Yang Jiawang , Chen Yiqi , Tan Siping , Guan Qing
Published: February 2023

Previous studies investigated the age-related positivity effect in terms of emotion perception and management, whereas little is known about whether the positivity effect is shown in emotion utilization (EU). If yes, the EU-related intrinsic functional connectivity and its age-associated alterations remain to be elucidated. In this study, we collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 62 healthy older adults and 72 undergraduates as well as their self-ratings of EU. By using the connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) method, we constructed a predictive model of the positive relationship between EU self-ratings and resting-state functional connectivity. Lesion simulation analyses revealed that the medial-frontal network, default mode network, frontoparietal network, and subcortical regions played key roles in the EU-related CPM. Older subjects showed significantly higher EU self-ratings than undergraduates, which was associated with strengthened connectivity between the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and bilateral frontal poles, and between the left frontal pole and thalamus. A mediation analysis indicated that the age-related EU network mediated the age effect on EU self-ratings. Our findings extend previous research on the age-related “positivity effect” to the EU domain, suggesting that the positivity effect on the self-evaluation of EU is probably associated with emotion knowledge which accumulates with age.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Airborne Transmission: Science Rejected, Lives Lost. Can Society Do Better?
Authors: Morawska Lidia , Bahnfleth William , Bluyssen Philomena M , Boerstra Atze , Buonanno Giorgio , Dancer Stephanie J , Floto Andres , Franchimon Francesco , Haworth Charles , Hogeling Jaap , Isaxon Christina , Jimenez Jose L , Kurnitski Jarek , Li Yuguo , Loomans Marcel , Marks Guy , Marr Linsey C , Mazzarella Livio , Melikov Arsen Krikor , Miller Shelly , Milton Donald K , Nazaroff William , Nielsen Peter V , Noakes Catherine , Peccia Jordan , Querol Xavier , Sekhar Chandra , Seppänen Olli , Tanabe Shin-ichi , Tellier Raymond , Wai Tham Kwok , Wargocki Pawel , Wierzbicka Aneta
Published: February 2023

This is an account that should be heard of an important struggle: the struggle of a large group of experts who came together at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to warn the world about the risk of airborne transmission and the consequences of ignoring it. We alerted the World Health Organization about the potential significance of the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the urgent need to control it, but our concerns were dismissed. Here we describe how this happened and the consequences. We hope that by reporting this story we can raise awareness of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need to be open to new evidence, and to prevent it from happening again. Acknowledgement of an issue, and the emergence of new evidence related to it, is the first necessary step towards finding effective mitigation solutions.
Determination of selective antegrade perfusion flow rate in aortic arch surgery to restore baseline cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy values: a single-centre observational study
Authors: Friess Jan-Oliver , Beeler Maurus , Yildiz Murat , Guensch Dominik P , Levis Anja , Gerber Daniel , Wollborn Jakob , Jenni Hansjoerg , Huber Markus , Schönhoff Florian , Erdoes Gabor
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES

Neuroprotection during aortic arch surgery involves selective antegrade cerebral perfusion. The parameters of cerebral perfusion, e.g. flow rate, are inconsistent across centres and are subject of debate. The aim of this study was to determine the cerebral perfusion flow rate during hypothermic circulatory arrest required to meet preoperative awake baseline regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2).

METHODS

Patients scheduled for aortic arch surgery with hypothermic circulatory arrest were enrolled in this prospective observational study. After initiation of hypothermic circulatory arrest, bilateral selective antegrade cerebral perfusion was established and cerebral flow rate was continuously increased. The primary end point was the difference of cerebral saturation from baseline during cerebral perfusion flow rates of 6, 8 and 10 ml/kg/min.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were included. During antegrade cerebral perfusion, rSO2 was significantly lower than the baseline at 6 ml/kg/min [−7.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.7, −12.9; P = 0.0015]. In contrast, flow rates of 8 and 10 ml/kg/min resulted in rSO2 that did not significantly differ from the baseline (−2; 95% CI: −4.3, 8.3; P > 0.99 and 1.8; 95% CI: −8.5%, 4.8%; P > 0.99). Cerebral saturation was significantly more likely to meet baseline values during selective antegrade cerebral perfusion with 8 ml/kg/min than at 6 ml/kg/min (44.1%; 95% CI: 27.4%, 60.8% vs 11.8%; 95% CI: 0.9%, 22.6%; P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

At 8 ml/kg/min cerebral flow rate during selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, regional cerebral oximetry baseline values are significantly more likely to be achieved than at 6 ml/kg/min. Further increasing the cerebral flow rate to 10 ml/kg/min does not significantly improve rSO2.
Short- and long-term survival of children treated with ventricular assist devices in Spain, based on 15 years’ experience
Authors: Menéndez Juan José , Sánchez-Galindo Amelia Caridad , Balcells Joan , Tejero-Hernández María Ángeles , Ferrer-Barba Ángela , Ibiza-Palacios Emilio , Medrano-López Constancio , Gran Ferran , Frías-Pérez Manuel Ángel , García-Vieites María , Cano-Sánchez Ana , Polo Luz , Gil-Jaurena Juan-Miguel , Abella Raúl Felipe , Merino-Cejas Carlos , Martínez-Bendayán Isaac , Serrano Félix , García-Guereta Luis
Published: February 2023

OBJECTIVES

To describe the use of ventricular assist devices (VAD) in children in Spain and to identify variables related to survival.

METHODS

This is an observational cohort study of all children younger than 18 years of age who underwent an initial implantation of a VAD at any of the 6 paediatric heart transplant centres from May 2006 to December 2020. Subjects were identified retrospectively from each hospital’s database.

RESULTS

Paracorporeal VADs were implanted in 118 children [pulsatile (63%), continuous (30.5%) or both types (5.9%)]. Small children (<0.7 m2 of body surface area) comprised the majority of this cohort (63.3%). Overall, 67% survived to VAD explantation, and 64.9% survived to hospital discharge. Non-central nervous system haemorrhage (39%) and stroke (38.1%) were the most common complications. Body weight <5 kg, congenital heart disease, pre-implantation bilirubin >34 μmol/l and bridge to decision strategy were associated with a higher mortality at hospital discharge and in the long-term. Interagency registry for mechanically assisted circulatory support (INTERMACS) status 1 and cardiac arrest prior to VAD implantation were related to long-term mortality, whereas pre-implantation renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were not related to mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In Spain, 67% of the VAD-supported children have been bridged to heart transplantation or to recovery. Body weight lower than 5 kg, congenital heart disease diagnosis, cholestatic liver dysfunction, bridge to decision as VAD strategy, INTERMACS-1 status and cardiac arrest were pre-implantation variables related to mortality, whereas pre-implantation renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were not.
A comparison of free-living and sponge-associated bacterial communities from a remote oceanic island with a focus on calcareous sponges
Authors: Cleary D F R , Oliveira V , Gomes N C M , Bialecki A , de Voogd N J
Published: February 2023

Calcareous sponges are an often overlooked element of sponge communities. In contrast to most other sponges, calcareous sponges produce calcium carbonate spicules, as opposed to the siliceous spicules of most sponges. Here, we investigated the bacterial communities of 17 sponge species, including type and paratype specimens of recently described calcareous species, sampled off the remote island of Rodrigues, in the Indian Ocean. The main axis of variation in a PCO analysis of all samples separated noncalcareous sponge species, including Axinyssa aplysinoides, Cinachyrella aff. australiensis, Petrosia seychellensis, Ircinia aff. variabilis, Spongia ceylonensis, Plakinastrella aff. clipptertonensis, Agelas aff. ceylonica, Agelas aff. mauritiana, and Hyrtios erectus from calcareous sponges, the noncalcareous Biemna tubulata, sediment, and seawater. Overall, the bacterial communities of calcareous sponges revealed unique prokaryotic profiles with low abundances of several bacterial phyla, and relatively high abundances of other taxa, for example, the phyla Fibrobacterota, Proteobacteria, and the SAR324 clade, the class Alphaproteobacteria, and orders Cytophagales and Cyanobacteriales, although there was considerable variation among species. Calcareous sponges also had a high dominance of unknown bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Considering the unique nature of these communities, further studies are needed to better understand the environmental and ecological drivers of calcareous sponge-associated bacterial communities and their relevance as potential sources of novel microbes of biotechnological interest.
Heterotrimeric G proteins regulate planarian regeneration and behavior
Authors: Jenkins Jennifer E , Roberts-Galbraith Rachel H
Published: February 2023

G protein-coupled receptors play broad roles in development and stem cell biology, but few roles for G protein-coupled receptor signaling in complex tissue regeneration have been uncovered. Planarian flatworms robustly regenerate all tissues and provide a model with which to explore potential functions for G protein-coupled receptor signaling in somatic regeneration and pluripotent stem cell biology. As a first step toward exploring G protein-coupled receptor function in planarians, we investigated downstream signal transducers that work with G protein-coupled receptors, called heterotrimeric G proteins. Here, we characterized the complete heterotrimeric G protein complement in Schmidtea mediterranea for the first time and found that 7 heterotrimeric G protein subunits promote regeneration. We further characterized 2 subunits critical for regeneration, Gαq1 and Gβ1-4a, finding that they promote the late phase of anterior polarity reestablishment, likely through anterior pole-produced Follistatin. Incidentally, we also found that 5 G protein subunits modulate planarian behavior. We further identified a putative serotonin receptor, gcr052, that we propose works with Gαs2 and Gβx2 in planarian locomotion, demonstrating the utility of our strategy for identifying relevant G protein-coupled receptors. Our work provides foundational insight into roles of heterotrimeric G proteins in planarian biology and serves as a useful springboard toward broadening our understanding of G protein-coupled receptor signaling in adult tissue regeneration.
Warm versus cold crust in the Tien Shan orogenic belt revealed by seismic Lg attenuation tomography
Authors: Ma Xiao , Zhao Lian-Feng , Xie Xiao-Bi , Chang Xu , Yao Zhen-Xing
Published: February 2023

SUMMERY

Due to the far-field effect of the India–Eurasia collision, the Tien Shan orogenic belt has been undergoing reactivation and modification. Two end-member models of the geodynamic mechanisms are (1) surface uplift due to crustal shortening caused by lithospheric compression and (2) mountain formation resulting from thermal upwelling of asthenospheric mantle materials generated by lithospheric subduction. However, the topography along the Tien Shan orogenic belt changes significantly, and the deep structure and dynamic process are quite different beneath the Tien Shan orogenic belt from both geological and geophysical observations. Therefore, the reactivation and modification of the Tien Shan orogenic belt are likely influenced by both geodynamic mechanisms, which also generate various thermal anomalies in the crust. Seismic Lg-wave attenuation is very sensitive to crustal material composition and status and can point to the presence of partial melting within the crust resulting from mantle upwelling. In this study, we develop a high-resolution Lg-wave attenuation model between 0.05 and 10.0 Hz in Northwest China and use lateral attenuation variations to infer thermal structures in the crust. The central Tien Shan is characterized by prominent low-QLg anomalies, whereas relatively high-QLg distributions are imaged beneath the eastern and western Tien Shan. The surface uplift and crustal deformation are mostly related to the upwelling of hot mantle materials in the central Tien Shan and are likely induced by lithospheric compression in the eastern and western Tien Shan. However, low-Q anomalies are observed in the junction between the Pamir Plateau and western Tien Shan, indicating that the uplift in the south of the western Tien Shan is related to thermal subduction-induced upwelling and intrusion into the crust due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. The Kazakh Shield, characterized by pronounced high-QLg values, is likely a cold and hard terrane, and hence blocks the far-field effect of the India–Eurasia collision.
Exploring economic empowerment and gender issues in Lesotho’s Child Grants Programme: a qualitative study
Authors: Besnier Elodie , Hlabana Thandie , Kotzias Virginia , Beck Kathryn , Sieu Celine , Muthengi Kimanzi
Published: February 2023

Cash transfers (CTs) have been increasingly used in low- and middle-income countries as a poverty reduction and social protection tool. Despite their potential for empowering vulnerable groups (especially women), the evidence for such outcomes remains unclear. Additionally, little is known about how this broad concept fits into and is perceived in such programmes. For example, Lesotho’s Child Grants Programme (CGP) is an unconditional CT targeting poor and vulnerable households with children. The CGP has been presented as one of the Lesotho’s flagship programmes in developing the country’s social safety net system. Using the CGP’s early phases as a case study, this research aims to capture how programme stakeholders understood and operationalized the concept of economic empowerment (especially women’s) in Lesotho’s CGP. The qualitative analysis relied on the triangulation of information from a review of programme documents and semi-structured key informant interviews with programme stakeholders. First, the programme documents were coded deductively, while the interview transcripts were coded inductively, and then both materials were analysed thematically. Finally, differences or disagreements within each theme were explored individually according to the programme’s chronology, the stakeholders’ affiliation and their role in the CGP. The complexity of economic empowerment was reflected in the diversity of definitions found in the desk review and interviews. Economic empowerment was primarily understood as improving access to economic resources and opportunities and, less so, as agency and social and economic inclusion. There were stronger disagreements on other definitions as they seemed to be a terminology primarily used by specific stakeholders. This diversity of definitions impacted how these concepts were integrated into the programme, with particular gaps between the strategic vision and operational units as well as between the role this concept was perceived to play and the effects evaluated so far.
An empirically validated framework for measuring patient’s acceptability of health care in Multi-Island Micro States
Authors: Brizan-St. Martin Roxanne , St. Martin Chaney , La Foucade Althea , Sarti Flavia Mori , McLean Roger
Published: February 2023

Measuring health-care acceptability presents conceptual and contextual challenges, particularly in data-poor Multi-Island Micro States (MIMSs). Thus, there has been limited evidence on the acceptability of health care in MIMS and scarce use of acceptability metrics in policy design and health system evaluation. In the present study, we developed and empirically validated a theoretical framework for measuring users’ acceptability of health care in a MIMS in the Caribbean. Using a minimum-data approach, we used a synoptic review of health-care literature and consultations with experts and health system stakeholders to define, scope and select constructs for the theoretical framework of health-care acceptability. Empirical validation of the modelled framework was performed using data collected from household expenditure and health-care utilization surveys in Carriacou and Petite Martinique (n = 226), island dependents of Grenada in the Caribbean. Data were used to create health utilization profiles and analyse measurement scales of the health-care acceptability framework using non-linear partial least square structural equation modelling. The modelled framework included 17 items integrating economic and psychosocial concepts, with 1 dependent construct (utilization) and 3 independent constructs (users’ perception, experience and knowledge of health facility). Model analysis and validation indicated that the framework was significant, explaining 19% of the variation in health-care acceptability. Users’ experience construct was influenced by perception and knowledge of health facility and was the only construct with a significant negative relationship with acceptability. Health-care acceptability declined with increased waiting and travel times and unsuitable opening hours. We conclude that acceptability comprises a complex multidimensional concept, which is highly dependent on various interacting variables and contextual characteristics of the health system. Therefore, policies and actions to improve acceptability should be context specific and focused on evaluating factors infringing health-care acceptability. Routine acceptability and/or satisfaction studies represent baseline evidence towards understanding and integrating acceptability in health-care assessment.
CASP4/11 Contributes to NLRP3 Activation and COVID-19 Exacerbation
Authors: Rodrigues Tamara S , Caetano Camila C S , de Sá Keyla S G , Almeida Leticia , Becerra Amanda , Gonçalves Augusto V , Lopes Leticia de Sousa , Oliveira Samuel , Mascarenhas Danielle P A , Batah Sabrina S , Silva Bruna M , Gomes Giovanni F , Castro Ricardo , Martins Ronaldo B , Avila Jonathan , Frantz Fabiani G , Cunha Thiago M , Arruda Eurico , Cunha Fernando Q , Nakaya Helder , Cunha Larissa D , Fabro Alexandre T , Louzada-Junior Paulo , de Oliveira Renê D R , Zamboni Dario S
Published: February 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection triggers activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which promotes inflammation and aggravates severe COVID-19. Here, we report that SARS-CoV-2 induces upregulation and activation of human caspase-4/CASP4 (mouse caspase-11/CASP11), and this process contributes to NLRP3 activation. In vivo infections performed in transgenic hACE2 humanized mice, deficient or sufficient for Casp11, indicate that hACE2 Casp11−/− mice were protected from disease development, with the increased pulmonary parenchymal area, reduced clinical score of the disease, and reduced mortality. Assessing human samples from fatal cases of COVID-19, we found that CASP4 was expressed in patient lungs and correlated with the expression of inflammasome components and inflammatory mediators, including CASP1, IL1B, IL18, and IL6. Collectively, our data establish that CASP4/11 promotes NLRP3 activation and disease pathology, revealing a possible target for therapeutic interventions for COVID-19.
Increasing trend of antimicrobial resistance inShigellaassociated with MSM transmission in Barcelona, 2020–21: outbreak of XRDShigella sonneiand dissemination of ESBL-producingShigella flexneri
Authors: Moreno-Mingorance Albert , Mir-Cros Alba , Goterris Lidia , Rodriguez-Garrido Virginia , Sulleiro Elena , Barberà M Jesús , Alberny Mireia , Hoyos-Mallecot Yannick , Descalzo Vicente , Bravo Albert , Roca-Grande Josep , Viñado Belén , Pumarola Tomàs , Larrosa M Nieves , González-López Juan José
Published: February 2023

Background

Several countries have recently reported the detection of ESBL-producing Shigella sonnei associated with transmission among MSM. In a previous study by our group, 2.8% of Shigella spp. obtained from MSM in Barcelona between 2015 and 2019 were ESBL producers.

Objectives

To describe and characterize the emerging ESBL-producing Shigella spp. associated with sexual transmission among MSM detected from 2020 to 2021 in Barcelona, elucidating their connectivity with contemporaneous ESBL-producing Shigella spp. from other countries.

Results

From 2020 to 2021, we identified that among MSM, 68% of S. sonnei were XDR harbouring blaCTX-M-27 and 14% of Shigella flexneri were MDR harbouring blaCTX-M-27. WGS analysis showed that the ESBL-producing S. sonnei were part of a monophyletic cluster, which included isolates responsible for the prolonged outbreak occurring in the UK. Our data also reveal the first emergence and clonal dissemination of ESBL-producing and fluoroquinolone-resistant S. flexneri 2a among MSM.

Conclusions

We report an increasing trend of antimicrobial resistance in Shigella spp. among MSM in Barcelona since 2021, mainly as a consequence of the dissemination of XDR ESBL-producing S. sonnei, previously reported in the UK. These results highlight the importance of international collaborative surveillance of MDR/XDR S. sonnei and S. flexneri for rapid identification of their emergence and the prevention of the transmission of these pathogens.
Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of isoorientin against carbapenem non-sensitiveEscherichia colifrom raw milk of goats
Authors: Zuo Jingru , Liu Lianjie , Hou Simeng , Liu Xiaoqiang , Teng Jiang , Li Pei , Liu Xiaotong
Published: February 2023

Carbapenemase-producing E. coli is a grave public health concern as the potential emergence of resistant strains and their transmission. Isoorientin belongs to a potential antimicrobial flavonoid compound existing in several plants, while the research on the antimicrobial activity of isoorientin is limited thus far. We evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of isoorientin against biofilm-forming carbapenem non-sensitive Escherichia coli (E. coli) from raw milk of goats, and explored its molecular mechanisms. Isoorientin showed obvious antimicrobial ability with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and it exhibited synergistic activity with traditional antimicrobials against the carbapenem non-sensitive E. coli. Isoorientin could also significantly inhibit the carbapenem non-sensitive E. coli biofilm formation and destroy the established biofilms, with the percentage of inhibition ranging from 27.8% to 75% at MIC, and the corresponding percentage of eradication ranging from 15.3% to 61.6%, respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicated that the E. coli biofilm reduced in thickness with increasing concentrations of isoorientin. Dose-dependent decrease in eDNA revealed that isoorientin interacted with the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of the biofilm. qRT-PCR assay for the biofilm-forming associated genes further confirmed the above results. Overall, these results concluded that the isoorientin has significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against carbapenem non-sensitive E. coli, and has potential application in prevention of food contamination and spoilage.
Development of a dynamic model for prediction of energy in milk protein, lactose, fat, and enteric methane emissions in goats based on energy balance and indirect calorimetry studies
Authors: Fernández Carlos , Loor Juan J
Published: February 2023

Feed costs are overwhelmingly the largest expense for dairy producers. Thus, improving milk production efficiency (milk fat and protein are the main incomes for farmers) is of great economic importance in the dairy industry. The main objective of this study was to develop a dynamic energy partitioning model to describe and quantify how dietary energy from carbohydrate, protein, and fat is transferred to milk (protein, lactose, and fat) in dairy goats. In addition, due to increasing worldwide concerns regarding livestock contribution to global warming, methane (CH4) emission was quantified. For modeling purposes, 158 individual goat observations were used and randomly split into 2/3 for model development and 1/3 for internal evaluation. For external evaluation, 20 different energy balance studies from the literature (77 observations) were evaluated. The Root Mean Square Prediction Error (RMSPE) was 13.2% for loss of energy in CH4, 16.8% for energy in fat, 19.4% for energy in protein, and 22.3 energy in lactose. Mean bias was around zero for all variables and the slope bias was zero for milk energy in lactose, close to 1% for milk fat (1.01%), and around 3% and 10% for protein and CH4, respectively. Random bias was greater than 85% for energy in CH4 and milk energy components indicating non-systematic errors and that the equation in the model fitted the data properly. Analyses of residuals appeared to be randomly distributed around zero. Slopes of regression lines for residuals vs. predicted were positive for milk fat energy, zero for lactose, and negative for milk energy in protein and CH4. This model suggested for use with mixed diets and by-products to obtain balanced macronutrient supply, methane emissions, and milk performance during mid lactation could be an interesting tool to help farmers simulate scenarios that increase milk fat and protein, evaluate CH4 emissions, without the costs of running animal trials.
Seismic pre-stack inversion for physical and anisotropic parameters in fractured shale reservoirs
Authors: Wu Si , Zong Zhaoyun
Published: February 2023

The estimation of physical and anisotropic parameters is of great importance for the characterization of fractured reservoirs. Vertical fractures developing in a laterally isotropic (VTI) setting are equivalent to orthotropic anisotropic (OA) media common in stratified fractured shale reservoirs. To obtain independent anisotropic and physical information, a novel reflection coefficient approximation containing physical and anisotropic parameters is derived to improve the stability of the inversion for orthotropic media. To simplify the equation for the reflection coefficient, an approximate rock physics model is constructed using the approximate theory of rock modulus. The estimated parameters are reduced from nine to six. The accuracy analysis reveals that the new reflection coefficient is appropriate and suitable for inversion. In addition, a stepwise Bayesian amplitude versus angle and azimuth (AVAZ) inversion method with smooth background constraints is developed to estimate the anisotropic and physical parameters from the azimuthal seismic data. The smooth background constraint improves the robustness of the inversion. And the stepwise inversion strategy solves the problem that the contribution of the fracture parameter to the reflection coefficient is smaller than the other parameters. Synthetic cases show that the proposed stepwise Bayesian AVAZ inversion method is feasible in estimating the anisotropic parameters for OA media even when the signal-to-noise ratio is 2. The field cases show that the proposed inversion method has good stability and robustness in predicting shale reservoirs with vertical or near-vertical fractures.
On Knowing and Unknowing God: Reason and Mysticism in the Armenian Theologian Gregory of Tatev
Authors: Gornandt Ruth M
Published: February 2023

The dialectic of the cataphatic and the apophatic is vital for honouring the transcendent within the rational endeavour of theology. The medieval Armenian theologian Gregory of Tatev presents a theological approach that is strongly logical and analytical, discussing the mystical only in a few places. For this reason, he has been accused of abandoning the apophatic altogether. However, it can be shown that mystical theology is at the heart of his thinking and his own spiritual practice. After expounding his cataphatic and apophatic theologies this paper shows that the divine hiddenness and incomprehensibility shape Gregory’s cataphatic theology in that they underlie its epistemology and hermeneutics. Both are developed from the spiritual experience that God is ultimately ineffable and that ‘unknowing’ is the highest form of knowing him.
Superficial fungal infections in the south of France—is fusariosis the next emergent onychopathy?
Authors: Landreau Anne , Simon Loïc , Delaunay Pascal , Pomares Christelle , Hasseine Lilia
Published: February 2023

In France, onychomycoses represent about 30% of superficial mycoses seen by dermatologists. In recent years, an increased number of mycoses have been observed due to non-dermatophytic moulds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of identified superficial fungal infections in the Laboratory of Parasitology–Mycology of the University Hospital of Nice over a 2-year period. A retrospective study was performed from the nail, skin, and scalp samples of patients analyzed from January 2018 to December 2019. In this study, 3074 samples (54.2% nails, 39.7% skin, and 6.1% scalp) were analyzed representing 1922 patients. Among them, 809 (42.1%) patients were sampled by dermatologists and 1113 (57.9%) were sampled by our experts in the clinical unit of the University Hospital of Nice. In total, 1159 (37.7%) samples had a positive culture (1195 strains identified) including 712 (59.6%) dermatophytes, 345 (28.9%) yeasts, and 138 (11.5%) other filamentous moulds. Trichophyton rubrum was the main dermatophyte (563; 47.1%) followed by T. interdigitale (84; 7.0%), and T. soudanense (25; 2.1%). Yeasts were mostly represented by Candida albicans (155; 13.0%). Among the other moulds, Fusarium sp. was the most isolated (61; 5.1%). Dermatophytes stay predominant in superficial fungal infections where the anthropophilic species T. rubrum was found in almost half of the positive cultures. Interestingly, moulds represented an important part of infections in our population. This study highlights the increasing share of Fusarium sp. superficial fungal infection in our patients’ population, perhaps requiring a major therapeutic adaptation in the years to come.
The Raf-like MAPKKK INTEGRIN-LINKED KINASE 5 regulates purinergic receptor-mediated innate immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kim Daewon , Chen Dongqin , Ahsan Nagib , Jorge Gabriel Lemes , Thelen Jay J , Stacey Gary
Published: February 2023

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling cascades play important roles in eukaryotic defense against various pathogens. Activation of the extracellular ATP (eATP) receptor P2K1 triggers MAP kinase 3 and 6 (MPK3/6) phosphorylation, which leads to an elevated plant defense response. However, the mechanism by which P2K1 activates the MAPK cascade is unclear. In this study, we show that in Arabidopsis thaliana, P2K1 phosphorylates the Raf-like MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) INTEGRIN-LINKED KINASE 5 (ILK5) on serine 192 in the presence of eATP. The interaction between P2K1 and ILK5 was confirmed both in vitro and in planta and their interaction was enhanced by ATP treatment. Similar to P2K1 expression, ILK5 expression levels were highly induced by treatment with ATP, flg22, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, and various abiotic stresses. ILK5 interacts with and phosphorylates the MAP kinase MKK5. Moreover, phosphorylation of MPK3/6 was significantly reduced upon ATP treatment in ilk5 mutant plants, relative to wild-type (WT). The ilk5 mutant plants showed higher susceptibility to P. syringae pathogen infection relative to WT plants. Plants expressing only the mutant ILK5S192A protein, with decreased kinase activity, did not activate the MAPK cascade upon ATP addition. These results suggest that eATP activation of P2K1 results in transphosphorylation of the Raf-like MAPKKK ILK5, which subsequently triggers the MAPK cascade, culminating in activation of MPK3/6 associated with an elevated innate immune response.
Recent progress and challenges in the treatment of spinal cord injury
Authors: Tian Ting , Zhang Sensen , Yang Maojun
Published: February 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts the structural and functional connectivity between the higher center and the spinal cord, resulting in severe motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction with a variety of complications. The pathophysiology of SCI is complicated and multifaceted, and thus individual treatments acting on a specific aspect or process are inadequate to elicit neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after SCI. Combinatory strategies targeting multiple aspects of SCI pathology have achieved greater beneficial effects than individual therapy alone. Although many problems and challenges remain, the encouraging outcomes that have been achieved in preclinical models offer a promising foothold for the development of novel clinical strategies to treat SCI. In this review, we characterize the mechanisms underlying axon regeneration of adult neurons and summarize recent advances in facilitating functional recovery following SCI at both the acute and chronic stages. In addition, we analyze the current status, remaining problems, and realistic challenges towards clinical translation. Finally, we consider the future of SCI treatment and provide insights into how to narrow the translational gap that currently exists between preclinical studies and clinical practice. Going forward, clinical trials should emphasize multidisciplinary conversation and cooperation to identify optimal combinatorial approaches to maximize therapeutic benefit in humans with SCI.
Designing Securities for Scrutiny
Authors: Daley Brendan , Green Brett , Vanasco Victoria
Published: February 2023

We investigate the effect of scrutiny (e.g., credit ratings, analyst reports, or mandatory disclosures) on the security design problem of a privately informed issuer. We show that scrutiny has important implications for both the form of security designed and the amount of inefficient retention of cash flows. The model predicts that issuers will design informationally sensitive securities (i.e., levered equity) when scrutiny is sufficiently intense. Otherwise, issuers opt for a standard debt contract. Scrutiny increases efficiency by decreasing issuers’ reliance on retention to signal quality and, perhaps counterintuitively, decrease price informativeness.
Fourth dose of BNT162b2 vaccine for patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in a nationwide setting
Authors: Bieber Amir , Brikman Shay , Novack Lena , Abuhasira Ran , Fawaz Abdallah , Abu-Shakra Mahmoud , Zeller Lior , Ling Eduard , Mader Reuven , Sagy Iftach
Published: February 2023

Objective

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations wanes due to immune evasion by the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant and diminished antibody titres over time. We aimed to evaluate the benefit of a fourth vaccination dose in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs).

Methods

This retrospective analysis included ARD patients aged 18 years or older and members of Clalit Health Services in Israel (which at the time of the study insured 52% of the entire population), and covered the period from 16 January 2022 to 31 March 2022, when the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant was Omicron. We compared patients without previous COVID-19 infection who had received three doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine (the control group) with those who had received the fourth dose. The primary outcome was COVID-19 infection, which was analysed using multivariate Cox regression in the entire cohort and within ARD subgroups. Secondary outcomes were COVID-19–related hospitalizations and COVID-19–related death.

Results

We included 43 748 ARD patients, of whom 27 766 and 15 982 were in the control and fourth vaccination groups, respectively. COVID-19 infection occurred in 6942 (25.0%) of the control group and 1754 (11.0%) of the fourth dose group (P < 0.001). Patients vaccinated with the fourth dose had a lower risk of COVID-19 infection than the entire cohort [Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.54, 95% CI 0.52, 0.58] and throughout every subgroup regardless of the baseline characteristic or medical treatment, except for rituximab. A similar association was observed for risk of COVID-19–related hospitalization (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.22, 0.61) and of COVID-19–related death (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24, 0.71).

Conclusion

A fourth BNT162b2 vaccination of ARD patients was associated with favourable outcomes compared with three doses among patients with no history of COVID-19 infection.
Speech-Encoding Deficits in Neonates Born Large-for-Gestational Age as Revealed With the Envelope Frequency-Following Response
Authors: Ribas-Prats Teresa , Arenillas-Alcón Sonia , Pérez-Cruz Míriam , Costa-Faidella Jordi , Gómez-Roig Maria Dolores , Escera Carles
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

The present envelope frequency-following response (FFRENV) study aimed at characterizing the neural encoding of the fundamental frequency of speech sounds in neonates born at the higher end of the birth weight continuum (>90th percentile), known as large-for-gestational age (LGA).

Design:

Twenty-five LGA newborns were recruited from the maternity unit of Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital and paired by age and sex with 25 babies born adequate-for-gestational age (AGA), all from healthy mothers and normal pregnancies. FFRENVs were elicited to the/da/ syllable and recorded while the baby was sleeping in its cradle after a successful universal hearing screening. Neural encoding of the stimulus’ envelope of the fundamental frequency (F0ENV) was characterized through the FFRENV spectral amplitude. Relationships between electrophysiological parameters and maternal/neonatal variables that may condition neonatal neurodevelopment were assessed, including pregestational body mass index (BMI), maternal gestational weight gain and neonatal BMI.

Results:

LGA newborns showed smaller spectral amplitudes at the F0ENV compared to the AGA group. Significant negative correlations were found between neonatal BMI and the spectral amplitude at the F0ENV.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that in spite of having a healthy pregnancy, LGA neonates’ central auditory system is impaired in encoding a fundamental aspect of the speech sounds, namely their fundamental frequency. The negative correlation between the neonates’ BMI and FFRENV indicates that this impaired encoding is independent of the pregnant woman BMI and weight gain during pregnancy, supporting the role of the neonatal BMI. We suggest that the higher adipose tissue observed in the LGA group may impair, via proinflammatory products, the fine-grained central auditory system microstructure required for the neural encoding of the fundamental frequency of speech sounds.