bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning oxygen vacancies in complex oxides using 2D layered materials
Authors: Luo Jiangbo , Zhu Xudong , Lian Xu , Zheng Yuntian , Thottathil Reshmi , Chen Wei , Liu Song , Ariando A , Hu Junxiong
Published: December 2024

The hybrid interface between 2D materials and complex oxides offers a rich platform to explore fascinating physical phenomena like helical edge states, broken-symmetry phases, and giant magnetoresistance. While current research primarily focuses on the influence of complex oxides on layered 2D materials, the reverse—how layered 2D materials affect complex oxides—remains largely unexplored. Here, we examined the impact of graphene layers on the formation of oxygen vacancies in SrTiO3 (STO) during high-temperature annealing. Our findings, supported by Raman spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicate that increasing the number of graphene layers progressively leads to a reduced oxygen vacancy content in STO, demonstrating the efficacy of graphene in modulating oxygen vacancy formation in bulk STO. Additionally, using photoluminescence, we showed that graphene layers can tune the in-gap states induced by oxygen vacancies in STO. Our first principal calculations further revealed that graphene layers increase the energy barrier for the outward diffusion of oxygen atoms, thereby inhibiting the formation of oxygen vacancies in STO. These results highlight a new route for tailoring the physical properties of complex oxides by engineering the interface with layered 2D materials.
MXenes: exploiting their unique properties for designing next-generation thermal catalysts and photocatalysts
Authors: Ighalo Joshua O , Smith Morgen L , Mayyahi Ahmed Al , Amama Placidus B
Published: December 2024

MXenes possess a range of exceptional properties that can be harnessed in catalyst design for thermal and photocatalytic reactions. Herein, we share our perspective on how these properties can be exploited to address challenges in different catalytic reactions, thereby highlighting their potential in catalysis. For thermal catalysis, fundamental properties include their layered structure, reducibility of their surface, partial oxidation ability, basicity/acidity, and electrophilicity. In photocatalysis, MXenes exhibit beneficial properties such as transparency, electrical conductivity, tunable Fermi level, photo-corrosion resistance, and plasmonic resonance. Two fundamental characteristics that underpin MXenes’ superiority over many other traditional catalysts are the tunability of their properties to meet specific application needs and the low dimensionality of their structure, which enables nanoscale phenomena to be harnessed. While significant progress has been made in the MXenes field, we assert that the potential for MXenes in catalytic applications is vast and largely underexplored. As we mark a decade of MXene research, we anticipate significant advancements in their catalytic applications, positioning them as critical materials for future breakthroughs.
Intrinsic and defect-related magnetism of MnBi2Te4(Bi2Te3)n family from the Bulk to two-dimensional limit
Authors: Yang Shiqi , Ye Yu
Published: December 2024

The van der Waals MnBi2Te4(Bi2Te3)
n
family, encompassing MnBi2Te4(n = 0), MnBi4Te7(n = 1), MnBi6Te10(n = 2), and MnBi8Te13(n = 3) etc, has attracted considerable interest owing to its intriguing combination of intrinsic magnetism and non-trivial band topology. This unique blend offers a fertile ground for investigating the engineering of magnetic states and the interplay between magnetism and topology. A comprehensive understanding and manipulation of their magnetic properties in single-crystal bulk and two-dimensional (2D) forms are imperative for the advancement of applications in quantum technology. This review presents an extensive overview of recent experimental and theoretical inquiries into the magnetic characteristics of MnBi2Te4(Bi2Te3)
n
(n = 0, 1, 2, 3) spanning from the bulk to the 2D realm. It delves into intrinsic and defect-related magnetism and its modulation under diverse external fields. The elucidations provided herein aspire to enhance the understanding of magnetic phenomena in magnetic topological insulators, underscoring the potential for tailoring magnetic states to propel future quantum devices.
Van der Waals growth of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide superconductors on ultra-flat graphene
Authors: Fu Zihao , Wan Zihao , Wang Hui , Yu Kun , Feng Yichen , Fang Zhi , Xi Xiaoxiang , Li Dong , Zhou Zhenjia , Pan Anlian , Gao Libo
Published: December 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) superconductors have desirable physical properties and a wide range of potential applications. However, many 2D superconducting materials have poor structural integrity and performance at thicknesses down to monolayer. Therefore, they are still hardly exploited in large-scale practical applications. In this study, we demonstrate a growth strategy based on the two-step vapour deposition process and van der Waals (vdW) ultra-flat graphene as a buffer layer, and thereafter realize the wafer-scale monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) films, especially for 2D TMD superconductors. By comparing different non-vdW and vdW growth substrates, we demonstrate that ultra-flat graphene films provide an atomically smooth surface and effectively isolates oxygen-dangling bonds, and finally promote the superconducting behaviours of monolayer NbSe2 and TaS2 films. This growth strategy could also be extended to other wafer-scale TMD films and be of both fundamental and technological significance in the development of wafer-scale monolayer TMD-based devices.
Fabrication of PDMS based flexible capacitive tactile sensor array with inkjet printed silver electrodes for robotic object grasp control
Authors: Mary Catherine V G , Paul Binu , Sharon Antony , Antony Aldrin , Viswanathan Daleesha M
Published: December 2024

Human interactive robots deployed for advanced services such as nursing and elderly assistance systems, operate in close proximity to humans in a home environment, unlike the conventional industrial robots. For the adaptive and safe interaction with humans, it is important to endow the sense of touch to such robots. Tactile sensors are embedded on the robotic body to perceive touch. The existing rigid tactile sensors have limited flexibility and conformability to robot surfaces. This paper presents the development of tactile sensors for robots to detect human touch, biomimicking the flexible nature of human skin. To emulate flexibility, we propose the fabrication of flexible capacitive tactile sensors based on polymers like Polyimide (PI) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). PI is used as the substrate to develop 3 × 3 array by thermal evaporation. PDMS is used as the dielectric between silver electrodes printed on Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate adopting the state of the art and cost-effective inkjet printing. The sensitivity evaluation of the fabricated sensor was carried out using a customized force measurement setup. The pressure sensitivity of 0.32% /KPa was obtained. Force sensitive resistor (FSR) was integrated with the tactile sensor array to estimate force at contact location and was placed on the custom 3D printed robotic arm, for object grasp control. This novel tactile sensor module (TSM) can potentially offer improved user experience in human-robot interaction (HRI) as in Robotic elderly assistance systems.
CSTR parameter identification and PID control optimization based on improved swarm intelligence algorithm
Authors: Wang Ronglin , Wang Haibo , Liu Jieting , Li Pengtao , Zhao Chuanzhe , Song Yadi
Published: December 2024

To address the challenges posed by time delay and nonlinearity in the production process of typical thermal engineering systems such as continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR), which make system parameter identification and temperature control difficult, an improved firefly algorithm is proposed for system parameter identification. This algorithm demonstrates higher identification accuracy compared to the original firefly algorithm. Subsequently, a combination of an improved sparrow search algorithm (BCGSSA) and PID control is applied to the temperature control of the CSTR system. This approach significantly enhances the dynamic performance of the CSTR system. The improved algorithm (BCGSSA) exhibits excellent control accuracy and robustness.
QR-DeepONet: resolve abnormal convergence issue in deep operator network
Authors: Zhao Jie , Xie Biwei , Li Xingquan
Published: December 2024

Deep operator network (DeepONet) has been proven to be highly successful in operator learning tasks. Theoretical analysis indicates that the generation error of DeepONet should decrease as the basis dimension increases, thus providing a systematic way to reduce its generalization errors (GEs) by varying the network hyperparameters. However, in practice, we found that, depending on the problem being solved and the activation function used, the GEs fluctuate unpredictably, contrary to theoretical expectations. Upon analyzing the output matrix of the trunk net, we determined that this behavior stems from the learned basis functions being highly linearly dependent, which limits the expressivity of the vanilla DeepONet. To address these limitations, we propose QR decomposition enhanced DeepONet (QR-DeepONet), an enhanced version of DeepONet using QR decomposition. These modifications ensured that the learned basis functions were linearly independent and orthogonal to each other. The numerical results demonstrate that the GEs of QR-DeepONet follow theoretical predictions that decrease monotonically as the basis dimension increases and outperform vanilla DeepONet. Consequently, the proposed method successfully fills the gap between the theory and practice.
Stigmas experienced by sexual and gender minority people with HIV in the Dominican Republic: a qualitative study
Authors: Budhwani Henna , Ruiz De León Ingrid , Waters John , Nash Princess , Bond Christyenne L , Varas-Díaz Nelson , Naar Sylvie , Nyblade Laura , Paulino-Ramírez Robert , Turan Janet M
Published: December 2024

Background

As part of a study to test the feasibility and acceptability of the Finding Respect and Ending Stigma around HIV (FRESH) intervention to reduce stigmas and improve HIV viral suppression, our team collected qualitative data from men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV, transgender women with HIV, and HIV healthcare providers for their perspectives on different stigmas in Dominican Republic healthcare settings.

Purpose

We aimed to develop an understanding of the causes, consequences, and domains of stigma among sexual and gender minorities with HIV in Dominican Republic HIV clinics.

Methods

Data collection occurred in Santo Domingo and Santiago (2020-2021) and included four focus groups with MSM with HIV (n = 26), in-depth interviews with transgender women with HIV (n = 14), and in-depth interviews with HIV healthcare providers (n = 16). All data collection occurred in person and was audio recorded. Standardized guides were used for focus groups and in-depth interviews. Using a deductive process, 2 research associates thematically coded data in the NVivo software.

Results

On average, focus groups were 81 minutes, provider in-depth interviews were 24 minutes, and transgender women in-depth interviews were 32 minutes. We identified 4 key themes that mapped to 4 domains of stigma affecting MSM and transgender women with HIV: migrant stigma, religious stigma, sexual and gender minorities (SGM) stigma, and HIV stigma. All participant types noted the persistence of stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings in the Dominican Republic. The consequences of these stigmas were reported as being significant, including attempted suicide.

Conclusions

Interventions to reduce stigma experienced by SGM populations with HIV should address structural barriers, including inner and outer contexts of HIV care provision and cultural norms and values that propagate stigma. Findings offer insights about which stigmas could be targeted in future studies and how to potentially address stigma to improve population health in the Dominican Republic.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Autologous vs Irradiated Homologous Costal Cartilage Grafts for Dorsal Augmentation Rhinoplasty
Authors: Liyanage Dinithi , Vayalapra Sushanth , Murdeshwar Himani , Suresh Jonathan James , Usman Hamza , Bailey-Lewis Elisha , Bailón-Valdez Zaira , Khajuria Ankur
Published: December 2024

Autologous costal cartilage (ACC) is commonly used for dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty because of its availability and strength, despite risks such as hypertrophic scarring and pneumothorax for the patient. Irradiated homologous costal cartilage (IHCC) offers an alternative, potentially mitigating these complications. Previous reviews comparing these materials have been methodologically weak. The aim of this study is to perform a robust systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the outcomes of ACC and IHCC in dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty to guide clinical decision making in nasal reconstruction. Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by 2 independent authors. The primary outcomes of interest were warping, revision rates, infection rates, and displacement. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation and Cochrane's ROBINS I tool, respectively. Thirty-six articles were reviewed, including 1 comparative and 35 single-arm studies (ACC: 29, IHCC: 8), encompassing 2526 patients from 13 countries. Adverse events included warping (ACC: 6%, P < .0001; IHCC: 6%, P < .0001). Resorption rates were 1% for ACC (P = .06) and 3% for IHCC (P < .0001). Revision surgery rates were similar (ACC: 4%, P < .001; IHCC: 4%, P < .001), as were infection rates (ACC: 1.8%, P = .03; IHCC: 1.3%, P = .03). Current evidence does not demonstrate the superiority of ACC or IHCC for dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty. Both grafts are viable, with the choice guided by patient and surgeon preferences. Prospective, high-quality data with standardized outcomes are needed to improve clinical decision making.

Level of Evidence: 2 (Risk)
Oxidation of thiol groups in membrane proteins inhibits the fertilization ability and motility of sperm by suppressing calcium influx
Authors: Nakao Satohiro , Shirakado Kazuki , Tamura Kana , Koga Reiri , Ikeda-Imafuku Mayumi , Ishima Yu , Nakagata Naomi , Takeo Toru
Published: December 2024

The redox state of thiol groups derived from cysteine residues in proteins regulates cellular functions. Changes in the redox state of thiol groups in the epididymis are involved in sperm maturation. Furthermore, the redox state of thiol groups in proteins changes during the process of sperm capacitation. However, the effect of the redox state of thiol groups in sperm membrane proteins on the fertilization ability of sperm has not been studied. Therefore, in this study, we oxidized thiol groups in sperm membrane proteins using 5,5-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB), which is a thiol-selective oxidizing agent, and examined the effect of oxidation of these thiol groups on the fertilization ability of sperm. Oocytes and sperm were obtained from C57BL/6 J mice, and Jcl:ICR mice were used as recipients for embryo transfer. Oxidation of the thiol groups by DTNB decreased the in vitro fertilization rate, and removal of the zona pellucida recovered the fertilization rate. DTNB treatment decreased the amplitude of the lateral head, which is an indicator of hyperactivation, and suppressed an increase in the intracellular calcium ion concentration, which is essential for hyperactivation. These findings suggest that oxidation of thiol groups in sperm membrane proteins can decrease the fertility of sperm by suppressing calcium ion influx and hyperactivation.
A novel three-dimensional model of infantile haemangioma
Authors: Mitra Raka , Hale Tracy K , Fitzsimons Helen L , Gray Clint , White Madeleine P J
Published: December 2024

Background

Infantile haemangioma (IH) is vascular tumour in infants that exhibits rapid proliferation and angiogenesis followed by gradual involution. Ten per cent of cases are associated with disfiguring complications that require medical intervention with beta blockers, surgery or laser therapy.

Objectives

To improve our understanding of the disease mechanisms of IH with an in vitro three-dimensional model.

Methods

We isolated and expanded CD31+ endothelial cells (HemECs) from patient-derived IH cell lines and grew them as spheroids in STEMdiffTM Endothelial Expansion Medium. The cells were then embedded in an extracellular matrix hydrogel with reduced growth factors to initiate angiogenic sprouting.

Results

HemEC spheroids expressed CD31, glucose transporter 1, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, CD44, vimentin and CD133 but not smooth muscle actin, indicating their similarity to immature IH blood vessels and their angiogenic potential. Proteomic analysis revealed similar homology in terms of protein expression in spheroids and IH tissue. The high-throughput application of the three-dimensional angiogenesis model was tested using propranolol to inhibit sprouting of spheroids with increased toxicity response.

Conclusions

This study reports the development of a three-dimensional model of IH that closely resembles the angiogenic features of IH for molecular analysis and drug screening.
Desmoid fibromatosis post-cervical spine surgical intervention
Authors: AlNuaimi Dana , Abdulghaffar Shareefa , AlKetbi Reem , Khadim Badreya , Ibrahim Khalid
Published: December 2024

Desmoid tumours are rare benign tumours that show locally aggressive and invasive features leading to potential complications. They can be quite challenging for the treating surgeon if they occur adjacent to neurovascular structures. The aetiology of these tumours is still unclear, but the incidence is higher in females and in patients with a history of trauma or surgical procedures, raising the possibility of genetic and hormonal factors as well as post-traumatic or post-operative inflammatory changes promoting the formation of desmoid fibromatosis. We report a case of a 34-year-old Asian female who presented to our hospital with a history of difficulty in swallowing due to an enlarging lump on the left side of her neck. Patient had a past medical history of previous cervical spinal disc surgery due to a herniated disc. Diagnostic imaging showed a large soft tissue mass centred between the left common carotid artery and the cervical vertebrae displacing the trachea and oesophagus to the right side. A biopsy was obtained, and histopathological examination was suggestive of a desmoid tumour. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumour but returned later with recurrence and had to undergo the surgery again to achieve full cure.
Dual Biologic Therapy Induces Remission in Refractory Crohn’s Disease With Vedolizumab and Ustekinumab
Authors: Hassan Syed Adeel , Perry Courtney , Carey Patrick , Colohan Durham , Eltaher Mohamed Gebril , Dawoud Nabila , Elkammar Mahmoud , Rasheed Waqas , Mayne Casie , Stuffelbeam Amy , Flomenhoft Deborah , Barrett Terrence A
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite advancements in the therapeutic armamentarium for Crohn’s disease (CD), biologic and small molecule monotherapies are associated with sub-optimal response and remission rates. Utilizing dual biologic therapy (DBT) holds the potential to increase efficacy in the treatment of refractory or partially responsive CD. Evidence pertaining to this strategy remains limited.

Methods

We retrospectively examined refractory CD patients treated with a combination of ustekinumab and vedolizumab. Outcomes to DBT at week (wk) 52 were compared to monotherapy. The primary outcome constituted corticosteroid-free remission. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, infections, hospitalizations, surgeries, treatment persistence, and disease clearance.

Results

Sixteen of 21 active refractory CD patients (76%) on DBT achieved disease remission at wk 52. Mucosal healing was observed in 38% (n = 6), biochemical remission in 25% (n = 4), and both clinical and biochemical remission in 38% (n = 6). Of these patients, 50% (n = 8) achieved corticosteroid-free remission. Three patients (37.5%) with corticosteroid-free remission achieved complete disease clearance. Paired median fecal calprotectin decreased from 508 to 118 µg/g (P < .0001). Paired C-reactive protein median decreased from 1.04 to 0.50 mg/dL (P < .0001). Median Harvey Bradshaw Index score reduced from 7 to 2 (P = .003). Endoscopic healing was achieved with a paired simple endoscopic score for CD decrease from 6 to 3 (P = .013). Corticosteroid dependency reduced from 17 to 8 patients discontinuing altogether. Patients still requiring corticosteroids experienced a decrease in average daily dose from 9 to 6 mg (P = .045). At wk 52, 5 patients (24%) did not meet the criteria for remission with 4 requiring CD-related surgical intervention. Mean CD-related hospitalizations reduced from 2.95 ± 2.33 to 0.52 ± 1.12 (P < .001) and surgeries from 1.76 ± 1.3 to 0.14 ± 0.4 (P < .001). Three infections with 1 requiring hospitalization and 1 report of headache were noted. Two patients discontinued DBT.

Conclusions

Dual biologic therapy with ustekinumab and vedolizumab is a safe and effective strategy to induce disease remission in refractory CD. Large-scale studies are necessary to validate findings in a prospective setting.
The effects of costly telomere maintenance on lifespan - reproductive tradeoffs in sand lizards
Authors: Olsson Mats , Miller Emily , Rollings Nicky , Lillie Mette , Hufton Joshua , Hansson Alexander , Wapstra Erik
Published: December 2024

Telomeres are DNA-protein structures that primarily protect chromosomes and serve multiple functions of gene regulation. When cells divide, telomeres shorten and their main repair system in ectotherms - telomerase – replaces lost nucleotide complexes ((T2AG3)n in vertebrates). It remains a challenge to experimentally investigate resource requirements for telomere maintenance and its effects on lifespan-reproductive tradeoffs in the wild. In sand lizards (Lacerta agilis), we show that higher female investments into reproduction results in corresponding shortening of telomeres and that males have less frequent and less profound telomere shortening than females; a contributing factor to this may be males’ higher telomerase levels. To manipulate resource access for telomere maintenance, we exploit a pseudo-experimental opportunity to analyze ‘onboard’ resources long-term using lizards that drop their tails with fat and nutrient deposits when attacked by predators. Females with less resources due to regrown tails less often and less profoundly elongate telomeres. Adult lizards with the most TL elongation live the longest, females with the highest lifetime reproductive success shorten telomeres the most, whereas males with the most telomere elongation have the highest lifetime reproductive success. This suggests ongoing evolution of resource-constrained telomere maintenance.
The AREB transcription factor SaAREB6 promotes drought stress-induced santalol biosynthesis in sandalwood
Authors: Meng Sen , Lian Na , Qin Fangcuo , Yang Shuqi , Meng Dong , Bian Zhan , Xiang Li , Lu Junkun
Published: December 2024

Sandalwood (Santalum album), a culturally significant and economically valuable horticultural species, is renowned for its heartwood and essential oils enriched with sesquiterpene compounds such as santalol. Despite progress in elucidating the biosynthetic pathway of these valuable metabolites, the transcriptional regulation of this process, particularly under abiotic stress conditions, remains largely unexplored. Under drought conditions, we observed a marked increase in SaAREB6 expression, paralleled by elevated levels of santalols. Moreover, we identified SaCYP736A167, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene, as a direct target of SaAREB6. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), microscale thermophoresis assays (MSTs) and dual luciferase assays (DLAs), we validated the precise and specific interaction of SaAREB6 with the promoter region of SaCYP736A167. This interaction leads to the upregulation of SaCYP736A167, which in turn catalyzes the final steps in the conversion of sesquiterpene precursors to santalols, thereby reinforcing the connection between SaAREB6 activity and increased santalol production during drought. Collectively, our work illuminates the previously uncharacterized role of SaAREB6 in orchestrating a transcriptional regulation that facilitates drought-induced santalol biosynthesis in sandalwood, presenting opportunities for genetic engineering strategies to improve heartwood and essential oil yields in this economically vital species.
Fast time-stepping discontinuous Galerkin method for the subdiffusion equation
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zeng Fanhai , Jiang Xiaoyun , Zhang Zhimin
Published: December 2024

The nonlocality of the fractional operator causes numerical difficulties for long time computation for time-fractional evolution equations. This paper develops a high-order fast time-stepping discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method for a time-fractional diffusion equation, which saves storage and computational time. An optimal error estimate of the form $O(N^{-p-1} + h^{m+1} + \varepsilon N^{r\alpha })$ for the proposed time-stepping DG method is rigorously proved, where $N$ denotes the number of time intervals, $p$ is the degree of polynomial approximation on each time subinterval, $h$ is the maximum spatial mesh size, $r\ge 1$, $m$ is the order of finite element space and $\varepsilon>0$ can be arbitrarily small. Numerical simulations verify the theoretical analysis.
Minkowski Valuations in Affine Convex Geometry
Authors: Henkel Jakob , Wannerer Thomas
Published: December 2024

In convex geometry, the constructions that assign to a convex body its difference body, projection body, or volume have the following properties: They are (1) invariant under volume-preserving linear changes of coordinates; (2) continuous; (3) finitely additive, and the resulting convex bodies are subsets of an irreducible representation of the special linear group. In this paper, we explore the question whether there exist other constructions with these properties. We discover a surprising dichotomy: There are no new examples if one assumes translation invariance, but a plethora of examples without this assumption.
Why is Newar Buddhism Largely Ignored in Buddhist Studies? Protestantism, the Narrative of Decline, and the Position of Invisibility
Authors: Grimes Samuel M
Published: December 2024

In the field of Buddhist studies as represented in European languages, Newar Buddhism, which is the only living tradition of Sanskritic Buddhism, receives very little mention. This is despite the fact that the start of the European engagement with Buddhism largely began through the study of Nepalese manuscripts by Eugene Burnouf and on-the-ground reports by Brian Houghton Hodgson. Why is it that the only form of Buddhism to preserve popular and esoteric practices once practiced across northern India has not been more central to the European-language academic engagement with Buddhism? This article examines narratives developed in the nineteenth century to demonstrate that Newar Buddhism was largely deemed unworthy of study due to its emphasis on ritual, superficial resemblances to Hinduism, and representation of Indian Buddhism’s final development, the Vajrayāna. These old prejudices have continued effects, as Newar Buddhism remains largely invisible in academic publications on Sanskritic Vajrayāna.
Impact of renal-adjusted ceftazidime/avibactam in patients with KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Oliva A , Volpicelli L , Gigante A , Di Nillo M , Trapani S , Viscido A , Sacco F , Mastroianni C M
Published: December 2024

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) are still associated with high mortality, and the game-changing drug ceftazidime/avibactam has shown suboptimal pharmacokinetics in some clinical settings. Ceftazidime/avibactam renal dose adjustment has recently been identified as an independent risk factor for mortality.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of ceftazidime/avibactam renal dose adjustment on mortality.

Methods

Patients with KPC-Kp BSI treated with a ceftazidime/avibactam-based regimen were retrospectively collected and analysed. The primary outcome was mortality at 7, 14 and 30 days after the start of definitive ceftazidime/avibactam antibiotic therapy. Renal function was estimated using the CKD-EPI equation.

Results

One hundred and ten patients with KPC-Kp BSI treated with a ceftazidime/avibactam-based regimen were included. Full-dose ceftazidime/avibactam (7.5 g daily) was prescribed to 82 patients (74.5%), while 28 patients (25.5%) received a renal-adjusted dose (17 patients due to chronic renal disease or haemodialysis, 11 patients due to infection-related acute kidney injury), with a median of 1.9 g daily. At multivariable analysis, receiving a reduced dose of ceftazidime/avibactam was independently associated with mortality (HR 4.47, 95% CI 1.09–18.03, P = 0.037), along with intra-abdominal or lower respiratory tract infections as source of BSI (HR 5.42, 95% CI 1.77–16.55, P = 0.003), septic shock (HR 6.99, 95% CI 1.36–35.87, P = 0.020) and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection (HR 10.23, 95% CI 2.69–38.85, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Dose reduction of ceftazidime/avibactam according to renal function in patients with KPC-Kp BSI seems to be independently associated with higher mortality. This may be possibly due to inadequate exposure provided by the recommended doses for renal impairment.
A Second Opinion: Expert Commentary on “Persistent Mild Increase of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in a Male Patient with Testicular Pain”
Authors: Torres Callie , Villanueva Ana , Gronowski Ann M
Published: December 2024

Elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) of unknown etiology is often a diagnostic dilemma. Determination of its source is vital in order to provide proper medical treatment and prevent possible unneeded therapeutic interventions. The differential diagnosis for elevated hCG is broad and includes pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, heterophile antibody, macro-hCG, exogenous hCG administration, pituitary secretion, tumor-associated secretion, etc. One entity that is emerging in the published literature as a cause of elevated hCG is familial hCG syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by persistently elevated concentrations from a yet to be determined source in individuals of the same family. In this special report, we review a recently published case of elevated hCG in a 56-year-old male proposed to be due to familial hCG syndrome. We discuss why we feel the presented case is not consistent with familial hCG syndrome and explore other possible explanations for the patient’s elevated hCG concentrations.
Disruption of cell wall and membrane integrity as antioomycete and antifungal mode of action by fusaric and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acids from endophytic fungus Fusarium lactis strain SME13-2
Authors: Macías-Rubalcava Martha Lydia , Lappe-Oliveras Patricia , Villanueva-Silva Rodrigo
Published: December 2024

Aims

This study aimed to assess the mode of action of fusaric and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acids on cell respiration by measuring the hyphal oxygen consumption rate, and the effects on cell membrane integrity by determining the electrical conductivity of the mycelium.

Methods and Results

Bioactivity-directed fractionation of the active culture medium and mycelium organic extracts from the Fusarium lactis strain SME13-2 isolated from Sapium macrocarpum led to the isolation of two known alkylpicolinic acid derivatives: fusaric acid and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acid, along with the known polyketide bikaverin. Fusaric acid and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acid exhibited antioomycete and antifungal activities, significantly inhibiting the radial growth of Phytophthora capsici, Pythium aphanidermatum, Alternaria alternata, and F. oxysporum. Additionally, they induced changes in colony morphology and negative effects on the ultrastructure of their hyphae. To date, the antimicrobial mode of action of fusaric acid and other alkylpicolinic acid derivatives is not thoroughly understood. Therefore, we investigated their effect on cellular respiration by measuring the oxygen consumption rate of the hyphae and their impact on cell membrane integrity by determining the electrical conductivity of the mycelium. Fusaric and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acids inhibited the respiration of the mycelium and altered the permeability of the cell membrane in the tested phytopathogenic microorganisms in a concentration and exposure time-dependent manner, exerting a greater effect on oomycetes. The disruption of cell membrane integrity resulted in the leakage of cytoplasmic electrolytes into the extracellular medium, which, coupled with respiratory inhibition, could lead to cell death.

Conclusions

Fusaric and 9,10-dehydrofusaric acids show potential for the development of new fungicides and anti-oomycetes agents.
An electronic health record metadata-mining approach to identifying patient-level interprofessional clinician teams in the intensive care unit
Authors: Yakusheva Olga , Khadr Lara , Lee Kathryn A , Ratliff Hannah C , Marriott Deanna J , Costa Deena Kelly
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Advances in health informatics rapidly expanded use of big-data analytics and electronic health records (EHR) by clinical researchers seeking to optimize interprofessional ICU team care. This study developed and validated a program for extracting interprofessional teams assigned to each patient each shift from EHR event logs.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of EHR event logs for mechanically-ventilated patients 18 and older from 5 ICUs in an academic medical center during 1/1/2018-12/31/2019. We defined interprofessional teams as all medical providers (physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners), registered nurses, and respiratory therapists assigned to each patient each shift. We created an EHR event logs-mining program that extracts clinicians who interact with each patient’s medical record each shift. The algorithm was validated using the Message Understanding Conference (MUC-6) method against manual chart review of a random sample of 200 patient-shifts from each ICU by two independent reviewers.

Results

Our sample included 4559 ICU encounters and 72 846 patient-shifts. Our program extracted 3288 medical providers, 2702 registered nurses, and 219 respiratory therapists linked to these encounters. Eighty-three percent of patient-shift teams included medical providers, 99.3% included registered nurses, and 74.1% included respiratory therapists; 63.4% of shift-level teams included clinicians from all three professions. The program demonstrated 95.9% precision, 96.2% recall, and high face validity.

Discussion

Our EHR event logs-mining program has high precision, recall, and validity for identifying patient-levelshift interprofessional teams in ICUs.

Conclusions

Algorithmic and artificial intelligence approaches have a strong potential for informing research to optimize patient team assignments and improve ICU care and outcomes.
Uterus transplants and Mexico’s rule of law
Authors: Palacios-González César , Mendoza Cárdenas Héctor A
Published: December 2024

Uterus transplantation is a new fertility treatment for some women who lack a functioning uterus. The number of countries where these transplants are performed has steadily increased, and in Mexico, there is a growing interest in this procedure among patients, researchers, and clinicians. In this paper we look at Mexico and its legal system in order to determine what is the legal status of uterus transplants, and whether there is a right to them according to Mexican legislation. To achieve this objective, we have organized this paper into four sections. First, we present a brief synopsis of what uterus transplants entail. Second, we carry out a historical overview of uterus transplants in Mexico. Third, we present the federal laws and regulations that apply to uterus transplants in Mexico. Finally, we defend that under Mexican legislation there is a positive right to uterus transplants. We substantiate the former by focusing on the right to the protection of health and the right to family making.
Unveiling the Role of Resident Memory T Cells in Psoriasis
Authors: Saavedra-Almarza Juan , Malgue Felipe , García-Gómez Moira , Gouët Solange , Edwards Natalie , Palma Verónica , Rosemblatt Mario , Sauma Daniela
Published: December 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by periods of remission and relapse. In this pathology, keratinocytes, dendritic cells, and different subpopulations of T cells are critical to developing psoriatic lesions. Although current treatments can reduce symptoms, they reappear in previously injured areas months after stopping treatment. Evidence has pointed out that besides T helper 17 cells, other T cell subsets may be involved in relapses. This review focuses on the leading evidence linking resident memory T cells and P2X7 receptor to psoriasis’ pathogenesis and their role in this pathology. Finally, we discuss some of the most widely used experimental murine models and novel strategies to investigate further the role of resident memory T cells in psoriasis.
Newly assembled pocket gopher genomes can facilitate conservation management of biodiversity
Authors: Halsey Michaela K , Roberts Emma K , Wright Emily A , Soniat Taylor J , Lindsay Laramie L , Moreno-Santillan Diana , Pitts Richard M , Dávalos Liliana M , Bradley Robert D , Stevens Richard D , Ray David A
Published: December 2024

Texas exhibits one of the richest levels of pocket gopher diversity in the United States. Three genera (Cratogeomys, Geomys, and Thomomys) and 11 species are found in Texas. It is not surprising given the diversity of the Texas landscape (ecoregions, life zones, substrates, and vegetation) that these species are further subdivided into 29 subspecies in Texas alone. Pocket gopher distributions are determined by availability of suitable soil types and therefore often occur in small, isolated populations. For some taxa, limited distribution and ultimately small deme sizes result in populations that may require attention from a regulatory and management perspective. For many Texas pocket gopher subspecies, insufficient information exists to make sound recommendations relative to conservation status and needs despite decades of research collecting and evaluating data based on morphometrics, distributions and habitat preferences, karyotypes, allozymes, and mitochondrial DNA. As such, there is precedent for elevating pocket gopher subspecies to species after evaluation of available data, as well as subsuming subspecies into a broader taxonomic group. We used genomic techniques to identify genetically defined operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of pocket gophers to improve knowledge and understanding of pocket gopher distributions within the state. Using tens of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms, we determined the number of OTUs in each genus to be 5 for Thomomys bottae subspecies, 8 for Geomys species, and 5 for Cratogeomys castanops subspecies in Texas. In general, these data agree with current taxonomic hypotheses regarding Geomys and C. castanops; however, many T. bottae groups present similar genetic patterns that do not merit subspecies status based on these data, suggesting a more conservative classification of T. bottae in Texas and southeastern New Mexico that could facilitate conservation efforts, should they be necessary.
On the origin of fatty acid biosynthesis in Archaeplastida
Authors: Kelly Amélie A , Feussner Ivo
Published: December 2024

This article comments on:

Sato N, Ikemura E, Uemura M, Awai K. 2025. Genomic and biochemical analyses of lipid biosynthesis in Cyanophora paradoxa: limited role of the chloroplast in fatty acid synthesis. Journal of Experimental Botany 76, 532–545. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erae420
The EACVI Handbook of Nuclear Cardiology
Authors: Jaber Wael , Buechel Ronny
Published: December 2024

Nuclear techniques have contributed to the diagnosis and management of patients with coronary artery disease over the past 50 years. The various nuclear modalities available to the clinician and patient keep evolving, with tremendous advances in therapeutics occurring in the cardiovascular space. The Handbook serves as a user-friendly clinical guide to the field of nuclear cardiology. Covering all aspects of this ever-expanding area, it is an excellent tool in the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure (ischaemic and non-ischaemic), amyloid heart disease, endocarditis, myocarditis, and cardiac sarcoidosis. There are many images, tables, and bullet points that can be used daily in your busy practice to refresh your memory on various cardiac pathologies. The illustrations are derived from a typical clinical practice, and the easily accessible format allows you as a reader to focus on the ‘typical findings’ of various cardiac pathologies.
Cardiovascular stress
Authors: Reyes Eliana
Published: December 2024

Cardiovascular stress techniques are essential in establishing the functional significance of stable coronary artery disease and its relation to patient symptoms. Dynamic exercise and pharmacological stress agents are often combined with non-invasive imaging for this purpose; the preference for one form of stress over the others depends on stress-specific indications and contraindications, patient tolerability and choice, feasibility, and local expertise. Becoming familiar with stress testing helps to improve patient safety and test effectiveness, which would contribute towards enhancing the diagnostic performance of cardiac stress imaging.
Sibling and Parental Military Service and Suicidality Among Adolescents in the United States
Authors: London Andrew S , Antshel Kevin M
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This study aims to examine whether having a sibling and/or a parent on active duty in the military is associated with suicidality—think about death, better off dead, think about suicide, plan suicide, and attempt suicide—among 12- to 17-year-old adolescent girls and boys in the United States.

Materials and Methods

Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted using pooled cross-sectional public-use data from the 2016–2019 National Survey of Drug Use and Health. Analyses were weighted and standard errors were adjusted for the complex sampling design.

Results

Having a sibling on active duty increases the likelihood of reporting all five suicidality outcomes. Having a parent on active duty increases the likelihood of each of the suicidality outcomes except think about death for both adolescent boys and girls relative to adolescents without a parent in the military. Adolescent girls who have a parent serving in the military are more likely to report suicidal ideation (better off dead, think about suicide) than adolescent boys who have a parent currently serving in the military but are equally likely to report suicide planning and attempt.

Conclusions

Those working clinically with military families should be mindful of the association between suicidality and sibling military service, as well as parental military service. Programs aiming to reduce the negative impact of sibling deployment need to be developed and tested empirically. The current findings suggest the need for targeted family-centered approaches to suicide prevention among youth with siblings, parents, and potentially other relatives currently serving in the armed forces.
Giant deformation potential induced small polaron effect in Dion–Jacobson two-dimensional lead halide perovskites
Authors: Huang Yuling , Gong Shaokuan , Chen Qianxia , Chen Congcong , Yang Zhangqiang , Wang Kang , Xue Jie , Wang Daozeng , Lu Haipeng , Mao Lingling , Yang Ye , Zhao Jin-Zhu , Chen Xihan
Published: December 2024

Halide perovskites have attracted substantial attention recently. However, the strong lattice distortion effects in these materials have led to debates regarding the nature of charge carriers. While the behavior of carriers in bulk three-dimensional materials is well-documented, the characteristics of carriers in two-dimensional perovskites remain less well understood. In this study, we provide direct and clear evidence of small polaron formation through transient spectroscopic analysis of deformation potential and dynamic lattice screening. Coherent acoustic phonon wave signals reveal a strong coupling between carriers and lattice degrees of freedom, leading to small polaron formation and a spin lifetime enhancement of up to 10-fold. Utilizing optical Kerr spectroscopy and theoretical modeling, we observed a notably long polarization response time at room temperature, attributed to lattice distortion and small polarons approximately two-unit cells in size. Temperature-dependent coherent phonon dynamics and X-ray diffraction further confirmed the presence of small polarons. This discovery underscores the significance of the cooperative interplay between exciton dynamics and the small polaron field, particularly in influencing the Coulomb exchange interaction of excitons.
Petrology of Gabbroic Rocks from the Lower Crust of a Back-Arc Basin: An Example from the Ophiolitic Liuyuan Complex, Northwestern China
Authors: Santos Gabriel S , Bédard Jean H , Lin Shoufa , van Staal Cees R , Wang Kai
Published: December 2024

The 290- to 282-Ma ophiolitic Liuyuan Complex in northwestern China preserves a section of oceanic crust formed in a back-arc basin during the final stages of the evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. We present results of detailed field work, petrography, whole rock, and mineral chemistry of the plutonic rocks of the Liuyuan Complex. These include troctolite, melatroctolite, olivine gabbro, podiform olivine gabbro, podiform hornblende gabbro, and intrusive hornblende gabbro. Major element data, petrography, low incompatible trace element concentrations, and positive Eu–Sr anomalies suggest that basal troctolite and melatroctolite are accumulations of olivine + plagioclase primocrysts, with varying proportions of interstitial, ophitic, and poikilitic clinopyroxene forming from trapped melt. Olivine gabbro dominates the plutonic crust between the troctolites and sheeted dykes. Troctolites and olivine gabbros have weak paleo-horizontal foliations and show systematic upward cryptic mineral-chemical trends of decreasing clinopyroxene Mg#, plagioclase An, and olivine Fo and NiO contents. Trace element modelling suggests low trapped melt fractions in the cumulates (5–15%) and implies clinopyroxene was a minor cumulus phase in the olivine gabbros. The cryptic mineral-chemical evolution and textures imply most troctolites and olivine gabbros formed as sequential accumulations from an evolving melt. Melatroctolite layers (~5 m thick) in troctolite may represent fossil replenishment events. Immediately below the sheeted dyke unit, there are meter-scale pods of cumulate olivine gabbro containing abundant hornblende (25–45%), as well as decimeter- to meter-scale pods of quasi-liquid olivine gabbro with compositions similar to overlying dykes and lavas. Isolated intra-plutonic dykes of hornblende gabbro also have basaltic compositions. In the podiform hornblende gabbro, high-temperature magnesio-hornblende likely formed as a reaction product between clinopyroxene and a hydrous pore melt. Trace element inversion models indicate that these diverse plutonic rock units formed from a tholeiitic parental melt cogenetic with the overlying basalts. The Liuyuan ophiolitic complex represents a coherent slice of oceanic crust formed in a back-arc basin.