bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mimesis of the Zoom World: How TV Series Mirrored the 2020 Pandemic and Its Languages
Authors: Susca Carlotta
Published: December 2023

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has made apparent the importance of stories in consoling, healing, and being effective vehicles of useful information. The two case studies taken into consideration in this work are TV series special episodes created and aired during the first phase of the pandemic, and particularly during the first lockdown. Parks and Recreation’s and Mythic Quest’s pandemic episodes portray their characters’ interactions on line, mirroring the real world and the necessary but painful social distancing. These episodes were moving and have a great value as testaments of the lockdown, other than having proved helpful in raising charitable donations. Due to logistic restrictions and to the intention of portraying reality as it was, the two special episodes were realized through video calls and portray characters video calling each other.
The Ecological Role of Probiotics in in vitro Culture for the Improvement of Health in the Poultry Industry
Authors:   Department of Environmental Science, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nsenge Olivier , Mangata Bopatriciat ,   Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eyul’anki Dieudonné , Makaly Emmanuel ,   Department of Environmental Science, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Published: December 2023

The general objective of this work was to isolate from yoghourts cultured strains of lactobacilli with potential for use as probiotics in poultry farming. Three yoghourts were cultured to see the presence of lactobacilli in the Rogosa agar base culture medium. It was found that only one yoghourt (number 1) showed the growth of lactobacilli. This yoghourt was immediately selected for further cultivation. Afterwards, the Lactobacillus strains were isolated and fortified under CO2 and then inoculated into a solution of peptone water, which constituted inoculums to be administered to an experimental group of poultry. Another group served as controls. Pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli were also administered to both groups (experimental and control, each comprising five hens). The results showed significant weight gain from the experimental group (positive effect on immunity) and freedom from disease after an incubation period (inhibitory effect of the lactobacillus strains on the Escherichia coli strains), whereas the control group showed less weight gain than the experimental group and development of colibacillosis after an incubation period. The positive effects of the Lactobacillus strains observed on the poultry of the experimental group proved the ecological role of these microorganisms in improving the health of the poultry by inhibiting the effects of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. This suggests reassuring prospects for the reduction of antibiotic use in both human and animal care.
A Physical Framework for Testing and Evaluating of a Mechatronic Shunting System
Authors:   Computer Science Department, British Applied College, Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates, Alkharabsheh Abdelrahman , Momani Lina ,   Mechanical Engineering Department, Higher Colleges of Technology, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Qawaqzeh Yousef ,   Information Technology Department, Fujairah University, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Alsakarneh Amjad ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
Published: December 2023

Shunt is a flexible tube called a catheter implanted inside the brain where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced. Existing treatments rely on passive implantable shunts with differential pressure valves. The authors defined, designed, and programmed an intelligent wireless hydrocephalus shunting system. The shunting system was designed, simulated, and tested to carry out many tasks such as regulating the mechatronic valve, collecting Injection Control Pressure (ICP) readings, analyzing these readings, responding to all emergency cases, and diagnosing the whole shunting system. Nowadays, many challenges face clinical trials for new medical devices. Clinical trials are complex and require following several rules and regulations to ensure compliance with different standards. Due to the difficulty of using medical trials, an urgent need for a physical framework for implementing a virtual model of intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in hydrocephalus mechatronic shunt testing. Such a physical framework will play a vital role in assessing the functioning of the whole mechatronic shunting system. A framework of a mechatronic shunting system (implanted and external) is illustrated and integrated with embedded management and diagnosis software. Such a framework will help assess, test, and evaluate the main functions of the proposed shunting system.
Interpersonal alignment of neural evidence accumulation to social exchange of confidence
Authors: Esmaily Jamal , Zabbah Sajjad , Ebrahimpour Reza , Bahrami Bahador
Published: December 2023

Private, subjective beliefs about uncertainty have been found to have idiosyncratic computational and neural substrates yet, humans share such beliefs seamlessly and cooperate successfully. Bringing together decision making under uncertainty and interpersonal alignment in communication, in a discovery plus pre-registered replication design, we examined the neuro-computational basis of the relationship between privately held and socially shared uncertainty. Examining confidence-speed-accuracy trade-off in uncertainty-ridden perceptual decisions under social vs isolated context, we found that shared (i.e. reported confidence) and subjective (inferred from pupillometry) uncertainty dynamically followed social information. An attractor neural network model incorporating social information as top-down additive input captured the observed behavior and demonstrated the emergence of social alignment in virtual dyadic simulations. Electroencephalography showed that social exchange of confidence modulated the neural signature of perceptual evidence accumulation in the central parietal cortex. Our findings offer a neural population model for interpersonal alignment of shared beliefs.
Apoptosis recognition receptors regulate skin tissue repair in mice
Authors: Justynski Olivia , Bridges Kate , Krause Will , Forni Maria Fernanda , Phan Quan M , Sandoval-Schaefer Teresa , Carter Kristyn , King Diane E , Hsia Henry C , Gazes Michael I , Vyce Steven D , Driskell Ryan R , Miller-Jensen Kathryn , Horsley Valerie
Published: December 2023

Apoptosis and clearance of apoptotic cells via efferocytosis are evolutionarily conserved processes that drive tissue repair. However, the mechanisms by which recognition and clearance of apoptotic cells regulate repair are not fully understood. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing to provide a map of the cellular dynamics during early inflammation in mouse skin wounds. We find that apoptotic pathways and efferocytosis receptors are elevated in fibroblasts and immune cells, including resident Lyve1+ macrophages, during inflammation. Interestingly, human diabetic foot wounds upregulate mRNAs for efferocytosis pathway genes and display altered efferocytosis signaling via the receptor Axl and its ligand Gas6. During early inflammation in mouse wounds, we detect upregulation of Axl in dendritic cells and fibroblasts via TLR3-independent mechanisms. Inhibition studies in vivo in mice reveal that Axl signaling is required for wound repair but is dispensable for efferocytosis. By contrast, inhibition of another efferocytosis receptor, Timd4, in mouse wounds decreases efferocytosis and abrogates wound repair. These data highlight the distinct mechanisms by which apoptotic cell detection coordinates tissue repair and provides potential therapeutic targets for chronic wounds in diabetic patients.
The seminal odorant binding protein Obp56g is required for mating plug formation and male fertility in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Brown Nora C , Gordon Benjamin , McDonough-Goldstein Caitlin E , Misra Snigdha , Findlay Geoffrey D , Clark Andrew G , Wolfner Mariana Federica
Published: December 2023

In Drosophila melanogaster and other insects, the seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) and male sex pheromones that enter the female with sperm during mating are essential for fertility and induce profound post-mating effects on female physiology. The SFPs in D. melanogaster and other taxa include several members of the large gene family known as odorant binding proteins (Obps). Work in Drosophila has shown that some Obp genes are highly expressed in the antennae and can mediate behavioral responses to odorants, potentially by binding and carrying these molecules to odorant receptors. These observations have led to the hypothesis that the seminal Obps might act as molecular carriers for pheromones or other compounds important for male fertility, though functional evidence in any species is lacking. Here, we used functional genetics to test the role of the seven seminal Obps in D. melanogaster fertility and the post-mating response (PMR). We found that Obp56g is required for male fertility and the induction of the PMR, whereas the other six genes are dispensable. We found males lacking Obp56g fail to form a mating plug in the mated female’s reproductive tract, leading to ejaculate loss and reduced sperm storage, likely due to its expression in the male ejaculatory bulb. We also examined the evolutionary history of these seminal Obp genes, as several studies have documented rapid evolution and turnover of SFP genes across taxa. We found extensive lability in gene copy number and evidence of positive selection acting on two genes, Obp22a and Obp51a. Comparative RNAseq data from the male reproductive tract of multiple Drosophila species revealed that Obp56g shows high male reproductive tract expression in a subset of taxa, though conserved head expression across the phylogeny. Together, these functional and expression data suggest that Obp56g may have been co-opted for a reproductive function over evolutionary time.
CTLA-4 antibody-drug conjugate reveals autologous destruction of B-lymphocytes associated with regulatory T cell impairment
Authors: Muthana Musleh M , Du Xuexiang , Liu Mingyue , Wang Xu , Wu Wei , Ai Chunxia , Su Lishan , Zheng Pan , Liu Yang
Published: December 2023

Germline CTLA-4 deficiency causes severe autoimmune diseases characterized by dysregulation of Foxp3+ Tregs, hyper-activation of effector memory T cells, and variable forms autoimmune cytopenia including gradual loss of B cells. Cancer patients with severe immune-related adverse events (irAE) after receiving anti-CTLA-4/PD-1 combination immunotherapy also have markedly reduced peripheral B cells. The immunological basis for B cell loss remains unexplained. Here, we probe the decline of B cells in human CTLA-4 knock-in mice by using anti-human CTLA-4 antibody Ipilimumab conjugated to a drug payload emtansine (Anti-CTLA-4 ADC). The anti-CTLA-4 ADC-treated mice have T cell hyper-proliferation and their differentiation into effector cells which results in B cell depletion. B cell depletion is mediated by both CD4 and CD8 T cells and at least partially rescued by anti-TNF-alpha antibody. These data revealed an unexpected antagonism between T and B cells and the importance of regulatory T cells in preserving B cells.
Leucine alleviates cytokine storm syndrome by regulating macrophage polarization via the mTORC1/LXRα signaling pathway
Authors: Yan Hui , Liu Yao , Li Xipeng , Yu Bing , He Jun , Mao Xiangbing , Yu Jie , Huang Zhiqing , Luo Yuheng , Luo Junqiu , Wu Aimin , Chen Daiwen
Published: December 2023

Cytokine storms are associated with severe pathological damage and death in some diseases. Excessive activation of M1 macrophages and the subsequent secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines are a major cause of cytokine storms. Therefore, promoting the polarization of M2 macrophages to restore immune balance is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). This study was aimed at investigating the potential protective effects of leucine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced CSS in mice and exploring the underlying mechanisms. CSS was induced by LPS administration in mice, which were concurrently administered leucine orally. In vitro, BMDMs were polarized to M1 and M2 phenotypes with LPS and IL-4, respectively, and treated with leucine. Leucine decreased mortality in mice treated with lethal doses of LPS. Specifically, leucine decreased M1 polarization and promoted M2 polarization, thus diminishing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and ameliorating CSS in mice. Further studies revealed that leucine induced macrophage polarization through the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)/liver X receptor α (LXRα) pathway, which synergistically enhanced the expression of the IL-4-induced M2 marker Arg1 and subsequent M2 polarization. In summary, this study revealed that leucine ameliorates CSS in LPS mice by promoting M2 polarization through the mTORC1/LXRα/Arg1 signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that a fundamental link between metabolism and immunity contributes to the resolution of inflammation and the repair of damaged tissues.
Leksikalsk variation i de danske ømål
Authors: Gudiksen Asgerd
Published: December 2023

Inden for dialektforskningen undersøges dialektal variation typisk med udgangspunkt i et begreb, fx et redskab eller et dyr, med det formål at beskrive og forklare den geografiske fordeling af betegnelser for begrebet. Den pilotundersøgelse artiklen gør rede for, afprøver en metode til at undersøge leksikalsk variation mere bredt. Undersøgelsen sammenligner ordforrådet inden for tre centrale arbejdsprocesser i det førindustrielle bondesamfund: kornhøst, smørfremstilling og udkørsel af gødning, for at få indtryk af hvor forskelligartet terminologien er inden for ømålsområdet, og om de almindeligt udbredte ord har særlige karakteristika. Et særligt fokus for artiklen er at undersøge i hvor høj grad Storebælt udgør en terminologisk grænse. Undersøgelsen bygger primært på Ømålsordbogen og dens seddelsamling. Eftersom det onomasiologiske princip har præget både indsamling, organisering af samlingen og redigering er det et velegnet udgangspunkt for begrebsmæssige undersøgelser, men der er dog også en række fejlkilder man må tage højde for ved udnyttelsen af samlingen.
Peptidomics insights: neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) related to the chronic subdural hemorrhage
Authors: Li Jie , Zhao Jing , Sun Shuchen , Shen Sen , Zhong Bincheng , Dong Xiaohua
Published: December 2023

Chronic subdural hemorrhage (CSDH) refers to a hematoma with an envelope between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane and is more common among the elderly. It was reported that the dura mater, which is highly vascularized with capillary beds, precapillary arterioles and postcapillary venules play an important role in the protection of the central nervous system (CNS). Numerous evidences suggests that peptides play an important role in neuroprotection of CNS. However, whether dura mater derived endogenous peptides participate in the pathogenesis of CSDH remains undetermined. In the current study, the peptidomic profiles were performed in human dura of CSDH (three patients) and the relative control group (three non-CSDH samples) by LC-MS (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry). The results suggested that a total of 569 peptides were differentially expressed in the dura matter of CSDH compared with relative controls, including 217 up-regulated peptides and 352 down-regulated peptides. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis demonstrated that the precursor proteins of those differentially expressed peptides were involved in the various biological processes. Interestingly, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis suggested that NETs participated in the pathogenies of CSDH. Further investigate showed that H3Cit was significantly elevated in the dural and hematoma membranes of patients with CSDH compared to patients without CSDH. Taken together, our results showed the differentially expressed peptides in human dura mater of CSDH and demonstrated that NETs formation in the dural and hematoma membranes might be involved in the pathogenesis of CSDH. It is worth noting that pharmacological inhibition of NETs may have potential therapeutic implications for CSDH.
El Plan de Gestión de Datos de Investigación
Authors: González Hernández Daniela , Rojas Díaz Gloria , Torres Robles Romina
Published: December 2023

Este documento surge en el contexto del proyecto global "Construyendo las bases para la Ciencia Abierta en la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Proyecto de Innovación en la Educación Superior, InES, Ciencia Abierta". El objetivo principal de dictar talleres en el diseño de un Plan de Gestión de Datos (PGD) fue conocer qué es un Plan de Gestión de Datos (PGDs) e identificar los componentes claves de un PGD distinguiendo los recursos en línea para la generación de un Plan además de tener en cuenta los requisitos señalados por ANID en este tema.
The organizational change brought about by the exchange of the information system in a company in the metalworking sector
Authors: Bonella Thaiane da Silveira , Biegelmeyer Uiliam Hahn , Camargo Maria Emilia , Pereira Hilton Henrique Cruz Santos , Da Graça Sirley Maclaine , Moreira Luis Fernando , Tartarotti Lucas , Gilioli Roseclair Maschio
Published: December 2023

The objective is to analyze the change in the management system of a small company in the metalworking sector of Serra Gaúcha. The research is qualitative, exploratory, and applied in nature. Seven interviews were conducted with a twelve-fold questionnaire, the research instrument was adapted and validated. The interviews were transcribed and codified, and content analysis was performed. The results and conclusion showed that implementing a new management information system brought significant improvements to the company, such as greater efficiency, quality of information, reduction of operating costs, and agility in processes. However, the new system's rollout also came with challenges, such as significant upfront investment and employee resistance. The company must continue to monitor and evaluate the performance of the system, seeking solutions to the identified problems and ensuring user satisfaction
Modular injection mould with a conformal cooling channel for the production of hydraulic filter housings
Authors:   Łukasiewicz Research Network–Institute for Sustainable Technologies, ul. K. Pułaskiego 6/10, 26-600 Radom, Poland, Zacharski Andrzej , Samborski Tomasz , Zbrowski Andrzej , Kozioł Stanisław , Poszwa Przemysław
Published: December 2023

The article presents the idea, design, construction, and implementation of a production technology for hydraulic filter housings using a modular injection mould. The annual demand for filters for specialised marine hydraulics systems by HYDROMEGA averages about 1,000 pieces. Two sizes of filters with the same housing connection dimensions are used. Due to the small scale of production, the modular injection mould was designed and manufactured to press two types of a polyamide housing. Changing the shape of a moulded part requires removing or installing modules that change the die and punch dimensions, which reduces the costs of production of a single tool compared to the costs of production of two separate tools. The mould design process was supported by the numerical analyses of operation and processes of plastic injection, cooling, moulded part shrinkage, and mould cavity deaeration. A mould and a series of moulded parts were manufactured and verified positively for dimensions and durability.
Impact des facteurs structurels et des processus de travail des équipes sur les personnes utilisatrices de trois réseaux locaux de services en santé mentale dans un contexte de réforme
Authors: Fleury Marie-Josée , Grenier Guy , Bamvita Jean-Marie , Vallée Catherine , Farand Lambert , Chiocchio François
Published: December 2023

Cet article explore l’impact des structures et processus de travail des équipes sur les personnes utilisatrices dans trois réseaux de services en santé mentale du Québec dans un contexte de réforme. Des coordonnateurs (N = 41), professionnels de soins (N = 311) et des personnes utilisatrices (N = 327) ont été sondés. Les effets sur les personnes utilisatrices dans le troisième réseau, semi-urbain, sont similaires à ceux du premier réseau, urbain et mieux nanti. L’autonomie d’équipe, la participation décisionnelle et des interactions avec les partenaires du réseau peuvent contribuer à améliorer la continuité des services, la qualité de vie et le rétablissement des personnes utilisatrices malgré un financement moindre.
Body Composition and Level of Physical Activity in Post-COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Bila Wendell Costa , Silva Andresa Machado e , Bicalho Leonardo Gomides , Cândido Ronilson , Costa Jeniffer Rafaela Silva , Salgado José Vitor Vieira , Campos Cezenário Gonçalves , Café Ana Carolina Corrêa , Amaral Priscila Cristian do , Novais Rommel Larcher Rachid , Lamounier Joel Alves , Silva Eduardo Sérgio da
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a public health crisis. Body composition is an important nutritional indicator, knowledge of which allows the subdivision of body weight into some components, mainly lean mass or fat-free mass and body fat mass of individuals.

Aim: To evaluate lean mass and body fat in post-COVID-19 patients, correlating them with length of stay, pre-hospitalization and post-hospitalization and patients' level of physical activity, specifying relative segmental fat.

Methodology: Observational, cross-sectional study, with quantitative analysis, with a convenience sample, approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the State University of Minas Gerais. Patients undergoing care/rehabilitation in the physiotherapy/outpatient sector at a Regional Rehabilitation Center, with a history of diagnosis of COVID-19, aged 20 years or over, of both sexes, were invited to participate in the research. Lean body mass (LBM) and body fat (BF) were obtained by evaluating horizontal tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance (BIA). Body fat segmentation was collected by measuring skinfold thickness. Physical activity level (PAL) was obtained using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The hospitalization history was obtained by filling out the registration form.

Results: Data from 20 patients were analyzed. The average LBM found was 69.7% and 30.3% of BF. There was no correlation between sedentary lifestyle and LBM. 50% of patients had previous comorbidities and 50% had a mild form of COVID-19 infection. 10% required hospitalization and ventilator support. 85% were physically active or very active. There was a greater presence of body fat in the abdominal and suprailiac region.

Conclusion: LBM proved to be superior to other studies carried out and no statistically significant correlation was found between LBM and history of hospitalization, time elapsed since illness and PAL. The regions with the greatest share of body fat were abdominal and suprailiac, important for inflammatory reasons and risk factors for various diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.
Soico-Economic Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Small-Scale Fisher Households in Kerala State
Authors: Aswathy N.  , Najmudeen T. M.
Published: December 2023

Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic caused devastating and far-reaching impacts on the economic construct of several countries. The fisheries sector in India was impacted by the nationwide lockdown causing severe disruptions in fishing and marketing activities. In this context, an analysis of the socio-economic impact of the pandemic on small-scale fisher (SSF) households in Kerala was done.

Study Design:  The fishery income, employment, household consumption, and indebtedness of the small-scale fishers during the pre- and post-pandemic period were analyzed based on the data collected from small-scale fisher households in Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Malappuram Districts. The information on access to relief and support measures and alternate livelihood sources was also collected to assess the economic security of the fisher households.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during the pandemic years 2020 and 2021 in the selected coastal districts in Kerala state.

Methodology: Snowball sampling was adopted followed by telephonic interviews to collect the information from the fisher households. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis

Results: The annual fishing days declined from 134 to 82 days in Alappuzha district (38.8% reduction) and from 134 days to 70 days in Ernakulam district(47.76% reduction). The respondents in Ernakulam district reported a 34% reduction in consumption expenditure followed by 13% in Alappuzha and 11% in Ernakulam district. More than 75% of the respondents borrowed money to meet household expenses during the pandemic. The results indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic deepened the debt burden and exacerbated the livelihood constraints of the small-scale fishers

Conclusion: The Government transfer payments and relief measures during the pandemic were inadequate. The study proposes measures to improve the livelihood security and resilience of the fishers through the creation of alternate livelihood options, incentives to compensate for the loss of fishing days, debt relief measures, and sustainable markets.
Pubertal Development Pattern in HIV-Infected Girls in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Azubogu U. S.  , Ugwu R. O.  , Jaja T.  , Alikor E. A.
Published: December 2023

Background:  Unidentified and untreated pubertal abnormalities in HIV-infected girls may result in adverse psychosocial consequences as well as a reduced final adult height. The aim of the study was to determine the pubertal development pattern in HIV-infected girls receiving care in two tertiary hospitals in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study involving 90 HIV-infected girls aged 10-18 years and 90 age, sex and socio-economic class matched non-HIV-infected girls.

Results: The mean age of pubertal onset in HIV-infected girls was 11.57±1.05 which was  significantly higher than the mean age of 10.78±0.69 seen in  the non-HIV-infected group (ꭓ 2= 2.667, p=0.011). Sixty three (70%) of HIV-infected females had commenced puberty (Tanner stage 2 or above for breast development) compared to 83 (92.2%) of non-HIV-infected females. (χ2=16.277, p=0.003). Forty per cent (40%) of HIV-infected girls had attained menarche (40%) as against 52.2% in the comparison group but this difference was not statistically significant (χ2=2.705, p=0.100). There was a higher prevalence of pubertal delay in HIV-infected girls (6.7%) compared to non-HIV-infected girls (1.1%).

Conclusion: The mean age of Pubertal onset was significantly later in HIV-infected girls compared to non-HIV-infected. This could have negative implications for psychosocial and reproductive health in HIV-infected girls.
Detection of ESBLs in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Different Body Fluids
Authors: Bhat Javid Ahmad , Jan Abiroo , Hakak Rubeena
Published: December 2023

Background: The present study was carried out in order to detect the production of ESBLS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their susceptibility pattern against different antibiotics.

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 isolates of P. aeruginosa was analyzed for the production of ESBLs by using phenotypic confirmatory test and the results were determined. The antibiotic susceptibility against various antibiotics was performed by the Kirby-Bauer Disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton Agar.

Results: Out of the 100 isolates tested 20 isolates were positive for the production of ESBLs, with a high prevalence of 36.3% found in the pus samples followed by the sputum (26%), blood (22.2%) and urine (5.4%), respectively. Imipenem was found to be the most effective antibiotic with 100 per cent susceptibility followed by Ofloxacin.  A drug resistance of 57% for ceftazidime was noted against P. aeruginosa followed by cefotaxime. A high prevalence rate of P. aeruginosa was detected in males.

Conclusion: This study showed the rising tendency of multidrug-resistant strains of the Enterobacteriaceae family, especially P. aeruginosa in the hospital settings, which is a great concern for clinicians and patients to treat these resistant strains.
Wearable Biosensing to Predict Imminent Aggressive Behavior in Psychiatric Inpatient Youths With Autism
Authors: Imbiriba Tales , Demirkaya Ahmet , Singh Ashutosh , Erdogmus Deniz , Goodwin Matthew S.
Published: December 2023

Importance

Aggressive behavior is a prevalent and challenging issue in individuals with autism.

Objective

To investigate whether changes in peripheral physiology recorded by a wearable biosensor and machine learning can be used to predict imminent aggressive behavior before it occurs in inpatient youths with autism.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This noninterventional prognostic study used data collected from March 2019 to March 2020 from 4 primary care psychiatric inpatient hospitals. Enrolled participants were 86 psychiatric inpatients with confirmed diagnoses of autism exhibiting operationally defined self-injurious behavior, emotion dysregulation, or aggression toward others; 16 individuals were not included (18.6%) because they would not wear the biosensor (8 individuals) or were discharged before an observation could be made (8 individuals). Data were analyzed from March 2020 through October 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Research staff performed live behavioral coding of aggressive behavior while inpatient study participants wore a commercially available biosensor that recorded peripheral physiological signals (cardiovascular activity, electrodermal activity, and motion). Logistic regression, support vector machines, neural networks, and domain adaptation were used to analyze time-series features extracted from biosensor data. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values were used to evaluate the performance of population- and person-dependent models.

Results

There were 70 study participants (mean [range; SD] age, 11.9 [5-19; 3.5] years; 62 males [88.6%]; 1 Asian [1.4%], 5 Black [7.1%], 1 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander [1.4%], and 63 White [90.0%]; 5 Hispanic [7.5%] and 62 non-Hispanic [92.5%] among 67 individuals with ethnicity data). Nearly half of the population (32 individuals [45.7%]) was minimally verbal, and 30 individuals (42.8%) had an intellectual disability. Participant length of inpatient hospital stay ranged from 8 to 201 days, and the mean (SD) length was 37.28 (33.95) days. A total of 429 naturalistic observational coding sessions were recorded, totaling 497 hours, wherein 6665 aggressive behaviors were documented, including self-injury (3983 behaviors [59.8%]), emotion dysregulation (2063 behaviors [31.0%]), and aggression toward others (619 behaviors [9.3%]). Logistic regression was the best-performing overall classifier across all experiments; for example, it predicted aggressive behavior 3 minutes before onset with a mean AUROC of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.79-0.81).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study replicated and extended previous findings suggesting that machine learning analyses of preceding changes in peripheral physiology may be used to predict imminent aggressive behaviors before they occur in inpatient youths with autism. Further research will explore clinical implications and the potential for personalized interventions.
Matrix‐Bound Hyaluronan Molecular Weight as a Regulator of Dendritic Cell Immune Potency
Authors: Quartey Brian Chesney , Sapudom Jiranuwat , ElGindi Mei , Alatoom Aseel , Teo Jeremy
Published: December 2023

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix with immunoregulatory properties depending on its molecular weight (MW). However, the impact of matrix‐bound HA on dendritic cells (DCs) remains unclear due to varying distribution of HA MW under different physiological conditions. To investigate DCs in defined biosystems, 3D collagen matrices modified with HA of specific MW with similar microstructure and HA levels are used. It is found that HA MW influences cytokine binding to matrix, suggesting modulation of cytokine availability by the different HA MWs. These studies on DC immune potency reveal that low MW HA (8–15 kDa) enhances immature DC differentiation and antigen uptake, while medium (MMW‐HA; 500–750 kDa) and high MW HA (HMW‐HA; 1250–1500 kDa) increase cytokine secretion in mature DCs. The effect on DC phenotype and cytokine secretion by different MWs of HA is independent of CD44. However, blocking the CD44 receptor reveals its potential role in regulating acute inflammation through increased secretion of CCL2, CXCL8, and IL‐6. Additionally, MMW‐ and HMW‐HA matrices reduce migratory capacity of DCs, dependent on CD44. Overall, these findings provide insights into MW‐dependent effects of matrix‐bound HA on DCs, opening avenues for the design of DC‐modulating materials to enhance DC‐based therapy.
Phase‐Pure α‐FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells via Activating Lead–Iodine Frameworks
Authors: Niu Tingting , Chao Lingfeng , Xia Yingdong , Wang Kaiyu , Ran Xueqin , Huang Xiao , Chen Changshun , Wang Jinpei , Li Deli , Su Zhenhuang , Hu Zhelu , Gao Xingyu , Zhang Jing , Chen Yonghua
Published: December 2023

Narrow bandgap cubic formamidine perovskite (α‐FAPbI3) is widely studied for its potential to achieve record‑breaking efficiency. However, its high preparation difficulty caused by lattice instability is criticized. A popular strategy for stabilizing the α‐FAPbI3 lattice is to replace intrinsic FA+ or I− with smaller ions of MA+, Cs+, Rb+, and Br−, whereas this generally leads to broadened optical bandgap and phase separation. Studies show that ions substitution‐free phase‐pure α‐FAPbI3 can achieve intrinsic phase stability. However, the challenging preparation of high‐quality films has hindered its further development. Here, a facile synthesis of high‐quality MA+, Cs+, Rb+, and Br−‐free phase‐pure α‐FAPbI3 perovskite film by a new solution modification strategy is reported. This enables the activation of lead–iodine (Pb─I) frameworks by forming the coated Pb⋯O network, thus simultaneously promoting spontaneous homogeneous nucleation and rapid phase transition from δ to α phase. As a result, the efficient and stable phase‐pure α‐FAPbI3 PSC is obtained through a one‐step method without antisolvent treatment, with a record efficiency of 23.15% and excellent long‐term operating stability for 500 h under continuous light stress.
Dielectric Filler‐Induced Hybrid Interphase Enabling Robust Solid‐State Li Metal Batteries at High Areal Capacity
Authors: An Xufei , Liu Yang , Yang Ke , Mi Jinshuo , Ma Jiabin , Zhang Danfeng , Chen Likun , Liu Xiaotong , Guo Shaoke , Li Yuhang , Ma Yuetao , Liu Ming , He Yan‐Bing , Kang Feiyu
Published: December 2023

The fillers in composite solid‐state electrolyte are mainly responsible for the enhancement of the conduction of Li ions but barely regulate the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, a unique filler of dielectric NaNbO3 for the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based polymer electrolyte, which is subjected to the exchange of Li+ and Na+ during cycling, is reported and the substituted Na+ is engaged in the construction of a fluorinated Li/Na hybrid SEI with high Young's modulus, facilitating the fast transport of Li+ at the interface at a high areal capacity and suppressing the Li dendrite growth. The dielectric NaNbO3 also induces the generation of high‐dielectric β phase of PVDF to promote the dissociation of Li salt. The Li/Li symmetrical cell exhibits a long‐term dendrite‐free cycling over 600 h at a high areal capacity of 3 mA h cm−2. The LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2/Li solid‐state cells with NaNbO3 stably cycle 2200 times at 2 C and that paired with high‐loading cathode (10 mg cm−2) can stably cycle for 150 times and exhibit excellent performances at −20 °C. This work provides a novel design principle of fillers undertaking interfacial engineering in composite solid‐state electrolytes for developing the safe and stable solid‐state lithium metal battery.
Robust Organogel Scintillator for Self‐healing and Ultra‐flexible X‐ray Imaging
Authors: Liu Lulu , Hu Haijing , Pan Wanting , Gao Hang , Song Jinmei , Feng Xiaopeng , Qu Wei , Wei Wei , Yang Bai , Wei Haotong
Published: December 2023

Metal halide scintillators serve as promising candidates for X‐ray detection due to their high attenuation coefficients, high light yields, and low‐cost solution‐processable characteristics. However, the issues of humidity/thermal quenching and mechanical fragility, remain obstacles to the broad and diversified development of metal halide scintillators. Here, this work reports a lead‐free, water‐stable, stretchable, and self‐healing (ethylenebis‐triphenylphosphonium manganese (II) bromide (C38H34P2)MnBr4 organogel scintillator that meets X‐ray imaging in complex scenarios. The robust organogel scintillator can be stretched with elongation up to 1300% while maintaining the scintillation properties. Activated by the dynamic hydrogen bonds and coordination bonds design, the organogel scintillator exhibits excellent self‐healing properties at room temperature to alleviate the vignetting problem of the rigid scintillator films, the X‐ray imaging resolution can reach 16.7 lp mm−1. The organogel scintillator can also realize flexible and self‐healing X‐ray imaging in water, providing a design path for portable devices in harsh conditions.
Surface activity of PDMS silicone oil applied as petroleum antifoamer
Authors: Perez Rafael F. , Santos Izabel C. V. M. , Macedo Vitor P. , Mendes Mariana T. , Ramalho João B. V. S. , Junior Osvaldo Karnitz , Mansur Claudia R. E.
Published: December 2023

In petroleum production, silicone oil (polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS) remains the most efficient product for combating foam, despite its negative effects on petroleum contamination and catalytic refining processes. This study aimed to evaluate the defoaming action of silicone oils with varying molar masses (ranging from 3 to 110 kg·mol−1) as defoamers in crude oils with different densities (20, 26, and 30°API). The results were correlated with the dilatational rheology obtained through pendant drop tensiometry of the oil samples. The silicone samples were characterized using gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis, while the petroleum samples underwent SARA (saturated, aromatics, resins, asphaltenes) composition analysis, density measurement, and assessment of water content. The PDMS range of 8 to 30 kg·mol−1 exhibited enhanced antifoaming efficiency for the tested oils. A plateau in efficiency was observed when antifoamers were dosed above 15 ppm. Additionally, a reverse relationship between the initial formation of foam and the elastic modulus (G') of the oil in the presence of the antifoamer was observed, suggesting that the more effective antifoamer actually increased the elasticity of the film.
The assessment of affective decision‐making: Exploring alternative scoring methods for the Balloon Analog Risk Task and Columbia Card Task
Authors: Sambol Stjepan , Suleyman Emra , Ball Michelle
Published: December 2023

Affective decision‐making (ADM) is recognized as the ability to effectively reappraise stimuli during these decisions to make choices that maximize long‐term outcomes. Currently, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) is the gold‐standard measure of ADM. Previous research has shown that other commonly used decision‐making tasks such as the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) and Columbia Card Task (CCT) are unrelated to the IGT and may assess distinct decision‐making constructs from ADM. Yet the exact decision‐making constructs that these tasks assess may be dependent on the scoring method utilized. One‐hundred and eight‐four participants (18–58 years; M = 26.29, SD = 7.79) completed the IGT, BART, and CCT. The relationships between these tasks while utilizing both traditional and novel scoring methods for the BART and CCT were investigated. Results showed that whether using the novel or traditional scoring methods, the BART failed to produce any meaningful relationships with the IGT or CCT. The BART may capture unique decision‐making processes involved during conditions of uncertainty, whereas the other tasks involve decision‐making processes under conditions of known risk. Alternatively, the lack of meaningful relationships may be due to the stochastic design of the BART. Conversely, the novel and traditional scoring methods for the CCT, which were not significantly correlated with each other, were both related to the IGT. Ultimately, this study showed that the CCT can capture different decision‐making constructs depending on the scoring methods used. The traditional scoring method, the total number of cards flipped, assesses risk propensity, whereas the newly developed optimal–suboptimal difference score assesses ADM.
Structural, luminescent and in vitro studies of europium‐doped soda lime phosphate glasses
Authors: Priya Ruby , Kaur Damandeep , Attri Komal , Kaur Sandeep , Sharda Deepinder , Choudhury Diptiman , Pandey O. P.
Published: December 2023

In this article, we have reported the effect of varying concentration of europium (Eu) in (50 − x)% P2O5–25% Na2O–24% CaO–% Eu2O3, where x = 1, 3, 5. The glass samples were synthesised via conventional melt‐quench method. The impact of europium ion (Eu3+) on the structural, optical and luminescent properties of phosphate soda lime glasses has been studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and photoluminescent techniques. The amorphous nature of glass samples was confirmed by XRD patterns. FTIR confirmed the presence of various functional groups. The emission spectra of synthesised samples exhibited intense emission peaks corresponding to Eu3+ under excitation at 393 nm. Among all the peaks, the maximum intensity was observed for 5D0 → 7F2 transition. Judd–Ofelt (J–O) parameters (Ω2, Ω4) and other radiative parameters such as band width, radiative transition probabilities, stimulated emission cross‐sections and branching ratio were determined from emission spectra. The other photometric parameters such as CIE coordinates and colour purity were also determined. Furthermore, cytotoxic studies were carried out on normal cell line human embryonic kidney cells (HEK‐293) using MTT assay. Results showed that the prepared samples significantly enhanced growth in glass sample‐treated cells as compared to control cells. These findings suggest that synthesised glass samples are biocompatible in nature and have potential for applications in display devices and biomedical research area.
Synthesis of Peptides Containing a Combination of Free and 2‐trans‐Cyclooctene Carbamate Protected Lysine Residues
Authors: Doelman W. , Ligthart N. A. M. , van de Plassche M. A. T. , de Geus M. A. R. , Reinalda L. , Isendoorn M. M. E. , Filippov D. V. , van Kasteren S. I.
Published: December 2023

The allylic trans‐cyclooctene (TCO) functionality facilitates powerful control over the spatiotemporal activity of bio‐active molecules, enabling precision targeting of druglike and imaging modalities. However, the introduction of this function onto molecules remains chemically challenging, particularly for peptides. Modification with TCOs of this important class of biomolecules remains a challenge, primarily due to the sensitivity of the TCO group to the strong acids typically used in global deprotection during solid phase peptide synthesis. Here, we present a novel synthetic approach to site‐selectively introduce TCO‐groups in peptides. Our approach utilizes azide groups to mask amine functions, enabling selective introduction of the TCO on a single lysine residue. Staudinger reduction of the azides back to the corresponding amines proceeds without disturbing the sensitive TCO. We show that using our method, we can produce TCO‐inactivated antigenic peptides of previously unseen complexity.
Interventional cardiologist perceptions about PCI without surgical backup—Results of an international survey
Authors: Fernandez Christopher M. , Shroff Adhir R. , Vidovich Mladen I.
Published: December 2023

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without surgical backup is becoming increasingly common in the United States. Additionally, a recent SCAI expert consensus document has liberalized recommendations for performing PCI without cardiac surgery on site (SOS).

Aims

The current study sought to understand practice patterns and operator preferences with regard to performing PCI without SOS.

Methods

Two internet‐based surveys were distributed to interventional cardiologists worldwide. Survey items asked about operator demographics, procedural preferences when performing PCI without SOS, self‐judged personality traits, and history of malpractice.

Results

Between March 2021 and May 2021, 517 interventional cardiologists completed the survey; 341 of whom perform elective PCI without SOS (no‐SOS operators), and 176 who perform elective PCI with surgical backup (SOS operators). Most operators were male 473 (91.5%). There was a greater proportion of SOS operators in academic practice (86 vs. 75, p < 0.001) and greater proportion of no‐SOS operators in hospital‐owned practices (158 vs. 56, p < 0.001). Lesion characteristics (left main, chronic total occlusions, and need for atherectomy) were the most important procedural attributes for no‐SOS operators, and international operators reported higher comfort levels with PCI on high‐risk lesions. Cumulative personality profile scores were similar between SOS and no‐SOS operators. SOS operators expressed more concern with legal ramifications of performing PCI without SOS (2.57 vs. 2.34, p = 0.049).

Conclusions

In the absence of surgical backup, lesion characteristics were the most important consideration for PCI patient selection for operators worldwide. Compared to the United States, international operators were more confident in performing high‐risk PCI without surgical backup.
Endoleak in covered CP stent causes procedural failure during transcatheter closure of sinus venosus defects
Authors: Qureshi Farheen , Sivakumar Kothandam , Sagar Pramod
Published: December 2023

Transcatheter sinus venosus defect closure uses a long covered stent of appropriate length and diameter across the cavoatrial junction after balloon interrogation. The fabric in the covered stent creates a roof for the right upper pulmonary vein that closes the interatrial communication and redirects the vein into the left atrium behind the stent. A fabric tear in the covered stent may cause endoleak that will result in residual flows across the struts of the covered stent, causing procedural failure. This report highlights the identification of fabric leak by angiography and transesophageal echocardiography and steps to overcome this complication by the placement of another overlapping covered stent.