bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coverage for the vascular pedicle of a free fasciocutaneous flap using split thickness skin graft with auxiliary procedure to achieve a safe method with no impairment of vessels: a case series and literature review
Authors: Garutti Leonardo , Kaciulyte Juste , Velazquez-Mujica Jonathan , Spadoni Davide , Marcasciano Marco , Cherubino Mario , Valdatta Luigi , Zerbinati Nicola , Chen Shih-Heng , Chen Hung-chi
Published: February 2024

Background

The vascular pedicle of a free flap is the most critical structure that determines its viability. Most of the times it is covered with local skin flaps raised from the recipient site or with part of the free flap itself. However, there are conditions in which the vascular pedicle can be covered with skin graft. The purpose of the present study is to describe our experience in the use of split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) as an auxiliary procedure for pedicle coverage.

Methods

All patients who underwent microvascular fasciocutaneous free flap reconstruction at the Department of Plastic Surgery of China Medical University Hospital in Taichung from 1986 to 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who met all of the following criteria were eligible for the study: microvascular free flap reconstruction of any region of the body with a fasciocutaneous flap and cases where tension was detected during skin closure over the pedicle of the flap and STSG was applied as a cover.

Results

There were 14 cases in this series treated from 1986 to 2021. Among them, 11 cases had no additional skin at the proximal end of the free flap, nor local flap at disposal in the recipient site to cover the vessels. In 3 other cases a vascular bridge flap was used for cross-leg flap transfer without possibility of tension free tubulization to protect the vessels. All reconstruction were successful.

Conclusions

During microvascular transfer of free flaps, if no skin flap is available to cover the vascular pedicle, skin graft can be used to protect the vessels without compromising the circulation of the flap. Our results, in accordance with the literature, supports the safety of this technique when direct closure of the skin above and near the pedicle is not possible.

Level of evidence

Level IV, Therapeutic.
Assessing erosion and sediment removal in the Isla Salamanca coastal barrier: implications for the Barranquilla-Ciénaga highway and coastal marine biodiversity – Colombia
Authors: Manzolli Rogério Portantiolo , Cantillo-Sabalza Mulfor , Portz Luana
Published: February 2024

The Isla Salamanca coastal barrier on the Colombian Caribbean coast faces significant erosion, driven by climate change-induced, sea level rise and human activities such as highway construction. The Barranquilla-Ciénaga highway, particularly at kilometers 19 and 29, is at risk, with severe consequences for the region’s socio-economic and environmental well-being. Human interventions like the highway construction and seawall installations have disrupted the natural coastal dynamics, leading to increased erosion rates. The study, conducted between 2004 and 2021, reveals that the Isla Salamanca coastal barrier is experiencing substantial transgression, with erosion rates peaking at -16.1 m·yr− 1. The highway protection measures, with seawall construction, have proven inadequate, exacerbating erosion downstream. The mangrove loss due to hydrological changes and increased salinity is further threatening the fragile ecosystem. The research emphasizes the importance of considering biodiversity loss in the context of rapid erosion rates. The region, declared a Ramsar Site and Biosphere Reserve, hosts vital ecosystems like mangroves and dunes, whose destruction negatively impacts marine biodiversity. The study suggests the relocation of the highway, acknowledging the challenges of preserving wetlands and mangroves in the process. Balancing the need for infrastructure with ecological preservation is essential, and the study proposes comprehensive solutions, including shoreline management, ecosystem-based protection, and community involvement. The goal is to mitigate erosion’s adverse effects on biodiversity, habitat integrity, and the overall health of this ecologically sensitive region.
On the impact of net-zero forcing Q-flux change
Authors: Eiselt Kai-Uwe , Graversen Rune Grand
Published: February 2024

Numerical climate model simulations suggest that global warming is enhanced or hampered by the spatial pattern of the warming itself. This phenomenon is known as the “pattern effect” and has in recent years become the most promising explanation for the change over time of climate sensitivity in climate models. Under historical global warming, different patterns of surface-temperature change have emerged, notably a yet unexplained cooling in the Southern Ocean and the East Pacific. Historical climate model simulations notoriously fail to reproduce this cooling, which may contribute to the deviation of the simulated global-mean warming from the observed record. Here we qualitatively investigate the potential impact of historical and other surface-temperature pattern changes by changing the ocean heat transport convergence (Q-flux) in a slab-ocean model. The Q-flux changes are always implemented such that in the global mean they impose no net forcing. Consistent with earlier studies we find that the impact of a negative Q-flux change in the Southern Ocean has a stronger effect than in other regions because of a feedback loop between sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) and clouds in the Southern Ocean and the stably stratified regions in the tropics. The SST-cloud feedback loop facilitates the expansion of the Antarctic sea ice, indeed taking the model into a Snowball-Earth state. The intensity of this effect is found to be model dependent, especially due to differences in the cloud parametrisation. In experiments with deactivated sea ice the impact of the negative Q-flux change is much weaker.
Α coherent optimization course of the silicon nitride nanofiller load in medical grade isotactic polypropylene for material extrusion additive manufacturing: Rheology, engineering response, and cost-effectiveness
Authors: Vidakis Nectarios , Michailidis Nikolaos , Argyros Apostolos , Mountakis Nikolaos , Papadakis Vassilis , Spiridaki Mariza , Moutsopoulou Amalia , Sfakiotakis Evangelos , Petousis Markos
Published: February 2024

By enabling the development of complex structures with adaptable qualities, techniques for additive manufacturing have opened new routes for material development and research. In this research, silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic nanoparticles are incorporated into polypropylene (PP) matrices. Various loading levels and standardized test specimens that adhere to ASTM criteria are created. The main goal is to thoroughly characterize these composites with an emphasis on their mechanical capabilities. The rheological, thermomechanical, and morphological properties of 3D-printed PP/Si3N4 composites created using material extrusion (MEX) 3D printing are examined. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry are exploited to study thermal stability and phase transitions in composite materials. Mechanical testing is conducted to determine mechanical qualities, such as flexural and tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. For detailed characterization of the nanocomposites, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy are also performed. The results provide insight into the impact of Si3N4 nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and rheological behavior of PP/Si3N4 composites. The 2 wt% Si3N4 filler showed overall the best performance improvement (21% in the tensile modulus of elasticity, 15.7% in the flexural strength, and high values in the remaining properties assessed). The nanocomposite with the maximum Si3N4 loading of wt% showed a 33.6% increased microhardness than the pure PP thermoplastic, showing a promising wear resistance for the parts built with it. This research reveals the ability of Si3N4 ceramic nanoparticles to improve the mechanical characteristics of PP-based compounds produced by MEX 3D printing.

Graphical Abstract
MET receptor serves as a promising target in melanoma brain metastases
Authors: Redmer Torben , Schumann Elisa , Peters Kristin , Weidemeier Martin E. , Nowak Stephan , Schroeder Henry W. S. , Vidal Anna , Radbruch Helena , Lehmann Annika , Kreuzer-Redmer Susanne , Jürchott Karsten , Radke Josefine
Published: February 2024

The development of brain metastases hallmarks disease progression in 20–40% of melanoma patients and is a serious obstacle to therapy. Understanding the processes involved in the development and maintenance of melanoma brain metastases (MBM) is critical for the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we generated transcriptome and methylome profiles of MBM showing high or low abundance of infiltrated Iba1high tumor-associated microglia and macrophages (TAMs). Our survey identified potential prognostic markers of favorable disease course and response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICi) therapy, among them APBB1IP and the interferon-responsive gene ITGB7. In MBM with high ITGB7/APBB1IP levels, the accumulation of TAMs correlated significantly with the immune score. Signature-based deconvolution of MBM via single sample GSEA revealed enrichment of interferon-response and immune signatures and revealed inflammation, stress and MET receptor signaling. MET receptor phosphorylation/activation maybe elicited by inflammatory processes in brain metastatic melanoma cells via stroma cell-released HGF. We found phospho-METY1234/1235 in a subset of MBM and observed a marked response of brain metastasis-derived cell lines (BMCs) that lacked druggable BRAF mutations or developed resistance to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) in vivo to MET inhibitors PHA-665752 and ARQ197 (tivantinib). In summary, the activation of MET receptor in brain colonizing melanoma cells by stromal cell-released HGF may promote tumor self-maintenance and expansion and might counteract ICi therapy. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of MET possibly serves as a promising strategy to control intracranial progressive disease and improve patient survival.
Increased incidence of motor neuron disease in Sweden: a population-based study during 2002–2021
Authors: Imrell Sofia , Fang Fang , Ingre Caroline , Sennfält Stefan
Published: February 2024

Background

Motor neuron diseases (MND), with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis constituting most cases, are rare conditions of unknown etiology. There have been reports of an increase in incidence during the latter half of the twentieth century in various Western countries, including Sweden. This study provides updated data on the incidence of MND in Sweden during the last 20 years.

Methods

Data was obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register on individuals diagnosed with MND from 2002 to 2021 and analysed in relation to group level data for the entire Swedish population. Incidence rates were calculated and presented in relation to year, age, sex, and region.

Results

In the early 2000s, there was a crude incidence rate of 3.5–3.7 per 100,000 person-years, which then increased to 4.0–4.6 from 2008 onward. Age standardization to the starting year (2002) partially mitigated this increase. The incidence rate was greater among men compared to women and was highest within the age range of 70 to 84 years. There were indications of a higher incidence rate in the northernmost parts of the country, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The incidence rate of MND in Sweden now seems to have surpassed 4 cases per 100,000 person-years. This is higher when compared to both other European countries and previous Swedish studies. It remains to be determined if this increase reflects an actual increasing incidence of MND in Sweden or is due to other factors such as better registry coverage.
Effects of bovine whey protein on exercise-induced gut permeability in healthy adults: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ulluwishewa Dulantha , Nicholls Grayson , Henderson Harold , Bernstein Daniel , Fraser Karl , Barnett Matthew P. G. , Barnes Matthew J.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Intestinal permeability is a critical component of gut barrier function. Barrier dysfunction can be triggered by certain stressors such as exercise, and if left unmanaged can lead to local and systemic disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a specific whey protein fraction in alleviating exercise-induced gut permeability as assessed by recovery of lactulose/rhamnose (L/R) and lactulose/mannitol (L/M) urinary probes.

Methods

Eight males and eight females (aged 18–50) completed two arms of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. For each arm participants performed two baseline intestinal permeability assessments, following which they consumed the treatment (2 g/day of milk powder containing 200 mg of whey protein) or placebo (2 g/day of milk powder) for 14 days, before performing a post-exercise permeability assessment. The exercise protocol involved a 20-min run at 80% of maximal oxygen uptake on a 1% incline.

Results

Mixed model analysis revealed an increase in L/R (23%; P < 0.001) and L/M (20%; P < 0.01) recovery following exercise. However, there was no treatment or treatment × exercise effect.

Conclusion

The exercise protocol utilised in our study induces gut permeability. However, consuming whey protein, at the dose and timing prescribed, is not able to mitigate this effect.
Increased expression of CD70 in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia after hypomethylating agents
Authors: Marques-Piubelli Mario L. , Kumar Bijender , Basar Rafet , Panowski Siler , Srinivasan Surabhi , Norwood Kevin , Prashad Sacha , Szenes Victoria , Balakumaran Arun , Arandhya Akanksha , Lu Wei , Khan Khaja , Duenas Daniela , McAllen Salome , Gomez Javier A , Burks Jared K. , Acharyal Sunil , Borthakur Gautam , Wang Wei-Lien , Wang Wei , Wang Sa , Solis Luisa M. , Marin David , Rezvani Katayoun , Daher May , Vega Francisco
Published: February 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. While induction chemotherapy leads to remission in most patients, a significant number will experience relapse. Therefore, there is a need for novel therapies that can improve remission rates in patients with relapsed and refractory AML. CD70 is the natural ligand for CD27 (a member of the TNF superfamily) and appears to be a promising therapeutic target. Consequently, there is considerable interest in developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy products that can specifically target CD70 in various neoplasms, including AML. In this study, we employed routine diagnostic techniques, such as immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, to investigate the expression of CD70 in bone marrow samples from treatment-naïve and relapsed AML patients after hypomethylating agents (HMA). Also, we evaluated the impact of HMA on CD70 expression and examined CD70 expression in various leukemic cell subsets and normal hematopoietic progenitors.
Video deepfake detection using Particle Swarm Optimization improved deep neural networks
Authors: Cunha Leandro , Zhang Li , Sowan Bilal , Lim Chee Peng , Kong Yinghui
Published: February 2024

As complexity and capabilities of Artificial Intelligence technologies increase, so does its potential for misuse. Deepfake videos are an example. They are created with generative models which produce media that replicates the voices and faces of real people. Deepfake videos may be entertaining, but they may also put privacy and security at risk. A criminal may forge a video of a politician or another notable person in order to affect public opinions or deceive others. Approaches for detecting and protecting against these types of forgery must evolve as well as the methods of generation to ensure that proper information is supplied and to mitigate the risks associated with the fast evolution of deepfakes. This research exploits the effectiveness of deepfake detection algorithms with the application of a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) variant for hyperparameter selection. Since Convolutional Neural Networks excel in recognizing objects and patterns in visual data while Recurrent Neural Networks are proficient at handling sequential data, in this research, we propose a hybrid EfficientNet-Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) network as well as EfficientNet-B0-based transfer learning for video forgery classification. A new PSO algorithm is proposed for hyperparameter search, which incorporates composite leaders and reinforcement learning-based search strategy allocation to mitigate premature convergence. To assess whether an image or a video is manipulated, both models are trained on datasets containing deepfake and genuine photographs and videos. The empirical results indicate that the proposed PSO-based EfficientNet-GRU and EfficientNet-B0 networks outperform the counterparts with manual and optimal learning configurations yielded by other search methods for several deepfake datasets.
Improving speed control characteristics of PMDC motor drives using nonlinear PI control
Authors: Çelik Emre , Bal Güngör , Öztürk Nihat , Bekiroglu Erdal , Houssein Essam H. , Ocak Cemil , Sharma Gulshan
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces a nonlinear PI controller for improved speed regulation in permanent magnet direct current (PMDC) motor drive systems. The nonlinearity comes from the exponential (Exp) block placed in front of the classical PI controller, which uses a tunable exponential function to map the speed error nonlinearly. Such a configuration has not been studied till now, thus meriting further investigation. We consider an exponential PI (EXP-PI) controller and to attain the best performance from this controller, its parameters are optimized offline using salp swarm algorithm (SSA), which borrows its inspiration from the way of forage and navigation of salps living in deep oceans. To indicate the credibility of SSA tuned EXP-PI controller convincingly, numerous experiments on speed regulation in PMDC motor have been implemented using DSP of TMS320F28335. The results obtained are also compared to similar results in the literature. It is shown that the proposed approach performs well in practice by ensuring tight tracking of the speed reference and superb torque disturbance rejection for the closed loop control. Furthermore, superior performance is achieved by the proposed nonlinear PI controller with respect to a fixed-gain PI controller.
The association between lumbar lordosis preoperatively and changes in PROMs for lumbar spinal stenosis patients 2 years after spinal surgery: radiological and clinical results from the NORDSTEN-spinal stenosis trial
Authors: Wänman Johan , Åkerstedt Josefin , Banitalebi Hasan , Myklebust Tor Åge , Weber Clemens , Storheim Kjersti , Austevoll Ivar Magne , Hellum Christian , Indrekvam Kari , Brisby Helena , Hermansen Erland
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) sometimes have lower lumbar lordosis (LL), and the incidence of LSS correlates closely with the loss of LL. The few studies that have evaluated the association between LL and clinical outcomes after non-instrumented surgery for LSS show conflicting results. This study investigates the association between preoperative LL and changes in PROMs 2 years after decompressive surgery.

Method

This prospective cohort study obtained preoperative and postoperative data for 401 patients from the multicenter randomized controlled spinal stenosis trial as part of the NORwegian degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal STENosis (NORDSTEN) study. Before surgery, the radiological sagittal alignment parameter LL was measured using standing X-rays. The association between LL and 2-year postoperative changes was analyzed using the oswestry disability index (ODI), a numeric rating scale (NRS) for low back and leg pain, the Zurich claudication questionnaire (ZCQ), and the global perceived effect (GPE) score. The changes in PROMs 2 years after surgery for quintiles of lumbar lordosis were adjusted for the respective baseline PROMs: age, sex, smoking, and BMI. The Schizas index and the Pfirrmann index were used to analyze multiple regressions for changes in PROMs.

Results

There were no associations in the adjusted and unadjusted analyses between preoperative LL and changes in ODI, ZCQ, GPE, and NRS for back and leg pain 2 years after surgery.

Conclusion

LL before surgery was not associated with changes in PROMs 2 years after surgery. Lumbar lordosis should not be a factor when considering decompressive surgery for LSS.
Whiplash trauma did not predict jaw pain after 2 years: an explorative study
Authors: Böthun Alicia , Lövgren Anna , Stålnacke Britt-Marie , Lampa Ewa , Österlund Catharina , Häggman-Henrikson Birgitta , Hellström Fredrik
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To explore predictive factors for the development and maintenance of jaw pain over a 2-year period.

Methods

One hundred nineteen cases (73 women) and 104 controls (59 women), mean age 34.9 years (SD 13.9), attended baseline and 2-year follow-up examinations. The whiplash cases visited the emergency department at Umeå University Hospital, Sweden, with neck pain within 72 h following a car accident, and baseline questionnaires were answered within a month after trauma. Controls were recruited via advertising. Inclusion criteria were age 18–70 years, living in Umeå municipality and Swedish speaking. The exclusion criterion was neck fracture for cases and a previous neck trauma for controls. Validated questionnaires recommended in the standardized Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorders were used. Jaw pain was assessed by two validated screening questions answered with “yes” or “no.” A logistic regression analysis was used to predict the outcome variable jaw pain (yes/no) after 2 years.

Results

Whiplash trauma did not increase the odds of development of jaw pain over a 2-year period (OR 1.97, 95% CI 0.53–7.38). However, non-specific physical symptoms (OR 8.56, 95% CI 1.08–67.67) and female gender (OR 4.89, 95% CI 1.09–22.02) did increase the odds for jaw pain after 2 years.

Conclusion

The development and maintenance of jaw pain after whiplash trauma are primarily not related to the trauma itself, but more associated with physical symptoms.

Clinical relevance

The development of jaw pain in connection with a whiplash trauma needs to be seen in a biopsychosocial perspective, and early assessment is recommended.
Monitoring of spatio-temporal properties with nonlinear SAT solvers
Authors: Matos Pedro André , Silva Tomás , Sequeira Tiago , Lourenço João , Seco João Costa , Ferreira Carla
Published: February 2024

The automotive industry is increasingly dependent on computing systems with different critical requirements. The verification and validation methods for these systems are now leveraging complex AI methods, for which the decision algorithms introduce non-determinism, especially in autonomous driving. This paper presents a runtime verification technique agnostic to the target system, which focuses on monitoring spatio-temporal properties that abstract the evolution of objects’ behavior in their spatial and temporal flow. First, a formalization of three known traffic rules (from the Vienna convention on road traffic) is presented, where a spatio-temporal logic fragment is used. Then, these logical expressions are translated to a monitoring model written in first-order logic, where they are processed by a non-linear satisfiability solver. Finally, the translation allows the solver to check the validity of the encoded properties according to an instance of a specific traffic scenario (a trace). The results obtained from our tool, which automatically generates a monitor from a formula, show that our approach is feasible for online monitoring in a real-world environment.
Bolder together: conformity drives behavioral plasticity in eastern gartersnakes
Authors: Skinner Morgan , Nagabaskaran Gokulan , Gantert Tom , Miller Noam
Published: February 2024

Personality traits drive individual differences in behaviour that are consistent across time and context. Personality limits behavioural plasticity, which could lead to maladaptive choices if animals cannot adapt their behavior to changing conditions. Here, we assessed consistency and flexibility in one personality trait, boldness, across non-social and social contexts in eastern gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis). Snakes explored a novel open arena either alone or in a pair. Pairs were assigned based on the data from the solo trials, such that each snake was paired once with a bolder and once with a less bold partner. We predicted that snakes would conform when in a social context, displaying plasticity in their personality, and causing boldness scores to converge. We found that snakes were consistent within contexts (solo or paired), but changed their behavior across contexts (from solo to paired). Plasticity in boldness resulted from an interaction between conformity and repeatable individual differences in plasticity. In line with some data on other species, snakes conformed more when they were the less bold partner. Personality reflects a consistent bias in decision-making, but our results highlight that the cognitive processes that drive the expression of personality traits in behavior are flexible and sensitive to social context. We show that both consistency and plasticity combine to shape snake social behavior in ways that are responsive to competition. This pattern of behavior may be particularly beneficial for species in which group-living is seasonal.
Emergence of a clinical Salmonella enterica serovar 1,4,[5], 12: i:-isolate, ST3606, in China with susceptibility decrease to ceftazidime-avibactam carrying a novel blaCTX-M-261 variant and a blaNDM-5
Authors: Wei Jie , Shen Shimei , Zhang Qinghuan , Lu Jinping , Mao Shenglan , Zou Chunhong , Zhou Hua , Wei YeLin , Ou Xingyi , Huang Jinyu , Wang Deqiang , Li Xiaobin , Wan Qun , Shan Baoju , Zhang Zhenlin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The detection rate of Salmonella enterica serovar 1,4,[5], 12: i: - (S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: -) has increased as the most common serotype globally. A S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: - strain named ST3606 (sequence type 34), isolated from a fecal specimen of a child with acute diarrhea hospitalized in a tertiary hospital in China, was firstly reported to be resistant to carbapenem and ceftazidime-avibactam. The aim of this study was to characterize the whole-genome sequence of S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: - isolate, ST3606, and explore its antibiotic resistance genes and their genetic environments.

Methods

The genomic DNA of S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: - ST3606 was extracted and performed with single-molecule real-time sequencing. Resistance genes, plasmid replicon type, mobile elements, and multilocus sequence types (STs) of ST3606 were identified by ResFinder 3.2, PlasmidFinder, OriTfinder database, ISfinder database, and MLST 2.0, respectively. The conjugation experiment was utilized to evaluate the conjugation frequency of pST3606-2. Protein expression and enzyme kinetics experiments of CTX-M were performed to analyze hydrolytic activity of a novel CTX-M-261 enzyme toward several antibiotics.

Results

Single-molecule real-time sequencing revealed the coexistence of a 109-kb IncI1-Iα plasmid pST3606-1 and a 70.5-kb IncFII plasmid pST3606-2. The isolate carried resistance genes, including blaNDM-5, sul1, qacE, aadA2, and
dfrA12 in pST3606-1, blaTEM-1B, aac(3)-lld, and blaCTX-M-261, a novel
blaCTX-M-1 family member, in pST3606-2, and aac(6')-Iaa in chromosome. The
blaCTX-M-261 was derived from blaCTX-M-55 by a single-nucleotide mutation 751G>A leading to amino acid substitution of Val for Met at position 251 (Val251Met), which conferred CTX-M increasing resistance to ceftazidime verified by antibiotics susceptibility testing of transconjugants carrying pST3606-2 and steady-state kinetic parameters of CTX-M-261. pST3606-1 is an IncI1-α incompatibility type that shares homology with plasmids of pC-F-164_A-OXA140, pE-T654-NDM-5, p_dm760b_NDM-5, and p_dmcr749c_NDM-5. The conjugation experiment demonstrated that pST3606-2 was successfully transferred to the Escherichia coli recipient C600 with four modules of OriTfinder.

Conclusion

Plasmid-mediated horizontal transfer plays an important role in blaNDM-5 and blaCTX-M-261 dissemination, which increases the threat to public health due to the resistance to most β-lactam antibiotics. This is the first report of blaCTX-M-261 and blaNDM-5 in S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: -. The work provides insights into the enzymatic function and demonstrates the ongoing evolution of CTX-M enzymes and confirms urgency to control resistance of S. 1,4,[5], 12: i: -.
In vitro susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to netilmicin and etimicin in comparison to gentamicin and other aminoglycosides
Authors: Gross Sonja , Herren Sebastian , Gysin Marina , Rominski Anna , Roditscheff Anna , Risch Martin , Imkamp Frank , Crich David , Hobbie Sven N.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Single doses of gentamicin have demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of urogenital gonorrhea, but lower cure rates for oropharyngeal and anorectal gonorrhea. Formulations selectively enriched in specific gentamicin C congeners have been proposed as a less toxic alternative to gentamicin, potentially permitting higher dosing to result in increased plasma exposures at the extragenital sites of infection. The purpose of the present study was to compare the antibacterial activity of individual gentamicin C congeners against Neisseria gonorrhoeae to that of other aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility of three N. gonorrhoeae reference strains and 152 clinical isolates was assessed using standard disk diffusion, agar dilution, and epsilometer tests.

Results

Gentamicin C1, C2, C1a, and C2a demonstrated similar activity against N. gonorrhoeae. Interestingly, susceptibility to the 1-N-ethylated aminoglycosides etimicin and netilmicin was significantly higher than the susceptibility to their parent compounds gentamicin C1a and sisomicin, and to any other of the 25 aminoglycosides assessed in this study. Propylamycin, a 4’-propylated paromomycin analogue, was significantly more active against N. gonorrhoeae than its parent compound, too.

Conclusion

Selectively enriched gentamicin formulations hold promise for a less toxic but equally efficacious alternative to gentamicin. Our study warrants additional consideration of the clinically established netilmicin and etimicin for treatment of genital and perhaps extragenital gonorrhea. Additional studies are required to elucidate the mechanism behind the advantage of alkylated aminoglycosides.
The effects of higher-order human values and conspiracy beliefs on COVID-19-related behavior in Germany
Authors: Poier Stefan , Suchanek Michał
Published: February 2024

Aim

This article simultaneously examines the influence of Schwartz’ higher-order human values (self-transcendence, openness to change, self-enhancement, and conservation) and conspiracy beliefs on four COVID-19-related dependent variables.

Subject and methods

Using path analysis with large-scale panel data from Germany (N = 4382), we tested if the correlational effects of higher-order values as independent variables on the perceived threat of the infection event, evaluation of government measures, number of self-initiated measures, and trust toward individuals and institutions involved as dependent variables could be mediated by conspiracy beliefs.

Results

We found evidence of a significant influence of all four higher-order values on the strength of conspiracy beliefs. In addition, we detected effects of higher-order values and conspiracy beliefs on all four COVID-19-related measures. Self-transcendence with consistently positive and openness to change with consistently negative total, direct, and indirect effects provided the most evident results. The respondents’ country of origin and residence in East or West Germany affected all four COVID-19-related variables.

Conclusion

This article has shown that belief in conspiracy narratives reveals associations of higher-order values with all four COVID-19-related measures that would not have been apparent without this mediator. In doing so, it contributes to the understanding of how pandemic mitigation measures are implemented differently. The results of this study can improve the ability to develop and enforce policies to increase the acceptance of scientifically accepted efforts in better governance.
GRVINS: Tightly Coupled GNSS-Range-Visual-Inertial System
Authors: Lu Bing-Xian , Tsai Yu-Chung , Tseng Kuo-Shih
Published: February 2024

Bridge inspection is currently a labor intensive task. Utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to assist in inspection tasks is a promising direction. However, enabling UAVs for autonomous inspection involves the UAV state estimation problems. Since parts of UAV sensors could be unavailable, how to estimate states via sensor fusion is the key. In this paper, we propose a tightly-coupled nonlinear optimization-based system that integrates four kinds of sensors: camera, IMU, Ultra-wideband (UWB) range measurements, and global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Due to the tightly-coupled multi-sensor fusion method and system design, the system takes the advantage of the four sensors, and can seamlessly respond to indoor and outdoor GNSS and UWB loss or reacquisition. It can effectively reduce the long-term trajectory drift and provide smooth and continuous state estimation. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches.
Impact of an instructional guide and examples on the quality of feedback: insights from a randomised controlled study
Authors: Gyamfi George , Hanna Barbara E. , Khosravi Hassan
Published: February 2024

While the provision of peer feedback has been widely recommended to enhance learning, many students are inexperienced in this area and would benefit from guidance. This study therefore examines the impact of instructions and examples on the quality of feedback provided by students on peer-developed learning resources produced via an online system, RiPPLE. A randomised controlled experiment with 195 students was conducted to investigate the efficacy of the approach. While the treatment group had access to instructions and examples to support their provision of feedback, the control group had no such assistance. Students’ feedback comments were coded using an adaptation of the S.P.A.R.K. (Specific, Prescriptive, Actionable, Referenced, Kind) model. The results indicate that the instructional guide and examples led to students writing more comprehensive comments. The intervention notably enhanced the presence of feedback traits matching the S.P.A.R.K. model and increased instances where multiple traits of quality were observed in a single comment. However, despite the guide’s impact, the students’ ability to provide actionable feedback was limited. These findings demonstrate the potential of developing and integrating structured guidance and examples into online peer feedback platforms.
Wire Based Directed Energy Deposition of JBK-75
Authors: Schneider J. A. , Puerto G. , Walker E. , Montgomery B. T. , Gradl P. R. , Walker B. , Santangelo M. , Thompson S.
Published: February 2024

Applications and adoption of metal additive manufacturing (AM) are increasing for fabrication of low volume, complex components with novel materials, as well as replacement parts. While the use of powder bed fusion-based processes have been widely used to build complex components with fine feature resolution, there is a volume limitation. Expanding the application of metal AM will rely on other processes that remove this build size constraint. These processes are referred to as Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and can use either powder or wire feedstock. Wire based DED provides the highest deposition rates which shortens the fabrication time making it attractive for fabrication of large parts replacing traditional wrought billets or castings. In this study, an iron-based austenitic superalloy (JBK-75) was deposited using an arc-based, wire-fed (AW)-DED process. The material was metallographically characterized and quasi-static mechanical properties were obtained. The resulting microstructure and mechanical properties are compared with conventional wrought and cast forms of JBK-75 subjected to the same heat treatments. As compared to wrought material, the AW-DED grain size was larger after the heat treatment, although the strengths were similar. Improved homogenization was observed after heat treatment in the AW-DED specimens as compared to the cast specimens.
Piezo2 Contributes to Traumatic Brain Injury by Activating the RhoA/ROCK1 Pathways
Authors: Xiao Yinggang , Zhang Yang , Yuan Wenjuan , Wang Cunjin , Ge Yali , Huang Tianfeng , Gao Ju
Published: February 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to short-term and long-term physical and cognitive impairments, which have significant impacts on patients, families, and society. Currently, treatment outcomes for this disease are often unsatisfactory, due at least in part to the fact that the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of TBI are largely unknown. Here, we observed significant upregulation of Piezo2, a key mechanosensitive ion channel protein, in the injured brain tissue of a mouse model of TBI induced by controlled cortical impact. Pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockdown of Piezo2 after TBI attenuated neuronal death, brain edema, brain tissue necrosis, and deficits in neural function and cognitive function. Mechanistically, the increase in Piezo2 expression contributed to TBI-induced neuronal death and subsequent production of TNF-α and IL-1β, likely through activation of the RhoA/ROCK1 pathways in the central nervous system. Our findings suggest that Piezo2 is a key player in and a potential therapeutic target for TBI.
Treatment of wet coffee processing wastewater using a pulsed-electrocoagulation process: optimization using response surface technique
Authors: Asefaw Kassahun Tadesse , Asaithambi Perumal , Tegegn Maleku
Published: February 2024

In this study, the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD), color, turbidity, phosphate, and nitrate from wet coffee processing wastewater by pulsed-electrocoagulation process (PECP) was examined with various factors such as pH: 3–11, reaction time: 15–75 min, current: 0.150–0.750 Amp, and electrolyte concentration: 0.25–1.25 g/L. Several operational parameters for the treatment of wet coffee processing wastewater utilizing the PECP have been optimized through the application of the surface response design technique, which is based on the central composite design. A quadratic model helped estimate the percentage removal of COD, color, turbidity, phosphate, and nitrate with power consumption under various situations. It also evaluated the significance and their interaction with independent variables using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Through the use of statistical and mathematical techniques, optimum conditions were determined in order to remove the maximum pollutant and nutrient while using the minimum of power. The results showed that the removal of COD—98.50%, color—99.50%, turbidity—99.00%, phosphate—99%, and nitrate—98.83%, with a power consumption of 0.971 kWh m−3 were achieved at pH-7, NaCl dose of 0.75 g/L, electrolysis duration of 45 min, and current of 0.45 Amp. Therefore, under the different operating conditions, the PECP demonstrated to be a successful technique for pollutant removal from wastewater and industrial effluent.
Design of water nozzle shape and structure optimization for eccentric injection mandrel in water injection wells
Authors: Li Cong , Ding Lifen , An Runze , Lin Nan , Ming Eryang , Pei Xiaohan , Lan Huiqing
Published: February 2024

Injection mandrel is one of the key components to control the water injection rate of each layer in the layered injection process in the oilfield. The imbalance between the layers can be changed by an optimized injection mandrel to control the appropriate injection rate. This study introduces an approach to optimize water injection in oilfields, focusing on a new eccentric injection mandrel with adjustable flat nozzles. Firstly, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out using FLUENT software to model and analyze the flow characteristics of the injection mandrel. The simulation results were validated through experimental comparisons, demonstrating excellent consistency. Secondly, the nozzle shapes were identified and optimized. The semicircle nozzle demonstrating superior regulation performance due to its smallest differential pressure and a robust linear relationship between flow rate and opening degree. Finally, orthogonal tests are designed for three influencing factors of the eccentric injection mandrel: number of injection holes, injection hole diameter, and nozzle shape. The simulation results show that the number of injection holes is 36, the diameter of injection holes is 3.2 mm, and the eccentric injection mandrel has relatively better performance. After optimization, the differential pressure between the inlet and outlet is reduced by 57.14%, and the average shear stress on the fluid is reduced by 3.88%. This innovative methodology, employing CFD simulations and orthogonal tests, offers precise water injection rate control, reducing water wastage, and optimizing energy consumption in water injection systems.
Integrating environmental monitoring and bird attack prevention in fish farming: a combined solution for improved pond management
Authors: Bose Rajesh , Sutradhar Shrabani , Mondal Haraprasad , Bhattacharyya Debnath , Roy Sandip
Published: February 2024

Fish farming plays a pivotal role in meeting the ever-increasing global demand for fish and seafood. Yet, fish farmers face formidable challenges in maintaining ideal water conditions and safeguarding their stock from avian predators. This research introduces a comprehensive solution that harnesses IoT technology, real-time monitoring, and bird deterrent mechanisms to heighten the efficiency of fish farming. Through IoT sensors, critical water parameters like temperature, pH, turbidity, and more are continuously monitored, providing real-time data accessible via an intuitive web application and SMS alerts. Motion detection, using passive inferred (PIR) based sensors, activates a water-spraying mechanism to repel birds and safeguard fish, thus eliminating the necessity for expensive and potentially harmful net enclosures. Our experiments underscore the system’s precision, with a mere 0.40 °C average temperature difference compared to traditional measurement tools. This integrated approach not only enhances sustainability and productivity but also reduces manual labour, minimizes losses, and preserves the environment, rendering fish farming more efficient and economically viable.
Effects of NaCl application on cesium concentration, number, and size of epidermal bladder cells in quinoa plants
Authors: Isobe Katsunori , Wada Kengo , Oishi Shota , Higo Masao
Published: February 2024

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) plants possess epidermal bladder cells (EBCs) on the leaf surface that accumulate excess sodium (Na+). However, whether excess cesium (Cs+) is transported from the leaf to the EBCs has not been elucidated in quinoa plants. In this study, the Cs+ concentration of EBCs and leaves of quinoa plants grown in soil treated with high concentrations of NaCl was investigated via pot experiments. Three different treatments were performed: 9.75 g plot, and 19.50 g plot, and a control (with no added NaCl). In 9.75 g plot and 19.50 g plot, 9.75 g and 19.5 g of NaCl were applied to the soil, respectively. And 0.10 g of CsCl were applied to all pots. We observed that Na+ concentration in EBCs and leaves with and without EBCs increased with increasing NaCl concentration at the vegetative and flowering stages; Na+ concentration was lower in the EBCs than in both types of leaves at both growth stages. Cs+ concentration in EBCs and both types of leaves increased with increasing NaCl concentration; Cs+ concentration was higher in EBCs than in both types of leaves at both growth stages. However, NaCl application did not affect the number of EBCs at both growth stages, but the number of EBCs in older leaves was lower than that in younger leaves at both growth stages. Moreover, EBC diameter increased with NaCl application at both growth stages; the EBCs of younger leaves (1st leaf) were larger than those of older leaves (5th leaf) at both growth stages. Therefore, NaCl increased the Cs+-accumulation capacity of quinoa plants by increasing the size of the EBCs.
Numerical simulations of Williamson fluid containing hybrid nanoparticles via Keller box technique
Authors: Rafique Khuram , Alqahtani Aisha M. , Ahmad Shahzad , Aslam Sehar , Khan Ilyas , Singh Abha
Published: February 2024

In this investigation, a Williamson hybrid nanoliquid flow over a stretchy surface has been considered. Furthermore, the convective boundary condition is incorporated for the analysis. In view of the practical applications thermal radiation is used to analyze the energy transfer phenomenon. The momentum and energy expressions are solved numerically by employing the KB approach (Keller Box Technique). The energy transfer rate has been discussed in the table. Further, velocity, temperature and Nusselt number impacts against thermal radiations are discussed in detail. This research portrayed that with the growth of suction/injection factor, the energy transmission and skin friction increase. Moreover, the heat transfer rate decreases for both $${(Al}_{2}{O}_{3}+CuO)/SA$$

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Fetal Cytomegalovirus Infection in the Absence of Maternal Cytomegalovirus-IgM Seropositivity
Authors: Erenel Hakan , Tuna Guray , Alpay Verda , Polat İbrahim
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal serological status and fetal sonographic findings of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. This is a retrospective study performed at Perinatology Department of Istanbul Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital. A computerized search was conducted to identify cases who underwent prenatal diagnosis of fetal CMV infection between September 2020 and December 2023. We identified nine cases with fetal CMV infection. The clinical data of the patients, gestational age at the time of diagnosis, serological, sonographic findings, and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. A computer search of the database was made for the seroprevalance of CMV-IgM and CMV-IgG in our population. The CMV-IgM and IgG results of the 1235 patients who underwent CMV screening in the first trimester between September 2020 and December 2023 were evaluated. Fetal CMV infection was identified in nine patients. None of the 9 cases showed maternal CMV-IgM positivity. Seven of the 9 patients showed high IgG avidity index. Pregnant population had 98 % positivity for CMV-IgG. The evaluation of serologic tests for CMV is not straightforward in the second and third trimester. IgM and IgG avidity should be interpreted with caution in the second and third trimester. In the presence of ultrasound findings suggesting fetal CMV infection and CMV-IgG positivity, invasive diagnostic tests rather than serological test should be discussed with the patient, and non-primary infections should always be considered to minimize overlooked fetal cytomegalovirus infections and missed antiviral treatment opportunity.