bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SG-APSIC1096: Changes in resistance patterns of “ESKAPE” pathogens to azithromincin and levofloxacin in Yogyakarta
Authors: Asdie Rizka , Heryono Faisal , Puspitasari Ika , Wibawa Tri , Aman Abu Tholib , Dahesihdewi Andaru , Pradhipta Ludang Rizki
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Bacterial coinfection occurred in 3.5% of COVID-19 patients, and secondary bacterial infection occurred in 14.3% of patients. In Indonesia, one of the guidelines for COVID-19 therapy is to administer azithromycin 500 mg per 24 hours for mild and moderate cases and azithromycin 500 mg per 24 hours and levofloxacin 750 g per 24 hours for severe cases with suspected secondary bacterial infection. At the beginning of the pandemic, many antibiotics were used, even without proven or suspected bacterial infection. We sought to determine changes in the resistance of “ESKAPE” bacteria (ie, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp) to the antibiotics levofloxacin and azithromycin prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively by examining the culture and sensitivity test results of “ESKAPE” bacteria to levofloxacin and azithromycin antibiotics in 2019 (before the pandemic) and April 2020–April 2021 (during the pandemic) in 4 hospitals in Yogyakarta. The number of samples represents all cultures completed within the specified period to detect antibiotic sensitivity patterns. Results: In a top referral hospital, resistance to levofloxacin and azithromycin increased significantly for E. faecium and P. aeruginosa, but at a private hospital, an increase in resistance to azithromycin and levofloxacin occurred for A. baumannii and for Enterobacter spp and resistance to levofloxacin increased significantly. At an academic hospital, there was a considerable decrease in S. aureus and E. faecium resistance to levofloxacin and azithromycin. At the government hospital,
S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterobacter spp developed resistance to levofloxacin. Conclusions: Resistance to azithromycin and levofloxacin by different ESKAPE bacteria increased on average during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SG-APSIC1076: Bacteremia caused by Streptococcus mitis in a hematology unit
Authors: Sazali Ismail Bin , Chee Lee Lai , Aung May Kyawt , Bien Molly How Kue , Yuen Tan Kwee , Tohid Hatijah Binti , Lin Ling Moi
Published: March 2023

Objectives:Streptococcus mitis is a gram-positive coccus and is a common commensal found in the throat, nasopharynx, and mouth. In an immunocompromised host, S. mitis opportunistically multiplies and can translocate to other sites. At baseline, the prevalence of S. mitis remained stable among hematological patients, averaging ~1 case monthly. However, in August–September 2020, 5 S. mitis cases were documented in a hematology ward and included overlapping inpatient stays. In this descriptive cluster report, we sought to identify the reasons for the increased prevalence of S. mitis in our institution. Methods: A literature review was undertaken to gain a better understanding of the bacteriology of S. mitis. Subsequently, geographical mapping was performed to identify epidemiological links. Further culture and sensitivity testing was requested. Hand hygiene compliance, environmental audit, and handling of central lines within the ward were examined for any lapses in practice. Results: Based on geographical mapping, no epidemiological linkages were established between patients; they were admitted to different rooms and did not share any equipment. Moreover, based on the antibiogram, different bacteria sensitivities were recorded across the isolates from these patients. A hand hygiene and environmental audit result showed 100% compliance. Nurses performed care of central lines in accordance with guidelines. However, an investigation of changes in practice revealed that the use of a toothbrush had only recently been permitted as part of streamlining oral care for hematology patients. Because toothbrushes were not provided by the hospital, patients were utilizing their personal toothbrushes with no direct supervision of their oral care regimen. Conclusions: The prevalence of S. mitis in hematological patients was likely due to the neutropenic condition of patients. This report provides valuable information supporting the optimization of oral hygiene in immunocompromised patients while minimizing the risk of opportunistic infections.
SG-APSIC1040: Implementing a quality-improvement approach to surgical-site infection prevention in the Philippines
Authors: Abustan Anthony , Francisco Arnel , Andrade Maria Teresa , Winn Julie , Pagaran Paul Gwyn , Miles Ted , Littlefield Joan , Hogan Unarose
Published: March 2023

Objectives: We aimed to reduce surgical site infections in Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital, Philippines, (1) by establishing SSI surveillance in the surgical departments, (2) by implementing quality improvement processes, and (3) by developing and implementing an SSI prevention care bundle. Methods: In partnership with Americares, SSI surveillance based on CDC criteria was instituted for all surgeries, excluding orthopedic surgeries. Staff were trained in applying quality-improvement methodology, infection prevention and control, and SSI prevention. A care bundle based on the WHO evidence-based interventions for SSI prevention was designed. Interventions included preoperative bathing, surgical hand preparation, intraoperative surgical-site preparation using 2% chlorhexidine isopropanol solution, and postoperative wound management. The model for improvement methodology was used to implement these changes for 12 months from May 2020 to May 2021. Results: In total, 718 surgeries were followed for SSI surveillance, with an average of 58 surgical patients per month in 2020, which increased to 90 patients per month in 2021. In 2020, the SSI incidence rate was 1.76%, and this rate increased 38.64% to 2.44% in 2021. A statistically significant increase in knowledge of 5.29 points (95% CI, 4.91–5.67) among 150 participants undergoing SSI training between pretest (+6.46) and posttest (+ 11.76) was achieved. SSI care-bundle checklists were used for 80% of eligible surgical patients by 2021. Compliance with the SSI care-bundle checklist increased from 0 to 87.69% (n = 718) by October 2021, subsequently decreasing by 2.75% by December 2021. Conclusions: A quality-improvement process embedded in routine surgical care can be a building block for reducing SSIs. However, we did not achieve an overall decrease in SSIs, likely due to increased reporting of SSIs through improved SSI surveillance. However, important gains were achieved in improved healthcare worker knowledge and practice through the implementation of an SSI care bundle. Fluctuations in checklist compliance reflected COVID-19 surges.
SG-APSIC1092: Bundled preoperative preparation reduced surgical-site infections
Authors: Kaewtatip Nittaya , Kacharat Rossukon
Published: March 2023

Objectives: We aimed to reduce the overall surgical-site infection (SSI) rate to 0.2%. Methods: A new checklist protocol was developed based on the APSIC guidelines. The bundle for preoperative preparation was implemented: adequate preoperative bathing, proper time of hand-forearm washing, and sufficient contact time of antiseptic application. The compliance rate was monitored with a weekly control chart from December 2019 to November 2020. Results: In total, 9,995 cases were operated at Narasuan University Hospital (NUH) in 2020, classified by surgical wound type as follows: clean wound, 62.6%; clean-contaminated wound, 32.1%; contaminated wound, 0.8%; and dirty wound, 4.5%. According to surgical wound type, the mean compliance with preoperative bathing was 68.22% for clean wounds, 68.33% for clean-contaminated wounds, and 34.82% for contaminated wounds. Hand hygiene preparation compliance was higher for clean wound surgeries (mean, 94.01%) and clean-contaminated wound surgeries (mean, 95.05%) than for contaminated wound surgeries (mean, 88.30%). A high percentage was achieved by the 3 groups. The rate of skin antiseptic preparation compliance was higher in the clean wound group (mean, 89.05%) and the clean-contaminated wound group (mean, 90.70%) than the contaminated wound group (mean, 68.12%). The lower rate might be due to time constraints in contaminated wound operations. Only 0.18% of clean-wound operations had SSIs, and the clean-contaminated wound group had 0.19% SSIs, whereas no SSIs occurred in the contaminated and dirty wound groups. The overall SSI rate was 0.17%; thus, we achieved our goal. Conclusions: A bundle of preoperative infection-prevention preparations reduced the rate of SSI. Furthermore, the bundle had a highly tangible positive impact for both internal and external stakeholders, and it was effective in ensuring good practice regarding preoperative preparation.
Blood culture procedures and practices in the neonatal intensive care unit: A survey of a large multicenter collaborative in California
Authors: Lefrak Linda , Schaffer Kristen E. , Bohnert Janine , Mendel Peter , Payton Kurlen S.E. , Lee Henry C. , Bolaris Michael A. , Zangwill Kenneth M.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To describe variation in blood culture practices in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Design:

Survey of neonatal practitioners involved with blood culturing and NICU-level policy development.

Participants:

We included 28 NICUs in a large antimicrobial stewardship quality improvement program through the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative.

Methods:

Web-based survey of bedside blood culture practices and NICU- and laboratory-level practices. We evaluated adherence to recommended practices.

Results:

Most NICUs did not have a procedural competency (54%), did not document the sample volume (75%), did not receive a culture contamination report (57%), and/or did not require reporting to the provider if <1 mL blood was obtained (64%). The skin asepsis procedure varied across NICUs. Only 71% had a written procedure, but ≥86% changed the needle and disinfected the bottle top prior to inoculation. More than one-fifth of NICUs draw a culture from an intravascular device only (if present). Of 13 modifiable practices related to culture and contamination, NICUs with nurse practitioners more frequently adopted >50% of practices, compared to units without (92% vs 50% of units; P < .02).

Conclusions:

In the NICU setting, recommended practices for blood culturing were not routinely performed.
Personal protective equipment use among dental healthcare personnel during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the impact of an educational video in clinical practice
Authors: Vogt Lucy C. , Reske Kimberly A. , Park Daniel , Habrock Bach Tracey , Stewart Henry B. , Arter Olivia G. , Stoeckel Daniel , Steinkamp Heidi M. , Liang Stephen Y. , Durkin Michael J. , Kwon Jennie H.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

Dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) are at high risk of exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We sought to identify how DHCP changed their use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to pilot an educational video designed to improve knowledge of proper PPE use.

Design:

The study comprised 2 sets of semistructured qualitative interviews.

Setting:

The study was conducted in 8 dental clinics in a Midwestern metropolitan area.

Participants:

In total, 70 DHCP participated in the first set of interviews; 63 DHCP participated in the second set of interviews.

Methods:

In September–November 2020 and March–October 2021, we conducted 2 sets of semistructured interviews: (1) PPE use in the dental community during COVID-19, and (2) feedback on the utility of an educational donning and doffing video.

Results:

Overall, 86% of DHCP reported having prior training. DHCP increased the use of PPE during COVID-19, specifically N95 respirators and face shields. DHCP reported real-world challenges to applying infection control methods, often resulting in PPE modification and reuse. DHCP reported double masking and sterilization methods to extend N95 respirator use. Additional challenges to PPE included shortages, comfort or discomfort, and compatibility with specialty dental equipment. DHCP found the educational video helpful and relevant to clinical practice. Fewer than half of DHCP reported exposure to a similar video.

Conclusions:

DHCP experienced significant challenges related to PPE access and routine use in dental clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. An educational video improved awareness and uptake of appropriate PPE use among DHCP.
Perturbation-based active flow control in overexpanded to underexpanded supersonic rectangular twin jets
Authors: Samimy Mo , Webb Nathan , Esfahani Ata , Leahy Ryan
Published: March 2023

The effects of perturbation-based active flow control on supersonic rectangular twin jets (SRTJ) over a wide range of nozzle pressure ratios (NPR = 2.77 to 6.7, corresponding to fully expanded Mach numbers Mj = 1.3 to 1.9) were investigated. The aspect ratio and design Mach number for the bi-conic, converging-diverging nozzles were 2 and 1.5, respectively. The flow and acoustic fields of SRTJ are known to couple, often generating high near-field (NF) pressure fluctuations and elevated far-field (FF) noise levels. Large-scale structures (LSS), or equivalently instability waves or wave packets, are responsible for mixing noise, broadband shock-associated noise, screech and coupling. The primary objective of this research was to manipulate the development of LSS in this complex flow to better understand and mitigate their effects. The organization and passage frequency of the LSS were altered by excitation of instabilities over a wide range of frequencies and modes. Key findings include: (1) the screech mode of each jet was flapping along its minor axis; (2) the jets coupled, out-of-phase primarily in overexpanded cases and in-phase primarily in underexpanded cases, along the minor axis of the SRTJ; (3) coupling has significant effects on the NF pressure fluctuations, but only minor effect on the FF noise; (4) standing waves were observed only on the minor axis plane of the SRTJ; (5) altering or suppressing coupling can significantly reduce NF pressure fluctuations; (6) two high-frequency excitation methods proved effective in reducing the FF noise; and (7) nonlinear interactions between the screech tones and excitation input were observed in controlled cases in which screech was only partially suppressed.
Interface models for three-dimensional Rayleigh–Taylor instability
Authors: Pandya Gavin , Shkoller Steve
Published: March 2023

We derive interface models for three-dimensional Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI), making use of a novel asymptotic expansion in the non-locality of the fluid flow. These interface models are derived for the purpose of studying universal features associated with RTI such as the Froude number in single-mode RTI, the predicted quadratic growth of the interface amplitude under multi-mode random perturbations, the optimal (viscous) mixing rates induced by the RTI and the self-similarity of horizontally averaged density profiles and the remarkable stabilization of the mixing layer growth rate which arises for the three-fluid two-interface heavy–light–heavy configuration, in which the addition of a third fluid bulk slows the growth of the mixing layer to a linear rate. Our interface models can capture the formation of small-scale structures induced by severe interface roll-up, reproduce experimental data in a number of different regimes and study the effects of multiple interface interactions even as the interface separation distance becomes exceedingly small. Compared with traditional numerical schemes used to study such phenomena, our models provide a computational speed-up of at least two orders of magnitude.
Financial Failure and Depositor Quality: Evidence from Building and Loan Associations in California
Authors: Messer Todd
Published: March 2023

Flightiness, or depositor sensitivity to liquidity needs, can be an important determinant of financial distress. I leverage institutional differences—that attract depositors with varying flightiness—across building and loan associations in California during the Great Depression. A new type of plan, the Dayton plan, involved less restrictive savings plans and lower withdrawal penalties. Dayton plans in California were more likely to close during the Great Depression. Archival evidence on lending rates and returns supports the flightiness mechanism.
Horses for Courses: Subject Differences in the Chances of Securing Different Types of Graduate Jobs in the UK
Authors: Hunt Wil , Baldauf B. , Lyonette C.
Published: March 2023

Analysis of the 2010/11 Longitudinal Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey shows that overly-simplistic conceptions of graduate success underestimate the value of obtaining a degree in some subjects. Using a skills-based classification of graduate jobs the research finds that maths and vocationally-oriented subjects associated with higher earnings returns (Belfield et al., 2018a, 2018b) – engineering, architecture, computer science and nursing – increase the chances of having an ‘Expert’ job compared to the average for all graduates. However, more generalist subjects that have been linked with lower earnings such as creative arts, languages and mass communication and documentation are better for accessing graduate jobs where creativity and ability to communicate is key. The research demonstrates the value of using a more nuanced conception of graduate jobs and shows that debate about the value of higher education needs to move away from a narrow focus on earnings.
Searching for the “native” speaker: A preregistered conceptual replication and extension of Reid, Trofimovich, and O’Brien (2019)
Authors: Brown Bianca , Tusmagambet Botagoz , Rahming Valentino , Tu Chun-Ying , DeSalvo Michael B. , Wiener Seth
Published: March 2023

This study conceptually replicated and extended Reid, Trofimovich, and O’Brien (2019), who found that native English speakers could be biased positively (or negatively) relative to a control condition in terms of how they rate non-native English speech. Our internet-based study failed to replicate Reid et al. across a wider population sample of “native” speakers (n = 189). Listeners did not change how they rated non-native English speech after social bias orientations and performed similarly across all five measures of speech and across age and race (Asian, Black, and Caucasian). We attribute our results to differences in the methods (in-person vs. online) and/or participants. Of note, roughly one-third of our “native” participants indicated proficiency in languages other than English and residency in 12 different English-speaking countries, despite identifying as a) fluent English speakers who b) used English primarily and c) acquired English before any other language from birth. These screening items taken together qualified “native” participants in line with traditional psycholinguistics research. We conclude that the concept of “nativeness” is tied to culture-specific perspectives surrounding language use. As such, the native/non-native categorical variable simultaneously serves and limits the advancement of psycholinguistics research.
Decoupled motion planning of a mobile manipulator for precision agriculture
Authors: Colucci Giovanni , Tagliavini Luigi , Botta Andrea , Baglieri Lorenzo , Quaglia Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Thanks to recent developments in service robotics technologies, precision agriculture (PA) is becoming an increasingly prominent research field, and several studies were made to present and outline how the use of mobile robotic systems can help and improve farm production. In this paper, the integration of a custom-designed mobile base with a commercial robotic arm is presented, showing the functionality and features of the overall system for crop monitoring and sampling. To this aim, the motion planning problem is addressed, developing a tailored algorithm based on the so-called manipulability index, that treats the base and robotic arm mobility as two independent degrees of motion; also developing an open source closed-form inverse kinematics algorithm for the kinematically redundant manipulator. The presented methods and sub-system, even though strictly related to a specific mobile manipulator system, can be adapted not only to PA applications where a mobile manipulator is involved but also to the wider field of assistive robotics.
Window-Dressing or Window of Opportunity? Assessing the Advancement of Gender Equality in Autocracies
Authors: Bjarnegård Elin , Donno Daniela
Published: March 2023

There is growing evidence of the international and domestic political benefits for autocrats to advance women’s rights (Bjarnegård and Zetterberg 2016; Bush and Zetterberg 2021; Donno and Kreft 2019; Tripp 2019). Research on the adoption of gender reforms in autocracies—including contributions in this Critical Perspectives section by Audrey L. Comstock and Andrea Vilán (2022) and Aili Mari Tripp (2022)—emphasizes the dual role of international pressure (Donno, Fox, and Kaasik 2021; Edgell 2017; Okundaye and Breuning 2021) and women’s movements (Giersdorf and Croissant 2011; Htun and Weldon 2012; Tripp 2015). Reforms can be “top-down” if the autocrat advances rights even while suppressing the women’s movement, or “bottom-up” if the regime allies with—and seeks to co-opt—civil society groups.
All Politics Is Local: Studying Women’s Representation in Local Politics in Authoritarian Regimes
Authors: Barnett Carolyn , Shalaby Marwa
Published: March 2023

The past decade has witnessed a significant increase in women’s presence in local politics. According to the newly published United Nations (UN) Women in Local Government data set, women constitute 36% of local deliberative bodies worldwide compared to merely 25% in national parliaments.1 Much of this increase is the result of gender quotas: the Gender Quotas Database (International IDEA 2022) shows that as of 2021, 75 countries had some form of gender quota on the local level, 24 of which were authoritarian regimes. Yet, extant work on gender politics in authoritarian regimes tends to focus on the national level, given the highly centralized decision-making processes in such contexts. We contend that the study of women’s engagement and representation in local politics can help scholars better understand not only gender and politics, but also authoritarian politics more generally.
Moderate maternal nutrient reduction in pregnancy alters fatty acid oxidation and RNA splicing in the nonhuman primate fetal liver
Authors: Zimmerman Kip D. , Chan Jeannie , Glenn Jeremy P. , Birnbaum Shifra , Li Cun , Nathanielsz Peter W. , Olivier Michael , Cox Laura A.
Published: March 2023

Fetal liver tissue collected from a nonhuman primate (NHP) baboon model of maternal nutrient reduction (MNR) at four gestational time points (90, 120, 140, and 165 days gestation [dG], term in the baboon is ∼185 dG) was used to quantify MNR effects on the fetal liver transcriptome. 28 transcripts demonstrated different expression patterns between MNR and control livers during the second half of gestation, a developmental period when the fetus undergoes rapid weight gain and fat accumulation. Differentially expressed transcripts were enriched for fatty acid oxidation and RNA splicing-related pathways. Increased RNA splicing activity in MNR was reflected in greater abundances of transcript splice variant isoforms in the MNR group. It can be hypothesized that the increase in splice variants is deployed in an effort to adapt to the poorin uteroenvironment and ensure near-normal development and energy metabolism. This study is the first to study developmental programming across four critical gestational stages during primate fetal liver development and reveals a potentially novel cellular response mechanism mediating fetal programming in response to MNR.
Best crossing of peripheral chronic total occlusions
Authors: Korosoglou Grigorios , Schmidt Andrej , Lichtenberg Michael , Torsello Giovanni , Grözinger Gerd , Mustapha Jihad , Varcoe Ramon L. , Wulf Ito , Heilmeier Britta , Müller Oliver J. , Zeller Thomas , Blessing Erwin , Langhoff Ralf
Published: March 2023

Summary: Together with colleagues from different disciplines, including cardiologists, interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons, committee members of the of the German Society of Angiology ( Deutsche Gesellschaft für Angiologie [ DGA]), developed a novel algorithm for the endovascular treatment of peripheral chronic total occlusive lesions (CTOs). Our aim is to improve patient and limb related outcomes, by increasing the success rate of endovascular procedures. This can be achieved by adherence to the proposed crossing algorithm, aiding the standardization of endovascular procedures. The following steps are proposed: (i) APPLY Duplex sonography and if required 3D techniques such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography. This will help you to select the optimal access site. (ii) EVALUATE the CTO cap morphology and distal vessel refilling sites during diagnostic angiography, which are potential targets for a retrograde access. (iii) START with antegrade wiring strategies including guidewire (GW) and support catheter technology. Use GW escalation strategies to penetrate the proximal cap of the CTO, which may usually be fibrotic and calcified. (iv) STOP the antegrade attempt depending on patient specific parameters and the presence of retrograde options, as evaluated by pre-procedural imaging and during angiography. (v) In case of FAILURE, consider advanced bidirectional techniques and reentry devices. (vi) In case of SUCCESS, externalize the GW and treat the CTO. Manage the retrograde access at the end of the endovascular procedure. (vii) STOP the procedure if no progress can be obtained within 3 hours, in case of specific complications or when reaching maximum contrast administration based on individual patient’s renal function. Consider radiation exposure both for patients and operators. In this manuscript we systematically follow and explain each of the steps (i)–(vi) based on practical examples from our daily routine. We strongly believe that the integration of this algorithm in the daily practice of endovascular specialists, can improve vessel and patient specific outcomes.
Microscale Spatial Variations in Coseismic Temperature Rise on Hematite Fault Mirrors in the Wasatch Fault Damage Zone
Authors: McDermott Robert G. , Ault Alexis K. , Wetzel Kelsey F. , Evans James P. , Shen Fen‐Ann
Published: March 2023

Coseismic temperature rise activates fault dynamic weakening that promotes earthquake rupture propagation. The spatial scales over which peak temperatures vary on slip surfaces are challenging to identify in the rock record. We present microstructural observations and electron backscatter diffraction data from three small‐displacement hematite‐coated fault mirrors (FMs) in the Wasatch fault damage zone, Utah, to evaluate relations between fault properties, strain localization, temperature rise, and weakening mechanisms during FM development. Millimeter‐ to cm‐thick, matrix‐supported, hematite‐cemented breccia is cut by ∼25–200 μm‐thick, texturally heterogeneous veins that form the hematite FM volume (FMV). Grain morphologies and textures vary with FMV thickness over μm to mm lengthscales. Cataclasite grades to ultracataclasite where FMV thickness is greatest. Thinner FMVs and geometric asperities are characterized by particles with subgrains, serrated grain boundaries, and(or) low‐strain polygonal grains that increase in size with proximity to the FM surface. Comparison to prior hematite deformation experiments suggests FM temperatures broadly range from ≥400°C to ≥800–1100°C, compatible with observed coeval brittle and plastic deformation mechanisms, over sub‐mm scales on individual slip surfaces during seismic slip. We present a model of FM development by episodic hematite precipitation, fault reactivation, and strain localization, where the thickness of hematite veins controls the width of the deforming zones during subsequent fault slip, facilitating temperature rise and thermally activated weakening. Our data document intrasample coseismic temperatures, resultant deformation and dynamic weakening mechanisms, and the length scales over which these vary on slip surfaces.
“Icefin” Investigates a Glacial Underbelly
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: March 2023

An instrument-laden submersible reveals where—and how rapidly—the Antarctic glacier is melting.
Improving CO2 photoconversion with ionic liquid and Co single atoms
Authors: Liu Yang , Sun Jianhui , Huang Houhou , Bai Linlu , Zhao Xiaomeng , Qu Binhong , Xiong Lunqiao , Bai Fuquan , Tang Junwang , Jing Liqiang
Published: March 2023

Photocatalytic CO2 conversion promises an ideal route to store solar energy into chemical bonds. However, sluggish electron kinetics and unfavorable product selectivity remain unresolved challenges. Here, an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, and borate-anchored Co single atoms were separately loaded on ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets. The optimized nanocomposite photocatalyst produces CO and CH4 from CO2 and water under UV–vis light irradiation, exhibiting a 42-fold photoactivity enhancement compared with g-C3N4 and nearly 100% selectivity towards CO2 reduction. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that the ionic liquid extracts electrons and facilitates CO2 reduction, whereas Co single atoms trap holes and catalyze water oxidation. More importantly, the maximum electron transfer efficiency for CO2 photoreduction, as measured with in-situ μs-transient absorption spectroscopy, is found to be 35.3%, owing to the combined effect of the ionic liquid and Co single atoms. This work offers a feasible strategy for efficiently converting CO2 to valuable chemicals.
Regional occupancy increases for widespread species but decreases for narrowly distributed species in metacommunity time series
Authors: Xu Wu-Bing , Blowes Shane A. , Brambilla Viviana , Chow Cher F. Y. , Fontrodona-Eslava Ada , Martins Inês S. , McGlinn Daniel , Moyes Faye , Sagouis Alban , Shimadzu Hideyasu , van Klink Roel , Magurran Anne E. , Gotelli Nicholas J. , McGill Brian J. , Dornelas Maria , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: March 2023

While human activities are known to elicit rapid turnover in species composition through time, the properties of the species that increase or decrease their spatial occupancy underlying this turnover are less clear. Here, we used an extensive dataset of 238 metacommunity time series of multiple taxa spread across the globe to evaluate whether species that are more widespread (large-ranged species) differed in how they changed their site occupancy over the 10–90 years the metacommunities were monitored relative to species that are more narrowly distributed (small-ranged species). We found that on average, large-ranged species tended to increase in occupancy through time, whereas small-ranged species tended to decrease. These relationships were stronger in marine than in terrestrial and freshwater realms. However, in terrestrial regions, the directional changes in occupancy were less extreme in protected areas. Our findings provide evidence for systematic decreases in occupancy of small-ranged species, and that habitat protection could mitigate these losses in the face of environmental change.
Integrated transcriptome study of the tumor microenvironment for treatment response prediction in male predominant hypopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Gan , Tao Minzhen , Ning Hui , Guo Wei , Yin Gaofei , Gao Wen , Feng Lifei , Gu Jin , Xie Zhen , Huang Zhigang
Published: March 2023

The efficacy of the first-line treatment for hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC), a predominantly male cancer, at advanced stage is only about 50% without reliable molecular indicators for its prognosis. In this study, HPC biopsy samples collected before and after the first-line treatment are classified into different groups according to treatment responses. We analyze the changes of HPC tumor microenvironment (TME) at the single-cell level in response to the treatment and identify three gene modules associated with advanced HPC prognosis. We estimate cell constitutions based on bulk RNA-seq of our HPC samples and build a binary classifier model based on non-malignant cell subtype abundance in TME, which can be used to accurately identify treatment-resistant advanced HPC patients in time and enlarge the possibility to preserve their laryngeal function. In summary, we provide a useful approach to identify gene modules and a classifier model as reliable indicators to predict treatment responses in HPC.
Quinolinate promotes macrophage-induced immune tolerance in glioblastoma through the NMDAR/PPARγ signaling axis
Authors: Kesarwani Pravin , Kant Shiva , Zhao Yi , Prabhu Antony , Buelow Katie L. , Miller C. Ryan , Chinnaiyan Prakash
Published: March 2023

There has been considerable scientific effort dedicated to understanding the biologic consequence and therapeutic implications of aberrant tryptophan metabolism in brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. A majority of this work has focused on the upstream metabolism of tryptophan; however, this has resulted in limited clinical application. Using global metabolomic profiling of patient-derived brain tumors, we identify the downstream metabolism of tryptophan and accumulation of quinolinate (QA) as a metabolic node in glioblastoma and demonstrate its critical role in promoting immune tolerance. QA acts as a metabolic checkpoint in glioblastoma by inducing NMDA receptor activation and Foxo1/PPARγ signaling in macrophages, resulting in a tumor supportive phenotype. Using a genetically-engineered mouse model designed to inhibit production of QA, we identify kynureninase as a promising therapeutic target to revert the potent immune suppressive microenvironment in glioblastoma. These findings offer an opportunity to revisit the biologic consequence of this pathway as it relates to oncogenesis and neurodegenerative disease and a framework for developing immune modulatory agents to further clinical gains in these otherwise incurable diseases.
Anomaly detection using spatial and temporal information in multivariate time series
Authors: Tian Zhiwen , Zhuo Ming , Liu Leyuan , Chen Junyi , Zhou Shijie
Published: March 2023

Real-world industrial systems contain a large number of interconnected sensors that generate a significant amount of time series data during system operation. Performing anomaly detection on these multivariate time series data can timely find faults, prevent malicious attacks, and ensure these systems safe and reliable operation. However, the rarity of abnormal instances leads to a lack of labeled data, so the supervised machine learning methods are not applicable. Furthermore, most current techniques do not take full advantage of the spatial and temporal dependencies implied among multiple variables to detect anomalies. Hence, we propose STADN, a novel Anomaly Detection Network Using Spatial and Temporal Information. STADN models the relationship graph between variables for a graph attention network to capture the spatial dependency between variables and utilizes a long short-term memory network to mine the temporal dependency of time series to fully use the spatial and temporal information of multivariate time series. STADN predicts the future behavior of each sensor by combining the historical behavior of the sensor and its neighbors, then detects and locates anomalies according to the prediction error. Furthermore, we improve the proposed model’s ability to discriminate anomaly and regularity and expand the prediction error gap between normal and abnormal instances by reconstructing the prediction errors. We conduct experiments on two real-world datasets, and the experimental results suggested that STADN achieves state-of-the-art outperformance.
Monopolar electrocautery versus sharp dissection in the neck dissection: a retrospective study
Authors: Obermeier Katharina Theresa , Liokatis Paris , Smolka Wenko
Published: March 2023

The cold scalpel/scissors (CS) and the monopolar electrocautery (ME) are still the most commonly used instruments for neck dissection in head and neck oncology. However, a direct comparison of these techniques does not exist. This study aims to compare these techniques concerning blood loss, the decline of hemoglobin levels, and surgery duration. Data on 200 patients who received tumor resection, neck dissection and either a radial forearm free flap (RFFF)or a primary closure (PC) were examined retrospectively. The patients were divided according to the performed defect closure (RFFF or PC) and the main instrument usedfor the beck dissection (Group 1: RFFF and ME, Group 2: RFFF and CS, Group 3: PC and ME Group 4: PC and CS). The intraoperative blood loss, decline of hemoglobin values and surgery duration were analyzed and compared between the corresponding groups. The patients where the ME was used lost on average 409.93 ml (group 1 vs. 2) and 242.4 ml (group 3 vs. 4) less blood. The median decrease in the hemoglobin levels was by 1.01 g/dL (group 1 vs. 2) and 0.85 g/dL (group 3 vs. 4) lower for the ME. The median surgery duration was by 102 min (group 1 vs. 2) and 83 min (group 3 vs. 4) shorterfor the ME. All differences were statistically significant. Traditional scalpel and scissors used for neck dissection lead to significantly higher blood loss and longer operation time than the monopolar electrocautery.
Production of neutralizing antibody fragment variants in the cytoplasm of E. coli for rapid screening: SARS-CoV-2 a case study
Authors: Tungekar Aatir A. , Recacha Rosario , Ruddock Lloyd W.
Published: March 2023

Global health challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic warrant the urgent need for a system that allows efficient production of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Antibody treatments against SARS-CoV-2 were developed with an unprecedented pace and this enormous progress was achieved mainly through recombinant protein production technologies combined with expeditious screening approaches. A heterologous protein production system that allows efficient soluble production of therapeutic antibody candidates against rapidly evolving variants of deadly pathogens is an important step in preparedness towards future pandemic challenges. Here, we report cost and time-effective soluble production of SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) variants as well as an array of neutralizing antibody fragments (Fabs) based on Casirivimab and Imdevimab using the CyDisCo system in the cytoplasm of E. coli. We also report variants of the two Fabs with higher binding affinity against SARS-CoV-2 RBD and suggest this cytoplasmic production of disulfide containing antigens and antibodies can be broadly applied towards addressing future global public health threats.
Dyadic inter-brain EEG coherence induced by interoceptive hyperscanning
Authors: Balconi Michela , Angioletti Laura
Published: March 2023

Previous single-brain studies suggested interoception plays a role in interpersonal synchronization. The aim of the present study was to assess the electrophysiological intersubject coherence through electrophysiological (EEG) hyperscanning recording during simple dyadic synchronization tasks when the participants focused on their breath. To this aim, the neural activity of 15 dyads of participants was collected during the execution of a cognitive and motor synchronization task in two distinct IA conditions: focus and no focus on the breath condition. Individuals’ EEG frequency bands were recorded through EEG hyperscanning and coherence analysis was performed. Results showed greater EEG coherence was observed for the alpha band in frontopolar brain regions (Fp1, Fp2) and also in central brain regions (C3, C4) within the dyads, during the focus on the breath condition for the motor compared to the cognitive synchronization task; during the same experimental condition, delta and theta band showed augmented inter-individual coherence in the frontal region (Fz) and central areas (C3, C4). To conclude, the current hyperscanning study highlights how the manipulation of the interoceptive focus (obtained through the focus on the breath) strengthens the manifestation of the EEG markers of interpersonal tuning during a motor synchronization task in specific brain areas.
Intergenerational impact of dietary protein restriction in dairy ewes on epigenetic marks in the perirenal fat of their suckling lambs
Authors: Fonseca Pablo A. S. , Suárez-Vega Aroa , Pelayo Rocio , Marina Hector , Alonso-García María , Gutiérrez-Gil Beatriz , Arranz Juan-José
Published: March 2023

In sheep, nutrition during the prepubertal stage is essential for growth performance and mammary gland development. However, the potential effects of nutrient restriction in a prepuberal stage over the progeny still need to be better understood. Here, the intergenerational effect of maternal protein restriction at prepubertal age (2 months of age) on methylation patterns was evaluated in the perirenal fat of Assaf suckling lambs. In total, 17 lambs from ewes subjected to dietary protein restriction (NPR group, 44% less protein) and 17 lambs from control ewes (C group) were analyzed. These lambs were ranked based on their carcass proportion of perirenal and cavitary fat and classified into HighPCF and LowPCF groups. The perirenal tissue from 4 NPR-LowPCF, 4 NPR-HighPCF, 4 C-LowPCF, and 4 C-HighPCF lambs was subjected to whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified. Among other relevant processes, these DMRs were mapped in genes responsible for regulating the transition of brown to white adipose tissue and nonshivering thermoregulation, which might be associated with better adaptation/survival of lambs in the perinatal stage. The current study provides important biological insights about the intergenerational effect on the methylation pattern of an NPR in replacement ewes.
Development of Ti–Al–V alloys for usage as single-axis knee prostheses: evaluation of mechanical, corrosion, and tribocorrosion behaviors
Authors: Pinto B. O. , Torrento J. E. , Grandini C. R. , Galindo E. L. , Pintão C. A. F. , Santos A. A. , Lisboa-Filho P. N. , Pontes F. M. L. , Correa D. R. N.
Published: March 2023

Single-axis knee prosthesis is an artificial biomechanical device that provides motion to amputees without the need for assistance appliances. Besides it is mainly composed of metallic materials, the current commercial materials did not group adequate properties for long-term usage or accessible cost. This study produced and characterized Ti-(10 −x)Al-xV (x = 0, 2, and 4 wt.%) alloys for potential use as single-axis knee prostheses. The samples exhibited a gradual decrease in the density values, with proper chemical mixing of the alloying elements on the micro-scale. The phase composition exhibited a primary α phase with a minor α′ + β phase for the Ti-8Al-2V and Ti-6Al-4V samples. Due to their different atomic radius compared to Ti, the addition of alloying elements changed the cell parameters. Their selected mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, Vickers microhardness, and damping factor) performed better values than the CP-Ti grade 4. The samples also exhibited good corrosion properties against the simulated marine solution. The tribocorrosion resistance of the samples was better than the reference material, with the wear tracks composed of some tribolayers and grooves resulting from adhesive and abrasive wear. The Ti-10Al alloy displayed the best properties and estimated low cost to be used as single-axis knee prostheses.
A self-biased non-reciprocal magnetic metasurface for bidirectional phase modulation
Authors: Yang Weihao , Qin Jun , Long Jiawei , Yan Wei , Yang Yucong , Li Chaoyang , Li En , Hu Juejun , Deng Longjiang , Du Qingyang , Bi Lei
Published: March 2023

Non-reciprocal metasurfaces can encode optical functions on forward- and backward-propagating waves, and could be used to create non-reciprocal antennas and radomes for full-duplex wireless communication and radar systems. However, such metasurfaces typically require external electric- or magnetic-field biasing or rely on non-linear effects, which makes practical implementation challenging. Here we report a self-biased non-reciprocal metasurface based on magnetic meta-atoms made from lanthanum-doped barium hexaferrite. The metasurface offers a transmittance of up to 77% and an operation angle of ±64°. We show that they can be used for on-demand bidirectional phase modulation, which provides non-reciprocal functionalities including microwave isolation, non-reciprocal beam steering, non-reciprocal focusing and non-reciprocal holography. The approach could also be potentially extended to megahertz and optical frequencies by using different self-biased magnetic materials.
Discovery of dimethylsulfoxonium propionate lyases – a missing enzyme relevant to the global sulfur cycle
Authors: Chhalodia Anuj K. , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: March 2023

Six dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) lyases have been shown to cleave the marine sulfur metabolite dimethylsulfoxonium propionate (DMSOP) into DMSO and acrylate.
Semisynthesis reveals apoptin as a tumour-selective protein prodrug that causes cytoskeletal collapse
Authors: Wyatt Jasmine , Chan Yuen Ka , Hess Mateusz , Tavassoli Mahvash , Müller Manuel M.
Published: March 2023

Structure-activity studies with site-specifically modified apoptin in living cells demonstrate that this protein's toxicity is mediated by phosphorylation and downstream interactions with the cytoskeleton.
General synthesis of CoCeMOx trimetallic oxides via a cation exchange reaction for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Huang Xianggang , Wang Xin , Liu Yingxin , Hou Yan , Li Chengjin , Cai Mingyang , Gu Hongwei , Cao Xueqin
Published: March 2023

This article provides a general ion exchange and calcination method for sythesizing CoCeMOx, and demonstrates CoCeZnOx PNs exhibit the best electrocatalytic performance among them due to their higher content of oxygen vacancies and Co2+.
Anti-counterfeiting holographic liquid crystal gels with color and pattern control
Authors: Lee Kyung Min , Reshetnyak Victor Yu. , Ambulo Cedric P. , Marsh Zachary M. , McConney Michael E. , Godman Nicholas P.
Published: March 2023

Optically tunable and switchable reflection grating LC gels can be used in anti-counterfeiting materials for optical security and encryption. Reflection colors and patterns appear by applying an AC field and a DC field controls the holographic color of the samples.
Expression of concern: Design and development of highly sensitive PEDOT-PSS/AuNP hybrid nanocomposite-based sensor towards room temperature detection of greenhouse methane gas at ppb level
Authors: Khasim Syed , Pasha Apsar , Badi Nacer , Ltaief Adnen , Al-Ghamdi S. A. , Panneerselvam Chellasamy
Published: March 2023

Expression of concern for ‘Design and development of highly sensitive PEDOT-PSS/AuNP hybrid nanocomposite-based sensor towards room temperature detection of greenhouse methane gas at ppb level’ by Syed Khasim et al., RSC Adv., 2021, 11, 15017–15029. DOI https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA00994J.
Boosting electrocatalytic CO2reduction reaction over viologen-functionalized metal–organic frameworks by enhancement of electron-transfer capacity
Authors: Dong Yu-Liang , Jing Zi-Yan , Wu Qiu-Jin , Chen Zi-Ao , Huang Yuan-Biao , Cao Rong
Published: March 2023

Viologen-based MOFs were developed to show highly efficient electrocatalytic CO2reduction reaction with a high CO faradaic efficiency of 93.8% at 2.3 V and large CO partial current density of 111.1 mA cm−2at 2.9 V.