bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of in vitro biofilm formation by clinical isolates of dermatophyte and antibiofilm activity of common antifungal drugs
Authors: Yazdanpanah Somayeh , Sasanipoor Forozan , Khodadadi Hossein , Rezaei‐Matehkolaei Ali , Jowkar Farideh , Zomorodian Kamiar , Kharazi Mahboobeh , Mohammadi Tooba , Nouripour‐Sisakht Sadegh , Nasr Reza , Motamedi Marjan
Published: July 2022

Background

The ability of dermatophytes to develop biofilm, as one of the virulence factors in fungal infections which contribute to antifungal resistance, is an outstanding aspect of dermatophytosis that has been noted recently. Because of the paucity of data about the biofilm formation by dermatophytes and their susceptibility to antifungal drugs, this study evaluated the biofilm formation by clinical isolates of dermatophytes and antibiofilm activity of common antifungals widely used to manage dermatophytosis.

Methods

The ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions sequencing for species identification of 50 clinical dermatophyte isolates was performed. The ability of isolates to form biofilm and inhibitory activity of itraconazole, terbinafine, and griseofulvin against biofilm formation was assayed by the crystal violet staining method. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied for the visualization of the biofilm structures.

Results

Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes (n: 14; 28%) and T. rubrum (n: 13;26%) were included in more than half of the dermatophyte isolates. Biofilm formation was observed in 37 out of 50 (74%) isolates that were classified as follows: nonproducers (n: 13; 26%), weak producers (n: 4; 8%), moderate producers (n: 16; 32%), and strong producers (n: 17; 34%) by comparison of the absorbance of biofilms produced by clinical strains with control. The mean IC50 values for terbinafine, griseofulvin, and itraconazole were 2.42, 3.18, and 3.78 μg/ml, respectively.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that most of the clinical dermatophyte isolates are capable to form biofilm in vitro with variable strength. Moreover, terbinafine can be suggested as the first‐line choice for the treatment of biofilm‐formed dermatophytosis.
Proposed international standard on auditing financial statements of less complex entities: IAASB IAAER roundtables—Breakout 1 authority and groups
Authors: van Nieuw Amerongen C (Niels) M. , Duits Hans B. , Gordon Elizabeth A. , Street Donna L.
Published: July 2022

This commentary summarizes stakeholder views voiced during roundtables on the 2021 International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board's (IAASB) Exposure Draft: Proposed International Standard on Auditing of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities (ED LCE). For EDs, IAASB's due process includes seeking stakeholder views in a formal consultation format on a specified number of issues deemed relevant to further improve the proposed standard. Following its mission, the International Association for Accounting Education and Research—together with the IAASB—facilitated roundtables linking audit practitioners, academics, and financial statements users. The three roundtables followed a structured agenda including the same (but not all) topics on which the IAASB seeks views. In this commentary, we summarize views heard during the first roundtable breakout session focused on authority and groups and provide recommendations to the IAASB regarding the way forward.
The potential role of insulin‐like growth factor 1 in acne vulgaris and its correlation with the clinical response before and after treatment with metformin
Authors: Albalat Waleed , Darwish Hend , Abd‐Elaal Walaa H. , AbouHadeed Mohamed Hussein , Essam Reham
Published: July 2022

Background

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a complex and multifactorial inflammatory disease affecting the pilosebaceous follicles. Optimum treatment of AV is important to reduce the disease severity and recurrence.

Aim

To evaluate the role of metformin in the treatment of acne vulgaris by reducing the level of insulin‐like growth factor 1.

Methods

Fifty patients with AV were included in the study. Their ages ranged from 16 to 30 years, and they had different grades of the disease. IGF‐1 levels were measured in all patients before and after the treatment with metformin.

Results

After 4 months of therapy, there was a clinical improvement detected by an improvement in the global acne grading system (GAGS) score and also a significant decrease in IGF‐level.

Conclusion

IGF‐1 may have an important role in the pathogenesis of acne; also we can presume that oral metformin is an effective and safe line in the treatment of AV.
Partnering with healthcare organisations to teach pre‐registration health professions students about quality improvement: A systematic review
Authors: Mak Verity , Brand Gabrielle , Morphet Julia
Published: July 2022

Aims and Objectives

To describe what higher education and healthcare organisation partnerships can be identified in the published literature to teach pre‐registration health professions students quality improvement and the impact of these partnerships.

Background

Quality improvement has been gaining traction in the Western world and has been incorporated in varying degrees into the curricula for pre‐registration health professions students. Providing quality improvement education in partnership with healthcare organisations has been found to be a valuable experiential learning solution, but the impacts of higher education and healthcare organisation partnerships have not been explored.

Design and Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was undertaken using the Ovid MEDLINE, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus and Eric databases. Studies were subject to quality appraisal using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program validated tools and a thematic analysis and narrative synthesis was undertaken.

Results

Eight studies were included in this review. Features of existing quality improvement partnerships included experiential learning, time pressures and barriers to successful quality improvement partnerships. The impacts of quality improvement partnerships were demonstrated by an increase in quality improvement knowledge and understanding, students leading change and the implementation of quality improvement projects.

Conclusion

Several key elements were identified that may act as barriers or enablers to successful implementation of quality improvement partnerships. This review advances understandings of the need for a shift in focus that pays attention to the culture of teaching quality improvement in education partnerships and how this can be achieved in a mutually beneficial way.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The development of quality improvement partnerships has been found to increase student knowledge and understanding, potentially improving patient outcomes, systems performance and professional development. More research is required on the establishment of quality improvement partnerships and the benefit these collaborations have on students, staff and patients.
Measurement and mobilisation of localised oedema in haemodialysis
Authors: Longley Ryan , Keane David F.
Published: July 2022

Background

The presence of localised oedema can make measurement and removal of excess fluid in haemodialysis challenging.

Objectives

To evaluate (i) the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression and neuromuscular electrical stimulation at mobilising oedema and (ii) the impact of localised fluid on bioimpedance measured fluid status.

Design

A single centre, cross‐over study design. Participants were monitored weekly during mid‐week dialysis sessions. Four sessions with each of the interventions and no interventions, with washout periods between, were included.

Participants

Six participants with lower limb oedema and established on haemodialysis for at least 3 months.

Measurements

The effectiveness of mobilising oedema and improving haemodynamic stability was assessed by: reduction in ankle circumference; ultrafiltration volume achieved; blood pressure changes; participant symptoms and achievement of target weight. The impact of localised fluid on bioimpedance measurements was assessed by comparing measurements across affected tissue with measurements avoiding the site of oedema.

Results

There were no differences in ultrafiltration volumes, achievement of target weight, participant symptoms or reductions in ankle circumference and systolic blood pressure between intermittent pneumatic compression and neuromuscular electrical stimulation sessions compared to control sessions. Measurements of fluid overload with bioimpedance were 1.7 and 1.8 L higher when measuring across oedematous tissue compared to non‐oedematous tissue.

Conclusions

We were unable to demonstrate improved mobilisation of fluid in the participant's lower limb, though there was a low number of study participants and notable interindividual variation observed. Bioimpedance offers potential for monitoring fluid management in individuals with lower limb oedema but specific protocols are necessary.
Nutrition of free‐living Neotropical psittacine nestlings and implications for hand‐feeding formulas
Authors: Cornejo Juan , Dierenfeld Ellen S. , Renton Katherine , Bailey Christopher A. , Stahala Caroline , Cruz‐Nieto Javier , Brightsmith Donald J.
Published: July 2022

Psittacidae is one of the most endangered families of birds in the world. Knowledge of their nutrition is important for understanding their survival and productivity in the wild, as well as for their adequate husbandry under human care. Hand‐rearing is a common practice for psittacines, however research on their nutrition is limited. We analysed the predicted metabolisable energy, crude protein, crude fat, minerals and the essential amino acid profiles of the crop contents from free‐living nestlings of scarlet macaws (Ara macao) and red‐and‐green macaws (Ara chloropterus) from southeastern Peru, Cuban Amazons (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis) from the Bahamas, lilac‐crowned Amazons (Amazona finschi) from northwestern Mexico and thick‐billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) from northern Mexico. The crop content of the different parrot species displayed remarkably similar nutritional profiles, considering their diversity in habitats, geographic ranges and food sources. The crude protein and crude fat concentrations in crop samples were particularly similar for the Ara and Amazona species, while the thick‐billed parrot stood out for its higher crude fat and lower crude protein content. Wider variations were found among the concentrations of sodium (Na) and iron (Fe), proline and tryptophan. Compared with the requirements of 6−12 weeks leghorn chickens, all free‐ranging parrot diets contained lower crude protein, calcium (Ca), potassium (P) and Na concentrations. The hand‐feeding formulas contained lower crude fat, magnesium (Mg), arginine, valine and phenylalanine concentrations, as well as much higher levels of Ca and zinc (Zn), in comparison with parrot crop samples. Our data suggest that a single formulation could be used to hand‐rear Ara and Amazona sp. of 3 weeks of age and older, while a different formulation would likely be more appropriated for Rhynchopsitta sp. Experimental studies should evaluate if increasing the concentration of crude fat, Mg, arginine, valine and phenylalanine enhances psittacine chick growth and health.
Population genomics and sexual signals support reproductive character displacement in Uperoleia (Anura: Myobatrachidae) in a contact zone
Authors: Jaya Frederick R. , Tanner Jessie C. , Whitehead Michael R. , Doughty Paul , Keogh J. Scott , Moritz Craig C. , Catullo Renee A.
Published: July 2022

When closely related species come into contact via range expansion, both may experience reduced fitness as a result of the interaction. Selection is expected to favour traits that minimize costly interspecies reproductive interactions (such as mismating) via a phenomenon called reproductive character displacement (RCD). Research on RCD frequently assumes secondary contact between species, but the geographical history of species interactions is often unknown. Population genomic data permit tests of geographical hypotheses about species origins and secondary contact through range expansion. We used population genomic data from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), mitochondrial sequence data, advertisement call data and morphological data to investigate a species complex of toadlets (Uperoleia borealis, U. crassa, U. inundata) from northern Australia. Although the three species of frogs were morphologically indistinguishable in our analysis, we determined that U. crassa and U. inundata form a single species (synonymized here) based on an absence of genomic divergence. SNP data identified the phylogeographical origin of U. crassa as the Top End, with subsequent westward invasion into the range of U. borealis in the Kimberley. We identified six F1 hybrids, all of which had the U. borealis mitochondrial haplotype, suggesting unidirectional hybridization. Consistent with the RCD hypothesis, U. borealis and U. crassa sexual signals differ more in sympatry than in allopatry. Hybrid males have intermediate calls, which probably reduces attractiveness to females. Integrating population genomic data, mitochondrial sequencing, morphology and behavioural approaches provides an unusually detailed collection of evidence for reproductive character displacement following range expansion and secondary contact.
An interprofessional examination of the Johns Hopkins Mobility Goal Calculator among hospitalized postsurgical patients
Authors: McLaughlin Kevin H. , Young Daniel , Friedman Lisa A. , Peters Jessica , Vickery Gina , Hoyer Erik H.
Published: July 2022

Individualized mobility goals created using a goal calculator have been shown to increase patient mobility on medical nursing units, but have not been studied among postoperative populations. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of an automated mobility goal calculator on a postoperative nursing unit. To examine this, we used the goal calculator to create goals for patients (N = 128) following surgery and mobilized each patient with either a nurse or physical therapist. Each patient's highest level of mobility was recorded and providers completed surveys on the appropriateness of calculated goals. Overall, 94% of patients achieved calculated goals. Patients with more pain achieved goals significantly less often than those with less pain. Those with higher mobility achieved their goals similarly with either provider. Providers reported 47% of goals were appropriate, with goals being set too low as the primary reason for goals being inappropriate. We conclude that the automated goal calculator can be used on postoperative nursing units to set realistic goals for patients after surgery.
Robust governance for the long term and the heat of the moment: Temporal strategies for coping with dual crises
Authors: Pot Wieke , Scherpenisse Jorren , 't Hart Paul
Published: July 2022

Today the world is confronted with dual crises: creeping and acute threats unfolding at the same time—for example, the manifestation of extreme weather events such as drought and flooding and the creeping crisis of climate change. To cope with dual crises, this article develops a novel temporal perspective that offers policy actors a repertoire of interrelated strategies for enhancing the robustness of institutional efforts. The repertoire consists of five temporal strategies that policy actors can use to navigate the twin challenges of immediate and latent threats in conjunction: strategic coupling of short‐term shocks and creeping crises, crafting time horizons, molding the pace of public problem‐solving, mobilizing anticipatory capacity through futuring techniques, and adaptive iteration of policy decisions. We illustrate the practical application of these strategies in an exploratory case study of adaptive water management in the Netherlands.

Samenvatting

De wereld wordt geconfronteerd met duale crises: sluipende en acute dreigingen op hetzelfde moment, zoals extreme weersgebeurtenissen als droogte of watersnood tegelijkertijd met de sluipende crisis van klimaatverandering. Om te reageren op duale crises, ontwikkelt dit artikel een nieuw repertoire van vijf temporele strategieën voor beleidsmakers om de robuustheid van overheidssystemen te vergroten. Dit repertoire bestaat uit de volgende strategieën: strategische koppeling van onverwachte korte termijn schokken en sluipende crises, tijdshorizonnen creëren, het tempo aanpassen van implementatie, het mobiliseren van anticiperende capaciteit door middel van scenariotechnieken, en de adaptieve iteratie van beleidsbeslissingen. We illustreren de werking van deze vijf strategieën aan de hand van een uitgewerkt voorbeeld van adaptief watermanagement in Nederland: de invoering van het programma Ruimte voor de Rivier.
Biomarkers in asthma in the context of atopic dermatitis in young children
Authors: Basu Millie Nguyen , Mortz Charlotte G. , Jensen Tina Kold , Barington Torben , Lambertsen Kate Lykke , Halken Susanne
Published: July 2022

Background

Diverse pathways stemming from a history of atopic dermatitis (AD) might modulate different biomarkers associated with the development of asthma. Biomarkers associated with AD and asthma separately have been investigated, but none have characterized a combined AD+asthma phenotype. We investigated the clinical and molecular characteristics associated with an AD+asthma phenotype compared with AD, asthma and controls.

Methods

From a prospective birth cohort and the outpatient allergy clinic, we included four groups of 6–12‐year‐old children: (1) healthy controls (2) previous, current, or present AD without asthma, (3) previous, current, or present AD and current asthma and (4) current asthma without AD. We performed clinical examinations and interviews and measured serum IgE, natural moisturizing factors (NMF), and plasma cytokine levels.

Results

We found an increased number of IgE sensitizations in AD+asthma, prominent after stratifying for food allergens (p < .05). Pro‐Th2 cytokines CCL18, TSLP, and Eotaxin‐3 were elevated in AD+asthma, though not significantly higher than asthma, and elevated in asthma compared with controls. NMF levels were decreased in AD compared with asthma and control groups (p = .019, p < .001, respectively). NMF levels correlated negatively to sensitization (p = .026), though nonsignificant with only the patient groups.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that Th2 cytokines and increased number of sensitizations are associated with AD + asthma phenotypes compared with AD alone and that skin barrier impairment as well as decreased airway epithelial integrity may play a role in sensitization and immune modulation. Our findings suggest candidate biomarkers that should be further explored for their functional roles and prognostic potential.
Advance admission scheduling via resource satisficing
Authors: Zhou Minglong , Sim Melvyn , Lam Shao‐Wei
Published: July 2022

We study the problem of advance scheduling of ward admission requests in a public hospital, which affects the usage of critical resources such as operating theaters and hospital beds. Given the stochastic arrivals of patients and uncertain usage of resources, it is often infeasible for the planner to devise a risk‐free schedule to meet these requests without violating resource capacity constraints and creating adverse effects that include healthcare overtime, long patient waiting times, and bed shortages. The difficulty of quantifying these costs and the need to safeguard against resource overutilization lead us to propose a resource satisficing framework that renders the violation of resource constraints less likely and also diminishes its impact whenever it occurs. The risk of resource overutilization is captured by our resource satisficing index (RSI), which is calibrated to reflect a risk‐adjusted utilization rate for a better interpretation to the healthcare planner. Unlike the expected utilization rate, RSI is risk‐sensitive and serves to mitigate the risks of overutilization better whenever overutilization can be avoided in expectation. Our satisficing approach aims to balance out the overutilization risks by minimizing the maximal RSI among all resources and periods. Under our proposed partial adaptive scheduling policy, the resource satisficing model can be formulated and solved via a converging sequence of mixed‐integer linear optimization problems. A computational study establishes that our approach reduces resource overutilization risks to a greater extent than the benchmark methods.
Effect of chronic radiation on the flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) genome grown for six consecutive generations in the radioactive Chernobyl area
Authors: Jopčík Martin , Libantová Jana , Lancíková Veronika
Published: July 2022

The growth of plants under chronic radiation stress in the Chernobyl area may cause changes in the genome of plants. To assess the extent of genetic and epigenetic changes in nuclear DNA, seeds of the annual crop flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) of the Kyivskyi variety, sown 21 years after the accident and grown for six generations in radioactive (RAD) and remediated (REM) fields were analysed. Flaxseed used for sowing first generation, which served as a reference (REF), was also analysed. The AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) revealed a higher number of specific EcoRI–MseI loci (3.4‐fold) in pooled flaxseed samples harvested from the RAD field compared with the REM field, indicating a link between the mutation process in the flax genome and the ongoing adaptation process. MSAP (Methylation‐Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism) detecting EcoRI–MspI and EcoRI–HpaII loci in flax nuclear DNA genome showed no significant differences in methylation level, reaching about 33% in each of the groups studied. On the other hand, significant changes in the DNA methylation pattern of flaxseed samples harvested from the RAD field compared with controls were detected. Pairwise FST comparison revealed within both, EcoRI–MspI and transformed methylation‐Sensitive data sets more than a 3‐fold increase of genetic divergence in the RAD field compared with both controls. These results indicate that the nuclear genome of flax exposed to chronic radiation for six generations has more mutations and uses DNA methylation as one of the adaptation mechanisms for sustainability under adverse conditions.
A data multiverse analysis investigating non‐model based SCR quantification approaches
Authors: Sjouwerman Rachel , Illius Sabrina , Kuhn Manuel , Lonsdorf Tina B.
Published: July 2022

Electrodermal signals are commonly used outcome measures in research on arousal, emotion, and habituation. Recently, we reported on heterogeneity in skin conductance response quantification approaches and its impact on replicability. Here we provide complementary work focusing on within‐approach heterogeneity of specifications for skin conductance response quantification. We focus on heterogeneity within the baseline‐correction approach (BLC) which appeared as particularly heterogeneous—for instance with respect to the pre‐CS baseline window duration, the start, and end of the peak detection window. We systematically scrutinize the robustness of results when applying different BLC approach specifications to one representative pre‐existing data set (N = 118) in a (partly) pre‐registered study. We report high agreement between different BLC approaches for US and CS+ trials, but moderate to poor agreement for CS− trials. Furthermore, a specification curve of the main effect of CS discrimination during fear acquisition training from all potential and reasonable combinations of specifications (N = 150) and a prototypical trough‐to‐peak (TTP) approach indicates that resulting effect sizes are largely comparable. A second specification curve (N = 605 specific combinations) highlights a strong impact of different transformation types. Crucially, however, we show that BLC approaches often misclassify the peak value—particularly for CS− trials, leading to stimulus‐specific biases and challenges for post‐processing and replicability of CS discrimination across studies applying different approaches. Lastly, we investigate how negative skin conductance values in BLC, appearing most frequently for CS− (CS− > CS+ > US), correspond to values in TTP quantification. We discuss the results considering prospects and challenges of the multiverse approach and future directions.
Effects of tDCS applied over the left IFG and pSTG language areas on verb recognition task performance
Authors: Rivera‐Urbina Guadalupe Nathzidy , Martínez‐Castañeda María Franshely , Núñez‐Gómez Ana María , Molero‐Chamizo Andrés , Nitsche Michael A. , Alameda‐Bailén José Ramón
Published: July 2022

Knowledge about the relevance of the left inferior frontal gyrus (lIFG) and the left posterior superior temporal gyrus (lpSTG) in visual recognition of word categories is limited at present. tDCS is a non‐invasive brain stimulation method that alters cortical activity and excitability, and thus might be a useful tool for delineating the specific impact of both areas on word recognition. The objective of this study was to explore whether the visual recognition process of verb categories is improved by a single tDCS session. lIFG and lpSTG areas were separately modulated by anodal tDCS to evaluate its effects on verbal recognition. Compared to sham stimulation, motor reaction times (RTs) were reduced after anodal tDCS over the lpSTG, and this effect was independent of the performing hand (right/left). These findings suggest that this region is involved in visual word recognition independently from the performing hand.
Oroxin A reduces oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy and improves the developmental competence of porcine embryos in vitro
Authors: Liu Rong‐Ping , Wang Xin‐Qin , Wang Jing , Dan Luo , Li Ying‐Hua , Jiang Hao , Xu Yong‐Nan , Kim Nam‐Hyung
Published: July 2022

Oroxin A (OA) is a flavonoid isolated from Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz that has various biological activities, including antioxidant activities. This study aimed to examine the viability of using OA in an in vitro culture (IVC) medium for its antioxidant effects and related molecular mechanisms on porcine blastocyst development. In this study, we investigated the effects of OA on early porcine embryo development via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine labeling, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and immunocytochemistry. Embryos cultured in the IVC medium supplemented with 2.5 μM of OA had an increased blastocyst formation rate, total cell number, and proliferation capacity, along with a low apoptosis rate. OA supplementation decreased reactive oxygen species levels while increasing glutathione levels. OA‐treated embryos exhibited an improved intracellular mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced autophagy. Moreover, levels of pluripotency‐ and antioxidant‐related genes were upregulated, whereas those of apoptosis‐ and autophagy‐related genes were downregulated by OA addition. In conclusion, OA improves preimplantation embryonic development by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function.
ON THE SPECIAL PRONOUNTAIN THE WUHAN DIALECT OF CHINESE: A RESUMPTIVE ANALYSIS*
Authors: Zhao Chen
Published: July 2022

In this article, I will investigate a special pronounTathat appears in the postverbal thematic position of various constructions in the Wuhan dialect of Chinese. I will argue that all the sentences containingTacan be unified under an Agree‐based resumptive analysis. More specifically, I will claim thatTa, differing from the regular pronouns, is φ‐feature deprived (or a weak pronoun), which is the reason why the pronoun can function as a resumptive pronoun inba‐constructions (a case of A‐resumption) on a par with A‐traces/copies. Furthermore, I will argue that the completion‐inducing effect ofTadoes not necessarily entail thatTais an aspectual marker; rather, the effect is due to the exceptional omission of the telicizing verb particle inside the small clause; therefore,Taremains to be a resumptive pronoun throughout.
Risk factors for high level cytomegalovirus viremia in liver transplant recipients and associated outcomes
Authors: Kleiboeker Hanna L. , Jorgenson Margaret R. , Leverson Glen E. , Rice John P. , Saddler Christopher M. , Smith Jeannina A. , Al‐Adra David
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate epidemiology, risk‐factors, and outcomes of high‐level (HL) cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia in liver transplant recipients.

Methods

Adult patients receiving a liver transplant between 1/1/2017 and 9/30/2020 were evaluated. Viral loads at University of Wisconsin Health Clinical Laboratories were required to allow for numerical comparison. Primary objective was incidence and outcomes of HL CMV viremia (viral‐load > 100 000 IU/ml). Secondary objective was to elucidate risk factors to allow targeted interventions.

Results

Two hundred nine patients met inclusion criteria; 175 kept their graft for at least 240 days. Of these nine patients developed HL CMV, 28 developed low‐level (LL CMV, viral‐load 250–100 000 IU/ml), and 138 did not develop CMV viremia. When comparing these three groups via classic statistical methods time from transplant to viremia was similar (HL 158 ± 77 days, LL 150 ± 76 days). Clinical factors were also similar with the exception of donor seropositivity (HL 87.5%, LL 70.4%, No CMV 49.6%, p = 0.025). HL CMV was significantly associated with graft loss (p < 0.0001) on Kaplan–Meier analysis; graft loss in the LL CMV group did not differ from the no CMV group (p = 0.96).

To allow valid assessment of risk factors in the total study population (n = 209), models of time‐varying covariates were used, and Cox proportional hazards ratios were calculated. In this analysis, HL CMV was associated with a significantly increased risk of graft loss (HR 5.6, p = 0.0016). When investigating risk factors associated with HL CMV, donor seropositivity significantly increased risk (HR 8.85, 95% CI 1.13–71.43, p = 0.038). Pretransplant total bilirubin (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.998–1.07, p = 0.06) trended toward significance. Recipient seronegativity, liver disease, clinical and allocation model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD), transplant surgery duration, age, sex, induction immunosuppression, and maintenance immunosuppression were not significantly associated with development of HL CMV.

Conclusion

HL CMV after liver transplant is uncommon but is associated with a significantly increased risk of graft loss that is not present in those patients who develop LL CMV or do not develop CMV viremia. Given these negative graft effects, CMV stewardship interventions targeting recipients of CMV seropositive allografts are warranted. Future larger scale studies evaluating the potential role of other factors in risk stratification are needed.

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The ubiquitin–26S proteasome system and autophagy relay proteome homeostasis regulation during silique development
Authors: Yu Peifeng , Hua Zhihua
Published: July 2022

Functional studies of the ubiquitin–26S proteasome system (UPS) have demonstrated that virtually all aspects of the plant's life involve UPS‐mediated turnover of abnormal or short‐lived proteins. However, the role of the UPS during development, including in seeds and fruits, remains to be determined in detail, although mutants of several of its core elements are known to be embryonically lethal. Unfortunately, early termination of embryogenesis limits the possibility to characterize the activities of the UPS in reproductive organs. Given both the economic and the societal impact of reproductive production, such studies are indispensable. Here, we systematically compared expression of multiple 26S proteasome subunits along with the dynamics of proteasome activity and total protein ubiquitylation in seedlings, developing siliques, and embryos of Arabidopsis thaliana. Since autophagy plays the second largest role in maintaining proteome stability, we parallelly studied three rate‐limiting enzymes that are involved in autophagy flux. Our experiments unexpectedly discovered that, in contrast to the activities in seedlings, both protein and transcript levels of six selected 26S proteasome subunits gradually decline in immature siliques or embryos toward maturation while the autophagy flux rises despite the nutrient‐rich condition. We also discovered a reciprocal turnover pathway between the proteasome and autophagy. While the autophagy flux is suppressed in seedlings by UPS‐mediated degradation of its three key enzymes, transcriptional reprogramming dampens this process in siliques, which in turn stimulates a bulk autophagic degradation of proteasomes. Collectively, our study of the developmental changes of the UPS and autophagy activities suggests that they relay the proteome homeostasis regulation in early silique and/or seed development, highlighting their interactions during development.
Temporal trends, predictors of blood transfusion and in‐hospital outcomes among patients with severe burn injury in the United States—A national database‐based analysis
Authors: Peng Chi , Yang Fan , Yu Jian , Chen Chenxin , He Jia , Jin Zhichao
Published: July 2022

Background

Severe burn can be accompanied by life‐threatening bleeding on some occasions, thus, blood transfusion is often required in these patients during their hospitalization. Therefore, we aimed to examine temporal trends, predictors, and in‐hospital outcomes of blood transfusion in these patients in the United States.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify severe burn patients between January 2010 and September 2017 in the United States. Trends in the utilization of blood transfusion were analyzed using the Cochran‐Armitage trend test. Moreover, propensity score matching (PSM) was employed, and then in‐hospital outcomes were compared between these two groups in the matched cohort. Multivariable logistic regressions were further used to validate the results of PSM.

Results

Among 27,260 severe burn patients identified during the study period, 2120 patients (7.18%) received blood transfusion. Blood transfusion rates decreased significantly from 9.52% in 2010 to 5.02% in 2017 (p for trend <.001). In the propensity‐matched cohort (2120 pairs with and without transfusion), patients transfused were at increased risk of in‐hospital mortality (13.3% vs 8.77%, p < .001), overall postoperative complications (88.3% vs 72.59%, p < .001), longer hospital stays (defined as > median hospital stays = 5 d) (73.8% vs 50.6%, p < .001) and increased overall cost (defined as > median overall costs = 30,746) (81.6% vs 57.3%, p < .001). This was also the case for the multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Blood transfusion following severe burn injury may be associated with worse clinical outcomes. The utility for blood transfusion in burn patients warrants further prospective exploration.
Does servicification of manufacturing increase the GVC activities of firms? Case of India
Authors: Reddy Ketan , Sasidharan Subash , Thangavelu Shandre
Published: July 2022

Does greater use of services’ inputs in manufacturing increase the global value chain (GVC) activities of the firms? In this study, we analyse the effects of servicification on the GVC activities of manufacturing firms in India. Using panel data of 4608 Indian manufacturing firms from 2001 to 2018, we examine the effects of servicification of manufacturing firms on their decision to participate in GVCs. The study examines the overall service inputs in manufacturing activities and its impact on GVC activities of firms. The results indicate that servicification of manufacturing tends to have a positive impact on GVC activities of firms. We also observe positive impact on Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the GVC through the servicification of manufacturing. Further, the results also indicate the differential impact of servicification between high‐ and low‐technology industries.
Characterization of the Degradation of HEPA Filters Protected by Different Spark Arrestors for Various Cutting Means and Cutting Conditions
Authors: Soleiman Bourrous , Mathieu Barrault , Laurent Ricciardi
Published: July 2022

The ageing of the nuclear installations induces new challenges regarding the containment of radioactive matter especially airborne contamination. The purification of the air using fibrous filters is the most widely used technology for the containment of this contamination. However, to ensure their role, they need to be protected. The release of incandescent particles cutting processes could reduce their efficiency. Many spark arrestors are available to protect the filters from hot particles. They are designed to be implemented upstream the filter. Three technologies of spark arrestors have been tested when they are exposed to a grinder or a plasma cutting process. The experiments have been performed for two different filters (450 and 1500 m3/h flow rate). The particle size distribution of the aerosol produced by a plasma torch cutting has been measured and shows two characteristic modes for this kind of generation process. The filtration efficiency of the high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter has been measured before and after the cutting (NF-EN-ISO-16170). During the experiments, the pressure drop of the HEPA filters has been measured to estimate their clogging rate. Results show that the plasma cutting is a more penalizing cutting process compared to metal grinder and that the metallic fibrous medium with the finest mesh has the better performance to protect filters from sparks. The cut length and the distance between the filter and the spark arrestor have also been studied, showing a limited impact on the degradation of the filtration efficiency.
Supplemental Material: Kinematics and paleogeology of the western United States and northern Mexico computed from geologic and paleomagnetic data, I: 0 to 48 Ma
Authors: Bird P. , Ingersoll R.V.
Published: July 2022

Compressed archive comprising all computer files.
Nonlinear Mathematical Model for Dynamic Buckling of Stiffened Orthotropic Shell Panels
Authors: Semenov Alexey
Published: July 2022

This presents a mathematical model proposed by the author for description of deformation process of a shell structure under the action of a load that depends linearly on time. Material orthotropy, geometric nonlinearity, transverse shifts are taken into account. A distinctive feature of the model is the use of a refined discrete method for taking into account stiffeners, proposed by the author earlier. Prior to this, the method was used only in static or isotropic dynamic problems. It is proposed to add correction normalizing factors, which makes it possible to obtain the most accurate values of critical loads. The methodology of the calculation algorithm under dynamic loading is based on the Kantorovich method and the Rosenbrock method, which allows solving rigid ordinary differential equation (ODE) systems. New numerical results for cylindrical panels are obtained. The influence of the number of stiffening elements on the values of the critical load is shown. A comparison with the classical discrete method of taking into account stiffeners is carried out. For the problems considered in this paper, the phase portraits of the system are shown.
Synthesis of Bi2S3 nanowires and their photocatalytic performance for hydrogen production
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Zhao Rui , Lang Jun , Zou Hanjun , Yang Qi , Huang Deming , Wei Dezhi
Published: July 2022

Photocatalytic decomposition of water is a potential way to obtain hydrogen directly from solar energy. Of all the potential semiconductors, Bi2S3has attracted much attention due to its high utilization of sunlight. In this paper, Bi2S3nanowires with different morphologies and crystallinities were synthesized by a modified composite molten salt (M-CMS) method over different reaction times. Through the systematic characterization of the samples, it was found that Bi2S3samples with a longer synthesis times tend to form nanowires with a uniform morphology, clean surface, good crystallinity and lower photogenerated carrier recombination rate, and they can achieve efficient utilization of solar energy and high catalytic hydrogen production efficiency. The Bi2S3nanowires synthesized over 72 h had the best hydrogen production of 392 [Formula: see text]mol/g within 2 h, and they still maintained an efficiency of 89% after four cycles.
From Volatile Ethanolamine to Highly N, B Dual Doped Carbon Superstructures for Advanced Zn-Ion Hybrid Capacitors: Unveiling the Respective Effects Heteroatom Functionalities
Authors: Wang Dewei , Zhang Zhao , Sun Jiaqi , Lu Zeming
Published: July 2022

Understanding the active sites of heteroatoms in carbon matrix is highly desired to design advanced Zn-ion hybrid capacitors (ZICs) with high charge storage capability. Herein, N, B dual doped carbon nanosheet covering network (BN-SCN) superstructures were successfully prepared by simply pyrolysis of volatile ethanolamine in the presence of boric acid. The intermediated product formed between ethanolamine and boric acid can prevent the ethanolamine from evaporating during the pyrolysis process. Benefiting from the N and B enriched reactants, the resulting samples have a high level of heteroatoms (6.04 at % B and 9.73 at % N), which afford sufficient pseudo-capacitance to boost the specific capacity. Consequently, the as-assembled aqueous ZIC device yielded a high capacity of 133.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, high specific energy of 107 W h kg−1, and an outstanding power output of 16 kW kg−1. The ex situ XPS analysis results confirm a reversible transformation of the configuration of oxygen functional groups, which can offer additional pseudo-capacitance. Except for nitrogen functional groups, the presence of abundant B containing functional groups can further enhance the chemical absorption/desorption of Zn2+ ions.
Determination of Water Reduction Rates and Activation Energies in Water-in-Salt Electrolytes
Authors: Droguet L. , Courty M. , Fontaine O. , Tarascon J.M. , Grimaud A.
Published: July 2022

The introduction of aqueous superconcentrated electrolyte, namely Water-in-salt electrolytes (WiSE), reinvigorated the field of aqueous electrolyte for Li-ion batteries (LIB). The electrochemical stability window of water-based electrolyte was shown to be expanded owing to the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the negative electrode. However, questions remain regarding the efficacy of the SEI protection against the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), namely upon repeating cycling and as function of temperature. In this paper, by coupling electrochemical characterizations, operando gas measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the role of the HER on the cell lifetime is studied. Combining these measurements, the evolution of the electrolyte concentration is estimated by calculating the rates of water reduction during cycling and resting period, and therefore the battery end-of-life is predicted. The activation energy of the HER was equally determined during cycling and resting period and confronted with that of other aqueous or organic systems. We found a predominance of the HER in the early end-of-life of WiSE-based batteries even though parasitic reactions such as corrosion must be considered.
Impact of Nanoparticles Additions on the Strength of Dental Composite Resin
Authors: Azmy Emad , Al-Kholy Mohamed Reda Zaki , Fattouh Mohamed , Kenawi Laila Mohamed Mohamed , Helal Mohamed Ahmed
Published: July 2022

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles, zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and silicon dioxide (SiO2), on flexural strength (FS), hardness, and wear resistance of light cured dental composite resin. Materials and Methods. 210 rectangular and disc-shaped composite resin specimens were fabricated with dimensions (25 × 2 × 2 ± 0.03 mm) and (6×4 ± 0.03 mm) for FS, hardness, and wear resistance, respectively (70/test). Specimens of each test were divided according to nanofillers into four groups, unmodified as control, ZrO2 (Z), TiO2 (T), and SiO2 (S) groups; each one was further subdivided into two subgroups according to nanoparticles concentration, 3wt.% and 7wt.% (Z3, Z7, T3, T7, S3, and S7), 10 specimens of each subgroup. A3-point bending test and Vickers hardness test were used for FS and hardness measurements, respectively. Wear resistance was evaluated by the differences in surface roughness of tested specimens before and after wear test. Two-way and 1-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s post hoc tests were done for data analysis (α = 0.05). Results. Two-way ANOVA for FS and wear resistance showed that there was a significant interaction between type of nanoparticles and concentration of nanoparticles (

p
<
0.001

) while two-way ANOVA for hardness showed that both type of nanoparticles and concentration of nanoparticles had a significant effect (

p
<
0.001

), while the effect of their interaction was not statistically significant (

p
=
0.142

). 1-way-ANOVA test showed significant increase in FS and wear resistance for all tested groups (

p
<
0.001

and

p
<
0.001

, respectively) except T7 and S7. Also, there was a significant enhancement in hardness for all tested groups (

p
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Modification of light cured composite resin with certain amounts of nanoparticles (3% and 7% of ZrO2 and 3% of TiO2 and SiO2) can be beneficial in improving flexural strength and wear resistance while hardness of composite resin was increased with all NPs additions.
Analysis on the Way and Potential of Economic Low-Carbon Development of China Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Ping , Hu Fang
Published: July 2022

How a developing China can meet the challenges of the post-Kyoto era in the process of rapid industrialization is a hot issue in current academic research. Facing the pressure of the international community to reduce emissions and the energy and resource constraints under the development trend of the heavy chemical industry, China can only turn the pressure into a driving force and seek a low-carbon development path. This paper proposes a prediction model for China’s low-carbon economic development based on the combined model of genetic algorithm (GA) and long short-term memory neural network (LSTM). The data are encoded with one-hot, embedding is used to reduce the dimension, and the genetic algorithm is used to obtain the optimal hyperparameters of the LSTM model to improve the accuracy of the model. The results show that the model accuracy remains above 90%.
The Comparative Analysis of Two RT-qPCR Kits for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 Reveals a Higher Risk of False-Negative Diagnosis in Samples with High Quantification Cycles for Viral and Internal Genes
Authors: Luraschi Roberto , Barrera-Avalos Carlos , Vallejos-Vidal Eva , Alarcón Javiera , Mella-Torres Andrea , Hernández Felipe , Inostroza-Molina Ailen , Valdés Daniel , Imarai Mónica , Acuña-Castillo Claudio , Reyes-López Felipe E. , Sandino Ana María
Published: July 2022

The early detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) as a gold-standard molecular tool has allowed to test and trace the viral spread and the isolation of COVID-19-infected patients. The detection capacity of viral and internal genes is an essential parameter to consider and analyze during the assay. In this study, we analyze the performance of the two commercial RT-qPCR kits used in Chile, TaqMan™ 2019-nCoV Control Kit v1 (Thermo Fisher) and MaxCov19 (TAAG Genetics), for the COVID-19 diagnosis from nasopharyngeal swab samples (NPSs). Our results show a lower sensitivity of the TAAG kit compared to the Thermo Fisher kit, even in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 mutations associated with its variants. This study reinforces the relevance of evaluating the performance of RT-qPCR kits before being used massively since those with lower sensitivity can generate false negatives and produce outbreaks of local infections.