bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental realization of linearly polarized x-ray detected ferromagnetic resonance
Authors: Klewe C , Emori S , Li Q , Yang M , Gray B A , Jeon H-M , Howe B M , Suzuki Y , Qiu Z Q , Shafer P , Arenholz E
Published: December 2021

We present the first theoretical and experimental evidence of time-resolved dynamic x-ray magnetic linear dichroism (XMLD) measurements of GHz magnetic precessions driven by ferromagnetic resonance in both metallic and insulating thin films. Our findings show a dynamic XMLD in both ferromagnetic Ni80Fe20 and ferrimagnetic Ni0.65Zn0.35Al0.8Fe1.2O4 for different measurement geometries and linear polarizations. A detailed analysis of the observed signals reveals the importance of separating different harmonic components in the dynamic signal in order to identify the XMLD response without the influence of competing contributions. In particular, RF magnetic resonance elicits a large dynamic XMLD response at the fundamental frequency under experimental geometries with oblique x-ray polarization. The geometric range and experimental sensitivity can be improved by isolating the 2ω Fourier component of the dynamic response. These results illustrate the potential of dynamic XMLD and represent a milestone accomplishment toward the study of GHz spin dynamics in systems beyond ferromagnetic order.
Combined detection of supernova neutrino signals
Authors: Sheshukov A. , Vishneva A. , Habig A.
Published: December 2021

Supernova neutrino detection in neutrino and dark matter
experiments is usually implemented as a real-time trigger system
based on counting neutrino interactions within a moving time
window. The sensitivity reach of such experiments can be improved by
taking into account the time profile of the expected signal. We
propose a shape analysis of the incoming experimental data based on
a log likelihood ratio variable containing the assumed signal
shape. This approach also allows a combination of potential
supernova signals in different detectors for a further sensitivity
boost. The method is tested on the NOvA detectors to study their
combined sensitivity to the core-collapse supernova signal, and also
on KamLAND, Borexino and SK-Gd as potential detectors of
presupernova neutrinos. Using the shape analysis enhances the signal
significance for supernova detection and prediction, as well as the
sensitivity reach of the experiment. It also extends the supernova
prediction time when applied to the presupernova neutrino signal
detection. Enhancements achieved with the shape analysis persist
even in the case when the actual signal doesn't match the expected
signal model.
ShapeFit: extracting the power spectrum shape information in galaxy surveys beyond BAO and RSD
Authors: Brieden Samuel , Gil-Marín Héctor , Verde Licia
Published: December 2021

In the standard (classic) approach, galaxy clustering measurements from spectroscopic surveys are compressed into baryon acoustic oscillations and redshift space distortions measurements, which in turn can be compared to cosmological models. Recent works have shown that avoiding this intermediate step and fitting directly the full power spectrum signal (full modelling) leads to much tighter constraints on cosmological parameters. Here we show where this extra information is coming from and extend the classic approach with one additional effective parameter, such that it captures, effectively, the same amount of information as the full modelling approach, but in a model-independent way. We validate this new method (ShapeFit) on mock catalogs, and compare its performance to the full modelling approach finding both to deliver equivalent results. The ShapeFit extension of the classic approach promotes the standard analyses at the level of full modelling ones in terms of information content, with the advantages of i) being more model independent; ii) offering an understanding of the origin of the extra cosmological information; iii) allowing a robust control on the impact of observational systematics.
Detection of LPG Gas by Using Multi Sensors Array and Fabricated ZnO Gas Sensor
Authors: Morsi Iman Gamal , Khedr Mohamed Essam , Aly Aya Gamal Eldin
Published: December 2021

The demand for LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) detection constitutes a major and critical problem in the field of gas detection. LPG is used for domestic appliances used in the heating of buildings, producing petrochemicals and as a motor fuel. The current paper used the fabricated ZnO, in addition to TGS 813, TGS 2600, TGS 4160, TGS 3870, TGS 822 as semiconductor gas sensors, in varying temperature and load resistance in a prototype setup so as to explore each model’s accuracy for performance prediction for gas detection. The fabricated ZnO gas sensor is used also to detect the LPG. The comparison is done between gas sensors array and the fabricated one from ZnO. The actual results are put in comparison with the empirical algorithms’ predictions. The optimal model is found to be the full quadratic empirical model based on the lowest error with different sensors.
Effect of absorber layer bandgap of CIGS-based solar cell with (CdS/ZnS) buffer layer
Authors: Abdalmageed Hassan Ismail , Fedawy Mostafa , Aly Moustafa H.
Published: December 2021

This article uses computational models to evaluate the potential of copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) thin film solar cells. The use of cadmium sulphide (CdS) renders the solar cell environmentally hazardous. A zinc sulphide (ZnS) that is non-toxic and has a large bandgap is studied as a potential replacement for cadmium sulphide in CIGS-based solar cells. The present research focuses on the impact of the CIGS-based solar cell bandgap absorber layer by increasing the absorber layer thickness (0.1-2 μm) using the solar cell simulator simulation tool SCAPS. The basic simulation produces 18.2 % efficiency with a CdS buffer layer, which is 9.95% better than the previously published work. The Simulated efficiency is 22.16% for the CIGS solar cell using ZnS. The simulation of solar cell characteristics of how the thickness of the absorber layer, the gallium grading (efficiency ranges up to 22.25 %) is demonstrated, showing the effect of buffer layer (ZnS) on the current of short-circuit density (JSC), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and efficiency (η) of the solar cell.
Optimal Sizing and Placement of Distributed Generation (DG) Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Sayed Elhosseny M. , Elamary Noha H. , Swief Rania. A.
Published: December 2021

Continuous urban development and sustainable development goals to develop cities and transform them into smart cities faces many challenges that appear in the transfer of electricity to this place or the difficulty and high price of building a station in this place. And power loss and voltage instability are major problems in distribution systems. However, these problems are typically mitigated by efficient network reconfiguration. Distributed generation (DG) can be used in the distribution systems to fight the increase of the load demand and it improve power generation systems and improvement the system efficiency. But it is very strange that if the generators are placed in an ill-considered size and in an inappropriate location, this causes the system to weaken, which has a bad effect on use, and this is not desirable. Not only that, but with the increase in the demand for power to cope with the increasing loads, stages of loss of power appear when it enters the distribution stage through transmission lines to loads. Therefore, the process of selecting the appropriate size and location with the general cost and taking into account environmental factors is a very important process to ensure the stability and reliability of the system .In the event that the generators are placed in an inappropriate size and in an inappropriate location, this leads to many problems in voltage, power and distribution, which causes severe weakness of the system, which causes an increase in the chance that electricity is not connected to the loads. So the appropriate way to choose the right placement and size is very important. In this study, we study the best place in which distribution generators can be added and the best size for them using PSO and its implementation on IEEE14 standard systems
Semi-insulating GaAs detectors degraded by 8 MeV electrons up to 1500 kGy
Authors: Sagatova A. , Krsjak V. , Sojak S. , Riabukhin O. , Kovacova E. , Zatko B.
Published: December 2021

Radiation degradation of semi-insulating GaAs detectors by 8 MeV electrons up to doses of 1500 kGy is studied in this paper. The influence of irradiation on GaAs material parameters and on spectrometric and electrical properties of fabricated detectors is evaluated. The detector material was degraded before contact preparation, which ensured separation of radiation degradation solely to the bulk material, excluding the contact degradation. The positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) was involved to characterize the substrate material together with galvanometric measurements. Radiation-induced mono-vacancies were clearly identified by PALS in the irradiated materials with increasing concentration up to 2.8 × 1016 cm−3 at maximal applied dose. In correlation with defect concentration the electron Hall mobility decreased with dose down to 3270 cm2 V−1 s−1 and resistivity increased up to 5.22 × 108 Ω cm at 1500 kGy. The bulk material properties influenced the parameters of fabricated detectors. The detectors lost their current blocking behaviour at 1000 kGy according to current-voltage measurements. The charge collection efficiency during alpha-particle and gamma ray measurements almost exponentially decreased with applied dose from initial 40% down to 5% at 1500 kGy in the case of alpha spectrometry and from 48% to 12% at 500 kGy for gamma spectrometry.
Talking about trees: the territorial classification of native forests in the Argentinian Chaco
Authors: Ceddia M G , Frey S , Inguaggiato C , Tschopp M
Published: December 2021

Deforestation represents an important contributor to climate change. For this reason, identifying conditions that enable the adoption of policies halting or reversing this process is crucial to avoid catastrophic climate change. The Argentinian Gran Chaco is a hotspot of deforestation, mainly due to the expansion of capital-intensive agriculture. In Argentina, the introduction of the national forest law (NFL) represents an important step to protect the remaining forests. However, in the Chaco ecoregion, the implementation of the NFL by the different provinces is extremely heterogeneous. Previous research has provided rich descriptions of the dynamics behind the implementation of the NFL. Yet this research, mainly based on qualitative approaches, does not allow for a systematic analysis of the conditions leading to more or less stringent implementations of the NFL. To address this gap, we first combine the socio-ecological systems framework with historical materialism to generate a plausible hypothesis for the heterogeneous implementation of the NFL across the 12 different provinces of the Argentinian Chaco. Specifically, we hypothesise that it is the differences in contextual factors (i.e. differences in forest cover), material/economic conditions (i.e. presence and extent of capital-intensive agriculture) and the strength of pro- and anti-deforestation coalitions, which lead to a heterogeneous territorial classification of native forests across the various provinces. Subsequently, we test the hypothesis by developing thorough case studies via qualitative comparative analysis. This approach allows us to study in a more systematic way the reasons for the observed institutional heterogeneity. The results show that the proportion of native forests characterised as of low conservation value reflects both the environmental context (i.e. the extent of native forests) as well as the material/economic conditions (i.e. the extent of capital-intensive agriculture) and the presence of strong pro-deforestation cultures, expressed via pro-deforestation coalitions.
Implementation of a strategy for identification and monitoring of clinical outcome measures in a department of pharmacy
Authors: Vest Mary-Haston , Stout Stephanie , Waldron Kayla
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To describe a department of pharmacy strategy to identify and monitor outcome measures that represent the impact of clinical pharmacy services on patient outcomes.

Our department established the Clinical Impact Committee, with the goal of developing and maintaining an approach to demonstrate the impact of clinical pharmacists on patient care outcomes. We describe the committee’s structure, aims, and key stakeholders, inclusive of both departmental leadership and clinical pharmacist representatives across service lines. We also describe the systematic process used by the committee for identifying clinical outcome measures that are both aligned with organizational priorities and representative of pharmacists’ impact. This involved assembly of a crosswalk of clinical outcome measures that are prioritized by the organization and attributable to the work of clinical pharmacists. We found it imperative to connect pharmacists’ efforts to the priorities of the organization to demonstrate value and continue to justify pharmacy resources. Once the crosswalk of clinical outcome measures was assembled, the Clinical Impact Committee leveraged modified Delphi methodology to build consensus on the measures to prioritize. Once determined, the final outcome measures were developed into outcomes dashboards, to be monitored by the committee and leveraged by frontline pharmacists.

Conclusion

Our organization was successful in developing a structure, the Clinical Impact Committee, to identify, prioritize, and monitor measures that demonstrate pharmacist contributions to patient care outcomes. Further, our approach includes an intentional alignment with organizational priorities, allowing us to understand and communicate the contributions of our teams to meeting-defined organizational quality priorities.
Short- and long-term outcomes of selective use of Frey or extended lateral pancreaticojejunostomy in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Kempeneers Marinus A. , van Hemert Annemiek K. E. , van der Hoek Margot , Issa Yama , van Hooft Jeanin E. , Nio C. Yung , Busch Olivier R. , van Santvoort Hjalmar C. , Besselink Marc G. , Boermeester Marja A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Surgery is the most effective treatment in patients with painful chronic pancreatitis and a dilated pancreatic duct. Studies reporting the outcomes of selected surgical approach according to the pancreatic head size in these patients are lacking.

Method

This was a retrospective, observational single-centre study of consecutive patients who underwent either a Frey procedure or extended lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (eLPJ) for pain due to chronic pancreatitis with a dilated main pancreatic duct (5 mm or more) between 2006 and 2017. A Frey procedure was used in patients with pancreatic head enlargement (40 mm or more) and eLPJ (full-length pancreaticojejunostomy, including transection of the gastroduodenal artery) in others. A biliodigestive bypass was added in the case of biliary obstruction.

Results

Overall, 140 of 220 patients met the eligibility criteria: 70 underwent a Frey procedure and 70 an eLPJ. Hepaticojejunostomy was added in 17.1 per cent of patients (Frey: 24.3 per cent; eLPJ: 10.0 per cent (P = 0.025)). Major morbidity occurred in 15.0 per cent of patients (Frey: 21.4 per cent; eLPJ: 8.6 per cent (P = 0.033)). After a median 7.8 years of follow-up, the mean (s.d.) decrease in Izbicki pain score was 33 (27) points (34 (28) points after a Frey procedure; 32 (26) points after an eLPJ). Pain relief was reported as ‘very much’ by 87.5 per cent of patients (Frey: 86.1 per cent; eLPJ: 88.9 per cent) and as ‘partial’ by 11.1 per cent (Frey: 13.8 per cent; eLPJ: 8.3 per cent).

Conclusion

Selective-use of either a Frey procedure or eLPJ in patients with symptomatic chronic pancreatitis was-associated with low morbidity and long-term pain relief. Adding a-biliodigestive bypass did not increase morbidity.
Use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurements during parathyroidectomy to predict postoperative parathyroid hormone levels in patients with renal hyperparathyroidism: meta-analysis
Authors: van Beek Dirk-Jan , Fredriksson Stina , Haegele Stefanie , Raffaelli Marco , Riss Philipp , Almquist Martin
Published: December 2021

Background

Several studies have reported on the use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) measurements during parathyroidectomy (PTX) for renal hyperparathyroidism (rHPT), but there is no consensus on whether it is helpful and, if so, what protocol should be used. Therefore, the literature was systematically reviewed to assess a correlation between ioPTH and early postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in patients undergoing PTX for rHPT, separately for those on dialysis and those with a functioning renal transplant.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in electronic databases. Quality assessment was performed using the ﻿Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. Mean ioPTH values were calculated at different time points and correlated to the postoperative PTH levels within 1 month. Fixed-effect and random-effects models were performed to assess the mean ioPTH levels at 10 or 20 min after resection (T10 and T20). Stratified analyses were performed for patients on dialysis and those with a functioning renal transplant.

Results

Of the 3087 records screened, 14 studies were included, including some 1177 patients; 1091 were on dialysis and 86 had a functioning kidney transplant. Risk of bias was moderate for most studies. For patients on dialysis, T10 and T20 mean ioPTH levels were 32.1 (95 per cent c.i. 24.3 to 39.9) pmol/l and 15.4 (95 per cent c.i. 7.8 to 22.9) pmol/l) in the random effects meta-analysis. Between individual studies, ioPTH ranged from 4.0–65.1 pmol/l at T10 and 8.6–25.7 pmol/l at T20. T10 and T20 ioPTH were 9.6 and 4.1 times the postoperative PTH—after T20 ioPTH stabilized in those on dialysis. In patients with a functioning renal transplant, ioPTH levels seemed to plateau after 10 min and measured 2.6 times the postoperative PTH.

Conclusion

There is a strong correlation between ioPTH and early postoperative PTH levels, indicating that ioPTH is potentially a useful instrument during PTX in patients with rHPT. For patients on dialysis, at T20 ioPTH levels have stabilized and are approximately four times the postoperative PTH. Therefore, it is recommended to use ioPTH 20 min after resection in patients on dialysis, which might be longer than necessary for those with a kidney transplant.
Deep learning for epileptogenic zone delineation from the invasive EEG: challenges and lookouts
Authors: Hoogteijling Sem , Zijlmans Maeike
Published: December 2021

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Refining epileptogenic high-frequency oscillations using deep learning: a reverse engineering approach’ by Zhang et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcab267).
FAIRifying the exposome journal: Templates for chemical structures and transformations
Authors: Schymanski Emma L , Bolton Evan E
Published: December 2021

The exposome, the totality of lifetime exposures, is a new and highly complex paradigm for health and disease. Tackling this challenge requires an effort well beyond single individuals or laboratories, where every piece of the puzzle will be vital. The launch of this new Exposome journal coincides with the evolution of the exposome through its teenage years and into a growing maturity in an increasingly open and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) world. This letter discusses how both authors and the Exposome journal alike can help increase the FAIRness of the chemical structural information and the associated metadata in the journal, aiming to capture more details about the chemistry of exposomics. The proposed chemical structure template can serve as an interoperable supplementary format that is made accessible through the website and more findable by linking the DOI of this data file to the article DOI metadata, supporting further reuse. An additional transformations template provides authors with a means to connect predecessor (parent and substrate) molecules to successor (transformation product and metabolite) molecules and thus provide FAIR connections between observed (i.e., experimental) chemical exposures and biological responses, to help improve the public knowledgebase on exposome-related transformations. These connections are vital to extend current biochemical knowledge and to fulfil the current Exposome definition of “the cumulative measure of environmental influences and associated biological responses throughout the lifespan including exposures from the environment, diet, behavior, and endogenous processes”.
The Differential Impact of Multimorbidity Patterns and Subsequent Accumulation on Longitudinal Trajectories of Physical Function Decline in a Population-Based Cohort of Older People
Authors: Liu Huiying , Zhang Xinyan , Chen Beizhuo , Fang Boye , Lou Vivian W Q , Hu Jian
Published: December 2021

Background

Although both the patterns and accumulation of multimorbidity are important for predicting physical function, studies have not simultaneously examined their impact on functional decline. This study aimed to associate multimorbidity patterns and subsequently developed conditions with longitudinal trajectories of functional decline, and it tested whether the effects of newly developed conditions on functional decline varied across distinct multimorbidity patterns.

Methods

We included 6 634 participants aged at least 60 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. Latent class analysis identified multimorbidity patterns from 14 chronic conditions. Mixed negative binomial models estimated the changes in physical function measured across 4 waves as a function of multimorbidity patterns, subsequently developed conditions, and their interactions.

Results

Five distinct patterns were identified 3 years before Wave 1: stomach/arthritis (15.7%), cardiometabolic (6.7%), arthritis/hypertension (47.9%), hepatorenal/multisystem (18.3%), and lung/asthma (11.4%). The hepatorenal/multisystem and the lung/asthma pattern were associated with worse baseline physical function, and the hypertension/arthritis pattern was associated with greater decline of physical function. The effect of developing new conditions on decline of physical function over time was most evident for individuals from the cardiometabolic pattern.

Conclusions

Considering both the combinations and progressive nature of multimorbidity is important for identifying individuals at greater risk of disability. Future studies are warranted to differentiate the factors responsible for the progression of chronic conditions in distinct multimorbidity patterns and investigate the potential implications for improved prediction of functional decline.
Construction of an InstantPC-derivatized glycan glucose unit database: A foundation work for high-throughput and high-sensitivity glycomic analysis
Authors: Xie Yongjing , Butler Michael
Published: December 2021

The glycosylation profile of biotherapeutic glycoproteins is a critical quality attribute that is routinely monitored to ensure desired product quality, safety and efficacy. Additionally, as one of the most prominent and complex post-translational modifications, glycosylation plays a key role in disease manifestation. Changes in glycosylation may serve as a specific and sensitive biomarker for disease diagnostics and prognostics. However, the conventional 2-aminobenzamide-based N-glycosylation analysis procedure is time-consuming and insensitive with poor reproducibility. We have evaluated an innovative streamlined 96-well-plate-based platform utilizing InstantPC label for high-throughput, high-sensitivity glycan profiling, which is user-friendly, robust and ready for automation. However, the limited availability of InstantPC-labeled glycan standards has significantly hampered the applicability and transferability of this platform for expedited glycan structural profiling. To address this challenge, we have constructed a detailed InstantPC-labeled glycan glucose unit (GU) database through analysis of human serum and a variety of other glycoproteins from various sources. Following preliminary hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) with fluorescence detection separation and analysis, glycoproteins with complex glycan profiles were subjected to further fractionation by weak anion exchange HILIC and exoglycosidase sequential digestion for cross-validation of the glycan assignment. Hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was subsequently utilized for glycan fragmentation and accurate glycan mass confirmation. The constructed InstantPC glycan GU database is accurate and robust. It is believed that this database will enhance the application of the developed platform for high-throughput, high-sensitivity glycan profiling and that it will eventually advance glycan-based biopharmaceutical production and disease biomarker discovery.
The influence of environmental conditions on sex determination in the blue mussel Mytilus edulis
Authors: Dalpé Andréanne , Lalonde-Larue Ariane , Choquette Thierry , Cimmino Jade , Leroux Émélie , Leung Christelle , Stewart Donald T , Angers Bernard , Breton Sophie
Published: December 2021

The factors affecting sex determination remain largely unknown for most bivalve species. Environmental factors, such as temperature, are known to influence sex determination in some species, and this has been hypothesized for the mussel Mytilus edulis, but not experimentally validated yet. Adult exposure to different environmental conditions during gametogenesis, which occurs seasonally, may also affect offspring phenotype, including sex determination. Intergenerational carryover effects have been reported in bivalves, but the impact of parental exposures on offspring sex determination has not been examined so far. To address these questions, artificial fertilizations were performed on individuals collected in three different years and their embryos were reared at three different temperatures to specifically test if the environment influences offspring sex ratio through effects on parental developing gametes and/or on developing embryos. The analysis of 1938 embryos from 25 crosses revealed a significant effect of both temperature treatments and sampling years on the proportion of females. However, the overall variation is mostly explained by the “temperature treatment × sampling years” interaction. Taken together, our results suggested that interannual environmental variations experienced by the parents (during gametogenesis) and embryo (during development) can influence the sex of the offspring in M. edulis.
A Multimodal Communicative Approach to the Analysis of Typography in Online English Learner’s Dictionaries
Authors: Hao Junjie , Xu Hai , Hu Huilian
Published: December 2021

The rise of online dictionaries has brought fundamental changes to dictionary typography. Using a multimodal communicative approach, this study aims to explore the current use of typography in online English learner’s dictionaries in light of the transition from typography for print to typography for digital display. The approach and the analytical framework were developed on the basis of theories of multimodality, dictionary communication and typographic studies. Sample entry pages for the word panda, as well as the ‘Word of the Day’ sections in the ‘Big Five’ online English learner’s dictionaries, have been used for case analyses. Typographic features were mainly identified using Whatfont, an extension of Google Chrome. Following a two-step procedure of identification and explanation, this study summarised the main features of the typography used in online English learner’s dictionaries, considering the consistency of typefaces, a certain degree of variation, the use of colour, and the deployment of space. As an important mode for making meaning in dictionary communication, typography has representational, structural, interpersonal, and aesthetic functions. These functions show different dimensions of the communicative potential of dictionary typography.
Functional Reuniens and Rhomboid Nuclei Are Required for Proper Acquisition and Expression of Cued and Contextual Fear in Trace Fear Conditioning
Authors: Wu Yi-ting , Chang Chun-hui
Published: December 2021

Background

The reuniens (Re) and rhomboid (Rh) nuclei (ReRh) of the midline thalamus interconnect the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex. The hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex are both involved in the acquisition of trace fear conditioning, in which a conditioned stimulus (tone) and an aversive unconditioned stimulus (footshock) are paired but separated in time with a trace interval. Earlier, we demonstrated that ReRh inactivation during trace conditioning impaired the acquisition of cued fear. In contrast, ReRh inactivation during both conditioning and test resulted in heightened fear to tones during retrieval. Because there was a generalized contextual fear on top of heightened fear to tones in the latter experiment, here we aimed to examine the specific importance of the functional ReRh in cued fear and contextual fear through introducing prolonged contextual exposure.

Methods

The ReRh were pharmacologically inactivated with muscimol (or saline as controls) before each experimental session.

Results

We showed that although ReRh inactivation before trace fear conditioning impaired the acquisition of cued fear, the animals still acquired a certain level of fear to the tones. However, without the functional ReRh throughout the entire behavioral sessions, these animals showed heightened contextual fear that did not decline much with the passage of time, which generalized to the other context, and fear to tones reoccurred when the tones were presented.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that functional ReRh are important for proper acquisition and expression of fear to context and tones acquired under trace procedure.
HBV-HCC treatment with mRNA electroporated HBV-TCR T cells
Authors: Tan Anthony T , Bertoletti Antonio
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a significant global health challenge with steadily increasing incidence in the East Asia region. While both Hepatitis C and B virus infections account for the majority of HCC cases, the advent of potent antivirals against HCV infection has biased the aetiology towards chronic HBV infection that at the moment remains without an effective cure. For this reason, HBV-HCC remains a persistent global problem. Treatment options for intermediate to advanced stages of HBV-HCC remain limited, hence novel therapeutic strategies are required to fulfil this medical need. Following the considerable success of adoptive T-cell immunotherapy against B-cell malignancies, it is conceivable to envision whether the same could be achieved against HBV-HCC. In this review, we describe the development of T-cell therapy strategies for HBV-HCC and discuss the safety and the efficacy of the strategies in terms of the direct killing of tumour cells and the other alterations possibly induced by the action of the T cells.
High-Throughput Sequencing for Life-History Sorting and for Bridging Reference Sequences in Marine Gerromorpha (Insecta: Heteroptera)
Authors: Chang Jia Jin Marc , Ip Yin Cheong Aden , Cheng Lanna , Kunning Ismael , Mana Ralph R , Wainwright Benjamin J , Huang Danwei
Published: December 2021

Accurate identification and association of larval specimens with adults is a major challenge in insect taxonomy. Fortunately, it is now possible for nonexperts to sort collections of bulk samples with DNA barcodes rapidly and cost-effectively. We demonstrate this process using nanopore barcoding of 757 marine insects (Insecta: Gerromorpha), of which 81% were nymphs and many samples did not have co-occurring adult males for specific identification. We successfully associated 738 specimens (97%) to nine gerromorphan species, which would have been impossible to identify using morphological characters alone. This improved ability to incorporate information from all life-history stages has led to greater precision of species distributional ranges—knowledge that will be crucial for a more complete understanding of marine insects. We also highlighted two distinct, nonoverlapping Gerromorpha COI sequence databases on GenBank—a consequence of using two different primer sets to amplify different regions of COI. This issue inevitably hinders species identification with DNA-based methods, particularly for poorly represented groups such as marine insects. We bridged these databases by analyzing full-length COI sequences. We believe this will inspire future studies to incorporate DNA-based methods for more adult–larval association studies and for enhancing existing genetic resources, especially in understudied groups.
Heterogeneous vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus does not predict development of vancomycin resistance upon vancomycin pressure
Authors: Gaillard Tiphaine , Dupieux-Chabert Céline , Butin Marine , Dumitrescu Oana , Naceur Oilida , Bouveyron Caroline , Martra Annie , Bes Michèle , Tristan Anne , Vandenesch François , Lina Gérard , Laurent Frédéric , Rasigade Jean-Philippe
Published: December 2021

Background

It is unclear whether Staphylococcus aureus with heterogeneous intermediate vancomycin resistance (hVISA) can develop vancomycin resistance faster than vancomycin-susceptible S. aureus (VSSA) strains.

Methods

We compared the kinetics of vancomycin MIC increase for 15 days of sustained in vitro vancomycin exposure for clinical hVISA (n = 12) and VSSA (n = 24) isolates, as well as for reference strains Mu3 (hVISA) and ATCC 29213 (VSSA). Clinical isolates were categorized as hVISA using the population analysis profile method. MICs were monitored for 15 days and the rate of MIC increase under exposure, for each strain, was evaluated in a linear regression model relative to time.

Results

All isolates acquired vancomycin resistance upon exposure. Vancomycin MICs increased faster for VSSA compared with hVISA isolates (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The hVISA phenotype does not correspond to an enhanced adaptation potential to in vitro vancomycin pressure.
Impact of combinations of clinically observed HIV integrase mutations on phenotypic resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs): a molecular study
Authors: Cheung Peter K. , Shahid Aniqa , Dong Winnie , Lepik Katherine J. , Montaner Julio S. G. , Brockman Mark A. , Brumme Zabrina L. , Brumme Chanson J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Routine HIV drug resistance genotyping identified an integrase sequence harbouring T97A, E138K, G140S and Q148H, with high predicted resistance to all integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs).

Objectives

To assess the impact of these substitutions alone and together on phenotypic INSTI susceptibility.

Methods

We constructed recombinant NL4.3 viruses harbouring all mutation combinations in the autologous integrase sequence. Viruses were grown in GFP-reporter CD4+ T-cells in the presence of 0.01–1000 nM raltegravir, elvitegravir, dolutegravir, bictegravir, and cabotegravir. Infection was measured by imaging cytometry.

Results

Q148H-containing viruses lacking G140S failed to propagate or mutated in vitro, consistent with fitness costs. Statistically significant reductions in INSTI susceptibility were observed for several mutation combinations, as follows. T97A or G140S alone conferred 3.6- to 5.6-fold decreased susceptibility to raltegravir and elvitegravir. Two-mutation combinations conferred low-to-moderate resistance to raltegravir and elvitegravir only, except G140S/Q148H which eliminated raltegravir and elvitegravir activity and conferred 24.6-, 7.9-, and 107.5-fold reduced susceptibility to dolutegravir, bictegravir and cabotegravir. Addition of E138K to G140S/Q148H conferred 35.5, 11.6 and 208-fold reduced susceptibility to dolutegravir, bictegravir, and cabotegravir, while addition of T97A to G140S/Q148H conferred 318, 121 and >1000-fold reduced susceptibility to these drugs. T97A/E138K/G140S/Q148H in the autologous backbone conferred >300-fold reduced susceptibility to all INSTIs. Notably, bictegravir EC50 was significantly lower when T97A/E138K/G140S/Q148H was introduced into NL4.3, suggesting that other mutations in the autologous sequence enhanced resistance.

Conclusions

High-level dolutegravir, bictegravir and cabotegravir resistance requires multiple integrase substitutions including compensatory mutations. T97A and E138K further enhance the resistance conferred by G140S/Q148H, yielding >300-fold decreased susceptibility to all INSTIs when all four mutations are present.
Clinical practice guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring of teicoplanin: a consensus review by the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and the Japanese Society of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Authors: Hanai Yuki , Takahashi Yoshiko , Niwa Takashi , Mayumi Toshihiko , Hamada Yukihiro , Kimura Toshimi , Matsumoto Kazuaki , Fujii Satoshi , Takesue Yoshio
Published: December 2021

Background

Owing to its low risk of adverse effects, teicoplanin has been extensively used in patients with infections caused by MRSA. To promote the better management of patients receiving teicoplanin, we have updated the guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).

Methods

The guidelines were developed by a committee following the methodology handbook published by the Japanese Medical Information Distribution Service. Nine clinical questions were selected. The committee conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish evidence-based recommendations for the target trough concentration (Cmin). An initial electronic database search returned 515 articles, and 97 articles qualified for a full review. Four and five studies were included for the efficacy evaluation of cut-off Cmin values of 15 and 20 mg/L, respectively.

Results

Compared with Cmin < 15 mg/L, a target Cmin value of 15–30 mg/L resulted in increased clinical efficacy in patients with non-complicated MRSA infections (OR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.14–6.32) without an increase in adverse effects. Although there was insufficient evidence, target Cmin values of 20–40 mg/L were suggested in patients with complicated or serious MRSA infections. A 3 day loading regimen followed by maintenance treatment according to renal function was recommended to achieve the target trough concentrations. Because of the prolonged half-life of teicoplanin, measurement of the Cmin value on Day 4 before reaching steady state was recommended.

Conclusions

The new guideline recommendations indicate the target Cmin value for TDM and the dosage regimen to achieve this concentration and suggest practices for specific subpopulations.
Novel SCCmec type XV (7A) and two pseudo-SCCmec variants in foodborne MRSA in China
Authors: Wang Wei , Hu Yue , Baker Michelle , Dottorini Tania , Li Hui , Dong Yinping , Bai Yao , Fanning Séamus , Li Fengqin
Published: December 2021

Background

Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) elements are highly diverse and have been classified into 14 types. Novel SCCmec variants have been frequently detected from humans and animals but rarely from food.

Objectives

To characterize a novel SCCmec type and two SCCmec variants identified from food-associated MRSA in China.

Methods

Three MRSA (NV_1, NT_611 and NT_8) collected from retail foods in China were subjected to WGS and the SCCmec elements were determined.

Results

The novel SCCmecXV identified in NV_1 carried the mec gene complex class A (mecI-mecR1-mecA-IS431) and the ccr gene complex 7 (ccrA1B6), and a Tn558-mediated phenicol exporter gene fexA was detected in this SCCmecXV cassette. The pseudo-SCCmec elements ΨSCCmecNT_611 and ΨSCCmecNT_8 showed a truncated SCCmec pattern, carrying the class C2 mec gene complex but missing the ccr genes. The ΨSCCmecNT_611 element shared more similarities with those of Staphylococcus haemolyticus (AB478934.1) and carried a heavy metal resistance gene cluster cadD-cadX-arsC-arsB-arsR-copA. The ΨSCCmecNT_8 MRSA exhibited a highly resistant phenotype, showing the absence of a 19.3 kb segment compared with the reference SCCmecXII element (CP019945.1). Notably, a 46 kb region containing multiple transposons encoding antimicrobial or metal resistance genes flanked by IS431 or IS256 was identified ∼30 kb downstream from the mec gene complex in ΨSCCmecNT_8, which might explain such high resistance in MRSA NT_8.

Conclusions

Our finding of novel and pseudo-SCCmec elements reflected the ongoing intra/interspecies genetic rearrangements in staphylococci. Further study will be needed to investigate the biological significance and prevalence of those SCCmec variants along the food chain.
Acquired resistome and plasmid sequencing of mcr-1 carrying MDR Enterobacteriaceae from poultry and their relationship to STs associated with humans
Authors: Abou Fayad Antoine , El Azzi Maria , Sleiman Ahmad , Kassem Issmat I. , Bawazeer Reema A. , Okdah Liliane , Doumith Michel , Alghoribi Majed F. , Matar Ghassan M.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To investigate the acquired resistome in 18 colistin-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from different poultry farms in Lebanon, analyse Inc plasmids associated with mcr and assess potential transmission to humans.

Methods

A total of 18 E. coli were recovered from poultry faeces collected from different poultry farms in Lebanon. Broth microdilution (BMD) assay was performed to determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles. WGS was used to identify the genetic determinants behind the resistance in these isolates.

Results

BMD results showed that all of the 18 isolates were colistin resistant. Furthermore, resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was the most recorded among the isolates and only one isolate was resistant to cefepime. Sequencing results showed that the isolates were distributed into seven different STs and that the most abundant was ST1140. The number of antimicrobial resistant determinants ranged from 4 to 21 among the 18 isolates, with tet(A) and floR being the most frequent. Moreover, a total of 15 different plasmid replicon types were identified. The mcr-1 gene was shown to be predominantly located on IncX4 plasmids. Additionally, two isolates harboured the IncI2-type self-conjugative plasmid.

Conclusions

The findings show that mcr and other important resistance determinants occur in MDR E. coli isolated poultry farms in Lebanon. The occurrence of mcr on mobile plasmids and the zoonotic potential and clinical relevance of some strains highlight a risk of transmission to humans.
Surgical treatment for extremity rhabdomyosarcoma: longitudinal national questionnaire survey in Japan
Authors: Nishida Yoshihiro , Kawai Akira
Published: December 2021

Background

Extremity rhabdomyosarcoma differs from other soft tissue sarcomas, being highly sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and having a high rate of metastasis to lymph nodes. Therefore, the treatment modality differs from that of other soft tissue sarcomas. The purpose of this study was to conduct a longitudinal questionnaire survey of orthopedic oncologists in charge of surgical treatment for extremity rhabdomyosarcoma in Japan to determine whether the treatment modality chosen here is in line with the international and national treatment ones.

Methods

Questionnaire surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2019 to orthopedic oncologists of Japanese Orthopaedic Association and Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group.

Results

Responses were obtained from 80 facilities and 76 facilities, respectively. Fewer than 50% of the facilities treated one or more patients a year in both years. Many facilities first performed diagnostic biopsy, but most did not perform pretreatment re-excision. The number of facilities that provided radiotherapy in addition to surgery increased significantly from 2012 to 2019 (P = 0.028), but it was still 21% in 2019. The number of facilities performing excision and lymph node dissection was 19% in both 2012 and 2019, which was a very low result without improvement. The departments responsible for follow-up have been changed to pediatrics and orthopedic oncology in tandem (P = 0.0004).

Conclusions

Radiotherapy and pathological evaluation of lymph nodes are important for improving the prognosis of patients with extremity rhabdomyosarcoma. It is necessary to continue and develop more efficient educational activities on the appropriate medical treatment modalities for extremity RMS.
Integration of Multiple Surveillance Systems to Track COVID-19 in the U.S. Army Population
Authors: Kebisek Julianna , Maule Alexis , Smith Jacob , Allman Matthew , Marquez Anthony , McCabe Ashleigh , Mafotsing Fopoussi Amelie , Gibson Kelly , Steelman Ryan , Superior Michael , Ambrose John
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic presented unique challenges for surveillance of the military population, which include active component service members and their family members. Through integrating multiple Department of Defense surveillance systems, the Army Public Health Center can provide near real-time case counts to Army leadership on a daily basis.

Materials and Methods

The incidence of COVID-19 was tracked by incorporating data from the Disease Reporting System Internet, laboratory test results, Commanders’ Critical Incidence Reports, reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention military liaison, and media reports. Cases were validated via a medical record review for all Army beneficiaries. Descriptive analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel and SAS 9.4 to measure demographic frequencies.

Results

In the first year of the pandemic from February 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021, a total of 96,315 COVID-19 cases were reported to the Disease Reporting System internet, the Army’s passive surveillance system, of which 95,429 (99%) were confirmed and 886 (1%) were probable. A total of 76 outbreak reports were submitted from 14 Army installations. The proportion of Army beneficiaries with severe illness was low: 2,271 (2.4%) individuals required hospitalization and 269 (0.3%) died. Installations in Texas reported the highest proportion of confirmed—not hospitalized cases (n = 19,246, 20.7%), confirmed—hospitalized cases (n = 1,037, 45.7%), and deaths (n = 137, 50.9%) as compared to other states with Army installations.

Conclusions

The pandemic has demonstrated the need for a robust public health enterprise with a focus on data collection, validation, and analysis, allowing leaders to make informed decisions that may impact the health of the Army.