bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extended-spectrum β-lactamases: an update on their characteristics, epidemiology and detection
Authors: Castanheira Mariana , Simner Patricia J , Bradford Patricia A 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative pathogens are a major cause of resistance to expanded-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics. Since their discovery in the early 1980s, they have spread worldwide and an are now endemic in Enterobacterales isolated from both hospital-associated and community-acquired infections. As a result, they are a global public health concern. In the past, TEM- and SHV-type ESBLs were the predominant families of ESBLs. Today CTX-M-type enzymes are the most commonly found ESBL type with the CTX-M-15 variant dominating worldwide, followed in prevalence by CTX-M-14, and CTX-M-27 is emerging in certain parts of the world. The genes encoding ESBLs are often found on plasmids and harboured within transposons or insertion sequences, which has enabled their spread. In addition, the population of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli is dominated globally by a highly virulent and successful clone belonging to ST131. Today, there are many diagnostic tools available to the clinical microbiology laboratory and include both phenotypic and genotypic tests to detect β-lactamases. Unfortunately, when ESBLs are not identified in a timely manner, appropriate antimicrobial therapy is frequently delayed, resulting in poor clinical outcomes. Several analyses of clinical trials have shown mixed results with regards to whether a carbapenem must be used to treat serious infections caused by ESBLs or whether some of the older β-lactam-β-lactamase combinations such as piperacillin/tazobactam are appropriate. Some of the newer combinations such as ceftazidime/avibactam have demonstrated efficacy in patients. ESBL-producing Gram-negative pathogens will continue to be major contributor to antimicrobial resistance worldwide. It is essential that we remain vigilant about identifying them both in patient isolates and through surveillance studies.
Intracellular Ca2+ signaling and ORAI calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 are associated with hepatic lipidosis in dairy cattle
Authors: Li Ming , Yang Wei , Wen Jianan , Loor Juan J , Aboragah Ahmad , Wang Jingjing , Wang Shuang , Li Mingyang , Yu Liyun , Hou Xilin , Xu Chuang , Zhang Bingbing 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Fatty liver is a common metabolic disorder afflicting dairy cows during the periparturient period and is closely associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The onset of ER stress in humans and mice alters hepatic lipid metabolism, but it is unknown if such event contributes to fatty liver in dairy cows soon after parturition. ORAI calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (ORAI1) is a key component of the store-operated Ca2+ entry mechanism regulating cellular Ca2+ balance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of ORAI1 on hepatic lipidosis via ER stress in dairy cows. Liver tissue biopsies were collected from Holstein cows diagnosed as healthy (n = 6) or with hepatic lipidosis (n = 6). Protein and mRNA abundance of ER stress-related targets, lipogenic targets, or the transcription regulator SREBP1 and ORAI1 were greater in cows with lipidosis. In vitro, hepatocytes were isolated from four healthy female calves and used for culture with a 1.2 mM mixture of fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and palmitoleic acid) for various times (0, 3, 6, 9, or 12 h). As incubation time progressed, increases in concentration of Ca2+ and abundance of protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor-6 (ATF6) protein in response to exogenous fatty acids underscored a mechanistic link among Ca2+, fatty acids, and ER stress. In a subsequent study, hepatocytes were transfected with small interfering RNA (siORAI1) or the ORAI1 inhibitor BTP2 for 48 h or 2 h followed by a challenge with the 1.2 mM mixture of fatty acids for 6 h. Compared with control group, silencing or inhibition of ORAI1 led to decreased abundance of fatty acid synthesis (FASN, SREBP1, and ACACA) and ER stress-related proteins in bovine hepatocytes. Overall, data suggested that NEFA through ORAI1 regulate intracellular Ca2+ signaling, induce ER stress, and lead to lipidosis in isolated hepatocytes.
Comparison of Spectrophotometric Methods for the Determination of Carboxyhemoglobin in Postmortem Blood
Authors: Samuel Jacob M , Kahl Joseph H , Zaney M Elizabeth , Hime George W , Boland Diane M 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning presents an interesting challenge for postmortem toxicology laboratories. The discontinuation of the CO-oximeter manufactured by Instrumentation Laboratories has left many forensic laboratories without this simple but reliable choice for the analysis of CO in blood. A comparable alternative that is quick and simple is analysis using a standard ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer, which offers sufficient precision and accuracy for the measurement of percentage carboxyhemoglobin (%COHb) in postmortem blood. The hurdle for laboratories then becomes the selection of an appropriate spectrophotometric method since a variety of procedures have been published over the years. Four methods were evaluated based on literature findings and/or the appropriateness for postmortem testing. These methods are based on (i) relating %COHb to the ratio of COHb and Hb absorbance of a two-component system (two wavelengths), (ii) the multicomponent analysis of all hemoglobin species, (iii) the multicomponent analysis of a two-component system, and (iv) derivative spectroscopy. While all four methods performed similarly in terms of typical validation requirements, the ability to more effectively handle decomposed samples and the ease of sample preparation afforded (v) the multicomponent analysis of a two-component system—the most suitable for routine postmortem testing.
Identification of Gamma-Butyrolactone in JUUL Liquids
Authors: Holt Alaina K , Poklis Justin L , Cobb Caroline O , Peace Michelle R 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), a commonly used industrial solvent, is used recreationally as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and, therefore, is a United States Drug Enforcement Agency List 1 chemical of the Controlled Substances Act. GBL was identified presumptively in the liquid from JUUL Virginia Tobacco flavored pods during routine untargeted screening analysis of e-cigarette products by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Methods for the analysis of GBL were developed for GC–MS and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) in the liquids and the aerosol generated from the liquid. Three flavors of JUUL pods available at the time of analysis were obtained by direct purchase from the manufacturer, purchase from a local vape shop and submission from a third party. The only liquid flavor to contain GBL was Virginia Tobacco, with an average of 0.37 mg/mL of GBL, and it was detected in the aerosol. Studies evaluating the pharmacological effects of inhaling GBL do not exist; however, a case report of chronic oral GBL ingestion indicates acute lung injury. The identification of GBL in an e-cigarette product purportedly compliant with federal regulation continues to demonstrate public health and public safety concerns.
Parent–Adolescent Concordance Regarding Fertility Perspectives and Sperm Banking Attempts in Adolescent Males With Cancer
Authors: Nahata Leena , Olsavsky Anna , Dattilo Taylor M , Lipak Keagan G , Whiteside Stacy , Yeager Nicholas D , Audino Anthony , Rausch Joseph , Klosky James L , O’Brien Sarah H , Quinn Gwendolyn P , Gerhardt Cynthia A 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Objective
Approximately half of male childhood cancer survivors experience impaired fertility, yet fertility preservation (FP) remains underutilized. Although parent recommendation influences adolescents’ decision-making, parents may be uncertain and/or underrate their sons’ parenthood goals. This study assessed parent–adolescent and family-level concordance regarding adolescent fertility perspectives (i.e., values, goals) and associations with FP attempts.

Methods
A prospective pilot study examined the impact of a family-centered values clarification tool (FAST) on banking attempts among adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer at risk for infertility. The FAST assessed adolescent and parent perceptions of adolescents’ fertility values and goals (i.e., perceived threat of infertility, perceived benefits/barriers to banking). Parent–adolescent concordance and family-level concordance on fertility perspectives were examined, along with associations with banking attempts and salient demographic factors.

Results
Ninety-eight participants (32 adolescents aged 12–20, 37 mothers, 29 fathers) from 32 families completed the FAST before treatment initiation. Parent–adolescent dyads were concordant on approximately one-half of responses. Banking attempts were associated with higher family-level concordance regarding perceived benefits, r(32) = .40, p = .02. Older adolescent age was associated with higher family-level concordance regarding perceived threat, r(31) = .37, p = .04, and benefits, r(32) = .40, p = .03. Fathers’ education was associated with higher family-level concordance regarding barriers, r(21) = .53, p = .01.

Conclusions
When parents were concordant with their son’s fertility values and goals, particularly perceived benefits, adolescents were more likely to attempt FP. Clinicians should facilitate sharing of fertility perspectives within families before cancer treatment, especially with younger adolescents. Psychosocial support for families facing FP decisions is recommended at diagnosis and across the care continuum.
Canine-to-Human Transmission of Mycoplasma canis in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Sidrak Demiana , Green Jack , Nawathe Pooja , Morgan Margie , Soni Priya R 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Dog bites remain a common occurrence in our society, particularly in toddlers and small children under the age of 2. Injuries to the head and face, more common in younger children, can often lead to significant morbidity. Additionally, there continues to be considerable clinical equipoise for standardized post-dog bite injury management. Here, we present the only reported pediatric case in the literature of Mycoplasma canis-associated central nervous system (CNS) infection in an 11-month-old infant who sustained a dog bite to the calvarium. The prevalence of dog bites during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had interestingly tripled in number after stay-at-home orders in 1 particular pediatric emergency department in Colorado. This observation paired with advances in microbiological identification like MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer) may lead to the identification of future cases of uniquely canine pathogens that play a role in human infection.
Long-term XMM–Newton view of magnetar CXOU J010043.1−721134: comprehensive spectral and temporal results
Authors: Chatterjee Rwitika , Agrawal Vivek K , Nandi Anuj 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
We present an in-depth analysis and results of eleven XMM–Newton data sets, spanning 2000–2016, of the anomalous X-ray Pulsar CXOU J010043.1−721134 that has been classified as a magnetar. We find a spin period of 8.0275(1) s as of December 2016 and calculate the period derivative to be (1.76 ± 0.02) × 10−11 s s−1, which translate to a dipolar magnetic field strength of 3.8 × 1014 G and characteristic age of ∼7200 yr for the magnetar. It has a double-peaked pulse profile, with one broad and one narrow peak, in both soft (0.3–1.3 keV) and hard (1.3–8 keV) energy bands. The pulse fractions in the two energy bands are found to be consistent with constant values. These results are in agreement with previously published results for this source. Although two-component models produce acceptable fits to its energy spectra, single component models are much simpler and are able to explain the similarity of the pulse profiles in the low- and high-energy bands. We attempt fitting with four different single-component models and find that the best fit to the spectra is obtained by fitting a thermal Comptonization model with the photon index (Γ) between 2.0 and 2.7, and the electron temperature ( kTe) between 0.5 and 0.9 keV, for a seed blackbody photon distribution of 0.2 keV. Finally, we conclude by discussing our results briefly.
XMM-Newton campaign on the ultraluminous X-ray source NGC 247 ULX-1: outflows
Authors: Pinto C , Soria R , Walton D J , D’Aì A , Pintore F , Kosec P , Alston W N , Fuerst F , Middleton M J , Roberts T P , Del Santo M , Barret D , Ambrosi E , Robba A , Earnshaw H , Fabian A C 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Most ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) are believed to be powered by super-Eddington accreting neutron stars and, perhaps, black holes. Above the Eddington rate the disc is expected to thicken and to launch powerful winds through radiation pressure. Winds have been recently discovered in several ULXs. However, it is yet unclear whether the thickening of the disc or the wind variability causes the switch between the classical soft and supersoft states observed in some ULXs. In order to understand such phenomenology and the overall super-Eddington mechanism, we undertook a large (800 ks) observing campaign with XMM-Newton to study NGC 247 ULX-1, which shifts between a supersoft and classical soft ULX state. The new observations show unambiguous evidence of a wind in the form of emission and absorption lines from highly ionized ionic species, with the latter indicating a mildly relativistic outflow (−0.17c) in line with the detections in other ULXs. Strong dipping activity is observed in the light curve and primarily during the brightest observations, which is typical among soft ULXs, and indicates a close relationship between the accretion rate and the appearance of the dips. The latter is likely due to a thickening of the disc scale height and the wind as shown by a progressively increasing blueshift in the spectral lines.
Rotational variation in the chemically peculiar B0 star θ Car as seen by TESS
Authors: Koen Chris , Johnston Cole 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
θ Car is a bright well studied B0 type star in a close binary (Porb = 2.2 d) with an unseen companion. The system has enjoyed extensive spectroscopic characterization at multiple wavelengths, revealing narrow X-ray lines, a soft X-ray tail, and chemical peculiarities. The star was recently observed in high-cadence photometric time-series by the NASA TESS satellite. In this paper, we investigate the photometric variability and demonstrate that it is likely associated with surface brightness inhomogeneities rather than orbital modulation. We investigate the potential distribution of surface features required to produce the observed variability, and report a new rotational period of Prot = 2.2034 d to be commensurate with the orbital period.
Fundamental differences in the radio properties of red and blue quasars: kiloparsec-scale structures revealed by e-MERLIN
Authors: Rosario D J , Alexander D M , Moldon J , Klindt L , Thomson A P , Morabito L , Fawcett V A , Harrison C M 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Red quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) are a subset of the quasar population with colours consistent with reddening due to intervening dust. Recent work has demonstrated that red QSOs show special radio properties that fundamentally distinguish them from normal blue QSOs, specifically a higher incidence of low-power radio emission (1.4 GHz luminosities L1.4 ≈ 1025–1027 W Hz−1) that is physically compact when imaged by arcsecond-resolution radio surveys such as FIRST. In this work, we present e-MERLIN imaging of a set of intermediate-redshift (1.0 &lt; z &lt; 1.55), luminous (bolometric luminosities Lbol ≈ 1046–1047 erg s−1) red and normal QSOs carefully selected to have radio properties that span the range over which red QSOs show the most divergence from the general population. With an angular resolution 25× better than FIRST, we resolve structures within the host galaxies of these QSOs (&gt;2 kpc). We report a statistically significant difference in the incidence of extended kpc-scale emission in red QSOs. From an analysis of the radio size distributions of the sample, we find that the excess radio emission in red QSOs can be attributed to structures that are confined to galaxy scales (&lt;10 kpc), while we confirm previous results that red and normal QSOs have similar incidences of radio jets and lobes on circumgalactic or larger scales (&gt;10 kpc). Our results indicate that the primary mechanism that generates the enhanced radio emission in red QSOs is not directly connected with the nuclear engine or accretion disc, but is likely to arise from extended components such as AGN-driven jets or winds.
The Cosmic Ultraviolet Baryon Survey (CUBS) – III. Physical properties and elemental abundances of Lyman-limit systems at z &lt; 1
Authors: Zahedy Fakhri S , Chen Hsiao-Wen , Cooper Thomas M , Boettcher Erin , Johnson Sean D , Rudie Gwen C , Chen Mandy C , Cantalupo Sebastiano , Cooksey Kathy L , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Greene Jenny E , Lopez Sebastian , Mulchaey John S , Penton Steven V , Petitjean Patrick , Putman Mary E , Rafelski Marc , Rauch Michael , Schaye Joop , Simcoe Robert A , Walth Gregory L 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
We present a systematic investigation of physical conditions and elemental abundances in four optically thick Lyman-limit systems (LLSs) at z = 0.36–0.6 discovered within the Cosmic Ultraviolet Baryon Survey (CUBS). Because intervening LLSs at z &lt; 1 suppress far-UV (ultraviolet) light from background QSOs, an unbiased search of these absorbers requires a near-UV-selected QSO sample, as achieved by CUBS. CUBS LLSs exhibit multicomponent kinematic structure and a complex mix of multiphase gas, with associated metal transitions from multiple ionization states such as C ii, C iii, N iii, Mg ii, Si ii, Si iii, O ii, O iii, O vi, and Fe ii absorption that span several hundred km s−1 in line-of-sight velocity. Specifically, higher column density components (log N(H i)/cm−2≳ 16) in all four absorbers comprise dynamically cool gas with $\langle T \rangle =(2\pm 1) \times 10^4\,$K and modest non-thermal broadening of $\langle b_\mathrm{nt} \rangle =5\pm 3\,$km s−1. The high quality of the QSO absorption spectra allows us to infer the physical conditions of the gas, using a detailed ionization modelling that takes into account the resolved component structures of H i and metal transitions. The range of inferred gas densities indicates that these absorbers consist of spatially compact clouds with a median line-of-sight thickness of $160^{+140}_{-50}$ pc. While obtaining robust metallicity constraints for the low density, highly ionized phase remains challenging due to the uncertain $N\mathrm{(H\, {\small I})}$, we demonstrate that the cool-phase gas in LLSs has a median metallicity of $\mathrm{[\alpha /H]_{1/2}}=-0.7^{+0.1}_{-0.2}$, with a 16–84 percentile range of [α/H] = (−1.3, −0.1). Furthermore, the wide range of inferred elemental abundance ratios ([C/α], [N/α], and [Fe/α]) indicate a diversity of chemical enrichment histories. Combining the absorption data with deep galaxy survey data characterizing the galaxy environment of these absorbers, we discuss the physical connection between star-forming regions in galaxies and diffuse gas associated with optically thick absorption systems in the z &lt; 1 circumgalactic medium.
Comparison Between Flow-Regulated and Gravitational Shunt Valves in the Treatment of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: Flow-Grav Study
Authors: Scheffler Pierre , Oertel Markus Florian , Stieglitz Lennart Henning 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is frequently treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery. However, VPS implantation can lead to overdrainage and complications such as headaches, hygroma, and subdural hematoma due to a siphon effect in an upright position. Gravitational valves prevent overdrainage through position-dependent adjustment of valve resistance. Flow-regulated valves that increase resistance in presence of high cerebrospinal fluid flow may provide similar protection against overdrainage and present an alternative to gravitational valves.

OBJECTIVE
To compare gravitational and flow-regulated shunt valves in patients with symptomatic NPH.

METHODS
We performed a retrospective analysis of 97 patients suffering from NPH who underwent VPS implantation with a gravitational or a flow-regulated valve. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of hygroma or subdural hematoma. Secondary endpoints were neurological outcome (Kiefer score, Stein and Langfitt score, and NPH recovery rate), frequency of valve adjustments, and reoperations.

RESULTS
No significant differences in the occurrence of hygroma and subdural hematoma (11.4% for flow-regulated valves vs 5.7% for gravitational valves, P = .462) or response to treatment (77.3% vs 81.1%, P = .802) were found. Patients with flow-regulated valves required fewer valve adjustments (1.12 vs 2.02, P < .001) to reach their optimal neurological outcome and underwent fewer surgical revisions (11.4% vs 28.3%, P = .047).

CONCLUSION
Our data suggest that shunt therapy in NPH patients with a flow-regulated instead of a gravitational valve is safe and effective with a comparable clinical outcome and risk of overdrainage complications. Moreover, patients with flow-regulated valves may need fewer valve adjustments and reoperations.
Fully accounting for nest age reduces bias when quantifying nest survival
Authors: Weiser Emily L 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAccurately measuring nest survival is challenging because nests must be discovered to be monitored, but nests are typically not found on the first day of the nesting interval. Studies of nest survival therefore often monitor a sample that overrepresents older nests. To account for this sampling bias, a daily survival rate (DSR) is estimated and then used to calculate nest survival to the end of the interval. However, estimates of DSR (and thus nest survival) can still be biased if DSR changes with nest age and nests are not found at age 0. Including nest age as a covariate of DSR and carefully considering the method of estimating nest survival can prevent such biases, but many published studies have not fully accounted for changes in DSR with nest age. I used a simulation study to quantify biases in estimates of nest survival resulting from changes in DSR with nest age under a variety of scenarios. I tested four methods of estimating nest survival from the simulated datasets and evaluated the bias and variance of each estimate. Nest survival estimates were often strongly biased when DSR varied with age but DSR was assumed to be constant, as well as when the model included age as a covariate but calculated nest survival from DSR at the mean monitored nest age (the method typically used in previous studies). In contrast, biases were usually avoided when nest survival was calculated as the product of age-specific estimates of DSR across the full nesting interval. However, the unbiased estimates often showed large variance, especially when few nests were found at young ages. Future field studies can maximize the accuracy and precision of nest survival estimates by aiming to find nests at young ages, including age as a covariate in the DSR model, and calculating nest survival as the product of age-specific estimates of DSR when DSR changes with nest age.