bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity and potential plant growth promoting capacity of seed endophytic bacteria of the holoparasite Cistanche phelypaea (Orobanchaceae)
Authors: Petrosyan Kristine , Thijs Sofie , Piwowarczyk Renata , Ruraż Karolina , Kaca Wiesław , Vangronsveld Jaco 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSalt marshes are highly dynamic, biologically diverse ecosystems with a broad range of ecological functions. We investigated the endophytic bacterial community of surface sterilized seeds of the holoparasitic Cistanche phelypaea growing in coastal salt marshes of the Iberian Peninsula in Portugal. C. phelypaea is the only representative of the genus Cistanche that was reported in such habitat. Using high-throughput sequencing methods, 23 bacterial phyla and 263 different OTUs on genus level were found. Bacterial strains belonging to phyla Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota were dominating. Also some newly classified or undiscovered bacterial phyla, unclassified and unexplored taxonomic groups, symbiotic Archaea groups inhabited the C. phelypaea seeds. γ-Proteobacteria was the most diverse phylogenetic group. Sixty-three bacterial strains belonging to Bacilli, Actinomycetes, α-, γ- and β-Proteobacteria and unclassified bacteria were isolated. We also investigated the in vitro PGP traits and salt tolerance of the isolates. Among the Actinobacteria, Micromonospora spp. showed the most promising endophytes in the seeds. Taken together, the results indicated that the seeds were inhabited by halotolerant bacterial strains that may play a role in mitigating the adverse effects of salt stress on the host plant. In future research, these bacteria should be assessed as potential sources of novel and unique bioactive compounds or as novel bacterial species.
Characterization of the spontaneously recharging natural hydrogen reservoirs of Bourakebougou in Mali
Authors: Maiga Omar , Deville Eric , Laval Jérome , Prinzhofer Alain , Diallo Aliou Boubacar 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn today’s race to find ways to produce cheap and green hydrogen, the natural hydrogen wells in Bourakebougou offer a promising solution and are a good example of how H2 can be produced in the natural environment. Not only has one well been successfully exploited to generate electricity for the local village, but twenty-four other exploratory boreholes have also demonstrated the presence of natural H2 in the surrounding area. The Bourakebougou H2 field offers a unique opportunity for geoscientists to determine the key characteristics of natural hydrogen reservoirs. This paper presents the coring, logging, and geochemistry studies that were performed to better characterize the nature of the Bourakebougou H2-bearing reservoirs. The shallowest main reservoir, in which there is the highest content of H2, is made of dolomitic carbonate (Neoproterozoic cap carbonate). These carbonates are largely karstified and show a high degree of heterogeneity in porosity (0.21–14.32%). Based on the analysis of the drilling imagery of the carbonated reservoirs, the accumulation of hydrogen occurs in the karst (void) representing a secondary porosity in the rock matrix. Other reservoirs, especially the deepest ones, are porous sandstone rocks with much more homogeneous porosities (4.52–6.37%) compared to the massive carbonates. For the wells analysed, the neutron tool reacted in a specific way when there is the presence of hydrogen. Hence, it stands out as being the primary tool to detect the presence of natural hydrogen beyond simple gas logging. When comparing a H2 reservoir system to classical oil and gas reservoir systems, the results show that the hydrogen reservoir is a dynamic system that is progressively recharged in H2-rich gas at the production timescale.
Factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards maternity waiting homes among pregnant women: baseline results from a cluster-randomized trial in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Yarinbab Teklemariam Ergat , Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Harrison Margo Shawn , Belachew Tefera 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEthiopia has implemented maternity waiting homes over the last several decades; however, its utilization is low. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with knowledge of and attitude towards maternity waiting homes among pregnant women in rural Ethiopia. The baseline survey was conducted from September 15 to October 30, 2022, in rural Southern Ethiopia. Survey data were collected from 320 women in their second trimester of pregnancy. The data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. The mean age of the participants was 27.79 (SD ± 6.242) years. Nearly two-thirds (57.5%) of the participants had no formal education and more than three-fourths (72.5%) were housewives. Only approximately one-fourth (23.75%) of the participants used maternity waiting homes. Furthermore, 33.75% had good knowledge, 28.75% had favorable attitudes, and around one-fourth (26.25%) had good male partner involvement. Age group 30 to 39 years (AOR 4.78, 95% CI 1.12–20.36), household income (AOR 6.41, 95% CI 2.78–14.81), having pregnancy intention (AOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.21–5.73), and history of obstetric complications (AOR 6.72, 95% CI 2.81–16.07) were significantly associated with good knowledge about maternity waiting homes. Similarly, age group 30 to 39 years (AOR 4.23, 95% CI 1.14–15.65), household income (AOR 7.12, 95% CI 3.26–15.55), having pregnancy intention (AOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.21–5.47), and history of obstetric complications (AOR 5.59, 95% CI 2.30–13.59) were significantly associated with favorable attitudes towards maternity waiting homes. Providing health education and promoting male partner participation through educating couples may improve women’s access to maternity waiting homes.
High incidence of AZF duplications in clan-structured Iranian populations detected through Y chromosome sequencing read depth analysis
Authors: Hajiesmaeil Mogge , Ravasini Francesco , Risi Flavia , Magnarini Giorgia , Olivieri Anna , D’Atanasio Eugenia , Galehdari Hamid , Trombetta Beniamino , Cruciani Fulvio 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe ampliconic region of the human Y chromosome consists of large duplicated sequences that can undergo non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR), resulting in structural rearrangements that may cause infertility, especially when they occur in the azoospermia factor b/c (AZFb/c) region. Although AZF duplications have long been neglected due to the technical limitations of STS-based studies that focused mainly on deletions, recent next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies provided evidence for their importance in fertility. In this study, a NGS read depth approach was used to detect AZFb/c rearrangements in 87 Iranians from different ethnic groups. The duplication frequency in Iran proved to be twice as high as in the "1000 Genomes" dataset. Interestingly, most duplications were found in patrilineal ethnic groups, possibly as a consequence of their lower male effective population size which can counteract negative selection. Moreover, we found a large 8.0 Mb duplication, resulting in a fourfold increase in the copy number of AZFc genes, which to our knowledge is the largest duplication ever reported in this region. Overall, our results suggest that it is important to consider not only AZF deletions but also duplications to investigate the causes of male infertility, especially in patrilineal clan-based populations.
Lifespan-extending interventions induce consistent patterns of fatty acid oxidation in mouse livers
Authors: Watanabe Kengo , Wilmanski Tomasz , Baloni Priyanka , Robinson Max , Garcia Gonzalo G. , Hoopmann Michael R. , Midha Mukul K. , Baxter David H. , Maes Michal , Morrone Seamus R. , Crebs Kelly M. , Kapil Charu , Kusebauch Ulrike , Wiedrick Jack , Lapidus Jodi , Pflieger Lance , Lausted Christopher , Roach Jared C. , Glusman Gwênlyn , Cummings Steven R. , Schork Nicholas J. , Price Nathan D. , Hood Leroy , Miller Richard A. , Moritz Robert L. , Rappaport Noa 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAging manifests as progressive deteriorations in homeostasis, requiring systems-level perspectives to investigate the gradual molecular dysregulation of underlying biological processes. Here, we report systemic changes in the molecular regulation of biological processes under multiple lifespan-extending interventions. Differential Rank Conservation (DIRAC) analyses of mouse liver proteomics and transcriptomics data show that mechanistically distinct lifespan-extending interventions (acarbose, 17α-estradiol, rapamycin, and calorie restriction) generally tighten the regulation of biological modules. These tightening patterns are similar across the interventions, particularly in processes such as fatty acid oxidation, immune response, and stress response. Differences in DIRAC patterns between proteins and transcripts highlight specific modules which may be tightened via augmented cap-independent translation. Moreover, the systemic shifts in fatty acid metabolism are supported through integrated analysis of liver transcriptomics data with a mouse genome-scale metabolic model. Our findings highlight the power of systems-level approaches for identifying and characterizing the biological processes involved in aging and longevity.
Atmospheric radiocarbon levels were highly variable during the last deglaciation
Authors: Talamo Sahra , Friedrich Michael , Adolphi Florian , Kromer Bernd , Heaton Timothy J. , Cercatillo Silvia , Muscheler Raimund , Paleček Dragana , Pelloni Enrico , Tassoni Laura , Toniello Vladimiro , Wacker Lukas 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRadiocarbon dating provides a key chronological framework for studying past environmental changes. Raw radiocarbon ages measured in samples must be converted to calendar ages using an appropriate calibration curve. Tree-ring datasets provide the gold-standard for developing a precise curve of atmospheric radiocarbon levels over long-time scales. Here, we reconstruct atmospheric radiocarbon levels using a millennium-long section of tree-ring chronology segments that extend into the last glacial period. The samples were obtained from subfossil larch trees recovered from clay quarries at Revine, Italy. Our reconstruction shows higher variations in the amplitude of atmospheric radiocarbon between 18,475 and 17,350 calendar years before the present than that detected in the IntCal20 calibration curve. Comparing the new tree-ring based reconstruction with Beryllium-10 fluxes derived from ice cores, we hypothesise that these variations are driven by solar variability. Our results demonstrate the unique value of sub-decadal radiocarbon sequences derived from glacial tree-ring chronologies.
Behavioral factors and SARS-CoV-2 transmission heterogeneity within a household cohort in Costa Rica
Authors: Sun Kaiyuan , Loria Viviana , Aparicio Amada , Porras Carolina , Vanegas Juan Carlos , Zúñiga Michael , Morera Melvin , Avila Carlos , Abdelnour Arturo , Gail Mitchell H. , Pfeiffer Ruth , Cohen Jeffrey I. , Burbelo Peter D. , Abed Mehdi A. , Viboud Cécile , Hildesheim Allan , Herrero Rolando , Prevots D. Rebecca ,   for the RESPIRA Study Group, Aparicio Amada , Moreno Karla , Wong Roy , Morera Melvin , Abdelnour Arturo , Calderón Alejandro , Camacho Kattia , Ivankovich Gabriela , Yock Adriana , Castro Roberto , Cortés Bernal , Loría Viviana , Ocampo Rebecca , Barboza-Solis Cristina , Fantin Romain 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Variability in household secondary attack rates and transmission risks factors of SARS-CoV-2 remain poorly understood.

Methods
We conducted a household transmission study of SARS-CoV-2 in Costa Rica, with SARS-CoV-2 index cases selected from a larger prospective cohort study and their household contacts were enrolled. A total of 719 household contacts of 304 household index cases were enrolled from November 21, 2020, through July 31, 2021. Blood specimens were collected from contacts within 30–60 days of index case diagnosis; and serum was tested for presence of spike and nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 prior infections among household contacts was defined based on the presence of both spike and nucleocapsid antibodies. We fitted a chain binomial model to the serologic data, to account for exogenous community infection risk and potential multi-generational transmissions within the household.

Results
Overall seroprevalence was 53% (95% confidence interval (CI) 48–58%) among household contacts. The estimated household secondary attack rate is 34% (95% CI 5–75%). Mask wearing by the index case is associated with the household transmission risk reduction by 67% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.33 with 95% CI: 0.09–0.75) and not sharing bedroom with the index case is associated with the risk reduction of household transmission by 78% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.22 with 95% CI 0.10–0.41). The estimated distribution of household secondary attack rates is highly heterogeneous across index cases, with 30% of index cases being the source for 80% of secondary cases.

Conclusions
Modeling analysis suggests that behavioral factors are important drivers of the observed SARS-CoV-2 transmission heterogeneity within the household.
Microwave angular displacement sensor with wideband matching and impedance transforming
Authors: Zhu Hong‐Xu , Cheong Pedro , Tam Kam‐Weng , Chio Chi‐Hou , Teng Cheng , Zhang Wen‐Hai , Ngai Kong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis work proposes a microwave angular displacement sensor with wideband matching based on a wideband impedance transformer. According to the design requirement of the microstrip impedance transformer (load‐to‐source impedance of 250‐to‐50 Ω, centre frequency of 2.40 GHz) with Chebyshev frequency response, the proposed angular displacement sensor is explored for the high bandwidth sensitivity of 11.18 MHz/degree.
Effect of dual gating on electrical characteristics of amorphous indium‐tin‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide TFTs
Authors: Kong Heesung , Cho Kyoungah , Kang Mingu , Kim Jaybum , Lee Sunhee , Lim Junhyung , Kim Sangsig 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this study, the effect of dual gating on the electrical characteristics of amorphous indium‐tin‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (a‐ITGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) is investigated. The composition (In:Sn:Ga:Zn = 1.4:0.2:2.0:1.0 at.) of the a‐ITGZO channel layer sputtered at 20°C is close to that (In:Sn:Ga:Zn = 1.6:0.2:2.0:1.0 at.) of the ceramic target. The electrical characteristics of a dual‐gated TFT are superior to those of top‐ and bottom‐gated TFTs. This dual‐gating effect is analyzed with vertical electric fields, electron concentrations, and potential contours in the gated channels obtained by performing technology computer‐aided design (TCAD) simulations. The relatively higher mobility and on‐current are attributed to the reduction of a vertical electric field in the channel induced by the dual gating. Moreover, the relatively steeper subthreshold swing of the dual‐gated TFT is associated with bulk accumulation formed by the dual gating.
Ultrafast response of Ge2Sb2Te5 nanoparticles: The benefits of low energy amorphization switching with the same read/write speed of bulk memories
Authors: Caretta Antonio , Casarin Barbara , Chen Bin , Kooi Bart J. , Malvestuto Marco 
Published: July 2023

We investigate the ultrafast response of crystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 nanoparticles (NPs) below the phase transformation threshold fluence. The observed rapid change of the optical response and the presence of coherent optical phonons are consistent with the relaxation dynamics in bulk Ge2Sb2Te5 films and, more importantly, occur within the same ultrafast timescales. We conclude that the benefit of the lower energy consumption of memories based on Ge-Sb-Te (GST) NPs aggregates, demonstrated by Casarin et al. (2018), occurs with no disadvantage, as the read/write speed can be as fast as in bulk GSTs.
1588 INTRODUCING ‘THE CARE TOOL’: A SIMPLE TOOL TO IMPROVE GENERAL SURGERY DOCUMENTATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF KEY ASPECTS OF FRAILTY
Authors: Tilley B , Macstay D , Valetopoulou A , Gathercole G , MacDonald L , Wright H , Sengupta I , Bertfield D 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Increased frailty is associated with increased post-operative morbidity and mortality in older patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. NELA recommend documentation of frailty in surgical patients over 652. Using QI methodology, we introduced a ‘CARE tool’ for surgical doctors aiming to improve their documentation of an older person’s medical history (including CFS and delirium).

Method
A collaborative team representing geriatric medicine, anaesthetics and surgery devised the acronym CARE (Cognition, Assistance at home, Record the CFS, Exercise tolerance). The tool was tested using QI methodology over 2 PDSA cycles. Cycle one introduced the tool into electronic patient records (EPR) and presented it at the surgical faculty meeting. Cycle two introduced the tool specifically to surgical FY1 doctors during induction. The EPR surgical clerkings of patients over 65 years old admitted to general surgery were sampled weekly over seven weeks to assess CARE tool completion. Post-intervention, we surveyed the surgical doctors assessing their understanding of frailty and perceived value of the CARE tool.

Results
At baseline: 12% of confusion, 92% dementia status, 0% CFS, 30% assistance at home, 8% exercise tolerance were documented. Following PDSA cycle one, use of the CARE tool was 40%. There was an increase in the documentation of confusion (40%) and CFS (40%). Dementia status and assistance at home were documented in similar frequency pre- and post-cycle. During cycle two, CFS documentation increased to 55% but identification of confusion dropped to 25%. The survey demonstrated that frailty, CFS scoring and delirium screening were better understood by junior doctors than Consultants and registrars.

Conclusions
Our project showed mixed success in improving documentation using the CARE tool. The survey demonstrated a good understanding and knowledge of frailty in surgical FY1s. Ongoing frailty teaching is planned for the surgical department.
1575 IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF COMPREHENSIVE GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT THROUGH INCORPORATION OF SKIN ASSESSMENT
Authors: Ali L , Kaneshamoorthy M , Haddadeen M , Salotun F , Krasniqi L 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidisciplinary diagnostic method of recognising physical, psychosocial, and functional abilities & limitations of an elderly person. Assessment of the skin is an essential element of the physical domain of CGA as aging skin is more susceptible to loss of skin integrity. Common conditions including pressure sores, purpura from long term anticoagulation and steroid use, and venous stasis eczema put patients at high risk for developing infections. Therefore, it is essential to be cognizant of the condition of the elderly patients’ skin. We aimed to improve frequency of skin assessments performed by doctors working on the two geriatric wards of Southend University Hospital, over 6 weeks. Our baseline data illustrated that 15.8% skin assessments were documented by doctors on both wards and 80.7% by the nurses.

Method
Three bi-weekly interventions were carried out. PDSA 1 introduced a concept of regular skin assessments, highlighting its importance in elderly population, through informal teaching at morning meeting. PDSA 2 delivered formal teaching led by tissue viability nurse and finally, PDSA 3 presented a poster to act as reminder for regular skin assessments as well as provision of contact details to escalate positive findings.

Results
PDSA 1 showed improvement from 15.8% to 31.6% in frequency of performing skin assessments. PDSA 2 showed a decrease in number of skin assessments at 11.9%, which was less than baseline. PDSA 3 also showed a decrease at less than baseline and only resulted in 8.8% assessments completed.

Conclusion
The findings showed the first intervention as most impactful indicating benefit of teaching session focused on skin assessments in elderly patients. It is suggested that a regular teaching session is carried out in every rotation with regular audits for a more sustainable outcome.
1577 IMPROVING THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM MEETING IN A COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
Authors: Paterson A , Henderson L , Mathieson W 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre (WHCCC) is a 31-bed community hospital. Weekly multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings occur to co-ordinate care and discharge planning. The format prior to this quality improvement project was meetings twice per week using Microsoft Teams. Errors were noted such as incorrect discharge dates and missed referrals.

Aims
improving information transfer during MDT meetings, reducing errors in communication, reducing meeting duration and improving staff satisfaction.

Methods
Data was collected in the format of surveys distributed to members of the MDT and meeting duration. There were three PDSA cycles: Introduction of chairperson and proforma Chairperson, Proforma and screensharing on Microsoft Teams. Reduction of MDT meetings to once weekly

Results
The initial survey found that 43% (n = 3/7) of staff found meetings to be effective. One hundred percent noted that information had been missed or not acted upon (n = 7). This improved with each cycle; cycle 3 data showed that 100% felt the meetings were effective and only 14% felt information was missed (n=1/7). Given the improvements, cycle 3 trialled a once weekly meeting. Average weekly time spent in meetings fell from 213 minutes to 130 minutes (39% reduction). 100% (n=7) said they were very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the once weekly MDT.

Conclusions
Creating a standardised structure in the form of chaired meetings and MDT proforma was found to improve effectiveness of the meeting and reduce errors. These changes resulted in a more efficient and safe weekly meeting. This led to reduction in time away from clinical areas for MDT members. These changes have been adopted and maintained by the WHCCC team.

Areas of future development may include
The impact of blended or face to face meetings and further reduction in meeting times.