bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical studies highlight determinants for metal selectivity in the Escherichia coli periplasmic solute binding protein NikA
Authors: Law Wayne W H , Kanelis Voula , Zamble Deborah B 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Nickel is an essential micronutrient for the survival of many microbes. On account of the toxicity of nickel and its scarcity in the environment, microbes have evolved specific systems for uptaking and delivering nickel to enzymes. NikA, the solute binding protein for the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) importer NikABCDE, plays a vital role in the nickel homeostasis of Escherichia coli by selectively binding nickel over other metals in the metabolically complex periplasm. While the endogenous ligand for NikA is known to be the Ni(II)–(L-His)2 complex, the molecular basis by which NikA selectively binds Ni(II)–(L-His)2 is unclear, especially considering that NikA can bind multiple metal-based ligands with comparable affinity. Here we show that, regardless of its promiscuous binding activity, NikA preferentially interacts with Ni(II)–(L-His)2, even over other metal–amino acid ligands with an identical coordination geometry for the metal. Replacing both the Ni(II) and the L-His residues in Ni(II)–(L-His)2 compromises binding of the ligand to NikA, in part because these alterations affect the degree by which NikA closes around the ligand. Replacing H416, the only NikA residue that ligates the Ni(II), with other potential metal-coordinating amino acids decreases the binding affinity of NikA for Ni(II)–(L-His)2 and compromises uptake of Ni(II) into E. coli cells, likely due to altered metal selectivity of the NikA mutants. Together, the biochemical and in vivo studies presented here define key aspects of how NikA selects for Ni(II)–(L-His)2 over other metal complexes, and can be used as a reference for studies into the metal selectivity of other microbial solute binding proteins.
Confidence at the limits of human nested cognition
Authors: Recht Samuel , Jovanovic Ljubica , Mamassian Pascal , Balsdon Tarryn 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Metacognition is the ability to weigh the quality of our own cognition, such as the confidence that our perceptual decisions are correct. Here we ask whether metacognitive performance can itself be evaluated or else metacognition is the ultimate reflective human faculty. Building upon a classic visual perception task, we show that human observers are able to produce nested, above-chance judgements on the quality of their decisions at least up to the fourth order (i.e. meta-meta-meta-cognition). A computational model can account for this nested cognitive ability if evidence has a high-resolution representation, and if there are two kinds of noise, including recursive evidence degradation. The existence of fourth-order sensitivity suggests that the neural mechanisms responsible for second-order metacognition can be flexibly generalized to evaluate any cognitive process, including metacognitive evaluations themselves. We define the theoretical and practical limits of nested cognition and discuss how this approach paves the way for a better understanding of human self-regulation.
Space-frequency-polarization-division multiplexed wireless communication system using anisotropic space-time-coding digital metasurface
Authors: Ke Jun Chen , Chen Xiangyu , Tang Wankai , Chen Ming Zheng , Zhang Lei , Wang Li , Dai Jun Yan , Yang Jin , Zhang Jun Wei , Wu Lijie , Cheng Qiang , Jin Shi , Cui Tie Jun 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In the past few years, wireless communications based on digital coding metasurfaces have gained research interest owing to their simplified architectures and low cost. However, in most of the metasurface-based wireless systems, a single-polarization scenario is used, limiting the channel capacities. To solve the problem, multiplexing methods have been adopted, but the system complexity is inevitably increased. Here, a space-frequency-polarization-division multiplexed wireless communication system is proposed using an anisotropic space-time-coding digital metasurface. By separately designing time-varying control voltage sequences for differently oriented varactor diodes integrated on the metasurface, we achieve frequency-polarization-division multiplexed modulations. By further introducing different time-delay gradients to the control voltage sequences in two polarization directions, we successfully obtain space-frequency-polarization-division multiplexed modulations to realize a wireless communication system with a new architecture. The new communication system is designed with compact dual-polarized meta-elements, and can improve channel capacity and space utilization. Experimental results demonstrate the high-performance and real-time transmission capability of the proposed communication system, confirming its potential application in multiple-user collaborative wireless communications.
Smoking Behaviors Among Indigenous Pregnant People Compared to a Matched Regional Cohort
Authors: Rusk Ann M , Giblon Rachel E , Chamberlain Alanna M , Patten Christi A , Felzer Jamie R , Bui Yvonne T , Wi Chung-Il. , Destephano Christopher C , Abbott Barbara A , Kennedy Cassie C 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionSmoking commercial tobacco products is highly prevalent in American Indian and Alaska Native (Indigenous) pregnancies. This disparity directly contributes to maternal and fetal mortality. Our objective was to describe cigarette smoking prevalence, cessation intervention uptake, and cessation behaviors of pregnant Indigenous people compared to sex and age-matched regional cohort.Aims and MethodsPregnancies from an Indigenous cohort in Olmsted County, Minnesota, identified in the Rochester Epidemiology Project, were compared to pregnancies identified in a sex and age-matched non-Indigenous cohort from 2006 to 2019. Smoking status was defined as current, former, or never. All pregnancies were reviewed to identify cessation interventions and cessation events. The primary outcome was smoking prevalence during pregnancy, with secondary outcomes measuring uptake of smoking cessation interventions and cessation.ResultsThe Indigenous cohort included 57 people with 81 pregnancies, compared to 226 non-Indigenous people with 358 pregnancies. Smoking was identified during 45.7% of Indigenous pregnancies versus 11.2% of non-Indigenous pregnancies (RR: 3.25, 95% CI = 1.98–5.31, p ≤ .0001). Although there was no difference in uptake of cessation interventions between cohorts, smoking cessation was significantly less likely during Indigenous pregnancies compared to non-Indigenous pregnancies (OR: 0.23, 95% CI = 0.07–0.72, p = .012).ConclusionsIndigenous pregnant people in Olmsted County, Minnesota were more than three times as likely to smoke cigarettes during pregnancy compared to the non-indigenous cohort. Despite equivalent uptake of cessation interventions, Indigenous people were less likely to quit than non-Indigenous people. Understanding why conventional smoking cessation interventions were ineffective at promoting cessation during pregnancy among Indigenous women warrants further study.ImplicationsIndigenous pregnant people in Olmsted County, Minnesota, were greater than three times more likely to smoke during pregnancy compared to a regional age matched non-Indigenous cohort. Although Indigenous and non-Indigenous pregnant people had equivalent uptake of cessation interventions offered during pregnancy, Indigenous people were significantly less likely to quit smoking before fetal delivery. This disparity in the effectiveness of standard of care interventions highlights the need for further study to understand barriers to cessation in pregnant Indigenous people.
Citrullinated and carbamylated proteins in extracellular microvesicles from plasma of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ucci Federica M , Recalchi Serena , Barbati Cristiana , Manganelli Valeria , Capozzi Antonella , Riitano Gloria , Buoncuore Giorgia , Garofalo Tina , Ceccarelli Fulvia , Spinelli Francesca R , Balbinot Eugenia , Celia Alessandra Ida , Longo Agostina , Alessandri Cristiano , Misasi Roberta , Sorice Maurizio , Conti Fabrizio 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the expression of citrullinated and carbamylated proteins in extracellular microvesicles (EMVs) from RA patients.

Methods
We enrolled 24 RA naïve for biological therapy and 20 healthy donors (HD), matched for age and sex. For each patient, laboratory and clinical data were recorded and clinical indexes were measured (Clinical Disease Activity Index, Simplified Disease Activity Index, DAS28). EMVs in RA patients and HD were purified from plasma and measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NanoSight). Further, EMVs were incubated with anti-citrullinated/carbamylated proteins antibodies and processed by flow cytometry and western blot to evaluate the expression of citrullinated/carbamylated antigens.

Results
NanoSight revealed a significant increase of EMVs in RA compared with HD. Moreover, cytofluorimetric analysis showed a significative higher expression of citrullinated antigens on EMVs’ surface in RA than donors, while no substantial difference was found in the expression of carbamylated antigens. These data were confirmed by western blot which identified vimentin, glycolytic enzyme alpha-enolase 1 and collagen type II as the main citrullinated and carbamylated proteins carried by EMVs. Finally, a relevant correlation between the expression of citrullinated antigens and disease activity was found.

Conclusions
The results of this study suggest an involvement of EMVs in the pathogenesis of RA by inducing autoimmunity.
Compressibility analysis as robust in-die compression analysis for describing tableting behaviour
Authors: Berkenkemper Sabrina , Kleinebudde Peter 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Compressibility of materials is determining the tableting behaviour and tablet properties during and after manufacturing. The compressibility constant has not been investigated as an in-die method yet and was therefore compared with the Heckel analysis for describing the compressibility of materials during tableting in the present study.

Methods
Various parameters influencing tableting, such as compression pressure, compression speed and punch diameter, were used to analyse the robustness of both methods and to evaluate the informative value of the compression parameters. Twelve common pharmaceutical excipients were used to cover a wide range of material properties.

Key findings
The compressibility constant was successfully applied as an in-die method and proved to be more robust against the influencing parameters during tableting than the Heckel analysis. A good correlation between the out-of-die and in-die method was found for both methods but could not be observed between the compressibility constant and the yield pressure from Heckel analysis. The methods are both describing the volume reduction of materials under pressure but focus on different material properties.

Conclusions
For material characterisation in the field of tableting, the compressibility constant can be additionally applied in the future to be able to determine another compressibility parameter in combination with the yield pressure.
The effects of administering different metaphylactic antimicrobials on growth performance and health outcomes of high-risk, newly received feedlot steers
Authors: Coppin Carley M , Smock Taylor M , Helmuth Cory L , Manahan Jeff L , Long Nathan S , Hoffman Ashley A , Carroll Jeffrey A , Broadway Paul R , Burdick Sanchez Nicole C , Wells James E , Fernando Samodha C , Hales Kristin E 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the primary animal health concern facing feedlot producers. Many antimicrobial mitigation strategies are available, but few studies have compared feedlot performance during both the receiving and finishing periods following application of different antimicrobials used as metaphylaxis at arrival. The objective of this study was to compare antimicrobial metaphylaxis methods on clinical health and growth performance across both the receiving and finishing periods. A total of 238 multiple-sourced steers in two source blocks were used in a generalized complete block design. The four treatments included: 1) a negative control, 5 mL of sterile saline injected subcutaneously (CON); 2) subcutaneous administration of florfenicol at 40 mg/kg of BW (NUF); 3) subcutaneous administration of ceftiofur in the posterior aspect of the ear at 6.6 mg/kg of BW (EXC); and 4) subcutaneous administration of tulathromycin at 2.5 mg/kg of BW (DRA). The morbidity rate for the first treatment of BRD was decreased for the DRA and EXC treatments compared to CON and NUF (P &lt; 0.01). Additionally, average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and gain-to-feed (G:F) were greater (P ≤ 0.02) in the DRA treatment during the receiving period compared to all other treatments. The ADG was also greater (P &lt; 0.05) for EXC than the CON treatment throughout the finishing period. Nonetheless, other growth performance variables did not differ among metaphylactic treatments during the finishing period (P ≥ 0.14). Likewise, no differences in carcass characteristics or liver abscess score were observed (P ≥ 0.18). All complete blood count (CBC) variables were affected by day (P ≤ 0.01) except mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.29). Treatment × time interactions were observed for platelet count, white blood cell (WBC) count, monocyte count and percentage, and lymphocyte percentage (P ≤ 0.03). However, there were no observed hematological variables that differed among treatment (P ≥ 0.10). The results indicate that some commercially available antimicrobials labeled for metaphylactic use are more efficacious than others in decreasing morbidity rate.
What Is the Safe Window from Definitive Fixation to Flap Coverage in Type 3B Open Tibia Fractures? Supporting Plastics and Orthopaedics Alliance in Reducing Trauma Adverse Events (SPARTA)
Authors: Al-Hourani Khalid , Foote Clary J. , Duckworth Andrew D. , White Tim O. , Kelly Michael B. , Tornetta Paul ,   and SPARTA Investigators
Published: October 2022

Objectives:
To delineate whether a “safe” window exists for timing from definitive fixation to definitive soft tissue coverage in the treatment of open tibial diaphyseal fractures requiring flap coverage.

Design:
International multicenter, retrospective comparative cohort study.

Patients/Participants:
Three hundred and seventy-three (n = 373) patients who sustained an open tibial shaft fracture requiring flap coverage.

Methods:
We evaluated the deep infection rates based on the timing between the definitive fixation and flap coverage. We determined several intervals of time from the day of definitive fixation (regardless of time from injury) and flap coverage. If performed on the same operative setting these were considered day 0. We evaluated coverage after 2 and 5 days from definitive fixation based on time versus infection rate curve inflection points. We adjusted for time to debridement and antibiotics within an hour.

Main Outcome Measurement:
Deep infection after definitive fixation and flap coverage.

Results:
The mean age of the cohort was 42.4 years (SD = 18.2) and 270 were male (72.4%). The deep infection rate after flap coverage was 20.6% (77/373). Definitive fixation to flap coverage time of up to 2 days was not associated with an increased risk of infection [relative risk (RR) = 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–1.37; P = 0.26]. There was an increased risk of deep infection for more than 2 days (RR = 1.59) and >5 days (RR = 1.64).

Conclusion:
This study observed a “safe” window of up to 2 days between definitive fixation and flap coverage in open tibial shaft fractures requiring coverage before a statistical increase in risk of deep infection rate occurred.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Epithelioid and Clear Cell Solitary Fibrous Tumors
Authors: Suster David I. , Mackinnon Alexander C. , Mejbel Haider A. , Gross John M. , Suster Saul 
Published: October 2022

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are ubiquitous soft tissue neoplasms known for their protean histology and potentially aggressive behavior. Although most cases are composed of a monotonous proliferation of spindle cells, some tumors show unusual cytologic features. We have studied 13 SFTs that were characterized by a predominant population of round epithelioid cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and clear cell changes. The tumors occurred in 8 women and 5 men, aged 36 to 80 years (mean=63 y), and were located within the orbit (3), lower extremity (3), retroperitoneum (2), abdominal cavity (2), and superficial soft tissues of the neck, pelvis, and pubis (1 each). The tumors measured from 3.5 to 24.5 cm. Using a risk assessment system, 6 cases were stratified as low-risk tumors; 3 of these showed no evidence of recurrence or metastases from 6 to 18 years, and 1 tumor in the orbit recurred and led to the patient’s demise. Five cases were of intermediate risk; clinical follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence or metastases from 3 to 4 years in 3 patients, and 1 patient suffered a recurrence 4 years after diagnosis. Two cases were high risk; 1 patient died after 1 year and the second patient experienced local recurrence at 4 years. Immunohistochemical studies showed nuclear positivity for STAT6 in 10 cases. CD34 immunohistochemistry was positive in 11 cases. A NAB2::STAT6 rearrangement was present in all cases. Epithelioid and clear cell SFT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue neoplasms with epithelioid and clear cell morphology.
Reduction of Central-line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in a Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit through Simulation Education
Authors: Hightower Hannah B. , Young John Andrew , Thomas Jennifer , Smith Jill Jones , Hobby-Noland Delphene , Palombo Georgina , McCaskey Marjorie , Benton Beth , Hutto Cecelia , Coghill Carl , McCullough Becky , Hayes Leslie , Martin Colin , Chewning Joseph H. 
Published: October 2022

Introduction:
Critically ill neonates and those with complex medical conditions frequently require the use of central venous lines. Unfortunately, central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in significant morbidity and mortality, and the cost and increased length of stay burden the healthcare system. Previous studies have demonstrated that standardized care bundles can decrease CLABSI rates, but achieving sustained improvement has proven difficult.

Methods:
All patients admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between 2014 and 2020 who had a CVL were included in this study. First, we recorded all CLABSI events and total CVL days according to defined criteria. Then, in late 2016, we instituted simulation-based nursing training for CVL care.

Results:
Job Instruction Sheets were initially introduced to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nursing staff simultaneously with one-on-one teaching sessions between instructors and bedside nurses. Intermittent performance audits and re-education for identified deficiencies did not improve the CLABSI rate per 1000 line days. After instituting simulation-based CVL training in 2016, there was a decreased rate of CLABSI events per 1000 line days sustained over time (x = 0.692).

Conclusions:
Standardized care bundles and Hospital-acquired Condition interactor audits were insufficient to reduce the CLABSI rate. However, combining care bundles and education with simulation-based training significantly decreased CLABSI rates. One-on-one intensive training and continued ongoing monitoring were critical to producing a sustained reduction. This experience demonstrates that supervised, interactive education combined with simulation can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Birth Country Influences the Choice of Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Individuals: Experience From a French HIV Centre
Authors: Palich Romain , Agher Rachid , Wetshikoy Dimoke J. , Cuzin Lise , Seang Sophie , Soulie Cathia , Tubiana Roland , Valantin Marc-Antoine , Schneider Luminita , Pourcher Valérie , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Assoumou Lambert , Katlama Christine 
Published: October 2022

Objectives:
To assess whether antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescriptions differ between naive and virally suppressed HIV patients born in France (PBFs) and in Sub-Saharan Africa (PBSSAs).

Setting:
Observational single-center study.

Methods:
We included all PBFs and PBSSAs who entered into care at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France, from 01/01/2000 to 31/12/2018, with plasma HIV-RNA>200 copies/mL. We first compared the initial ART in naive PBFs and PBSSAs. Second, we compared the last-prescribed ART (including drug-reduced ART: daily 2-drug regimens, daily 1-drug regimens and intermittent 3-drug regimens) in virally suppressed PBFs and PBSSAs, by focusing on patients in care in 2018 with HIV-RNA <50 copies for at least 24 months. A univariable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the impact of geographical origin on ART prescriptions.

Results:
A total of 1944 naive patients were included (915 PBSSAs and 1029 PBFs). PBSSAs were more frequently women, hepatitis B coinfected, with a lower pretherapeutic CD4 T-cell count, and most had tuberculosis at HIV diagnosis. After adjustment for confounders, PBSSAs were more likely to receive a first-line protease inhibitor-based regimen (OR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.31 to 1.98), and less likely to receive an integrase inhibitor-based regimen (OR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.88). Of the 968 virally suppressed patients (431 PBSSAs and 537 PBFs), PBSSAs were less likely to receive drug-reduced ART, including 2-drug regimens and intermittent three-drug regimens (OR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.65).

Conclusions:
Differences in ART prescriptions between PBSSAs and PBFs were not only explained by different clinical and virologic situations. Personal motivations of doctors in choosing ART according to country of birth need to be explored.
FDG PET/CT in Immune-Related Arthritis in a Patient Treated With Nivolumab
Authors: Bayat Mohadeseh , Doroudinia Abtin , Karam Mehrdad Bakhshayesh , Mehrian Payam 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a new and different treatment option in many of solid tumors, but with many recognized immune-related adverse side effects. In this interesting image, we are presenting a 56-year-old woman with primary malignant melanoma who underwent nivolumab therapy for 5 months, and a posttreatment whole-body FDG PET/CT scan for treatment response evaluation demonstrated increased metabolic activity in the entire major joints of the upper and lower extremities. This was a new finding compared with previous FDG PET/CT scan and was interpreted as an immune-related arthritis complication.