Short Exposure Research Articles

Cryptosporidium parvum inactivation from short durations of treatment with ozonated water produced by an electrolytic generation system.

Cryptosporidium is a waterborne pathogen that causes diarrhea in vertebrates and humans (mainly C. hominis and C. parvum). Ozone (O3) is a powerful disinfectant due to its high oxidative characteristics, and it is used to inactivate microorganisms in drinking water. As an alternative to the gas dissolution system for producing ozone from oxygen, a simpler electrolytic ozone generation system has recently been developed. In the present study, the efficacy of the ozonated water produced by this system in inactivating Cryptosporidium parasites (C. parvum) was evaluated at different current intensities (which change the ozone concentrations) and short exposure times (15-60s). Oocyst viability and integrity was assessed using vital dye staining, excystation assays, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM data revealed that oocyst walls were damaged by exposure to ozone molecules even at low concentrations (< 0.01mg/l for 1min) (current intensity 0.2 A), but that the excystation assay could not differentiate between deformed oocysts (dead) and partially excysted oocysts (alive). Exposure to ozonated water produced with a low current intensity (0.3 A) for 15 and 120s resulted in the inactivation of 96.2% (CT value < 0.003) and 99.4% (CT value < 0.020) of the oocysts, respectively. Thus, it was estimated that a CT value more than 0.020 was required to inactivate > 99% of the C. parvum oocysts. These results suggested that the electrolytic ozone generation system may be more effective than gas dissolution ozone generation; however, further studies using additional approaches are needed to obtain clearer evidence.

Microstructure instability of additively manufactured alloy 718 fabricated by laser powder bed fusion during thermal exposure at 600-1000 ℃

Microstructure and precipitation behavior of alloy 718 produced by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) and its recrystallized counterpart were evaluated after thermal exposure at a temperature range of 600-1000 ℃ for up to 1000h. The as-built 718 featured a microstructure of columnar grains, and dislocation cell structures (DCSs) with chemical segregations (rich in Nb, Ti, Mo and depleted in Cr, Fe) and precipitates (Laves phase and carbonitride). The DCSs remained thermally stable for up to 1000h at 600 ℃ or 100h at 700 ℃, but only 10h at 800 ℃. With the temperature increasing to 900 ℃ and 1000 ℃ for 1h duration, the DCSs tended to partially disassemble, and the chemical segregations were removed. The chemical segregations at cell boundaries of the as-built 718 promoted the formation of γ', γ″ and δ phases during aging, leading to a spatially heterogeneous distribution of γ' and γ″ phases between the cell boundaries and interiors during short exposure time or at lower temperatures. Meanwhile, the coarsening of γ' and γ″ phases and the phase transformation of γ″ to δ at 700-800 ℃ were facilitated in the as-built 718 compared to the recrystallized ones. A unique precipitation distribution was observed at 700 ℃ that γ' and γ″ phases precipitated both at the cell boundaries and within cell interiors, while only γ' formed in the vicinity of cell boundaries. Time-temperature-transformation curves for additively manufactured and recrystallized 718 were constructed based on the microstructure analyses. This study indicates that conventional heat treatment procedures may be suboptimized for additively manufactured 718 in high temperature applications.

The S-PLUS Ultra-Short Survey: First data release

Context. This paper presents the first public data release of the S-PLUS Ultra-Short Survey (USS), a photometric survey with short exposure times, covering approximately 9300 deg2 of the Southern sky. The USS utilizes the Javalambre 12-band magnitude system, including narrow, medium, and broad-band filters targeting prominent stellar spectral features. The primary objective of the USS is to identify bright, extremely metal-poor (EMP; [Fe/H] ≤ −3) and ultra-metal-poor (UMP; [Fe/H] ≤ −4) stars for further analysis using medium- and high-resolution spectroscopy. Aims. This paper provides an overview of the survey observations, calibration method, data quality, and data products. Additionally, it presents the selection of EMP and UMP candidates. Methods. The data from the USS were reduced and calibrated using the same methods as presented in the S-PLUS DR2. An additional step was introduced, accounting for the offset between the observed magnitudes off the USS and the predicted magnitudes from the very low-resolution Gaia XP spectra. Results. This first release contains data for 163 observed fields totaling ~324 deg2 along the Celestial Equator. The magnitudes obtained from the USS are well-calibrated, showing a difference of ~15 mmag compared to the predicted magnitudes by the GaiaXPy toolkit. By combining colors and magnitudes, 140 candidates for EMP or UMP have been identified for follow-up studies. Conclusions. The S-PLUS USS DR1 is an important milestone in the search for bright metal-poor stars, with magnitudes in the range 10 &lt; r ≤ 14. The USS is an ongoing survey; in the near future, it will provide many more bright metal-poor candidate stars for spectroscopic follow-up.

The impact of repeated pyrethroid pulses on aquatic communities.

Pesticides are considered to be one of the main causes of the decline in macroinvertebrate biodiversity in small streams. In particular, pyrethroids are detected in agricultural surface waters worldwide and pose a high risk to aquatic invertebrates. Due to their knock-down effect, even short pyrethroid exposure pulses can have significant short- and long-term effects on macroinvertebrate communities. Therefore, it is necessary to consider more realistic exposure scenarios for the environmental risk assessment of pyrethroids and, consequently, to obtain more realistic effect data by using multi-stressor test systems. In an experimental setup with artificial indoor streams (AIS), four pyrethroid pulses simulated the exposure scenario of heavy rainfall events. Effects of these 12 h-exposures at different concentrations of deltamethrin (0.64 ng/L, 4 ng/L, 16 ng/L, 64 ng/L) with intervening recovery periods of six days were assessed on an aquatic community consisting of Gammarus pulex, Ephemera danica, Lumbriculus variegatus and Potamopyrgus antipodarum with various lethal and sub-lethal endpoints. The mortality rate of G. pulex significantly increased with increasing deltamethrin concentrations, whereas the mean number of offspring significantly decreased (NOECoffspring: 16 ng/L, LOECoffspring: 64 ng/L). The biomass of L. variegatus decreased with increasing deltamethrin concentrations (NOECdry weight: 16 ng/L, LOECdry weight: 64 ng/L). The findings of this study clearly demonstrate that 12 h-deltamethrin pulses at environmentally relevant concentrations adversely affect an aquatic community. Based on the results of this study a RAC value of 5.33 ng/L is assumed, which is below the concentrations measured in rivers of up to 58.8 ng/L. Unacceptable effects on the entire freshwater environment can therefore not be ruled out. The experimental AIS approach is a useful tool for assessing the effects of repeated pulse exposures that occur during surface runoff events.

The Functional Impact of VX-770 on the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Is Enduring and Increases the Constitutive Activity of This Channel in Primary Airway Epithelia Generated from Healthy Donors

VX-770 is a small-molecule CFTR potentiator that is highly efficacious in individuals with cystic fibrosis caused by mutations in CFTR that result in a defect in channel gating. While studies have reported on the mechanism of action of VX-770, there is still more to learn about the impact that it has on CFTR function in various contexts. The aim of the present study was to examine the longevity and stability of the effect of VX-770 on CFTR function in cultured airway epithelia and to measure the consequences of this interaction. The responses to acute and chronic VX-770 exposure were measured in cultures of expanded and re-differentiated primary human nasal epithelial cells. Acute VX-770 exposure resulted in an increase in CFTR-mediated currents in the absence of exogenous compounds that induce the phosphorylation/activation of CFTR, with acute exposure having the same effect as chronic exposure. The functional impact of VX-770 on CFTR was long-lasting in cultured airway epithelia, as they maintained an electrophysiological profile consistent with the saturation of CFTR with VX-770 over time periods of up to 4 days following a short (0.5 min) or low-dose (100 nM) exposure to VX-770 during an analysis in an Ussing chamber. Rinsing the apical surface prior to VX-770 exposure or exposure during the analysis in the Ussing chamber increased the interaction between VX-770 and the CFTR. Importantly, after short, low-dose exposures to VX-770, the CFTR channels in cultured epithelia appeared to remain saturated with VX-770 for extended periods of time, despite the repetitive rinsing of the apical surface. This finding has implications for patients discontinuing the use of VX-770-containing therapies.

Impact of UV Light Exposure During Printing on Thermomechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Polyurethane-Based Orthodontic Aligners

Aim: Polyurethane-based aligners, created through photoinitiated free-radical polymerization, have been the subject of numerous studies focusing solely on their mechanical properties. In contrast, we investigate their thermomechanical properties, which are crucial for their efficacy. This paper aims to investigate the effects of different UV light exposure durations on the complex modulus of elasticity, tan delta, glass transition temperature, and the degree of conversion (DC). Methods: Aligners were printed using Tera Harz TC-85 and NextDent Ortho Flex resin with specific exposure times (2, 2.4, 3, 4, and 4.5 s for Tera Harz; 5, 6, 7, and 8 s for NextDent) and processed per manufacturer guidelines. The degree of conversion was analyzed using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, while Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) characterized the mechanical properties (complex modulus and tan delta) and the glass transition. Results: Tera Harz TC-85 showed a higher degree of conversion (90.29–94.54%), suggesting fewer residual monomers, which is potentially healthier for patients. However, its lower glass transition temperature (35.60–38.74 °C) might cause it to become rubbery in the mouth. NextDent Orto Flex, with a higher storage modulus (641.85–794.55 MPa) and Tg (49.36–50.98 °C), offers greater rigidity and stability at higher temperatures (greater than temperature in the oral cavity), ideal for orthodontic forces, though its lower degree of conversion raises health concerns. Conclusions: Tera Harz TC 85 generally achieves higher DC and more stable polymerization across different UV exposure times than NextDent Orto Flex. Optimal polymerization times significantly impact both the mechanical and thermal properties of these dental resins, with NextDent showing optimal properties at 7 s and Tera Harz benefiting from both very short and extended exposure times.

Remote monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis (REMORA): study protocol for a stepped wedge cluster randomized trial and process evaluation of an integrated symptom tracking intervention

BackgroundManagement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) relies on symptoms reported by patients during infrequent outpatient clinic visits. These reports are often incomplete and inaccurate due to poor recall, leading to suboptimal treatment decisions and outcomes. Asking people to track symptoms in-between visits and integrating the data into clinical pathways may improve this. However, knowledge on how to implement this into practice and its impact on services and outcomes remains scarce in RA. Therefore, we evaluate the comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of integrated symptom tracking in people with RA over and above usual care, while generating insights on factors for successful implementation.MethodsIn this superiority stepped wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial with continuous recruitment short exposure design, 16 rheumatology outpatient departments (clusters) recruit a total of 732 people with active RA. They initially offer clinic visits according to standard of care before switching in pairs to visits with integrated symptom tracking. Clusters switch in randomized order every 3 weeks. Integrated symptom tracking consists of (1) a mobile app for patients to track their symptoms daily and other RA aspects weekly/monthly, and (2) an interactive dashboard visualizing the app data, which healthcare professionals access from their electronic health record system. Clinic visits happen according to usual practice, with tracked symptom data only reviewed during visits. Our primary outcome is a difference in marginal mean disease activity score at 12 ± 3 months between standard of care and integrated symptom tracking, after accounting for baseline values, cluster, and other covariates. Secondary outcomes include patient-reported disease activity, quality of life and quality-adjusted life-years, medication/resource use, consultation and decision-making experience, self-management, and illness perception. We also conduct interviews and observations as part of a parallel process evaluation to gather information on implementation.DiscussionOur trial will generate high-quality evidence of comparative and cost-effectiveness of integrated symptom tracking compared to standard of care in people with RA, with our process evaluation delivering knowledge on successful implementation. This optimizes the chances of integrated symptom tracking being adopted more widely if we find it is (cost-) effective.Trial registrationRegistered 4-Jun-2024 on https://www.isrctn.com/, ISRCTN51539448.Trial open science framework repositoryhttps://osf.io/sj9ha/.

Novel Approach for Lifetime-Proportional Luminescence Imaging Using Frame Straddling.

Optode-based chemical imaging is a rapidly evolving field that has substantially enhanced our understanding of the role of microenvironments and chemical gradients in biogeochemistry, microbial ecology, and biomedical sciences. Progress in sensor chemistry has resulted in a broadened spectrum of analytes, alongside enhancements in sensor performance (e.g., sensitivity, brightness, and photostability). However, existing imaging techniques are often costly, challenging to implement, and limited in their recording speed. Here we use the "frame-straddling" technique, originally developed for particle image velocimetry for imaging the O2-dependent, integrated luminescence decay of optical O2 sensor materials. The method synchronizes short excitation pulses and camera exposures to capture two frames at varying brightness, where the first excitation pulse occurs at the end of the exposure of the first frame and the second excitation pulse at the beginning of the second frame. Here the first frame truncates the luminescence decay, whereas the second frame fully captures it. The difference between the frames quantifies the integral of the luminescence decay curve, which is proportional to the luminescence lifetime, at time scales below one millisecond. Short excitation pulses avoid depopulation of the ground state of luminophores, resulting in a linear Stern-Volmer response with increasing concentrations of the quencher (O2), which can be predicted through a simple model. This methodology is compatible with a wide range of camera systems, making it a versatile tool for various optode based chemical imaging applications. We showcase the utility of frame straddling in measuring O2 dynamics around algae and by observing O2 scavenging sodium dithionite particles sinking through oxygenated water.

Development of Thermosensitive Hydrogel Mouthwash Loaded with Zingiber zerumbet Extract for Enhanced Oral Thrush Treatment

BackgroundOral thrush, caused by Candida albicans, is currently treated under guidelines by using topical antifungal pharmaceutical formulations such as lozenges and liquid gargles. Using these drugs may cause irritation and adverse reactions. Moreover, there is a short exposure time to reach the lesion, which may result in low effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, the research group aimed to develop mouthwash solutions that can form gel at oral temperature containing Zingiber zerumbet rhizome extracts, which work as an active substance inhibiting fungi. MethodsThe development process began with the extraction of substances from Zingiber zerumbet rhizome using hexane and the analysis of the active substance by HPLC. Antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were evaluated. Hydrogel mouthwash was prepared by varying the type and concentration of polymer, solvent, and mucoadhesive agent. The optimized formulation was then evaluated for its properties. ResultsZingiber zerumbet rhizome extracts, containing 16.29±0.39 % zerumbone, demonstrated both antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities against Candida albicans. The extract also had anti-inflammatory activity when tested by the proteinase inhibitory test, with a percentage inhibition of 86.15±10.96 %. Two thermosensitive hydrogels, poloxamer P407 and P188, were applied and compared as gel-forming agents. It was found that the optimized formulation is composed of 15 % (w/w) poloxamer P407, 0.05 % (w/w) carbopol as a mucoadhesive agent, and 5 % (v/v) ethanol. Transition time and transition temperature of the optimized thermosensitive hydrogel formula were 27.76±1.25 s and 36±1.00 °C, respectively. The viscosity at shear rate 1 S-1 and 25 °C of the optimized formulation was 0.13±0.06 Pa.s, which is suitable for pouring out of the bottle and gargling. ConclusionThis study demonstrates a novel approach to developing thermosensitive hydrogel mouthwash formulations, leveraging Zingiber zerumbet rhizome extracts for enhanced therapeutic efficacy against oral candidiasis. These formulations offer prolonged contact time with affected areas, potentially improving treatment outcome.

Kilohertz volumetric imaging of in-vivo dynamics using squeezed light field microscopy.

Volumetric functional imaging of transient cellular signaling and motion dynamics poses a significant challenge to current microscopy techniques, primarily due to limitations in hardware bandwidth and the restricted photon budget within short exposure times. In response to this challenge, we present squeezed light field microscopy (SLIM), a computational imaging method that enables rapid detection of high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) light signals using only a single, low-format camera sensor area. SLIM pushes the boundaries of 3D optical microscopy, achieving over one thousand volumes per second across a large field of view of 550 μm in diameter and 300 μm in depth with a spatial resolution of 3.6 μm laterally and 6 μm axially. Using SLIM, we demonstrated blood cell velocimetry across the embryonic zebrafish brain and in a free-moving tail exhibiting high-frequency swinging motion. The millisecond temporal resolution also enables accurate voltage imaging of neural membrane potentials in the leech ganglion, and in the hippocampus of behaving mice. These results collectively establish SLIM as a versatile and robust imaging tool for high-speed microscopy applications.

Impact of an interprofessional training on students’ attitudes toward interprofessional education

ABSTRACT In Lausanne, Switzerland, Interprofessional Education (IPE) is embedded in the curriculum of every undergraduate healthcare student. Since 2011, five educational and healthcare institutions have implemented a short interprofessional education course to bring together 2307 undergraduates from six different disciplines (medicine, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, medical radiology technician) between 2017 and 2020. This pre-post study aimed to explore how this course influenced students’ attitudes toward IPE using a French translation of the validated questionnaire called the “University West of England Interprofessional Questionnaire.” Students were asked to complete an online survey prior to and at the end of the IPE course to measure students’ attitudes toward interprofessional (IP) relationships and collaborative learning. A total of 942 students answered the survey between 2017 and 2020, before and after the course. Each year, students’ attitudes toward IP relationships improved after the course whereas a positive change in students’ attitudes toward IP learning was observed only in 2020. A short exposure to an IPE course could improve students’ attitudes toward IPE and, more specifically, toward IP relationships. Our findings could inform IP leaders to design repetitive, various, and longitudinal IPE experiences to balance the development of uniprofessional and interprofessional identity.

Splanchnic and cerebral oxygenation during cyclic phototherapy in preterm infants with hyperbilirubinemia

Cyclic phototherapy (cPT) can achieve a reduction in total serum bilirubin comparable to that achieved with standard continuous PT in preterm infants. Our aim was to assess the effect of cPT on splanchnic (rSO2S) and cerebral (rSO2C) oxygenation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We prospectively studied 16 infants with a gestational age of 25–34 weeks with hyperbilirubinemia requiring PT. Splanchnic regional oxygenation (rSO2S), oxygen extraction fraction (FOES), and cerebro-splanchnic oxygenation ratio (CSOR) were recorded before, during, and after cPT discontinuation. We found that rSO2S, FOES, and CSOR did not change during the study period. The overall duration of single or multiple courses of PT was 6.5 (6.0–13.5) h, but by cycling PT, the actual exposure was 3.0 (1.5–4.9) h. Twelve patients (75%) required 15 min/h cPT, and four (25%) required prolonging cPT to 30 min/h. None of the patients developed enteral feeding intolerance.Conclusions: cPT treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants does not affect splanchnic oxygenation or intestinal oxygen blood extraction, likely due to the short exposure to PT light, and it could contribute to decreasing the risk of feeding intolerance.What is Known:• The assumption that phototherapy (PT) is innocuous with no serious adverse effects has been questioned.• Cyclic phototherapy (cPT) can achieve a reduction in total serum bilirubin comparable to that achieved with standard continuous PT in preterm infants.What is New:• Splanchnic and cerebral oxygenation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy did not change during KMC.• cPT can contribute to decrease the risk of feeding intolerance likely due to the short exposure to PT light.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the ATLS/ACLS resuscitative management of acutely ill or severely injured patients with severe anemia: a review.

For short periods, even without the presence of red blood cells, hyperbaric oxygen can safely allow plasma to meet the oxygen delivery requirements of a human at rest. By this means, hyperbaric oxygen, in special instances, may be used as a bridge to lessen blood transfusion requirements. Hyperbaric oxygen, applied intermittently, can readily avert oxygen toxicity while meeting the body's oxygen requirements. In acute injury or illness, accumulated oxygen debt is shadowed by adenosine triphosphate debt. Hyperbaric oxygen efficiently provides superior diffusion distances of oxygen in tissue compared to those provided by breathing normobaric oxygen. Intermittent application of hyperbaric oxygen can resupply adenosine triphosphate for energy for gene expression and reparative and anti-inflammatory cellular function. This advantageous effect is termed the hyperbaric oxygen paradox. Similarly, the normobaric oxygen paradox has been used to elicit erythropoietin expression. Referfusion injury after an ischemic insult can be ameliorated by hyperbaric oxygen administration. Oxygen toxicity can be averted by short hyperbaric oxygen exposure times with air breaks during treatments and also by lengthening the time between hyperbaric oxygen sessions as the treatment advances. Hyperbaric chambers can be assembled to provide everything available to a patient in modern-day intensive care units. The complication rate of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is very low. Accordingly, hyperbaric oxygen, when safely available in hospital settings, should be considered as an adjunct for the management of critically injured or ill patients with disabling anemia.

MONOCHROME AUGMENTED LOW-LIGHT IMAGE ENHANCEMENT

Low light short exposure photography is challenging, but an important factor in capturing images in temporarily dynamic scenes avoiding unwanted effects such as ghosting, motion blur, camera shakes, image artifacts, etc. Monochrome augmented low-light image enhancement aims to get improved low-light short-exposure images by using an additional monochrome sensor and its data. Monochrome images typically possess a higher SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and better luma information, since it avoids the attenuation by the Bayer Filter. The objective here is to develop a deep learning based approach to enhance low-light short exposure images from the main sensor by using an additional low resolution monochrome sensor.

Characterization of Mechanical Properties and Surface Wettability of Epoxy Resin/Benzoxazine Composites in a Simulated Acid Rain Environment

Despite the robustness of thermosetting coatings in various applications, prolonged exposure to acidic environments can cause gradual deterioration, leading to structural or functional damage. This study investigates composite materials comprised of cycloaliphatic epoxy resin (CER) and benzoxazine (BZ) at three different weight ratios: 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100. These composites were exposed to nitric acid, simulating acid rain, for durations ranging from 1 to 5 h. The specimens were characterized for weight change, mechanical properties (flexural strength and short beam strength), and surface properties (contact angle and contact angle hysteresis). Although minimal changes in the physical and mechanical properties of both homopolymer and copolymer composites were detected after short acid exposure (up to 5 h), surface wettability analysis via static contact angle and contact angle hysteresis revealed more pronounced deterioration. The static contact angle decreased by 24.96% and 28.32% for homopolymer BZ and copolymer BZ-CER composites, respectively. Contact angle hysteresis increased by 19.39% and 27.80% for 5 h acid-exposed homopolymer BZ and copolymer CER, respectively. This study underscores the utility of surface wettability analysis as a valuable tool for monitoring deterioration from acidic aging in polymers, particularly in BZ-CER systems used in structural and high-performance applications.

The effects of letter capitalization in advertising headlines

ABSTRACT An increasingly common advertising practice uses letter capitalization in headlines, as confirmed by a content analysis of 700 magazine advertisements (Study 1). However, the effects of letter capitalization in advertising headlines on critical outcomes – including legibility, readability, conveying key attributes, and eliciting connotations – have not been investigated previously. Four experimental studies reveal that in single, short exposures, uppercase letters have two divergent effects on consumers’ processing of headlines: The exclusive use of uppercase letters in advertising headlines impedes legibility (reading speed) (Study 2), which impairs readability for long headlines (Study 3), whereas highlighting key product attributes in uppercase can promote direct message conveyance by directing attention toward the key attribute (Study 4). Finally, the authors find no effects of headline capitalization on indirect message conveyance (connotations) (Study 5) or ad evaluations (Studies 3–5).

The role of environmentally relevant concentrations of oxytetracycline in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda

The study assessed the efficiency of in-vitro oxytetracycline (OTC) exposure on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development in aquatic bacteria. Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 49140 and Edwardsiella tarda ATCC 15947 were serially passaged to OTC for short and long durations. Short duration OTC exposure (30 min) at 0, 0.097 (0.25× Minimum Inhibitory Concentration: MIC), 0.195 (0.5× MIC) and 0.39 µg mL−1 (1× MIC) elicited high mutation rate in A. hydrophila (10−4) and E. tarda (10−2). Serial passage exposure to inhibitory concentration of OTC (0.39 µg mL−1) reduced the zone of inhibition of nitrofurantoin (NIT) for A. hydrophila and of tetracycline, NIT and gentamicin for E. tarda to a clinically significant level. The upsurge in MICs of OTC was 4-folds (1.56 µg mL−1) and 8-folds (3.12 µg mL−1) in A. hydrophila and E. tarda, respectively during serial passage exposure to 0.097, 0.195 and 0.39 µg mL−1 OTC. OTC exposure also increased the MICs of biocide triclosan (TCS) >4-folds (>100 µg mL−1) in A. hydrophila without any concentration-dependent pattern. This study shows that environmental OTC levels can drive bacterial mutation and AMR, potentially leading to cross-resistance to biocides like TCS. Reducing OTC use and improving disposal could help limit AMR spread through better antimicrobial management.

Comparative analysis of short versus long co-incubation of gametes on post-insemination outcomes and embryo morphokinetics: a sibling oocyte randomized study

Research questionDoes a short co-incubation of gametes in conventional IVF impact post-insemination outcomes and embryo morphokinetics? DesignSibling oocyte randomized pilot study performed between December 2020 and March 2023. Eligible couples (n=55) were female aged 18-43 years with body mass index (BMI) ≤35 and male normal semen parameters. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) (min 6 - max 12) were randomized in a 1:1:2 proportion in long (16-18 hrs), or short (2 hrs) co-incubation IVF exposure, and ICSI, respectively. All oocytes inseminated via IVF were monitored by time-lapse (TL). Blastocysts of ≥BL3CC were subjected to trophectoderm (TE) biopsy on day (D)5, D6 or D7 by next generation sequencing (NGS). ResultsA total of 954 COCs were distributed to long co-incubation (n=235, 24.6%), short co-incubation (n=235, 24.6%), and ICSI (n=484, 50.3%). In total, 202 were MII after long co-incubation, 209 after short co-incubation and 394 at ICSI. Regression analyses showed both short co-incubation groups (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.46–1.11, P=0.139) and ICSI (OR: 1.43, 05% CI: 0.95–2.15, P=0.090) did not significantly impact normal fertilization rates (2PN) when compared to long co-incubation. Usable blastocysts per MII, per 2PN, and euploid blastocysts per MII, per 2PN and per tested blastocysts were similar among the groups. The rate of embryo arrest (HR: HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.57-1.11, P=0.183) and timings to reach morphokinetic milestones among embryos reaching blastulation were similar between IVF groups (P>0.05, for all). ConclusionA short 2-hour co-incubation of gametes in IVF yields comparable fertilization, blastocyst, and euploidy rates without adverse embryo morphokinetic events, compared to standard overnight co-incubation.

Long-Term Differences in AutonomicAlterations After Cryoballoonvs Radiofrequency AtrialFibrillation Ablation.

The long-term natural history of autonomic alterations following catheter ablation of drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is poorly defined. The authors sought to define the long-term impact of thermal catheter ablation on the cardiac autonomic system. The study included 346 patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing pulmonary vein isolation using thermal ablation energy (radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation). All patients underwent insertion of a Reveal LINQ implantable cardiac monitor prior to ablation. The implantable cardiac monitor continuously recorded physical activity, heart rate variability (HRV) (measured as the standard deviation of the average normal-to-normal), daytime heart rate, and nighttime heart rate (NHR). Longitudinal autonomic data in the 2-month period prior to the date of ablation were compared with the 3 years following ablation. Following ablation, there was a significant decrease in HRV (10-20ms; P< 0.0001) and significant increases in daytime heart rate and NHR (10 beats/min [P< 0.0001] and 7 beats/min [P< 0.0001], respectively). Changes in autonomic parameters were greatest in the first 3months following ablation but remained significantly different from baseline for 36months following ablation. Greater changes in NHR and HRV were associated with improved freedom from recurrent arrhythmia. The type of thermal ablation energy had no influence on the heart rate and autonomic parameters. Pulmonary vein isolation using thermal ablation energy results in significant sustained changes in the heart rate parameters related to autonomic function. These changes are independent of the ablation technology employed and are associated with procedural success. (Cryoballoon vs Irrigated Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: Double Short vs Standard Exposure Duration [CIRCA-DOSE]; NCT01913522).

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to study inflammation-induced aberrant calcium transient.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is commonly found in persons living with HIV (PLWH) even when antiretroviral therapy suppresses HIV viremia. However, studying this condition has been challenging because an appropriate animal model is not available. In this article, we studied calcium transient in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) in culture to simulate the cardiomyocyte relaxation defect noted in PLWH and HFpEF and assess whether various drugs have an effect. We show that treatment of hiPSC-CMs with inflammatory cytokines (such as interferon-γ or TNF-α) impairs their Ca2+ uptake into sarcoplasmic reticulum and that SGLT2 inhibitors, clinically proven as effective for HFpEF, reverse this effect. Additionally, treatment with mitochondrial antioxidants (like mito-Tempo) and certain antiretrovirals resulted in the reversal of the effects of these cytokines on calcium transient. Finally, incubation of hiPSC-CMs with serum from HIV patients with and without diastolic dysfunction did not alter their Ca2+-decay time, indicating that the exposure to the serum of these patients is not sufficient to induce the decrease in Ca2+ uptake in vitro. Together, our results indicate that hiPSC-CMs can be used as a model to study molecular mechanisms of inflammation-mediated abnormal cardiomyocyte relaxation and screen for potential new interventions.