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Abstract Liquid flow along a charged interface is commonly described by classical continuum theory, which represents the electric double layer by uniformly distributed point charges. The electrophoretic mobility of hydrophobic nanodroplets in water doubles in magnitude when the pH is varied from neutral to mildly basic (pH 7 → 11). Classical continuum theory predicts that this increase in mobility is due to an increased surface charge. Here, by combining all-optical measurements of surface charge and molecular structure, as well as electronic structure calculations, we show that surface charge and molecular structure at the nanodroplet surface are identical at neutral and mildly basic pH. We propose that the force that propels the droplets originates from two factors: Negative charge on the droplet surface due to charge transfer from and within water, and anisotropic gradients in the fluctuating polarization induced by the electric field. Both charge density fluctuations couple with the external electric field, and lead to droplet flow. Replacing chloride by hydroxide doubles both the charge conductivity via the Grotthuss mechanism, and the droplet mobility. This general mechanism deeply impacts a plethora of processes in biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology and provides an explanation of how pH influences hydrodynamic phenomena and the limitations of classical continuum theory currently used to rationalize these effects.

Objectives: Dietary strategies to improve arachidonic acid:eicosapentaenoic acid (AA:EPA) ratios are of interest due to potential reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress following exercise. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel dietary intervention, that is, the ingestion of 30 g of dark chocolate, on blood lipid profiles and gut microbiota composition in elite male soccer players. Methods: Professional male soccer players were randomly assigned to the experimental group (DC) provided with 30 g of dark chocolate or to the control group (WC), provided with 30 g of white chocolate, for 30 days. Before and after intervention, blood, fecal sample, and anthropometry data were collected. For each outcome, two-way repeated-measure analysis of variance was used to identify differences between baseline and endpoint (Week 4), considering treatment (dark chocolate, white chocolate) as intersubjects' factors. Metagenomic analysis was performed following the general guidelines, which relies on the bioBakery computational environment. Results: DC group showed increased plasma polyphenols (from 154.7 ± 18.6 μg gallic acid equivalents/ml to 185.11 ± 57.6 μg gallic acid equivalents/ml, Δ pre vs. post = +30.41 ± 21.50) and significant improvements in lipid profiles: total cholesterol (Δ −32.47 ± 17.18 mg/dl DC vs. Δ −2.84 ± 6.25 mg/dl WC, Time × Treatment interaction p <.001), triglycerides (Δ −6.32 ± 4.96 mg/dl DC vs. Δ −0.42 ± 6.47 mg/dl WC, Time × Treatment interaction p <.001), low-density lipoprotein (Δ −18.42 ± 17.13 mg/dl vs. Δ −2.05 ± 5.19 mg/dl WC, Time × Treatment interaction p <.001), AA/EPA ratio (Δ −5.26 ± 2.35; −54.1% DC vs. Δ −0.47 ± 0.73, −6.41% WC, Time × Treatment interaction p <.001) compared with WC group. In addition, 4 weeks of intervention showed a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein concentration in DC group (Δ + 3.26 ± 4.49 mg/dl DC vs. Δ −0.79 ± 5.12 mg/dl WC). Microbial communities in the DC group maintained a slightly higher microbial stability over time (exhibiting lower within-subject community dissimilarity). Conclusion: Ingesting 30 g of dark chocolate over 4 weeks positively improved AA:EPA ratio and maintained gut microbial stability. Dark chocolate ingestion represents an effective nutritional strategy to improve blood lipid profiles in professional soccer players. What Are the Findings? Ingesting 30 g of dark chocolate for 4 weeks positively influences blood lipid AA: EPA ratio while maintaining gut microbial stability. What This Study Adds? Dietary intake of specific foods such as dark chocolate represents an alternative strategy to support the health and recovery of elite soccer players. WhatImpact Might This Have on Clinical Practice in the Future? From a clinical and translational perspective, dark chocolate ingestion positively modulates favorable blood lipid profiles and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism while maintaining gut microbial stability. Dark chocolate ingestion may be considered as an effective nutritional strategy in elite sport environments during periods of high-intensity training and congested competitions. Further research is required to determine functional outcomes associated with the observed improvements in blood lipid profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of aqueous ammonia solutions is investigated through classical molecular dynamics (MD) and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. We have preliminarily compared three well-known classical force fields for liquid water (SPC, SPC/E, and TIP4P) in order to identify the most accurate one in reproducing AIMD results obtained at the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) and meta-GGA levels of theory. Liquid ammonia has been simulated by implementing an optimized force field recently developed by Chettiyankandy et al. [Fluid Phase Equilib. 511, 112507 (2020)]. Analysis of the radial distribution functions for different ammonia concentrations reveals that the three water force fields provide comparable estimates of the mixture structure, with the SPC/E performing slightly better. Although a fairly good agreement between MD and AIMD is observed for conditions close to the equimolarity, at lower ammonia concentrations, important discrepancies arise, with classical force fields underestimating the number and strength of H-bonds between water molecules and between water and ammonia moieties. Here, we prove that these drawbacks are rooted in a poor sampling of the configurational space spanned by the hydrogen atoms lying in the H-bonds of H2O⋯H2O and, more critically, H2O⋯NH3 neighbors due to the lack of polarization and charge transfer terms. This way, non-polarizable classical force fields underestimate the proton affinity of the nitrogen atom of ammonia in aqueous solutions, which plays a key role under realistic dilute ammonia conditions. Our results witness the need for developing more suited polarizable models that are able to take into account these effects properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nursing homes (NHs) have high prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) with rates exceeding those in hospitals. This study proposes quantifying patients’ risk of MDRO colonization and creating a risk profile for the NH patient populations to assist in reducing MDRO burden in health care facilities. Methods: We assessed a risk classification model using data from a prospective cohort study (2018 Pathways study). Patient sample included 783 newly admitted patients followed for up to 180 days and 9,587 samples collected from patients during 2,089 visits. Individual risk factors of MDRO colonization were assessed using unadjusted logistic regression, and patients were risk classified based on number of risk factors. Multivariate regression was performed to obtain odds of MDRO colonization for patient risk groups adjusting for patient age, sex, race, and length of NH stay (LOS). The risk classification tool developed using Pathways data was also tested among a sample of NH residents from Veterans Administration (N=190). Results: The patient sample (Pathways data) was 43.2% male, 37.2% Black with a mean age 74 years. 69.3% were colonized with a MDRO during the study. In unadjusted regression, recent antibiotic use (p

Background: Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is known to cause frequent and severe infections in community living centers, potentially resulting in significant mortality for elderly patients. More research is needed to understand how to utilize genomic and epidemiological data to understand characteristics that may lead to increased transmission. We hypothesized that combining genomic and epidemiological information to sample patients and their environments during long-term stays, we will be able to capture a diverse set of MRSA strains. Method: This work included genome sequencing of patient and environmental samples from 11 patients within the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System from May 4, 2021- November 16, 2022. All 11 patients tested positive for MRSA during their stay (mean days = 31). Patient and environmental samples were taken throughout their stays, screened for MRSA, and whole-genome sequenced. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were identified by mapping reads and calling variants against strain-specific reference genomes. We used ape v5.6-2 in R v4.2.2 to analyze and infer evolution, acquisition, and transmission events based on pairwise SNV distances. Genomic clusters were determined using stats v3.6.2, with a SNV distance threshold of 20. Result: Samples that were collected from patient bodily sites were able to reveal 20 distinct genomic clusters of MRSA (patient hands: n = 10, nares: n = 7, groin: n = 3). Environmental samples from patient environments also revealed distinct genomic MRSA clusters (tv remote: n = 9, toilet seat and bed rail: n = 6, table top, bed control, and call button: n = 5, bed curtain: n = 4, pulse ox = 2, cell phone, tray, pulse ox, mat, body hoist wrap, and bed: n = 1). Conclusion: The identification of various genomic clusters from patients and their environmental reservoirs suggests intrahost variation that can only be captured by using a more holistic approach of integrating epidemiology and genomic sequencing. Developing studies that incorporate genomic data, various environmental sources, and multiple isolates over time within community living centers can increase our understanding of strains that are more likely to transmit, survive on living and non-living surfaces and therefore lead to improved recommendation for infection prevention interventions and drivers of endemicity.

ABSTRACT The microbiome plays vital roles in the life history of mosquitoes, including their development, immunity, longevity, and vector competence. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have allowed for detailed exploration into the diverse microorganisms harbored by these medically important insects. Although these meta-studies have cataloged the microbiomes of mosquitoes in several continents, much of the information currently available for North America is limited to the state of California. In this study, we collected >35,000 mosquitoes throughout Manitoba, Canada, over a 3-year period and then harnessed RNA sequencing and targeted reverse transcriptase-PCR to characterize the microbiomes of the eight most pervasive and important vector and pest species. The consensus microbiome of each species was overwhelmingly composed of viruses but also included fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and parasitic invertebrates. The microbial assemblages were heterogeneous between species, even within the same genus. We detected notable pathogens, including the causal agents of Cache Valley Fever, avian malaria, and canine heartworm. The remaining microbiome consisted largely of putatively insect-specific viruses that are not well characterized, including 17 newly discovered viruses from 10 different families. Future research should focus on evaluating the potential application of these viruses in biocontrol, as biomarkers, and/or in disrupting mosquito vectorial capacity. Interestingly, we also detected viruses that naturally infect honeybees and thrips, which were presumably acquired indirectly through nectar foraging behaviors. Overall, we provide the first comprehensive catalog of the microorganisms harbored by the most common and important mosquito vectors and pests in the Canadian Prairies.IMPORTANCEMosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on the planet, responsible for over 800,000 deaths per year globally. This is because they carry and transmit a plethora of human disease-causing microorganisms, such as West Nile virus and the malaria parasite. Recent innovations in nucleic acid sequencing technologies have enabled researchers unparalleled opportunities to characterize the suite of microorganisms harbored by different mosquito species, including the causal agents of disease. In our study, we carried out 3 years of intensive mosquito surveillance in Canada. We collected and characterized the microorganisms harbored by >35,000 mosquitoes, including the identification of the agents of Cache Valley fever, avian malaria, and canine heartworm. We also detected insect-specific viruses and discovered 17 new viruses that have never been reported. This study, which is the first of its kind in Canada and one of only a handful globally, will greatly aid in future infectious disease research.

Abstract Water is routinely exposed to external electric fields. Whether, for example, at physiological conditions, in contact with biological systems, or at the interface of polar surfaces in countless technological settings, water responds to fields on the order of a few V Å−1 in a manner that is under intense investigation. Dating back to the 19th century, the possibility of solidifying water upon applying electric fields – a process known as electrofreezing – is an alluring promise that has canalized major efforts since, with uncertain outcomes. Here, we perform long (up to 500 ps per field strength) ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of water at ambient conditions under external electric fields. We show that fields of 0.10 − 0.15 V Å−1 induce electrofreezing to a ferroelectric amorphous phase which we term f-GW (ferroelectric glassy water). The transition occurs after ~ 150 ps for a field of 0.15 V Å−1 and after ~ 200 ps for a field of 0.10 V Å−1 and is signaled by a structural and dynamic arrest and the suppression of the fluctuations of the hydrogen bond network. Our work reports evidence of electrofreezing of bulk liquid water at ambient conditions and therefore impacts several fields, from fundamental chemical physics to biology and catalysis.

Idea generation in interactive learning environments requires the consideration of the interactivity and materiality aspects of creativity. In educational robotics, idea generation is mediated through a technological object in a process allowing us to observe the three main components of divergent thinking: fluency, flexibility, and originality. Nevertheless, divergent thinking assessment has been mainly evaluated in the last decades through semantic idea generation tasks such the Alternative Uses Test (AUT), asking participants to write different uses for familiar objects. In our study, we aimed to analyze differences in the three divergent thinking components (fluency, flexibility, and originality) through the AUT as a semantic task and through an educational robotic task that engaged the participants in building their ideas interactively. Results show that the creative components are strongly correlated within but not between the two tasks, leading us to consider the differences in the creative processes engaged when generating ideas through building with robotic objects. The role of affordances in idea generation through educational robotics is discussed as an important difference to consider in the evaluation of creativity in interactive learning environments.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis of the middle and little caliber arteries that specifically affects the coronary arteries. It represents the main cause of acquired cardiopathy in the pediatric population of western countries and in 25% of cases it leads to coronary artery aneurism (1). Atypical KD is nowadays considered a challenge for pediatrics, due to all of its possible clinical manifestations: it is characterized by a long-lasting fever (5 or more days) associated with some of the typical signs and symptoms and other unusual clinical manifestations (as neurological, nephrological, respiratory, gastrointestinal, rheumatological manifestations), variably associated with coronary arteries aneurism. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysms (2,3). We report the case of a 5-year-old boy who came to our attention for skin rash, abdominal pain, increased liver enzymes, and hydrops of the gallbladder. He presented a fever for less than 5 days. 2 weeks later, the appearance of peeling on the fingers and the toes confirmed the diagnosis of an atypical, incomplete KD.

Most of the artworks stored in museums are often kept in inappropriate climatic and environmental conditions that facilitate the formation and growth of microorganisms, such as fungi, which are responsible for many types of biodegradation phenomena. To mitigate and prevent these deteriorative processes, functionalized packaging materials can be used for the storage and handling of artworks. The aim of this study was to develop a potential anti-biodeterioration coating suitable for packaging purposes. TiO2 and ZnO doped with different amounts of Ag (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, and 3 wt%) were synthesized and dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and acrylic resin (Paraloid B72), then applied on different types of packaging materials (cellulose and the high-density spunbound polyethylene fiber Tyvek®, materials that are frequently used as packaging in museums). Analytical investigations (SEM/EDS, Raman, FTIR, and XRD) were employed to assess dispersion on the packaging material. Furthermore, resistance against biodeteriogens was assessed using Cladosporium sp., a bioluminometer, to define the biocidal efficacy.

ABSTRACTWe retrospectively studied antibody immunity in 92 candidemia patients, using sera taken at candidemia diagnosis. All patients showed the presence of IgG antibodies against all tested Candida antigens, namely Als3, Mp65, Hyr1 and Eno1, at levels significantly higher than those of non-candidemia controls. Both correlation and multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the antibodies against Als3 and-Mp65, two known immunodominant and virulence-related proteins, were significantly associated with lower 30-day patient mortality. In particular, high titers of anti-Als3 antibodies were associated with survival in all subgroups of frail, more critical patients (over-median aged, infected by C. albicans or with septic shock) while high anti-Mp65 IgG levels were associated with survival in younger patients and in those infected by non-albicans Candida species or showing no signs of septic shock. A multivariable logistic model including anti-Als3 or anti-MP65 antibody levels and other variables, such as the serum β-glucan level at candidemia diagnosis, septic shock occurrence, the presence of diabetes, and initial antifungal treatment with fluconazole, was highly predictive of candidemia outcome, with an area under the curve of 0.85–0.86. Overall, the data demonstrate the ability of candidemia patients to mount a sustained memory antibody response to Candida antigens and that some of these responses have a sizeable impact on patient survival. Our data invite consideration of a multicenter, prospective investigation of antibody immunity in candidemia.IMPORTANCECandidemia (bloodstream invasion by Candida species) is a major fungal disease in humans. Despite the recent progress in diagnosis and treatment, therapeutic options are limited and under threat of antimicrobial resistance. The disease mortality remains high (around 40%). In contrast with deep-seated invasive candidiasis, particularly that occurring in patients with hematologic malignancies and organ transplants, patients with candidemia are often not immunocompromised and therefore able to mount memory anticandidal immune responses, perhaps primed by Candida commensalism. We investigated antibody immunity in candidemia patients and report here on the ability of these patients to produce antibodies that react with Candida antigens. In particular, the patients with high titers of IgG reactive with two immunodominant, virulence-associated antigens (Als3 and MP65) had a higher 30-day survival. If confirmed by controlled, prospective clinical studies, our data could inform the development of antibody therapy to better treat a severe fungal infection such as candidiasis.

Abstract Background Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) surgery is common in children, but hospitalisation, surgery, and home care after discharge are stressful experiences for young patients and their family caregivers. Findings from literature highlight a lack of time in hospitals to support ORL surgery children and their caregivers through the perioperative process, along with the risks of caregivers’ autonomous web or social media resources investigation. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health application with content to support ORL patients and their caregivers in the perioperative period to reduce caregiver anxiety and child distress compared to standard care. Methods An open-label, two-arm randomised control trial design is being adopted. The intervention consists of a mobile health application with content to support ORL patients and their caregivers during the perioperative period. One hundred eighty participants will be enrolled and randomly assigned to the experimental group using the mHealth application or the control group. The control group receives standard information and education about the ORL perioperative period from healthcare providers orally or through brochures. The primary outcome is the difference between the intervention and control groups in preoperative caregiver state anxiety. Secondary outcome measures include children’s distress before surgery and family preparation for hospitalisation. Discussion The results of this study will be critical to the implementation of a new and safe model for the management of care and education in paediatrics. This model can achieve positive organisational and health outcomes by supporting continuity of care and empowering citizens to have informed participation and satisfaction in paediatric health promotion and management. Trial registration Trial identifier: NCT05460689 registry name: ClinicalTrials.gov. Date of registration: July 15, 2022. Last update posted: February 23, 2023.

Abstract Colonial waterbirds, a major biodiversity element occurring in the core of ultra-anthropized Europe, are ideal indicators of the wellness of inland wetlands. Nonetheless, there is a critical knowledge gap in their trend and population status. We present an uninterrupted 47 years-long dataset of the breeding populations of 12 species of colonial waterbirds (Ardeidae, Phalacrocoracidae, Plataleidae, Threskiornitidae) throughout a 58,000 km2 agricultural region in the higher Po basin (NW Italy). A trained team of collaborators censused with standardized field techniques the number of nests of each species at 419 colonies in the 1972–2018 period, summing up a total of 236,316 records. Data cleaning and standardization were performed for each census year, ensuring robust and consistent data. This dataset is among the largest ever collected for a guild of European vertebrates. It has already been used to describe the factors influencing population trends, and still offers opportunities to explore a wide range of key ecological processes such as biological invasions, global change consequences and biodiversity impact of agricultural practices.

Abstract Background Mosquito seasonal activity is largely driven by weather conditions, most notably temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity. The extent by which these weather variables influence activity is intertwined with the animal’s biology and may differ by species. For mosquito vectors, changes in weather can also alter host–pathogen interactions thereby increasing or decreasing the burden of disease. Methods In this study, we performed weekly mosquito surveillance throughout the active season over a 2-year period in Manitoba, Canada. We then used Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) to explore the relationships between weather variables over the preceding 2 weeks and mosquito trap counts for four of the most prevalent vector species in this region: Oc. dorsalis, Ae. vexans, Cx. tarsalis, and Cq. perturbans. Results More than 265,000 mosquitoes were collected from 17 sampling sites throughout Manitoba in 2020 and 2021, with Ae. vexans the most commonly collected species followed by Cx. tarsalis. Aedes vexans favored high humidity, intermediate degree days, and low precipitation. Coquillettidia perturbans and Oc. dorsalis activity increased with high humidity and high rainfall, respectively. Culex tarsalis favored high degree days, with the relationship between number of mosquitoes captured and precipitation showing contrasting patterns between years. Minimum trapping temperature only impacted Ae. vexans and Cq. perturbans trap counts. Conclusions The activity of all four mosquito vectors was affected by weather conditions recorded in the 2 weeks prior to trapping, with each species favoring different conditions. Although some research has been done to explore the relationships between temperature/precipitation and Cx. tarsalis in the Canadian Prairies, to our knowledge this is the first study to investigate other commonly found vector species in this region. Overall, this study highlights how varying weather conditions can impact mosquito activity and in turn species-specific vector potential. Graphical Abstract