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Background: Streptococcus agalactiae is a recognized pathogen that primarily affects infants and pregnant women. However, its increasingly important role in causing invasive infections among non-pregnant adults has become a significant health concern due to the severity and variety of its clinical impacts. Methods: Nonduplicate S. agalactiae clinical strains associated with clinical infections (n = 139) were isolated from non-pregnant adults in Shandong, China. Antibiotic susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing and genomic analyses were conducted to characterize the genome and identify resistance features of these strains. Results: The strains exhibited universal susceptibility to penicillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, meropenem, linezolid and vancomycin. Notably, high resistance rates were observed for erythromycin (91.4%), clindamycin (89.2%), levofloxacin (84.2%), tetracycline (54.0%) and, to a lesser extent, chloramphenicol (12.9%). Serotyping revealed seven serotypes and one non-typeable strain. Serotypes Ia, Ib, III and V predominated, representing 95.7% of the strains. Nineteen sequence types were categorized into seven clonal complexes, with CC10 being the most prevalent at 48.9%. The resistance genes mreA (100%), ermB (70.5%) and tetM (46.0%) were commonly detected. All the isolates carried at least one pilus backbone determinant and one alpha-like protein gene, with the PI-1+PI-2a and the bca gene being the most frequent at 84.2% and 54.7%, respectively. Conclusions: While S. agalactiae strains in non-pregnant adults retain sensitivity to β-lactam antibiotics, the elevated resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, levofloxacin and tetracycline is concerning. Given the growing elderly population worldwide, the burden of S. agalactiae infections is significant. Continuous surveillance of serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns is imperative for targeted prevention and therapeutic strategies.

Abstract As one of the most promising electrode materials for capacitive deionization (CDI), the development of carbon materials with controllable pore structure and continuous mass production is essential for their practical application. Herein, a facile ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method was developed to synthesize surface-functionalized wrinkled hierarchical porous carbon spheres (HCS) with unique interconnected multi-cavity structures. The wrinkled and interconnected multi-cavity hierarchical pores of the HCS play a crucial role in providing accessible ion adsorption sites and promoting ion diffusion and storage in the “multi-cavity warehouse”. The carboxyl groups on the surface of HCS generate a negative charge that promotes the adsorption of cations. The optimized HCS possesses outstanding desalination capacity (114.25 mg g− 1), fast adsorption rate (6.57 mg g− 1 min− 1), and superior cycling stability (95%). Meanwhile, the HCS exhibited impressive desalination capacities in brackish water. Furthermore, the density functional theory calculation results confirmed that the synergistic effect of carboxyl groups and defects significantly enhanced the Na+ adsorption capacity and facilitated ion diffusion. This study extends the synthesis method of surface-functionalized hierarchical porous carbon, which is expected to facilitate the development of CDI electrode materials.

Background. Stroke is a common and frequently occurring disease among middle-aged and elderly people, with approximately 55%−75% of patients remaining with upper limb dysfunction. How to promote the recovery of motor function at an early stage is crucial to the life of the patient. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate whether high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) functional area in poststroke patients in the subacute phase is more effective in improving upper limb function than conventional tDCS. Methods. This randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial included 69 patients with subcortical stroke. They were randomly divided into the HD-tDCS, anodal tDCS (a-tDCS), and sham groups. Each group received 20 sessions of stimulation. The patients were assessed using the Action Research Arm Test, Fugl–Meyer score for upper extremities, Motor Function Assessment Scale, and modified Barthel index (MBI) pretreatment and posttreatment. Results. The intragroup comparison scores improved after 4 weeks of treatment. The HD-tDCS group showed a slightly greater, but nonsignificant improvement as compared to a-tDCS group in terms of mean change observed in function of trained items. The MBI score of the HD-tDCS group was maintained up to 8 weeks of follow-up and was higher than that in the a-tDCS group. Conclusion. Both HD-tDCS and a-tDCS can improve upper limb motor function and daily activities of poststroke patients in the subacute stage. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2000031314.

Abstract Dental follicles are necessary for tooth eruption, surround the enamel organ and dental papilla, and regulate both the formation and resorption of alveolar bone. Dental follicle progenitor cells (DFPCs), which are stem cells found in dental follicles, differentiate into different kinds of cells that are necessary for tooth formation and eruption. Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) is a transcription factor that is essential for osteoblasts and osteoclasts differentiation, as well as bone remodeling. Mutation of Runx2 causing cleidocranial dysplasia negatively affects osteogenesis and the osteoclastic ability of dental follicles, resulting in tooth eruption difficulties. Among a variety of cells and molecules, Nel-like molecule type 1 (Nell-1) plays an important role in neural crest-derived tissues and is strongly expressed in dental follicles. Nell-1 was originally identified in pathologically fused and fusing sutures of patients with unilateral coronal synostosis, and it plays indispensable roles in bone remodeling, including roles in osteoblast differentiation, bone formation and regeneration, craniofacial skeleton development, and the differentiation of many kinds of stem cells. Runx2 was proven to directly target the Nell-1 gene and regulate its expression. These studies suggested that Runx2/Nell-1 axis may play an important role in the process of tooth eruption by affecting DFPCs. Studies on short and long regulatory noncoding RNAs have revealed the complexity of RNA-mediated regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. This ceRNA network participates in the regulation of Runx2 and Nell-1 gene expression in a complex way. However, non-study indicated the potential connection between Runx2 and Nell-1, and further researches are still needed.

Ambipolar organic phototransistors (OPTs) operating in the near-infrared II (NIR-II) were successfully fabricated by using an organic planar-heterojunction channel layer and an organic–inorganic charge-transfer-complex (CTC) photosensitive layer. After optimizations of the ratio of vanadium pentoxide in CTC hybrid system and the substrate temperature of the deposited channel layer, the devices shows the most balanced output characteristics in the dark and under 1310 nm light illumination. These OPTs yielded significantly enhanced currents upon infrared light illumination with the photoresponsivities as high as 0.115 A/W for the n-channel, and 2.600 A/W for the p-channel, respectively. By analyzing the energy band of the heterojunction structure, the operating mechanisms of the balanced ambipolar NIR-II OPTs were derived. This work will be helpful to design the ambipolar infrared phototransistor and brings forward design thought of realization of optical complementary MOS logic circuits in the future.

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is a major cause of neonatal infections with high morbidity and mortality, and clindamycin is the main antibiotic used to treat GBS infections in patients allergic to penicillin. We aimed to analyse the antibiotic sensitivity, sequence types, serotypes, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance mechanisms of clinically isolated clindamycin-resistant S. agalactiae and provide basic data for the treatment, prevention, and control of clinical infection of S. agalactiae. A total of 110 strains of clindamycin-resistant S. agalactiae were collected from two tertiary hospitals in Hebei, China. We performed antibiotic sensitivity tests for 11 antibiotics on these strains and whole-genome sequencing analysis. All the strains were susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, linezolid, vancomycin, tigecycline, and quinupristin–dalfopristin. Resistance to erythromycin, levofloxacin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol were also observed. Genome sequence analysis revealed that all strains belonged to 12 sequence types (STs) related to six cloning complexes (CCs), namely CC10, CC19, CC23, CC651, CC1, and CC17. Five serotypes were identified, including IA, IB, II, III, and V. The most prominent resistance genes were mreA (100%) and ermB (81.8%). Furthermore, cfb, cylE, pavA and the gene cluster related to the pili were 100% present in all strains, followed by lmb (95.5%) and srr1 (67.2%). This study found that clindamycin-resistant S. agalactiae showed polymorphisms in molecular types and serotypes. Furthermore, multiple virulence factor genes have been identified in their genomes.

Autosomal dominant hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome (AD-HIES) is associated with mutations in STAT3, and clinical manifestations include skeletal deformities. Here, the authors show that inactivation of STAT3 in osteoblast induces AD-HIES-like skeletal defects by impairing osteogenesis, and show that pharmacological STAT3 activation rescues the phenotype.

An increase in the carbapenem-hydrolyzing capacity of class D β-lactamase has been observed in strains of multiple species, posing a significant challenge to the control of antibiotic resistance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic characteristics of new blaOXA-48-like variants derived from Shewanella xiamenensis. Three ertapenem-non-susceptible S. xiamenensis strains were identified, one isolated from the blood sample of an inpatient, the other two isolated from the aquatic environment. Phenotypic characterization confirmed that the strains were carbapenemase producers and exhibited antimicrobial resistance patterns to ertapenem, with some showing lower susceptibility to imipenem, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline. No significant resistance to cephalosporins was observed. Sequence analysis revealed that one strain harbored blaOXA-181 and the other two strains harbored blaOXA-48-like genes, with open reading frame (ORF) similarities with blaOXA-48 ranging from 98.49% to 99.62%. The two novel blaOXA-48-like genes, named blaOXA-1038 and blaOXA-1039, respectively, were cloned and expressed in E. coli. The three OXA-48-like enzymes demonstrated significant hydrolysis activity against meropenem, and the classical β-lactamase inhibitor had no significant inhibitory effect. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the diversity of the blaOXA gene and highlighted the emergence of novel OXA carbapenemases in S. xiamenensis. Further attention to S. xiamenensis and OXA carbapenemases is recommended for the effective prevention and control of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Compositionally graded cylinders of Ti–Mn alloys were produced using the Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™) technique, with Mn content varying from 0 to 12 wt.% along the cylinder axis. The cylinders were subjected to different post-build heat treatments to produce a large sample library of α–β microstructures. The microstructures in the sample library were studied using back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging in a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their mechanical properties were evaluated using spherical indentation stress–strain protocols. These protocols revealed that the microstructures exhibited features with averaged chord lengths in the range of 0.17–1.78 μm, and beta content in the range of 20–83 vol.%. The estimated values of the Young’s moduli and tensile yield strengths from spherical indentation were found to vary in the ranges of 97–130 GPa and 828–1864 MPa, respectively. The combined use of the LENS technique along with the spherical indentation protocols was found to facilitate the rapid exploration of material and process spaces. Analyses of the correlations between the process conditions, several key microstructural features, and the measured material properties were performed via Gaussian process regression (GPR). These data-driven statistical models provided valuable insights into the underlying correlations between these variables.

Objectives: To clarify the effects of a local orthodontic force on alveolar bone by analysing bone remodelling in different regions of the maxilla during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Methods: An OTM model was established in rats. Histological changes in the maxilla were analysed using TRAP staining, IHC staining for CTSK and haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining. The root bifurcation region of the alveolar bone of the first (M1), second (M2) and third (M3) molars were selected as the regions of interest (ROIs), which were further divided into a cervical and an apical level. Sequential fluorochrome labelling was performed to analyse bone deposition rates. Results: The maxillary left first molars were moved mesially. TRAP staining and IHC staining for CTSK showed orthodontic force increased osteoclast numbers in all six ROIs at both the cervical and apical levels. H and E staining indicated elevated osteoblast numbers in the OTM group in all induced regions. Sequential fluorochrome labelling exhibited increased bone deposition rates around M1, M2 and M3 in the OTM group. Conclusions: An orthodontic force applied to the first molar could initiate widespread remodelling of the maxillary alveolar bone, which was not restricted to the tension and pressure sites. This may revise the orthodontic biomechanical theory and provide new insights for clinical work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional electrical stimulation therapy (FEST) is a promising intervention for the restoration of upper extremity function after cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Objectives: This study describes and evaluates a novel FEST system designed to incorporate voluntary movement attempts and massed practice of functional grasp through the use of brain-computer interface (BCI) and computer vision (CV) modules. Methods: An EEG-based BCI relying on a single electrode was used to detect movement initiation attempts. A CV system identified the target object and selected the appropriate grasp type. The required grasp type and trigger command were sent to an FES stimulator, which produced one of four multichannel muscle stimulation patterns (precision, lateral, palmar, or lumbrical grasp). The system was evaluated with five neurologically intact participants and one participant with complete cervical SCI. Results: An integrated BCI-CV-FES system was demonstrated. The overall classification accuracy of the CV module was 90.8%, when selecting out of a set of eight objects. The average latency for the BCI module to trigger the movement across all participants was 5.9 ± 1.5 seconds. For the participant with SCI alone, the CV accuracy was 87.5% and the BCI latency was 5.3 ± 9.4 seconds. Conclusion: BCI and CV methods can be integrated into an FEST system without the need for costly resources or lengthy setup times. The result is a clinically relevant system designed to promote voluntary movement attempts and more repetitions of varied functional grasps during FEST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on several problems in the current insolvency system in China and the judicial interpretations issued by the Supreme People's Court which helps to resolve the insolvency-related problems regarding the development of Enterprise Bankruptcy Law (EBL) in China.

The article focuses on issue related to adoption of European Union's (EU) regulations on insolvency proceedings and United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Cross-border Insolvency (Model Law) by China. Topics discussed include China's Supreme People's Court's response upon a request for recognition of Norstar Automotive, issues related to China's involvement into International convention, and principle of comity reflected by the Model Law.

After Hong Kong's handover in the year 1997 to the People's Republic of China (PRC), two judicial systems began to operate in parallel in one country. To date, judicial convergence in cross-border insolvency matters has not yet been established between the mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). By reviewing several recent court decisions, this article demonstrates some problems of judgment recognition in matters of cross-border insolvency between the two regions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a central role in cell survival and function. STAT3 has been demonstrated to participate in the maintenance of bone homeostasis in osteoblasts, but its role in osteoclasts in vivo remains poorly defined. Here, we generated a conditional knockout mouse model in which Stat3 was deleted in osteoclasts using a cathepsin K-Cre (Ctsk-Cre) driver. We observed that osteoclast-specific Stat3 deficiency caused increased bone mass in mice, which we attributed to impaired bone catabolism by osteoclasts. Stat3-deficient bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) showed decreased expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasm 1 (NFATc1), and reduced osteoclast differentiation determined by decreases in osteoclast number, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity, and expression of osteoclast marker genes. Enforced expression of NFATc1 in Stat3-deficient BMMs rescued the impaired osteoclast differentiation. Mechanistically, we revealed that STAT3 could drive the transcription of NFATc1 by binding to its promoter. Furthermore, preventing STAT3 activation by using an inhibitor of upstream phosphorylases, AG490, also impaired osteoclast differentiation and formation in a similar way as gene deletion of Stat3. In summary, our data provide the first evidence that STAT3 is significant in osteoclast differentiation and bone homeostasis in vivo, and it may be identified as a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of bone metabolic diseases through regulation of osteoclast activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]