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Background: Mepolizumab, the first widely available anti-interleukin 5 biologic, targets eosinophilic inflammation and has been shown in clinical trials to reduce exacerbations, oral corticosteroid dependence, and healthcare utilization in patients with severe asthma. The impact of mepolizumab in a real-world, publicly funded healthcare setting is unknown. The objective of this study was to describe the demographics and clinical characteristics of real-world patients receiving mepolizumab, and to compare asthma-related outcomes and associated asthma-related costs before and during mepolizumab use. Methods: This retrospective, observational study in Ontario, Canada, included patients initiating mepolizumab between February 2016 and March 2019. Patients were identified using the mepolizumab patient support program and linked to the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences database of publicly accessed healthcare. Patient outcomes were obtained for 12 months pre- and post-mepolizumab initiation and compared. Results: A total of 275 patients were enrolled in the overall patient support program cohort (mean [standard deviation] age 57.6 [13.5] years, mean [standard deviation] of the median per-patient eosinophil count 540.4 [491.9] cells/μL). Mepolizumab was associated with reductions in asthma exacerbations (46.1%, P < 0.001) and in the number of asthma-related visits to general practitioners (40.2%, P < 0.001), specialists (27.2%, P < 0.001), and emergency departments (52.1%, P < 0.001). Associated costs were significantly lower post- versus pre-mepolizumab for asthma-related general practitioner and specialist visits, and for all-cause emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Conclusions: In a real-world population of Canadian patients with severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype, the use of mepolizumab within a patient support program reduced asthma exacerbations and decreased asthma-related healthcare resource utilization and associated costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Streptococcus suis is a major pathogen for swine and human. Here we aimed to know the rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in invasive S. suis isolates recovered along Spain between 2016 - 2021 and elucidate their genetic origin. Methods: Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for 116 isolates of different genetic backgrounds and geographic origins against 18 antibiotics of 9 families. The association between AMR and genotypes and the origin of the isolates were statistically analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test and the likelihood ratio. The antimicrobial resistant genes were identified by whole genome sequencing analysis and PCR screenings. Results: High AMR rates (>80%) were detected for tetracyclines, spectinomycin, lincosamides, and marbofloxacin, medium (20-40%) for sulphonamides/trimethoprim, tiamulin, penicillin G, and enrofloxacin, and low (< 20%) for florfenicol, and four additional β-lactams. The occurrence of multidrug resistance was observed in 90% of isolates. For certain antibiotics (penicillin G, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, tilmicosin, and erythromycin), AMR was significantly associated with particular sequence types (STs), geographic regions, age of pigs, and time course. Whole genome sequencing comparisons and PCR screenings identified 23 AMR genes, of which 19 were previously reported in S. suis (aph(3')-IIIa, sat4, aadE, spw, aac(6')-Ie-aph(2")-Ia, fexA, optrA, erm(B), mef(A/E), mrs(D), mph(C), lnu(B), lsa(E), vga(F), tet(M), tet(O), tet(O/W/32/O), tet(W)), and 4 were novel (aph(2")-IIIa, apmA, erm(47), tet(T)). These AMR genes explained the AMR to spectinomycin, macrolides, lincosamides, tiamulin, and tetracyclines. Several genes were located on mobile genetic elements which showed a variable organization and composition. As AMR gene homologs were identified in many human and animal pathogens, the resistome of S. suis has a different phylogenetic origin. Moreover, AMR to penicillin G, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim related to mutations in genes coding for target enzymes (pbp1a, pbp2b, pbp2x, mraY, gyrA, parC, and dhfr). Bioinformatic analysis estimated traits of recombination on target genes, also indicative of gene transfer events. Conclusions: Our work evidences that S. suis is a major contributor to AMR dissemination across veterinary and human pathogens. Therefore, control of AMR in S. suis should be considered from a One Health approach in regions with high pig production to properly tackle the issue of antimicrobial drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric photochemistry on Titan continuously transforms methane and nitrogen gases into various organic compounds. This study explores the fate of these molecules when they land on Titan's surface. Our analytical exploration reveals that most simple organics found in Titan's atmosphere, including all nitriles, triple‐bonded hydrocarbons, and benzene, land as solids. Only a few compounds are in the liquid phase, while only ethylene remains gaseous. For the simple organics that land as solids, we further examine their interactions with Titan's lake liquids. Utilizing principles of buoyancy, we found that flotation can be achieved via porosity‐induced (25%–60% porosity) or capillary force‐induced buoyancy for hydrogen cyanide ices on ethane‐rich lakes. Otherwise, these ices would sink and become lakebed sediments. By evaluating the timescale of flotation, our findings suggest that porosity‐induced flotation of millimeter‐sized and larger sediments is the only plausible mechanism for floating solids to explain the transient "magic islands" phenomena on Titan's lakes. Plain Language Summary: Titan, Saturn's largest moon, has a unique atmosphere that transforms simple gases like methane and nitrogen into more complex organic compounds. In this study, we explored what happens to these organic compounds when they reach Titan's surface. We find that most molecules would land as solids. We also looked at what happens when these solids land on Titan's hydrocarbon lakes. Imagine a sponge, full of holes; if the solids are like this, with 25%–60% of their volume being empty space, they can float. Some solids, like hydrogen cyanide ice, can also float due to surface tension effects. If these conditions are not met, they sink into the lake liquids, adding to the lakebed sediments. We examine whether floating rafts can explain a mysterious feature on Titan's lakes known as the "magic islands." These are temporary bright spots seen by radar. By looking at how long the materials will float for each scenario, our study suggests that the magic islands might be made of large chunks of porous organic solids. Key Points: Most simple organics land as solids on Titan's surface, including all nitriles, triple‐bonded hydrocarbons, and benzeneOrganics may float on Titan's lakes via porosity or capillary force‐induced flotation, the latter is unique to hydrogen cyanide ice on ethane‐rich lakesPorosity‐induced flotation of millimeter‐sized and larger particles may explain the transient radar‐bright magic islands on Titan's lakes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Atmospheric photochemistry on Titan continuously transforms methane and nitrogen gases into various organic compounds. This study explores the fate of these molecules when they land on Titan's surface. Our analytical exploration reveals that most simple organics found in Titan's atmosphere, including all nitriles, triple‐bonded hydrocarbons, and benzene, land as solids. Only a few compounds are in the liquid phase, while only ethylene remains gaseous. For the simple organics that land as solids, we further examine their interactions with Titan's lake liquids. Utilizing principles of buoyancy, we found that flotation can be achieved via porosity‐induced (25%–60% porosity) or capillary force‐induced buoyancy for hydrogen cyanide ices on ethane‐rich lakes. Otherwise, these ices would sink and become lakebed sediments. By evaluating the timescale of flotation, our findings suggest that porosity‐induced flotation of millimeter‐sized and larger sediments is the only plausible mechanism for floating solids to explain the transient “magic islands” phenomena on Titan's lakes.

IntroductionStreptococcus suis is a major pathogen for swine and human. Here we aimed to know the rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in invasive S. suis isolates recovered along Spain between 2016 – 2021 and elucidate their genetic origin.MethodsAntibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for 116 isolates of different genetic backgrounds and geographic origins against 18 antibiotics of 9 families. The association between AMR and genotypes and the origin of the isolates were statistically analyzed using Pearson´s chi-square test and the likelihood ratio. The antimicrobial resistant genes were identified by whole genome sequencing analysis and PCR screenings.ResultsHigh AMR rates (>80%) were detected for tetracyclines, spectinomycin, lincosamides, and marbofloxacin, medium (20-40%) for sulphonamides/trimethoprim, tiamulin, penicillin G, and enrofloxacin, and low (< 20%) for florfenicol, and four additional β-lactams. The occurrence of multidrug resistance was observed in 90% of isolates. For certain antibiotics (penicillin G, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, tilmicosin, and erythromycin), AMR was significantly associated with particular sequence types (STs), geographic regions, age of pigs, and time course. Whole genome sequencing comparisons and PCR screenings identified 23 AMR genes, of which 19 were previously reported in S. suis (aph(3’)-IIIa, sat4, aadE, spw, aac(6’)-Ie-aph(2’’)-Ia, fexA, optrA, erm(B), mef(A/E), mrs(D), mph(C), lnu(B), lsa(E), vga(F), tet(M), tet(O), tet(O/W/32/O), tet(W)), and 4 were novel (aph(2’’)-IIIa, apmA, erm(47), tet(T)). These AMR genes explained the AMR to spectinomycin, macrolides, lincosamides, tiamulin, and tetracyclines. Several genes were located on mobile genetic elements which showed a variable organization and composition. As AMR gene homologs were identified in many human and animal pathogens, the resistome of S. suis has a different phylogenetic origin. Moreover, AMR to penicillin G, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim related to mutations in genes coding for target enzymes (pbp1a, pbp2b, pbp2x, mraY, gyrA, parC, and dhfr). Bioinformatic analysis estimated traits of recombination on target genes, also indicative of gene transfer events.ConclusionsOur work evidences that S. suis is a major contributor to AMR dissemination across veterinary and human pathogens. Therefore, control of AMR in S. suis should be considered from a One Health approach in regions with high pig production to properly tackle the issue of antimicrobial drug resistance.

Landslides are among the most widespread geologic features on Ceres. Using data from Dawn's Framing Camera, landslides were previously classified based upon geomorphologic characteristics into one of three archetypal categories, Type 1(T1), Type 2 (T2), and Type 3 (T3). Due to their geologic context, variation in age, and physical characteristics, most landslides on Ceres are, however, intermediate in their morphology and physical properties between the archetypes of each landslide class. Here we describe the varied morphology of individual intermediate landslides, identify geologic controls that contribute to this variation, and provide first-order quantification of the physical properties of the continuum of Ceres's surface flows. These intermediate flows appear in varied settings and show a range of characteristics, including those found at contacts between craters, those having multiple trunks or lobes; showing characteristics of both T2 and T3 landslides; material slumping on crater rims; very small, ejecta-like flows; and those appearing inside of catenae. We suggest that while their morphologies can vary, the distribution and mechanical properties of intermediate landslides do not differ significantly from that of archetypal landslides, confirming a link between landslides and subsurface ice. We also find that most intermediate landslides are similar to Type 2 landslides and formed by shallow failure. Clusters of these features suggest ice enhancement near Juling, Kupalo and Urvara craters. Since the majority of Ceres's landslides fall in the intermediate landslide category, placing their attributes in context contributes to a better understanding of Ceres's shallow subsurface and the nature of ground ice.

ABSTRACT Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that causes disease in humans after exposure to infected pigs or pig-derived food products. In this study, we examined the serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes, integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), and associated genomic environments of S. suis isolates from humans and pigs in China from 2008 to 2019. We identified isolates of 13 serotypes, predominated by serotype 2 (40/96; 41.7%), serotype 3 (10/96; 10.4%), and serotype 1 (6/96; 6.3%). Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that these isolates possessed 36 different sequence types (STs), and ST242 and ST117 were the most prevalent. Phylogenetic analysis revealed possible animal and human clonal transmission, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated high-level resistance to macrolides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides. These isolates carried 24 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that conferred resistance to 7 antibiotic classes. The antibiotic resistance genotypes were directly correlated with the observed phenotypes. We also identified ICEs in 10 isolates, which were present in 4 different genetic environments and possessed differing ARG combinations. We also predicted and confirmed by PCR analysis the existence of a translocatable unit (TU) in which the oxazolidinone resistance gene optrA was flanked by IS1216E elements. One-half (5/10) of the ICE-carrying strains could be mobilized by conjugation. A comparison of the parental recipient with an ICE-carrying transconjugant in a mouse in vivo thigh infection model indicated that the ICE strain could not be eliminated with tetracycline treatment. S. suis therefore poses a significant challenge to global public health and requires continuous monitoring, especially for the presence of ICEs and associated ARGs that can be transferred via conjugation. IMPORTANCE S. suis is a serious zoonotic pathogen. In this study, we investigated the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of 96 S. suis isolates from 10 different provinces of China from 2008 to 2019. A subset of these isolates (10) carried ICEs that were able to be horizontally transferred among isolates of different S. suis serotypes. A mouse thigh infection model revealed that ICE-facilitated ARG transfer promoted resistance development. S. suis requires continuous monitoring, especially for the presence of ICEs and associated ARGs that can be transferred via conjugation.

Recent data of molecular clouds and protoplanetary disks constrain the composition and structure of the disk and planetesimals. Laboratory experiments suggest that dust accretion in disks stops at pebble sizes. Sublimation and recondensation of water ice at the disk water-snow line suggest that pebbles split into water-rich and water-poor ones. The same conclusion has been recently reached by models of cometary activity consistent with the structure of porous Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs) and of porous dust collected by the Stardust and Rosetta missions. The observation of crystalline water ice in protoplanetary disks by the Herschel satellite, the erosion of comets, and the seasonal evolution of the nucleus color require that the two pebble families have a water-ice mass fraction close to 33% and 2%, respectively. Here, we show that the diversity of comets is thus due to random mixtures with different area fractions A p and A r of water-poor and water-rich pebbles, predicting most of the data observed in comets: why the deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio in cometary water correlates to the ratio A p / A r , which pebbles dominate the activity of Dynamically New Comets (DNCs), what is the origin of cometary outbursts, why comets cannot be collisional products, and why the brightness evolution of DNCs during their first approach to the Sun is actually unpredictable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: While the overall health system burden of alcohol is large and increasing in Canada, little is known about how this burden differs by sociodemographic factors. The objectives of this study were to assess sociodemographic patterns and temporal trends in emergency department (ED) visits due to alcohol to identify emerging and at-risk subgroups. Methods: We conducted a retrospective population-level cohort study of all individuals aged 10 to 105 living in Ontario, Canada. We identified ED visits due to alcohol between 2003 and 2017 using defined International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, codes from a pre-existing indicator. We calculated annual age- and sex-standardized, and age- and sex-specific rates of ED visits and compared overall patterns and changes over time between urban and rural settings and income quintiles. Results: There were 829,662 ED visits due to alcohol over 15 years. Rates of ED visits due to alcohol were greater for individual living in the lowest- compared to the highest-income quintile neighbourhoods, and disparities (rate ratio lowest to highest quintile) increased with age from 1.22 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.25) in 15- to 18-year-olds to 4.17 (95% CI, 4.07 to 4.28) in 55- to 59-year-olds. Rates of ED visits due to alcohol were significantly greater in rural settings (56.0 per 10,000 individuals, 95% CI, 55.7 to 56.4) compared to urban settings (44.8 per 10,000 individuals, 95% CI, 44.7 to 44.9), particularly for young adults. Increases in rates of visits between 2003 and 2017 were greater in rural versus urban settings (82 vs. 68% increase in age- and sex-standardized rates) and varied across sociodemographic subgroups with the largest annual increases in rates of visits in young (15 to 29) low-income women (6.9%, 95%CI, 6.7 to 7.3) and the smallest increase in older (45 to 59) high-income men (2.7, 95%CI, 2.4 to 3.0). Conclusion: Alcohol harms display unique patterns with the highest burden in rural and lower-income populations. Rural–urban and income-based disparities differ by age and sex and have increased over time, which offers an imperative and opportunity for further interventions by clinicians and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finnish fisheries are regulated first and foremost by the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and quotas determined by the EU. Certain fisheries have also been certified according to the international Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard. The aim of this article is to study the added value that the MSC brings to the governance of the ecological sustainability of Finnish marine fisheries. This is achieved by scrutinizing how the MSC addresses the ecosystem approach and how different experts and stakeholders see the role of the MSC in contributing to sustainable fisheries. We endeavor to unravel the sustainability benefits that non-state regulations can offer for a fishery in the Baltic Sea that is heavily regulated and controlled by the EU. We found that the MSC has led to some minor positive changes in fishing and that the indirect support the MSC provides when following scientific advice is even more important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formaldehyde has been widely observed in the icy mantle of interstellar grains. H2CO may be formed from successive hydrogenations of CO and may further contribute to the chemical complexity of the Interstellar medium (ISM) participating to heterogeneous reactions with colliding gas phase atoms. Within this context, Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate constants of H2 formation on a formaldehyde doped amorphous water ice grain model of the ISM, were computed over a wide temperature range [15–2000 K]. We used classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to build the model of the H2CO doped ice surface. Then we studied theoretically by means of hybrid QM/MM ab initio and molecular mechanics methodology (ONIOM) H atoms abstraction from formaldehyde molecules and the H2 formation. Specifically, we investigate the reactivity of the gas phase H atom toward one formaldehyde molecule lying at one of the slab surfaces. The reaction path and the energetics are predicted, the mechanism is found to be exothermic by 14.89 kcal/mol and the barrier is 6.75 kcal/mol at the QM level CBS/DLPNO-CCSD(T)//ONIOM/aug-cc-pVTZ. We employ two approaches that take into account tunnelling and non-classical reflection effects by means of the Zero Curvature Tunnelling (ZCT), and the Small Curvature Tunnelling (SCT) which all provided comparable results to predict the kinetics of the reaction path. The rate constants show important quantum tunnelling effects at low temperatures when compared to rates obtained from the purely classical transition-state theory (TST) and from the canonical variational transition state theory (CVT). Corner cutting effects are highlighted in the SCT calculations by 4 to 5 orders of magnitude with respect to ZCT rate constants at low temperatures.

Data in this article are related to the research article “Rapid rounding of icy clasts during simulated fluvial transport in the Titan Tumbler”. Whereas that research focused on low-temperature ice abrasion in the context of Saturn's moon Titan, the full dataset on experiments testing the breakdown of water ice under a variety of tested conditions is reported in this article. Following the work of previous terrestrial studies, these experiments utilize tumblers that produce collisions to simulate some aspects of mechanical weathering during fluvial transport. Data files publicly available on Mendeley Data include measures of mass and roundness of clasts of specific grain sizes as well as raw images, videos, and the MATLAB script used for analysis. In this article, the varying conditions of temperature, initial clast size, shape, ice type, number of clasts for each of the 42 experiments are reported, along with best-fit models of abrasion typically applied in terrestrial tumbler studies. This text describes the methodology, including the development of icy clasts, operation of the tumblers, measurement of clast properties, calculation of derived parameters, and application of abrasion models. Exploration of various approaches to tumbler development and data acquisition are reported to benefit future researchers in this area. Experiments on the abrasion of different materials benefit from cross-comparison, which is also a fundamental aspect of planetary science.

ICES upholds a strong reputation for generating high-quality evidence to inform policy and practice through its collaborations with a broad range of health system stakeholders including government policymakers and healthcare providers including clinicians. Supported by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care, the ICES Applied Health Research Question (AHRQ) Program leverages the data holdings and, scientific and clinical expertise to generate evidence tailored to the information needs of requestors. This paper outlines the approach, process, strengths, challenges and the resulting influence and impact to the healthcare landscape in Ontario.

Dieselgate can be considered a momentous crisis to strike out the dynamics of automobile market – which, given automobile market is made up of two parts, in deep and bitter competition (as far as theory and public discourse go), must be understood as (another) impulse meant for green cars (i.e., EVs – Electric Vehicles) market expansion and of ICEs (Internal Combustion Engine – i.e., ‘classical’ – automobiles) market shrinkage. The latter is, for the time being, according to current evidence, more or less theoretical; green cars market needs more than a Dieselgate to thrive, because scandal is, maybe, sometimes necessary for stimulating competition, but it can never replace whatever a party needs in order to outrun the other party of competition. And, in addition, EVs market cannot function without existence and advancement of other, complementary, markets – i.e. that comprising network of charging infrastructure of those very green cars –, whose growth is equally (if not worse still) problematic, especially in short run. In other words, specific characteristics of green vehicles, on one hand, and sound economic and social mechanisms, on the other hand, maintain the statu-quo which (still) exists in automobile market, and the current (relatively slow) speed of EVs market expansion.

Recent data of molecular clouds and protoplanetary disks constrain the composition and structure of the disk and planetesimals. Laboratory experiments suggest that dust accretion in disks stops at pebble sizes. Sublimation and recondensation of water ice at the disk water-snow line suggest that pebbles split into water-rich and water-poor ones. The same conclusion has been recently reached by models of cometary activity consistent with the structure of porous Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs) and of porous dust collected by the Stardust and Rosetta missions. The observation of crystalline water ice in protoplanetary disks by the Herschel satellite, the erosion of comets, and the seasonal evolution of the nucleus color require that the two pebble families have a water-ice mass fraction close to 33% and 2%, respectively. Here, we show that the diversity of comets is thus due to random mixtures with different area fractions Ap and Ar of water-poor and water-rich pebbles, predicting most of the data observed in comets: why the deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio in cometary water correlates to the ratio Ap/Ar, which pebbles dominate the activity of Dynamically New Comets (DNCs), what is the origin of cometary outbursts, why comets cannot be collisional products, and why the brightness evolution of DNCs during their first approach to the Sun is actually unpredictable.

Macrolide-resistant Streptococcus suis is highly prevalent worldwide. The acquisition of the erm(B) gene mediated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in particular integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) is recognized as the main reason for the rapid spread of macrolide-resistant streptococcal strains. However, knowledge about different erm(B)-carrying elements responsible for the widespread of macrolide resistance and their transferability in S. suis remains poorly understood. In the present study, two erm(B)- and tet(O)-harboring putative ICEs, designated as ICESsuYSB17_rplL and ICESsuYSJ15_rplL, and a novel erm(B)- and aadE-spw-like-carrying genomic island (GI), named GISsuJHJ17_rpsI, were identified to be excised from the chromosome and transferred among S. suis strains with different serotypes. ICESsuYSB17_rplL and ICESsuYSJ15_rplL were integrated downstream the rplL gene, a conserve locus of the ICESa2603 family. GISsuJHJ17_rpsI, with no genes belonging to the conjugation module, was integrated into the site of rpsI. All transconjugants did not exhibit obvious fitness cost by growth curve and competition assays when compared with the recipient. The results demonstrate that different erm(B)-carrying elements were presented and highlight the role of these elements in the dissemination of macrolide resistance in S. suis.

The adsorption of a series of atoms and small molecules and radicals (H, C, N, O, NH, OH, H2O, CH3, and NH3) on hexagonal crystalline and amorphous ice clusters were obtained via classical molecular dynamics and electronic structure methods. The geometry and binding energies were calculated using a QMHigh:QMLow hybrid method on model clusters. Several combination of basis sets, density functionals and semi-empirical methods were compared and tested against previous works. More accurate binding energies were also refined via single point Coupled Cluster calculations. Most species, except carbon atom, physisorb on the surface, leading to rather small binding energies. The carbon atom forms a COH2 molecule and in some cases leads to the formation of a COH-H3O+ complex. Amorphous ices are characterized by slightly stronger binding energies than the crystalline phase. A major result of this work is to also access the dispersion of the binding energies since a variety of adsorption sites is explored. The interaction energies thus obtained may serve to feed or refine astrochemical models. The present methodology could be easily extended to other types of surfaces and larger adsorbates.

Macrolide-resistant Streptococcus suis is highly prevalent worldwide. The acquisition of the erm (B) gene mediated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in particular integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) is recognized as the main reason for the rapid spread of macrolide-resistant streptococcal strains. However, knowledge about different erm (B)-carrying elements responsible for the widespread of macrolide resistance and their transferability in S. suis remains poorly understood. In the present study, two erm (B)- and tet (O)-harboring putative ICEs, designated as ICE Ssu YSB17_ rplL and ICE Ssu YSJ15_ rplL , and a novel erm (B)- and aadE-spw -like-carrying genomic island (GI), named GI Ssu JHJ17_ rpsI , were identified to be excised from the chromosome and transferred among S. suis strains with different serotypes. ICE Ssu YSB17_ rplL and ICE Ssu YSJ15_ rplL were integrated downstream the rplL gene, a conserve locus of the ICE Sa 2603 family. GI Ssu JHJ17_ rpsI , with no genes belonging to the conjugation module, was integrated into the site of rpsI. All transconjugants did not exhibit obvious fitness cost by growth curve and competition assays when compared with the recipient. The results demonstrate that different erm (B)-carrying elements were presented and highlight the role of these elements in the dissemination of macrolide resistance in S. suis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground-based telescopes and space exploration have provided outstanding observations of the complexity of icy planetary surfaces. This work presents our review of the varying nature of carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) ices from the cold traps on the Moon to Pluto in the Kuiper Belt. This review is organized into five parts. First, we review the mineral physics (e.g., rheology) relevant to these environments. Next, we review the radiation-induced chemical processes and the current interpretation of spectral signatures. The third section discusses the nature and distribution of CO2 in the giant planetary systems of Jupiter and Saturn, which are much better understood than the satellites of Uranus and Neptune, discussed in the subsequent section. The final sections focus on Pluto in comparison to Triton, having mainly CO, and a brief overview of cometary materials. We find that CO2 ices exist on many of these icy bodies by way of magnetospheric influence, while intermixing into solid ices with CH4 (methane) and N2 (nitrogen) out to Triton and Pluto. Such radiative mechanisms or intermixing can provide a wide diversity of icy surfaces, though we conclude where further experimental research of these ices is still needed.

Liposarcoma (LPS) is a one of the most commonly diagnosed soft tissue sarcomas. Little is known about the epidemiology and prognosis of each subtype. We present an analysis of epidemiology and survival of the subtypes of LPS using a national database. We queried the Survival Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) and the Canadian Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) databases for data on 7 types of LPS. Pearson's chi square was used to determine associations between variables and subtypes. Kaplan-Meier and Cox Regression analyses were performed for two tests: one using SEER data and the other using variables common to both SEER and ICES. The well-differentiated subtype was the most common subtype identified. Metastatic disease was associated with decreased survival across all subtypes and age >35 was associated with decreased survival in well-differentiated and myxoid subtypes. Tumor grade was associated with decreased survival in the well-differentiated, myxoid, mixed, and round cell subtypes. In the secondary analysis, age >35 was associated with decreased survival in the myxoid subtype. The prognosis of liposarcoma differs greatly by subtype. Clinicians should account for patient factors at the time of diagnosis to best navigate treatment of their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: The Invalidating Childhood Environment Scale (ICES) is an instrument designed to assess retrospectively parental invalidation experience, according to Marsha Linehan's definition of invalidation. The main aim of this paper is to determine the factorial structure of the ICES. Three factor structures: Standard Model, Reduced Model, and 2 Factor Model are examined. Also, the association between invalidating experience and borderline symptoms is studied. Method: Data from a non-clinical, volunteer sample of 274 adults was collected. Participants completed 4 surveys: Demographic surveys, Invalidating Childhood Environment Scale (ICES), Borderline Symptoms List (BSL 23), and Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). Statistical analyses included confirmatory factor analysis and multiple linear regression. Results: The results of the analysis presented indicate that the ICES is a reliable instrument, and that the 2 Factor Model is good fit and allows for a broader understanding of invalidation and it's qualities. The results of the linear regression analysis indicated a mild but significant association between invalidation and BPD symptoms. Internal consistency was acceptable for all levels. Conclusion: The outcome of this study shows that the ICES is a useful instrument that can be used to make progress in uncovering the role of childhood invalidation in BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distinct compressional folding patterns may be an important aspect in shaping icy body surfaces in the outer Solar System and revealing their folding processes and stress histories. Baret Montes on Sputnik Planitia is possibly one of the most folded structures yet observed on Pluto. This glacier consists of subparallel ridges that display a consistent northwest‐southeast orientation and is comparable to Enceladan transpression fold processes. Here we report on mapping using images from NASA's New Horizons mission and apply ridge analysis to determine the folding characteristics and approximate the deformation duration of the folds. This leads to a discussion of the ridge formation mechanism and the possible influence of Sputnik Planitia's underlying convection. Based on the occurrence of the ridges on a water ice based glacier with a thinner layer of methane‐water ice, we conclude that the deformation rates calculated in this study imply the folding duration to be <5.53 My. Plain Language Summary: The Sputnik Planitia region on Pluto houses several large glaciers that consist of a solid water ice base. Baret Montes is the only observable glacier with large, subparallel ridges. Analyzing images from the New Horizons mission, we find that these ridges are formed by the compressional folding of the upper and weaker layer of methane‐water ice, thus leaving ridges. Measuring the spacing of these ridges gives us an estimated emplacement timeline of the folding. Measurements of these ridges can be valuable in constraining glacial ice structures and geophysics on Pluto. Key Points: A major glacial body with prominent ridges (Baret Montes) on Pluto may have undergone compressional stressesThe glacier consists of a water ice base and an upper layer of methane used in modeling a potential strain rateThe deformation rate implies resurfacing of the glacier within 5.53 My [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity can be used to facilitate fish and invertebrate capture in both marine and freshwater environments. In freshwaters, electrofishing is largely used for research or management purposes. In marine environments electrofishing is principally used in the form of electrotrawling for the commercial capture of fishes and benthic invertebrates, in particular common sole (Solea solea L.), brown shrimp (Crangon crangon L.), and razor clams (Ensis spp.). The terminology and definitions used to describe the electrical stimulus characteristics and experimental set-ups have, so far, been diverse and incomplete, hampering constructive discussion and comparison of electrofishing studies. This paper aims to (i) harmonize existing terminology, abbreviations, and symbols, (ii) offer best practice recommendations for publishing results, and (iii) provide a concise and comprehensible reference work for people unfamiliar with this topic. By incorporating common practice in marine electric pulse trawling terminology and related freshwater electrofishing studies, based on existing terms where possible, we provide a framework for future studies. The suggested guideline is recommended by the ICES Working Group on Electrical Trawling as a constructive approach to improved communication standards in electrofishing and electrical pulse stimulation research and publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radii and orbital periods of 4,000+ confirmed/candidate exoplanets have been precisely measured by the Kepler mission. The radii show a bimodal distribution, with two peaks corresponding to smaller planets (likely rocky) and larger intermediate-size planets, respectively. While only the masses of the planets orbiting the brightest stars can be determined by ground-based spectroscopic observations, these observations allow calculation of their average densities placing constraints on the bulk compositions and internal structures. However, an important question about the composition of planets ranging from 2 to 4 Earth radii (R⊕) still remains. They may either have a rocky core enveloped in a H2-He gaseous envelope (gas dwarfs) or contain a significant amount of multicomponent, H2O-dominated ices/fluids (water worlds). Planets in the mass range of 10-15 M⊕, if half-ice and half-rock by mass, have radii of 2.5 R⊕, which exactly match the second peak of the exoplanet radius bimodal distribution. Any planet in the 2- to 4-R⊕ range requires a gas envelope of at most a few mass percentage points, regardless of the core composition. To resolve the ambiguity of internal compositions, we use a growth model and conduct Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate that many intermediate-size planets are "water worlds." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dieselgate can be considered a momentous crisis to strike out the dynamics of automobile market - which, given automobile market is made up of two parts, in deep and bitter competition (as far as theory and public discourse go), must be understood as (another) impulse meant for green cars (i.e., EVs - Electric Vehicles) market expansion and of ICEs (Internal Combustion Engine - i.e., 'classical' - automobiles) market shrinkage. The latter is, for the time being, according to current evidence, more or less theoretical; green cars market needs more than a Dieselgate to thrive, because scandal is, maybe, sometimes necessary for stimulating competition, but it can never replace whatever a party needs in order to outrun the other party of competition. And, in addition, EVs market cannot function without existence and advancement of other, complementary, markets - i.e. that comprising network of charging infrastructure of those very green cars -, whose growth is equally (if not worse still) problematic, especially in short run. In other words, specific characteristics of green vehicles, on one hand, and sound economic and social mechanisms, on the other hand, maintain the statu-quo which (still) exists in automobile market, and the current (relatively slow) speed of EVs market expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review

Heat insulation by a wall material which has low heat capacity and heat conductivity is one of the effective ways to reduce heat transfer. By the heat insulated coating, wall temperature is fluctuated following the behavior of in-cylinder gas temperature, which decreases the gap between gas and wall temperature. In order to suppress wall heat transfer in wide engine operation range, Model Based Development is required. In this study, wall heat transfer mechanism under wall temperature fluctuated condition by heat insulation was investigated by simultaneous measurement of wall heat flux and flow behavior in wall boundary layer in RCEM. As a result, it was clarified that turbulent energy was influenced by wall temperature behavior, which impact on heat transfer coefficient. In addition, non-dimensional velocity distribution in wall boundary layer was not changed drastically by wall temperature behavior. In terms of modeling under heat insulated condition, wall heat flux was able to be predicted well by wall heat transfer model taking into account of density change in wall boundary layer.

The social, economic, and ecological consequences of projected climate change on fish and fisheries are issues of global concern. In 2012, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) established a Strategic Initiative on Climate Change Effects on Marine Ecosystems (SICCME) to synthesize and to promote innovative, credible, and objective science-based advice on the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere. SICCME takes advantage of the unique and complementary strengths of the two organizations to develop a research initiative that focuses on their shared interests. A phased implementation will ensure that SICCME will be responsive to a rapidly evolving research area while delivering ongoing syntheses of existing knowledge, thereby advancing new science and methodologies and communicating new insights at each phase.

Horizontal gene transfer is crucial for the adaptation of microorganisms to environmental cues. The acidophilic, bioleaching bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans encodes an integrative-conjugative genetic element (ICEAfe1) inserted in the gene encoding a tRNAAla. This genetic element is actively excised from the chromosome upon induction of DNA damage. A similar genetic element (ICEAcaTY.2) is also found in an equivalent position in the genome of Acidithiobacillus caldus. The local genomic context of both mobile genetic elements is highly syntenous and the cognate integrases are well conserved. By means of site directed mutagenesis, target site deletions and in vivo integrations assays in the heterologous model Escherichia coli, we assessed the target sequence requirements for site-specific recombination to be catalyzed by these integrases. We determined that each enzyme recognizes a specific small DNA segment encoding the anticodon stem/loop of the tRNA as target site and that specific positions in these regions are well conserved in the target attB sites of orthologous integrases. Also, we demonstrate that the local genetic context of the target sequence is not relevant for the integration to take place. These findings shed new light on the mechanism of site-specific integration of integrative-conjugative elements in members of Acidithiobacillus genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the late 19th century, there was a bloom of public aquariums throughout Europe. Some of them were built for entertainment purposes, whereas others were connected to marine science stations. This article explores the origins and development of the aquarium/marine research station Vasco da Gama (Portugal) as an example of this duality. Initially, the aquarium was created in 1898 by the Portuguese Society of Geography, in a political context of national affirmation. In the first years, a deficient establishment, lack of financial resources, and scarce technical knowledge contributed for its degradation. Therefore, the Navy took over the aquarium in the early 1900s, delivering its management some years later to the Portuguese Society of Natural Sciences. After improvements and modifications, it became one of the first marine biological stations in 1919. This was important for the development of national marine science research at a time of scarce resources. Despite many years of a symbiotic relation between science research and dissemination, the demolition of part of the aquarium/marine station due to a road construction in 1940 brought issues of disequilibrium between both functions. This eventually led to the separation of aquarium and marine station in 1950. Other themes such as connections to national and international institutions are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing penetration of distributed energy resources (DERs) enable integrated community energy systems (ICESs) as emerging techno-economic energy entities at the end-user side. In the deregulated electricity market, the ICESs can actively participate in the distribution electricity market (DEM) to provide active and reactive power dispatched by ICES operator (ICESO). In this context, a strategic active and reactive power scheduling model for ICESs in the day-ahead DEM is proposed in this paper. A novel trading mechanism designed for ICESO and distribution system operator (DSO)'s interaction toward both active and reactive power is represented in the day-ahead DEM, where distribution locational marginal prices (DLMPs) for both active and reactive power are introduced as the market settlements. Then, the trading process is formulated as a bi-level programming problem. The upper level describes the combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP)-dominated ICESO's strategic active and reactive power dispatch, in which the DLMPs for active and reactive power, internal flexibility services, and optimal dispatch for inverter-based distributed generators are considered. The lower level performs a DEM clearing for both active and reactive power. Further, Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions, Big-M approach, and duality theory are used to convert the bi-level model from a Mathematical Programing with Equilibrium Constraints (MPEC) model to a single-level mixed-integer second-order cone programming (MISOCP) model for efficient calculation. Finally, case studies on modified IEEE 33-node and IEEE 123-node distribution systems are adopted to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheduling method. The results show that the proposed scheduling approach can contribute to the renewable energy share and energy efficiency, reduce CCHP-dominated ICESs' operation costs by 38.13% and 13.21% compared to the case where ICESO only acts as a price-taking consumer, and 6.64% and 3.44% compared to the case where ICESO does not consider reactive power bids/offers, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We describe the proportion of children with compensated cirrhosis who develop decompensation in Ontario, Canada over the past two decades., Methods: This is a retrospective population-based cohort study using routinely collected health care data from Ontario, Canada held at ICES during 1997-2017. Diagnosis of cirrhosis was made using validated ICES definition, and decompensation events were defined according to validated coding. Rates of decompensation, type of decompensation, and incidence of liver transplantation after decompensation were analyzed. Databases were linked at the individual level and analyzed at ICES-Queen's., Results: A total of 2,755 children with compensated cirrhosis were included and 9% (253) developed decompensation over a median follow-up of 7 years. Children most likely to suffer decompensation were younger (median age 10 versus 4 years, p < 0.001) and female (45% versus 52%, p = 0.03). Ascites (137/253, 54%) was the most frequent complication. 199/2755 (7%) of children with cirrhosis received liver transplantation, of which 64% (128/199) occurred after a decompensation event. Overall, a total of 132 (4.7%) deaths occurred during the study period, with 55 deaths following a decompensating event., Conclusion: We present the first study to describe rates of decompensation, type, and rate of liver transplantation after decompensation in pediatric cirrhosis at the population level. To improve the care of children with liver disease, early detection of liver disease, early initiation of specific treatments as well as identification of children who are at risk of becoming decompensated are crucial., Competing Interests: JA Flemming consulted on the development of an educational conference for Gilead Sciences. M Kehar received consulting fees from Roche Canada. The other authors have nothing to disclose., (© Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver, 2023.)

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that causes disease in humans after exposure to infected pigs or pig-derived food products. In this study, we examined the serotype distribution, antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes, integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs), and associated genomic environments of S. suis isolates from humans and pigs in China from 2008 to 2019. We identified isolates of 13 serotypes, predominated by serotype 2 (40/96; 41.7%), serotype 3 (10/96; 10.4%), and serotype 1 (6/96; 6.3%). Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that these isolates possessed 36 different sequence types (STs), and ST242 and ST117 were the most prevalent. Phylogenetic analysis revealed possible animal and human clonal transmission, while antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated high-level resistance to macrolides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides. These isolates carried 24 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) that conferred resistance to 7 antibiotic classes. The antibiotic resistance genotypes were directly correlated with the observed phenotypes. We also identified ICEs in 10 isolates, which were present in 4 different genetic environments and possessed differing ARG combinations. We also predicted and confirmed by PCR analysis the existence of a translocatable unit (TU) in which the oxazolidinone resistance gene optrA was flanked by IS 1216E elements. One-half (5/10) of the ICE-carrying strains could be mobilized by conjugation. A comparison of the parental recipient with an ICE-carrying transconjugant in a mouse in vivo thigh infection model indicated that the ICE strain could not be eliminated with tetracycline treatment. S. suis therefore poses a significant challenge to global public health and requires continuous monitoring, especially for the presence of ICEs and associated ARGs that can be transferred via conjugation. IMPORTANCE S. suis is a serious zoonotic pathogen. In this study, we investigated the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of 96 S. suis isolates from 10 different provinces of China from 2008 to 2019. A subset of these isolates (10) carried ICEs that were able to be horizontally transferred among isolates of different S. suis serotypes. A mouse thigh infection model revealed that ICE-facilitated ARG transfer promoted resistance development. S. suis requires continuous monitoring, especially for the presence of ICEs and associated ARGs that can be transferred via conjugation., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Antibiotic resistance in pathogens is often associated with mobile genetic elements, such as genomic islands (GI) including integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). These can transfer resistance genes within and between bacteria from humans and/or animals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Tn5801-like GIs carrying the tetracycline resistance gene, tet(M), are common in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from pets, and to do an overall sequences-based characterization of Tn5801-like GIs detected in Gram-positive bacteria from humans and animals. A total of 27 tetracycline-resistant S. pseudintermedius isolates from Danish pets (1998-2005) were screened for tet(M) by PCR. Selected isolates (13) were screened for GI- or ICE-specific genes (intTn5801 or xisTn916) and their tet(M) gene was sequenced (Sanger-method). Long-range PCR mappings and whole-genome-sequencing (Illumina) were performed for selected S. pseudintermedius-isolates (7 and 3 isolates, respectively) as well as for human Staphylococcus aureus isolates (7 and 1 isolates, respectively) and one porcine Enterococcus faecium isolate known to carry Tn5801-like GIs. All 27 S. pseudintermedius were positive for tet(M). Out of 13 selected isolates, 7 contained Tn5801-like GIs and 6 contained Tn916-like ICEs. Two different Tn5801-like GI types were detected among S. pseudintermedius (Tn5801 and GI6287) - both showed high similarity compared to GenBank sequences from human pathogens. Two distinct Tn5801-like GI types were detected among the porcine E. faecium and human S. aureus isolates (Tn6014 and GI6288). Tn5801-like GIs were detected in GenBank-sequences from Gram-positive bacteria of human, animal or food origin worldwide. Known Tn5801-like GIs were divided into 7 types. The results showed that Tn5801-like GIs appear to be relatively common in tetracycline-resistant S. pseudintermedius in Denmark. Almost identical Tn5801-like GIs were identified in different Gram-positive species of pet and human origin, suggesting that horizontal transfer of these elements has occurred between S. pseudintermedius from pets and human pathogens, including S. aureus.