Optical manipulation of the charge-density-wave state in RbV3Sb5.

Broken time-reversal symmetry in the absence of spin order indicates the presence of unusual phases such as orbital magnetism and loop currents1-4. The recently discovered kagome superconductors AV3Sb5 (where A is K, Rb or Cs)5,6 display an exotic charge-density-wave (CDW) state and have emerged as a strong candidate for materials hosting a loop current phase. The idea that the CDW breaks time-reversal symmetry7-14 is, however, being intensely debated due to conflicting experimental data15-17. Here we use laser-coupled scanning tunnelling microscopy to study RbV3Sb5. By applying linearly polarized light along high-symmetry directions, we show that the relative intensities of the CDW peaks can be reversibly switched, implying a substantial electro-striction response, indicative of strong nonlinear electron-phonon coupling. A similar CDW intensity switching is observed with perpendicular magnetic fields, which implies an unusual piezo-magnetic response that, in turn, requires time-reversal symmetry breaking. We show that the simplest CDW that satisfies these constraints is an out-of-phase combination of bond charge order and loop currents that we dub a congruent CDW flux phase. Our laser scanning tunnelling microscopy data open the door to the possibility of dynamic optical control of complex quantum phenomenon in correlated materials.

Accelerating SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance in a routine clinical setting with nanopore sequencing.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 genomic analysis has been key to the provision of valuable data to meet both epidemiological and clinical demands. High-throughput sequencing, generally Illumina-based, has been necessary to ensure the widest coverage in global variant tracking. However, a speedier response is needed for nosocomial outbreak analyses and rapid identification of patients infected by emerging VOCs. An alternative based on nanopore sequencing may be better suited to delivering a faster response when required; however, although there are several studies offering side-by-side comparisons of Illumina and nanopore sequencing, evaluations of the usefulness in the hospital routine of the faster availability of data provided by nanopore are still lacking. RESULTS: We performed a prospective 10-week nanopore-based sequencing in MinION in a routine laboratory setting, including 83 specimens where a faster response time was necessary. The specimens analyzed corresponded to i) international travellers in which lineages were assigned to determine the proper management/special isolation of the patients; ii) nosocomial infections and health-care-worker infections, where SNP-based comparisons were required to rule in/out epidemiological relationships and tailor specific interventions iii) sentinel cases and breakthrough infections to timely report to the Public Health authorities. MinION-based sequencing was compared with the standard procedures, supported on Illumina sequencing; MinION accelerated the delivery of results (anticipating results 1-12 days) and reduced costs per sample by 28€ compared to Illumina, without reducing accuracy in SNP calling. CONCLUSIONS: Parallel integration of Illumina and nanopore sequencing strategies is a suitable solution to ensure both high-throughput and rapid response to cope with accelerating the surveillance demands of SARS-CoV-2 while also maintaining accuracy.

A solution to achieve sequencing from SARS-CoV-2 specimens with low viral loads: concatenation of reads from independent reactions.

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic, whole genome sequencing was critical to characterize SARS-CoV-2 for surveillance, clinical and therapeutical purposes. However, low viral loads in specimens often led to suboptimal sequencing, making lineage assignment and phylogenetic analysis difficult. We propose an alternative approach to sequencing these specimens that involves sequencing in triplicate and concatenation of the reads obtained using bioinformatics. This proposal is based on the hypothesis that the uncovered regions in each replicate differ and that concatenation would compensate for these gaps and recover a larger percentage of the sequenced genome. RESULTS: Whole genome sequencing was performed in triplicate on 30 samples with Ct > 32 and the benefit of replicate read concatenation was assessed. After concatenation: i) 28% of samples reached the standard quality coverage threshold (> 90% genome covered > 30x); ii) 39% of samples did not reach the coverage quality thresholds but coverage improved by more than 40%; and iii) SARS-CoV-2 lineage assignment was possible in 68.7% of samples where it had been impaired. CONCLUSIONS: Concatenation of reads from replicate sequencing reactions provides a simple way to access hidden information in the large proportion of SARS-CoV-2-positive specimens eliminated from analysis in standard sequencing schemes. This approach will enhance our potential to rule out involvement in outbreaks, to characterize reinfections and to identify lineages of concern for surveillance or therapeutical purposes.

Advances in high-pressure laser floating zone growth: The Laser Optical Kristallmacher II (LOKII).

The optical floating zone crystal growth technique is a well-established method for obtaining large, high-purity single crystals. While the floating zone method has been constantly evolving for over six decades, the development of high-pressure (up to 1000 bar) growth systems has only recently been realized via the combination of laser-based heating sources with an all-metal chamber. While our inaugural high-pressure laser floating zone furnace design demonstrated the successful growth of new volatile and metastable phases, the furnace design faces several limitations with imaging quality, heating profile control, and chamber cooling power. Here, we present a second-generation design of the high-pressure laser floating zone furnace, "Laser Optical Kristallmacher II" (LOKII), and demonstrate that this redesign facilitates new advances in crystal growth by highlighting several exemplar materials: α-Fe2O3, ß-Ga2O3, and La2CuO4+δ. Notably, for La2CuO4+δ, we demonstrate the feasibility and long-term stability of traveling solvent floating zone growth under a record pressure of 700 bar.

Evaluation of Mpox Exposures and Outcomes in Workplaces, 6 Jurisdictions, June 1-August 31, 2022.

OBJECTIVES: The risk for mpox virus (MPXV) transmission in most workplaces has not been thoroughly assessed in the context of the 2022 global mpox outbreak. Our objectives were to describe mpox case patients who worked while infectious and the subsequent workplace contact tracing efforts, risk assessments, and outcomes. METHODS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requested information from health departments in the United States in September 2022 to identify people with confirmed or probable mpox who worked outside the home while infectious, either before or after diagnosis, from June 1 through August 31, 2022. We collected and summarized data on demographic, clinical, and workplace characteristics of case patients and workplace contact investigations. We stratified data by industry and occupation categories. RESULTS: In total, 102 case patients were reported by 6 jurisdictions. The most common industries were accommodation and food services (19.8%) and professional business, management, and technical services (17.0%). Contact investigations identified 178 total contacts; 54 cases (52.9%) had no contacts identified. Of 178 contacts, 54 (30.3%) were recommended to receive postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and 18 (10.1%) received PEP. None of the contacts developed a rash or were tested for orthopox or mpox, and none were reported to have confirmed or probable mpox. CONCLUSION: Data from 6 jurisdictions suggest that the risk of MPXV transmission from workers to others in workplace settings in many industries is low. These findings might support future updates to exposure risk classifications and work activity recommendations for patients. These findings also demonstrate the importance of collecting and analyzing occupation and industry data in case reports to better understand risks in workplaces.

Microevolution, reinfection and highly complex genomic diversity in patients with sequential isolates of Mycobacterium abscessus.

Mycobacterium abscessus is an opportunistic, extensively drug-resistant non-tuberculous mycobacterium. Few genomic studies consider its diversity in persistent infections. Our aim was to characterize microevolution/reinfection events in persistent infections. Fifty-three sequential isolates from 14 patients were sequenced to determine SNV-based distances, assign resistance mutations and characterize plasmids. Genomic analysis revealed 12 persistent cases (0-13 differential SNVs), one reinfection (15,956 SNVs) and one very complex case (23 sequential isolates over 192 months), in which a first period of persistence (58 months) involving the same genotype 1 was followed by identification of a genotype 2 (76 SNVs) in 6 additional alternating isolates; additionally, ten transient genotypes (88-243 SNVs) were found. A macrolide resistance mutation was identified from the second isolate. Despite high diversity, the genotypes shared a common phylogenetic ancestor and some coexisted in the same specimens. Genomic analysis is required to access the true intra-patient complexity behind persistent infections involving M. abscessus.

Taxonomic reassessment of Tetrapygus niger (Arbacioida, Echinoidea): molecular and morphological evidence support its placement in Arbacia.

The echinoid genus Tetrapygus was initially described by L. Agassiz (1841) based on a single species, Tetrapygus niger Molina, 1782. Since the extensive work conducted by Mortensen (1935), Tetrapygus has received limited taxonomic attention over the past century. Recent discoveries of new fossil species of Arbacia Gray, 1835 from the upper Pliocene of northern Chile revealed striking morphological similarities between the two distinct Arbaciidae genera Arbacia and Tetrapygus. These findings compelled new investigations to evaluate the taxonomic status of these genera. Based on molecular mitochondrial (COI), nuclear (28S), and morphological evidence, Tetrapygus niger is here recovered as the sister species to Arbacia dufresnii, both species forming a clade within the phylogeny of South American species of Arbacia. Consequently, the diagnosis and description of Tetrapygus niger are here revised, and the species is reattributed to Arbacia, as previously proposed by A. Agassiz in Agassiz & Desor (1846) under the species name Arbacia nigra. An emended diagnosis of Arbacia is also proposed in light of these new findings.

Health-related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy associated with congenital Zika infection / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em crianças com paralisia cerebral associada a síndrome da Zika congênita

Abstract Objective: To describe the health-related quality of life (QOL) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) associated with congenital Zika infection. Methods: Cross-sectional study of a consecutive series of children, followed in a referral multicentric rehabilitation network in Brazil. We invited the caregivers to respond to the Brazilian version of the Caregiver Priorities & Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILDTM) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 26.0™. We used absolute and relative frequencies for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Results: The sample consisted of 193 children, at mean age of 50.3±7.6 months. We observed a predominance of children with cerebral palsy (CP) with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V (93.7%). Epilepsy (88.4%) was the most common comorbidity. CPCHILDTM mean scores were activities of daily living (ADL)/personal care 43.2±12.6; positioning, transferring and mobility 33.7±16.5; comfort and emotions 84.4±15.2; communication and social interaction (CoSI) 48.2±24.3; health 70.9±17.1; and overall quality of life (OQOL) 72.1±17.1. Total score was 54.8±11.3. Conclusions: Among children with cerebral palsy (CP) related to congenital Zika syndrome, the quality of life (QOL) scores were very similar to other populations with cerebral palsy (CP). The activities of positioning, transferring and mobility had the greatest impact on health-related quality of life (QOL). Rehabilitation strategies and public policies should prioritize aspects related to mobility for this population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em crianças com paralisia cerebral associada à infecção congênita pelo zika. Métodos: Estudo transversal de série consecutiva de casos de crianças acompanhadas em uma rede multicêntrica de reabilitação no Brasil. Convidamos o(s) cuidador(es) a responder à versão brasileira do Caregiver Priorities & Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILDTM). A análise estatística foi realizada com o pacote estatístico Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 26.0™. Para variáveis categóricas, foram utilizadas frequências absolutas e relativas e, para variáveis contínuas, média e desvio padrão. Resultados: Cento e noventa e três crianças, com idade média de 50,3±7,6 meses, foram incluídas. Observou-se predomínio de crianças com paralisia cerebral Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) nível V (93,7%). Epilepsia (88,4%) foi a comorbidade mais comum. As pontuações médias do CPCHILDTM foram: atividades de vida diária/cuidados pessoais 43,2±12,6; posicionamento, transferência e mobilidade 33,7±16,5; conforto e emoções 84,4±15,2; comunicação e interação social 48,2±24,3; saúde 70,9±17,1; e qualidade de vida geral 72,1±17,1. A pontuação total foi 54,8±11,3. Conclusões: Entre as crianças com paralisia cerebral relacionada à síndrome do zika congênita, as atividades de posicionamento, transferência e mobilidade tiveram maior impacto na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde, semelhantemente a outras etiologias de paralisia cerebral. As estratégias de reabilitação e as políticas públicas devem priorizar os aspectos relacionados à mobilidade dessa população.

Estudio colaborativo sobre la utilidad del panel Meningitis/Encephalitis FilmArray (Biofire) en el diagnóstico de pacientes con sospecha de meningitis o encefalitis / Collaborative study on the usefulness of the Meningitis/Encephalitis FilmArray (Biofire) panel in the diagnosis of patients with suspected meningitis or encephalitis / Estudo colaborativo sobre a utilidade do painel Meningitis/Encephalitis FilmArray (Biofire) no diagnóstico de pacientes com suspeita de meningite ou encefalite

Resumen El tratamiento inicial para pacientes con sospecha de meningitis bacteriana aguda depende de una evaluación diagnóstica rápida y una terapia antimicrobiana adecuada. El panel de Meningitis/Encephalitis FilmArray (ME) (BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, EE.UU.) utiliza análisis de PCR múltiple e incluye 14 microorganismos; los resultados se obtienen directamente del LCR en 1 h. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: a) determinar el rendimiento del ME y b) establecer el impacto del resultado obtenido en el tratamiento antimicrobiano de pacientes con meningoencefalitis. Se incluyeron 112 pacientes y 26 episodios de meningitis. Del total de resultados positivos con el panel para bacterias y hongos, 4/13 no se aislaron de cultivos y correspondieron a pacientes con tratamiento antimicrobiano. De los 26 episodios, los resultados condujeron a cambios terapéuticos en 21 casos. El ME es una herramienta rápida y útil para adecuar un tratamiento antimicrobiano en pacientes con meningoencefalitis.

Abstract The initial treatment for patients with suspected acute bacterial meningitis depends on a rapid diagnostic evaluation and adequate antimicrobial therapy. The Meningitis/Encephalitis FilmArray panel (ME) (BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, USA) uses multiplex PCR analysis and includes 14 microorganisms; the results are obtained directly from the CSF in 1 h. The objectives of this study were: a) to determine the performance of ME and b) to establish the impact of the result obtained on the antimicrobial treatment of patients with meningoencephalitis. A number of 112 patients and 26 episodes of meningitis were included. Of the total positive results for bacteria and fungi with the panel, 4/13 were not isolated from cultures and corresponded to patients with antimicrobial treatment. Of the 26 episodes, the results led to therapeutic changes in 21 cases. ME is a quick and useful tool to adapt antimicrobial treatment in patients with meningoencephalitis.

Resumo O tratamento inicial para pacientes com suspeita de meningite bacteriana aguda depende de uma avaliação diagnóstica rápida e terapia antimicrobiana adequada. O painel de Meningitis/Encephalitis FilmArray (ME) (BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, EUA) usa análise PCR multiplex e inclui 14 microrganismos; os resultados são obtidos diretamente do LCR em 1 h. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: a) determinar o desempenho do ME e b) estabelecer o impacto do resultado obtido no tratamento antimicrobiano de pacientes com meningoencefalite. 112 pacientes e 26 episódios de meningite foram incluídos. Do total de resultados positivos com o painel para bactérias e fungos, 4/13 não foram isolados das culturas e corresponderam a pacientes em tratamento antimicrobiano. Dos 26 episódios, os resultados levaram a alterações terapêuticas em 21 casos. ME é uma ferramenta rápida e útil para adaptar o tratamento antimicrobiano em pacientes com meningoencefalite.

Utilidad del sistema FilmArrayTM en la optimización del tratamiento antimicrobiano de pacientes con bacteriemia / FilmArrayTM BCID panel usefulness for the optimization of the antimicrobial treatment in patients with bacteremia / Utilidade do sistema FilmArrayTM na otimização do tratamento antimicrobiano de pacientes com bacteremia

Resumen La bacteriemia es una de las principales causas de muerte en todo el mundo y se asocia con alto costo. Los resultados rápidos obtenidos desde los hemocultivos positivos son una herramienta importante para la optimización temprana del tratamiento antimicrobiano. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron evaluar el rendimiento del panel BCID del sistema FilmArrayTM y determinar su impacto en la adecuación del tratamiento antimicrobiano. Se analizaron 127 episodios de bacteriemia. Un porcentaje significativo de los tratamientos (45,8%) fueron cambiados en base a este resultado. La identificación global correcta fue del 89,2% y del 97,2% para los microorganismos incluidos en la base de datos, en tanto que la sensibilidad para la detección de los genes mecA y KPC fue del 100%. El panel BCID de FilmArrayTM es un método rápido y confiable para la detección de los microorganismos relacionados a bacteriemia y de alto impacto en la decisión terapéutica.

Abstract Bacteremia is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is associated with high cost. The rapid results obtained from positive blood cultures are an important tool for early optimization of antimicrobial therapy. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the performance of the BCID panel of the FilmArrayTM system and determine its impact on the adequacy of the antimicrobial treatment. One hundred and twenty seven episodes of bacteremia were analyzed. A significant percentage of the treatments (45.8%) were changed based on this result. The correct global identification was 89.2% and 97.2% for the microorganisms included in the database, while the sensitivity for the detection of the mecA and KPC genes was 100%. The FilmArrayTM BCID panel is a fast and reliable method for the detection of microorganisms related to bacteremia and has a high impact on the therapeutic decision.

Resumo A bacteremia é uma das principais causas de morte no mundo e está associada a alto custo. Resultados rápidos obtidos de hemoculturas positivas são uma ferramenta importante para a otimização precoce da terapia antimicrobiana. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o desempenho do painel BCID do sistema FilmArrayTM e determinar seu impacto na adequação do tratamento antimicrobiano. Foram analisados 127 episódios de bacteremia. Percentual significativo dos tratamentos (45,8%) foi alterado com base nesse resultado. A correta identificação global foi de 89,2% e 97,2% para os microrganismos incluídos na base de dados, enquanto a sensibilidade para detecção dos genes mecA e KPC foi de 100%. O painel FilmArrayTM BCID é um método rápido e confiável para a detecção de microrganismos relacionados à bacteremia e tem alto impacto na decisão terapêutica.

Micobacteriosis y tuberculosis bovina en humanos en la República Argentina (años 1982-84) / Mycobacterium infections and bovine tuberculosis in humans in the República Argentina (years 1982-84)

Se realizó un estudio con la participación de 15 laboratorios, de 6 regiones de la República Argentina (provincia de Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, regiones Nordeste, Centro, Noroeste y Sur) para determinar la importancia relativa de las micobacterias atípicas y de M. bovis como causa de enfermedad en el hombre. En 3 años (1982-84 inclusive) se obtuvieron 13.544 cultivos positivos para micobacterias atípicas micobacterias en 7.672 pacientes: 437 (3,22%) de esos cultivos fueron y 49 (0,36%) M. bovis, siendo el resto M. tuberculosis. Los casos de micobacteriosis diagnosticados fueron 27, o sea 0,35% de los pacientes, y los casos de tuberculosis debidos a M. bovis fueron 36 (0,47%). En 26 de los 27 casos de micobacteriosis el agente causal fue el complejo M. avium-intracellulares-scrofulaceum (MAIS) y en uno M. chelonei. Todos fueron detectados en adultos, con localización pulmonar, con la excepción de un caso ganglionar, en una niña. La región del Centro presentó el mayor porcentaje de patologías debidas a micobacterias atípicas. La importancia relativa de la tuberculosis de origen bovino fue baja, con valores mayores en la región de Santa Fe, siendo los pacientes en su mayoría obreros de frigoríficos o trabajadores rurales (AU)

Micobacteriosis y tuberculosis bovina en humanos en la República Argentina (años 1982-84) / Mycobacterium infections and bovine tuberculosis in humans in the República Argentina (years 1982-84)

Se realizó un estudio con la participación de 15 laboratorios, de 6 regiones de la República Argentina (provincia de Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, regiones Nordeste, Centro, Noroeste y Sur) para determinar la importancia relativa de las micobacterias atípicas y de M. bovis como causa de enfermedad en el hombre. En 3 años (1982-84 inclusive) se obtuvieron 13.544 cultivos positivos para micobacterias atípicas micobacterias en 7.672 pacientes: 437 (3,22%) de esos cultivos fueron y 49 (0,36%) M. bovis, siendo el resto M. tuberculosis. Los casos de micobacteriosis diagnosticados fueron 27, o sea 0,35% de los pacientes, y los casos de tuberculosis debidos a M. bovis fueron 36 (0,47%). En 26 de los 27 casos de micobacteriosis el agente causal fue el complejo M. avium-intracellulares-scrofulaceum (MAIS) y en uno M. chelonei. Todos fueron detectados en adultos, con localización pulmonar, con la excepción de un caso ganglionar, en una niña. La región del Centro presentó el mayor porcentaje de patologías debidas a micobacterias atípicas. La importancia relativa de la tuberculosis de origen bovino fue baja, con valores mayores en la región de Santa Fe, siendo los pacientes en su mayoría obreros de frigoríficos o trabajadores rurales