bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do sports protect us from COVID-19? An evaluation of COVID-19 infection, vaccination status, and cardiac examination findings in children who exercise
Authors: Erol Nurdan , Erol Cigdem
Published: October 2023

Aim:

The COVID-19 pandemic which has devastated the whole world for the past 3 years affects different patient groups differently. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, symptoms, and severity of COVID-19 infection, vaccination status, and cardiac pathologies of children who exercise.

Material and methods:

The records of the children and adolescents who applied to our paediatric cardiology outpatient clinic for preparticipation examinations between 01.01.22 and 31.12.2022 were scanned retrospectively, and information about their COVID-19 history, the severity of infection, symptoms during the infection, at the time of the examination, and vaccination status was obtained. The results were analysed using MS Excel 2016 software.

Results:

The study consisted of 240 children [82 (34.17%) girls and 158 (65.83%) boys] whose mean age was 12.64 ± 2.64 years, mean weight was 50.03 ± 15.53 kg, mean height was 157 ± 15.09 cm, and mean body mass index was 19.65 ± 3.59. 129 cases had a COVID-19 history, 74 cases had no COVID-19 history, and 37 only had contact but no polymerase chain reaction positivity. 84 cases were mild, 19 were moderate, and 12 were asymptomatic. The most common symptoms were fatigue, malaise, headache, sore throat, and fever. 51 cases (35.15%) were vaccinated against COVID-19. No significant cardiac pathologies were detected in electrocardiography or echocardiography

Conclusions:

This study shows that COVID-19 infections in children who exercise are generally mild and self-limiting. Our findings suggest that exercise may have positive effects on immunity.
Use of the advisor™ HD Grid mapping catheter in transcatheter ablation of atrial arrhythmias in palliated CHD and children without CHD
Authors: Balli Şevket , Kanlioğlu Pınar , Altin Hüsnü F.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

In this study, we describe our experience utilising Advisor™ High Density (HD) Grid mapping catheter in transcatheter ablation of intraatrial re-entrant and focal atrial tachycardias with or without CHD.

Methods:

Forty-five consecutive patients with intraatrial re-entrant and focal atrial tachycardia who underwent a transcatheter ablation procedure by using Advisor™ HD Grid mapping catheter and high-density mapping system in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2023 were included into the study.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 14.2 ± 7.3 years (6–32 years), and the mean weight was 48.3 ± 16.2 kg (22–83 kg). Of the total 45 patients, 21 were intraatrial re-entrant tachycardia and 25 were focal atrial tachycardia. Of the 21 re-entrant circuits, 15 were classified as cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent and 5 were non-cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent. In one patient, two re-entrant circuits were identified. A transbaffle ablation was successfully performed from the left atrium in one patient. Of the 25 focal atrial tachycardia, 19 were from right atrium and 6 were from left atrium. A cryoablation was performed in only one patient and radiofrequency ablation in others. The mean procedure time was 180 ± 64 minutes. The mean follow-up period was 69.3 ± 35.3 months. Acute success was 95.5%. Recurrence was noted in two patients (4.4%).

Conclusion:

Advisor™ HD Grid mapping catheter was found to be safe and achieved an acceptable success in transcatheter ablation of patients with intraatrial re-entrant tachycardia and focal atrial tachycardias.
Alteration of the embryonic microenvironment and sex-specific responses of the preimplantation embryo related to a maternal high-fat diet in the rabbit model
Authors: Calderari Sophie , Archilla Catherine , Jouneau Luc , Daniel Nathalie , Peynot Nathalie , Dahirel Michele , Richard Christophe , Mourier Eve , Schmaltz-Panneau Barbara , Vitorino Carvalho Anaïs , Rousseau-Ralliard Delphine , Lager Franck , Marchiol Carmen , Renault Gilles , Gatien Julie , Nadal-Desbarats Lydie , Couturier-Tarrade Anne , Duranthon Véronique , Chavatte-Palmer Pascale
Published: October 2023

The maternal metabolic environment can be detrimental to the health of the offspring. In a previous work, we showed that maternal high-fat (HH) feeding in rabbit induced sex-dependent metabolic adaptation in the fetus and led to metabolic syndrome in adult offspring. As early development representing a critical window of susceptibility, in the present work we aimed to explore the effects of the HH diet on the oocyte, preimplantation embryo and its microenvironment. In oocytes from females on HH diet, transcriptomic analysis revealed a weak modification in the content of transcripts mainly involved in meiosis and translational control. The effect of maternal HH diet on the embryonic microenvironment was investigated by identifying the metabolite composition of uterine and embryonic fluids collected in vivo by biomicroscopy. Metabolomic analysis revealed differences in the HH uterine fluid surrounding the embryo, with increased pyruvate concentration. Within the blastocoelic fluid, metabolomic profiles showed decreased glucose and alanine concentrations. In addition, the blastocyst transcriptome showed under-expression of genes and pathways involved in lipid, glucose and amino acid transport and metabolism, most pronounced in female embryos. This work demonstrates that the maternal HH diet disrupts the in vivo composition of the embryonic microenvironment, where the presence of nutrients is increased. In contrast to this nutrient-rich environment, the embryo presents a decrease in nutrient sensing and metabolism suggesting a potential protective process. In addition, this work identifies a very early sex-specific response to the maternal HH diet, from the blastocyst stage.
Digital gestresst durch Vorgesetzte?
Authors: Thelen Ilona , Garrel Jörg von
Published: October 2023

Zusammenfassung: Technostress – d. h. Stress, der aus dem Umgang mit digitalen Technologien resultiert – ist eine gravierende Schattenseite der voranschreitenden Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelt. Die negativen Auswirkungen dieses Phänomens sind bereits heute erkennbar. Sie beinhalten sowohl negative gesundheitliche Folgen für die betroffenen Mitarbeiter_innen als auch gravierende Folgekosten für Unternehmen durch gesteigerte Fehlzeiten sowie negative Auswirkungen auf Mitarbeiterproduktivität und -zufriedenheit. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, ob das Führungsverhalten einer Führungskraft die Entstehung von Technostress bei den ihr direkt unterstellten Mitarbeiter_innen beeinflusst. Darüber hinaus werden Einflüsse weiterer individueller und organisationaler Faktoren überprüft. Mittels validierter Erhebungsinstrumente werden selbstberichtete Daten von N=849 Mitarbeiter_innen deutscher Unternehmen erhoben. Die Einschätzung des Führungsverhaltens der direkten Führungskraft erfolgt auf Grundlage der Führungsstile des „Full Range of Leadership Modells“ nach Avolio und Bass (1991) unter Zuhilfenahme des MLQ 5x short. Die Ergebnisse der Datenauswertung mittels Strukturgleichungsmodellierung weisen darauf hin, dass das Führungsverhalten der bzw. des direkten Vorgesetzten Einfluss auf das Technostress-Empfinden der Mitarbeiter_innen hat.
Deep Ocean Circulation Governs Sedimentary CaCO3 Accumulation in the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Xia J. , Luo Y. , Tjiputra J.
Published: October 2023

The meridional overturning circulation influences the deep‐sea carbon reservoir, global carbon cycle, and climate change on century to millennium time scales. However, the influence of deep‐sea circulation on sedimentary carbonate accumulation and thus deep‐sea carbonate system in the North Pacific Ocean is difficult to quantify owing to the complicated geometry of deep ocean ventilation attributed to its topographic complexity. In this study, we reanalyzed the distribution patterns of sedimentary calcium carbonate contents (wtCaCO3%) in the deep Northeast Pacific in a quantitative manner. Our results in conjunction with data from the Northwest Pacific Ocean, suggest that the deep ocean circulation plays a critical role in elucidating the basin‐scale features of sedimentary CaCO3 distribution in the North Pacific Ocean, despite elevated non‐carbonate dilution exerted by detritus from active geological processes on the topographic structure. Moreover, enhanced carbonate dissolution in the Guatemala and Panama Basins, controlled by higher flow rates of deep currents, influences the depth‐profiles of sedimentary wtCaCO3% in that region. These findings suggest a novel avenue to reconstruct past changes in ocean circulation and carbon cycling in the Northeast Pacific Ocean based on the wtCaCO3% records in sediments.
Detection and Attribution of Climate Change Using a Neural Network
Authors: Bône Constantin , Gastineau Guillaume , Thiria Sylvie , Gallinari Patrick , Mejia Carlos
Published: October 2023

A new detection and attribution method is presented and applied to the global mean surface air temperature (GSAT) from 1900 to 2014. The method aims at attributing the climate changes to the variations of greenhouse gases, anthropogenic aerosols, and natural forcings. A convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained using the simulated GSAT from historical and single‐forcing simulations of 12 climate models. Then, we perform a backward optimization with the CNN to estimate the attributable GSAT changes. Such a method does not assume additivity in the effects of the forcings. The uncertainty in the attributable GSAT is estimated by sampling different starting points from single‐forcing simulations and repeating the backward optimization. To evaluate this new method, the attributable GSAT changes are also calculated using the regularized optimal fingerprinting (ROF) method. Using synthetic non‐additive data, we first find that the neural network‐based method estimates attributable changes better than ROF. When using GSAT data from climate model, the attributable anomalies are similar for both methods, which might reflect that the influence of forcing is mainly additive for the GSAT. However, we found that the uncertainties given both methods are different. The new method presented here can be adapted and extended in future work, to investigate the non‐additive changes found at the local scale or on other physical variables.
Radiance Simulations in Support of Climate Services
Authors: Poli P. , Roebeling R. , John V. O. , Doutriaux‐Boucher M. , Schulz J. , Lattanzio A. , Petraityte K. , Grant M. , Hanschmann T. , Onderwaater J. , Sus O. , Huckle R. , Coppens D. , Theodore B. , August T. , Simmons A. J. , Bell B. , Mittaz J. , Hall T. , Vidot J. , Brunel P. , Johnson J. E. , Zamkoff E. B. , Al‐Jazrawi A. F. , Esfandiari A. E. , Gerasimov I. V. , Kobayashi S.
Published: October 2023

Climate services are largely supported by climate reanalyses and by satellite Fundamental (Climate) Data Records (F(C)DRs). This paper demonstrates how the development and the uptake of F(C)DR benefit from radiance simulations, using reanalyses and radiative transfer models. We identify three classes of applications, with examples for each application class. The first application is to validate assumptions during F(C)DR development. Hereto we show the value of applying advanced quality controls to geostationary European (Meteosat) images. We also show the value of a cloud mask to study the spatio‐temporal coherence of the impact of the Mount Pinatubo volcanic eruption between Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and the High‐resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) data. The second application is to assess the coherence between reanalyses and observations. Hereto we show the capability of reanalyses to reconstruct spectra observed by the Spektrometer Interferometer (SI‐1) flown on a Soviet satellite in 1979. We also present a first attempt to estimate the random uncertainties from this instrument. Finally, we investigate how advanced bias correction can help to improve the coherence between reanalysis and Nimbus‐3 Medium‐Resolution Infrared Radiometer (MRIR) in 1969. The third application is to inform F(C)DR users about particular quality aspects. We show how simulations can help to make a better‐informed use of the corresponding F(C)DR, taking as examples the Nimbus‐7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR), the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) imager, and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Special Sensor Microwave Water Vapor Profiler (SSM/T‐2).
New Particle‐Wise Finite Element Strain Analysis for Discrete Displacement of Fold‐And‐Thrust Belt and Horst‐And‐Graben Models
Authors: An Soojung , So Byung‐Dal , Kim Hyun Na
Published: October 2023

The granular behaviors of shallow Earth materials are associated with brittle deformations and mass transport along the surface and fault zones. Green strain has been adopted to quantitatively analyze the fold‐and‐thrust belt and horst‐and‐graben discrete element (DE) models driven by contractional and extensional forces, respectively. Deriving Green strain from DE models is challenging because of the need for precise mapping of the discrete particle displacement onto differentiable meshes. Here, we developed a new Green strain calculation methodology, the implicit global‐finite element method (IG‐FEM), which inverts a global matrix to reflect the interconnectivity of all particles. The IG‐FEM obtains strain quantities associated with particles to prevent an information loss, for example, displacement, at particle positions. We validated the accuracy of IG‐FEM compared to the conventional strain analysis scheme for DE model, finite difference method (FDM), by estimating the relative root mean square error from analytical solutions for a given mathematical transformation. On average, the IG‐FEM and the FDM show 2.8% and 17.4% relative root mean square errors, respectively. Furthermore, the strain quantities in the fold‐and‐thrust belt and horst‐and‐graben DE models were computed. The strain patterns of the IG‐FEM are more consistent with the particle spin distribution, which is noninterpolated information of the DE models. We present the potential benefits of the IG‐FEM for assessing strain‐related values such as stress, pore pressure, and seismic velocities within brittle deformation zones. The IG‐FEM is applicable in analog models and geodetic surveys to extract strain from discrete displacement data.
A High‐Resolution Digital Terrain Model Mosaic of the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Landing Site at Jezero Crater
Authors: Tao Yu , Walter Sebastian H. G. , Muller Jan‐Peter , Luo Yaowen , Xiong Siting
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate the capabilities of a published MADNet monocular height estimation network in producing a refined digital terrain model (DTM) mosaic at 50 cm/pixel resolution for the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover landing site in Jezero crater on Mars. Our approach utilizes the publicly available Mars 2020 Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) High‐Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) Digital Terrain Model (DTM) mosaic, which was originally created by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Centre. Our resultant HiRISE MADNet DTM mosaic is strictly matched with the original HiRISE TRN DTM and orthoimage mosaics. These mosaics are themselves co‐aligned with the USGS TRN Context Camera (CTX) based DTM and orthoimage mosaics, as well as the ESA/DLR/FUB (European Space Agency/German Aerospace Center/Free University Berlin) High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) level 5 DTM and orthoimage mosaics. In this paper, we provide a brief description of the technical details, and present both visual and quantitative assessments of the refined MADNet HiRISE Jezero DTM mosaic product. This DTM product is now publicly available at http://dx.doi.org/10.17169/refubium-38359.
Effect of X‐Ray Computed Tomography Imaging Parameters on Quantification of Petrophysical Properties
Authors: Salek M. F. , Beckingham L. E.
Published: October 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) X‐ray computed tomography (X‐ray CT) imaging has emerged as a nondestructive means of microstructural characterization. However, obtaining and processing high‐quality and high‐resolution images is time‐consuming and often requires high‐performance computing, particularly with a high number of projections. This work evaluates the effect of 3D X‐ray CT imaging parameters on pore connectivity and surface area quantification in sandstone samples of varied composition. Samples from Bentheimer and Torrey Buff formations are imaged via 3D X‐ray CT imaging at resolutions ranging from 1.25 to 15 μm, bin sizes 1, 2, and 4, and number of projections from 400 to 4,500. Collected images are processed and analyzed using ImageJ and MATLAB to discern petrophysical properties and the results are compared with each other and Mercury Intrusion Capillary Pressure (MICP) results. Overall, little variation in bulk porosity with changing scanning parameters is observed. However, for low resolution and projection numbers, connected porosity is lower compared to bulk porosity due to a failure to capture microfeatures. Overall, mineral surface area is observed to decrease with increasing bin size, voxel size, and projection numbers, except an observed increase with projection numbers for Torrey Buff. The Torrey Buff samples contains comparatively more clays and even the highest resolution (1.25 μm) fails to separate the micrograins, which is reflected in the pore size distribution. Identifying these variations are helpful as discrepancies in imaged pore connectivity and surface area can largely impact assessments of fluid flow and transport in reactive transport simulations informed by this data.
Systematic Occurrence Cycle of Typical RH‐Profiles During the MJO: Evidence for Ubiquitous Pre‐Moistening
Authors: Abraham Carsten , Goldblatt Colin , Matthews Adrian J.
Published: October 2023

We describe how typical relative humidity (RH) profiles change systematically through the phases of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). We use 18 years of classified RH‐profiles from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder, clustered without prior knowledge of large‐scale dynamics or occurrence‐region. Occurrence probability (OP) anomalies of RH‐profiles classes exhibit classical MJO patterns: Large positive OP anomalies of the RH‐profile class with most moisture in the free troposphere are co‐located with the largest positive precipitation anomalies. About 10 days prior to this deep convective core large OP anomalies of a RH‐profile class occur consistent with lower atmospheric moistening, supporting a ubiquitous role of pre‐moistening in MJO propagation. Since each RH‐profile class is associated with distinct dynamics (most of which are subgrid‐scale to climate models) our results can serve as process‐based diagnostics to investigate parameterization shortcomings of climate models preventing them to simulate the MJO accurately.
Statistical Study of the Energetic Electron Microinjections at the High‐Latitude Magnetosphere
Authors: Liou Yu‐Lun , Nykyri Katariina , Kavosi Shiva , Ma Xuanye
Published: October 2023

Understanding the formation of the seed population for the energetic electrons trapped within the Earth's Van Allen radiation belts has been under debate for decades. The magnetic reconnection in the Earth's magnetotail during the substorms is the main process of accelerating the electrons to the tens to hundreds of keV. These electrons are further injected toward the radiation belts, where they get further accelerated to relativistic energies. Recently, it has been suggested that another source could come from the dayside diamagnetic cavities where electrons and ions can be locally energized to hundreds of keV energies. It has been shown that the physical mechanism within the cavities can create a strong acceleration perpendicular to magnetic field, which can lead to temperature anisotropy and drift mirror instability. The electron fluxes localized within the troughs of the mirror mode waves exhibit the counter‐streaming “microinjection” signature. To investigate the origin of microinjections and their dependence on solar wind conditions, here we have performed an event search and a statistical study of their properties encompassing a total of ∼165 hr (47 microinjection events) of Magnetospheric Multiscale observations at the pre‐dusk sector high‐latitude boundary layer. The ultralow frequency range magnetic field fluctuations coincided with the counter‐streaming energetic electron fluxes. For most events, the interplanetary magnetic field was duskward and anti‐sunward; over 60% of these microinjections satisfy the criteria of the drift mirror instability, which indicates the temperature anisotropy could play an important role for the microinjection.
Ion Acceleration by Foreshock Bubbles: Magnetospheric Multiscale Observations
Authors: Lee S. H. , Sibeck D. G. , Omidi N. , Silveira M. V. D. , Vu A. , Vines S. K. , Cohen I. J. , Fuselier S. A. , Wei H. , Russell C. T. , Burch J. L.
Published: October 2023

Foreshock bubbles (FBs) occur when interplanetary magnetic field discontinuities encounter the Earth's foreshock. These transient (∼1 to 5 min) features exhibit depressed densities and magnetic field strengths, enhanced temperatures, and deflected plasma flows trailed by a region of enhanced plasma density and magnetic field strength. Ions can be accelerated inside the FBs through the Fermi acceleration process. Hybrid simulations and test particle calculations predict that the maximum energies of ions accelerated by FBs reach 5.6 times the solar wind ram energy (Esw). We identify 23 FBs from September 2015 to January 2020 Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft observations. Most FBs (17 of 23) occurred upstream of the dusk‐side bow shock and above the ecliptic. The FBs occurred for Alfvn Mach numbers ranging from 5 to 15, with 11 FBs having an Alfvn Mach number near 10. To investigate ion energization inside the cores of the FBs we compare the proton spectra observed by the Hot Plasma Composition Analyzer and Energetic Ion Spectrometer before (upstream), during (core), and after (downstream) the FBs. The proton intensities at energies from Esw (the solar wind ram energy, ) up to about 5.6Esw are greater inside than outside 19 of 23 FBs, confirming that FBs can accelerate particles to these energies. The proton flux intensities at energies between Esw and 5.6Esw in the core of the FBs are consistent with results from global hybrid simulations for ion energization from FBs through second‐order Fermi acceleration.
Anomalous Sporadic‐E Enhancements and Field‐Aligned Irregularities at Low‐Latitudes During the Intense Geomagnetic Activities on 17–18 March 2015
Authors: Chen Gang , Yang Muchen , Yan Chunxiao , Hu Pengfei , Li Yaxian , Zhang Shaodong , Yang Guotao , Li Guozhu , Zhao Xiukuan , Gong Wanlin , Liu Zhengkuan
Published: October 2023

During the intense geomagnetic activities on 17–18 March 2015, the anomalous enhancements of critical frequency of sporadic‐E (foEs) and field‐aligned irregularities (FAIs) were recorded in the mid‐ and low‐latitude E‐region. The foEs peaks present good consistency with the occurrence of the FAIs. The AE and PC indices show the similar variation of five continuous peaks of 5‐hr period on 17 March, indicating it is the successive substorms responsible for the sequential Joule heating events. The equatorward wind surges due to the Joule heating in polar region transferred the 5‐hr period oscillations to the mid‐latitude Mesosphere and Low‐Thermosphere (MLT) atmosphere and even to the low‐latitude sporadic‐E (Es) layer. The 5‐hr oscillations emerged in the AE and PC indices, mid‐latitude MLT region winds, and low‐latitude foEs in sequence, indicating the disturbances were traveling equatorward and reached low‐latitude E‐region. The anomalous FAIs observed by the HCOPAR presented the descending and intermittent echo structures. The substorm‐related oscillations are considered to modulate the MLT region tidal winds and induce the anomalous sporadic‐E enhancements and FAIs through the wind‐shear instability.
A 1D Model for Nucleation of Ice From Aerosol Particles: An Application to a Mixed‐Phase Arctic Stratus Cloud Layer
Authors: Knopf Daniel A. , Silber Israel , Riemer Nicole , Fridlind Ann M. , Ackerman Andrew S.
Published: October 2023

Mixed‐phase clouds (MPCs) have been identified as significant contributors to uncertainties in climate projections, attributable to model representation of processes controlling the formation and loss of supercooled water droplets and ice particles from the atmosphere. Arctic MPCs are commonly widespread and long‐lived, with sustained ice crystal formation processes that challenge current understanding. This study examines the ice‐nucleating particle (INP) reservoir dynamics governing immersion‐mode heterogeneous freezing in an observed case of Arctic MPCs using a simplified 1D aerosol‐cloud model. The model setup includes prescribed dynamical forcings and thermodynamic profiles, and represents INPs as multicomponent and polydisperse particle size distributions. Diagnostic and prognostic approaches to immersion freezing parameterization are compared, including time‐independent (singular) number‐ and surface area‐based descriptions and a time‐dependent description following classical nucleation theory (CNT). The choice of freezing parameterization defines the size of the INP reservoir. The CNT‐based description yields an orders of magnitude larger INP reservoir than the singular parameterizations, which is the dominant factor for sustained ice crystal formation. The efficiency of the freezing process and cloud cooling are of secondary importance. A diagnostic treatment neglecting INP loss is only accurate when the INP reservoir size is large and INP depletion weak. Since a larger INP reservoir sustains ice crystal formation substantially longer, and ice water path scales with ice crystal concentrations for the conditions considered, resolving the source of differences in INP reservoir dynamics due to model implementation is a high priority for advancing climate model physics.
Restorative dentistry clinical decision-making for hypodontia: peg and missing lateral incisor teeth
Authors: Dolan Sean , Calvert Gareth , Crane Lynnsey , Savarrio Lee , P. Ashley Martin
Published: October 2023

Peg-shaped and missing lateral incisor teeth are common features for patients affected by hypodontia. While improvements in dental appearance may be a strong motivating factor for these patients, providing dental treatment to improve the clinical condition and achieve an acceptable and stable outcome can be complex and lengthy.

For patients affected by hypodontia, discussion and consideration of various approaches to their individual treatment are best achieved in a multidisciplinary team environment. This allows debate of options and joint agreement between at least orthodontic and restorative dentistry specialist colleagues, based largely on clinical factors, towards a treatment plan that is acceptable to the patient. As most patients with this lateral incisor form of hypodontia are initially treated as teenagers and young adults, there is also an understanding that treatment outcomes will have lifelong maintenance and resource implications to consider.

This paper identifies and discusses the key clinical features that influence the treatment planning process for a patient with either missing or peg lateral incisor teeth. These will often involve consideration of whether to open or close the lateral incisor spaces and whether to restore or replace a peg lateral incisor tooth. The process should be patient-centred, evidence-based, and aim to minimise the lifelong treatment burden, retaining options for future maintenance and retreatment.
Genome-wide chromatin interaction map for Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Díaz-Viraqué Florencia , Chiribao María Laura , Libisch María Gabriela , Robello Carlos
Published: October 2023

Trypanosomes are eukaryotic, unicellular parasites, such as Trypanosoma brucei, which causes sleeping sickness, and Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. Genomes of these parasites comprise core regions and species-specific disruptive regions that encode multigene families of surface glycoproteins. Few transcriptional regulators have been identified in these parasites, and the role of spatial organization of the genome in gene expression is unclear. Here we mapped genome-wide chromatin interactions in T. cruzi using chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C), and we show that the core and disruptive regions form three-dimensional chromatin compartments named C and D. These chromatin compartments differ in levels of DNA methylation, nucleosome positioning and chromatin interactions, affecting genome expression dynamics. Our data reveal that the trypanosome genome is organized into chromatin-folding domains and transcription is affected by the local chromatin structure. We propose a model in which epigenetic mechanisms affect gene expression in trypanosomes.
Adipocyte lipolysis protects mice against Trypanosoma brucei infection
Authors: Machado Henrique , Hofer Peter , Zechner Rudolf , Smith Terry K. , Figueiredo Luísa M.
Published: October 2023

Trypanosoma brucei causes African trypanosomiasis, colonizing adipose tissue and inducing weight loss. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for adipose mass loss and its impact on disease pathology. We found that lipolysis is activated early in infection. Mice lacking B and T lymphocytes fail to upregulate adipocyte lipolysis, resulting in higher fat mass retention. Genetic ablation of the rate-limiting adipose triglyceride lipase specifically from adipocytes (AdipoqCre/+-Atglfl/fl) prevented the stimulation of adipocyte lipolysis during infection, reducing fat mass loss. Surprisingly, these mice succumbed earlier and presented a higher parasite burden in the gonadal adipose tissue, indicating that host lipolysis limits parasite growth. Consistently, free fatty acids comparable with those of adipose interstitial fluid induced loss of parasite viability. Adipocyte lipolysis emerges as a mechanism controlling local parasite burden and affecting the loss of fat mass in African trypanosomiasis.
Causal effects of genetically predicted endometriosis on breast cancer: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yan Shuixin , Li Jiadi , Chen Jiafeng , Chen Yan , Qiu Yu , Zhou Yuxin , Wu Weizhu
Published: October 2023

This study used a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal relationship between genetically predicted endometriosis (EMS) and breast cancer risk. A total of 122,977 cases and 105,974 controls were included in the analysis, with gene-level summary data obtained from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC). An inverse variance-weighting approach was applied to assess the causal relationship between EMS and breast cancer risk, and weighted median and MR-Egger regression methods were used to evaluate pleiotropy. Results showed a causal relationship between EMS and a decreased risk of overall breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] 0.95; 95% CI 0.90–0.99, p = 0.02). Furthermore, EMS was associated with a lower risk for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer in a subgroup analysis based on immunohistochemistry type (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.86–0.97, p = 0.005). However, there was no causal association between ER-negative breast cancer and survival (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.94–1.06, p = 0.89). Pleiotropy was not observed. These findings provide evidence of a relationship between EMS and reduced breast cancer risk in invasive breast cancer overall and specific tissue types, and support the results of a previous observational study. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association.
Advanced stage, high-grade primary tumor ovarian cancer: a multi-omics dissection and biomarker prediction process
Authors: Honar Yousof Saeedi , Javaher Saleh , Soleimani Marziye , Zarebkohan Amir , Farhadihosseinabadi Behrouz , Tohidfar Masoud , Abdollahpour-Alitappeh Meghdad
Published: October 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) incidence and mortality rates continue to escalate globally. Early detection of OC is challenging due to extensive metastases and the ambiguity of biomarkers in advanced High-Grade Primary Tumors (HGPTs). In the present study, we conducted an in-depth in silico analysis in OC cell lines using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray dataset with 53 HGPT and 10 normal samples. Differentially-Expressed Genes (DEGs) were also identified by GEO2r. A variety of analyses, including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), ChIP enrichment analysis (ChEA), eXpression2Kinases (X2K) and Human Protein Atlas (HPA), elucidated signaling pathways, transcription factors (TFs), kinases, and proteome, respectively. Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) networks were generated using STRING and Cytoscape, in which co-expression and hub genes were pinpointed by the cytoHubba plug-in. Validity of DEG analysis was achieved via Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). Of note, KIAA0101, RAD51AP1, FAM83D, CEP55, PRC1, CKS2, CDCA5, NUSAP1, ECT2, and TRIP13 were found as top 10 hub genes; SIN3A, VDR, TCF7L2, NFYA, and FOXM1 were detected as predominant TFs in HGPTs; CEP55, PRC1, CKS2, CDCA5, and NUSAP1 were identified as potential biomarkers from hub gene clustering. Further analysis indicated hsa-miR-215-5p, hsa-miR-193b-3p, and hsa-miR-192-5p as key miRNAs targeting HGPT genes. Collectively, our findings spotlighted HGPT-associated genes, TFs, miRNAs, and pathways as prospective biomarkers, offering new avenues for OC diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Enhancing the properties of geopolymer concrete using nano-silica and microstructure assessment: a sustainable approach
Authors: Chiranjeevi Koti , Abraham Marykutty , Rath Badrinarayan , Praveenkumar T. R.
Published: October 2023

Nowadays low calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concrete can be replaced with cement-based concrete to avoid the adverse effect of manufacturing cement on the environment. Utilization of geopolymer concrete instead of traditional concrete using low calcium fly ash and nano silica reduces a significant amount of CO­2 emission towards the atmosphere. However, the performance of geopolymer concrete is less than that of Portland cement concrete. To improve the performance of geopolymer concrete nano silica was used in the present study. In this work, geopolymer concrete was made utilizing fly ash, ground granular blast furnace slag (GGBS), and sugarcane bagasse ash. In the first instance, binary combinations i.e. fly ash and GGBS were employed as cementitious materials for the production of geopolymer concrete. In the second instance, a ternary mixture of pozzolanic material was prepared by taking 25% GGBS, 65% Fly ash, and 10% bagasse ash. In the third instance, varying percentages of nanoparticles were used for the above ternary mixture. The mechanical and durability properties of the geopolymer composite that was made earlier were tested. The compressive strength and split tensile strength of geopolymer composites were assessed for mechanical properties and a rapid chloride permeability test, water absorption test, and acid attack test were done to know about the porosity of concrete. Results showed that, with a dose of 4% nanoparticles, the durability and strength properties of the concrete had improved the most. The GCBA-N4 mixture had the highest split tensile and compressive strength was measured to be 2.91 MPa and 41.33 MPa and the rapid chloride permeability test, water absorption rate, and percentage of mass loss due to sulfate attack were found as a minimum for GCBA-N4 specimen.
Prevalence of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideas and associated factors, in particular sensory impairments, in a population of Bashkortostan in Russia
Authors: Bikbov Mukharram M. , Gilmanshin Timur R. , Kazakbaeva Gyulli M. , Iakupova Ellina M. , Panda-Jonas Songhomitra , Zainullin Rinat M. , Fakhretdinova Albina A. , Tuliakova Azaliia M. , Gilemzianova Leisan I. , Khakimov Dinar A. , Miniazeva Liana A. , Jonas Jost B.
Published: October 2023

To assess prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideas in populations from Russia, we conducted in rural and urban regions in Bashkortostan/Russia two population-based studies (Ural Eye and Medical Study (UEMS), performed from 2015 to 2017; Ural Very Old Study (UVOS), performed from 2017 to 2020) which included participants aged 40 + years and 85 + years, respectively. Depression was assessed using the questionnaire of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Scoresheet, and anxiety was examined applying the State Trait Inventory Anxiety Test. Suicidal ideas were explored by the question whether suicide had previously been thought of or attempted (and if yes, for what reasons). In the statistical analysis we assessed the mean of the main outcome parameter (depression score and anxiety score) and searched for associations between these parameters and other parameters in univariable and multivariable regression analyses. In the UEMS with 5893 individuals (age: 59.0 ± 10.7 years; range 40–94 years), higher depression score and anxiety score were associated (multivariable analysis) with more marked hearing loss (beta: 0.07; P < 0.001, and beta: 0.07; P < 0.0012, respectively) and worse visual acuity (beta: 0.04; P = 0.02; and beta: 0.03; P = 0.03, resp.), in addition to female sex, Russian ethnicity, lower educational level, less alcohol consumption, weaker hand grip strength, less physical activity, and higher prevalence of dry eye disease. Attempted suicide was reported by 88 (1.5%; 95% CI 1.2, 1.8) participants. Having thought of suicide within the last 6 months was reported by 63 (1.1%) individuals. Out of 1491 UVOS participants (age: 88.2 ± 2.8 years; range 85–100 years) with a mean depression score of 20.0 ± 10.3 (median 18; range 0–58), 916 (61.4%; 95% CI 59.0, 63.9) fulfilled the definition of depression (depressions core ≥ 16). Higher depression score and higher anxiety score correlated (multivariable analysis) with higher hearing loss score (beta: 0.07; P = 0.02, and beta: 0.08; P = 0.009, resp.) and worse visual acuity (beta: 0.13; P < 0.001, and beta: 0.09; P = 0.007, resp.), in addition to female sex, urban region, less physical activity, less fruit intake, and lower cognitive function. Overall, 15 (1.0%; 95% CI 0.50, 1.50) individuals had attempted or thought of suicide. In conclusion, the findings suggest that besides female sex, lower level of education and lower cognitive function, it was sensory impairment, namely vision and hearing impairment, which belonged to the determinants of depression and anxiety in these populations from Russia.
Biocatalytic characterization of an alcohol dehydrogenase variant deduced from Lactobacillus kefir in asymmetric hydrogen transfer
Authors: Rudzka Aleksandra , Zdun Beata , Antos Natalia , Montero Lia Martínez , Reiter Tamara , Kroutil Wolfgang , Borowiecki Paweł
Published: October 2023

Hydrogen transfer biocatalysts to prepare optically pure alcohols are in need, especially when it comes to sterically demanding ketones, whereof the bioreduced products are either essential precursors of pharmaceutically relevant compounds or constitute APIs themselves. In this study, we report on the biocatalytic potential of an anti-Prelog (R)-specific Lactobacillus kefir ADH variant (Lk-ADH-E145F-F147L-Y190C, named Lk-ADH Prince) employed as E. coli/ADH whole-cell biocatalyst and its characterization for stereoselective reduction of prochiral carbonyl substrates. Key enzymatic reaction parameters, including the reaction medium, evaluation of cofactor-dependency, organic co-solvent tolerance, and substrate loading, were determined employing the drug pentoxifylline as a model prochiral ketone. Furthermore, to tap the substrate scope of Lk-ADH Prince in hydrogen transfer reactions, a broad range of 34 carbonylic derivatives was screened. Our data demonstrate that E. coli/Lk-ADH Prince exhibits activity toward a variety of structurally different ketones, furnishing optically active alcohol products at the high conversion of 65–99.9% and in moderate-to-high isolated yields (38–91%) with excellent anti-Prelog (R)-stereoselectivity (up to >99% ee) at substrate concentrations up to 100 mM.
Experimental phasing opportunities for macromolecular crystallography at very long wavelengths
Authors: El Omari Kamel , Duman Ramona , Mykhaylyk Vitaliy , Orr Christian M. , Latimer-Smith Merlyn , Winter Graeme , Grama Vinay , Qu Feng , Bountra Kiran , Kwong Hok Sau , Romano Maria , Reis Rosana I. , Vogeley Lutz , Vecchia Luca , Owen C. David , Wittmann Sina , Renner Max , Senda Miki , Matsugaki Naohiro , Kawano Yoshiaki , Bowden Thomas A. , Moraes Isabel , Grimes Jonathan M. , Mancini Erika J. , Walsh Martin A. , Guzzo Cristiane R. , Owens Raymond J. , Jones E. Yvonne , Brown David G. , Stuart Dave I. , Beis Konstantinos , Wagner Armin
Published: October 2023

Despite recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy and artificial intelligence-based model predictions, a significant fraction of structure determinations by macromolecular crystallography still requires experimental phasing, usually by means of single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD) techniques. Most synchrotron beamlines provide highly brilliant beams of X-rays of between 0.7 and 2 Å wavelength. Use of longer wavelengths to access the absorption edges of biologically important lighter atoms such as calcium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus for native-SAD phasing is attractive but technically highly challenging. The long-wavelength beamline I23 at Diamond Light Source overcomes these limitations and extends the accessible wavelength range to λ = 5.9 Å. Here we report 22 macromolecular structures solved in this extended wavelength range, using anomalous scattering from a range of elements which demonstrate the routine feasibility of lighter atom phasing. We suggest that, in light of its advantages, long-wavelength crystallography is a compelling option for experimental phasing.
Mesoscale artificial synthesis of conjugated microporous polymers
Authors: Mollart Catherine , Ciborowski Bartosz , Trewin Abbie
Published: October 2023

This work reports the mesoscale artificial synthesis of a conjugated microporous polymer, CMP-1, using a hybrid coarse-grained methodology.
Multifunctional nacre-like materials
Authors: Ding Zizhen , Klein Travis , Barner-Kowollik Christopher , Mirkhalaf Mohammad
Published: October 2023

We summarise progress in the fabrication and mechanics of nacre-like materials in recent years and explore pathways to translate nacre-like materials to real-life applications, while providing avenues for future work.
Preferential adhesion of bacterial cells onto top- and bottom-mounted nanostructured surfaces under flow conditions
Authors: Senevirathne S. W. M. A. Ishantha , Mathew Asha , Toh Yi-Chin , Yarlagadda Prasad K. D. V.
Published: October 2023

The biomimetic nanowire surface has significantly high bactericidal effect under flow conditions with some variations depending on its orientation.
Improved synthesis of DA364, an NIR fluorescence RGD probe targeting αvβ3 integrin
Authors: Maschio Rachele , Buonsanti Federica , Crivellin Federico , Ferretti Fulvio , Lattuada Luciano , Maisano Federico , Orio Laura , Pizzuto Lorena , Campanella Raphael , Clouet Anthony , Cavallotti Camilla , Giovenzana Giovanni B.
Published: October 2023

Significant improvements in the synthetic approach to the αvβ3-targeted NIR-fluorescent probe DA364 are reported.
Yield stress-enabled microencapsulation of field responsive microparticle suspensions
Authors: Wilson-Whitford Samuel R. , Roffin Maria Chiara , Gao Jinghui , Kaewpetch Thitiporn , Gilchrist James F.
Published: October 2023

Yield stress fluids can be used as core materials in microencapsulations of field responsive particle suspensions because they hinder particle diffusion and subsequent adsorption to the interface, therefore retaining particle translation and rotation in applied fields.
Feedback From Automatic Speech Recognition to Elicit Clear Speech in Healthy Speakers
Authors: Gutz Sarah E. , Maffei Marc F. , Green Jordan R.
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

This study assessed the effectiveness of feedback generated by automatic speech recognition (ASR) for eliciting clear speech from young, healthy individuals. As a preliminary step toward exploring a novel method for eliciting clear speech in patients with dysarthria, we investigated the effects of ASR feedback in healthy controls. If successful, ASR feedback has the potential to facilitate independent, at-home clear speech practice.

Method:

Twenty-three healthy control speakers (ages 23–40 years) read sentences aloud in three speaking modes: Habitual, Clear (over-enunciated), and in response to ASR feedback (ASR). In the ASR condition, we used Mozilla DeepSpeech to transcribe speech samples and provide participants with a value indicating the accuracy of the ASR's transcription. For speakers who achieved sufficiently high ASR accuracy, noise was added to their speech at a participant-specific signal-to-noise ratio to ensure that each participant had to over-enunciate to achieve high ASR accuracy.

Results:

Compared to habitual speech, speech produced in the ASR and Clear conditions was clearer, as rated by speech-language pathologists, and more intelligible, per speech-language pathologist transcriptions. Speech in the Clear and ASR conditions aligned on several acoustic measures, particularly those associated with increased vowel distinctiveness and decreased speaking rate. However, ASR accuracy, intelligibility, and clarity were each correlated with different speech features, which may have implications for how people change their speech for ASR feedback.

Conclusions:

ASR successfully elicited outcomes similar to clear speech in healthy speakers. Future work should investigate its efficacy in eliciting clear speech in people with dysarthria.
Study on the methods of measuring power of the rotating mechanisms
Authors: Baratov Rustam , Begmatov Murodjon , Mustafoqulov Almardon , Kucharov Farrukh , Sabirov Erkin
Published: October 2023

This article is about the methods of measuring the power of rotating mechanisms, in which the sensors that measure the angular parameters of rotating mechanisms are analyzed. Also, several methods of measuring the power of rotating mechanisms are given in the article. The method of power dissipation through angular acceleration and torque is analyzed in more detail. Connections of input and output quantities are given.
Exploration of the combined vibration parameters and external magnetic field in diagnosing asynchronous electric motors
Authors: Ibragimov Matkarim , Akbarov Dilmurod , Toshev Tajiddin , Safarov Kholiyor Sayyid , Zayniyeva Oliyaxon
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the results of the development and application of a software-hardware complex for assessing the vibration level and external magnetic field intensity of asynchronous electric motors with the aim of diagnosing emerging defects. The issues of increasing the reliability and durability of asynchronous electric motors, as the most critical components in technological equipment complexes, are of utmost importance. Theoretical calculations describing the relationship between changes in the intensity of the external magnetic field and the presence of defects in asynchronous electric motors were conducted. Experimental measurements were performed using a compact portable device developed by the authors, equipped with a built-in Hall sensor. Experiments to determine the parameters of the external magnetic field were conducted on several types of electric motors, for which preliminary vibration measurements were conducted. Based on the results of vibration analysis and the distribution of the external magnetic field of the motor, a detailed list of defects detectable using this comprehensive diagnostic method has been compiled.