bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large Eddy Simulation of Soot Formation in a Real Aero-Engine Combustor Using Tabulated Chemistry and a Quadrature-Based Method of Moments
Authors: Koob Philipp , Ferraro Federica , Nicolai Hendrik , Eggels Ruud , Staufer Max , Hasse Christian
Published: September 2023

Considering the increasingly stringent targets for aircraft emissions, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is becoming a viable tool for improving future aero-engine combustors. However, predicting pollutant formation remains challenging. In particular, directly solving the evolution of soot particles is numerically expensive. To reduce the computational cost but retain detailed physical modeling, quadrature-based moments methods can be efficiently employed to approximate the particle number density function (NDF). An example is the recently developed split-based extended quadrature method of moments (S-EQMOM), which enables a continuous description of the soot particles' NDF, essential to consider particle oxidation accurately. This model has shown promising results in laminar premixed flames up to turbulent laboratory scale configurations. However, the application to large-scale applications are still scarce. In this work, the S-EQMOM model is applied to the Rolls-Royce BR710 aero-engine combustor to investigate the soot evolution process in practically relevant configurations. For this, the soot model is embedded into a high-fidelity simulation framework, consisting of large eddy simulation for the turbulent flow and mixing and the flamelet-generated manifold method for chemistry reduction. An additional transport equation for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is solved to model their slow chemistry and the transition from the gaseous phase to the solid phase. Simulations are performed for different operating conditions (idle, approach, climb, takeoff) to validate the model using experimental data. Subsequently, the results are analyzed to provide insights into the complex interactions of hydrodynamics, mixing, chemistry, and soot formation.
Maximizing the performance of a field emission device by profiling the emitter’s height distribution
Authors: Filippov Sergey V. , Dall’Agnol Fernando F. , Popov Eugeni O. , Kolosko Anatoly G. , de Assis Thiago A.
Published: September 2023

Electrostatic depolarization in clusters of emitters regularly spaced and with uniform height causes the emission to concentrate on the outer corners, suppressing the relative emission contribution from center emitters. In this Letter, we performed extensive three-dimensional computer simulations to show that profiling the height distribution of the emitters significantly compensates for the electrostatic depolarization and homogenizes the emitted current per emitter. Importantly, a minimum standard deviation on the currents from individual emitters shows the route to find the ellipsoidal height profile to achieve optimized conditions. This implies a maximized macroscopic current extractable from the device since every emitter contributes approximately the same before burning out. Our findings are expected to guide developments on new field electron emission devices.
Hypoxia-induced HIF-1α promotes
Listeria monocytogenes
invasion into tilapia
Authors: Wang Jing , He Zhan , Cui Mingzhu , Sun Jing , Jiang Lingli , Zhuang Nanxi , Zhu Fuxin , Zhang Xian , Song Houhui , Cheng Changyong
Published: September 2023

HIF-1α
is a nuclear transcription factor, and its activity is tightly regulated by the level of available oxygen in cells. Here, we investigated the roles of
HIF-1α
in the invasion of
Listeria monocytogenes
into tilapia under hypoxic environments. We found that the expression levels of
HIF-1α
in examined tissues of hypoxic tilapia were significantly upregulated, indicating that the tissue cells have been in hypoxic conditions. After 24-h infection with
L. monocytogenes
, we found that bacterial burden counts increased significantly in all examined tissues of hypoxic fish. To explore why the bacterial count increased significantly in the tissues of hypoxic fish, we modulated
HIF-1α
expression through RNAi technology. The results indicated that
c-Met
expression levels were positively related to
HIF-1α
expression. Since c-Met is the receptor of InlB that plays critical roles in the adhesion and invasion of
L. monocytogenes
, the ∆
InlB
strain was used to further explore the reason for the significant increase in bacterial counts in hypoxic fish. As expected, the decrease in the adhesion ability of ∆
InlB
suggested that InlB mediates
L. monocytogenes
infection in tilapia. After being infected with ∆
InlB
strain, we found that the bacterial counts in hypoxic fish were not affected by hypoxic conditions or
HIF-1α
expression levels. These findings indicate that
HIF-1α
may promote the internalization of InlB by upregulating
c-Met
expression and therefore contributes to the invasion of
L. monocytogenes
into hypoxic tilapia.

IMPORTANCE

Listeria monocytogenes
is a zoonotic food-borne bacterial pathogen with a solid pathogenicity for humans. After ingestion of highly contaminated food,
L. monocytogenes
is able to cross the intestine invading phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells and causes listeriosis. China is the world’s largest supplier of tilapia. The contamination rate of
L. monocytogenes
to tilapia products was as high as 2.81%, causing a severe threat to public health. This study revealed the underlying regulatory mechanisms of
HIF-1α
in the invasion of
L. monocytogenes
into tilapia under hypoxic environments. This study will be helpful for better understanding the molecular mechanisms of hypoxic environments in
L. monocytogenes
infection to tilapia. More importantly, our data will provide novel insights into the prevention and control of this pathogen in aquaculture.
Rapid and portable bunyavirus SFTSV RNA testing utilizing catalytic hairpin assembly coupled with lateral flow immunoassay
Authors: Chen Lin , Ma Mengyin , Zou Mingyuan , Zhao Liwei , Ou Mingrong , Geng Yu , Li Chuang , Shen Han , Chen Yuxin
Published: September 2023

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a prevalent, life-threatening, emergent infectious disease. Currently, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction is the gold standard for diagnosing SFTS virus (SFTSV) infection, which requires sophisticated equipment and professional personnel that are frequently unavailable in most SFTS endemic rural areas. Here, we reported a simple, rapid nucleic acid amplification system that combined the catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) with a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) strip-based detection method for SFTSV detection. The detection of SFTSV RNA could be realized by generation of H1-H2 hybrid duplexes labeled with biotin and digoxin, which subsequently added to the LFIA test strips containing streptavidin conjugated with Alexa Fluor 647 as well as anti-digoxin antibodies. Our CHA-based LFIA assay offered high amplification efficiency and specificity with a detection limit of 1 aM. Crucially, this method enabled stable detection of 500 copies/mL of SFTSV within 30 min using clinical serum samples. Therefore, our CHA-based LFIA approach provided a potential useful tool to facilitate early and precise diagnosis of SFTS patients in poorly resourced SFTS endemic areas.

Importance

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging and potentially fatal infectious disease prevalent in China. Here we report a simple, rapid nucleic acid amplification system, the catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) in conjunction with a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) strip-based detection method for SFTS virus detection, which demonstrated high amplification efficiency and specificity with limit of detection of 1 aM. Most importantly, we also validate our CHA-based LFIA assay using the clinical serum samples, which was fully compatible with reverse transcription-PCR results. Therefore, our strategy provides a potential useful tool to facilitate early and precise diagnosis of SFTS patients especially in poorly resourced SFTS endemic areas.
Heterogeneous mush-dominated plumbing system and mantle sources of alkaline lamprophyres in Tuoyun Basin, SW Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Cheng Zhiguo , Martial M.E. , Zhang Zhaochong , Li Jiao , Xu Lijuan , Krmíček Lukáš
Published: September 2023

Lamprophyres are spatially and temporally widespread in continental belts, but their magmatic differentiation process and melting dynamic mechanisms remain subjects of debate. In this study, we report mineral chemistry, bulk-rock compositions, and Sr-Nd-O isotopes of the alkaline lamprophyres (including monchiquite and camptonite) from the Tuoyun Basin of the southwestern Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Based on the P-T estimates, transcrustal magmatic reservoirs from the lower crust to upper crust are revealed for monchiquite and camptonite. These magmatic reservoirs were potentially connected, and the magmatic recharge and mixing processes that occurred were recorded by zoned clinopyroxene and amphibole. The diverse crystal populations are suggested to have originated from multiple batches of magmas, which were then involved in forming the subsequent magmas. The Sr-Nd isotopic compositions are relatively depleted, with (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.70390−0.70452 and εNd(t) = 5.46−6.49 for the monchiquite, while the values for camptonite are 0.70391−0.70463 and 4.71−5.02. Moreover, the olivine in situ O isotopes in the monchiquite show δ18OV-SMOW values of 4.81‰−5.40‰, which are comparable to those of the mantle peridotite. Compared with the experimental melts, a hybridized mantle source of hydrous peridotite + silica-depleted pyroxenite is proposed, and partial melting of this component was induced by the upwelling asthenosphere. Ultimately, our study highlights the critical role of the magmatic plumbing system and hydrous mantle source in the formation of Tuoyun lamprophyres.
Model and numerical analyses of screw pile uplift in dry sand
Authors: Chen Yadong , Deng An , Zhao Honghua , Gong Chengzhong , Sun Huasheng , Cai Jiangdong
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the performance of screw piles under uplift. The screw piles were installed in sand in the laboratory and uplifted to evaluate the effects of the screw thread pitch and relative density of sand on the pile uplift capacity. The uplift capacity was compared with that of the shaft pile using the digital image correlation technique. Discrete element modelling was used to further examine the load-sharing characteristics, axial force, and shaft friction of the screw pile. The results suggest that the screw pile outperformed the shaft pile in terms of uplift capacity, pile–sand interactions, and load transfer. The improved uplift performance is attributed to the screw threads reaching out to a larger volume of sand particles to resist the uplift. An equation was also proposed to determine the uplift capacity.
Anisotropic solutions in symmetric teleparallel $$f\left( Q\right) $$-theory: Kantowski–Sachs and Bianchi III LRS cosmologies
Authors: Dimakis N. , Roumeliotis M. , Paliathanasis A. , Christodoulakis T.
Published: September 2023

We investigate the existence of anisotropic self-similar exact solutions in symmetric teleparallel $$f\left( Q\right) $$

f

Q

-theory. For the background geometry we consider the Kantowski–Sachs and the Locally Rotationally Symmetric Bianchi type III geometries. These two anisotropic spacetimes are of special interest because in the limit of isotropy they are related to the closed and open Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker cosmologies respectively. For each spacetime there exist two distinct families of flat, symmetric connections, which share the symmetries of the spacetime. We present the field equations, and from them, we determine the functional form of the $$f\left( Q\right) $$

f

Q

Lagrangian which yields self-similar solutions. We initially consider the vacuum case and subsequently we introduce a matter source in terms of a perfect fluid. Last but not least, we report some self-similar solutions corresponding to static spherically symmetric spacetimes.
Prophet Inequalities with Linear Correlations and Augmentations
Authors: Immorlica Nicole , Singla Sahil , Waggoner Bo
Published: September 2023

In a classical online decision problem, a decision-maker who is trying to maximize her value inspects a sequence of arriving items to learn their values (drawn from known distributions) and decides when to stop the process by taking the current item. The goal is to prove a “prophet inequality”: that she can do approximately as well as a prophet with foreknowledge of all the values. In this work, we investigate this problem when the values are allowed to be correlated. Since nontrivial guarantees are impossible for arbitrary correlations, we consider a natural “linear” correlation structure introduced by Bateni et al. as a generalization of the common-base value model of Chawla et al. 

A key challenge is that threshold-based algorithms, which are commonly used for prophet inequalities, no longer guarantee good performance for linear correlations. We relate this roadblock to another “augmentations” challenge that might be of independent interest: many existing prophet inequality algorithms are not robust to slight increases in the values of the arriving items. We leverage this intuition to prove bounds (matching up to constant factors) that decay gracefully with the amount of correlation of the arriving items. We extend these results to the case of selecting multiple items by designing a new (1+
o
(1))-approximation ratio algorithm that is robust to augmentations.
Effect Annealing Temperature on Pure and Al-Doped Iron Oxide Thin Films for Formaldehyde Gas Sensing Application
Authors: Sivasankaraiah P. , Nagaraju P. , Satya Narayana Murthy V.
Published: September 2023

The present study employs chemical spray pyrolysis to prepare pure and Al-doped α-Fe2O3 thin films with different aluminium concentrations. Subsequently, annealed at 450 °C and investigated the effect of annealing temperature on structural, morphological, optical, chemical and gas sensing properties. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were adapted to examine the morphologies and microstructural properties of the α-Fe2O3-based thin films. All the films were polycrystalline with rhombohedral structure, and the (104) plane was confirmed to be the favoured orientation. Deposited thin films were seen to have agglomerated, superimposed sphere-like particles on their surfaces in AFM and FESEM micrographs. Raman spectroscopy analysis and XPS were used to examine the film’s symmetry and structural characteristics. The optical band gap of the deposited thin films is determined using a Tauc plot.Pure and Al-doped thin film’s formaldehyde sensing capability was examined based on aluminium (Al) doping concentration. The results of the experiments showed that the gas-detecting capabilities have been significantly enhanced by the optimal content of Al added to the α-Fe2O3 lattice.
An Eco-Friendly and Dual-Functional Ag@BMO-Chitosan-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self-Powered Gas Sensing Application
Authors: Liu Sicheng , Qin Yuxiang , Zhou Chuan , Xie Jing
Published: September 2023

Real-time monitoring of hazardous gases is critical to determine the influence of the air environment on the lives of people. Herein, a highly biodegradable chitosan-based triboelectric gas sensor has been successfully fabricated by using Ag@Bi2MoO6-Chitosan (Ag@BMO-CS) bilayer film obtained with the facile drop-casting method, which paired with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film as triboelectric layers. The output voltage of the 5% Ag-modified chitosan bilayer-based triboelectric nanogenerator reaches up to 8.35 V at 2 Hz operating frequency. The integrated self-powered gas sensor based on the triboelectrification and gas adsorption effects shows the ability to distinguish ammonia (NH3) gas sensitively, and the response to 20 ppm NH3 (ΔV/Va = 59.1%) is 1.4 times larger than the separated self-powered sensor. In addition, the sensing mechanism combining the triboelectric effect and gas-sensing reaction was proposed to demonstrate the enhancement of NH3 sensing performance for Ag@BMO-CS-based triboelectric gas sensors. This work presents a sustainable self-supply gas sensor based on TENG for the detection of NH3 gas without any external power supply, which has a broad spectrum of applications in hazardous gas leaks, non-invasive diagnostics and fresh food transportation.
Enhancing Chemical Mechanical Polishing Efficiency of Steel with Sulfate
Authors: Zhang Hao , Peng Wumao , Jiang Liang , Gao Yang , Li Wenhui , Qian Linmao
Published: September 2023

Excellent surface quality helps improve the tribological performance of gears. This study utilized chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) to process 18CrNiMo7–6 steel, a widely-used gear material. The results reveal that under the cooperative effect of oxidation and complexation, the material removal rate (MRR) can be significantly enhanced after adding K2SO4, while the surface roughness S
a nearly remains unaltered. In particular, with 1 wt% H2O2 and citrate, the MRR increases by 251% after adding 100 mM K2SO4, while the S
a slightly varies to 0.42 nm. No distinct surface defects are generated. For the mechanism, adding SO4
2− can promote iron corrosion and increase the amount of α-FeOOH. Citric acid can chelate α-FeOOH, forming complex compounds. The complex compounds and oxides form a relatively dense surface film, and thus the surface quality remains unchanged. In addition, the complex compounds may weaken the surface, and thereby the MRR increases. This study provides a simple approach for achieving high-efficiency CMP of steels.
Relation between Condyle Horizontal Angle and Intercondylar Angle with Disc Displacement in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: An MRI Evaluation
Authors: Shahab Shahriar , Amoozad Khalili Zahra , Emami Meybodi Elham , Banakar Morteza
Published: September 2023

Background. Internal derangement (ID) is the most common cause of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and extensively affects the articular disc function. The anterior disc displacement is among the most important findings in ID. Knowledge about the etiology of this condition is imperative, and the role of structural parameters in the development of TMDs has not been well evaluated. Objectives. This study aimed to assess the relationship between condylar angulation and intercondylar angle with anterior disc displacement in patients with TMD using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods. This case-control study evaluated 31 temporomandibular joints with internal derangement and 57 normal joints. The data retrieved from MRI included disc position in the open mouth (normal, anterior disc displacement with a reduction (DDWR) and without reduction (DDWOR), and posterior displacement (PD)), horizontal condylar angle categorized as normal (10 to 30° angle) and abnormal (<10° and >30°), and intercondylar angle. Chi-square test, T-test, and Fisher’s exact were done to assess the relationship between horizontal condylar angle and intercondylar angle in patients with TMDs with DDWR and DDWOR compared with the control group. Results. Patients with DDWR and DDWOR had higher odds of abnormal horizontal condylar angle, particularly >30° angle, which was a significant correlation (odds ratio of 0.19 and 8.3, respectively). The intercondylar angle in the patients with disc displacement was significantly smaller compared to the control group. Conclusion. Disc displacement was correlated with abnormal horizontal angle (particularly < 30) and smaller intercondylar angle compared with the control group.
Exploring Orthopedic Occupational Therapy in Korea: Insights from a Survey on Occupational Therapists’ Perspectives
Authors: Kim Junghun Aj
Published: September 2023

This study explores the perceptions and experiences of Korean occupational therapists (OTs) about their role in managing elderly patients with orthopedic conditions. The goal is to inform policy discussions for better integration of OT services in orthopedic care settings in Korea. A survey was conducted among Korean clinical OTs to gather data on their perceptions, experiences, and challenges in providing orthopedic OT services. Snowball sampling was used, and the survey addressed general characteristics, orthopedic OT status, perceptions, and competence. The data were analyzed using frequency and percentage calculations in SPSS 22.0. Out of 171 respondents, only 18 had experience working in orthopedic departments, while 78 (45.6%) had provided occupational therapy to orthopedic patients. Rehabilitation medicine physicians were the primary prescribers of orthopedic OT. Key challenges included a lack of awareness among professionals, an absence of appropriate fees, and insufficient knowledge among OTs. The majority of respondents agreed that providing OT in orthopedic departments was appropriate and expressed a need for education and clinical guidelines. The study examines the current state of orthopedic OT in Korea, showing low levels of experience and highlighting challenges, such as a lack of professional awareness, inadequate fees, and insufficient knowledge among OTs. Respondents mostly agreed on the necessity for education and clinical guidelines to improve their capabilities in orthopedic settings. This study emphasizes the need for healthcare system improvements that allow OTs to participate more widely without being confined to specific medical disciplines, promoting a more comprehensive approach to OT, especially as the aging population continues to grow.
FIGURE 4 from Nanoparticle Delivery of Immunostimulatory Alu RNA for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Garland Kyle M. , Kwiatkowski Alexander J. , Tossberg John T. , Crooke Philip S. , Aune Thomas M. , Wilson John T.
Published: September 2023

Effects of Alu-NPs on the immune profile of the tumor microenvironment. A, qPCR analysis of B16.F10 tumors 6 hours after a second intratumoral injection of PBS or Alu-NPs at a dose corresponding to 2 µg RNA. An unpaired t test was used for statistical analysis. ** represents P < 0.01 when comparing Alu-NPs with PBS. B, Representative IVIS images demonstrating IFN activity in B16.F10 IFN-LUC tumors following a single 100 µL intratumoral injection of either PBS or Alu-NPs at a 2 µg RNA dose. C, Quantitative analysis of the in vivo IFN activity study. A two-way ANOVA with Sidak test was used for statistical analysis. These experiments were conducted once. * represents P < 0.05 when comparing Alu-NPs to PBS.
Novel Insights from Clinical Practice: Xia-Gibbs Syndrome with Pes Cavus, Conjunctival Melanosis, and Eye Asymmetry due to a de novo AHDC1 Gene Variant – A Case Report and a Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Baga Margherita , Ivanovski Ivan , Contrò Gianluca , Caraffi Stefano Giuseppe , Spagnoli Carlotta , Cesaroni Carlo Alberto , Neri Alberto , Peluso Francesca , Pollazzon Marzia , Garavelli Livia , Fusco Carlo
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Xia-Gibbs syndrome (OMIM 615829) is a rare developmental disorder, caused by heterozygous de novo variants in the AHDC1 gene. Hallmark features include global developmental delay, facial dysmorphisms, and behavioral problems. To date, more than 250 individuals have been diagnosed worldwide. Case Report: We report a 13-year-old female who, in association with typical features of Xia-Gibbs syndrome, presented with macrocrania, pes cavus, and conjunctival melanosis. Whole-exome sequencing identified a de novo frameshift variant, which had not been reported in the literature before. Conclusion: We summarized the main clinical and phenotypic features of patients described in the literature, and in addition, we discuss another feature found in our patient and observed in other cases described, eye asymmetry, which has never been highlighted, and suggest that it could be part of the typical clinical presentation of this condition.
Pilzinfektionen am Auge
Authors: Göbel Katja
Published: September 2023

Ocular fungal infections annually affect more than one million individuals worldwide. The management of these infections is problematic, mainly due to the limited availability of effective antifungal agents. Thus, ocular infections are increasingly recognized as important causes of morbidity and blindness, especially keratitis and endophthalmitis. Thus, this review aims to demonstrate the importance of fungal eye infections through the description of the main related aspects, with emphasis on the treatment of these infections. For this purpose, a search for scientific articles was conducted in databases, such as Medline, published from 2000 onwards, addressing important aspects involving fungal eye infections. In addition, this work highlighted the limited therapeutic arsenal available and the severity associated with these infections. Thus, highlighting the importance of constantly updating knowledge about these pathologies, as it contributes to agility in choosing the available and most appropriate therapeutic alternatives, aiming at positive and minimally harmful results for that particular patient.
Ersetzt maschinelles Lernen in Form eines Convolutional Neural Network den Hornhaut-Spezialisten?
Authors: Linke Stephan J.
Published: September 2023

Cornea topography maps allow ophthalmologists to screen and diagnose cornea pathologies. We aim to automatically identify any cornea abnormalities based on such cornea topography maps, with focus on diagnosing keratoconus. To do so, we represent the OCT scans as images and apply Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for the automatic analysis. The model is based on a state-of-the-art ConvNeXt CNN architecture with weights fine-tuned for the given specific application using the cornea scans dataset. A set of 1940 consecutive screening scans from the Saarland University Hospital Clinic for Ophthalmology was annotated and used for model training and validation. All scans were recorded with a CASIA2 anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanner. The proposed model achieves a sensitivity of 98.46% and a specificity of 91.96% when distinguishing between healthy and pathological corneas. Our approach enables the screening of cornea pathologies and the classification of common pathologies like keratoconus. Furthermore, the approach is independent of the topography scanner and enables the visualization of those scan regions which drive the model’s decisions.
Association of Magnesium Depletion Score With Cardiovascular Disease and Its Association With Longitudinal Mortality in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Ye Liu , Zhang Cheng , Duan Qin , Shao Yue , Zhou Jianzhong
Published: September 2023

Background

Dietary magnesium and serum magnesium play an important part in cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association between magnesium depletion score (MDS) and CVD development and prognosis remains unclear. This analysis examines the cross‐sectional relationship between MDS and CVD, and the longitudinal association between MDS and all‐cause and CVD mortality in individuals with CVD.

Methods and Results

In all, 42 711 individuals were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, including 5015 subjects with CVD. The association between MDS and total and individual CVDs was examined using the survey‐weighted multiple logistic regression analysis. Among 5011 patients with CVD, 2285 and 927 participants were recorded with all‐cause and CVD deaths, respectively. We applied survey‐weighted Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to investigate the impact of MDS on the mortality of individuals with CVD. The CVD group had higher MDS levels than the non‐CVD groups. After controlling all confounding factors, individuals with MDS of 2 and ≥3 had higher odds of total CVD and specific CVD than those with MDS of 0. Besides, each 1‐unit increase in MDS was strongly related to the risk of total CVD and specific CVD. The relationship between MDS and total CVD was stable and significant in all subgroups. The fully adjusted Cox regression model indicated that high MDS, irrespective of MDS as a categorical or continuous variable, was significantly associated with an elevated risk of all‐cause and CVD deaths.

Conclusions

MDS is a vital risk factor for the prevalence and mortality of individuals with CVD.
Clarifying a male color morph of Sphaerodactylus macrolepis Günther, 1859 and resolving the taxonomic confusion on Saint Croix
Authors: GRIFFING AARON H. , KEATING SHANNON E. , PINTO BRENDAN J. , NIELSEN STUART V. , GAMBLE TONY
Published: September 2023

Many species of sphaerodactyl gecko exhibit sexual dichromatism. In particular, dichromatism plays an important role in intersexual signaling for Sphaerodactylus. Furthermore, some species exhibit polymorphism in male color and pattern. Here, we describe a regional male color morph of Sphaerodactylus macrolepis from St. Croix. After generating both mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies, we found that individuals with the St. Croix-specific yellow/orange head morph are part of the S. macrolepis clade. This distinct color morph likely contributed to the turbulent taxonomic history of the S. macrolepis species group. Given the documented diversity of the color patterns in this group and that sexual signals evolve rapidly, we suggest S. macrolepis is an excellent group to study the ecological and evolutionary consequences of dichromatism and polymorphism.
Comparison of Radar-Observed Tornadic and Nontornadic MCS Cells Using Probability-Matched Means
Authors: Murphy Amanda M. , Homeyer Cameron R.
Published: September 2023

Forecasting tornadogenesis remains a difficult problem in meteorology, especially for short-lived, predominantly nonsupercellular tornadic storms embedded within mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). This study compares populations of tornadic nonsupercellular MCS storm cells with their nontornadic counterparts, focusing on nontornadic storms that have similar radar characteristics to tornadic storms. Comparisons of single-polarization radar variables during storm lifetimes show that median values of low-level, midlevel, and column-maximum azimuthal shear, as well as low-level radial divergence, enable the highest degree of separation between tornadic and nontornadic storms. Focusing on low-level azimuthal shear values, null storms were randomly selected such that the distribution of null low-level azimuthal shear values matched the distribution of tornadic values. After isolating the null cases from the nontornadic population, signatures emerge in single-polarization data that enable discrimination between nontornadic and tornadic storms. In comparison, dual-polarization variables show little deviation between storm types. Tornadic storms both at tornadogenesis and at a 20-min lead time show collocation of the primary storm updraft with enhanced near-surface rotation and convergence, facilitating the nonmesocyclonic tornadogenesis processes.
Triglyceride-glucose index and cervical vascular function: outpatient-based cohort study
Authors: Pan Xiaoyu , Yue Lin , Ren Lin , Ban Jiangli , Chen Shuchun
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and cervical vascular function parameters in the general population without cerebrovascular disease.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study that recruited a total of 1996 participants without cerebrovascular disease. TyG index was calculated based on fasting triglycerides and glucose. All patients were divided into two groups based on the median TyG index: the high TyG group and the low TyG group. The differences in basic clinical characteristics and neck vascular function parameters between the two groups of participants were compared, and then the correlation between TyG index and neck vascular function parameters was investigated.

Results

Participants with a high TyG index had lower systolic, diastolic, and mean flow velocities in the basilar, vertebral, and internal carotid arteries compared with those with a low TyG index. Participants with a high TyG index had higher pulsatility index in the left vertebral artery and right internal carotid artery, but this difference was not observed in the basilar artery. In addition, TyG index was significantly negatively correlated with systolic, diastolic, and mean flow velocities in the basilar, vertebral, and internal carotid arteries, and the correlation remained after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusion

In the general population, there was a well-defined correlation between TyG index and cervical vascular function parameters, and increased TyG index was independently associated with reduced cervical vascular blood flow velocity.
Characterization of the effect of pomegranate crude extract, and its post-harvesting preservation procedures, on redox tone, cellular growth and metabolic profile of MDA-MB-231 cell line
Authors: Ferrante Aristide , Tamma Mirko , Agriesti Francesca , Tucci Francesco , Lopriore Piervito , Amodio Maria Luisa , Colelli Giancarlo , Capitanio Nazzareno , Piccoli Claudia , Pacelli Consiglia
Published: September 2023

Background

Pomegranate is known for its beneficial properties due to its high content in antioxidants and might constitute a natural option for preventing and treatment of different pathologies including cancer. Since mitochondria are involved in tumorigenesis through ROS production and modulation of oxidative metabolism, we investigated the biological effects of pomegranate on cellular redox state, proliferation and metabolism in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 (MDA).

Methods

MDA were treated for 24 h with graded concentration of filtered Pomegranate juice (PJ) and tested for metabolic Flux Analysis with XFe96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer, for proliferation using the xCELLigence System Real-Time Cell Analyzer and for intracellular ROS content by Confocal Microscopy Imaging.

Results

Cells-treatment with freshly prepared pomegranate juice (PJ) resulted in a significant reduction of the intracellular ROS content already at the lower concentration of PJ tested. Additionally, it enhanced mitochondria respiration, and decreased glycolysis at high concentrations, inhibiting at the same time cell proliferation. As pomegranate is a seasonal fruit, assessment of optimum storage conditions preserving its bio-active properties was investigated. Our results indicated that storage conditions under controlled atmosphere for 30 days was able to enhance mitochondrial respiration at the same extent than freshly extracted PJ. Conversely, freezing procedure, though retaining the antioxidant and cell-growth inhibitory property, elicited an opposite effect on the metabolic profile as compared with fresh extract.

Conclusion

Overall, the results of our study, on the one hand, confirms the preventive/therapeutic potential of PJ, as well as of its post-harvested processing, for cancer management. On the other hand, it highlights the intrinsic difficulties in attaining mechanistic insights when a multiplicity of effects is elicited by a crude mixture of bio-active compounds.
Review on infection control strategies to minimize outbreaks of the emerging pathogen Elizabethkingia anophelis
Authors: Mallinckrodt Lisa , Huis in ’t Veld Robert , Rosema Sigrid , Voss Andreas , Bathoorn Erik
Published: September 2023

Background

Elizabethkingia anophelis is a multi-drug resistant emerging opportunistic pathogen with a high mortality rate, causing healthcare-associated outbreaks worldwide.

Methods

We report a case of E. anophelis pleuritis, resulting from transmission through lung transplantation, followed by a literature review of outbreak reports and strategies to minimize E. anophelis transmission in healthcare settings.

Results

From 1990 to August 2022, 14 confirmed E. anophelis outbreak cohorts and 21 cohorts with suspected E. anophelis outbreaks were reported in literature. A total of 80 scientific reports with recommendations on diagnostics and infection control measures were included and summarized in our study.

Conclusion

Strategies to prevent and reduce spread of E. anophelis include water-free patient rooms, adequate hygiene and disinfection practices, and optimized diagnostic techniques for screening, identification and molecular typing.
Transcriptome and Micro-CT analysis unravels the cuticle modification in phosphine-resistant stored grain insect pest, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)
Authors: Kim Donghyeon , Kim Kyeongnam , Lee Yong Ho , Lee Sung-Eun
Published: September 2023

Background

Phosphine (PH3) resistance in stored grain insect pests poses a significant challenge to effective pest control strategies worldwide. This study delved into understanding PH3-resistant mechanism, with the objective of informing robust and sustainable pest management strategies that could mitigate the impacts of PH3 resistance.

Results

In this regard, the transcriptomic analysis identified 23 genes associated with chitin synthesis and cuticle formation, which showed significant expression in PH3-resistant (R) strains compared to susceptible strains. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) revealed an extended and tighter cuticular structure in the PH3-R Tribolium castaneum than PH3-susceptible strains but with no changes in the cuticle thickness. This altered cuticle structure may reduce PH3 penetration through cuticles rather than completely closing spiracles during fumigation. It is also hypothesized to prevent water loss from the insect body, as water production decreased in PH3-R T. castaneum due to the down-regulation of the electron transport chain function. Validation of several chitin synthesis gene expression levels revealed consistent results with those of transcriptomic analysis.

Conclusion

Overall, integrating physical treatments using synthetic amorphous silicates, water absorbents, and cuticle-damaging materials during PH3 fumigation is recommended for its prolonged and controlled usage in the field.

Graphical abstract
Perioperative advanced haemodynamic monitoring of patients undergoing multivisceral debulking surgery: an observational pilot study
Authors: Middel Charlotte , Stetzuhn Matthias , Sander Nadine , Kalkbrenner Björn , Tigges Timo , Pielmus Alexandru-Gabriel , Spies Claudia , Pietzner Klaus , Klum Michael , von Haefen Clarissa , Hunsicker Oliver , Sehouli Jalid , Konietschke Frank , Feldheiser Aarne
Published: September 2023

Background

Patients undergoing high-risk surgery show haemodynamic instability and an increased risk of morbidity. However, most of the available data concentrate on the intraoperative period. This study aims to characterise patients with advanced haemodynamic monitoring throughout the whole perioperative period using electrical cardiometry.

Methods

In a prospective, observational, monocentric pilot study, electrical cardiometry measurements were obtained using an Osypka ICON™ monitor before surgery, during surgery, and repeatedly throughout the hospital stay for 30 patients with primary ovarian cancer undergoing multivisceral cytoreductive surgery. Severe postoperative complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification were used as a grouping criterion.

Results

The relative change from the baseline to the first intraoperative timepoint showed a reduced heart rate (HR, median – 19 [25-quartile − 26%; 75-quartile − 10%]%, p < 0.0001), stroke volume index (SVI, − 9.5 [− 15.3; 3.2]%, p = 0.0038), cardiac index (CI, − 24.5 [− 32; − 13]%, p < 0.0001) and index of contractility (− 17.5 [− 35.3; − 0.8]%, p < 0.0001). Throughout the perioperative course, patients had intraoperatively a reduced HR and CI (both p < 0.0001) and postoperatively an increased HR (p < 0.0001) and CI (p = 0.016), whereas SVI was unchanged. Thoracic fluid volume increased continuously versus preoperative values and did not normalise up to the day of discharge. Patients having postoperative complications showed a lower index of contractility (p = 0.0435) and a higher systolic time ratio (p = 0.0008) over the perioperative course in comparison to patients without complications, whereas the CI (p = 0.3337) was comparable between groups. One patient had to be excluded from data analysis for not receiving the planned surgery.

Conclusions

Substantial decreases in HR, SVI, CI, and index of contractility occurred from the day before surgery to the first intraoperative timepoint. HR and CI were altered throughout the perioperative course. Patients with postoperative complications differed from patients without complications in the markers of cardiac function, a lower index of contractility and a lower SVI. The analyses of trends over the whole perioperative time course by using non-invasive technologies like EC seem to be useful to identify patients with altered haemodynamic parameters and therefore at an increased risk for postoperative complications after major surgery.
Mapping the knowledge structure of a gluten-free diet: a global perspective
Authors: Zyoud Sa ’ed H. , Shakhshir Muna , Abushanab Amani S. , Koni Amer , Hamdallah Moath , Al-Jabi Samah W.
Published: September 2023

Background

A gluten-free diet (GFD) has become one of the most popular eating plans and is essential for managing gluten-related medical conditions, signs, and symptoms. Therefore, we performed a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on the GFD to describe the research landscape.

Methods

The Scopus database was searched for publications on the GFD from 1952 to 2021. A bibliometric analysis of the data was performed. VOSviewer software was used to perform visualization analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and publication trends in GFD.

Results

A total of 3,258 publications were retrieved. In terms of publications, Italy (n = 468, 14.36%) led in the number of publications, followed by the USA (n = 398, 12.22%) and Spain (n = 274, 8.41%). The retrieved documents earned an average of 22.89 citations per document, for a total of 74,560 citations. Since 2001, there has been a gradual growth in the number of articles published, going from 23 to more than 370 in 2021. Using the mapping terms in the title/abstract a minimum of 50 times, 291 terms were divided into two main clusters: ‘adherence to a gluten-free diet in celiac disease’ and ‘improvement of the nutritional and sensory quality of gluten-free products.’

Conclusions

Over the past six decades, there has been a growing need for gluten-free bakery products and a noticeable increase in related publications. This study indicates that the “improvement of the nutritional and sensory quality of gluten-free products” will remain a hotspot in this research field for upcoming years.
Fragmented QRS complex, highly sensitive CRP, and fibrinogen in early detection of asymptomatic cardiac involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kamal Doaa E. , Fahmi Dalia S. , Abdelsalam Noha A. , Elsayed Doaa M. , Seddik Eman H. , Kotb Lobna I.
Published: September 2023

Background

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses. Asymptomatic affection might exist, so early diagnosis can improve the outcome.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of highly sensitive C-reactive protein, fragmented QRS, and fibrinogen levels in identifying subclinical cardiac involvement in SLE patients, as well as how these variables relate to disease activity.

Results

Regarding hs-CRP and fibrinogen, there were significant differences between the SLE and control group, with a higher frequency of fQRS in the lupus group. The lupus group was divided into 2 subgroups: 44 patients with fragmented QRS in ECG (83%) and 9 patients with normal QRS (17%) with a higher mean value of hs-CRP and fibrinogen level (58.76 ± 70.15, 18.54 ± 26.79) and low HDL (53.37 ± 10.37) in those with fQRS ( +). The sensitivity and specificity of hs-CRP at a cut of level (3.5 mg/L) for fQRS in SLE patients were 75.5%, and 71.7%, respectively. Regression analysis showed hs-CRP and were significant predictors for fQRS changes in SLE patients.

Conclusions

A more thorough evaluation of SLE patients with fQRS complexes with hs-CRP and fibrinogen is important with close follow-up for the detection of subclinical cardiac involvement in SLE. Also, SLE activity is linked to fQRS and fibrinogen. Therefore, we advise using them for additional medical care for lupus.
The Rate and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Patients Treated for Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms: A Large Single-Center Study
Authors: El Naamani Kareem , Hunt Adam , Jain Paarth , Lawall Charles L. , Yudkoff Clifford J. , El Fadel Omar , Ghanem Marc , Mastorakos Panagiotis , Momin Arbaz A. , Alhussein Abdulaziz , Alhussein Reyoof , Atallah Elias , Abbas Rawad , Zakar Rida , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I. , Gooch M. Reid , Herial Nabeel A. , Zarzour Hekmat , Schmidt Richard F. , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Jabbour Pascal M.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Numerous studies of various populations and diseases have shown that unplanned 30-day readmission rates are positively correlated with increased morbidity and all-cause mortality. In this study, we aim to provide the rate and predictors of 30-day readmission in patients undergoing treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective study of 525 patients presenting for aneurysm treatment between 2017 and 2022. All patients who were admitted and underwent a successful treatment of their unruptured intracerebral aneurysms were included in the study. The primary outcome was the rate and predictors of 30-day readmission.

RESULTS:

The rate of 30-day readmission was 6.3%, and the mean duration to readmission was 7.8 days ± 6.9. On univariate analysis, factors associated with 30-day readmission were antiplatelet use on admission (odds ratio [OR]: 0.4, P = .009), hemorrhagic rupture (OR: 15.8, P = .007), surgical treatment of aneurysms (OR: 2.2, P = .035), disposition to rehabilitation (OR: 9.5, P < .001), and increasing length of stay (OR: 1.1, P = .0008). On multivariate analysis, antiplatelet use on admission was inversely correlated with readmission (OR: 0.4, P = .045), whereas hemorrhagic rupture (OR: 9.5, P = .04) and discharge to rehabilitation (OR: 4.5, P = .029) were independent predictors of 30-day readmission.

CONCLUSION:

In our study, risk factors for 30-day readmission were aneurysm rupture during the hospital stay and disposition to rehabilitation, whereas the use of antiplatelet on admission was inversely correlated with 30-day readmission. Although aneurysm rupture is a nonmodifiable risk factor, more studies are encouraged to focus on the correlation of antiplatelet use and rehabilitation disposition with 30-day readmission rates.