bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the high-level trigger for detecting long-lived particles at LHCb
Authors: Calefice Lukas , Hennequin Arthur , Henry Louis , Jashal Brij , Mendoza Diego , Oyanguren Arantza , Sanderswood Izaac , Sierra Carlos Vázquez , Zhuo Jiahui ,   Part of LHCb-RTA Collaboration
Published: November 2022

Long-lived particles (LLPs) show up in many extensions of the Standard Model, but they are challenging to search for with current detectors, due to their very displaced vertices. This study evaluated the ability of the trigger algorithms used in the Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb) experiment to detect long-lived particles and attempted to adapt them to enhance the sensitivity of this experiment to undiscovered long-lived particles. A model with a Higgs portal to a dark sector is tested, and the sensitivity reach is discussed. In the LHCb tracking system, the farthest tracking station from the collision point is the scintillating fiber tracker, the SciFi detector. One of the challenges in the track reconstruction is to deal with the large amount of and combinatorics of hits in the LHCb detector. A dedicated algorithm has been developed to cope with the large data output. When fully implemented, this algorithm would greatly increase the available statistics for any long-lived particle search in the forward region and would additionally improve the sensitivity of analyses dealing with Standard Model particles of large lifetime, such as KS0 or Λ0 hadrons.
Study on the dielectric properties and dielectric constant model of laterite
Authors: Xu Xingqian , Wang Haijun , Qu Xin , Li Cheng , Cai Bo , Peng Guangcan
Published: November 2022

The soil dielectric constant model reflects the relationship between the volumetric water content and the dielectric constant. The ground penetrating radar (GPR) could quickly, precisely and non-destructively obtain the water state of the soil layers. A reasonable and reliable dielectric constant model is of great significance for predicting, monitoring and exploring water migration in soils. Taking Yunnan laterite as an example, this study comprehensively considered the key physical factors (dry density, water content, temperature) of the in situ laterite dielectric properties. The dielectric properties and the influencing factors of laterite has been discussed with the laboratory tests by reshaping laterite, and the dielectric constant model was finally proposed to evaluate the natural water state of the laterite. The results show that the relative dielectric constant of laterite increases gradually with the increasing volumetric water content, dry density and temperature respectively. The water content is the most important influencing factor, secondly followed by temperature and dry density. The dielectric constant model of laterite was built based on the influence of dry density and temperature on the relationship between the relative dielectric constant and volumetric water content. The proposed multivariate model has a good prediction effect on the water content of laterite, and the prediction effects compared with other existing models are as follows: Multivariate model, Zhao model, Malicki model, Zhou model, Topp model, Liao mode and Herkelrath model. This model could be applied to evaluate the plastic limit index and the liquid limit index using the relative dielectric constant, and then finally estimate the soft and hard state grades of laterite. This study could provide a reference for the construction of laterite dielectric constant models in different regions, and a convenient way for the estimation of the laterite water content state and engineering categories.
Association and functional analysis of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 genetic variants with the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia
Authors: Huang Gongchen , Wang Yukun , Qin Linyuan , Huang Bo , Yu Xiangyuan
Published: November 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between potential functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene and the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia (PE) in Guangxi, China.

Materials and methods

A case–control study was conducted involving 327 PE cases and 591 age-matched, normal, singleton pregnant women. Potential functional ACE2 gene variants (rs2106809 A>G, rs6632677 G>C, and rs2074192 C>T) were selected and genotyped using kompetitive allele-specific PCR. The strength of the associations between the studied genetic variants and the risk of PE were evaluated using odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Result

After adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI), unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that rs2106809 A>G was significantly associated with PE risk (AG vs. AA, OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.03–1.99, p = 0.034; AG/GG vs. AA, OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.06–1.99, p = 0.019), especially with severe PE (AG vs. AA, adjusted OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.10–2.61; AG/GG vs. AA, adjusted OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.14–2.57). Further stratified analysis showed that rs2106809 was even more pronounced in subjects in the pre-pregnancy BMI (pre-BMI) >23 kg/m2 (adjusted OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.32–3.45) and triglyceride (TG) >2.84 mmol/L subgroups (adjusted OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.09–3.01) under the dominant genetic model. We also found that rs2106809 interacted with pre-BMI (pinteraction = 0.040), thereby affecting an individual’s genetic susceptibility to PE. Multiple dimension reduction analysis demonstrated that rs2106809 made the best one-locus model, and the three-locus model was the best interaction model for predicting PE risk. Functional analysis suggested that rs2106809 A>G causes a change in the reliability of classifications of two putative splice sites in the ACE2 gene, potentially regulating the expression of functional genes (PIR, ACE2, and CLTRN) in multiple tissues and cell lines (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

The ACE2 gene rs2106809 A>G variant is significantly associated with the risk of PE via individual locus effects and/or complex gene–gene and gene–environment interactions. Regulating the expression of functional genes such as PIR, ACE2, and CLTRN may be the molecular mechanism by which rs2106809 increases an individual’s susceptibility to PE.
Modified Cangfu Daotan decoction ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance via NF-κB/LCN-2 signaling pathway in inflammatory microenvironment
Authors: Liu Shuowen , Zhang Yao , Yang Fang , Gu Jingna , Zhang Ruyue , Kuang Yingying , Mai Wantong , Zheng Chengbo , Yu Yang , Lu Ruling , Zeng Lei , Cao Hongying , Long Yongling
Published: November 2022

This study explored the possible connection between the insulin resistance-targeting protein adipokine lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) and NF-κB signaling pathway in the inflammatory microenvironment in PCOS-IR model rats to determine the pharmacological mechanism of modified Cangfu Daotan decoction (MCDD) intervention for PCOS-IR. We used a high-fat diet (42 days) combined with letrozole (1 mg/kg/day, 42 days) to establish a PCOS-IR rat model. From the third week after modeling, the rats were given continuous administration of MCDD (high dose with 31.68 g/kg, medium dose with 15.84 g/kg, and low dose with 7.92 g/kg) for 28 days. Serum, ovarian tissue, liver, and adipose tissue were collected after the last gavage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blot experiments were performed to detect various indicators. Our results showed that MCDD could reduce body weight and abdominal fat weight; restore normal estrous cycle and ovarian function; alleviate fatty liver; regulate HOMA-IR and OGTT index; reduce serum inflammatory factor levels, LCN-2 level, and gene expression; and regulate the insulin signal transduction and NF-κB pathways in PCOS-IR rats. Thus, MCDD may play a role in improving ovarian function in PCOS-IR rats by downregulating NF-κB/LCN-2 proteins and upregulating the gene expression of Insr/Irs-1/Glut4 in the insulin signaling pathway in the inflammatory environment.
Screening and validation of lymph node metastasis risk-factor genes in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Qiaoyue , Li Jing , Shen Hengyan , Bai Xinyu , Zhang Tao , Liu Ping
Published: November 2022

Background

Although most papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cases have a good prognosis, some PTCs are more aggressive and are often accompanied by lymph node (LN) metastasis, a high recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. Distinguishing highly invasive metastatic PTC is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed clinically. We analyzed a microarray of metastasized PTC and validated it using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry to identify biomarkers that can be used to assess the risk of PTC metastasis.

Methods

The microarray of metastasized PTC was screened using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differences between cancer and normal tissues were analyzed using the official GEO tool: GEO2R. Gene expression profile data (GEPIA) were used to verify the expression of differential genes in large samples and to analyze their correlation. The Kaplan–Meier plotter (KM-plotter) database was used for the analysis of genes potentially related to survival. RT-qPCR was used to check the expression of risk factor genes in pathological sections from PTC patients with clinical LN metastasis. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the expression of core risk-associated genes.

Results

Fourteen PTC metastasis-associated genes were identified. In metastasized PTC, CLDN1, LRP4, LRRK2, and TENM1 were highly expressed, whereas DIO1, DPP6, HGD, IPCEF1, MT1F, SLC26A4, SLC26A7, SPX, TFF3, and TPO were expressed at low levels, compared to expression in normal tissues. DIO1, HGD, SLC26A4, and TPO were found to be the core risk genes in the PTC metastatic risk set. Results based on clinical samples showed that the expression differences for metastasis risk-associated genes were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis results.

Conclusions

Fourteen differentially expressed genes (CLDN1, LRP4, LRRK2, TENM1, DIO1, DPP6, HGD, IPCEF1, MT1F, SLC26A4, SLC26A7, SPX, TFF3, TPO) are associated with an increased risk of PTC metastasis, and DIO1, HGD, SLC26A4, and TPO are the key risk-associated genes in this set that might affect the occurrence and development of PTC through iodine metabolism. These genes could provide a reference for clinical metastatic PTC risk evaluation and treatment.
Analysis, monitoring, and mitigation of power quality disturbances in a distributed generation system
Authors: Ravi T. , Sathish Kumar K.
Published: November 2022

Despite the numerous benefits of distributed generation (DG), such as reliable energy supply and environmental friendliness, there are a number of challenges associated with integrating DG with the grid. In the field of DG, the complication of power quality (PQ) is a major technical challenge. Custom power devices (CPDs) are used in the distribution system to solve complications. This study presents different PQ disturbances (PQDs), monitoring techniques, and fundamental standards. Furthermore, with the widespread literature, the study critically reviews different PQ mitigation techniques such as distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM), dynamic voltage restorer (DVR), unified power quality conditioner (UPQC), and uninterruptable power supply (UPS). The present research work is not only limited to surveying the existing techniques but also analyzing the performance of UPQC using the ANFIS controller. Overall, this study is intended to provide researchers working on improving PQ in the distribution system with a valuable resource that will aid them in enriching their research.
Impact of green finance on China’s high-quality economic development, environmental pollution, and energy consumption
Authors: Li Chenggang , Chen Ziling , Wu Yiping , Zuo Xintong , Jin Han , Xu Yunbao , Zeng Bingying , Zhao Gang , Wan Yikang
Published: November 2022

Green finance is an important practice of China’s high-quality economic development in the new era, which is closely related to economic development, environment, and energy conditions. However, few studies systematically analyze the impact of green finance on economic development, environmental pollution, and energy consumption, especially on China which is turning to high-quality economic development. In order to fill the gap, based on the annual data on 30 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China from 2008 to 2018, we construct a comparatively comprehensive green finance index system and use a panel regression model to explore the impacts of green finance on high-quality economic development, environmental pollution, and energy consumption. We find that green finance can significantly promote high-quality economic development, mitigate environmental pollution, and reduce energy consumption. There is spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the impact of green finance on China’s economic quality, environmental pollution, and energy consumption. In the eastern region, green finance has a remarkable positive impact on high-quality economic development and a significant negative impact on energy consumption, but the impact on environmental pollution is inconspicuous. In the central region, green finance has a prominent effect on reducing environmental pollution, but the impact on high-quality economic development and energy consumption is not significant. In the western region, green finance has not been able to significantly promote high-quality economic development, mitigate environmental pollution, and reduce energy consumption. After the clear proposal of green finance, the role of green finance in promoting a high-quality economy has enhanced, and the role of green finance in reducing environmental pollution and energy consumption has decreased. This study can provide a useful decision-making reference for promoting high-quality economic development, reducing environmental pollution and energy consumption, and spurring sustainable development.
Elevation gradient shapes microbial carbon and phosphorous limitations in the Helan Mountains, Northwest China
Authors: Wu Mengyao , Liu Zhen , Chen Lin , Pang Danbo , Xu Xuelei , Zhang Yaqi , Ni Xilu , Hu Yang , Li Xuebin
Published: November 2022

Soil extracellular ecoenzymatic activities (EEA) are major players in the biogeochemical cycles and are closely related to the metabolic demand and nutrient supply in microbes. However, their effects on biogeochemistry along the elevation gradient on mountain ecosystems in arid regions remain unclear. To address this, we investigated the variations of soil microbial resource limitation and the relative contributing factors along the elevation gradient of the Helan Mountains, northwest China. The results showed that the relative abundance of total microbial, bacterial, fungal, actinomycetes, and N-acquiring enzymatic activities (N-Acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and Leucine- α-aminopeptidase, that are NAG and LAP, respectively) in the soil first increased and then decreased with an increase in elevation. This variation pattern could be due to the changes in soil temperature and moisture along the elevation gradient. Soil enzyme stoichiometry and resource allocation further revealed that the microbial metabolism activity in the Helan Mountains was limited by carbon (C) and phosphorus (P). Furthermore, the two limited elements were significantly higher at the mid and high altitudes (2,139–2,438 m) than at low altitudes (1,380–1,650 m). Additionally, redundancy analysis revealed that the soil water content and bulk density played a crucial role in microbial community structures, while the soil pH had the most influence on soil EEA and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry. Our findings revealed the patterns of soil microbial community structure, extracellular enzyme activities, and microbial metabolism at various elevations, which will help in understanding the microbial resource limitation and nutrient cycling in mountain ecosystems in arid regions.
The effect of heteroscedasticity on the prediction efficiency of genome-wide polygenic score for body mass index
Authors: Baek Eun Ju , Jung Hae-Un , Chung Ju Yeon , Jung Hye In , Kwon Shin Young , Lim Ji Eun , Kim Han Kyul , Kang Ji-One , Oh Bermseok
Published: November 2022

Globally, more than 1.9 billion adults are overweight. Thus, obesity is a serious public health issue. Moreover, obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular disease. Recently, GWAS examining obesity and body mass index (BMI) have increasingly unveiled many aspects of the genetic architecture of obesity and BMI. Information on genome-wide genetic variants has been used to estimate the genome-wide polygenic score (GPS) for a personalized prediction of obesity. However, the prediction power of GPS is affected by various factors, including the unequal variance in the distribution of a phenotype, known as heteroscedasticity. Here, we calculated a GPS for BMI using LDpred2, which was based on the BMI GWAS summary statistics from a European meta-analysis. Then, we tested the GPS in 354,761 European samples from the UK Biobank and found an effective prediction power of the GPS on BMI. To study a change in the variance of BMI, we investigated the heteroscedasticity of BMI across the GPS via graphical and statistical methods. We also studied the homoscedastic samples for BMI compared to the heteroscedastic sample, randomly selecting samples with various standard deviations of BMI residuals. Further, we examined the effect of the genetic interaction of GPS with environment (GPS×E) on the heteroscedasticity of BMI. We observed the changing variance (i.e., heteroscedasticity) of BMI along the GPS. The heteroscedasticity of BMI was confirmed by both the Breusch-Pagan test and the Score test. Compared to the heteroscedastic sample, the homoscedastic samples from small standard deviation of BMI residuals showed a decreased heteroscedasticity and an improved prediction accuracy, suggesting a quantitatively negative correlation between the phenotypic heteroscedasticity and the prediction accuracy of GPS. To further test the effects of the GPS×E on heteroscedasticity, first we tested the genetic interactions of the GPS with 21 environments and found 8 significant GPS×E interactions on BMI. However, the heteroscedasticity of BMI was not ameliorated after adjusting for the GPS×E interactions. Taken together, our findings suggest that the heteroscedasticity of BMI exists along the GPS and is not affected by the GPS×E interaction.
Bioinformatic analysis of the RNA expression patterns in microgravity-induced bone loss
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Xue Tong , Hu Zebing , Guo Xian , Li Gaozhi , Wang Yixuan , Zhang Lijun , Xu Liqun , Cao Xinsheng , Zhang Shu , Shi Fei , Wang Ke
Published: November 2022

Researchers have linked microgravity in space to the significant imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption that induces persistent bone loss in load-bearing bones. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear, which hinders the development of therapeutic measures. The aim of this study was to identify hub genes and explore novel molecular mechanisms underlying microgravity-induced bone loss using transcriptome datasets obtained from the GEO and SRA databases. In summary, comparative RNA expression pattern studies that differ in species (Homo or Mus), models (in vitro or in vivo), microgravity conditions (real microgravity or ground-based simulators) and microgravity duration showed that it is difficult to reach a consistent conclusion about the pathogenesis of microgravity-induced bone loss across these studies. Even so, we identified 11 hub genes and some miRNA-mRNA interactions mainly based on the GSE100930 dataset. Also, the expression of CCL2, ICAM1, IGF1, miR-101-3p and miR-451a markedly changed under clinorotation-microgravity condition. Remarkedly, ICAM1 and miR-451a were key mediators of the osteogenesis of hMSCs under clinorotation-microgravity condition. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of bone loss during microgravity and could indicate potential targets for further countermeasures against this condition.
Single-cell profiling to transform immunotherapy usage and target discovery in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
Authors: Chapelle Nicolas , Fantou Aurelie , Marron Thomas , Kenigsberg Ephraim , Merad Miriam , Martin Jerome C.
Published: November 2022

Immunotherapy drugs are transforming the clinical care landscape of major human diseases from cancer, to inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and even aging. In polygenic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), the clinical benefits of immunotherapy have nevertheless remained limited to a subset of patients. Yet the identification of new actionable molecular candidates has remained challenging, and the use of standard of care imaging and/or histological diagnostic assays has failed to stratify potential responders from non-responders to biotherapies already available. We argue that these limitations partly stem from a poor understanding of disease pathophysiology and insufficient characterization of the roles assumed by candidate targets during disease initiation, progression and treatment. By transforming the resolution and scale of tissue cell mapping, high-resolution profiling strategies offer unprecedented opportunities to the understanding of immunopathogenic events in human IMID lesions. Here we discuss the potential for single-cell technologies to reveal relevant pathogenic cellular programs in IMIDs and to enhance patient stratification to guide biotherapy eligibility and clinical trial design.
Human papillomavirus infection can alter the level of tumour stemness and T cell infiltration in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Meng Lingzhang , Lu Heming , Li Yueyong , Zhao Jingjie , He Siyuan , Wang Zechen , Shen Jiajia , Huang Huixian , Xiao Jinru , Sooranna Suren Rao , Song Jian
Published: November 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) usually has a poor prognosis and is associated with a high mortality rate. Its etiology is mainly the result from long-term exposure to either alcohol, tobacco or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or a combination of these insults. However, HNSCC patients with HPV have been found to show a survival advantage over those without the virus, but the mechanism that confers this advantage is unclear. Due to the large number of HPV-independent HNSCC cases, there is a possibility that the difference in prognosis between HPV-positive (HPV+) and negative (HPV-) patients is due to different carcinogens. To clarify this, we used scRNA data and viral tracking methods in order to identify HPV+ and HPV- cells in the tumour tissues of patients infected with HPV. By comparing HPV+ and HPV- malignant cells, we found a higher level of tumour stemness in HPV- tumour cells. Using tumour stemness-related genes, we established a six-gene prognostic signature that was used to divide the patients into low- and high-risk groups. It was found that HPV patients who were at low-risk of contracting HNSCC had a higher number of CD8+ T-cells as well as a higher expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Correspondingly, we found that HPV+ tumour cells expressed higher levels of CCL4, and these were highly correlated with CD8+ T cells infiltration and immune checkpoint molecules. These data suggest that the stemness features of tumour cells are not only associated with the prognostic risk, but that it could also affect the immune cell interactions and associated signalling pathways.
Tipping the balance between erythroid cell differentiation and induction of anemia in response to the inflammatory pathology associated with chronic trypanosome infections
Authors: Nguyen Hang Thi Thu , Radwanska Magdalena , Magez Stefan
Published: November 2022

Infection caused by extracellular single-celled trypanosomes triggers a lethal chronic wasting disease in livestock and game animals. Through screening of 10 Trypanosoma evansi field isolates, exhibiting different levels of virulence in mice, the current study identifies an experimental disease model in which infection can last well over 100 days, mimicking the major features of chronic animal trypanosomosis. In this model, despite the well-controlled parasitemia, infection is hallmarked by severe trypanosomosis-associated pathology. An in-depth scRNA-seq analysis of the latter revealed the complexity of the spleen macrophage activation status, highlighting the crucial role of tissue resident macrophages (TRMs) in regulating splenic extramedullary erythropoiesis. These new data show that in the field of experimental trypanosomosis, macrophage activation profiles have so far been oversimplified into a bi-polar paradigm (M1 vs M2). Interestingly, TRMs exert a double-sided effect on erythroid cells. On one hand, these cells express an erythrophagocytosis associated signature. On another hand, TRMs show high levels of Vcam1 expression, known to support their interaction with hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). During chronic infection, the latter exhibit upregulated expression of Klf1, E2f8, and Gfi1b genes, involved in erythroid differentiation and extramedullary erythropoiesis. This process gives rise to differentiation of stem cells to BFU-e/CFU-e, Pro E, and Baso E subpopulations. However, infection truncates progressing differentiation at the orthochromatic erythrocytes level, as demonstrated by scRNAseq and flow cytometry. As such, these cells are unable to pass to the reticulocyte stage, resulting in reduced number of mature circulating RBCs and the occurrence of chronic anemia. The physiological consequence of these events is the prolonged poor delivery of oxygen to various tissues, triggering lactic acid acidosis and the catabolic breakdown of muscle tissue, reminiscent of the wasting syndrome that is characteristic for the lethal stage of animal trypanosomosis.
Bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to identify molecular targeting mechanism influenced by COVID-19 on heart failure
Authors: Yang Kezhen , Liu Jipeng , Gong Yu , Li Yinyin , Liu Qingguo
Published: November 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a contemporary hazard to people. It has been known that COVID-19 can both induce heart failure (HF) and raise the risk of patient mortality. However, the mechanism underlying the association between COVID-19 and HF remains unclear. The common molecular pathways between COVID-19 and HF were identified using bioinformatic and systems biology techniques. Transcriptome analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To identify gene ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, common DEGs were used for enrichment analysis. The results showed that COVID-19 and HF have several common immune mechanisms, including differentiation of T helper (Th) 1, Th 2, Th 17 cells; activation of lymphocytes; and binding of major histocompatibility complex class I and II protein complexes. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction network was constructed to identify hub genes, and immune cell infiltration analysis was performed. Six hub genes (FCGR3A, CD69, IFNG, CCR7, CCL5, and CCL4) were closely associated with COVID-19 and HF. These targets were associated with immune cells (central memory CD8 T cells, T follicular helper cells, regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, macrophages, eosinophils, and neutrophils). Additionally, transcription factors, microRNAs, drugs, and chemicals that are closely associated with COVID-19 and HF were identified through the interaction network.
Interfacial formation of intermetallic Ni-Al-Ti systems formed by induction heating
Authors: Riyadi Tri Widodo Besar , Siswanto Waluyo Adi , Zhu Xiaomeng
Published: November 2022

Intermetallic systems of Nickel (Ni), Aluminium (Al), and Titanium (Ti) are candidates for lightweight materials that offer high-temperature resistance. Combustion synthesis has been widely studied to produce intermetallic and coating deposition by exploiting the heat released by the combustion. An underlayer is often used to enhance the adhesion of the coating to the substrate. The interaction of the coating and the underlayer during heating is, therefore, crucial for achieving a good adhesion quality. This work aimed to investigate the microstructure and properties of the interfacial formation across the NiAl coatings and Ti underlayers formed by combustion synthesis. Induction heating was used to initiate the heating and reaction process with heating rates of 46.6, 57.0, and 85.5 K/s. The microstructure was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with an Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) detector, whereas the formed phases were identified using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) tests. The hardness distribution was measured by the Vickers microhardness test. The result shows that NiAl with Al-rich and Ni-rich were formed in the coating region. The average thickness of the coating increases by approximately 200, 300, and 400 µm with a heating rate of 46.6, 57.0, and 85.5 K/s, respectively. The different thicknesses of the coating can be attributed to the migration of Ni/Al from the coating to the underlayer zones. The microstructure observed in the underlayer confirms the formation of several intermetallic phases of Ni-Ti and Ti-Al systems. The infiltration of Ni and Al elements from Ni and Al to Ti sides was responsible for generating a reaction between Ni-Ai-Ti. The formation of Ti2Ni–Ti3Al phases in the underlayer increases with the heating rate. The hardness across the coating, interface, and underlayer increases with the heating rates. The heating rate of 46.6, 57.0, and 85.5 K/s results in the hardness of the interface by 669.1, 804.8, and 967.7 HV, whereas the underlayer increases by 680.1, 772.7, and 978.7 HV, respectively. The increased content of the Ni-Al-Ti system, which are AlNi2Ti and Ti2Ni–Ti3Al phases, was attributed to the increased hardness of the interface and underlayer. This work improves the understanding of second reactions across the interface while fabricating coatings that apply an underlayer.
Efficacy and safety of COVID-19 inactivated vaccine: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Yang Xia , Ning Zong
Published: November 2022

Background

Inactivated vaccine is one of the primary technology types of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, which has wide application in many countries, including mainland China. However, systematic evaluation of the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 inactivated vaccines remains limited. And trust in the vaccine is the key to solving vaccine hesitancy.

Methods

Various academic databases were searched comprehensively for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to COVID-19 inactivated vaccines. The deadline for retrieval was December 2021. Study screening and data extraction were according to inclusive and exclusive criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan software 5.3 version and STATA software 16.0 version.

Results

Eight studies with 79,334 subjects were included of which 48,123 had received two doses of COVID-19 inactivated vaccines, and 31,211 had received two doses of placebo. The results of the meta-analysis showed that: in terms of effectiveness evaluation, two doses of COVID-19 inactivated vaccines decreased the symptomatic infection [relative risk (RR) = 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.18,0.30), P < 0.00001], asymptomatic infection [RR = 0.48, 95%CI (0.32, 0.74), P = 0.0008], total infection [RR = 0.32, 95%CI (0.24, 0.41), P < 0.00001] and hospitalization [RR = 0.06, 95%CI (0.01, 0.27), P = 0.0002] for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) significantly. In terms of safety assessment, two doses of COVID-19 inactivated vaccines also caused more adverse events. After two inoculations, total adverse events and systemic adverse events increased significantly [total adverse events RR = 1.14, 95%CI (1.08, 1.21), P < 0.00001; systemic adverse events RR = 1.22, 95%CI (1.09, 1.35), P = 0.0002]. The most common adverse event was pain at the injection site. Almost all local adverse reactions consisted of these events. The incidence of pain at the injection site was related to adjuvants. Using aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant increased local pain significantly [RR = 1.97, 95%CI (1.52, 2.55), P < 0.00001]. Two doses COVID-19 inactivated vaccines did not increase serious adverse events [RR = 0.71, 95%CI (0.57, 0.90), P = 0.004].

Conclusion

Two doses of inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in people over 18 years of age effectively prevented SARS-CoV-2 infection and its associated hospitalizations. Short-term, mild to moderate adverse reactions had occurred, but serious adverse events were rare. No placebo or vaccine-related deaths had been reported.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: 42021291250.
Ultra-processed foods as a possible culprit for the rising prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Vissers Eva , Wellens Judith , Sabino João
Published: November 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and the exact pathogenesis is still unclear. It is believed that IBD develops in response to a complex interaction between the microbiota, environmental factors, and the immune system, in genetically predisposed individuals. Identifying these environmental factors will offer more insight in the development of the disease, and reveal new therapeutic targets for IBD patients. One of the environmental factors that has gained more interest over the last years is our diet. The prevalence of IBD has increased significantly and this increase is thought to be associated with a ‘Western diet', characterized by high intake of fats, added sugar, meat, and ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The UPFs now account for almost 50% of the energy intake in Westernized countries and are therefore an important characteristic of this Western diet. UPFs are characterized by higher amounts of salt, fat, sugar and the presence of different food additives. Epidemiological studies have found associations between UPF intake and a range of non-communicable diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Preclinical and clinical evidence suggest that non-nutritive ingredients and additives, present in UPFs, can negatively affect different components of the intestinal barrier, such as the microbiota, the mucus layer, the epithelium, and the immune cells in the lamina propria. Disruption of this barrier can cause the immune system to encounter an increased bacterial exposure, leading to an aberrant immune response. In this article, the available evidence on the possible role of UPFs and their components in the increasing incidence and prevalence of IBD is reviewed. These findings can be translated to the clinic and may be helpful to consider when giving dietary advice to IBD patients. A better understanding of the role of UPFs may lead to less restrictive diets for patients with IBD, hence increasing the dietary compliance and efficacy of exclusion diets.
Healthy aging and late-life depression in Europe: Does migration matter?
Authors: Marin Ivet Bayes , Fernández Daniel , Ayuso-Mateos Jose Luis , Leonardi Matilde , Tobiasz-Adamczyk Beata , Koskinen Seppo , Sanchez-Niubo Albert , Cristóbal-Narváez Paula
Published: November 2022

Background

There is limited research examining the impact of risk and protective factors on late-life depression using large population-based datasets, particularly those examining differences among older migrants and non-migrants in Europe countries. Thus, the first aim was to analyze differences between migrants and non-migrants regarding socioeconomic status, depression, multimorbidity, healthy aging, and lifestyle behaviors. The second aim was to examine the impact of healthy aging on late-life depression in older migrants compared to their counterparts without a history of international migration in extensive and harmonized data from different population-based cohort studies.

Materials and methods

We analyzed cross-sectional, predominantly nationally representative, community-based data from European participants in the Aging Trajectories of Health: Longitudinal Opportunities and Synergies (ATHLOS) cohort. The descriptive analyses included sociodemographic variables, somatic comorbidities, multimorbidity, healthy aging, and lifestyle behaviors according to migration status. The effects of these variables on late-life depression were examined in a multivariate logistic regression model, including migration status and years since migration as predictors.

Results

Data of 122,571 individuals aged ≥ 50 years were analyzed, of which 11,799 (9.60%) were migrants. The descriptive analyses indicated that compared to non-migrants, migrants showed a higher prevalence of diabetes (25.6%), hypertension (38.0%), coronary artery disease (49.4%), stroke (4.9%), and depression (31.1%). Healthy aging was also better in non-migrants (51.7; SD = 9.7) than in migrants (39.6; SD = 18.2). The results of the logistic regression showed that migration status [OR = 1.231 (CIs: 0.914–1.547)] and increased number of years since migration in the host country [OR = 0.003 (CIs: 0.001–0.005)] were associated with greater levels of depressive symptoms. Concerning health variables, multimorbidity was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms [OR = 0.244 (CIs: 0.211–0.278)], whereas better healthy aging was associated with fewer depressive symptoms [OR = -0.100 (CIs: -0.102 to -0.098)]. The interaction between migration and healthy aging status was also significant [OR. = -0.019 (CIs: -0.025 to -0.014)].

Conclusion

Migrants reported higher risks for worse health outcomes compared to non-migrants. Significantly, worse healthy aging was associated with a greater risk of depressive symptoms in migrants than in non-migrants. Shedding light on migration and aging processes is essential for promoting a cross-cultural understanding of late-life depression in Europe.
Dynamic acylome reveals metabolite driven modifications in Syntrophomonas wolfei
Authors: Fu Janine Y. , Muroski John M. , Arbing Mark A. , Salguero Jessica A. , Wofford Neil Q. , McInerney Michael J. , Gunsalus Robert P. , Loo Joseph A. , Ogorzalek Loo Rachel R.
Published: November 2022

Syntrophomonas wolfei is an anaerobic syntrophic microbe that degrades short-chain fatty acids to acetate, hydrogen, and/or formate. This thermodynamically unfavorable process proceeds through a series of reactive acyl-Coenzyme A species (RACS). In other prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, the production of intrinsically reactive metabolites correlates with acyl-lysine modifications, which have been shown to play a significant role in metabolic processes. Analogous studies with syntrophic bacteria, however, are relatively unexplored and we hypothesized that highly abundant acylations could exist in S. wolfei proteins, corresponding to the RACS derived from degrading fatty acids. Here, by mass spectrometry-based proteomics (LC–MS/MS), we characterize and compare acylome profiles of two S. wolfei subspecies grown on different carbon substrates. Because modified S. wolfei proteins are sufficiently abundant to analyze post-translational modifications (PTMs) without antibody enrichment, we could identify types of acylations comprehensively, observing six types (acetyl-, butyryl-, 3-hydroxybutyryl-, crotonyl-, valeryl-, and hexanyl-lysine), two of which have not been reported in any system previously. All of the acyl-PTMs identified correspond directly to RACS in fatty acid degradation pathways. A total of 369 sites of modification were identified on 237 proteins. Structural studies and in vitro acylation assays of a heavily modified enzyme, acetyl-CoA transferase, provided insight on the potential impact of these acyl-protein modifications. The extensive changes in acylation-type, abundance, and modification sites with carbon substrate suggest that protein acylation by RACS may be an important regulator of syntrophy.
Taxogenomic status of phylogenetically distant Frankia clusters warrants their elevation to the rank of genus: A description of Protofrankia gen. nov., Parafrankia gen. nov., and Pseudofrankia gen. nov. as three novel genera within the family Frankiaceae
Authors: Gtari Maher
Published: November 2022

The genus Frankia is at present the sole genus in the family Frankiaceae and encompasses filamentous, sporangia-forming actinomycetes principally isolated from root nodules of taxonomically disparate dicotyledonous hosts named actinorhizal plants. Multiple independent phylogenetic analyses agree with the division of the genus Frankia into four well-supported clusters. Within these clusters, Frankia strains are well defined based on host infectivity range, mode of infection, morphology, and their behaviour in culture. In this study, phylogenomics, overall genome related indices (OGRI), together with available data sets for phenotypic and host-plant ranges available for the type strains of Frankia species, were considered. The robustness and the deep radiation observed in Frankia at the subgeneric level, fulfilling the primary principle of phylogenetic systematics, were strengthened by establishing genome criteria for new genus demarcation boundaries. Therefore, the taxonomic elevation of the Frankia clusters to the rank of the genus is proposed. The genus Frankia should be revised to encompass cluster 1 species only and three novel genera, Protofrankia gen. nov., Parafrankia gen. nov., and Pseudofrankia gen. nov., are proposed to accommodate clusters 2, 3, and 4 species, respectively. New combinations for validly named species are also provided.
Differences in the spatial fidelity of evoked and spontaneous signals in the degenerating retina
Authors: Carleton Maya , Oesch Nicholas W.
Published: November 2022

Vision restoration strategies aim to reestablish vision by replacing the function of lost photoreceptors with optoelectronic hardware or through gene therapy. One complication to these approaches is that retinal circuitry undergoes remodeling after photoreceptor loss. Circuit remodeling following perturbation is ubiquitous in the nervous system and understanding these changes is crucial for treating neurodegeneration. Spontaneous oscillations that arise during retinal degeneration have been well-studied, however, other changes in the spatiotemporal processing of evoked and spontaneous activity have received less attention. Here we use subretinal electrical stimulation to measure the spatial and temporal spread of both spontaneous and evoked activity during retinal degeneration. We found that electrical stimulation synchronizes spontaneous oscillatory activity, over space and through time, thus leading to increased correlations in ganglion cell activity. Intriguingly, we found that spatial selectivity was maintained in rd10 retina for evoked responses, with spatial receptive fields comparable to wt retina. These findings indicate that different biophysical mechanisms are involved in mediating feed forward excitation, and the lateral spread of spontaneous activity in the rd10 retina, lending support toward the possibility of high-resolution vision restoration.
Myelitis features and outcomes in CNS demyelinating disorders: Comparison between multiple sclerosis, MOGAD, and AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD
Authors: Fadda Giulia , Flanagan Eoin P. , Cacciaguerra Laura , Jitprapaikulsan Jiraporn , Solla Paolo , Zara Pietro , Sechi Elia
Published: November 2022

Inflammatory myelopathies can manifest with a combination of motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction of variable severity. Depending on the underlying etiology, the episodes of myelitis can recur, often leading to irreversible spinal cord damage and major long-term disability. Three main demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system, namely multiple sclerosis (MS), aquaporin-4-IgG-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (AQP4+NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG associated disease (MOGAD), can induce spinal cord inflammation through different pathogenic mechanisms, resulting in a more or less profound disruption of spinal cord integrity. This ultimately translates into distinctive clinical-MRI features, as well as distinct patterns of disability accrual, with a step-wise worsening of neurological function in MOGAD and AQP4+NMOSD, and progressive disability accrual in MS. Early recognition of the specific etiologies of demyelinating myelitis and initiation of the appropriate treatment is crucial to improve outcome. In this review article we summarize and compare the clinical and imaging features of spinal cord involvement in these three demyelinating disorders, both during the acute phase and over time, and outline the current knowledge on the expected patterns of disability accrual and outcomes. We also discuss the potential implications of these observations for patient management and counseling.
The brain structure and function abnormalities of migraineurs: A systematic review and neuroimaging meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Zhu-Hong , Cui Yu-Ling , Sun Jing-Ting , Li Yu-Ting , Zhang Chi , Zhang Yang-Ming , Li Ze-Yang , Shang Yu-Xuan , Ni Min-Hua , Hu Bo , Yan Lin-Feng , Wang Wen
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To quantitatively summarize the specific changes in brain structure and function in migraine patients.

Methods

A literature screening of migraine was conducted from inception to Sept 1, 2022, in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Medline databases using the keyword combination of “migraine and MRI.” Activation likelihood estimation (ALE) was performed to assess the differentiation of functional connectivity (FC), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and gray matter volume (GMV) of migraine patients.

Results

Eleven voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies and 25 resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) studies (16 FC and 9 ReHo studies) were included in this study. ALE analysis revealed the ReHo increase in the brainstem and left thalamus, with no decreased area. Neither increased nor decreased regions were detected in FC and GMV of migraine patients.

Conclusions

The left thalamus and brainstem were the significantly activated regions of migraine. It is a meaningful insights into the pathophysiology of migraine. The consistent alterated brain areas of morphometrical and functional in migraine patients were far from reached based on current studies.