bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of inflammation‐related proteome with demographic and clinical characteristics of people with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Chen Junyu , Hui Qin , Liu Chang , Brijkumar Jaysingh , Edwards Johnathan A. , Ordóñez Claudia E. , Dudgeon Mathew R. , Sunpath Henry , Pillay Selvan , Moodley Pravi , Kuritzkes Daniel R. , Moosa Mohamed Y. S. , Nemoto Tooru , Marconi Vincent C. , Sun Yan V.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Elevated levels of inflammation associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are one of the primary causes for the burden of age‐related diseases among people with HIV (PWH). Circulating proteins can be used to investigate pathways to inflammation among PWH.

Experimental design

We profiled 73 inflammation‐related protein markers and assessed their associations with chronological age, sex, and CD4+ cell count among 87 black South African PWH before antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Results

We identified 1, 1, and 14 inflammatory proteins significantly associated with sex, CD4+ cell count, and age respectively. Twelve out of 14 age‐associated proteins have been reported to be associated with age in the general population, and 4 have previously shown significant associations with age for PWH. Furthermore, many of the age‐associated proteins such as CST5, CCL23, SLAMF1, MMP‐1, MCP‐1, and CDCP1 have been linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive decline in the general population. We also found a synergistic interaction between male and older age accounting for excessive expression of CST5.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

We found that advanced age may lead to the elevation of multiple inflammatory proteins among PWH. We also demonstrated the potential utility of proteomics for evaluating and characterizing the inflammatory status of PWH.
Correlation between microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of CMDB propellant during uniaxial tension
Authors: Wu Chengfeng , Liu Yuanxiang , Hu Shaoqing , Lu Yingying , Guo Changchao , Li Huan , Qu Hongjian , Fu Xuejin , Li Hongyan
Published: September 2023

Numerical simulation of the deformation and damage evolution process of composite modified double base (CMDB) propellant based on the microstructure is of great significance for improving its macro‐mechanical properties. The macro‐mechanical properties and damage evolution of CMDB propellant were studied experimentally and numerically in current work. To establish the correlation between microstructural evolution and the macro‐mechanical response of the propellant, a three‐dimensional microstructure model of the CMDB propellant was constructed utilizing the molecular dynamics particle filling approach. At the interface between RDX particles and the nitrocellulose‐nitroglycerine (NC‐NG) matrix, the conventional cohesive element was replaced by cohesive contact, and the parameters of the cohesive zone model (CZM) at the interface between the particles and the matrix were obtained by parameter inversion based on the Hooke‐Jeeves parameter optimization algorithm. The processes of damage initiation, propagation, convergence, and failure at the cohesive interface were simulated using the bilinear cohesive zone model (BCZM). The results revealed that the fracture strength of NC‐NG propellant with added RDX particles was significantly increased and the fracture elongation was reduced. The three‐dimensional microstructure model can accurately describe the microstructure of CMDB, and dewetting at the interface is the primary cause of propellant degradation when subjected to an external load, which compromises the mechanical properties of the propellant.
Identification of chitinase genes and roles in the larval–pupal transition of Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Chen Yu , Tang Hong , Zhou Wei , Li Chang , Chen Yi‐Nan , Zhang Qing , Fu Kai‐Yun , Guo Wen‐Chao , Shi Ji‐Feng
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Insect chitinases play crucial roles in degrading chitin in the extracellular matrix, affecting insect development and molting. However, our understanding of the specific functions of various chitinases in Leptinotarsa decemlineata is limited, hindering the deployment of novel gene‐targeting technologies as pest management strategies.

RESULTS

We identified and characterized 19 full‐length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences of chitinase genes (LdChts) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Despite having varying domain architectures, all these chitinases contained at least one chitinase catalytic domain. Phylogenetic analysis classified the chitinase proteins into ten distinct clusters (groups I–X). Expression profiles showed the highest expression in chitin‐rich tissues or during specific developmental stages from the larva‐to‐pupa transition. Gene‐specific RNA interference (RNAi) experiments provided valuable insight into chitinase gene function. Silencing of group II LdCht10 prevented larval–larval molting, larval–prepupal, and prepupal–pupal processes. Moreover, our study revealed that LdCht5, LdCht2, LdCht11, LdCht1, and LdCht3 from groups I and VII–X were specifically essential for the transition from prepupal to pupal stage, whereas LdIDGF2 from group V was necessary for the larval–prepupal metamorphic process. The chitinase gene LdCht7 from group III and LdIDGF4 from group V were involved in both the larva‐to‐prepupa and the prepupa‐to‐pupa shift. Additionally, our findings also shed light on the exclusive expression of nine chitinase genes within group IV in the digestive system, suggesting their potential role in regulating larval body weight and larva‐to‐pupa transition.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the functional specialization of chitinase genes during the molting process of various stages and identify potential targets for RNAi‐based management of Leptinotarsa decemlineata. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development, application and evaluation of three novel TaqMan qPCR assays for phosphine resistance monitoring in major stored product pests Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica
Authors: Sakka Maria K. , Mavridis Konstantinos , Papapostolou Kyriaki Maria , Riga Maria , Vontas John , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: September 2023

BACKROUND

Stored product protection from insect pests relies heavily on the use of phosphine. The most serious drawback of phosphine is the development of resistance in major stored product insects worldwide, including the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.). Two genetic loci are responsible for phosphine resistance: the rph1 (S349G mutation in the cyt‐b5‐r homolog) in T. castaneum and the rph2 (P45/49S mutation in the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (dld) gene) in T. castaneum and R. dominica.

RESULTS

In this study, we have developed and applied high‐throughput, practical and specific molecular diagnostics (TaqMan qPCR) for monitoring mutations S349G, P45S and P49S. In our pilot monitoring application, we have included phosphine‐resistant and susceptible populations from different parts of the world (USA, Australia, Brazil) and European strains from Greece and Serbia. Our results for the resistant T. castaneum showed a P45S mutant allele frequency (MAF) of 100% and 75.0% in the populations from Serbia and Brazil, respectively. Regarding the susceptible T. castaneum, P45S was detected in Greece (MAF = 62.5%) and was absent in Australia (MAF = 0.0%). Additionally, the S349G mutation was found to be fixed in all resistant populations, while it was also detected in susceptible ones (frequencies: 65.0% and 100.0%). The only case where both mutations were fixed (100%) was a resistant population from Serbia. In R. dominica, the P49S mutation was found only in the two resistant R. dominica populations from Serbia and Greece (50.0% and 100%) and was absent from the susceptible one from Greece; thus, P49S seems to be a satisfactory indicator for monitoring phosphine resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our P49S detection assay in R. dominica seems to be a viable option in this direction, yet its utilization needs additional large‐scale confirmatory work. The identification of additional resistance markers also should be prioritized. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Large‐area field application confirms the effectiveness of toxicant‐infused bait for managing Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) in maize fields
Authors: Wang Liying , He Limei , Zhu Xiaoming , Zhang Jinwen , Li Na , Fan Jingfang , Li Huafeng , Sun Xiaoji , Zhang Lijiao , Lin Yongling , Wu Kongming
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Maize is one of the world's most important crops, so its stable production and supply is crucial for food security and socioeconomic development. The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), is one of the major pests in maize. We evaluated the control effect of a bio‐bait, an adult attractant, combined with insecticide, a ‘toxicant‐infused bait’, on H. armigera populations in maize fields, as well as the impact on crop yield and quality through large‐scale field applications in Hebei Province, China over a period spanning 2019 to 2021.

RESULT

The number of male and female H. armigera adults killed by strip application ranged from 1 to 37 and 4 to 36 per strip, respectively, of which female moths were 53%. Following the application of toxicant‐infused bait, we observed a significant reduction in the populations of eggs and larvae, with the average adjusted decrease range from 58% to 63% for eggs and from 34% to 62% for larvae. The application of toxicant‐infused bait also resulted in a notable reduction in the proportion of damaged maize plants, with an adjusted decline rate ranging from 59% to 69%. Concurrently, we observed an increase in yield by 4% to 8%. The concentration of aflatoxin in harvested maize grains was significantly reduced from an initial level of 1.24 to 0.1 ug/kg.

CONCLUSION

By applying toxicant‐infused bait, there was a significant reduction in the population of H. armigera adults and their offspring, resulting in an improved yield and quality of maize. Toxicant‐infused bait has great application potential in the integrated pest management of H. armigera. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Highly Sensitive Soft Pressure Sensors for Wearable Applications Based on Composite Films with Curved 3D Carbon Nanotube Structures
Authors: Jung Young , Gu Jimin , Yeo Jinwook , Lee Wookjin , Han Hyeonseok , Choi Jungrak , Ha Ji‐Hwan , Ahn Junseong , Cho Hanchul , Ryu Seunghwa , Park Inkyu
Published: September 2023

Soft pressure sensors based on 3D microstructures exhibit high sensitivity in the low‐pressure range, which is crucial for various wearable and soft touch applications. However, it is still a challenge to manufacture soft pressure sensors with sufficient sensitivity under small mechanical stimuli for wearable applications. This work presents a novel strategy for extremely sensitive pressure sensors based on the composite film with local changes in curved 3D carbon nanotube (CNT) structure via expandable microspheres. The sensitivity is significantly enhanced by the synergetic effects of heterogeneous contact of the microdome structure and changes of percolation network within the curved 3D CNT structure. The finite‐element method simulation is used to comprehend the relationships between the sensitivity and mechanical/electrical behavior of microdome structure under the applied pressure. The sensor shows an excellent sensitivity (571.64 kPa−1) with fast response time (85 ms), great repeatability, and long‐term stability. Using the developed sensor, a wireless wearable health monitoring system to avoid carpel tunnel syndrome is built, and a multi‐array pressure sensor for realizing a variety of movements in real‐time is demonstrated.
Grafting a Polymer Coating Layer onto Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 Cathode by Benzene Diazonium Salts to Facilitate the Cycling Performance and High‐Voltage Stability
Authors: Liu Junhao , Li Fangkun , Xi Lei , Sun Zhaoyu , Yang Yan , Shen Jiadong , Yao Shiyan , Zhao Jingwei , Zhu Min , Liu Jun
Published: September 2023

Li‐rich Mn‐based cathodes have been regarded as promising cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries because of their low cost of raw materials (compared with Ni‐rich layer structure and LiCoO2 cathodes) and high energy density. However, for practical application, it needs to solve the great drawbacks of Li‐rich Mn‐based cathodes like capacity degradation and operating voltage decline. Herein, an effective method of surface modification by benzene diazonium salts to build a stable interface between the cathode materials and the electrolyte is proposed. The cathodes after modification exhibit excellent cycling performance (the retention of specific capacity is 84.2% after 350 cycles at the current density of 1 C), which is mainly attributed to the better stability of the structure and interface. This work provides a novel way to design the coating layer with benzene diazonium salts for enhancing the structural stability under high voltage condition during cycling.
Temperature‐Dependent Modulation of Short‐Wave‐Infrared Light Transparency Based on Associated Structures of a Liquescent Nickel(III) Complex
Authors: Suzuki Shuichi , Shu Ruifeng , Shiomi Daisuke , Naota Takeshi
Published: September 2023

A liquescent bis(malononitriledithiolato)nickel(III) complex with a bis(methoxyethyl)imidazolium cation, 1[Ni(mnt)2], exhibits three‐stage thermochromic modulation of transparency/absorption in the short‐wave‐infrared (SWIR) region (1000–2500 nm), driven by associated structural changes. Upon heating, the electronic spectra of 1[Ni(mnt)2] in the SWIR region shift to shorter wavelengths accompanying with the solid–liquid phase transition at 76 °C. Further heating to over 109 °C induces a second transition of the electronic spectra, characterized by a blue‐shift of the SWIR absorption in the liquid phase. The results of temperature‐dependent electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility indicated that the thermochromic changes can be attributed to the two‐step dissociation of the associated structures of [Ni(mnt)2]−, occurring during the solid–liquid phase transition and the shift of dimer–monomer equilibrium in the liquid state. These changes can be visualized using an SWIR imaging camera under appropriate SWIR lights.
One‐Pot Synthesis of MOF@MOF: Structural Incompatibility Leads to Core–Shell Structure and Adaptability Control Makes the Sequence
Authors: Tan Hao , Zhao Xiang , Du Liting , Wang Bufeng , Huang Yongliang , Gu Yupeng , Lu Zhiyong
Published: September 2023

Core–shell metal–organic frameworks (MOF@MOF) are promising materials with sophisticated structures that cannot only enhance the properties of MOFs but also endow them with new functions. The growth of isotopic lcore–shell MOFs is mostly limited to inconvenient stepwise seeding strategies with strict requirements, and by far one‐pot synthesis is still of great challenge due to the interference of different components. Through two pairs of isoreticular MOFs, it reveals that the structural incompatibility is a prerequisite for the formation of MOFs@MOFs by one‐pot synthesis, as illustrated by PMOF‐3@HHU‐9. It further unveils that the adaptability of the shell‐MOF is a more key factor for nucleation kinetic control. MOFs with flexible linkers has comparably slower nucleation than MOFs with rigid linkers (forming PMOF‐3@NJU‐Bai21), and structural‐flexible MOFs built by flexible linkers show the lowest nucleation and the most adaptability (affording NJU‐Bai21@HHU‐9). This degree of adaptability variation controls the sequence and further facilitates the synthesis of a first triple‐layered core–shell MOF (PMOF‐3@NJU‐Bai21@HHU‐9) by one‐pot synthesis. The insight gained from this study will aid in the rational design and synthesis of other multi‐shelled structures by one‐pot synthesis and the further expansion of their applications.
Accuracy of first trimester sonographic features in diagnosing caesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Chew Lay Ee , Chua Chern‐Pin Eric , Lombardo Paul , Goodyear Melinda , Teo Sze Yiun
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), if not managed timely, can result in pre‐term labour, postpartum haemorrhage, hysterectomy or maternal and fetal death. This study aims to compare the diagnostic performances of different sonographic features recommended in various good practice recommendations and literature; then propose an algorithm that could aid in easier identification of CSP using transvaginal ultrasound.

Methods

A retrospective review of ultrasound images of intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) and CSP between 4.9 and 11.9 weeks gestation was conducted. The diagnostic performance of the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG) guideline, Timor‐Tritsch et al. (TT) method and combined method were evaluated. An algorithm was then created to calculate a numerical value for diagnosis. The methods were tested for intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement.

Results

A total of 66 ultrasound cases (30 IUP and 36 CSP) were included in this study. The sensitivity of the RCOG guideline, TT method and combined method were 58.3%, 94.4% and 100% while the specificity were 96.7%, 90% and 90%, respectively. The TT method and combined method performed significantly better than the RCOG guideline (p = .0016 and .0002, respectively). Using the proposed algorithm, a value larger or equal to 52.2 gave 97.2% sensitivity and 93.3% specificity that CSP is present. Intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement for all methods were moderate to almost perfect.

Conclusion

Screening during early first trimester is important to improve the diagnostic accuracy of CSP. The TT method is a good supplement to the RCOG guideline. The proposed algorithm is a useful tool to improve diagnostic accuracy and confidence.
Quantum machine learning‐based framework to detect heart failures in Healthcare 4.0
Authors: Munshi Manushi , Gupta Rajesh , Jadav Nilesh Kumar , Polkowski Zdzislaw , Tanwar Sudeep , Alqahtani Fayez , Said Wael
Published: September 2023

Quantum machine learning (QML) is an emerging field that combines the power of quantum computing with machine learning (ML) techniques to solve complex problems. In recent years, QML algorithms have shown tremendous potential in various applications such as image recognition, natural language processing, health care, finance, and drug discovery. QML algorithms aim to reduce computation costs and solve complex problems beyond the scope of classical machine learning algorithms. In this article, we study the performance of two QML algorithms, that is, quantum support vector classifiers (QSVC) and variational quantum classifiers (VQC), for chronic heart disease prediction in Healthcare 4.0. The performance of the two classifiers is assessed using different evaluation metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. The authors concluded the superior performance of QSVC over VQC with an accuracy of 82%.
Robust method operable design region for economical and eco‐friendly chromatographic analysis of azilsartan medoxomil and cilnidipine by incorporating a hybrid approach of green analytical chemistry and analytical quality by design
Authors: Prajapati Pintu , Shahi Abhinandan , Acharya Aneri , Pulusu Veerashakar , Shah Shailesh
Published: September 2023

According to the concept of green analytical chemistry, the analytical method development should be carried out by avoiding or minimizing the usage of toxic organic solvents for the safety of human and aquatic animal life and the protection of the environment. Hence, the green analytical chemistry (GAC)‐assisted robust liquid chromatographic method has been developed for chromatographic analysis of azilsartan medoxomil and cilnidipine (CIL) using safe organic solvents. The chromatographic method was developed by the implementation of analytical quality by design using chemometrics and response surface modeling. The chromatographic separation was carried out using Shim‐Pack C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5.0 μm) column as stationary phase and ethanol: 0.1% V/V ammonia solution (45:55, %V/V) as mobile phase. The chromatographic peak of AZL and CIL was found to be at the retention time of 3.5 and 4.5 min, respectively. The flow rate was kept at 1.0 mL/min and the column oven temperature was set to 40˚C. The developed method was found to be validated as per the International Council for Harmonization Q2 (R1) guideline. The method was applied for the assay of fixed‐dose combination and results were found in compliance with the labeled claim. The greenness of the method was evaluated using GAC tools.
Preparation, Characterization, and Utilization of Crosslinked and Dual‐Modified Banana Starch for Stabilizing Pickering Emulsion
Authors: Sharma Anamika , Bist Yograj , Chakkingal Fazil , Kumar Yogesh , Saxena Dharmesh Chandra
Published: September 2023

The effect of sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP, 1%–3%), STMP + dry heat (STMP‐DH, at 180 °C for 60 min), and octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA, 3%) on functional, structural, morphological, and thermo‐rheological properties of banana starch is studied. Similar Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of modified starches indicate minor structural changes; however, the degree of crystallinity significantly of native starch (26.88%) reduces after crosslinking (16.32%) and dual modification (13.91%). The native granules are flattened, elongated, oval‐ellipsoidal, and compact granules, whereas STMP starches have smoother surfaces than STMP‐DH starches. Due to changes in structure and functional groups, swelling and solubility of granules decrease, which depreciate the viscosity curve during cooking. In addition, pasting temperature elevates after STMP modification (76.3–83.1 °C) and remains comparable after STMP‐DH (76.3–75.1 °C). The rheological analysis shows that native starch gel has more shear‐thinning behavior and dominant elastic component than modified starches. The modified edible starch particles are successfully used to stabilize oil‐in‐water Pickering emulsion. The 2% and 3% STMP starches show better storage stability comparable to 3% OSA starch for up to 30 days. However, the loss in functional groups and amphiphilic properties of STMP‐DH results in creaming and an inability to perform as desired.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a research tool for RNA‐mediated human disease
Authors: Gastelum Stephanie , Michael Allison F. , Bolger Timothy A.
Published: September 2023

The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been used for decades as a powerful genetic tool to study a broad spectrum of biological topics. With its ease of use, economic utility, well‐studied genome, and a highly conserved proteome across eukaryotes, it has become one of the most used model organisms. Due to these advantages, it has been used to study an array of complex human diseases. From broad, complex pathological conditions such as aging and neurodegenerative disease to newer uses such as SARS‐CoV‐2, yeast continues to offer new insights into how cellular processes are affected by disease and how affected pathways might be targeted in therapeutic settings. At the same time, the roles of RNA and RNA‐based processes have become increasingly prominent in the pathology of many of these same human diseases, and yeast has been utilized to investigate these mechanisms, from aberrant RNA‐binding proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to translation regulation in cancer. Here we review some of the important insights that yeast models have yielded into the molecular pathology of complex, RNA‐based human diseases.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Evaluation of fall‐seeded cover crops for grassland nesting waterfowl in eastern South Dakota
Authors: Gallman Charles W. , Arnold Todd W. , Michel Eric S. , Stafford Joshua D.
Published: September 2023

The Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) is the primary breeding ground for many species of North American waterfowl. The PPR was historically dominated by mixed and tallgrass prairies interspersed with wetlands, but >70% of the native grassland area has been lost due to widespread conversion to croplands. Cover cropping is a reemerging farming technique that may provide suitable nesting cover for grassland nesting waterfowl in active croplands, but waterfowl nest survival in fall cover‐cropped fields has not been evaluated. We studied use (nest abundance and density) and nest survival of breeding waterfowl in fall‐seeded cover crops and perennial cover during 2018 and 2019. We searched 2,094 ha of cover crops and 1,604 ha of perennial cover and found 123 and 304 duck nests, respectively, in each cover type. Estimated nest success (34‐day interval) was 3.7% and 16.6% in cover crops during 2018 and 2019, respectively, versus 22.1% in 2018 and 24.9% in 2019 in perennial cover, with increased success of cover‐crop fields in 2019 resulting from precipitation that prevented most fields from being planted to row crops. In a model that included effects of planting, daily nest survival in perennial cover was 0.944 (SD = 0.026) in 2018 and 0.960 (SD = 0.019) in 2019. Estimated daily nest survival was 0.912 (SD = 0.040) in 2018 and 0.960 (SD = 0.019) in 2019 during intervals when planting did not occur, but was only 0.417 (SD = 0.124) in 2018 and 0.612 (SD = 0.117) in 2019 on the day that planting occurred. Estimated nest densities in 2018 and 2019, adjusted for nests that failed prior to discovery, were 5.1 (SE = 1.1) and 11.0 (SE = 3.1) nests 100‐ha−1 in perennial cover, but only 2.1 (SE = 0.8) and 2.6 (SE = 0.7) in cover crops, respectively. Based on observed nest initiation and planting dates, about 70% of duck nests in cover crops would experience planting events in a typical growing season. Our results suggest that under current management techniques, fall‐seeded cover crops offer poor nesting habitat for waterfowl; however, the important benefits cover crops provide to soil health, water quality, and other ecosystem services remain.
Indirect detection of Dark Matter annihilating into Dark Glueballs
Authors: Curtin David , Gemmell Caleb
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We examine indirect detection of dark matter that annihilates into dark glueballs, which in turn decay into the Standard Model via a range of portals. This arises if the dark matter candidate couples to a confining gauge force without light flavours, representative of many possible complex dark sectors. Such Hidden Valley scenarios are being increasingly considered due to non-detection of minimal models as well as theoretical motivations such as the Twin Higgs solution to the little hierarchy problem. Study of dark glueballs in indirect detection has previously been hampered by the difficulty of modeling their production in dark showers. We use the recent GlueShower code to produce the first constraints on dark matter annihilating via dark glueballs into the Standard Model across photon, antiproton, and positron channels. We also fit the Galactic Centre Excess and use this observation, combined with other astrophysical constraints, to show how multi-channel observations can constrain UV and IR details of the theory, namely the exact decay portal and hadronization behaviour respectively. This provides unique complementary discovery and diagnostic potential to Hidden Valley searches at colliders. It is interesting to note that thermal WIMPs annihilating to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(10 GeV) dark glueballs and then the SM via the Twin-Higgs-like decay portal can account for the GCE while respecting other constraints.
WIMPs, FIMPs, and Inflaton phenomenology via reheating, CMB and ∆Neff
Authors: Haque MD Riajul , Maity Debaprasad , Mondal Rajesh
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we extensively analyzed the reheating dynamics after inflation and looked into its possible implication on dark matter (DM) and inflaton phenomenology. We studied the reheating through various possible channels of inflaton going into massless scalars (bosonic reheating) and fermions (fermionic reheating) via non-gravitational and gravity-mediated decay processes. We further include the finite temperature effect on the decay process. Along with their precise roles in governing the dynamics, we compared the relative importance of different temperature-corrected decay channels in the gradual process of reheating depending on the reheating equation of state (EoS), which is directly related to inflaton potential. Particularly, the universal gravitational decay of inflaton is observed to play a very crucial role in the reheating process for a large range of inflaton decay parameters. For our study, we consider typical α-attractor inflationary models. We further establish the intriguing connection among those different inflaton decay channels and the CMB power spectrum that can have profound implications in building up a unified model of inflation, reheating, and DM. We analyze both fermion and scalar DM with different physical processes being involved, such as gravitational scattering, thermal bath scattering, and direct inflaton decay. Gravitational decay can again be observed to play a crucial role in setting the maximum limit on DM mass, especially in the FIMP scenario, which has already been observed earlier in the literature [52]. Depending on the coupling strength, we have analyzed in detail the production of both FIMP and WIMP-like DM during reheating and their detailed phenomenological implications from the perspective of various cosmological and laboratory experiments.
Pseudo entropy of primary operators in $$ T\overline{T}/J\overline{T} $$-deformed CFTs
Authors: He Song , Yang Jie , Zhang Yu-Xuan , Zhao Zi-Xuan
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the time evolution of the pseudo-(Rényi) entropy after local primary operator quenches in 2D CFTs with $$ T\overline{T}/J\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

/
J

T
¯

-deformation. Using perturbation theory, we analyze the corrections to the second pseudo-Rényi entropy at the late time, which exhibit a universal form, while its early-time behavior is model-dependent. Moreover, we uncover nontrivial time-dependent effects arising from the first-order deformation of the kth pseudo-Rényi entropy at the late time. Additionally, drawing inspiration from the gravitational side, specifically the gluing of two cutoff AdS geometries, we investigate the kth pseudo-Rényi entropy for vacuum states characterized by distinct $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

-deformation parameters, as well as for primary states acting on different deformed vacuum states. Our findings reveal additional corrections compared to the results of pseudo-Rényi entropy for globally deformed vacuum states.
Methanogenesis in biogas reactors under inhibitory ammonia concentration requires community-wide tolerance
Authors: Finn Damien R , Rohe Lena , Krause Sascha , Guliyev Jabrayil , Loewen Achim , Tebbe Christoph C.
Published: September 2023

Ammonia (NH3) inhibition represents a major limitation to methane production during anaerobic digestion of organic material in biogas reactors. This process relies on co-operative metabolic interactions between diverse taxa at the community-scale. Despite this, most investigations have focused singularly on how methanogenicArchaearespond to NH3stress. With a high-NH3pre-adapted and un-adapted community, this study investigated responses to NH3inhibition both at the community-scale and down to individual taxa. The pre-adapted community performed methanogenesis under inhibitory NH3concentrations better than the un-adapted. While many functionally important phyla were shared between the two communities, only taxa from the pre-adapted community were robust to NH3. Functionally important phyla were mostly comprised of sensitive taxa (≥ 50%), yet all groups, including methanogens, also possessed tolerant individuals (10–50%) suggesting that potential mechanisms for tolerance are non-specific and widespread. Hidden Markov Model–based phylogenetic analysis of methanogens confirmed that NH3tolerance was not restricted to specific taxonomic groups, even at the genus level. By reconstructing covarying growth patterns via network analyses, methanogenesis by the pre-adapted community was best explained by continued metabolic interactions (edges) between tolerant methanogens and other tolerant taxa (nodes). However, under non-inhibitory conditions, sensitive taxa re-emerged to dominate the pre-adapted community, suggesting that mechanisms of NH3tolerance can be disadvantageous to fitness without selection pressure. This study demonstrates that methanogenesis under NH3inhibition depends on broad-scale tolerance throughout the prokaryotic community. Mechanisms for tolerance seem widespread and non-specific, which has practical significance for the development of robust methanogenic biogas communities.

Key points

•Ammonia pre-adaptation allows for better methanogenesis under inhibitory conditions.

•All functionally important prokaryote phyla have some ammonia tolerant individuals.

•Methanogenesis was likely dependent on interactions between tolerant individuals.
Impact of signal intensity normalization of MRI on the generalizability of radiomic-based prediction of molecular glioma subtypes
Authors: Foltyn-Dumitru Martha , Schell Marianne , Rastogi Aditya , Sahm Felix , Kessler Tobias , Wick Wolfgang , Bendszus Martin , Brugnara Gianluca , Vollmuth Philipp
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Radiomic features have demonstrated encouraging results for non-invasive detection of molecular biomarkers, but the lack of guidelines for pre-processing MRI-data has led to poor generalizability. Here, we assessed the influence of different MRI-intensity normalization techniques on the performance of radiomics-based models for predicting molecular glioma subtypes.

Methods

Preoperative MRI-data from n = 615 patients with newly diagnosed glioma and known isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and 1p/19q status were pre-processed using four different methods: no normalization (naive), N4 bias field correction (N4), N4 followed by either WhiteStripe (N4/WS), or z-score normalization (N4/z-score). A total of 377 Image-Biomarker-Standardisation-Initiative-compliant radiomic features were extracted from each normalized data, and 9 different machine-learning algorithms were trained for multiclass prediction of molecular glioma subtypes (IDH-mutant 1p/19q codeleted vs. IDH-mutant 1p/19q non-codeleted vs. IDH wild type). External testing was performed in public glioma datasets from UCSF (n = 410) and TCGA (n = 160).

Results

Support vector machine yielded the best performance with macro-average AUCs of 0.84 (naive), 0.84 (N4), 0.87 (N4/WS), and 0.87 (N4/z-score) in the internal test set. Both N4/WS and z-score outperformed the other approaches in the external UCSF and TCGA test sets with macro-average AUCs ranging from 0.85 to 0.87, replicating the performance of the internal test set, in contrast to macro-average AUCs ranging from 0.19 to 0.45 for naive and 0.26 to 0.52 for N4 alone.

Conclusion

Intensity normalization of MRI data is essential for the generalizability of radiomic-based machine-learning models. Specifically, both N4/WS and N4/z-score approaches allow to preserve the high model performance, yielding generalizable performance when applying the developed radiomic-based machine-learning model in an external heterogeneous, multi-institutional setting.

Clinical relevance statement

Intensity normalization such as N4/WS or N4/z-score can be used to develop reliable radiomics-based machine learning models from heterogeneous multicentre MRI datasets and provide non-invasive prediction of glioma subtypes.

Key Points

• MRI-intensity normalization increases the stability of radiomics-based models and leads to better generalizability.

• Intensity normalization did not appear relevant when the developed model was applied to homogeneous data from the same institution.

• Radiomic-based machine learning algorithms are a promising approach for simultaneous classification of IDH and 1p/19q status of glioma.
Peripherally inserted central catheters can be an alternative to tunneled central venous catheters in chemotherapy for hematological and oncological pediatric patients
Authors: Kamata Yuko , Mizuno Yuki , Okamoto Kentaro , Okamoto Shota , Ito Yoshifumi , Nishigata Aya
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Tunneled central venous catheters (TCVs) are commonly used for pediatric chemotherapy. Recently, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have been used instead. Although PICC has the advantages of simpler insertion and fewer severe complications, there is little information on the efficacy of PICC compared to TCV in pediatric chemotherapy.

Methods

Patients, aged younger than 18 years, with primary malignancy who received chemotherapy with PICC or TCV at our institution from December 2007 to August 2022 were included in the study. We retrospectively compared PICC and TCV using medical records.

Results

Within the observation period, 133 catheters (73 PICCs and 60 TCVs) were inserted. The median indwelling time was 99 days for PICCs and 182 days for TCVs, with TCVs being significantly longer (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications, such as infections, thrombosis, obstruction, or mechanical accidents. Comparing patients treated with PICC (PICC group) versus those with TCV (TCV group), the time from diagnosis to insertion was significantly shorter in the PICC group (p < 0.001). In the PICC group, none of the patients required general anesthesia, and chemotherapy was completed with PICC only.

Conclusion

PICC can be an alternative to TCV in pediatric chemotherapy.
Implementation behavior of communities regarding relatives caring for people with dementia
Authors: Wittek Maren , Manke-Reimers Fabian , Schmitt Eric
Published: September 2023

Background

Actors from the community (CAs) play a fundamental role in the support of caring relatives (CRs) of people with dementia (PWD). As their support is not sufficient, the implementation of support services needs to be optimized; however, little is known about the factors associated with the implementation behavior of CAs.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the association of person-related factors with the implementation behavior of CAs.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 205 CAs from 16 German communities were surveyed with the community implementation behaviour questionnaire (CIBQ), which is based on the theoretical domains framework. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify person-related factors associated with the implementation behavior regarding support services for CRs of PWD.

Results

Implementing support services for CRs of PWD is positively and significantly (p < 0.001) associated with the agreement of CAs with the CIBQ domains. Higher scores in the CIBQ increase the chance that CAs implemented support services for the target group.

Conclusion

The CIBQ is a tool to determine the status of implementation behavior of communities. This enables an analysis of the areas CAs need to work on in order to optimize the implementation of support services for CRs of PWD or other health and care-related topics.
On the gel layer interpretation of anomalous viscosity of colloidal silica dispersions
Authors: Škvarla Jiří
Published: September 2023

The anomalous viscosity of colloidal dispersions of silica has been known and studied for a long time. Several different mechanisms have been proposed to explain it, related to the electrical double layer, hydration layer, and porous/gel layer at the silica-water interface. However, it is still not entirely clear which mechanism is actually operative. Here, based on measurements of viscosity dependence on the concentration of indifferent electrolyte in highly diluted colloidal silica systems and its interpretation using the well-known Einstein equation, the concept of a swellable polyelectrolyte gel layer is corroborated.
Pelvic floor hypertension: possible factors for pelvic floor tenderness in endometriosis patients—a pilot study
Authors: Muallem Jumana , Velho Renata Voltolini , Netzl Johanna , Sehouli Jalid , Mechsner Sylvia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is one of the main problems of endometriosis, leading to a significant impairment of quality of life. Understanding the pain mechanisms and the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) changes in these patients is essential to integrate additional therapeutic strategies. We hypothesize that endometriosis patients have changes in PFM and that targeted vaginal electrostimulation can be a treatment option for CPP in this disease.

Methods

Fifteen patients with endometriosis and chronic acyclical pelvic pain were included. PFM electromyography with the Multiple Array Probe Leiden (MAPLe) was performed. Mapping of PFM was utilized and targeted electrostimulation of the hypertensive muscles was conducted. Control electromyography was performed afterward to evaluate the electrostimulation therapeutic effect.

Results

In 12/15 (80%) patients, the myofascial trigger point could be localized by digital examination. The most frequently affected muscle was the puborectalis (10/15—66.7%). Most of the patients showed serious changes in the average resting tone (aRT) of PFM. aRT was significantly increased in all patients and decreased after stimulation, whereby the difference prior to and after stimulation was not significant (p = 0.064). The detailed separated analysis of the hypertensive muscles showed a significant (p = 0.026) reduction in their resting tone (hRT), after targeted stimulation.

Conclusion

Vaginal electrostimulation is a promising and feasible complementary treatment option for CPP in endometriosis patients. Targeted treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction should be included in clinical trials.
Accelerated corneal cross-linking (18mW/cm2 for 5 min) with HPMC-riboflavin in progressive keratoconus – 5 years follow-up
Authors: Friedrich Julia , Sandner Alexandra , Nasseri Ali , Maier Mathias , Zapp Daniel
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To evaluate long-term results of accelerated corneal cross-linking (ACXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus, seventy-four eyes of 53 patients with progressive keratoconus (documented Kmax progression > 1D/a) who underwent ACXL (18mW/cm2 for 5 min) were included in a retrospective observational clinical study. The investigation focused on tomographic and keratometric parameters, refractive data, and visual outcomes at 5 years follow-ups.

Methods

Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), slit lamp, and Pentacam® examinations were conducted, including assessments of thinnest corneal point (TP), minimum radius (Rmin), corneal astigmatism, and maximum anterior keratometry (Kmax). These examinations were performed two weeks before the surgery and, on average, 56 months after the surgery. In a subgroup of 24 eyes, Pentacam® examination data from an intermediate visit at 12 months until the final visit was evaluated to confirm continuous stability.

The ACXL protocol included corneal abrasion, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC)-riboflavin eye drops administered every 5 min for a total duration of 30 min, and irradiation with 18mW/cm2 for 5 min using riboflavin eye drops applied every minute during the irradiation process. Intraoperatively, minimal corneal pachymetry of > 400 µm was ensured in every patient.

Results

After 56 months, all values exhibited statistically significant changes (paired t-test; CDVA p = 0.002; Kmax p < 0.001; Rmin p < 0.001; astigmatism p = 0.03; TP p < 0.001).

In the subgroup analysis of 24 eyes, which included tomographical and keratometric parameters, no statistically significant changes were observed during the last 12 months of observation (paired t-test; Kmax p = 0.72; Rmin p = 0.67; astigmatism p = 0.72).

Treatment failure was strictly defined as an increase in Kmax (> 1D) during the 5-year follow-up and was observed in only 3 eyes (4%).

Conclusions

ACXL is an effective and safe treatment for patients with progressive keratoconus. Our results demonstrate improvements in functional and tomographical outcomes even after high-energy ACXL (18mW/cm2 for 5 min) over a long-term period of 56 months. Our analysis indicates stable conditions in previously progressive keratoconus, particularly during the final year of the observation period. The treatment failure rate was 4%.
Afferent neurons of the kidney with impaired firing pattern in inflammation – role of sodium currents?
Authors: Lale Nena , Ditting Tilmann , Hilgers Karl F. , Linz Peter , Ott Christian , Schmieder Roland E. , Schiffer Mario , Amann Kerstin , Veelken Roland , Rodionova Kristina
Published: September 2023

Peripheral neurons with renal afferents exhibit a predominantly tonic firing pattern of higher frequency that is reduced to low frequencies (phasic firing pattern) in renal inflammation. We wanted to test the hypothesis that the reduction in firing activity during inflammation is due to high-activity tonic neurons switching from higher to low frequencies depending on altered sodium currents. We identified and cultivated afferent sensory neurons with renal projections from the dorsal root ganglia (Th11-L2). Cultivated neurons were incubated with the chemokine CXCL1 (1,5 nmol/ml) for 12 h. We characterized neurons as “tonic,” i.e., sustained action potential (AP) firing, or “phasic,” i.e., < 5 APs upon stimulation in the current clamp. Their membrane currents were investigated in a voltage clamp. Data analyzed: renal vs. non-renal and tonic vs. phasic neurons. Renal afferent neurons exposed to CXCL1 showed a decrease in tonic firing pattern (CXCL1: 35,6% vs. control: 57%, P < 0.05). Na+ and K+ currents were not different between control renal and non-renal DRG neurons. Phasic neurons exhibited higher Na+ and K+ currents than tonic resulting in shorter APs (3.7 ± 0.3 vs. 6.1 ± 0.6 ms, P < 0.01). In neurons incubated with CXCL1, Na+ and K+ peak current density increased in phasic (Na+: − 969 ± 47 vs. − 758 ± 47 nA/pF, P < 0.01; K+: 707 ± 22 vs. 558 ± 31 nA/pF, P < 0.01), but were unchanged in tonic neurons. Phasic neurons exposed to CXCL1 showed a broader range of Na+ currents ([− 365– − 1429 nA] vs. [− 412– − 4273 nA]; P < 0.05) similar to tonic neurons. After CXCL1 exposure, significant changes in phasic neurons were observed in sodium activation/inactivation as well as a wider distribution of Na+ currents characteristic of tonic neurons. These findings indicate a subgroup of tonic neurons besides mere tonic or phasic neurons exists able to exhibit a phasic activity pattern under pathological conditions.