bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunogenic cell death induced by low temperature plasma to activate antitumor immunity and enhance therapeutic efficiency
Authors: Wang Xiangni , Wang Xiying , Liu Jinren , Lu Jiajia , Xu Guimin , Cui Yixin , Shi Xingmin , Zhang Guanjun
Published: February 2024

Low-temperature plasma (LTP) has emerged as a groundbreaking method for inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) in cancer cells. ICD is a form of cellular demise that triggers an immune response against malignant cells. LTP has demonstrated remarkable potential in activating the immune system and augmenting antitumor responses. In this study, we delved into the capacity of LTP to induce ICD and explored its impact on the immune system. Additionally, we assessed the therapeutic effects of LTP-induced ICD on the immune system within a melanoma tumor model. The LTP treated B16F10 (LTP-B16) showed a notable surge in CD8+T cells accompanied by enhanced expression of granzyme B and IFN-γ, and reduction in Treg cells. This study ingeniously amalgamated LTP-induced ICD with cisplatin to synergistically impede tumor growth. These results offer fresh perspectives for the creation of tumor vaccines based on LTP as well as a new approach for therapeutic tumor immunotherapy.
Tensor gauge fields and dark matter in general relativity with fermions
Authors: Cahill Kevin
Published: February 2024

The action of general relativity with fermions has two independent symmetries: general coordinate invariance and local Lorentz invariance. General coordinate transformations act on coordinates and tensor indices, while local Lorentz transformations act on Dirac and Lorentz indices, much like a noncompact internal symmetry.

The internal-symmetry character of local Lorentz invariance suggests that it might be implemented by tensor gauge fields with their own Yang–Mills action rather than by the spin connection as in standard formulations. But because the Lorentz group is noncompact, their Yang–Mills action must be modified by a neutral vector field whose average value at low temperatures is timelike. This vector field and the tensor gauge fields are neutral and interact gravitationally, so they contribute to hot and cold dark matter.

The two independent symmetries of the action are reduced to a single symmetry of the vacuum, local Lorentz invariance, by the nonzero average values of the tetrads

c

k

a

. The local Lorentz invariance of general relativity with fermions can be extended to local U(2, 2) invariance.

If the contracted squares of the covariant derivatives of the tetrads multiplied by the square of a mass M are added to the action, then in the limit M
2 → ∞ , the equation of motion of the tensor gauge fields is the vanishing of the covariant derivatives of the tetrads, which is Cartan’s first equation of structure. In the same limit, the tensor gauge fields approach the spin connection.
Structure and stability of La- and hole-doped hafnia with/without epitaxial strain
Authors: Cheng Hao , Tian Hao , Liu Jun-Ming , Yang Yurong
Published: February 2024

The significance of hafnia in the semiconductor industry has been amplified following the unearthing of its ferroelectric properties. We investigated the structure and electrical properties of La- and hole-doped HfO2 with/without epitaxial strain by first-principles calculations. It is found that the charge compensated defect with oxygen vacancy (

L
a

H
f

V

O

) and uncompensated defect (

L
a

H
f

), compared to the undoped case, make the ferroelectric orthorhombic

P

c
a

2
1

phase (o phase) more stable. Conversely, the electrons compensated defect (

L
a

H
f

+e) makes the nonpolar monoclinic

P

2
1

/

c

phase (m phase) more stable. Furthermore, both pure hole doping (without ions substituent) and compressive strain can stabilize the o phase. Our work offers a new perspective on enhancing the ferroelectricity of hafnia.
Analytical modeling and optimization of electrostatic particle sensors for particle number detection: incorporating particle size influence
Authors: Wallner Tanja , Bainschab Markus , Kubicka Manuel , Klambauer Reinhard , Bergmann Alexander
Published: February 2024

Developing measurement devices and methods to track increasingly stringent emission standards, including particle number, is crucial. This paper presents a novel analytical model to describe the signal response of an electrostatic particle sensor not only to particle mass concentration, but also to the particle number concentration of in-flowing particles. The uniqueness of this model lies in its ability to calculate the signal as a function of particle diameter, enabling the determination of particle number concentration from the signal. The model considers the effects of aerosol flow, electrode voltage and temperature, and can be used for the optimization of the sensor geometry parameters, length, width, and electrode gap. The model was designed to optimize the sensor’s geometry and signal retrieval as well as the optimization of the electric field between the electrodes. Comparative analysis was conducted between the proposed model and a model from the literature as well as experimental data from literature and experimental data collected in this paper.
High performance solar-blind UV detector with Mg0.472Zn0.528O/Mg0.447Zn0.553O double layer structure on MgO substrate
Authors: Han Shun , Zhu Deliang , Yue De Wu , Xia Hao , Cao Peijiang , Liu Wenjun , Zeng Yuxiang , Fang Ming
Published: February 2024

Mg0.472Zn0.528O/Mg0.447Zn0.553O double layer structure UV detectors are made on single structure MgO substrate by PLD method, and the effect of different thickness top MgZnO layer on the UV response characteristics of the detector are studied. Compared with the single layer MgZnO detector that made by Mg0.3Zn0.7O target, the Mg0.472Zn0.528O/Mg0.447Zn0.553O double layer detector with 30 nm top layer, shows much higher deep UV response (21.3 A W−1 at 265 nm), much smaller dark current(66.9 pA) and much higher signal-to-noise ratio (2.8 × 105) at 25 V bias voltage. And the device also shows relative high response (23.1 A W−1) at 235 nm deep UV light at 25 V bias voltage, which is mainly attributed by the bottom MgZnO layer with higher Mg composition. When the top layer is 66.7 nm thick, the response of the Mg0.472Zn0.528O/Mg0.447Zn0.553O detector reached 228.8 A W−1 at 255 nm under 25 V bias voltage, the signal-to-noise ratio of which is 10573 under 20 V bias voltage, and the near UV response of the device is also big because of more h-MgZnO in top MgZnO layer. When the top layer reached 90.2 nm, there are much more h-MgZnO in the top MgZnO layer, the peak response of the Mg0.472Zn0.528O/Mg0.447Zn0.553O detector is just 6.65 A W−1 at 320 nm under 25 V bias voltage, the signal-to-noise ratio of which is 1248. The high Mg composition bottom MgZnO decrease the dark current of the Mg0.472Zn0.528O/Mg0.447Zn0.553O detector, both the 2DEG effect of the double layer structure and the amplify effect of the mix-phase MgZnO top layer, increased the I
uv and deep UV response of the Mg0.472Zn0.528O/Mg0.447Zn0.553O detector. Therefore, the double layer Mg0.472Zn0.528O/Mg0.447Zn0.553O detector is more sensitive at faint deep UV light compared with previous reported MgZnO detectors, and the Mg
x
Zn1−x
O/Mg
y
Zn1−y
O detector shows similar I
uv and signal-noise-ratio at faint deep UV light as high-temperature fabricated Al
x
Ga1–x
N/Al
y
Ga1-y
N detectors.
Experimental study of the effect of geodesic curvature on turbulent transport in magnetically confined plasma
Authors: Nishimoto S , Nagaoka K , Nakata M , Yoshimura S , Tanaka K , Yokoyama M , Nunami M , Tokuzawa T , Suzuki C , Seki R , Yoshinuma M , Motojima G , Ida K , Suzuki Y
Published: February 2024

An experimental study has demonstrated the impact of the geodesic curvature of the magnetic field line on turbulent ion-heat transport in magnetically confined plasma using the large helical device. Statistical analyses with corrected Akaike Information Criterion and multiple regression have revealed that the geodesic curvature indicates a dominant contribution to the ion-heat transport. Geodesic curvature dependence of the zonal-flow effect is evaluated by using a gyrokinetic-simulation-based reduced model. Then, the analysis implies a significant enhancement of the zonal-flow effect with a small geodesic curvature. These two independent analyses indicated the possibility of external zonal-flow control with the geodesic curvature of the magnetic field.
Space-time dependent non-local thermal transport effects on laser ablation dynamics in inertial confinement fusion
Authors: Yuan W Q , Zhao Z H , Zhu S P , He X T , Qiao B
Published: February 2024

In inertial confinement fusion (ICF), electron thermal transport plays a key role in laser ablation and the subsequent implosion processes, which always exhibits intractable non-local effects. Simple modifications of the local Spitzer–Härm model with either an artificially-assumed constant flux limiter or a purely time-dependent one are applied to explain some experimental data, but fail to simultaneously reproduce the space-time evolution of the whole laser ablation process. Here, by carrying out a series of one-dimensional and two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic simulations where the space-time-dependent non-local thermal transport model proposed by Schurt, Nicolaï and Busquet (the SNB model) are self-consistently included, we systematically study the non-local effects on the whole laser ablation dynamics including those occurring at the critical surface, the conduction zone and the ablation front. Different from those obtained previously, our results show that due to the non-local heat flow redistribution and redirection, at the critical surface the thermal flux is more inhibited, in the conduction zone the lateral thermal transport is suppressed, and ahead of the ablation front the plasma is preheated. When combined together they eventually result in significant improvement of the laser absorption efficiency, extension of the conduction zone, increase of both the mass ablation rate and shock velocity. Furthermore, the dependence of these laser ablation dynamics on different drive laser intensities is investigated, which provides beneficial enlightenments on potential laser pulse shaping and/or ignition scheme optimization in ICF.
Fine structure resolved excitation cross sections of singly ionized Ga for the modeling and diagnostics of Ga plasmas
Authors: Suresh Indhu , Priti  , Srivastava R , Gangwar R K
Published: February 2024

Calculation of electron impact excitation cross sections for singly charged Ga ions plays a crucial role in plasma modeling, facilitating the comprehension of plasma behavior, characteristics, and dynamics in diverse domains, such as astrophysics, fusion research, the semiconductor industry, etc. In the available literature, there is a notable scarcity of, or even a complete absence of, these cross sections. Hence, in the present work, electron impact excitation cross sections are calculated for the transitions from the fine structure resolved energy levels of the configurations

4

s
2

and

4
s
4
p

to the fine structure resolved energy levels of the configurations

4
s
4
p

,

4
s
5
s

,

4

p
2

and

4
s
4
d

of the singly charged Ga ion (Ga+) using the relativistic distorted wave approximation theory with the target states represented by multi configurational Dirac Fock wavefunctions. The cross sections are calculated for projectile electron energy varying from threshold to 500 eV. Furthermore, the electron impact excitation rate coefficients for all the transitions under investigation are also calculated for electron temperatures ranging from 0.5 to 5 eV. In addition, analytic fitting of the rate coefficients is also performed, providing a practical resource for directly utilizing in plasma modeling applications.
Assessment of thrust force, delamination and temperature during drilling of basalt fiber-reinforced composite with different drill geometries
Authors: Shah Maulik , Chaudhary Vijaykumar , Gohil Piyush
Published: February 2024

Basalt fiber-reinforced composites (BFRC) are globally recognized for their superior mechanical properties, resistance to moisture absorption and corrosive substances and environments, which have led to their widespread use in industrial applications. Drilling of BFRC has fascinated researchers because of its non-homogeneous and anisotropic nature and various challenges associated with it. This research article explores the assessment of thrust force, delamination and temperature during drilling of BFRC made through the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Different feed rates (FR) (0.07, 0.17, 0.27 mm rev–1) and spindle speeds (SS) (1000, 3000, 5000 RPM) also drill geometries such as parabolic, twist, and center drill were considered for parametric study. The study employed a full factorial design (FFD) to evaluate thrust forces (TF), delamination factor (DF), and drilling temperature (DT). ANOVA was used to determine the contributions of drilling parameters, while multivariable regression analysis (MRA) was utilized to establish predictive empirical models. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was also conducted through the drilled hole for understanding of drilling behaviour and surface morphology. Results have demonstrated that feed rate significantly influenced delamination (61.62%) and thrust force (62.73%), whereas drill geometry and spindle speed had the greatest impact on drilling temperature by 55.26% and 33.04%, respectively.
High-density superconductive logic circuits utilizing 0 and π josephson junctions
Authors: Razmkhah Sasan , Pedram Massoud
Published: February 2024

Superconductor Electronics (SCE) is a fast and power-efficient technology with great potential for overcoming conventional CMOS electronics’ scaling limits. Nevertheless, the primary challenge confronting SCE today is its integration level, which lags several orders of magnitude behind CMOS circuits. In this study, we have innovated and simulated a novel logic family grounded in the principles of phase shifts occurring in 0 and π Josephson junctions. The fast phase logic (FPL) eliminates the need for large inductor loops and shunt resistances by combining the half-flux and phase logic. Therefore, the Josephson junction (JJ) area only limits the integration density. The cells designed with this paradigm are fast, and the clock-to-Q delay for logic cells is about 4ps. While maintaining over 50% parameter margins for wiring cells. This logic is power efficient and can increase the integration by at least 100×in the SCE chips.
Symptom Improvement After Explantation With No Capsulectomy for Systemic Symptoms Associated With Breast Implants
Authors: McGuire Patricia , Glicksman Caroline , Ferenz Sarah , Haws Melinda , Lawrence Marisa , Black Summer , Faasse Kate
Published: February 2024

Background

Systemic symptoms associated with breast implants (SSBI) is a term used to describe a group of patients who attribute a variety of symptoms to their implants. Previous studies have shown symptom improvement after implant removal in these patients irrespective of whether part or all the implant capsule has been removed.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate implant removal with no capsule removed in symptomatic and control subjects.

Methods

Eligible study subjects were sequentially enrolled at 5 investigator sites. The SSBI Cohort included patients with systemic symptoms they attributed to their implants who requested explantation. The Non-SSBI Cohort included subjects without systemic symptoms attributed to their implants who requested explantation with or without replacement. All subjects agreed to undergo explantation without removal of any capsule.

Results

Systemic symptom improvement was noted in SSBI subjects without removal of the implant capsule, comparable to the results of our previously published study. SSBI patients showed a 74% reduction in self-reported symptoms at 6 months with no capsulectomy which was not statistically different from partial or total capsulectomies (P = .23).

Conclusions

Explantation with or without capsulectomy provides symptom improvement in patients with systemic symptoms they associate with their implants.

Level of Evidence: 3
Zero is not absence: censoring-based differential abundance analysis for microbiome data
Authors: Chan Lap Sum , Li Gen
Published: February 2024

Motivation

Microbiome data analysis faces the challenge of sparsity, with many entries recorded as zeros. In differential abundance analysis, the presence of excessive zeros in data violates distributional assumptions and creates ties, leading to an increased risk of type I errors and reduced statistical power.

Results

We developed a novel normalization method, called censoring-based analysis of microbiome proportions (CAMP), for microbiome data by treating zeros as censored observations, transforming raw read counts into tie-free time-to-event-like data. This enables the use of survival analysis techniques, like the Cox proportional hazards model, for differential abundance analysis. Extensive simulations demonstrate that CAMP achieves proper type I error control and high power. Applying CAMP to a human gut microbiome dataset, we identify 60 new differentially abundant taxa across geographic locations, showcasing its usefulness. CAMP overcomes sparsity challenges, enabling improved statistical analysis and providing valuable insights into microbiome data in various contexts.

Availability and implementation

The R package is available at https://github.com/lapsumchan/CAMP.
6. USING VIRTUAL REALITY TO SIMULATE AN OPERATING ROOM: SATISFACTION AND RESULTS FROM THE FIRST PILOT STUDY FOR NURSES
Authors: Zabaleta Jiménez J , Blasco A , Fernández-Monge A , Lizarbe J A , Mainer M , Esnal T , Baez J , Aldazabal J
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Virtual reality (VR) provides a firsthand active learning experience through varying degrees of immersion. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the use of VR as a potential tool for training operating room nurses to perform thoracic surgery procedures.

Methods

This is an open parallel-group randomized clinical trial. One group will receive basic training followed by an assessment module. The experimental group will receive the same basic training, followed by thoracic surgery training, and then an assessment module.

Results

Fifty-five nurses participated in the study (50 females), with a mean age of 41.6 years. The average score obtained by each participant in the evaluation mode was 477 points. The experimental group (513 points) achieved an overall higher score than the control group (445 points; p=0.04). Regarding age, women in the second quartile of age among the participants (35-41 years) achieved significantly better results than the rest (p=0.04). When evaluating results based on the practice moment, exercises performed in the last 10 minutes yielded better results than those performed in the first 10 minutes (1064 points versus 554 points; p <0.001). The most frequent adverse effect reported was blurred vision. The overall satisfaction rating with the experience was 8.5 out of 10.

Conclusion

Virtual reality is a useful tool for training operating room nurses.
15. UTILITY OF CHATGPT IN THE APPLICATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION MODELS OF THE STOMACH IN REVISIONAL BARIATRIC SURGERY
Authors: Fernando Trebolle J , Tirado Anglés G , Valero Sabater M , Pérez Zapata A I , Menal Muñoz P , García García A , Blas Laína J L
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Radiological three-dimensional reconstruction from CT images is very useful in pre-surgical planning and in training for complex cases using the preoperative studies performed on the patient. In revisional bariatric surgery, there is an undiscovered field with potential applications to develop with 3D reconstruction models. Our goal is to propose the applications offered by ChatGPT with 3D reconstruction models of post-bariatric surgery anatomy, whether it be vertical gastrectomy or the gastric reservoir and gastrojejunal anastomosis in the case of bypass.

Methods

Three-dimensional image anatomical models of the stomach and post-bariatric surgery anatomy have been developed. CT images are obtained with the Siemens Somatom Perspective 64® device. The images are retrieved in DICOM format and processing to achieve three-dimensional reconstruction is done with the OsiriX® software, performing manual segmentation and an image density modification. ChatGPT analyzes these databases and provides us with the options that can be exploited.

Results

Project ideas based on ChatGPT: 1 - Surgical planning assistant. 2 - Virtual reality training simulator. 3 - Diagnostic assistant. 4 - Patient education tool. 5 - Research tool.

Conclusion

Obtaining three-dimensional reconstruction images of post-bariatric surgery anatomy allows us to develop models that, as guided by ChatGPT, can be applied in different aspects in revisional bariatric surgery.
16. DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW VASCULAR GRAFT: PRECLINICAL STUDY
Authors: Durán Rey D , Sánchez Rumbo C , Crisóstomo V , Brito Pereira R , Lancero Méndez S , Sánchez Margallo F M
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Blood vessel obstruction and lack of nutrients cause tissue damage. Although commercial vascular grafts are a common surgical treatment option, they are not without issues, particularly with stenosis. Tissue engineering provides a promising solution for designing vascular grafts that could replace or repair blood vessels. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a synthetic material with piezoelectric properties and good physical, biological, and mechanical characteristics, which makes it an interesting option for cardiovascular applications.

Methods

The electrospinning technique and post-treatment protocols were used to produce electrospun PVDF grafts.

Results

PVDF scaffolds were fabricated with randomly distributed fibers, which exhibited significant porosity and adequate pore size within the measured range. The PVDF grafts exhibited Young's modulus with mechanical properties typical of ductile materials. In terms of biological properties, they showed promising results.

Conclusion

The grafts showed optimal biological and mechanical characteristics for application in the experimental model and in vivo assay.
21. VARIATION OF MICROBIOTA DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF COLORECTAL CANCER
Authors: Picaporte Fuentes P , Dziakova J , de la Serna S , Jaimes E , García Galocha J L , Rivera D , Iniesta P , Torres A
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) growth may be determined by various factors, with gut microbiota being one of them. The aim of this study is to Identify the microbiota differences in tumoral tissue (TT), non-tumoral tissue (NTT) and feces depending on CRC localization.

Methods

Prospective analysis was conducted on patients with CRC who underwent colorectal surgery in 2021 and 2022. Three samples were collected from each patient: feces, tissue from tumor (TT), and tissue from healthy colon (NTT). The study employed 16S rRNA massive sequencing techniques, followed by bioinformatics analyses.

Results

A total of 23 patients, comprising 18 males and 5 females, were included in the study. Tumor distribution revealed 12 cases in the right colon, 7 in the left colon, and 4 in the rectum. Significant differences were observed in beta diversity between the microbiota of feces and both types of tissue (TT and NTT). However, no differences in beta diversity were noted between TT and NTT.

NTT exhibited a predominance of the phylum Actinobacteriota, while Bacteroidetes was the main phylum in feces. TT was characterized by a higher proportion of Fusobacteriota, with the genera Fusobacteria and Streptococcus being predominant compared to feces and the genus Fusobacteria compared to NTT.

When considering tumor location, notable differences emerged. There was greater microbiota diversity in the right colon compared to the left colon and rectum. Phyla Clostridiales, Bifidobacteriales, Acidaminococcales, and Vibrionales were more abundant in the right colon, while Staphylococcales were more prevalent in the left colon.

Conclusion

The observed variations in microbiota based on tissue type and location imply its potential involvement in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis.
23. SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF A HIGHLY COMPLEX CASE OF BILIARY LEAK FOLLOWING HEPATOBILIARY SURGERY
Authors: Perra T , Porcu A
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Biliary leaks are a frequent complication of hepatobiliary surgery. We present a particularly complex case.

Clinical case

A 46-year-old man underwent S4-8 hepatic bisegmentectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Two months later he underwent percutaneous drainage of a liver collection and later endoscopic placement of plastic biliary stents. Due to the persistence of the leak, it was decided to intervene surgically by suturing the biliary leak, draining the main bile duct using a Kehr drain, and cholecystectomy, with apparent resolution.

Two months later, sudden dyspnea with yellow-green emission, persistent cough, and episodes of bile vomiting appeared. CT of the chest and abdomen confirmed the presence of a biliobronchial fistula and a subdiaphragmatic biloma connected to the hemidiaphragm and initial parenchymal irritation. Percutaneous drainage of the biliary collection and thoracotomy surgery (transdiaphragmatic repair of biliary fistula, atypical lung resection of the right lower lobe, pleural cleaning, and diaphragmatic plastic surgery) were performed.

One month later, with the subdiaphragmatic collection persisting, a Roux-en-Y biliojejunal anastomosis, transjejunal loop, and liver drainage (U tube) were performed, along with drainage of the interhepatodiaphragmatic collection.

Subsequently, one month later, due to the persistence of the bile leak with interhepatodiaphragmatic collection, another Roux-en-Y anastomosis of the parenchymal fistula in the residual cavity was performed.

After 14 days, the patient was discharged in good clinical condition, which lasted over time, without collections.

Discussion

This case illustrates the complexity that can be associated with a common complication of hepatobiliary surgery.
Filling in the Gaps: Updates on Doxycycline Prophylaxis for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Hazra Aniruddha , McNulty Moira C , Pyra Maria , Pagkas-Bather Jade , Gutierrez Jose I , Pickett Jim , Stewart Jenell , Bolan Robert K , Molina Jean-Michel , Celum Connie , Luetkemeyer Anne F , Klausner Jeffrey D
Published: February 2024

Over the past 2 decades, cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia have been rising in the United States, disproportionately among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as racial and ethnic minorities of all genders. In this review, we address updates about the evidence on doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis for prevention of bacterial STIs, including efficacy, safety, antimicrobial resistance, acceptability, modeling population impact, and evolving guidelines for use. Equitable implementation of doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis will require evaluation of who is offered and initiates it, understanding patterns of use and longer term STI incidence and antimicrobial resistance, provider training, and tailored community education.
“Every Story Tells a Picture”: Suspended Time in Ali Smith’s Seasons Novels
Authors: Cowtan Grace
Published: February 2024

Through both the viewing and the reading of art, Ali Smith’s 2016–2020 tetralogy, Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer, posits an ethics of meaning-making that responds to the multiplicity of time-as-it-is-lived. This essay explores how Smith portrays the viewing of art as an experience of temporal disjuncture by which habitual modes of perception and cognition are renewed. Ordinarily produced through a sequential linking of cause and effect, meaning is formed instead through a postcritical engagement, which proposes an interactive mode of understanding that operates within a network of relations. Open to difference and to alteration, this mode of interpretation is, I suggest, demanded from Smith’s readers as, through ekphrasis (the verbal description of visual art), Smith suspends the temporal progression of narrative form.
Novel sequence type of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter pittii ST1451 with enhanced virulence isolated from septicaemic neonates in India
Authors: Roy Subhasree , Morita Daichi , Bhattacharya Sushmita , Dutta Shanta , Basu Sulagna
Published: February 2024

Background

The clinical relevance of Acinetobacter pittii is increasing, but reports of this organism causing neonatal sepsis are rare.

Objectives

To understand the mechanisms of resistance and virulence of A. pittii isolated from neonatal blood belonging to a novel sequence type.

Materials and methods

Antibiotic susceptibility, MLST, WGS, phylogenomic comparison with a global collection of carbapenemase-harbouring A. pittii were done. To study the pathogenic potential of novel A. pittii, in vitro and in vivo assays were carried out.

Results and discussion

Two novel multidrug-resistant A. pittii from neonatal blood belonging to a novel sequence type 1451 (ST1451) were isolated. WGS revealed that the isolates were almost similar (147 SNP distant) and harbouring two carbapenem resistance genes blaNDM-1 with upstream ISAba125 and downstream bleMBL along with blaOXA-58 with upstream ISAba3. Other resistance genes included blaADC-25, blaOXA-533, aph(3″)-Ib, aph(3′)-VIa, aph(6)-Id, aac(3)-IId, mph(E), msr(E), sul2 and tet(39), different efflux pump genes and amino acid substitutions within GyrA (Ser81Leu) and ParC (Ser84Leu; Glu88Ala) were detected among the isolates. The study genomes were closely related to four strains belonging to ST119. The isolates showed biofilm production, serum resistance, growth under iron limiting condition, surface-associated motility and adherence to host cell. Isolates induced cytokine production in the host cell and showed mice mortality.

Discussion and conclusions

This study is the first report of the presence of blaNDM-1 in A. pittii from India along with another carbapenemase blaOXA-58. Emergence of highly virulent, multidrug-resistant A. pittii with attributes similar to A. baumannii calls for surveillance to identify the novel strains and their pathogenic and resistance potential.
Comparison between multiple-trait and random regression models for genetic evaluation of weight traits in Australian meat sheep
Authors: Paneru Uddhav , Moghaddar Nasir , van der Werf Julius
Published: February 2024

Random regression (RR) models are recommended as an alternative to multiple-trait (MT) models for better capturing the variance–covariance structure over a trajectory and hence more accurate genetic evaluation of traits that are repeatedly measured and genetically change gradually over time. However, a limited number of studies have been done to empirically compare RR over a MT model to determine how much extra benefit could be achieved from one method over another. We compared the prediction accuracy of RR and MT models for growth traits of Australian meat sheep measured from 60 to 525 d, using 102,579 weight records from 24,872 animals. Variance components and estimated breeding values (EBVs) estimated at specific ages were compared and validated with forward prediction. The accuracy of EBVs obtained from the MT model was 0.58, 0.51, 0.54, and 0.56 for weaning, postweaning, yearling, and hogget weight stages, respectively. RR model produced accuracy estimates of 0.56, 0.51, 0.54, and 0.54 for equivalent weight stages. Regression of adjusted phenotype on EBVs was very similar between the MT and the RR models (P > 0.05). Although the RR model did not significantly increase the accuracy of predicting future progeny performance, there are other benefits of the model such as no limit to the number of records per animal, estimation of EBVs for early and late growth, no need for age correction. Therefore, RR can be considered a more flexible method for the genetic evaluation of Australian sheep for early and late growth, and no need for age correction.
Analysis of Inpatient Burn Patients Treated After the February 2023 Kahramanmaras Turkiye Earthquake and Examination of the Burn Profile According to Injury Time
Authors: Basaran Abdulkadir , Özlü Özer , Gürbüz Kayhan , Daş Koray
Published: February 2024

On February 6, 2023, a 7.7 and about 9 h later, a 7.6 Richter’s scale earthquake struck south of Turkiye, affecting more than 9 million people in 11 cities. This study aims to assess injury mechanisms, patient characteristics, and the outcome related to the earthquakes and the newly emerging living conditions. This study was conducted between February 6, 2023 and May 6, 2023, in a referral burn center. Patients who experienced burns either during the earthquakes or within 3 months in the region were included. The patient characteristics, time and place of burn injury, etiology, latency time to hospital admittance, outcome, and mortality were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 63 patients were included in our study cohort with a mean age of 21.84 ± 20.3 years. The burned total body surface area was 15.56% ± 20.3%. The burns that occurred during the earthquakes were mainly minor scalds, but the median time to hospital admission was 55 h. The burns after the first week to the end of day 45 were mainly flame burns that occurred in tents. The following burns up to the end of the third month included flame burns resulting in high mortality, and electrical burns mainly occurred during the restoration of the destroyed environment. In major disasters like earthquakes, burns during catastrophes are inevitable. Accommodating survivors in fireproof tents will be essential for avoiding fatalities from fires. In the restoration period of the settlements, the workers should be adequately informed about precautions when dealing with electric transmission lines.
Celastrus orbiculatus extract reverses precancerous lesions of gastric cancer by inhibiting autophagy via regulating the PDCD4-ATG5 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Fangyuan , Zhang Xiaoze , Wen Junsong , Liu Yanqing , Zhu Yaodong
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Celastrus orbiculatus ethyl acetate extract (COE) is the main extract of the stem of the Chinese herbal C. orbiculatus, which has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory biological effects. Our previous study showed that COE had a certain reversal effect on the precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) in rats, but the exact mechanism of action remains elusive. We aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of COE on PLGC and the potential mechanisms.

Methods

The PLGC rat model was successfully constructed by N-methyl-N´-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) multifactorial induction method. Then, COE was prepared to treat the PLGC rat model. Hematoxylin & eosin staining was used to observe gastric mucosal lesions in rats, AB-PAS and HID-AB staining were used to observe intestinal metaplasia. PDCD4-ATG5 signaling pathway was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in vivo, and autophagy level was detected by IHC, transmission electron microscopy, and RT-PCR in vivo. Besides, the PLGC (MC) cell model was successfully constructed by treating GES-1 cells with MNNG. Then, the morphology, proliferation, and apoptosis of MC cells, and the role of the PDCD4-ATG5 signaling pathway and autophagy in MC cells were evaluated by COE and after the overexpression of PDCD4 treatment.

Key findings

COE significantly improved gastric mucosal injury and cellular heteromorphism and retarded the progression of PLGC in rats. Further studies indicated COE not only inhibited the level of autophagy but also interfered with the PDCD4-ATG5 signaling pathway in vivo. On the other hand, COE treatment could effectively reverse MC cell damage, inhibit MC cell proliferation, and promote MC cell apoptosis. Furthermore, COE also promoted PDCD4 and inhibited ATG5 expression in vitro, and the inhibitory effect of COE on ATG5-mediated autophagy was further enhanced after the overexpression of PDCD4.

Conclusions

The study revealed that COE could regulate the PDCD4-ATG5 signaling pathway to inhibit autophagy in gastric epithelial cells, which contributes to reversing the progression of PLGC.
Protective effects of piperlongumine against adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats through modulating OPG/RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Sheng-dong , Wu Xin-jie , Wang Tian-tian , Jiang Fei , Hu Ming-wang , Li Rong , Liu Ji , Cai Li
Published: February 2024

Objectives

We examined the antirheumatoid effects of piperlongumine (PLM) on rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) and explored the underlying mechanisms involved.

Methods

PLM (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to AIA rats to assess its effectiveness. Blood, thymus, spleen, ankle joint, and synovial tissue samples were gathered for subsequent analyses, like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, thymus/spleen index measurement, ankle joint pathological examination, immunohistochemistry assay, polymerase chain reaction, and western blot assay. Moreover, the involvement of osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activators of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling was investigated.

Key findings

PLM effectively relieved inflammation and joint destruction in AIA rats, as indicated by reductions in hind paw swelling, arthritis index, thymus/spleen index, ankle joint pathological damage, production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in both serum and synovium, and osteoclast formation. Also, PLM treatment raised OPG production, reduced RANKL expression, and elevated the OPG/RANKL ratio in synovial tissues. Furthermore, PLM prevented IκBα degradation and phosphorylation, resulting in a reduced expression of the nuclear NF-κB p65 protein in AIA rat synovial tissues.

Conclusions

PLM demonstrated strong antiarthritic effects in rats with AIA by influencing the OPG/RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway, highlighting its potential clinical relevance in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Ontology-based knowledge representation for traditional martial arts
Authors: Hou Yumeng , Kenderdine Sarah
Published: February 2024

Traditional martial arts are treasures of humanity’s knowledge and critical carriers of sociocultural memories throughout history. However, such treasured practices have encountered various challenges in knowledge transmission and now feature many entries on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. In tackling the urgency of knowledge preservation through digital means, this project employs an ontology-based approach to model the conceptual realm of traditional martial arts. Accordingly, it creates the Martial Art Ontology (MAon), a comprehensive domain ontology with an annotated data resource incorporating entities and relations from embodied, epistemic, and sociocultural facets. MAon underlines the significance of embodied qualities and addresses relevant dimensions, such as kinesthetics, techniques, mnemonics, and tactics, along with stylistic, interpretative, and ideological components. It features scholarly terminology developed through literature analysis, interviews with masters, and expert validations. The instantiation of MAon is realized through annotating three archetypal Southern Chinese styles, offering exhaustive descriptions concerning techniques, forms, principles, and form sets, amongst others. In summary, the reported approach encodes the manifold of martial arts into a structured vocabulary and an interlinked data resource, accessible to both human-reading and machine-operating applications. By applying it to manifest a range of knowledge concepts, we demonstrate the potential of ontology-based datafication to create coherent representations for intangible cultural entities and to enable an interoperable data infrastructure across multimodal cultural archives.
On the evolution of the observed mass-to-length relationship for star-forming filaments
Authors: Feng Jiancheng , Smith Rowan J , Hacar Alvaro , Clark Susan E , Seifried Daniel
Published: February 2024

The interstellar medium is threaded by a hierarchy of filaments from large scales (∼100 pc) to small scales (∼0.1 pc). The masses and lengths of these nested structures may reveal important constraints for cloud formation and evolution, but it is difficult to investigate from an evolutionary perspective using single observations. In this work, we extract simulated molecular clouds from the ‘Cloud Factory’ galactic-scale ISM suite in combination with 3D Monte Carlo radiative transfer code polaris to investigate how filamentary structure evolves over time. We produce synthetic dust continuum observations in three regions with a series of snapshots and use the filfinder algorithm to identify filaments in the dust derived column density maps. When the synthetic filaments mass and length are plotted on an mass–length (M–L) plot, we see a scaling relation of L ∝ M0.45 similar to that seen in observations, and find that the filaments are thermally supercritical. Projection effects systematically affect the masses and lengths measured for the filaments, and are particularly severe in crowded regions. In the filament M–L diagram we identify three main evolutionary mechanisms: accretion, segmentation, and dispersal. In particular we find that the filaments typically evolve from smaller to larger masses in the observational M–L plane, indicating the dominant role of accretion in filament evolution. Moreover, we find a potential correlation between line mass and filament growth rate. Once filaments are actively star forming they then segment into smaller sections, or are dispersed by internal or external forces.
Discrimination of benign, atypical, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in neurofibromatosis type 1 using diffusion-weighted MRI
Authors: Ristow Inka , Kaul Michael G , Stark Maria , Zapf Antonia , Riedel Christoph , Lenz Alexander , Mautner Victor F , Farschtschi Said , Apostolova Ivayla , Adam Gerhard , Bannas Peter , Salamon Johannes , Well Lennart
Published: February 2024

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is associated with the development of benign (BPNST) and malignant (MPNST) peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Recently described atypical neurofibromas (ANF) are considered pre-malignant precursor lesions to MPNSTs. Previous studies indicate that diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) can reliably discriminate MPNSTs from BPNSTs. We therefore investigated the diagnostic accuracy of DW-MRI for the discrimination of benign, atypical, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Methods

In this prospective explorative single-center phase II diagnostic study, 44 NF1 patients (23 male; 30.1 ± 11.8 years) underwent DW-MRI (b-values 0–800 s/mm²) at 3T. Two radiologists independently assessed mean and minimum apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCmean/min) in areas of largest tumor diameters and ADCdark in areas of lowest signal intensity by manual contouring of the tumor margins of 60 BPNSTs, 13 ANFs, and 21 MPNSTs. Follow-up of ≥ 24 months (BPNSTs) or histopathological evaluation (ANFs + MPNSTs) served as diagnostic reference standard. Diagnostic ADC-based cut-off values for discrimination of the three tumor groups were chosen to yield the highest possible specificity while maintaining a clinically acceptable sensitivity.

Results

ADC values of pre-malignant ANFs clustered between BPNSTs and MPNSTs. Best BPNST vs. ANF + MPNST discrimination was obtained using ADCdark at a cut-off value of 1.6 × 10−3 mm2/s (85.3% sensitivity, 93.3% specificity), corresponding to an AUC of 94.3% (95% confidence interval: 85.2–98.0). Regarding BPNST + ANF vs. MPNST, best discrimination was obtained using an ADCdark cut-off value of 1.4 × 10−3 mm2/s (83.3% sensitivity, 94.5% specificity).

Conclusions

DW-MRI using ADCdark allows specific and noninvasive discrimination of benign, atypical, and malignant nerve sheath tumors in NF1.
Investigating the Influence of Crustal Contamination on the Stillwater Complex, Montana Using Sr, Nd, and Pb Isotopes
Authors: Benson Erin K , Coleman Drew S , Boudreau Alan E
Published: February 2024

The presence of pegmatoid bodies in the Stillwater Complex is poorly understood, but they have been suggested to have resulted from the presence of fluids in the complex. To better understand the origin of the pegmatoids and to trace the possible influence of country-rock-derived fluid in the Stillwater Complex, bulk rock Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and Pb-Pb isotopes for samples from the Archean Stillwater Complex and its metamorphic aureole are reported. Pegmatoid bodies are compared to spatially associated host rock and the underlying hornfels facies country rocks. Evidence of resetting of radiogenic isotopes during regional metamorphism at 1700 Ma is not observed, and the initial radiogenic isotopic ratios in Stillwater Complex rocks overlap those of the underlying hornfels. Despite the isotopic similarity of the country rock to the Stillwater Complex, the intrusion is modestly isotopically heterogeneous. In Stillwater samples, the average εNd,2710Ma = −1.1 ± 6.9, 206Pb/204Pb2710 Ma = 15.24 ± 2.26, and 87Sr/86Sr2710Ma = 0.703043 ± 0.002747 (1σ). The similarity between country rock and intrusive rock isotopic compositions at Stillwater contrasts with the data reported for the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, where the country rock is isotopically distinct from the intrusion. The variability in radiogenic isotope signatures in Stillwater rocks show a noisy but decreasing influence of country rock up through the Lower Banded series interpreted to reflect variable crustal contamination, in part from <1.0 wt % country rock fluids released during intrusion of the Stillwater Complex. The influence of crustal fluid contamination as compared to more traditional crustal assimilation models or simple magmatic heterogeneity suggests that hydrothermal fluids modified the isotopic compositions of more fluid-mobile elements and can explain aspects of isotopic heterogeneity in layered intrusions.
RSK/GSK3–mediated phosphorylation of FilGAP regulates chemotactic cancer invasion
Authors: Tsutsumi Koji , Ohta Yasutaka
Published: February 2024

Cell migration plays a crucial role in various biological processes, such as gastrulation, immune response, and cancer metastasis. In response to chemoattractant-like growth factors, cells form protrusions and migrate toward the source of the signal. Rho family small GTPase Rac is a key regulator of cell migration by stimulating actin polymerization to generate lamellipodia, flat membrane protrusions at the leading edge of migrating cells. FilGAP (ARHGAP24), a Rac-specific GTPase-activating protein (GAP), suppresses lamellipodia formation, and controls tumor cell migration. In this study, we found that FilGAP is phosphorylated downstream of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling. Upon EGF stimulation, FilGAP is phosphorylated at Ser625 by p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) and then at Ser621 by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). Phosphorylation of FilGAP induces its dissociation from actin filaments. We identified a novel actin-localization domain of FilGAP that is essential for stabilizing cell adhesion. Additionally, we found that phosphorylation of FilGAP inhibits its lamellipodia suppression activity. Finally, we showed the expression of nonphosphorylatable FilGAP mutant, but not wild-type FilGAP, reduced cell migration speed and persistence toward the EGF gradient. Taken together, our results suggest that phosphorylation of FilGAP downstream of EGF-signaling plays a critical role in regulating chemotactic tumor cell migration by controlling cell–matrix adhesion and protrusion formation.