bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining the role of host biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of the severity of childhood pneumonia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chandna Arjun , Lubell Yoel , Mwandigha Lazaro , Tanunchai Phattaranit , Vinitsorn Asama , Richard-Greenblatt Melissa , Koshiaris Constantinos , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Nosten Francois , Abdad Mohammad Yazid , Perera-Salazar Rafael , Turner Claudia , Turner Paul
Published: July 2023

Reliable tools to inform outpatient management of childhood pneumonia in resource-limited settings are needed. We investigated the value added by biomarkers of the host infection response to the performance of the Liverpool quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (LqSOFA), for triage of children presenting with pneumonia to a primary care clinic in a refugee camp on the Thailand-Myanmar border. 900 consecutive presentations of children aged ≤ 24 months meeting WHO pneumonia criteria were included. The primary outcome was receipt of supplemental oxygen. We compared discrimination of a clinical risk score (LqSOFA) to markers of endothelial injury (Ang-1, Ang-2, sFlt-1), immune activation (CHI3L1, IP-10, IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, sTNFR-1, sTREM-1), and inflammation (CRP, PCT), and quantified the net benefit of including biomarkers alongside LqSOFA. We evaluated the differential contribution of LqSOFA and host biomarkers to the diagnosis and prognosis of pneumonia severity. 49/900 (5.4%) presentations met the primary outcome. Discrimination of LqSOFA and Ang-2, the best performing biomarker, were comparable (AUC 0.82 [95% CI 0.76–0.88] and 0.81 [95% CI 0.74–0.87] respectively). Combining Ang-2 with LqSOFA improved discrimination (AUC 0.91; 95% CI 0.87–0.94; p < 0.001), and resulted in greater net benefit, with 10–30% fewer children who required oxygen supplementation incorrectly identified as safe for community-based management. Ang-2 had greater prognostic utility than LqSOFA to identify children requiring supplemental oxygen later in their illness course. Combining Ang-2 and LqSOFA could guide referrals of childhood pneumonia from resource-limited community settings. Further work on test development and integration into patient triage is required.
Description of a new clinical syndrome: thoracic constriction without evidence of the typical funnel-shaped depression—the "invisible" pectus excavatum
Authors: Hohneck Anna , Ansari Uzair , Natale Michèle , Wittig Karsten , Overhoff Daniel , Riffel Philipp , Boettcher Michael , Akin Ibrahim , Duerschmied Daniel , Papavassiliu Theano
Published: July 2023

Pectus excavatum (PE) is a congenital malformation with a funnel-shaped depression of the sternum that can lead to cardiac symptoms. However, there are patients with thoracic constriction (defined as elevated Haller-Index > 3.25 determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR)) without visible evidence of PE, leading to similar complaints. Between January 2004 till June 2020, patients who underwent CMR for further evaluation of the heart, due to cardiac symptoms were enrolled and compared to controls. Biventricular global strain analysis was assessed using feature tracking (CMR-FT). ECG and/or Holter recordings were performed to detect rhythm events. Cardiac symptoms were evaluated in detail using a questionnaire. Finally, 88 patients (male 35, female 53) with elevated Haller-Index (3.9 ± 0.8) were included and compared to CMR data from 25 individuals with confirmed PE and 25 healthy controls (HC). Mean age at time of CMR was 35 ± 16 years. The most common symptoms at presentation were palpitations (41%), followed by dyspnea (24%) and atypical chest pain (14%). Three patients (3%) had atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Concomitant phenomena were pericardial effusion in 39% and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in 27% of the study cohort. While there were no differences in left ventricular function or volumes, right ventricular function (RVEF) was significantly lower in patients with internal PE compared to HC (RVEF (%) 50 ± 5 vs 59 ± 4, p < 0.01). Strain analysis revealed only discrete changes in RV strain, implying a purely mechanical problem in the absence of structural changes. RV dimensions were negatively correlated with the size of thoracic indices (r = 0.41), reflecting the extent of thoracic constriction. MVP was more prevalent in patients with greater thoracic indices (r = 0.24). The described cohort, referred to as internal PE because of the absence of external changes, showed similar CMR morphologic findings as patients with real PE (especially altered dimensions of the right heart and a lower RVEF). In addition, there was a high incidence of rhythm disturbances, such as extrasystoles or arrhythmias. In one-third of the study cohort additional abnormalities such as pericardial effusion or MVP were present, with MVP being found more frequently in patients with larger thoracic indices, suggesting a possible common pathogenesis.

Trial registration: ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN15355937, retrospectively registered 03.06.2022, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15355937?q=15355937&filters=&sort=&offset=1&totalResults=1&page=1&pageSize=10.
Custom-made 3D printing-based cranioplasty using a silicone mould and PMMA
Authors: Csámer Loránd , Csernátony Zoltán , Novák László , Kővári Viktor Zsolt , Kovács Ágnes Éva , Soósné Horváth Hajnalka , Manó Sándor
Published: July 2023

All types of cranioplasty techniques restore the morphology of the skull and affect patient aesthetics. Safe and easy techniques are required to enhance patients’ recovery and the rehabilitation process. We propose a new method of cranioplasty. The 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of a thin-layer computed tomography (CT) scan of the skull was used to reflect the intact side onto the defect and subtract the overlapping points from one another. In this way, a 3D model of the planned implant can be built in the required shape and size. The precise fit of the implant can be checked by printing the defective part of the skull in case it can be modified. A sterilisable silicone mould based on the finalized model was created afterwards. Polymethyl methacrylate implants were prepared directly in an aseptic environment in the operating room during surgery. Between 2005 and 2020, we performed 54 cranioplasties on 52 patients whose craniotomies were performed previously for indications of traumatic brain injury, stroke or tumour surgeries. No technical problems were noted during the operations. In 2 cases, septic complications that occurred were not connected to the technique itself, and the implants were removed and later replaced. Our proposed technique based on 3D-printed individual silicone moulds is a reliable, safe, easily reproducible and low-cost method to repair different skull defects.
Radiation makes cells select the form of death dependent on external or internal exposure: apoptosis or pyroptosis
Authors: Shichijo Kazuko , Takatsuji Toshihiro , Uzbekov Darkhan , Chaizhunusova Nailya , Shabdarbaeva Dariya , Kurisu Minako , Takahashi Yoshio , Stepanenko Valeriy , Azhimkhanov Almas , Hoshi Masaharu
Published: July 2023

Internal radiation exposure from neutron-induced radioisotopes environmentally activated following atomic bombing or nuclear accidents should be considered for a complete picture of pathologic effects on survivors. Acute and localized high dose radiation exposure from hot particles taken into the body must induce cell death and severe damage to tissues, whether they are proliferating or not. However, very little the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this internal radiation pathology has been investigated. Male Wistar rats were internally exposed to 56MnO2 powder by inhalation. Small intestine samples were investigated by histological staining at acute phase (6 h, 3 days and 14 days) and late phase (2, 6 and 8 months) after the exposure. Histological location and chemical properties of the hot particles embedded in small intestinal tissues were analyzed by synchrotron radiation—X-ray fluorescence—X-ray absorption near-edge structure (SR–XRF–XANES). Hot particles located in the intestinal cavity were identified as accumulations of Mn and iron. Pathological changes showed evidence of crypt shortening, massive cell death at the position of stem cell zone, including apoptosis and pyroptosis from 6 h through 8 months in the internal exposed rats.
Sex differences in time course and diagnostic accuracy of GFAP and UCH-L1 in trauma patients with mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Papa Linda , Brophy Gretchen M. , Alvarez Wilmer , Hirschl Robert , Cress Marshall , Weber Kurt , Giordano Philip
Published: July 2023

Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH-L1) have been FDA-approved for clinical use in mild and moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). Understanding sex differences in their diagnostic accuracy over time will help inform clinical practice. We sought to evaluate the sex differences in the temporal profile of GFAP and UCH-L1 in a large cohort of trauma patients presenting to the emergency department. To compare the biomarkers’ diagnostic accuracy in male versus female patients for detecting mild TBI (MTBI), and traumatic intracranial lesions on head CT. This prospective cohort study enrolled female and male adult trauma patients presenting to a Level 1 Trauma Center. All patients underwent rigorous screening to determine whether or not they had experienced a MTBI. Of 3025 trauma patients assessed, 1030 met eligibility criteria and 446 declined. Initial blood samples were obtained in 584 patients enrolled within 4 h of injury. Repeated blood sampling was conducted at 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 132, 144, 156, 168, and 180-h post-injury. The main outcomes included the diagnostic accuracy in detection of MTBI and traumatic intracranial lesions on head CT scan. A total of 1831 samples were drawn in 584 patients over 7 days, 362 (62%) were male and 222 (38%) were female. The pattern of elevation was similar in both sexes. Although the pattern of elevation was similar between male and female for both biomarkers, male patients had significantly higher concentrations of UCH-L1 compared to female patients at several timepoints post-injury, particularly within 24 h of injury. There were no significant differences in diagnostic accuracy for detecting MTBI or for detecting CT lesions between male and female patients at any timepoint for both GFAP and UCH-L1. Although patterns of GFAP and UCH-L1 release in trauma patients over a week post-injury was similar between the sexes, there were significantly higher concentrations of UCH-L1 in males at several timepoints post-injury. Despite this, the overall diagnostic accuracies of both GFAP and UCH-L1 over time for detecting MTBI and CT lesions were not significantly different between male and female trauma patients.
Numerical and experimental investigation of multi-species bacterial co-aggregation
Authors: Soleimani Meisam , Szafranski Szymon P. , Qu Taoran , Mukherjee Rumjhum , Stiesch Meike , Wriggers Peter , Junker Philipp
Published: July 2023

This paper deals with the mathematical modeling of bacterial co-aggregation and its numerical implementation in a FEM framework. Since the concept of co-aggregation refers to the physical binding between cells of different microbial species, a system composed of two species is considered in the modeling framework. The extension of the model to an arbitrary number of species is straightforward. In addition to two-species (multi-species growth) dynamics, the transport of a nutritional substance and the extent of co-aggregation are introduced into the model as the third and fourth primary variables. A phase-field modeling approach is employed to describe the co-aggregation between the two species. The mathematical model is three-dimensional and fully based on the continuum description of the problem without any need for discrete agents which are the key elements of the individual-based modeling approach. It is shown that the use of a phase-field-based model is equivalent to a particular form of classical diffusion-reaction systems. Unlike the so-called mixture models, the evolution of each component of the multi-species system is captured thanks to the inherent capability of phase-field modeling in treating systems consisting of distinct multi-phases. The details of numerical implementation in a FEM framework are also presented. Indeed, a new multi-field user element is developed and implemented in ANSYS for this multiphysics problem. Predictions of the model are compared with the experimental observations. By that, the versatility and applicability of the model and the numerical tool are well established.
Neuroimmune characterization of optineurin insufficiency mouse model during ageing
Authors: Mohovic Nikolina , Peradinovic Josip , Markovinovic Andrea , Cimbro Raffaello , Minic Zeljka , Dominovic Marin , Jakovac Hrvoje , Nimac Jerneja , Rogelj Boris , Munitic Ivana
Published: July 2023

Optineurin is a multifunctional polyubiquitin-binding protein implicated in inflammatory signalling. Optineurin mutations are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), neurodegenerative diseases characterised by neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, and peripheral immune disbalance. However, the pathogenic role of optineurin mutations is unclear. We previously observed no phenotype in the unmanipulated young optineurin insufficiency mice (Optn470T), designed to mimic ALS/FTD-linked truncations deficient in polyubiquitin binding. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ageing would trigger neurodegeneration. We performed a neurological, neuropathological, and immunological characterization of ageing wild-type (WT) and Optn470T mice. No motor or cognitive differences were detected between the genotypes. Neuropathological analyses demonstrated signs of ageing including lipofuscin accumulation and microglial activation in WT mice. However, this was not worsened in Optn470T mice, and they did not exhibit TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) aggregation or neuronal loss. Spleen immunophenotyping uncovered T cell immunosenescence at two years but without notable differences between the WT and Optn470T mice. Conventional dendritic cells (cDC) and macrophages exhibited increased expression of activation markers in two-year-old Optn470T males but not females, although the numbers of innate immune cells were similar between genotypes. Altogether, a combination of optineurin insufficiency and ageing did not induce ALS/FTD-like immune imbalance and neuropathology in mice.
Effect of a multichannel oral irrigator on periodontal health and the oral microbiome
Authors: Kim Jin Man , Yoo Soo-Yeon , An Jung-Sub , Woo Jihee Jessica , Cho Young-Dan , Park Hwi Eun , Karm Myong-Hwan
Published: July 2023

Oral biofilms or dental plaques are one of the major etiological factors for diverse oral diseases. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a multichannel oral irrigator (MCOI) on periodontal health in 29 participants randomly divided into two groups: the MCOI group and the control group. To evaluate the effect of the MCOI on periodontal health, the modified Quigley Hein Plaque Index (PI), Mühlemann-Son Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and swelling were evaluated and compared before and after MCOI use for 3 days. Although PI and SBI showed statistically significant increases in the control group, the MCOI group showed no significant changes in either parameter. Moreover, the percentage of BOP was significantly lower in the MCOI group. Saliva samples were analyzed by 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing to investigate changes in the oral microbiome. Sequencing results showed that Porphyromonas spp. were significantly increased in the control group, whereas no significant change was detected in the MCOI group. Using the MCOI, enriched populations and functional pathways were detected in pioneer species comprising non-mutans streptococci. These findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of the MCOI in maintaining periodontal health and a healthy microbial ecology in the oral cavity.
Posteromedial capsular anatomy of the tibia for consideration of the medial meniscal support structure using a multidimensional analysis
Authors: Tsutsumi Masahiro , Nimura Akimoto , Tharnmanularp Suthasinee , Kudo Shintarou , Akita Keiichi
Published: July 2023

Medial meniscal extrusion (MME) is a structural abnormality that leads to early knee osteoarthritis; however, its formation remains debated. For anatomical consideration of the mechanism underlying MME formation, we examined the capsular attachment on the posteromedial tibia and its layered association with the semimembranosus. Fourteen knees of eight body donors were analyzed in this study; six knees were grouped for macroscopic analysis, whereas four knees each were grouped for histological and phosphotungstic acid-enhanced micro-computed tomography analyses. The capsular attachment varied in width according to location and was not distant from the articular cartilage and posterior root. A portion of the posteromedial joint capsule formed the semimembranosus tendinous sheath. The dense fibrous membrane superficial to the semimembranosus, which was continuous from its tendinous sheath, existed as one of the layers of the joint capsule. The aforementioned findings were confirmed in all specimens. Based on the capsular attachment and its layered association with the semimembranosus, the conventional posteromedial knee ligaments may be only a part of the joint capsule divided into two layers by the semimembranosus. If the coordinated action of the joint capsule and semimembranosus partially contributes to the medial meniscus stability, such a structural problem may affect MME formation.
Predictive model for persistent hypertension after surgical intervention of primary aldosteronism
Authors: Li Zhuoying , He Yunfeng , Zhang Yao , Chen Gang , Zheng Yongbo , Guo Yuan , Quan Zhen , Wu Xiaohou
Published: July 2023

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is one of the most common causes of secondary hypertension and is potentially curable. However, a large number of patients still undergo persistent hypertension (PHT) after unilateral adrenal surgery. This research retrospectively studied the factors associated with this clinical difficulty and established a prediction model for the postoperative PHT; Methods: 353 patients from 2014 to 2021 with PA undergoing unilateral adrenal surgery were enrolled in this study. Clinical and biochemical characteristics were reviewed and the associating factors were examined using univariate and multivariate analysis. A nomogram-based prediction model was established correspondingly; results: 46.2% (163/190) of patients had post-surgical PHT. Multivariate analysis suggested that BMI ≥ 25, diabetes, duration of hypertension, male gender, and ARR were independent predictors of PHT after surgery. The prediction model based on the nomogram showed good discrimination ability (the C index of the training group and the validation group were 0.783 and 0.769, respectively), and the calibration curves and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test were good as well. Clinical usefulness was quantified using the decision curve analysis; This nomogram is an integration of the clinical and biochemical data of patients before surgery, and is a reliable tool with high accuracy for predicting the postoperative PHT in patients with PA.
Pelvic compensation accompanying spinal malalignment and back pain-related factors in a general population: the Wakayama spine study
Authors: Murata Shizumasa , Hashizume Hiroshi , Tsutsui Shunji , Oka Hiroyuki , Teraguchi Masatoshi , Ishomoto Yuyu , Nagata Keiji , Takami Masanari , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Minamide Akihito , Nakagawa Yukihiro , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshimura Noriko , Yoshida Munehito , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

Some older adults with spinal deformity maintain standing posture via pelvic compensation when their center of gravity moves forward. Therefore, evaluations of global alignment should include both pelvic tilt (PT) and seventh cervical vertebra-sagittal vertical axis (C7-SVA). Here, we evaluate standing postures of older adults using C7-SVA with PT and investigate factors related to postural abnormality. This cross-sectional study used an established population-based cohort in Japan wherein 1121 participants underwent sagittal whole-spine radiography in a standing position and bioelectrical impedance analysis for muscle mass measurements. Presence of low back pain (LBP), visual analog scale (VAS) of LBP, and LBP-related disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]) were evaluated. Based on the PT and C7-SVA, the participants were divided into four groups: normal, compensated, non-compensated, and decompensated. We defined the latter three categories as “malalignment” and examined group characteristics and factors. There were significant differences in ODI%, VAS and prevalence of LBP, and sarcopenia among the four groups, although these were non-significant between non-compensated and decompensated groups on stratified analysis. Moreover, the decompensated group was significantly associated with sarcopenia. Individuals with pelvic compensation are at increased risk for LBP and related disorders even with the C7-SVA maintained within normal range.
Autistic adults exhibit highly precise representations of others’ emotions but a reduced influence of emotion representations on emotion recognition accuracy
Authors: Keating Connor T. , Ichijo Eri , Cook Jennifer L.
Published: July 2023

To date, studies have not yet established the mechanisms underpinning differences in autistic and non-autistic emotion recognition. The current study first investigated whether autistic and non-autistic adults differed in terms of the precision and/or differentiation of their visual emotion representations and their general matching abilities, and second, explored whether differences therein were related to challenges in accurately recognizing emotional expressions. To fulfil these aims, 45 autistic and 45 non-autistic individuals completed three tasks employing dynamic point light displays of emotional facial expressions. We identified that autistic individuals had more precise visual emotion representations than their non-autistic counterparts, however, this did not confer any benefit for their emotion recognition. Whilst for non-autistic people, non-verbal reasoning and the interaction between precision of emotion representations and matching ability predicted emotion recognition, no variables contributed to autistic emotion recognition. These findings raise the possibility that autistic individuals are less guided by their emotion representations, thus lending support to Bayesian accounts of autism.
Ergonomic guidelines for the design interfaces of additive modules for manual wheelchairs: sagittal plane
Authors: Wieczorek Bartosz , Kukla Mateusz , Warguła Łukasz , Giedrowicz Marcin
Published: July 2023

When designing wheelchair propulsion systems operated with the upper limb, there is a noticeable lack of ergonomic analyses informing about the areas on the wheelchair frame where hand-operated controls can be installed. With that in mind, a research goal was set to measure the areas of human hand reach within the area defined by the structural elements of a manual wheelchair. An ergonomic analysis was performed on a group of ten patients representing 50% of anthropometric dimensions. Motion capture and image analysis software based on the openCV library were used for the measurement. The conducted research resulted in the development of a map of the hands range in the lateral plane of the wheelchair, parallel to the sagittal plane. In addition, the map was divided into three zones of hand reach, taking into account various levels of comfort of hand manipulation. The total hand reach area was 1269 mm long and 731 mm high, while the most comfortable manipulation area was 352 mm long and 649 mm high. The plotted hands reach areas act as a map informing the designer where on the sagittal plane additional accessories operated by the user can be installed.
Comparative studies of X chromosomes in Cervidae family
Authors: Proskuryakova Anastasia A. , Ivanova Ekaterina S. , Makunin Alexey I. , Larkin Denis M. , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A. , Yang Fengtang , Uphyrkina Olga V. , Perelman Polina L. , Graphodatsky Alexander S.
Published: July 2023

The family Cervidae is the second most diverse in the infraorder Pecora and is characterized by variability in the diploid chromosome numbers among species. X chromosomes in Cervidae evolved through complex chromosomal rearrangements of conserved segments within the chromosome, changes in centromere position, heterochromatic variation, and X-autosomal translocations. The family Cervidae consists of two subfamilies: Cervinae and Capreolinae. Here we build a detailed X chromosome map with 29 cattle bacterial artificial chromosomes of representatives of both subfamilies: reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira), Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis) (Capreolinae); black muntjac (Muntiacus crinifrons), tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), sika deer (Cervus nippon) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (Cervinae). To track chromosomal rearrangements during Cervidae evolution, we summarized new data, and compared them with available X chromosomal maps and chromosome level assemblies of other species. We demonstrate the types of rearrangements that may have underlined the variability of Cervidae X chromosomes. We detected two types of cervine X chromosome—acrocentric and submetacentric. The acrocentric type is found in three independent deer lineages (subfamily Cervinae and in two Capreolinae tribes—Odocoileini and Capreolini). We show that chromosomal rearrangements on the X-chromosome in Cervidae occur at a higher frequency than in the entire Ruminantia lineage: the rate of rearrangements is 2 per 10 million years.
Increased intracellular crowding during hyperosmotic stress
Authors: Kitamura Akira , Oasa Sho , Kawaguchi Haruka , Osaka Misato , Vukojević Vladana , Kinjo Masataka
Published: July 2023

Hyperosmotic stress activates in live cells numerous processes and also promotes intracellular protein/RNA aggregation and phase separation. However, the time course and the extent of these changes remain largely uncharacterized. To investigate dynamic changes in intracellular macromolecular crowding (MMC) induced by hyperosmotic stress in live cells, we used fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to quantify changes in the local environment by measuring the fluorescence lifetime and the diffusion of the monomeric enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), respectively. Real-time monitoring of eGFP fluorescence lifetime showed that a faster response to environmental changes due to MMC is observed than when measuring the acceptor/donor emission ratio using the MMC-sensitive Förster resonance energy transfer sensor (GimRET). This suggests that eGFP molecular electronic states and/or collision frequency are affected by changes in the immediate surroundings due to MMC without requiring conformational changes as is the case for the GimRET sensor. Furthermore, eGFP diffusion assessed by FCS indicated higher intracellular viscosity due to increased MMC during hyperosmotic stress. Our findings reveal that changes in eGFP fluorescence lifetime and diffusion are early indicators of elevated intracellular MMC. Our approach can therefore be used to reveal in live cells short-lived transient states through which MMC builds over time, which could not be observed when measuring changes in other physical properties that occur at slower time scales.
Circular polarized 3D-printed cylindrical DRA using parasitic dielectric helix
Authors: Diaz Sebastian , Diaz Marcos , Rajo-Iglesias Eva , Pizarro Francisco
Published: July 2023

This article presents a 3D-printed cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna operating at 5.8 GHz that achieves circular polarization by integrating a fully dielectric parasitic helix with a higher permittivity than the cylindrical resonator. The antenna polarization can be right-handed or left-handed depending on the turning sense of the helix. An extensive parametric study was done for the helix design to evaluate the effects of the dimensions and dielectric constant of the helix over the matching and axial ratio of the antenna. The manufacturing is made using low-loss dielectric filaments and a low-cost 3D printer. Simulation and measurement results show that both antennas are well-matched and operate with the corresponding circular polarization, with an axial ratio bandwidth compatible with UAV applications.
The roles of expectation, comparator, administration route, and population in open-label placebo effects: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Buergler Sarah , Sezer Dilan , Gaab Jens , Locher Cosima
Published: July 2023

Three meta-analyses have demonstrated the clinical potential of open-label placebos (OLPs). However, there is a need to synthesize the existing evidence through more complex analyses that would make it possible to answer questions beyond mere efficacy. Such analyses would serve to improve the understanding of why and under what circumstances OLPs work (e.g., depending on induced expectations or across different control groups). To answer these questions, we conducted the first network meta-analyses in the field of OLPs. Our analyses revealed that OLPs could be beneficial in comparison to no treatment in nonclinical (12 trials; 1015 participants) and clinical populations (25 trials; 2006 participants). Positive treatment expectations were found to be important for OLPs to work. Also, OLP effects can vary depending on the comparator used. While the kind of administration route had no substantial impact on the OLP effects, effects were found to be larger in clinical populations than in nonclinical populations. These results suggest that the expectation, comparator, administration route, and population should be considered when designing and interpreting OLP studies.
Construction of a new LED chamber to measure net ecosystem exchange in low vegetation and validation study in grain crops
Authors: Shin Taewhan , Xue Wei , Ko Jonghan
Published: July 2023

A vegetation canopy chamber system measures gas exchanges in the field between plants and the environment. Transparent closed chambers have generally been used to measure canopy fluxes in the field, depending on solar radiation as the light source for photosynthesis. However, measuring canopy fluxes in nature can be challenging due to fluctuations in solar radiation. Therefore, we constructed a novel transient-state closed-chamber system using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source to measure canopy-scale fluxes. The water-cooled chamber system used a 1600 Watt LED module to produce constant photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and a CO2 gas analyzer for concentration measurements. We used the LED chamber system to measure barley and wheat gas exchanges in the field to quantify CO2 fluxes along a PAR gradient. This novel technology enables the determination of photosynthesis rates for various crops under diverse environmental conditions, in diverse ecosystems, and across long-term interannual changes, including those due to climate change.
Optimizing acidizing design and effectiveness assessment with machine learning for predicting post-acidizing permeability
Authors: Dargi Matin , Khamehchi Ehsan , Mahdavi Kalatehno Javad
Published: July 2023

Formation damage poses a widespread challenge in the oil and gas industry, leading to diminished permeability, flow rates, and overall well productivity. Acidizing is a commonly employed technique aimed at mitigating damage and enhancing permeability. In this study, to predict the permeability after acidizing in oil and gas reservoirs, three machine learning models, namely artificial neural networks, random forest, and XGBoost, along with genetic programming were used to estimate permeability changes after acidizing. These models are utilized to estimate permeability changes following acidizing operations. Training of the models involved a dataset comprising 218 acidizing operations conducted in diverse reservoirs across Iran. The input parameters, namely permeability, porosity, skin factor, calcite mineral fraction, acid injection rate, and injected acid volume, were optimized through the use of a genetic algorithm. Statistical and graphical analysis of the results demonstrates that genetic programming outperformed the other machine learning techniques, yielding superior performance with R square and RMSE values of 0.82 and 17.65, respectively. Nevertheless, the other models also exhibited commendable performance, surpassing an R square value of 0.73. The post-acidizing permeability data obtained from core flooding experiments conducted on carbonate and sandstone cores was utilized to validate the models. The genetic programming model demonstrates an average error of 21.1%. The evaluation of post-acidizing permeability using genetic programming, in comparison with the results obtained from the core-flood test, revealed errors of 22.95% and 32.4% for carbonate and sandstone cores, respectively. Furthermore, a comparison between the calculated post-acidizing permeability derived from the GP model and previous studies indicated errors within the range of 8.6–26.59%. The findings highlight the potential of genetic programming and machine learning algorithms in accurately predicting post-acidizing permeability, thereby aiding in acidizing design, effectiveness assessment, and ultimately enhancing oil and gas production rates.
magnum.np: a PyTorch based GPU enhanced finite difference micromagnetic simulation framework for high level development and inverse design
Authors: Bruckner Florian , Koraltan Sabri , Abert Claas , Suess Dieter
Published: July 2023

magnum.np is a micromagnetic finite-difference library completely based on the tensor library PyTorch. The use of such a high level library leads to a highly maintainable and extensible code base which is the ideal candidate for the investigation of novel algorithms and modeling approaches. On the other hand magnum.np benefits from the device abstraction and optimizations of PyTorch enabling the efficient execution of micromagnetic simulations on a number of computational platforms including graphics processing units and potentially Tensor processing unit systems. We demonstrate a competitive performance to state-of-the-art micromagnetic codes such as mumax3 and show how our code enables the rapid implementation of new functionality. Furthermore, handling inverse problems becomes possible by using PyTorch’s autograd feature.
Pig manure treatment strategies for mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Zalewska Magdalena , Błażejewska Aleksandra , Czapko Agnieszka , Popowska Magdalena
Published: July 2023

Due to the risk of pathogenic antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their antibiotic-resistance genes transfer from livestock feces to the soil and cultivated crops, it is imperative to find effective on-farm manure treatments to minimize that hazardous potential. An introduced worldwide policy of sustainable development, focus on ecological agricultural production, and the circular economy aimed at reducing the use of artificial fertilizers; therefore, such treatment methods should also maximize the fertilization value of animal manure. The two strategies for processing pig manure are proposed in this study—storage and composting. The present study examines the changes in the physicochemical properties of treated manure, in the microbiome, and in the resistome, compared to raw manure. This is the first such comprehensive analysis performed on the same batch of manure. Our results suggest that while none of the processes eliminates the environmental risk, composting results in a faster and more pronounced reduction of mobile genetic elements harboring antibiotic resistance genes, including those responsible for multi-drug resistance. Overall, the composting process can be an efficient strategy for mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment and reducing the risk of its transfer to crops and the food chain while providing essential fertilizer ingredients.
Association between fibrinogen level and length of stay in patients with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Xue , Yang Yu , Yu Ling , Pang Chang , Sun Wei , Zang Shuang , Li Cong
Published: July 2023

The level of fibrinogen in patients with lower extremity atherosclerosis (LEAD) has been widely identified as a risk factor contributing to adverse outcomes. However, some knowledge gaps remain regarding fibrinogen levels and downstream adverse outcomes, such as length of stay (LOS). We conducted this study to examine the association between fibrinogen level and LOS in LEAD patients. The retrospective cohort study included 1428 LEAD patients between January 2014 and November 2021 in China. Several generalized linear models with a negative binomial link function were used to evaluate the association between fibrinogen level and LOS. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predicting effect of fibrinogen level on a LOS greater than 10 days (median LOS). The median age of the patients was 70 years old, and 1153 (80.74%) were males. Fibrinogen level was positively associated with LOS (β = 1.14; 95% CI, 0.42–1.86; p = 0.002) in LEAD patients after controlling for age, gender, number of historical hospitalizations, surgical history, vascular disease history, drinking history, smoking history, insurance type, surgical approach, lesion site, weight loss, Fontaine classification, age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index, urea, total protein, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, prothrombin time-international normalized ratio, calcium, triglyceride, albumin/globulin ratio, phosphorus, and D-dimer. The fibrinogen-added prediction model demonstrated good discrimination and calibration, with an AUC value of 0.807. Fibrinogen level was positively associated with LOS in LEAD patients. The fibrinogen level is a widely available and easy-to-measure biochemical indicator, and it could be used as a suitable indicator for the prognosis and prophylaxis of prolonged LOS in patients with LEAD during hospitalization.
Assessment of infant outgrowth of cow’s milk allergy in relation to the faecal microbiome and metaproteome
Authors: Hendrickx Diana M. , An Ran , Boeren Sjef , Mutte Sumanth K. ,   PRESTO study team, Chatchatee Pantipa , Nowak-Wegrzyn Anna , Lange Lars , Benjaponpitak Suwat , Chong Kok Wee , Sangsupawanich Pasuree , van Ampting Marleen T. J. , Oude Nijhuis Manon M. , Harthoorn Lucien F. , Langford Jane E. , Knol Jan , Knipping Karen , Garssen Johan , Trendelenburg Valerie , Pesek Robert , Davis Carla M. , Muraro Antonella , Erlewyn-Lajeunesse Mich , Fox Adam T. , Michaelis Louise J. , Beyer Kirsten , Noimark Lee , Stiefel Gary , Schauer Uwe , Hamelmann Eckard , Peroni Diego , Boner Attilio , Lambert Jolanda M. , Belzer Clara
Published: July 2023

Previous studies provide evidence for an association between modifications of the gut microbiota in early life and the development of food allergies. We studied the faecal microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) and faecal microbiome functionality (metaproteomics) in a cohort of 40 infants diagnosed with cow’s milk allergy (CMA) when entering the study. Some of the infants showed outgrowth of CMA after 12 months, while others did not. Faecal microbiota composition of infants was analysed directly after CMA diagnosis (baseline) as well as 6 and 12 months after entering the study. The aim was to gain insight on gut microbiome parameters in relation to outgrowth of CMA. The results of this study show that microbiome differences related to outgrowth of CMA can be mainly identified at the taxonomic level of the 16S rRNA gene, and to a lesser extent at the protein-based microbial taxonomy and functional protein level. At the 16S rRNA gene level outgrowth of CMA is characterized by lower relative abundance ofLachnospiraceaeat baseline and lowerBacteroidaceaeat visit 12 months.
Tunable band gap and enhanced thermoelectric performance of tetragonal Germanene under bias voltage and chemical doping
Authors: Chegel Raad
Published: July 2023

This paper employs the tight-binding model to investigate the thermal properties of tetragonal Germanene (T-Ge) affected by external fields and doping. T-Ge is a two-dimensional material with unique electronic properties, including zero band gap and two Dirac points. The electronic properties of T-Ge can be influenced by bias voltage, which can open its band gap and convert it to a semiconductor due to its buckling structure. The tunable band gap of biased T-Ge, makes it a a promising option for electronic and optoelectronic devices. The band structure of T-Ge is split by the magnetic field, leading to an increases its band edges due to the Zeeman Effect. The findings demonstrate that the thermoelectric properties of T-Ge are highly sensitive to external parameters and modifications of the band structure. The thermal and electrical conductivity of T-Ge increase with increasing temperature due to the rise in thermal energy of charge carriers. The thermoelectric properties of T-Ge decrease with bias voltage due to band gap opening, increase with the magnetic field due to a modifications of the band structure, and increase with chemical potential due to increasing density of charge carriers. By manipulating the band structure of T-Ge through bias voltage and chemical doping, the electrical conductivity can be optimized to achieve higher figure of merit (ZT) and improved thermoelectric performance. The results demonstrate the potential of T-Ge for use in electronic and magnetic devices, opening up new possibilities for further research and development in this field.
Downregulation of miR-182-5p by NFIB promotes NAD+ salvage synthesis in colorectal cancer by targeting NAMPT
Authors: Zhou Li , Liu Hongtao , Chen Zhiji , Chen Siyuan , Lu Junyu , Liu Cao , Liao Siqi , He Song , Chen Shu , Zhou Zhihang
Published: July 2023

Nuclear factor I B (NFIB) plays an important role in tumors. Our previous study found that NFIB can promote colorectal cancer (CRC) cell proliferation in acidic environments. However, its biological functions and the underlying mechanism in CRC are incompletely understood. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) effectively affects cancer cell proliferation. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism of NAD+ synthesis in cancer remains to be elucidated. Here we show NFIB promotes CRC proliferation in vitro and growth in vivo, and down-regulation of NFIB can reduce the level of NAD+. In addition, supplementation of NAD+ precursor NMN can recapture cell proliferation in CRC cells with NFIB knockdown. Mechanistically, we identified that NFIB promotes CRC cell proliferation by inhibiting miRNA-182-5p targeting and binding to NAMPT, the NAD+ salvage synthetic rate-limiting enzyme. Our results delineate a combination of high expression of NFIB and NAMPT predicted a clinical poorest prognosis. This work provides potential therapeutic targets for CRC treatment.
Obligate endosymbiosis enables genome expansion during eukaryogenesis
Authors: von der Dunk Samuel H. A. , Hogeweg Paulien , Snel Berend
Published: July 2023

The endosymbiosis of an alpha-proteobacterium that gave rise to mitochondria was one of the key events in eukaryogenesis. One striking outcome of eukaryogenesis was a much more complex cell with a large genome. Despite the existence of many alternative hypotheses for this and other patterns potentially related to endosymbiosis, a constructive evolutionary model in which these hypotheses can be studied is still lacking. Here, we present a theoretical approach in which we focus on the consequences rather than the causes of mitochondrial endosymbiosis. Using a constructive evolutionary model of cell-cycle regulation, we find that genome expansion and genome size asymmetry arise from emergent host–symbiont cell-cycle coordination. We also find that holobionts with large host and small symbiont genomes perform best on long timescales and mimic the outcome of eukaryogenesis. By designing and studying a constructive evolutionary model of obligate endosymbiosis, we uncovered some of the forces that may drive the patterns observed in nature. Our results provide a theoretical foundation for patterns related to mitochondrial endosymbiosis, such as genome size asymmetry, and reveal evolutionary outcomes that have not been considered so far, such as cell-cycle coordination without direct communication.
VBASS enables integration of single cell gene expression data in Bayesian association analysis of rare variants
Authors: Zhong Guojie , Choi Yoolim A. , Shen Yufeng
Published: July 2023

Rare or de novo variants have substantial contribution to human diseases, but the statistical power to identify risk genes by rare variants is generally low due to rarity of genotype data. Previous studies have shown that risk genes usually have high expression in relevant cell types, although for many conditions the identity of these cell types are largely unknown. Recent efforts in single cell atlas in human and model organisms produced large amount of gene expression data. Here we present VBASS, a Bayesian method that integrates single-cell expression and de novo variant (DNV) data to improve power of disease risk gene discovery. VBASS models disease risk prior as a function of expression profiles, approximated by deep neural networks. It learns the weights of neural networks and parameters of Gamma-Poisson likelihood models of DNV counts jointly from expression and genetics data. On simulated data, VBASS shows proper error rate control and better power than state-of-the-art methods. We applied VBASS to published datasets and identified more candidate risk genes with supports from literature or data from independent cohorts. VBASS can be generalized to integrate other types of functional genomics data in statistical genetics analysis.
A symmetry analysis methodology for general energy conversion systems
Authors: Guo Huan , Xu Yujie , Li Yifu , Huang Lujing , Chen Haisheng
Published: July 2023

Symmetry is a useful concept that has guided many scientific developments in fields such as structural engineering, data, and materials science. Here we apply a symmetry analysis method to explore the relationship between symmetry, output work and efficiency in macroscopic energy conversion systems. Brayton cycle is used as an example. A specific potential-displacement-energy (PDE) diagram was established for system symmetry analysis. Results prove that the symmetry of thermodynamic cycles could predict the output work and the efficiency. Stronger rotational symmetry generates more work while reflection symmetry leads to higher efficiency at constant specific heat capacity (cp). The condition for varied cp to keep intermediate maximum-work temperature constant is greatly broaden. A more symmetrical cycle with higher efficiency and larger output work is designed based on the symmetry analysis results. The results could also be applied to other thermodynamic cycles, such as Carnot cycle, which provides insights to design more efficient energy conversion cycles.
A model for person perception from familiar and unfamiliar voices
Authors: Lavan Nadine , McGettigan Carolyn
Published: July 2023

When hearing a voice, listeners can form a detailed impression of the person behind the voice. Existing models of voice processing focus primarily on one aspect of person perception - identity recognition from familiar voices - but do not account for the perception of other person characteristics (e.g., sex, age, personality traits). Here, we present a broader perspective, proposing that listeners have a common perceptual goal of perceiving who they are hearing, whether the voice is familiar or unfamiliar. We outline and discuss a model - the Person Perception from Voices (PPV) model - that achieves this goal via a common mechanism of recognising a familiar person, persona, or set of speaker characteristics. Our PPV model aims to provide a more comprehensive account of how listeners perceive the person they are listening to, using an approach that incorporates and builds on aspects of the hierarchical frameworks and prototype-based mechanisms proposed within existing models of voice identity recognition.