bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of fine particle liquid–solid flow in porous media based on LBM‐IBM‐DEM
Authors: Fo Bin , Xu Ruifu , Xi Jianfei , Lu Yang , Song Xianping , Cai Jie , Gu Zhongzhu
Published: September 2022

Fine particle liquid–solid flow in porous media is involved in many industrial processes such as oil exploitation, geothermal reinjection, and filtration systems. It is of great significance to master the behaviours of the fine particle liquid–solid flow in porous media. At present, there are few studies on the influences of the migration of fine particles on the flow field in porous media, and the effects of the porosity of porous media and inlet fluid velocity on the migration behaviours of fine particles in porous media. In this paper, a liquid–solid flow model was established based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM)‐immersed boundary method (IBM)‐distinct element method (DEM) and verified by the classical Drag Kiss Tumble (DKT) phenomena and flow around a cylinder successfully. In this model, the interaction between solid particles is analyzed using the distinct element method, and the interaction between fine particles and flow field is handled by IBM. Then, the migration and blockage of fine particles in porous media was studied using this model. It is found that, in addition to the blockage, a large amount of blocked‐surface sliding‐separation occur in fine particles. At the same time, the decrease in porosity increases the damage degree of fine particles on the permeability. The porosity exerts great influence on the penetration rate and dispersion behaviour of fine particles. The inlet fluid velocity mainly affects the residence time of fine particles and the average velocity of motion in the direction perpendicular to the main flow direction.
Synthesis of Photosensitizers Based on Tetrapyrrolic Macrocycles for Combination with Antibiotics: Dual Inactivation of Bacteria
Authors: Aroso Rafael T. , Piccirillo Giusi , Dias Lucas D. , Pinto Sara M. A. , Arnaut Luís G. , Pereira Mariette M.
Published: September 2022

The combination of photodynamic therapy with antibiotics or antimicrobial peptides for inactivation of bacteria is an area of growing interest due to the synergistic effect already observed by many authors. It has been shown that the efficiency of this dual antimicrobial therapy is highly dependent on the structure of the photosensitizer, being tetrapyrrolic macrocycles the ones with most promising results. There are a few review articles in the recent literature describing the main microbiological results concerning this dual inactivation of bacteria, but none of them focus on the synthetic processes of these photosensitizers and their remarkable chemical versatility. Therefore, herein we present an overview on synthetic methodologies for preparation of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles and their conjugates with antibiotics or antimicrobial peptides, for use in dual inactivation of bacteria. This review will be divided in two sections concerning the physical or covalent combinations of PS with antibiotic/cationic peptides, followed by brief critical analysis on their corresponding antimicrobial outcomes.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding read numbers and their variability predict species abundance, but weakly in non‐dominant species
Authors: Skelton James , Cauvin Allison , Hunter Margaret E.
Published: September 2022

Metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA) provides more comprehensive, efficient, and non‐invasive sampling of biological communities than conventional methods. However, limitations of metabarcoding include taxon‐specific biases in amplification and sequencing that distort assessments of community composition. Further, hyper‐abundant species may disproportionately affect community composition assessments and impair the detection of rare species (i.e., “species masking”). In this study, we examine methodological approaches to improve eDNA metabarcoding assessments of community structure using fish community diversity in a pond in south Florida using MiFish primers modified to improve cichlid detection. Mitochondrial 12S eDNA amplicon sequencing via Illumina NovaSeq was analyzed using the DADA2 model‐based exact sequence inference. The fish species and abundances in the system were recorded during piscicide treatment and subsequent native species restocking. Our results demonstrate that (1) ultra‐high‐throughput sequencing on the newer NovaSeq patterned flow cell provided reliable detection of very rare taxa—with detections of a single individual. (2) Read numbers were significantly correlated to the total surface area of the fish population, and numerical abundance to a lesser degree; however, dominant taxa largely drove those correlations, and simulations showed that biases in the most abundant taxa will have disproportionate effects on the strength of the correlation. (3) The read number coefficient of variation for each species across spatially separated replicate samples may provide less biased abundance estimates compared with estimates based on average read counts. Finally, (4) exact sequence inference detected multiple haplotypes and population genetic diversity within a species. Our results demonstrate the real‐world metabarcoding capacity to reveal community structure and reliably detect rare species and unique haplotypes and shows that read numbers can, to a limited degree, be used to infer the size of fish populations. Careful examination of detection biases among dominant taxa and spatial variation among samples are required for rigorous eDNA‐based estimates of community structure. Our results demonstrate the capacity of NovaSeq metabarcoding to reveal freshwater fish community structure and reliably detect rare species and unique haplotypes. Metabarcoding read numbers were significantly correlated to the total surface area of the fish species' populations, allowing for conditional inferences of population sizes. However, dominant taxa largely drove those correlations, and simulations indicated that biases toward the most abundant taxa will have disproportionate effects on the strength of the correlation.
P2X7 is expressed on human innate‐like T lymphocytes and mediates susceptibility to ATP‐induced cell death
Authors: Winzer Riekje , Serracant‐Prat Arnau , Brock Valerie J. , Pinto‐Espinoza Carolina , Rissiek Björn , Amadi Miriam , Eich Niklas , Rissiek Anne , Schneider Enja , Magnus Tim , Guse Andreas H. , Diercks Björn‐Philipp , Koch‐Nolte Friedrich , Tolosa Eva
Published: September 2022

Extracellular ATP activates the P2X7 receptor, leading to inflammasome activation and release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in monocytes. However, a detailed analysis of P2X7 receptor expression and function in the human T cell compartment has not been reported. Here, we used a P2X7‐specific nanobody to assess cell membrane expression and function of P2X7 on peripheral T lymphocyte subsets. The results show that innate‐like T cells, which effectively react to innate stimuli by secreting high amounts of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, have the highest expression of P2X7 in the human T cell compartment. Using Tγδ cells as example for an innate‐like lymphocyte population, we demonstrate that these cells are more sensitive to P2X7 receptor activation than conventional T cells, affecting fundamental cellular mechanisms like calcium signaling and ATP‐induced cell death. The increased susceptibility of innate‐like T cells to P2X7‐mediated cell death provides a mechanism to control their homeostasis under inflammatory conditions. Understanding the expression and function of P2X7 on human immune cells is essential to assume the benefits and consequences of newly developed P2X7‐based therapeutic approaches.
The human posterior cingulate, retrosplenial, and medial parietal cortex effective connectome, and implications for memory and navigation
Authors: Rolls Edmund T. , Wirth Sylvia , Deco Gustavo , Huang Chu‐Chung , Feng Jianfeng
Published: September 2022

The human posterior cingulate, retrosplenial, and medial parietal cortex are involved in memory and navigation. The functional anatomy underlying these cognitive functions was investigated by measuring the effective connectivity of these Posterior Cingulate Division (PCD) regions in the Human Connectome Project‐MMP1 atlas in 171 HCP participants, and complemented with functional connectivity and diffusion tractography. First, the postero‐ventral parts of the PCD (31pd, 31pv, 7m, d23ab, and v23ab) have effective connectivity with the temporal pole, inferior temporal visual cortex, cortex in the superior temporal sulcus implicated in auditory and semantic processing, with the reward‐related vmPFC and pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, with the inferior parietal cortex, and with the hippocampal system. This connectivity implicates it in hippocampal episodic memory, providing routes for “what,” reward and semantic schema‐related information to access the hippocampus. Second, the antero‐dorsal parts of the PCD (especially 31a and 23d, PCV, and also RSC) have connectivity with early visual cortical areas including those that represent spatial scenes, with the superior parietal cortex, with the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, and with the hippocampal system. This connectivity implicates it in the “where” component for hippocampal episodic memory and for spatial navigation. The dorsal–transitional–visual (DVT) and ProStriate regions where the retrosplenial scene area is located have connectivity from early visual cortical areas to the parahippocampal scene area, providing a ventromedial route for spatial scene information to reach the hippocampus. These connectivities provide important routes for “what,” reward, and “where” scene‐related information for human hippocampal episodic memory and navigation. The midcingulate cortex provides a route from the anterior dorsal parts of the PCD and the supracallosal part of the anterior cingulate cortex to premotor regions.
Clinicogenomic characteristics and synthetic lethal implications of germline homologous recombination‐deficient hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: An Jihyun , Oh Ji‐Hye , Oh Bora , Oh Yoo‐Jin , Ju Jin‐Sung , Kim Wonkyung , Kang Hyo Jung , Sung Chang Ohk , Shim Ju Hyun
Published: September 2022

Backgrounds and Aims:

We performed an in‐depth examination of pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) and somatic variants in DNA damage response (DDR) genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to explore their clinical and genomic impacts.

Approach and Results:

We used a merged whole‐exome or RNA sequencing data set derived from in‐house (n = 230) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 362) databases of multiethnic HCC samples. We also evaluated synthetic lethal approaches targeting mutations in homologous recombination (HR) genes using HCC cells selected from five genomic databases of cancer cell lines. A total of 110 PGVs in DDR pathways in 96 patients were selected. Of the PGV carriers, 44 were HR‐altered and found to be independently associated with poorer disease‐free survival after hepatectomy. The most frequently altered HR gene in both germline and somatic tissues was POLQ, and this variant was detected in 22.7% (10/44) and 23.8% (5/21) of all the corresponding carriers, respectively. PGVs in HR were significantly associated with upregulation of proliferation and replication‐related genes and familial risk of HCC. Samples harboring PGVs in HR with loss of heterozygosity were most strongly correlated with the genomic footprints of deficient HR, such as mutation burden and denovoSig2 (analogous to Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer [COSMIC] 3), and poor outcome. Pharmacologic experiments with HCC cells defective in BRCA2 or POLQ suggested that tumors with this phenotype are synthetic lethal with poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitors.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that germline HR defects in HCC tend to confer a poor prognosis and result in distinctive genomic scarring. Tests of the clinical benefits of HR‐directed treatments in the affected patients are needed.
Flow and heat transfer analysis of MHD third‐grade fluid flow through a vertical microchannel subjected to entropy generation
Authors: Roja A. , Gireesha B. J.
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the generation of entropy in an electrically conducting third‐grade fluid through a vertical channel considering the variable thermal conductivity. Aspects of radiation, viscous dissipation, porous medium, Joule heating, convective boundary condition, and heat generation are studied. Nonlinear systems of ordinary differential equations are obtained via applying suitable dimensionless variables. After that, the system is solved with the aid of using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method. The numerical solutions are used to characterize the irreversibility and irreversibility ratio. It is established that the entropy is enhanced with accelerating estimations of the third‐grade material parameter, Brinkman number, magnetism, Biot number, porous parameter, and the impact is decelerated with elevating values of the radiation. The rate of heat transfer is higher for the Brinkman number, and a similar impact on drag force is noticed for magnetic and Grashof numbers. All the parameters on flow, temperature, fluid irreversibility and irreversibility ratio are discussed through graphical illustration.
Inflammatory biomarkers after an exercise intervention in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors
Authors: Lähteenmäki Taalas Tuomas , Järvelä Liisa , Niinikoski Harri , Huurre Anu , Harila‐Saari Arja
Published: September 2022

Cancer survivors show increased risk for non‐communicable diseases and chronic low‐grade inflammation characterizes the development of such diseases. We investigated inflammatory plasma protein profiles of survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in comparison to healthy controls and after an intervention with a home‐based exercise program. Survivors of childhood ALL aged 16–30 years (n = 21) with a median age at diagnosis 4.9 (1.6–12.9) years and a median time of 15.9 years from diagnosis, and sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls (n = 21) were studied. Stored plasma samples were analyzed with Olink's 92‐protein‐wide Inflammation panel in 21 ALL long‐term survivors at baseline, after a previous 16‐week home‐based exercise intervention (n = 17) and in 21 age‐ and sex‐matched controls at baseline. Protein expression levels were compared between the groups. Inflammatory protein levels did not differ between the survivors and controls at baseline. Significantly reduced levels after the intervention were found in 11 proteins related to either vascular inflammation, insulin resistance, or both: tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 14 (TNFSF14), oncostatin M (OSM), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), MCP‐2, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF‐21), chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 4 (CCL4), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF‐α), tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand 10 (TRAIL), adenosine deaminase (ADA), chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 6 (CXCL6), and latency‐associated peptide transforming growth factor beta 1 (LAP TGF‐β1). The ALL survivors were not significantly more affected by inflammation than controls at baseline. The survivors’ 16‐week exercise intervention led to significant reduction in inflammatory protein levels. Physical exercise should be promoted for survivors of childhood cancer.
Providing differentiated service delivery to the ageing population of people living with HIV
Authors: Godfrey Catherine , Vallabhaneni Snigdha , Shah Minesh Pradyuman , Grimsrud Anna
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for HIV are a person‐centred approach to providing services across the HIV care cascade; DSD has an increasing policy and implementation support in high‐burden HIV countries. The life‐course approach to DSD for HIV treatment has focused on earlier life phases, childhood and adolescence, families, and supporting sexual and reproductive health during childbearing years. Older adults, defined as those over the age of 50, represent a growing proportion of HIV treatment cohorts with approximately 20% of those supported by PEPFAR in this age band and have specific health needs that differ from younger populations. Despite this, DSD models have not been designed or implemented to address the health needs of older adults.

Discussion

Older adults living with HIV are more likely to have significant co‐morbid medical conditions. In addition to the commonly discussed co‐morbidities of hypertension and diabetes, they are at increased risk of cognitive impairment, frailty and mental health conditions. Age and HIV‐related cognitive impairment may necessitate the development of adapted educational materials. Identifying the optimal package of differentiated services to this population, including the frequency of clinical visits, types and location of services is important as is capacitating the healthcare cadres to adapt to these challenges. Technological advances, which have made remote monitoring of adherence and other aspects of disease management easier for younger populations, may not be as readily available or as familiar to older adults. To date, adaptations to service delivery have not been scaled and are limited to nascent programmes working to integrate treatment of common co‐morbidities.

Conclusions

Older individuals living with HIV may benefit from a DSD approach that adapts care to the specific challenges of ageing with HIV. Models could be developed and validated using outcome measures, such as viral suppression and treatment continuity. DSD models for older adults should consider their specific health needs, such as high rates of co‐morbidities. This may require educational materials, health worker capacity building and outreach designed specifically to treat this age group.
Nuclear localisation sequences of chloride intracellular channels 1 and 4 facilitate nuclear import via interactions with import mediator importin‐α: An empirical and theoretical perspective
Authors: Færch Olga , Worth Roland , Achilonu Ikechukwu , Dirr Heini
Published: September 2022

Chloride intracellular channel proteins (CLICs) display ubiquitous expression, with each member exhibiting specific subcellular localisation. While all CLICs, except CLIC3, exhibit a highly conserved putative nuclear localisation sequence (NLS), only CLIC1, CLIC3 and CLIC4 exist within the nucleus. The CLIC4 NLS, 199‐KVVAKKYR‐206, appears crucial for nuclear entry and interacts with mouse nuclear import mediator Impα isoform 1, omitting the IBB domain (mImpα1ΔIBB). The essential nature of the basic residues in the CLIC4 NLS has been established by the fact that mutating out these residues inhibits nuclear import, which in turn is linked to cutaneous squamous cell cancer. Given the conservation of the CLIC NLS, CLIC1 likely follows a similar import pathway to CLIC4. Peptides of the CLIC1 (Pep1; Pep1_S C/S mutant) and CLIC4 (Pep4) NLSs were designed to examine binding to human Impα isoform 1, omitting the IBB domain (hImpα1ΔIBB). Molecular docking indicated that the core CLIC NLS region (KKYR) forms a similar binding pattern to both mImpα1ΔIBB and hImpα1ΔIBB. Fluorescence quenching demonstrated that Pep1_S (Kd ≈ 237 μM) and Pep4 (Kd ≈ 317 μM) bind hImpα1ΔIBB weakly. Isothermal titration calorimetry confirmed the weak binding interaction between Pep4 and hImpα1ΔIBB (Kd ≈ 130 μM) and the presence of a proton‐linked effect. This weak interaction may be due to regions distal from the CLIC NLS needed to stabilise and strengthen hImpα1ΔIBB binding. Additionally, this NLS may preferentially bind another hImpα isoform with different flexibility properties.
Proteomics‐based mass spectrometry profiling of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection from human nasopharyngeal samples
Authors: Chatterjee Sayantani , Zaia Joseph
Published: September 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the cause of the on‐going global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) that continues to pose a significant threat to public health worldwide. SARS‐CoV‐2 encodes four structural proteins namely membrane, nucleocapsid, spike, and envelope proteins that play essential roles in viral entry, fusion, and attachment to the host cell. Extensively glycosylated spike protein efficiently binds to the host angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 initiating viral entry and pathogenesis. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal swab is the preferred method of sample collection and viral detection because it is a rapid, specific, and high‐throughput technique. Alternate strategies such as proteomics and glycoproteomics‐based mass spectrometry enable a more detailed and holistic view of the viral proteins and host–pathogen interactions and help in detection of potential disease markers. In this review, we highlight the use of mass spectrometry methods to profile the SARS‐CoV‐2 proteome from clinical nasopharyngeal swab samples. We also highlight the necessity for a comprehensive glycoproteomics mapping of SARS‐CoV‐2 from biological complex matrices to identify potential COVID‐19 markers.
Restoration of hamstring function following sciatic nerve resection at the greater sciatic foramen with reconstruction involving acellular nerve allograft and vascularized sural nerve autograft: A case report
Authors: Sarcon Aida K. , Li Neill Y. , Houdek Matthew T. , Moran Steven L.
Published: September 2022

Segmental loss of the sciatic nerve secondary to oncologic resection or trauma is detrimental to hamstring and leg function. The diameter of this nerve and the length of its axons spanning the lower extremity create significant challenges in reconstruction and optimizing return of sensory or motor function. The purpose of this report is to describe outcomes of a free vascularized sural nerve graft to preserve hamstring function in a large proximal sciatic nerve defect beginning at the greater sciatic foramen. A 44‐year‐old female underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation for treatment of a left sciatic nerve synovial cell sarcoma. The patient underwent R0 resection of the proximal left sciatic nerve resulting in a 15 cm defect. An ipsilateral vascularized sural nerve graft was used to reconstruct the medial aspect of the sciatic nerve, prioritizing the tibial division, in an effort to restore hamstring function and plantar sensation. A 5 cm allograft nerve was added to the cutaneous branches of the sural nerve graft to better span the large defect and reconstruct the lateral aspect of the nerve. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. At 1‐year follow‐up, the patient showed MRC grade 4/5 strength with knee flexion and steady gait pattern with a left ankle‐foot orthosis. Outcomes support the use of a single vascularized nerve graft alongside acellular nerve allograft to restore motor function in large diameter and large defect mixed nerve injuries.
Effect of a fall prevention strategy for the older patients: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Guo Xiaobei , Wang Ying , Wang Lei , Yang Xueke , Yang Weimei , Lu Zhihui , He Mei
Published: September 2022

Aim

To explore the effect of a fall prevention strategy on older patients based on the Patient Engagement Framework.

Design

A longitudinal quasi‐experimental quantitative design.

Methods

Older patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited from geriatric, oncology, neurology and cardiology departments of a teaching general hospital in China. Development of a fall prevention intervention strategy for older patients was based on the Patient Engagement Framework. Patients in the intervention group were given this fall prevention strategy (N = 58), and those in the control group were given conventional measures (N = 58). The following indicators were compared between the two groups after intervention:

(a) number of falls; (b) Knowledge‐Attitude‐Practice (KAP) score;

(c) Modified Fall Efficacy Scale score.

Results

After the implementation of an intervention strategy in older patients, the number of falls decreased from 3 to 0; the score of KAP and Modified Fall Efficacy Scale was promoted (p < .05).
Paradoxical perception of humanistic care in the intensive care unit: A qualitative study
Authors: Hasandoost Fateme , Mohammadi Eesa , Khademi Mojgan , Seddighi Mahyar
Published: September 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of nurses, patients and attendants of humanistic care in the intensive care unit.

Design

The present study was a qualitative conventional content analysis conducted in the intensive care unit in a hospital in Iran, in 2019.

Methods

Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and field notes through purposive sampling with 17 nurses who worked in an adult ICU in a teaching hospital, 4 attendants and 4 alert patients, and then analysed using the Elo‐Kyngäs method in 2008.

Results

Analysis of the data led to the extraction of Four main themes as follows: (1) Insufficient understanding of nurses and patients' families of each other's roles, needs and expectations; (2) The use of personal and situational reasoning rather than ethical principles; (3) Caring stagnation; and (4) Satisfaction with care.
A comprehensive review of prognostic scoring systems to predict survival after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement
Authors: Yang Chongtu , Xiong Bin
Published: September 2022

Patient prognosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement is relatively poor and highly heterogeneous; therefore, a prognostic scoring system is essential for survival prediction and risk stratification. Conventional scores include the Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores. The CTP score was created empirically and displayed a high correlation with post‐TIPS survival. However, the inclusion of subjective parameters and the use of discrete cut‐offs limit its utility. The advantages of the MELD score include its statistical validation and objective and readily available predictors that contribute to its broad application in clinical practice to predict post‐TIPS outcomes. In addition, multiple modifications of the MELD score, by incorporating additional predictors (e.g., MELD‐Sodium and MELD‐Sarcopenia scores), adjusting coefficients (recalibrated MELD score), or combined (MELD 3.0), have been proposed to improve the prognostic ability of the standard MELD score. Despite several updates to conventional scores, a prognostic score has been proposed (based on contemporary data) specifically for outcome prediction after TIPS placement. However, this novel score (the Freiburg index of post‐TIPS survival, FIPS) exhibited inconsistent discrimination in external validation studies, and its superiority over conventional scores remains undetermined. Additionally, several tools display potential for application in specific TIPS indications (e.g., bilirubin‐platelet grade for refractory ascites), and biomarkers of systemic inflammation, nutritional status, liver disease progression, and cardiac decompensation may provide additional value, but require further validation. Future studies should consider the effect of TIPS placement when exploring predictors, as TIPS is a pathophysiological approach that substantially alters systemic hemodynamics and ameliorates bacterial translocation and malnutrition.
Anisotropic Strange Star Model Beyond Standard Maximum Mass Limit by Gravitational Decoupling in f(Q)$f(Q)$ Gravity
Authors: Maurya S. K. , Singh Ksh. Newton , Lohakare Santosh V. , Mishra B.
Published: September 2022

The current theoretical development identified as the gravitational decoupling via Complete Geometric Deformation (CGD) method that has been introduced to explore the nonmetricity Q effects in relativistic astrophysics. In the present work, we have investigated the gravitationally decoupled anisotropic solutions for the strange stars in the framework of gravity by utilizing the CGD technique. To do this, we started with Tolman metric ansatz along with the MIT Bag model equation of state related to the hadronic matter. The solutions of the governing equations of motions are obtained by using two approaches, namely the mimicking of the θ sector to the seed radial pressure and energy density of the fluid model. The obtained models describe the self‐gravitating static, compact objects whose exterior solution can be given by the vacuum Schwarzschild Anti‐de Sitter spacetime. In particular, we modeled five stellar candidates, viz., LMC X‐4, PSR J1614‐2230, PSR J0740+6620, GW190814, and GW 170817 by using observational data. The rigorous viability tests of the solutions have been performed through regularity and stability conditions. We observed that the nonmetricity parameter and decoupling constant show a significant effect on stabilizing to ensure the physically realizable stellar models. The innovative feature of this work is to present the stable compact objects with masses beyond the without engaging of exotic matter. Therefore, the present study shows a new perception and physical significance about the exploration of ultra‐compact astrophysical objects.
RNAi‐mediated silencing of an egg‐specific gene Nllet1 results in hatch failure in the brown planthopper
Authors: Lu Jia‐Bao , Wang Sai‐Nan , Ren Peng‐Peng , He Fang , Li Qiao , Chen Jian‐Ping , Li Jun‐Min , Zhang Chuan‐Xi
Published: September 2022

Background

The brown planthopper (BPH) is one of the most destructive agricultural pests in Asia. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated pest management has been under development for years, and the selection of appropriate target genes is important for pest‐targeted RNAi. C‐type lectins (CTLs) are a class of genes that perform a variety of functions, such as the regulation of growth and development.

Results

A CTL‐S protein named Nllet1, containing a single calcium ion (Ca2+)‐dependent carbohydrate‐binding domain (CRD) with a conserved triplet motif QPD was identified and functionally characterized in BPH. Expression profiles at both the transcriptional and translational levels show that Nllet1 accumulates during the serosal cuticle (SC) formation period. Immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling further demonstrated that Nllet1 is located in the serosal endocuticle (en‐SC). Maternal RNAi‐mediated silencing of Nllet1 disrupted the SC structure, accompanied by a loss of the outward barrier and 100% embryo mortality. Injection of 10 ng dsNllet1 or dsNllet1' per female adult BPH resulted in a total failure of egg hatching.

Conclusion

Nllet1 is essential for SC formation and embryonic development in BPH, which helps us understand the important roles of CTL‐Ss. Additionally, BPH eggs show high sensitivity to the depletion of Nllet1. This study indicates that Nllet1 is a promising candidate gene that can be used to develop RNAi‐based control strategies at the BPH egg stage, and it can also be used as a target for developing novel ovicides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sclareol attenuates angiotensin II‐induced cardiac remodeling and inflammation via inhibiting MAPK signaling
Authors: Yang Na , Zou Chunpeng , Luo Wu , Xu Diyun , Wang Mengyang , Wang Yi , Wu Gaojun , Shan Peiren , Liang Guang
Published: September 2022

Chronic inflammation plays an important role in hypertensive heart failure. Suppressing angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced cardiac inflammation may contribute to the treatment of hypertension‐associated heart failure. Sclareol, a natural product initially isolated from the leaves and flowers of Salvia sclarea, possesses antiinflammatory and immune‐regulation activity in various systems. However, its effect on Ang II‐induced cardiac remodeling remains unknown. In this study, we have explored the potential effects of sclareol on Ang II‐induced heart failure. In vivo experiments were conducted in mice with Ang II‐pump infusion for 28 days. Sclareol administration at 5 mg·kg−1·d−1 significantly reduced the expression of myocardial injury markers. Sclareol also exerts protective effects against Ang II‐induced cardiac dysfunction in mice which is associated with alleviated cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. Transcriptome analysis revealed that inhibition of the Ang II‐activated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway contributed to the protective effect of sclareol. Sclareol inhibits Ang II‐activated MAPKs pathway to reduce inflammatory response in mouse hearts and cultured cardiomyocytes. Blockage of MAPKs in cardiomyocytes abolished the antiinflammatory effects of sclareol. In conclusion, we show that sclareol protects hearts against Ang II‐induced injuries through inhibiting MAPK‐mediated inflammation, indicating the potential use of sclareol in the prevention of hypertensive heart failure.
Correction to: Energy-Efficient and Semi-automated Truck Platooning
Authors: Schirrer Alexander , Gratzer Alexander L. , Thormann Sebastian , Jakubek Stefan , Neubauer Matthias , Schildorfer Wolfgang
Published: September 2022

In the original version of the Chapter 5 (Truck Platoon Slipstream Effects Assessment) and Chapter 6 (Validation of Truck Platoon Slipstream Effects), the author “Dr. Christoph Irrenfried” name was not included as a co-author. This has now been rectified and the author’s name has been included.The chapters and the book have been updated with the changes.
Hyperbaric oxygen rapidly improves tissue-specific insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial capacity in humans with type 2 diabetes: a randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial
Authors: Sarabhai Theresia , Mastrototaro Lucia , Kahl Sabine , Bönhof Gidon J. , Jonuscheit Marc , Bobrov Pavel , Katsuyama Hisayuki , Guthoff Rainer , Wolkersdorfer Martin , Herder Christian , Meuth Sven G. , Dreyer Sven , Roden Michael
Published: September 2022

Aims/hypothesis

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy may improve hyperglycaemia in humans with type 2 diabetes, but underlying mechanisms are unclear. Our objective was to examine the glucometabolic effects of HBO on whole-body glucose disposal in humans with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In a randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial located at the German Diabetes Center, 12 male individuals with type 2 diabetes (age 18–75 years, BMI <35 kg/m2, HbA1c 42–75 mmol/mol [6–9%]), randomly allocated by one person, underwent 2-h HBO, once with 100% (240 kPa; HBO) and once with 21% oxygen (240 kPa; control, CON). Insulin sensitivity was assessed by hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamps with d-[6,6-2H2]glucose, hepatic and skeletal muscle energy metabolism were assessed by 1H/31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, while high-resolution respirometry measured skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue (WAT) mitochondrial capacity. All participants and people assessing the outcomes were blinded.

Results

HBO decreased fasting blood glucose by 19% and increased whole-body, hepatic and WAT insulin sensitivity about one-third (p<0.05 vs CON). Upon HBO, hepatic γ-ATP concentrations doubled, mitochondrial respiratory control doubled in skeletal muscle and tripled in WAT (p<0.05 vs CON). HBO increased myocellular insulin-stimulated serine-473/threonine-308 phosphorylation of Akt but decreased basal inhibitory serine-1101 phosphorylation of IRS-1 and endoplasmic reticulum stress (p<0.05 vs CON).

Conclusions/interpretation

HBO-mediated improvement of insulin sensitivity likely results from decreased endoplasmic reticulum stress and increased mitochondrial capacity, possibly leading to low-dose reactive oxygen species-mediated mitohormesis in humans with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04219215

Funding

German Federal Ministry of Health, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, North-Rhine Westfalia Ministry of Culture and Science, European-Regional-Development-Fund, German-Research-Foundation (DFG), Schmutzler Stiftung

Graphical abstract
Epistasis-Driven Evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 Secondary Structure
Authors: Alemrajabi Mahsa , Macias Calix Ksenia , Assis Raquel
Published: September 2022

Epistasis is an evolutionary phenomenon whereby the fitness effect of a mutation depends on the genetic background in which it arises. A key source of epistasis in an RNA molecule is its secondary structure, which contains functionally important topological motifs held together by hydrogen bonds between Watson–Crick (WC) base pairs. Here we study epistasis in the secondary structure of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by examining properties of derived alleles arising from substitution mutations at ancestral WC base-paired and unpaired (UP) sites in 15 conserved topological motifs across the genome. We uncover fewer derived alleles and lower derived allele frequencies at WC than at UP sites, supporting the hypothesis that modifications to the secondary structure are often deleterious. At WC sites, we also find lower derived allele frequencies for mutations that abolish base pairing than for those that yield G·U “wobbles,” illustrating that weak base pairing can partially preserve the integrity of the secondary structure. Last, we show that WC sites under the strongest epistatic constraint reside in a three-stemmed pseudoknot motif that plays an essential role in programmed ribosomal frameshifting, whereas those under the weakest epistatic constraint are located in 3’ UTR motifs that regulate viral replication and pathogenicity. Our findings demonstrate the importance of epistasis in the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 secondary structure, as well as highlight putative structural and functional targets of different forms of natural selection.
Novel PCR detection of CRISPR/Cas systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its correlation with antibiotic resistance
Authors: Soliman Mai , Said Heba Shehta , El-Mowafy Mohammed , Barwa Rasha
Published: September 2022

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR-associated proteins) systems are considered as acquired immune mechanisms in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and also in archaea. They provide resistance/immunity to attacking bacteriophages or mobile genetic elements as integrative conjugative elements (ICE) as well as plasmid transformation. As an opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been held responsible for serious infections especially in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. Three subtypes of type I CRISPR system (I-C, I-E, & I-F1) have been detected in P. aeruginosa genomes. In this work, P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from different clinical sources, and the three CRISPR/Cas subtypes (I-C, I-E, & I-F1) were detected via singleplex and multiplex PCR techniques using novel universal primers that were designed specifically in this study. CRISPR subtypes I-C, I-E, and I-F1 were detected in 10, 9, and 13 isolates, respectively. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility of CRISPR/Cas-positive and negative isolates to different antibiotics and the capacity of biofilm formation were detected using disc diffusion method and tissue culture plate method, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the presence/absence of CRISPR/Cas system and both antimicrobial susceptibility to some antibiotics and biofilm-forming capacity among P. aeruginosa clinical isolates.

Key points

• A novel multiplex–PCR for detection of CRISPR/Cas-positive strains of P. aeruginosa.

• Understand the correlation between CRISPR/Cas systems and other characters of P. aeruginosa.

• Correlation between antimicrobial susceptibility and CRISPR systems in P. aeruginosa.
Structural brain changes in patients with persistent headache after COVID-19 resolution
Authors: Planchuelo-Gómez Álvaro , García-Azorín David , Guerrero Ángel L. , Rodríguez Margarita , Aja-Fernández Santiago , de Luis-García Rodrigo
Published: September 2022

Headache is among the most frequently reported symptoms after resolution of COVID-19. We assessed structural brain changes using T1- and diffusion-weighted MRI processed data from 167 subjects: 40 patients who recovered from COVID-19 but suffered from persistent headache without prior history of headache (COV), 41 healthy controls, 43 patients with episodic migraine and 43 patients with chronic migraine. To evaluate gray matter and white matter changes, morphometry parameters and diffusion tensor imaging-based measures were employed, respectively. COV patients showed significant lower cortical gray matter volume and cortical thickness than healthy subjects (p < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected) in the inferior frontal and the fusiform cortex. Lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity (p < 0.05, family-wise error corrected) were observed in COV patients compared to controls, mainly in the corpus callosum and left hemisphere. COV patients showed higher cortical volume and thickness than migraine patients in the cingulate and frontal gyri, paracentral lobule and superior temporal sulcus, lower volume in subcortical regions and lower curvature in the precuneus and cuneus. Lower diffusion metric values in COV patients compared to migraine were identified prominently in the right hemisphere. COV patients present diverse changes in the white matter and gray matter structure. White matter changes seem to be associated with impairment of fiber bundles. Besides, the gray matter changes and other white matter modifications such as axonal integrity loss seemed subtle and less pronounced than those detected in migraine, showing that persistent headache after COVID-19 resolution could be an intermediate state between normality and migraine.
A longitudinal analysis of nosocomial bloodstream infections among preterm neonates
Authors: Jansen Sophie J. , van der Hoeven Alieke , van den Akker Thomas , Veenhof Marieke , von Asmuth Erik G. J. , Veldkamp Karin Ellen , Rijken Monique , van der Beek Martha , Bekker Vincent , Lopriore Enrico
Published: September 2022

Nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBSIs), commonly due to central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), contribute substantially to neonatal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify longitudinal changes in incidence of NBSI, microbiological-spectrum, and antibiotic exposure in a large cohort of preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. We retrospectively assessed differences in annual rates of NBSI (per 1000 patient-days), CLABSI (per 1000 central-line days), and antibiotic consumption (per 1000 patient-days) among preterm neonates (< 32 weeks’ gestation) hospitalized between January 2012 and December 2020. Multi-state Markov models were created to model states of progression of NBSI and infection risk given a central-line on days 0, 3, 7, and 10 of admission. Of 1547 preterm infants, 292 (19%) neonates acquired 310 NBSI episodes, 99 (32%) of which were attributed to a central-line. Over the years, a significant reduction in central-line use was observed (p < 0.001), although median dwell-time increased (p = 0.002). CLABSI incidence varied from 8.83 to 25.3 per 1000 central-line days, with no significant difference between years (p = 0.27). Coagulase-negative staphylococci accounted for 66% of infections. A significant decrease was found in antibiotic consumption (p < 0.001). Probability of NBSI decreased from 16% on day 3 to 6% on day 10. NBSI remains a common problem in preterm neonates. Overall antibiotic consumption decreased over time despite the absence of a significant reduction in infection rates. Further research aimed at reducing NBSI, in particular CLABSI, is warranted, particularly with regard to limiting central-line dwell-time and fine-tuning insertion and maintenance practices.
Nomogram based on MRI can preoperatively predict brain invasion in meningioma
Authors: Zhang Jing , Cao Yuntai , Zhang Guojin , Zhao Zhiyong , Sun Jianqing , Li Wenyi , Ren Jialiang , Han Tao , Zhou Junlin , Chen Kuntao
Published: September 2022

Predicting brain invasion preoperatively should help to guide surgical decision-making and aid the prediction of meningioma grading and prognosis. However, only a few imaging features have been identified to aid prediction. This study aimed to develop and validate an MRI-based nomogram to predict brain invasion by meningioma. In this retrospective study, 658 patients were examined via routine MRI before undergoing surgery and were diagnosed with meningioma by histopathology. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regularization was used to determine the optimal combination of clinical characteristics and MRI features for predicting brain invasion by meningiomas. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine the discriminatory ability. Furthermore, a nomogram was constructed using the optimal MRI features, and decision curve analysis was used to validate the clinical usefulness of the nomogram. Eighty-one patients with brain invasion and 577 patients without invasion were enrolled. According to LASSO regularization, tumour shape, tumour boundary, peritumoral oedema, and maximum diameter were independent predictors of brain invasion. The model showed good discriminatory ability for predicting brain invasion in meningiomas, with an AUC of 0.905 (95% CI, 0.871–0.940) vs 0.898 (95% CI, 0.849–0.947) and sensitivity of 93.0% vs 92.6% in the training vs validation cohorts. Our predictive model based on MRI features showed good performance and high sensitivity for predicting the risk of brain invasion in meningiomas and can be applied in the clinical setting.
Research on metallic glasses at the atomic scale: a systematic review
Authors: Amigo Nicolás , Cortés Pablo , Valencia Felipe J.
Published: September 2022

Metallic glasses (MGs) have been long investigated in material science to understand the origin of their remarkable properties. With the help of computational simulations, researchers have delved into structure-property relationships, leading to a large number of reports. To quantify the available literature, we employed systematic review and bibliometric analysis on studies related to MGs and classical molecular dynamics simulations from 2000 to 2021. It was found that the total number of articles has increased remarkably, with China and the USA producing more than half of the reports. However, high-impact articles were mainly conducted in the latter. Collaboration networks revealed that top contributor authors are strongly connected with other researchers, which emphasizes the relevance of scientific cooperation. In regard to the evolution of research topics, according to article keywords, plastic behavior has been a recurrent subject since the early 2000s. Nevertheless, the traditional approach of studying monolithic MGs at the short-range order evolved to complex composites with characterizations at the medium-range order, including topics such as nanoglasses, amorphous/crystalline nanolaminates, rejuvenation, among others. As a whole, these findings provide researchers with an overview of past and current trends of research areas, as well as some of the leading authors, productivity statistics, and collaboration networks.
Wood burning stoves, participatory sensing, and ‘cold, stark data’
Authors: Heydon James , Chakraborty Rohit
Published: September 2022

Wood burning stoves triple levels of particulate matter pollution inside the home. Using an exploratory research design informed by coping theory, this study illustrates how sensors revealing this reality fail to influence the perceptions and behaviours of stove users. After four weeks of participatory sensing, where laypersons used sensors to identify indoor air quality during stove use, the results show how monitoring technology pulls wider preconceptions into the data interpretation process. When faced with numerical data perceived as ambiguous, users draw on preconceptions that frame stoves in a positive light and make comparisons with other indoor emission sources believed to be harmless. This influences the data interpretation process and minimises the threat indicated by sensor technology. It is recommended that participatory sensing research give greater consideration to the role of data presentation in influencing user behaviour, while being more attentive to how socio-cultural knowledges enter the process of interpretation.