bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence-based conservation of the northern Victorian floodplain
Authors: Pittock Jamie , Auty Kate , Finlayson C. Max , Lyons Kate , Koehn John , Loyn Richard , Colloff Matthew J.
Published: February 2023

The floodplain wetlands of northern Victoria are crucial for conservation of biodiversity and the livelihoods of people. Extensive ecosystem degradation and recent extreme floods and droughts have highlighted the urgent need for more sustainable management. We draw on expertise in ecology, hydrology, climatology and governance to synthesise key knowledge and options for enhanced conservation of the floodplains. A key finding is the need for more flexible mechanisms for delivering water to the diverse array of wetlands. A key option is ‘relaxing constraints’ that involves agreements with selected landholders to enable pulses of environmental water to fill river channels and safely spill onto low-lying floodplain wetlands. This should improve conservation of biodiversity, better manage flood risk and support a diverse range of local agricultural and recreational industries. These options may aid Victorians to find better ways of managing the rich lands, waters and biota of the floodplains in the southern part of the Murray–Darling Basin.
Enhancing mechanical properties of friction stir welded AZ31 alloys by post-weld compression
Authors: Liu Zhe , Wu Fan , Feng Bo , Liu Li , Dong Chunlin , Zhao Yunqiang , Song Bo
Published: February 2023

In this work, the friction stir welded AZ31 joint was processed by a two-step post-weld deformation (i.e. compression at room temperature and an elevated temperature, respectively). The microstructure, texture and mechanical properties were systematically investigated. Profuse extension twins were observed after the first-step cold compression along normal direction, which largely affected the dynamic recrystallisation process during the second-step hot compression. Finally, the grain orientations and their convergence on the weld side were effectively altered, thereby contributing substantially to the enhancement of joint performance. Compared to the original joint, the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation were improved 64.7%, 20.8% and 52.5%, respectively. The underline strengthening mechanism was discussed by a comprehensive analysis of Schmid factor and geometric compatibility factor.
Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K4 of the absorbed dose to water standards of the NMIJ, Japan, and the BIPM in 60Co gamma radiation
Authors: Kessler C , Burns D , Morishita Y , Shimizu M , Kurosawa T
Published: February 2023

Main text

A new key comparison of the standards for absorbed dose to water of the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), Japan, and the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) was carried out in the 60Co radiation beam of the BIPM in February 2022. The comparison result, based on the calibration coefficients for two transfer standards and evaluated as a ratio of the NMIJ and the BIPM standards for absorbed dose to water, is 0.9952 with a combined standard uncertainty of 4.0 parts in 103. The result agrees within the uncertainties with the comparison carried out in 2009. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence, suitable for entry in the BIPM key comparison database.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Anisotropy of Electronic Spin Texture in the High-Temperature Cuprate Superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Zha Heming , Gu Gen-Da , Shen Xiaoping , Ye Mao , Qiao Shan
Published: February 2023

Seeking new order parameters and the related broken symmetry and studying their relationship with phase transition have been important topics in condensed matter physics. Here, by using spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we confirm the helical spin texture caused by spin-layer locking in the nodal region in the cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ
and discover the anisotropy of spin polarizations at nodes along Γ–X and Γ–Y directions. The breaking of C
4 rotational symmetry in electronic spin texture may give deeper insights into understanding the ground state of cuprate superconductors.
Multicritical phase transitions in multiply rotating black holes
Authors: Wu Jerry , Mann Robert B
Published: February 2023

We show that multi-critical points in which more than three phases coalesce are present in multiply rotating Kerr-anti de Sitter black holes ind-dimensions. We explicitly present a quadruple point for a triply rotating black hole ind = 8 and a quintuple point for a quadruply rotating black hole ind = 10. The maximal number of distinct phasesnis one larger than the maximal number of independent rotations, and we outline a method for obtaining the associatedn-tuple point. Situations also exist where more than three phases merge at sub-maximal multi-critical points. Our results show that multi-critical points in black hole thermodynamics are more common than previously thought, with systems potentially supporting many phases as long as a sufficient number of thermodynamic variables are present.
An optically transparent flexible metasurface absorber with broadband radar absorption and low infrared emissivity
Authors: Jing Huihui , Wei Yiqing , Kang Jinfeng , Song Chengwei , Deng Hao , Duan Junping , Qu Zeng , Wang Jiayun , Zhang Binzhen
Published: February 2023

The rapid development of surveillance technology has driven the research of multispectral stealth. Demand for infrared and microwave radar compatible stealth is becoming increasingly urgent in military applications. Herein, a versatile metamaterial absorber is designed and fabricated to simultaneously achieve ultra-broadband radar scattering reduction, low infrared emission, and high optical transparency. The designed structure consists of an infrared stealth layer, radar absorption layers, and backing ground. The infrared stealth layer employs specifically indium tin oxide (ITO) square patches, while the radar absorption layers can be obtained by stacking different size ITO patterned films of the same structure with high surface resistances, realizing broadband microwave stealth performance in the 1.98–18.6 GHz frequency range with an incident angle of 45°. The broad radar stealth and low infrared emissivity of 0.283 are consistent with the simulations and calculations. Furthermore, the designed structure exhibits characteristics such as polarization insensitivity, wide incident angles, optical transparency, and flexibility, allowing for a wide range of applications in various environments.
Low-energy physics in neutrino LArTPCs
Authors: Andringa S , Asaadi J , Bezerra J T C , Capozzi F , Caratelli D , Cavanna F , Church E , Efremenko Y , Foreman W , Friedland A , Gardiner S , Gil-Botella I , Himmel A , Junk T , Karagiorgi G , Kirby M , Klein J , Lehmann-Miotto G , Lepetic I T , Li S , Littlejohn B R , Mooney M , Reichenbacher J , Sala P , Schellman H , Scholberg K , Sorel M , Sousa A , Wang J , Wang M H L S , Wu W , Yu J , Yang T , Zennamo J
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we review scientific opportunities and challenges related to detection and reconstruction of low-energy (less than 100 MeV) signatures in liquid argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC) neutrino detectors. LArTPC neutrino detectors designed for performing precise long-baseline oscillation measurements with GeV-scale accelerator neutrino beams also have unique sensitivity to a range of physics and astrophysics signatures via detection of event features at and below the few tens of MeV range. In addition, low-energy signatures are an integral part of GeV-scale accelerator neutrino interaction final-states, and their reconstruction can enhance the oscillation physics sensitivities of LArTPC experiments. New physics signals from accelerator and natural sources also generate diverse signatures in the low-energy range, and reconstruction of these signatures can increase the breadth of Beyond the Standard Model scenarios accessible in LArTPC-based searches. A variety of experimental and theory-related challenges remain to realizing this full range of potential benefits. Neutrino interaction cross-sections and other nuclear physics processes in argon relevant to sub-hundred-MeV LArTPC signatures are poorly understood, and improved theory and experimental measurements are needed; pion decay-at-rest sources and charged particle and neutron test beams are ideal facilities for improving this understanding. There are specific calibration needs in the low-energy range, as well as specific needs for control and understanding of radiological and cosmogenic backgrounds. Low-energy signatures, whether steady-state or part of a supernova burst or larger GeV-scale event topology, have specific triggering, DAQ and reconstruction requirements that must be addressed outside the scope of conventional GeV-scale data collection and analysis pathways. Novel concepts for future LArTPC technology that enhance low-energy capabilities should also be explored to help address these challenges.
Temperature dependence of adhesion properties at liquid-aluminum/solid interfaces
Authors: Wu Jie , Rui Zhiyuan , Wang Zhongyu , Dong Yun
Published: February 2023

The adhesion problem of the liquid aluminum (Al) and solid surfaces in the production process has not been completely solved. In this paper, by performing the molecular dynamic simulations, we first establish models composed of liquid-Al/Al and liquid-Al/silicon (Si) systems, in which the region of solid temperature is from 100 K to 800 K. Then, the dependence between the adhesion force and the solid temperature is qualitatively investigated. The adhesion mechanism of liquid atoms is explored in terms of their diffusion behavior. The results show that there is an opposite effect of the temperature on adhesion properties between the liquid-Al/Al interface and the liquid-Al/Si interface. The thermal excitation effect induces enlargement of the probability of atomic collisions, which accounts for the increase of the adhesion force at the liquid-Al/Al interface. Conversely, the thermal excitation effect leads to the detachment of the atoms in contact with each other, which reduces the adhesion force at the liquid-Al/Si interface. Our findings reveal that the solid Al surface is aluminophilic but the solid Si surface is aluminophobic. In addition, the adhesion between liquid-Al and solid surfaces can be explained by the variation of the interfacial potential.
Effect of Two-Stage Solution on Microstructure and Mechanical Property of IN718 alloy fabricated by selective laser melting
Authors: Tian Wei , Cao Yu , Wang Li
Published: February 2023

The substructure characteristics and mechanical properties of IN718 alloy prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) in the as-deposited state and different solid solution states were studied. The effects of the substructure characteristics, which include the precipitates and grain boundary features, on the microhardness of the IN718 alloy were discussed. It was found that the main substructure of the as-deposited alloy is the cellular structure that is formed owing to the segregation band of Nb and Ti elements with a thickness of 50 nm. The two-stage solution process and single-stage solution process can both correct the microsegregation of the as-deposited state, but the two-stage solution process can make the composition more uniform; at the same time, it leads to a large number of twin boundaries. The δ phase precipitates largely in the single-stage solution process at 980 ℃, but the two-stage solution process can effectively inhibit the precipitation of the δ phase.The hardness of the alloy after two-stage solution is lower than that of the single-stage solution alloy. The main strengthening mechanism of the as-deposited alloy is strain strengthening,The strengthening effect of δ precipitate is lower than the strain strengthening produced by the grain boundary of the alloy.
Selective cytotoxicity of copper-coated magnesium composite on human hepatoma carcinoma cells : a preliminary investigation
Authors: Zhou Min , Wang Yong , Chen Yi
Published: February 2023

A copper-coated magnesium (Cu@Mg) composite has been prepared by electroless plating, with the aim of generating a novel antitumor agent. The cytotoxic effects in vitro of this composite on normal hepatocyte cells (L02) and hepatoma cells (97H) were evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Extract and direct contact tests were conducted with blank groups as the control. Moreover, cell adhesion test was performed with 316L medical stainless steel as the cell carrier. It was found that Cu@Mg composite showed obvious cytotoxic effects on 97H cells but acceptable cytocompatibility whit L02 cells. As illustrated by CCK-8 assay, the cytotoxicity of Cu@Mg on 97H and L02 cells were grade I and III, respectively, and more apoptosis occurred to 97H cells than to L02 cells. During direct contact test, much more pathological reactions such as rounding, shrinking, atrophic edges and clustering were found in 97H cells than those in L02 cells. Similar evidence was shown in the adhesion tests. According to the single-factor cytotoxicity evaluation of pH, Cu2+ and Mg2+, the selective cytotoxicity of Cu@Mg on 97H cells is attributed to the fast release of Cu2+ and OH−, resulting from the degradation of Cu@Mg in the culture medium, but the Mg2+ released in the same process shows no toxicity on the both cells. Therefore, it is promising to develop novel antitumor materials on liver cancers with good biocompatibility based on Cu@Mg composite.
A high-reliability scan driver integrated circuit by MO TFTs for a foldable display
Authors: Liu Chun , Zhou Lei , Zhou Zhao-Hua , Li Fei-Fan , Wei Xiao-Qin , Xu Miao , Wang Lei , Wu Wei-Jing , Peng Jun-Biao
Published: February 2023

Foldable displays have become increasingly used as a solution to the portability-practicality trade-off. A new scan driver integrated with metal oxide thin film transistors (MO TFTs) is proposed for foldable displays to overcome the effects of threshold voltage shifts on the scan driver output. In the scan driver, a feedback section and two series to transistor structures are used to keep the voltage of the key node to sustain a normal output, with this structure, the lower the voltage of the negative supply, the more stable the scan driver will be. Some flexible MO TFTs and 60 stage scan drivers are fabricated by etch stop layer structures on the polyimide substrate. Under different strains and 100 000 times bending with the minimum 3.5 mm bending radius, the characteristics of MO TFTs and the output waveform of the scan driver are measured. Experimental results show that the proposed scan driver shows high reliability since only a little voltage fluctuation occurs at the outputs after the bending test and has a better output waveform with a lower voltage of the negative supply.
Interphase formation with carboxylic acids as slurry additives for Si electrodes in Li-ion batteries. Part 1: performance and gas evolution
Authors: Jeschull Fabian , Zhang Leiting , Kondracki Łukasz , Scott Flora , Trabesinger Sigita
Published: February 2023

Rendering the solid electrolyte interphase and the inter-particle connections more resilient to volume changes of the active material is a key challenge for silicon electrodes. The slurry preparation in a buffered aqueous solution offers a strategy to increase the cycle life and capacity retention of silicon electrodes considerably. So far, studies have mostly been focused on a citrate buffer at pH = 3, and therefore, in this study a series of carboxylic acids is examined as potential buffers for slurry preparation in order to assess which chemical and physical properties of carboxylic acids are decisive for maximizing the capacity retention for Si as active material. In addition, the cycling stability of buffer-containing electrodes was tested in dependence of the buffer content. The results were complemented by analysis of the gas evolution using online electrochemical mass spectrometry in order to understand the SEI layer formation in presence of carboxylic acids and effect of high proton concentration.
Can platelet count be controlled with ticagrelor in patients with essential thrombocythaemia? A case series
Authors: Yılmaz Samet , Çetinkaya Yakup , Akkaya Hasan , Arısoy Arif
Published: February 2023

Background

Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is defined as a myeloproliferative neoplasm with a tendency to haemorrhage and thrombosis. Acute coronary thrombosis can be observed in 1 out of 10 patients. The management of ET patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a complex clinical condition that requires close follow-up.

Case summary

Case-1: a 52-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of ET with Janus kinase (JAK)--2 mutation, despite using cytoreductive agents, platelet counts could not be controlled. Platelet counts started to follow a normal course with the ticagrelor treatment given after ACS. Case-2: a 49-year-old female patient who was given ticagrelor treatment after ACS was found to have JAK-2+ ET. The patient whose platelet count returned to normal after ticagrelor treatment was using a cytoreductive agent before the index event. Case-3: a 54-year-old female patient with ET without any genetic mutation. In the patient whose platelet count did not decrease despite ticagrelor treatment and cytoreductive agents given after ACS, platelet counts returned to normal with interferon therapy.

Discussion

Platelet counts returned to the normal range with ticagrelor treatment given after ACS in patients with JAK+ ET. Monitoring platelet reduction in JAK+ patients with P2Y12 inhibition is thought to be important for new treatment options.
The C-CAT sign may predict coronary artery perforation in severe calcified lesions during coronary intervention: a case series
Authors: Kawamura Akito , Egami Yasuyuki , Nishino Masami , Tanouchi Jun
Published: February 2023

Background

Coronary artery rupture is a rare but fatal complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The mortality rate reaches 19% in patients with the Ellis type III classification. The predictors of coronary artery rupture were reported in previous studies. However, there are few reports showing the risk factors of this threatening complication in terms of intravascular image such as optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Case summary

We report the case of three patients with coronary artery rupture, who underwent IVUS-guided PCI for severe calcified lesions. All three patients developed the Ellis grade III rupture, which was successfully managed with the use of a perfusion balloon and covered stents. In these patients, the common characteristics were observed in pre-procedural IVUS images. Specifically, a C-type CAlcified and residual Thin plaque sign (C-CAT sign) was seen in all three patients.

Discussion

These patient cases provide an insight into the coronary artery rupture in severe calcified lesions. The C-CAT sign in the pre-IVUS image may predict coronary artery rupture. If we obtain such a unique IVUS image before intervention, we have to consider using a smaller balloon size, for example a half size down, judging from the vessel diameter of the reference site or using ablation devices such as orbital atherectomy and rotational atherectomy to prevent coronary artery rupture.

Conclusion

The C-CAT sign may predict coronary artery perforation in severe calcified lesions during PCI, although larger registries of such intracoronary pre-perforation imaging are required in order to correlate different signs with outcomes.
A gap-free and haplotype-resolved lemon genome provides insights into flavor synthesis and huanglongbing (HLB) tolerance
Authors: Bao Yixue , Zeng Ziyan , Yao Wei , Chen Xiao , Jiang Mengwei , Sehrish Akbar , Wu Bo , Powell Charles A , Chen Baoshan , Xu Jianlong , Zhang Xingtan , Zhang Muqing
Published: February 2023

The lemon (Citrus limon; family Rutaceae) is one of the most important and popular fruits worldwide. Lemon also tolerates huanglongbing (HLB) disease, which is a devastating citrus disease. Here we produced a gap-free and haplotype-resolved chromosome-scale genome assembly of the lemon by combining Pacific Biosciences circular consensus sequencing, Oxford Nanopore 50-kb ultra-long, and high-throughput chromatin conformation capture technologies. The assembly contained nine-pair chromosomes with a contig N50 of 35.6 Mb and zero gaps, while a total of 633.0 Mb genomic sequences were generated. The origination analysis identified 338.5 Mb genomic sequences originating from citron (53.5%), 147.4 Mb from mandarin (23.3%), and 147.1 Mb from pummelo (23.2%). The genome included 30 528 protein-coding genes, and most of the assembled sequences were found to be repetitive sequences. Several significantly expanded gene families were associated with plant–pathogen interactions, plant hormone signal transduction, and the biosynthesis of major active components, such as terpenoids and flavor compounds. Most HLB-tolerant genes were expanded in the lemon genome, such as 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)/Fe(II)-dependent oxygenase and constitutive disease resistance 1, cell wall-related genes, and lignin synthesis genes. Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that phloem regeneration and lower levels of phloem plugging are the elements that contribute to HLB tolerance in lemon. Our results provide insight into lemon genome evolution, active component biosynthesis, and genes associated with HLB tolerance.
Efficient forecasting and uncertainty quantification for large-scale account level Monte Carlo models of debt recovery
Authors: Baynes Sam , Cotter Simon L , Russell Paul T , Ryan Edmund M , Waite Timothy W
Published: February 2023

The state-of-the-art in forecasting debt recovery from portfolios of non-performing unsecured consumer loans is to use stochastic models of payment behaviour of individual customers. Monte Carlo simulation of these models can enable forecasting of collections, where computational complexity arises from the very large number of heterogeneous accounts. We aim to solve 2 problems: efficient allocation of computational resources and quantification of uncertainty. We show that robust estimators of population-level variance can be constructed using unbiased estimators of the variance of individual accounts. The proposed methods are demonstrated through application to a model similar to those used in practice.
Diagnostic Yield of Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests in Oral Samples for Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yan , He Yu , Wang Li , Zhang Yan-An , Wang Mao-Shui
Published: February 2023

The diagnostic accuracy of oral specimen nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains controversial. We performed a systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, including studies that reported the diagnostic yield of NAATs in oral samples for PTB diagnosis. The pooled estimates, including those of sensitivity and specificity, were calculated, and a meta-regression was performed to investigate heterogeneity, which was determined using χ2 and I² tests. A total of 23 articles were included, and the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of NAATs in oral samples for PTB diagnosis were 50% (95% CI, 37%–63%), 97% (95% CI, 93%–99%), and 0.89 (95% CI, 86%–92%; I2 = 99%; chi-square, 169.61; P < .001), respectively. Our data demonstrated that NAATs using oral samples have a less satisfactory sensitivity and high specificity for PTB diagnosis. However, due to significant heterogeneity, such as heterogeneity in age, the results should be interpreted with caution.
Metal-based porous hydrogels for highly conductive biomaterial scaffolds
Authors: Tringides Christina M , Boulingre Marjolaine , Mooney David J
Published: February 2023

Multielectrode arrays are fabricated from thin films of highly conductive and ductile metals, which cannot mimic the natural environment of biological tissues. These properties limit the conformability of the electrode to the underlying target tissue and present challenges in developing seamless interfaces. By introducing porous, hydrogel materials that are embedded with metal additives, highly conductive hydrogels can be formed. Tuning the hydrogel composition, % volume and aspect ratio of different additive(s), and the processing conditions of these composite materials can alter the mechanical and electrical properties. The resulting materials have a high surface area and can be used as biomaterial scaffolds to support the growth of macrophages for 5 days. Further optimization can enable the use of the materials for the electrodes in implantable arrays, or as living electrode platforms, to study and modulate various cellular cultures. These advancements would benefit both in vivo and in vitro applications of tissue engineering.
Selenium-modified bone cement promotes osteoporotic bone defect repair in ovariectomized rats by restoring GPx1-mediated mitochondrial antioxidant functions
Authors: Zhou Quan , Chen Weikai , Gu Chao , Liu Hao , Hu Xiayu , Deng Lei , He Wei , Xu Yong , Zhu Xuesong , Yang Huilin , Chen Xi , He Fan , Liu Tao
Published: February 2023

Over-accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes mitochondrial dysfunction and impairs the osteogenic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). Selenium (Se) protects BMMSCs from oxidative stress-induced damage; however, it is unknown whether Se supplementation can promote the repair of osteoporotic bone defects by rescuing the impaired osteogenic potential of osteoporotic BMMSCs (OP-BMMSCs). In vitro treatment with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) successfully improved the osteogenic differentiation of OP-BMMSCs, as demonstrated by increased matrix mineralization and up-regulated osteogenic genes expression. More importantly, Na2SeO3 restored the impaired mitochondrial functions of OP-BMMSCs, significantly up-regulated glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) expression and attenuated the intracellular ROS and mitochondrial superoxide. Silencing of Gpx1 completely abrogated the protective effects of Na2SeO3 on mitochondrial functions of OP-BMMSCs, suggesting the important role of GPx1 in protecting OP-BMMSCs from oxidative stress. We further fabricated Se-modified bone cement based on silk fibroin and calcium phosphate cement (SF/CPC). After 8 weeks of implantation, Se-modified bone cement significantly promoted bone defect repair, evidenced by the increased new bone tissue formation and enhanced GPx1 expression in ovariectomized rats. These findings revealed that Se supplementation rescued mitochondrial functions of OP-BMMSCs through activation of the GPx1-mediated antioxidant pathway, and more importantly, supplementation with Se in SF/CPC accelerated bone regeneration in ovariectomized rats, representing a novel strategy for treating osteoporotic bone fractures or defects.
COVID-19 Clusters and Outbreaks Among Non–Health Care, Noncongregate Workers in Chicago, Illinois
Authors: Lendacki Frances R. , Forst Linda , Weber Emma , Mehta Supriya D. , Kerins Janna L.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To describe COVID-19 investigations by a large urban health department among non–health care, noncongregate workplaces and the utility of surveillance methods over time.

Methods

Frequencies of workplace-associated clusters and outbreaks are described by workplace type, workforce size, and method of identification over time.

Results

From April 2020 through January 2022, 496 COVID-19 investigations identified 442 clusters (89%) and 54 outbreaks (11%). Frontline essential workplaces comprised 36% of investigations before versus 15% after vaccine eligibility. Pre-Omicron, most investigations (84%) were identified through case interviews. During Omicron predominance, case interviews decreased dramatically and identified 10% of investigations. Offices (41%) and bars and restaurants (36%) were overrepresented, and only one outbreak was identified, given decreases in confirmatory testing.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that vaccine prioritization reduced COVID-19 burden among highest-risk workplaces, but surveillance methods likely became less representative over time.
Allograft tissue under the microscope: only the beginning
Authors: Virmani Sarthak , Rao Arundati , Menon Madhav C.
Published: February 2023

Purpose of review

To review novel modalities for interrogating a kidney allograft biopsy to complement the current Banff schema.

Recent findings

Newer approaches of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), digital pathology including Ex Vivo Microscopy, evaluation of the biopsy gene expression using bulk, single cell, and spatial transcriptomics and spatial proteomics are now available for tissue interrogation.

Banff Schema of classification of allograft histology has standardized reporting of tissue pathology internationally greatly impacting clinical care and research. Inherent sampling error of biopsies, and lack of automated morphometric analysis with ordinal outputs limit its performance in prognostication of allograft health. Over the last decade, there has been an explosion of newer methods of evaluation of allograft tissue under the microscope. Digital pathology along with the application of AI and ML algorithms could revolutionize histopathological analyses. Novel molecular diagnostics such as spatially resolved single cell transcriptomics are identifying newer mechanisms underlying the pathologic diagnosis to delineate pathways of immunological activation, tissue injury, repair, and regeneration in allograft tissues. While these techniques are the future of tissue analysis, costs and complex logistics currently limit their clinical use.
Was It Worth It? Critical Evaluation of a Novel Outcome Measure in Oncologic Palliative Surgery
Authors: Cohen Joshua T , Beard Rachel E , Cioffi William G , Miner Thomas J
Published: February 2023

Background:

Patient selection for palliative surgery is complex and appropriate outcome measures are incompletely defined. We explored the usefulness of a specific outcome measure “was it worth it” in patients following palliative intent operations for advanced malignancy.

Study Design:

Retrospective review of a comprehensive longitudinal palliative surgery database at an academic tertiary-care center. All patients who underwent palliative-intent operations for advanced cancer from 2003 to 2022. Patient satisfaction (“was it worth it”) reported within 30 days of operation following palliative-intent surgery.

Results:

180 patients were identified. 81.7% self-reported their palliative surgery was “worth it” (WI). Patients who reported their surgery was “not worth it” (NWI) were significantly older, more likely to have recurrent symptoms and to need re-operation. There was no significant difference in overall, recurrence-free, and re-operation-free survival for patients when comparing WI to NWI. Initial symptom improvement was not significantly different between groups. Age over 65 (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.80, p=0.03), family engagement (HR 6.71, 95% CI 1.49-31.8, p=0.01), and need for re-operation (HR 0.042, 95% CI 0.01-0.16, p<0.0001) were all independently associated with patients reporting their surgery was WI.

Conclusions:

Here we demonstrate that simply asking a patient “was it worth it” following a palliative intent operation identifies a distinct cohort of patients that traditional outcome measures fail to distinguish. Family engagement and durability of an intervention are critical factors in determining patient satisfaction following palliative intervention. These data highlight the need for highly individualized care with special attention paid to patients self-reporting their operation was NWI.
A novel antiviral formulation containing caprylic acid inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection of a human bronchial epithelial cell model
Authors: Purves Kevin , Haverty Ruth , O'Neill Tiina , Folan David , O'Reilly Sophie , Baird Alan W. , Scholz Dimitri , Mallon Patrick W. , Gautier Virginie , Folan Michael , Fletcher Nicola F.
Published: February 2023

A novel proprietary formulation, ViruSAL, has previously been demonstrated to inhibit diverse enveloped viral infections in vitro and in vivo. We evaluated the ability of ViruSAL to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) infectivity, using physiologically relevant models of the human bronchial epithelium, to model early infection of the upper respiratory tract. ViruSAL potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection of human bronchial epithelial cells cultured as an air–liquid interface (ALI) model, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Viral infection was completely inhibited when ViruSAL was added to bronchial airway models prior to infection. Importantly, ViruSAL also inhibited viral infection when added to ALI models post-infection. No evidence of cellular toxicity was detected in ViruSAL-treated cells at concentrations that completely abrogated viral infectivity. Moreover, intranasal instillation of ViruSAL to a rat model did not result in any toxicity or pathological changes. Together these findings highlight the potential for ViruSAL as a novel and potent antiviral for use within clinical and prophylactic settings.
Analysis of Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) dataset 2013 to 2018: A secondary dataset analysis
Authors: Kamazizwa V. , Nyadzayo T.K , Shambira G. , Gombe N.T , Juru T. , Tshimanga M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Malnutrition remains the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of 5 years. In Zimbabwe nearly 1 in every 3 children is malnourished. Child nutrition in the country is affected by inadequate knowledge among mothers and caregivers on appropriate diets especially in the first 1000 days of life. Weak coordination and inadequate resources for high impact nutrition interventions also affect nutrition in children.

Methods

A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on records from January 2013 to December 2018. All malnourished patients admitted into Community based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) at health facilities in, with a diagnosis of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) from January 2013 December 2018 as reported in the DHIS2 were included in the study. We retrieved the dataset from the DHIS2 to the excel sheet and analysed the data to come up with graphs demonstrating trends in management of acute malnutrition.

Results

The 6-59 months age-group constitute the group with the highest cases of admission into the CMAM program. The 0-5 months age-group showed the least number of cases admitted and had the lowest HIV positivity over the period under review. The highest treatment outcome for HIV positive patients was death rate. Highest number of cases of malnutrition were admitted in 2016.The District failed to meet sphere standard default and cure rate throughout the period under review.

Conclusion

The treatment outcomes of this study showed that HIV negative had better treatment outcomes than HIV positive. The age group 6 to 59 months had the highest number of cases admitted into CMAM program.The implementation of an effective public health approach for addressing malnutrition require a holistic approach that incorporates preventive measures such as poverty reduction, hygiene promotion, clean water, prevention of prenatal macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies, and the promotion of age appropriate foods and feeding practices for infants and young children.
Hyaluronan in COVID-19 morbidity, a bedside-to-bench approach to understand mechanisms and long-term consequences of hyaluronan
Authors: Hellman Urban , Rosendal Ebba , Lehrstrand Joakim , Henriksson Johan , Björsell Tove , Hahn Max , Österberg Björn , Dorofte Luiza , Nilsson Emma , Forsell Mattias N.E. , Smed-Sörensen Anna , Lange Anna , Karlsson Mats , Ahlm Clas , Blomberg Anders , Cajander Sara , Ahlgren Ulf , Edin Alicia , Normark Johan , Överby Anna K , Lenman Annasara
Published: February 2023

Background

We have previously shown that lungs from deceased COVID-19 patients are filled with hyaluronan (HA). In this translational study, we investigated the role of HA in all stages of COVID-19 disease, to map the consequences of elevated HA in morbidity and identify the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2-induced HA production.

Methods

Lung morphology was visualized in 3D using light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. HA was verified by immunohistochemistry, and fragmentation was determined by gas-phase electrophoretic molecular mobility analysis. The association of systemic HA in blood plasma and disease severity was assessed in patients with mild (WHO Clinical Progression Scale, WHO-CPS, 1-5) and severe COVID-19 (WHO-CPS 6-9), during the acute and convalescent phases and related to lung function.In vitro3D-lung models differentiated from primary human bronchial epithelial cells were used to study effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on HA metabolism.

Findings

Lungs of deceased COVID-19 patients displayed reduced alveolar surface area compared to healthy controls. We verified HA in alveoli and showed high levels of fragmented HA both in lung tissue and aspirates. Systemic levels of HA were high during acute COVID-19 disease, remained elevated during convalescence and associated with reduced diffusion capacity. Transcriptomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2-infected lung models showed dysregulation of HA synthases and hyaluronidases, both contributing to increased HA in apical secretions. Corticosteroid treatment reduced inflammation and, also, downregulated HA synthases.

Interpretation

We show that HA plays a role in COVID-19 morbidity and that sustained elevated HA concentrations may contribute to long-term respiratory impairment. SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers a dysregulation of HA production, leading to increased concentrations of HA that are partially counteracted by corticosteroid treatment. Treatments directly targeting HA production and/or degradation can likely be used early during infection and may alleviate disease progression and prevent long-term lung complications.
Effect of gastroesophageal reflux disease on sleep disorders: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Zijie , Zhuang Weitao , Wu Junhan , Xu Haijie , Tang Yong , Qiao Guibin
Published: February 2023

Background

Recently observational studies have consistently shown an association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep disorders. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to determine the genetic causal relationship between GERD and the risk of sleep disorders.

Methods

The summary statistics of GERD and sleep disorders were obtained through large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). In addition to exploring sleep disorders, a deeper analysis was conducted on some major categories of sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea and insomnia. Various MR analysis methods including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were performed, and the results of IVW were taken as the primary results. In addition, sensitivity analyses including heterogeneity test and pleiotropy test were also performed to test the robustness of the MR results.

Results

After removing the ineligible SNPs and the palindromic SNPs, IVW detected a significant effect of GERD on sleep disorders (OR = 1.436, 95% CI: 1.309-1.576, p = 2.099E-14) and sleep apnoea (OR = 1.486, 95% CI: 1.341-1.647, p = 4.409E-14). However, there was no genetic causality in the effect of GERD on insomnia (IVW OR = 1.146, 95% CI: 0.877-1.498, p = 0.319). Furthermore, the heterogeneity test and pleiotropy test found no evidence of bias, which indicated the results were robust.

Conclusions

Our study found that the presence of GERD increased the risk of sleep disorders and sleep apnoea, but not the risk of insomnia. Further research is needed to identify the specific mechanisms of causal relationships.
Mechanical Property Based Brain Age Prediction using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Clements Rebecca G. , Claros-Olivares Claudio Cesar , McIlvain Grace , Brockmeier Austin J. , Johnson Curtis L.
Published: February 2023

Brain age is a quantitative estimate to explain an individual’s structural and functional brain measurements relative to the overall population and is particularly valuable in describing differences related to developmental or neurodegenerative pathology. Accurately inferring brain age from brain imaging data requires sophisticated models that capture the underlying age-related brain changes. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a phase contrast MRI technology that uses external palpations to measure brain mechanical properties. Mechanical property measures of viscoelastic shear stiffness and damping ratio have been found to change across the entire life span and to reflect brain health due to neurodegenerative diseases and even individual differences in cognitive function. Here we develop and train a multi-modal 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) to model the relationship between age and whole brain mechanical properties. After training, the network maps the measurements and other inputs to a brain age prediction. We found high performance using the 3D maps of various mechanical properties to predict brain age. Stiffness maps alone were able to predict ages of the test group subjects with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.76 years, which is comparable to single inputs of damping ratio (MAE: 3.82) and outperforms single input of volume (MAE: 4.60). Combining stiffness and volume in a multimodal approach performed the best, with an MAE of 3.60 years, whereas including damping ratio worsened model performance. Our results reflect previous MRE literature that had demonstrated that stiffness is more strongly related to chronological age than damping ratio. This machine learning model provides the first prediction of brain age from brain biomechanical data—an advancement towards sensitively describing brain integrity differences in individuals with neuropathology.
Social experience influences thermal sensitivity: lessons from an amphibious mangrove fish
Authors: Melanson Chloé A. , Allore Claire , Lamarre Simon G. , Currie Suzanne
Published: February 2023

Understanding factors affecting ectothermic fishes’ capacity to cope with warming temperature is critical given predicted climate change scenarios. We know that a fish’s social environment introduces plasticity in how it responds to high temperature. However, the magnitude of this plasticity and the mechanisms underlying socially-modulated thermal responses are unknown. Using the amphibious, selfing hermaphroditic mangrove rivulus fish (Kryptolebias marmoratus) as a model, we tested three hypotheses: 1) social stimulation affects physiological and behavioural thermal responses of isogenic lineages of fish, 2) social experience and acute social stimulation result in distinct physiological and behavioural responses, and 3) a desensitization of thermal receptors is responsible for socially modulated thermal responses. To test the first two hypotheses, we measured the temperature at which fish emerged (i.e.,pejustemperature) with acute warming with socially naïve, isolated fish and socially experienced fish. Our results did not support our first hypothesis as fish socially-stimulated by mirrors during warming (i.e., acute social stimulation) emerged at similar temperatures as isolated fish. However, in support of our second hypothesis, prior social experience resulted in fish emerging at a higher temperature than socially naïve fish suggesting an increase inpejustemperature with social experience. We measured whole-body cortisol concentrations of socially naïve and socially experienced fish and determined that socially experienced fish had significantly higher cortisol concentrations than socially naïve fish. To test our third hypothesis, we exposed socially experienced and naïve fish to capsaicin, an agonist of TRPV1 thermal receptors. Socially experienced fish emerged at significantly higher capsaicin concentrations than socially naïve fish suggesting a desensitization of their TRPV1 thermal receptors. Collectively, our data indicate that past and present social experiences impact the behavioural response of fish to high temperature. We also provide novel data suggesting that social experience affects the capacity of fish to perceive warm temperature.
Genetic analysis ofVCPvariants in a Turkish dementia cohort
Authors: Dehghani Nadia , Tufekcioglu Zeynep , Guven Gamze , Westra Kaitlyn , Hanagasi Hasmet , Lohmann Ebba , Samanci Bedia , Gurvit Hakan , Bilgic Basar , Guerreiro Rita , Emre Murat , Bras Jose
Published: February 2023

Valosin-containing protein(VCP) mutations are causative for multisystem proteinopathy, a disease characterized by variable phenotypes including inclusion body myopathy, Paget’s disease of bone, and frontotemporal dementia. More recent reports identifiedVCPvariants as the cause of other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and vacuolar tauopathy. We screened a Turkish dementia cohort forVCPvariants in order to assess their role as the cause of disease in this population. One hundred and forty six Turkish dementia patients were examined clinically and were analyzed forVCPcoding variants using whole-exome sequencing. Familial samples were collected and analyzed in order to test for segregation of candidate variants. We identified a heterozygous missense VCP p.Ile216Met variant segregating with disease in a family where the proband was diagnosed with prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies. Our report potentially extends the spectrum of phenotypes attributed toVCPmutations to include prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies.
Developmental biomechanics and age polyethism in leaf-cutter ants
Authors: Püffel Frederik , Meyer Lara , Imirzian Natalie , Roces Flavio , Johnston Richard , Labonte David
Published: February 2023

Many social insects display age polyethism: young workers stay inside the nest, and only older workers forage. This behavioural transition is accompanied by genetic and physiological changes, but the mechanistic origin of it remains unclear. To investigate if the mechanical demands of foraging effectively prevent young workers from partaking, we studied the biomechanical development of the bite apparatus inAtta vollenweiderileaf-cutter ants. Fully-matured foragers generate peakin-vivobite forces of around 100 mN, more than one order of magnitude in excess of those measured for freshly-eclosed callows of the same size. This change in bite force was accompanied by a sixfold increase in the volume of the mandible closer muscle, and by a substantial increase of the flexural rigidity of the head capsule, driven by a significant increase in both average thickness and indentation modulus of the head capsule cuticle. Consequently, callows lack the muscle force capacity required for leaf-cutting, and their head capsule is so compliant that large muscle forces may cause damaging deformations. On the basis of these results, we speculate that continued biomechanical development post eclosion may be a key factor underlying age polyethism, wherever foraging is associated with mechanical demands on the musculoskeletal system.