bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of a Turbulence Control Screen on the Aerodynamic and Aeroelastic Behavior of a UHBR Fan
Authors: Schneider Alexandra P. , Paoletti Benoit , Ottavy Xavier , Brandstetter Christoph
Published: November 2022

A composite fan stage representative of a modern Ultra High Bypass Ratio (UHBR) architecture has been investigated experimentally on a novel test facility at Ecole Centrale de Lyon.

For these experiments, a turbulence control screen (TCS), a hemisphere, consisting of honeycomb and wiremesh panels, was installed in front of the rig in order to ensure homogeneous, disturbance-free inflow conditions. This kind of screen was developed in the early 1970 years to investigate flight-noise on static test beds. Today, they are commonly used in aero-engine and fan tests, because they improve the accuracy of acoustic measurements and provide more reproducible performance tests.

However, the influence of such screens has been investigated only from an acoustic point of view in the past. This study presents a back-to-back comparison of measurements with and without the TCS, which allows a characterization of the effects on aerodynamic and aeroelastic behavior of the fan stage. The investigation was carried out for multiple stable operating points on two different speed lines to obtain a global image of the influence at part and design speed. The utilization of steady and unsteady instrumentation in different axial and circumferential duct positions allows a detailed analysis of similarities and differences of the configuration without and with the TCS and provides insight into underlying physical mechanisms.
Phasing Structural and Aerodynamic Mistuning For Leveraging Aeroelastic Performance
Authors: Phan Hien , He Li
Published: November 2022

Although modern turbomachinery design relies on the tuned blades assumption, mistuning (blade-to-blade variations within each blade row) is known to affect significantly the aeroelastic performance. The structural (frequency) mistuning has been studied extensively in the past, while the aerodynamic mistuning starts to attract more attention recently. The question of the present interest is: if/how may the structural and the aerodynamic mistuning interact? The present work uses the fully-coupled fluid-structure simulation method to analyse and elucidate the physical vibration mechanisms of the concurrent structural-aerodynamic mistuned cascade. Three variation patterns, namely alternating, sinusoidal, and random, are used to ensure the generality of the observations. Both the self-excited (flutter) and the forced response vibrations of the mistuned cascade are investigated. The results show that the aerodynamic mistuning has considerable effects on the blade aeroelasticity. More remarkably, it is revealed for the first time that the intentional phasing between the structural and the aerodynamic mistuning may result in significantly different aeroelastic performances. This distinctive behaviour is consistently observed for all studied mistuning patterns of both the flutter and the forced response vibrations. Consequently, the structural-aerodynamic mistuning phasing may be potentially exploited as an extra design variable to leverage the blade aeroelastic performance. In addition, whilst the interaction between the structural and the aerodynamic mistuning exhibits some nonlinearities, a further comparative study also demonstrates that a simple linear superposition can still provide qualitatively consistent results in capturing the trend of mistuned vibratory amplitudes at all possible phase angles. Thus, a simple postprocessing by superimposing two separate aerodynamic and structural mistuned solutions can be very effectively utilized as a starting point for determining the optimum phasing.
Design and Characterization of the OSU Rotor 67 Blisk for Future Damping and Mistuning Studies at Design Speed
Authors: Keener Chris , D’Souza Kiran
Published: November 2022

To facilitate experimentation in the field of gas turbine disk dynamics, a new integrally bladed disk, or blisk, was designed and manufactured for use at The Ohio State University (OSU) Gas Turbine Laboratory. The blisk was designed using methods following the Federal Aviation Administration Code of Federal Regulations for safety analysis. Both the airfoils and the hub of the OSU blisk are realistic to accurately represent hardware in jet engines, while being publicly available for analysis to provide a design and data sets that can be published without the need to normalize and protect proprietary information.

After the blisk was manufactured, it was inspected and dynamically tested using a roving modal hammer. The natural frequencies and mistuning of each airfoil were calculated, and the finite element model was updated with this information. Knowledge of the natural frequencies and mistuning are important for the design of ring dampers that will be used to dampen vibration of the blisk during rotating testing.
Non-Linear Damper-Blade Coupling Calculations Reduced to Essentials
Authors: Gastaldi Chiara , Gola Muzio M.
Published: November 2022

This paper further refines the recently presented method called Platform Centered Reduction (PCR) and introduces a new element that increases its efficiency. To improve the numerical efficiency of the complex iterative and nonlinear calculations required for the dynamic response of nonlinearly damped turbine blades, the PCR method relies on the primary assumption of representing the platform as a rigid body. A secondary, but convenient, assumption is to represent the neck as a series of beams, while the airfoil model is obtained by reducing the FE model. A perfect match between the FE model and the PCR model requires some attention, detailed in the paper, in particular to the interfaces of the platform with the neck and the airfoil. Moreover, the value of the displacements due to neck bending at the contact points on the platform is evaluated in relation to those due to torsion, considering the real modal shapes of the blade. The first significant modes for the operation of the under-platform damper are studied. Finally, it is evaluated how many of the 6 DOFs of the rigid body platform model can be neglected in the analysis without loss of accuracy within the limits of the design engineering requirements. Once these aspects have been ascertained so as to guarantee the fidelity of the PCR model to reality, the concept of “base-cycle” is introduced for the diagram representing the moment on the platform due to friction against its angle of rotation, both calculated around an axis parallel to the main axis of neck bending. It is shown that this diagram completely characterizes the damper-platform assembly, so much so that for rotation values greater than that of the “base-cycle” the values of the real and imaginary (HBM) components of the damper-platform bending stiffness are obtained a priori and in an elementary manner, without having to repeat calculations of the contact cycle at each variation of amplitude. The extent of the advantage of such an approach for numerical calculations is shown, as well as the convenience of having a model more closely focused on the essential aspects of the engineering problem. Furthermore, in the light of the improvements introduced, its implications on the “designer’s diagram” showing the maximum bending stress on the airfoil against the excitation force at resonance are reviewed. Finally, the concept of the “GG design diagram”, a simplified construction of the “designer’s diagram”, is also reviewed and its effectiveness for the designer in determining the best damper-blade coupling for vibration damping is assessed.
Study of lateral junction drive-in after annealing in ion implanted HgCdTe
Authors: Gan Zhikai , Zhao Yu , Lin Chun , Sun Quanzhi , Wang Xi , Li Xun
Published: November 2022

Lateral junction drive-in after annealing in an n on p medium wave HgCdTe was studied. A method through testing the current voltage characteristic of an adjacent injection area was used to directly measure the lateral junction drive-in. The experimental results showed that under a standard annealing condition, the lateral drive-in was about 0.5 μm. While the annealing conditions were 88% and 112% standard temperature, the lateral drive-in were 0 and 3.25 μm, respectively, which showed a strong relationship between temperature and lateral drive-in extent. A 2D diffusion model was developed to account for the temperature dependence of lateral junction drive-in. This work suggests a simple and effective method for lateral drive-in testing and provides a useful 2D model for simulation and optimization of HgCdTe junction formation.
Weighted Vest Loads Do Not Elicit Changes in Spatial-Temporal Gait Parameters in Children and Adolescents With Autism
Authors: Olivas Alyssa N. , Chavez Emily A. , Eggleston Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2022

Weighted vests have been used primarily as behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with autism. Contemporary research has begun to examine weighted vest effects on movement. Previous research in children with neurotypical development revealed 15% body mass loads modified spatial-temporal gait characteristics; however, a value applicable to children and adolescents with autism has not been established. The purpose of this study was to establish an appropriate mass value by examining spatial-temporal gait parameters in children and adolescents with autism with various loads in a weighted vest. Nine children and adolescents with autism, aged 8–17, walked without a weighted vest, with 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% body mass while spatial-temporal data were captured. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (α = .05) were conducted among conditions for each variable, with a Holm–Bonferroni method correction. Analysis revealed significant decreases in right step length, but no differences in stride width, left step length, double-limb support time, or stride velocity were observed. Due to insignificant findings, an appropriate mass value could not be determined for weighted vests for children with autism. However, unchanged spatial-temporal gait parameters with increasing loads could be clinically relevant as weighted vest loads of 10% are typically used for behavioral interventions.
Multiplexed high-throughput immune cell imaging reveals molecular health-associated phenotypes
Authors: Severin Yannik , Hale Benjamin D. , Mena Julien , Goslings David , Frey Beat M. , Snijder Berend
Published: November 2022

Phenotypic plasticity is essential to the immune system, yet the factors that shape it are not fully understood. Here, we comprehensively analyze immune cell phenotypes including morphology across human cohorts by single-round multiplexed immunofluorescence, automated microscopy, and deep learning. Using the uncertainty of convolutional neural networks to cluster the phenotypes of eight distinct immune cell subsets, we find that the resulting maps are influenced by donor age, gender, and blood pressure, revealing distinct polarization and activation-associated phenotypes across immune cell classes. We further associate T cell morphology to transcriptional state based on their joint donor variability and validate an inflammation-associated polarized T cell morphology and an age-associated loss of mitochondria in CD4
+
T cells. Together, we show that immune cell phenotypes reflect both molecular and personal health information, opening new perspectives into the deep immune phenotyping of individual people in health and disease.
Kinetic frustration by limited bond availability controls the LAT protein condensation phase transition on membranes
Authors: Sun Simou , GrandPre Trevor , Limmer David T. , Groves Jay T.
Published: November 2022

LAT is a membrane-linked scaffold protein that undergoes a phase transition to form a two-dimensional protein condensate on the membrane during T cell activation. Governed by tyrosine phosphorylation, LAT recruits various proteins that ultimately enable condensation through a percolation network of discrete and selective protein-protein interactions. Here, we describe detailed kinetic measurements of the phase transition, along with coarse-grained model simulations, that reveal that LAT condensation is kinetically frustrated by the availability of bonds to form the network. Unlike typical miscibility transitions in which compact domains may coexist at equilibrium, the LAT condensates are dynamically arrested in extended states, kinetically trapped out of equilibrium. Modeling identifies the structural basis for this kinetic arrest as the formation of spindle arrangements, favored by limited multivalent binding interactions along the flexible, intrinsically disordered LAT protein. These results reveal how local factors controlling the kinetics of LAT condensation enable formation of different, stable condensates, which may ultimately coexist within the cell.
A simple two-state model interprets temporal modulations in eruptive activity and enhances multivolcano hazard quantification
Authors: Selva Jacopo , Sandri Laura , Taroni Matteo , Sulpizio Roberto , Tierz Pablo , Costa Antonio
Published: November 2022

Volcanic activity typically switches between high-activity states with many eruptions and low-activity states with few or no eruptions. We present a simple two-regime physics-informed statistical model that allows interpreting temporal modulations in eruptive activity. The model enhances comprehension and comparison of different volcanic systems and enables homogeneous integration into multivolcano hazard assessments that account for potential changes in volcanic regimes. The model satisfactorily fits the eruptive history of the three active volcanoes in the Neapolitan area, Italy (Mt. Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei, and Ischia) which encompass a wide range of volcanic behaviors. We find that these volcanoes have appreciably different processes for triggering and ending high-activity periods connected to different dominant volcanic processes controlling their eruptive activity, with different characteristic times and activity rates (expressed as number of eruptions per time interval). Presently, all three volcanoes are judged to be in a low-activity state, with decreasing probability of eruptions for Mt. Vesuvius, Ischia, and Campi Flegrei, respectively.
Biallelic germline mutations in MAD1L1 induce a syndrome of aneuploidy with high tumor susceptibility
Authors: Villarroya-Beltri Carolina , Osorio Ana , Torres-Ruiz Raúl , Gómez-Sánchez David , Trakala Marianna , Sánchez-Belmonte Agustin , Mercadillo Fátima , Hurtado Begoña , Pitarch Borja , Hernández-Núñez Almudena , Gómez-Caturla Antonio , Rueda Daniel , Perea José , Rodríguez-Perales Sandra , Malumbres Marcos , Urioste Miguel
Published: November 2022

Germline mutations leading to aneuploidy are rare, and their tumor-promoting properties are mostly unknown at the molecular level. We report here novel germline biallelic mutations in
MAD1L1
, encoding the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) protein MAD1, in a 36-year-old female with a dozen of neoplasias. Functional studies demonstrated lack of full-length protein and deficient SAC response, resulting in ~30 to 40% of aneuploid blood cells. Single-cell RNA analysis identified mitochondrial stress accompanied by systemic inflammation with enhanced interferon and NFκB signaling both in aneuploid and euploid cells, suggesting a non–cell autonomous response.
MAD1L1
mutations resulted in specific clonal expansions of γδ T cells with chromosome 18 gains and enhanced cytotoxic profile as well as intermediate B cells with chromosome 12 gains and transcriptomic signatures characteristic of leukemia cells. These data point to
MAD1L1
mutations as the cause of a new variant of mosaic variegated aneuploidy with systemic inflammation and unprecedented tumor susceptibility.
A data-based large-scale model for primary visual cortex enables brain-like robust and versatile visual processing
Authors: Chen Guozhang , Scherr Franz , Maass Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

We analyze visual processing capabilities of a large-scale model for area V1 that arguably provides the most comprehensive accumulation of anatomical and neurophysiological data to date. We find that this brain-like neural network model can reproduce a number of characteristic visual processing capabilities of the brain, in particular the capability to solve diverse visual processing tasks, also on temporally dispersed visual information, with remarkable robustness to noise. This V1 model, whose architecture and neurons markedly differ from those of deep neural networks used in current artificial intelligence (AI), such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), also reproduces a number of characteristic neural coding properties of the brain, which provides explanations for its superior noise robustness. Because visual processing is substantially more energy efficient in the brain compared with CNNs in AI, such brain-like neural networks are likely to have an impact on future technology: as blueprints for visual processing in more energy-efficient neuromorphic hardware.
Magnetic fields and relativistic electrons fill entire galaxy cluster
Authors: Botteon Andrea , van Weeren Reinout J. , Brunetti Gianfranco , Vazza Franco , Shimwell Timothy W. , Brüggen Marcus , Röttgering Huub J. A. , de Gasperin Francesco , Akamatsu Hiroki , Bonafede Annalisa , Cassano Rossella , Cuciti Virginia , Dallacasa Daniele , Di Gennaro Gabriella , Gastaldello Fabio
Published: November 2022

The hot plasma within merging galaxy clusters is predicted to be filled with shocks and turbulence that may convert part of their kinetic energy into relativistic electrons and magnetic fields generating synchrotron radiation. Analyzing Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) observations of the galaxy cluster Abell 2255, we show evidence of radio synchrotron emission distributed over very large scales of at least 5 megaparsec. The pervasive radio emission witnesses that shocks and turbulence efficiently transfer kinetic energy into relativistic particles and magnetic fields in a region that extends up to the cluster outskirts. The strength of the emission requires a magnetic field energy density at least 100 times higher than expected from a simple compression of primordial fields, presumably implying that dynamo operates efficiently also in the cluster periphery. It also suggests that nonthermal components may contribute substantially to the pressure of the intracluster medium in the cluster periphery.
Reconfiguring band-edge states and charge distribution of organic semiconductor–incorporated 2D perovskites via pressure gating
Authors: Guo Songhao , Li Yahui , Mao Yuhong , Tao Weijian , Bu Kejun , Fu Tonghuan , Zhao Chang , Luo Hui , Hu Qingyang , Zhu Haiming , Shi Enzheng , Yang Wenge , Dou Letian , Lü Xujie
Published: November 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor heterostructures are key building blocks for many electronic and optoelectronic devices. Reconfiguring the band-edge states and modulating their interplay with charge carriers at the interface in a continuous manner have long been sought yet are challenging. Here, using organic semiconductor–incorporated 2D halide perovskites as the model system, we realize the manipulation of band-edge states and charge distribution via mechanical—rather than chemical or thermal—regulation. Compression induces band-alignment switching and charge redistribution due to the different pressure responses of organic and inorganic building blocks, giving controllable emission properties of 2D perovskites. We propose and demonstrate a “pressure gating” strategy that enables the control of multiple emission states within a single material. We also reveal that band-alignment transition at the organic-inorganic interface is intrinsically not well resolved at room temperature owing to the thermally activated transfer and shuffling of band-edge carriers. This work provides important fundamental insights into the energetics and carrier dynamics of hybrid semiconductor heterostructures.
The infectious disease trap of animal agriculture
Authors: Hayek Matthew N.
Published: November 2022

Infectious diseases originating from animals (zoonotic diseases) have emerged following deforestation from agriculture. Agriculture can reduce its land use through intensification, i.e., improving resource use efficiency. However, intensive management often confines animals and their wastes, which also fosters disease emergence. Therefore, rising demand for animal-sourced foods creates a “trap” of zoonotic disease risks: extensive land use on one hand or intensive animal management on the other. Not all intensification poses disease risks; some methods avoid confinement and improve animal health. However, these “win-win” improvements alone cannot satisfy rising meat demand, particularly for chicken and pork. Intensive poultry and pig production entails greater antibiotic use, confinement, and animal populations than beef production. Shifting from beef to chicken consumption mitigates climate emissions, but this common strategy neglects zoonotic disease risks. Preventing zoonotic diseases requires international coordination to reduce the high demand for animal-sourced foods, improve forest conservation governance, and selectively intensify the lowest-producing ruminant animal systems without confinement.
Identification of the active triple-phase boundary of a non-Pt catalyst layer in fuel cells
Authors: Wang Yu-Cheng , Huang Wen , Wan Li-Yang , Yang Jian , Xie Rong-Jie , Zheng Yan-Ping , Tan Yuan-Zhi , Wang Yue-Sheng , Zaghib Karim , Zheng Li-Rong , Sun Shu-Hui , Zhou Zhi-You , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: November 2022

The rational design of non-Pt oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts and catalyst layers in fuel cells is largely impeded by insufficient knowledge of triple-phase boundaries (TPBs) in the micropore and mesopore ranges. Here, we developed a size-sensitive molecular probe method to resolve the TPB of Fe/N/C catalyst layers in these size ranges. More than 70% of the ORR activity was found to be contributed by the 0.8- to 2.0-nanometer micropores of Fe/N/C catalysts, even at a low micropore area fraction of 29%. Acid-alkaline interactions at the catalyst-polyelectrolyte interface deactivate the active sites in mesopores and macropores, resulting in inactive TPBs, leaving micropores without the interaction as the active TPBs. The concept of active and inactive TPBs provides a previously unidentified design principle for non-Pt catalyst and catalyst layers in fuel cells.
Targeting cancer glycosylation repolarizes tumor-associated macrophages allowing effective immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Stanczak Michal A. , Rodrigues Mantuano Natalia , Kirchhammer Nicole , Sanin David E. , Jacob Francis , Coelho Ricardo , Everest-Dass Arun V. , Wang Jinyu , Trefny Marcel P. , Monaco Gianni , Bärenwaldt Anne , Gray Melissa A. , Petrone Adam , Kashyap Abhishek S. , Glatz Katharina , Kasenda Benjamin , Normington Karl , Broderick James , Peng Li , Pearce Oliver M.T. , Pearce Erika L. , Bertozzi Carolyn R. , Zippelius Alfred , Läubli Heinz
Published: November 2022

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has substantially improved the prognosis of patients with cancer, but the majority experiences limited benefit, supporting the need for new therapeutic approaches. Up-regulation of sialic acid–containing glycans, termed hypersialylation, is a common feature of cancer-associated glycosylation, driving disease progression and immune escape through the engagement of Siglec receptors on tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Here, we show that tumor sialylation correlates with distinct immune states and reduced survival in human cancers. The targeted removal of Siglec ligands in the tumor microenvironment, using an antibody-sialidase conjugate, enhanced antitumor immunity and halted tumor progression in several murine models. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we revealed that desialylation repolarized tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). We also identified Siglec-E as the main receptor for hypersialylation on TAMs. Last, we found that genetic and therapeutic desialylation, as well as loss of Siglec-E, enhanced the efficacy of ICB. Thus, therapeutic desialylation represents an immunotherapeutic approach to reshape macrophage phenotypes and augment the adaptive antitumor immune response.
Synergistic Effect of Q203 Combined with PBTZ169 against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Quang , Hanh Bui Thi Bich , Jeon Seunghyeon , Heo Bo Eun , Park Yujin , Choudhary Arunima , Moon Cheol , Jang Jichan
Published: November 2022

Q203 is a first-in-class drug candidate against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. In its recently completed phase 2 clinical trial, Q203 reduced the number of live
M. tuberculosis
cells in a dose-dependent manner.
A Novel
Ex Vivo
Drug Assay for Assessing the Transmission-Blocking Activity of Compounds on Field-Isolated Plasmodium falciparum Gametocytes
Authors: Ouologuem Dinkorma T. , Dembele Laurent , Dara Antoine , Kone Aminatou K. , Diallo Nouhoum , Sangare Cheick P. O. , Ballo Fatoumata I. , Dao François , Goita Siaka , Haidara Aboubecrin S. , Traore Aliou , Niangaly Amadou B. , Dama Souleymane , Sissoko Sekou , Sogore Fanta , Dara Jacob N. , Barre Yacouba N. , Daou Amadou , Cisse Fatoumata , Diakite Ousmaila , Doumbia Diagassan , Koumare Sekou , Fofana Bakary , Tandina Fatalmoudou , Sylla Daman , Sacko Adama , Coulibaly Mamadou , Tekete Mamadou M. , Ouattara Amed , Djimde Abdoulaye A.
Published: November 2022

The discovery and development of transmission-blocking therapies challenge malaria elimination and necessitate standard and reproducible bioassays to measure the blocking properties of antimalarial drugs and candidate compounds. Most of the current bioassays evaluating the transmission-blocking activity of compounds rely on laboratory-adapted
Plasmodium
strains.
Genomic Characterization of a Carbapenemase-Producing, Extensively Drug-Resistant Klebsiella michiganensis Strain from a Renal Abscess Patient
Authors: Hu Li-Miao , Zhang Xiao-Tuan , Zeng Xi , Chen Yajun , Liu Logen , Li Guo-Qing
Published: November 2022

We describe an extensively drug-resistant
Klebsiella michiganensis
strain, Kmfe267, which was originally isolated from a renal abscess patient. The strain carries the blaNDM-5 gene, which encodes a New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase. The complete genome of the strain contains a 5.9-Mb chromosome and 5 plasmids.
Comparative Genomics of Streptococcus oralis Identifies Large Scale Homologous Recombination and a Genetic Variant Associated with Infection
Authors: Joyce Luke R. , Youngblom Madison A. , Cormaty Harshini , Gartstein Evelyn , Barber Katie E. , Akins Ronda L. , Pepperell Caitlin S. , Palmer Kelli L.
Published: November 2022

The viridians group streptococci (VGS) are a large collection of closely related commensal streptococci, with many being opportunistic pathogens causing invasive diseases, such as bacteremia and infective endocarditis. Little is known about virulence determinants in these species, and there is a distinct lack of genomic information available for the VGS.
Coordination of CcpA and CodY Regulators in Staphylococcus aureus USA300 Strains
Authors: Poudel Saugat , Hefner Ying , Szubin Richard , Sastry Anand , Gao Ye , Nizet Victor , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: November 2022

Staphylococcus aureus
is a versatile pathogen with an expanding antibiotic resistance profile. The biology underlying its clinical success emerges from an interplay of many systems such as metabolism and gene regulatory networks.
Antimicrobial Activity of Peptide-Coupled Antisense Peptide Nucleic Acids in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Barkowsky Gina , Abt Corina , Pöhner Irina , Bieda Adam , Hammerschmidt Sven , Jacob Anette , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Patenge Nadja
Published: November 2022

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia and is responsible for the deaths of up to 2 million children each year. Antibiotic resistance and strain replacement by non-vaccine serotypes are growing problems.
Cross Talk between GlAQP and NOX Modulates the Effects of ROS Balance on Ganoderic Acid Biosynthesis of Ganoderma lucidum under Water Stress
Authors: Zhu Quanyu , Ren Ang , Ding Juan , He Jian , Zhao Mingwen , Jiang Ailiang , Zhou Xiaolin , Wang Jieying , He Qin
Published: November 2022

Ganoderma lucidum
is an advanced basidiomycete that produces medicinally active secondary metabolites (especially ganoderic acid [GA]) with high commercial value. Water stress imposes an important environmental challenge to
G. lucidum
.
Probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum HNU082) Supplementation Relieves Ulcerative Colitis by Affecting Intestinal Barrier Functions, Immunity-Related Gene Expression, Gut Microbiota, and Metabolic Pathways in Mice
Authors: Wu Yuqing , Jha Rajesh , Li Ao , Liu Huanwei , Zhang Zeng , Zhang Chengcheng , Zhai Qixiao , Zhang Jiachao
Published: November 2022

Many studies have focused on the therapeutic effect of probiotics on ulcerative colitis (UC), but few studies have paid attention to the mechanism of probiotics, especially the therapeutic effect. This study suggests that Lp082 has a therapeutic effect on colitis in mice.
Detection, Detrimental Effects, and Transmission Pathways of the Pathogenic Bacterium Acaricomes phytoseiuli in Commercial Predatory Mites
Authors: Xie Zhongqiu , Hoffmann Ary A. , Zhang Bo , Xu Xuenong
Published: November 2022

Predatory mites are important natural enemies for biological control of pests, but mass rearing of the mites can be affected by pathogens. In particular, the mite pathogen
Acaricomes phytoseiuli
may pose a threat to predatory mite production, and we have now detected this pathogen in China.
TWEAK-Fn14 Axis Induces Calcium-Associated Autophagy and Cell Death To Control Mycobacterial Survival in Macrophages
Authors: Chen Yi-Ming , Liu Po-Yu , Tang Kuo-Tung , Liu Hung-Jen , Liao Tsai-Ling
Published: November 2022

Tuberculosis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We previously demonstrated a relationship between TWEAK and activation of the autophagic machinery, which promotes anti-mycobacterial immunity.
Erratum to: Several Articles in JETP Letters Published Online First
Authors: Ivanov Yu. B. , Soldatov A. A. , Pakhomov A. V. , Arkhipov M. V. , Rosanov N. N. , Arkhipov R. M. , Sturman B. , Podivilov E. , Arbuzov A. , Bondarenko S. , Dydyshka Ya. , Kalinovskaya L. , Rumyantsev L. , Sadykov R. , Yermolchyk V. , Yermolchyk Yu. , Kats E. I. , Shilpashree S. P. , Shastri Venkataramana , Zakharov B. G. , Galakhov V. R. , Udintseva M. S. , Naumov S. V. , Shamin S. N. , Gizhevskii B. A. , Valba O. , Gorsky A. , Gavryushkin P. N. , Martirosyan N. S. , Rashchenko S. V. , Sagatova D. N. , Sagatov N. E. , Semerikova A. I. , Fedotenko T. M. , Litasov K. D. , Avchyan B. R. , Ghazaryan A. G. , Sargsyan K. A. , Sedrakian Kh. V.
Published: November 2022

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0021364022330013
Humoral hypercalcaemia of malignancy associated with a gigantic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Elantably Dina , Al Armashi Abdul Rahman , Hammad Faris , Alkrekshi Akram
Published: November 2022

Humoral hypercalcaemia of malignancy is rarely associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and only a few cases have been reported in the medical literature. We present an interesting case of a gigantic cutaneous SCC associated with severe hypercalcaemia.

A man in his mid 80s presented with a rapidly enlarging fungating mass of his scalp for 5 months. Laboratory studies logged severe hypercalcaemia, low intact parathyroid hormone, elevated parathyroid hormone related-peptide and normal 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D. Skin biopsy revealed moderately differentiated invasive SCC. Further workup was negative for distant skeletal metastases. Severe hypercalcaemia was managed by intravenous fluids, bisphosphonates and calcitonin. A multidisciplinary approach was then made; the patient received radiotherapy and then underwent a successful surgical resection. By presenting this case, we aim to raise physicians’ awareness of the association between cutaneous SCC and hypercalcaemia. Severe hypercalcaemia should be detected early and promptly managed as it could be fatal.
Influence of maternal body mass index on human milk composition and associations to infant metabolism and gut colonisation: MAINHEALTH – a study protocol for an observational birth cohort
Authors: Overgaard Poulsen Katrine , Astono Julie , Jakobsen Rasmus Riemer , Uldbjerg Niels , Fuglsang Jens , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Sundekilde Ulrik Kræmer
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Human milk provides all macronutrients for growth, bioactive compounds, micro-organisms and immunological components, which potentially interacts with and primes infant growth and, development, immune responses and the gut microbiota of the new-born. Infants with an overweight mother are more likely to become overweight later in life and overweight has been related to the gut microbiome. Therefore, it is important to investigate the mother-milk-infant triad as a biological system and if the maternal weight status influences the human milk composition, infant metabolism and gut microbiome.

Methods and analysis

This study aims to include 200 mother–infant dyads stratified into one of three body mass index (BMI) categories based on mother’s prepregnancy BMI. Multiomics analyses include metabolomics, proteomics, glycomics and microbiomics methods, aiming to characterise human milk from the mothers and further relate the composition to infant gut microbiota and its metabolic impact in the infant. Infant gut microbiota is analysed using 16S sequencing of faeces samples. Nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry are used for the remaining omics analysis. We investigate whether maternal pre-pregnancy BMI results in a distinct human milk composition that potentially affects the initial priming of the infant’s gut environment and metabolism early in life.

Ethics and dissemination

The Central Denmark Region Committees on Health Research Ethics has approved the protocol (J-nr. 1-10-72-296-18). All participants have before inclusion signed informed consent and deputy informed consent in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki II. Results will be disseminated to health professionals including paediatricians, research community, nutritional policymakers, industry and finally the public. The scientific community will be informed via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences, the industry will be invited for meetings, and the public will be informed via reports in science magazines and the general press. Data cleared for personal data, will be deposited at public data repositories.

Trial registration number

Danish regional committee of the Central Jutland Region, journal number: 1-10-72-296-18, version 6.

Danish Data Protection Agency, journal number: 2016-051-000001, 1304.

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier:NCT05111990.
Obligation or getaway? A qualitative inquiry into medical professionalism under COVID-19 among medical students and new physicians in a Taiwan hospital
Authors: Chiu Chiung-Hsuan , Wei Chung-Jen , Sheu Mei-Ling , Liu Yueh-Ping , Chang Chun-Chao , Chen Chien-Yu
Published: November 2022

Objectives

During the COVID-19 outbreak, medical educators’ main concern has been how to prepare new physicians and medical students to meet their obligations as healthcare providers under novel circumstances. This study aims at exploring how trainees perceive their commitments as physicians under the threat of a pandemic.

Design

A qualitative method was employed. Researchers interviewed medical students under clerkship training (fifth and sixth-year medical students) and new physicians undergoing postgraduate year (PGY) and specialty training.

Setting

A university hospital in Taipei, Taiwan.

Participants

The team conducted three focus groups for participants in three separate training stages: clerks, PGY students (PGYs), and residents. Researchers collected data from 31 March to 2 April 2020 and analysed the thematic analysis results.

Results

Seventeen medical students and new physicians took part in the focus groups, five of whom (31.25%) were female. Participants consisted of four residents, six PGYs, and seven medical students. Through their responses, the authors determined four major dimensions with corresponding subdimensions that significantly affected their sense of medical professionalism, including medical knowledge and clinical skills, sense of duty towards public health, teamwork and protection of patient rights.

Conclusions

We therefore concluded that participants grew to accept their roles after acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients with COVID-19. Alternative teaching arrangements and their impact on trainees’ clinical performance require further discussion.
Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of an e-health stepped care approach for the treatment of internet use disorders versus a placebo condition: the SCAPIT study
Authors: Bischof Anja , Brandt Dominique , Schlossarek Samantha , Vens Maren , Rozgonjuk Dmitri , Wernicke Jennifer , Kannen Christopher , Wölfling Klaus , Dreier Michael , Salbach Harriet , Basenach Lara , Mößle Thomas , Olbrich Denise , König Inke , Borgwardt Stefan , Montag Christian , Rumpf Hans-Jürgen
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Excessive internet use can lead to problems for some individuals. The WHO has introduced Gaming Disorder in the International Classification of Diseases-11 (ICD-11). Previous research has shown that other internet applications can cause serious mental health problems as well. It is important to provide measures of prevention, early intervention and therapy for internet use disorders (IUDs).

Methods and analysis

The study ‘Stepped Care Approach for Problematic Internet use Treatment’ is a randomised, two-arm, parallel-group, observer-blind trial. The aim of the study is to investigate if a stepped care approach is effective to reduce symptom severity for IUD. The sample is primarily recruited online with a focus on employees in companies with support of health insurances. After screening, the stepped care approach depends on the success of the previous step—that is, the successful reduction of criteria—and comprise: (1) app-intervention with questionnaires and feedback, (2) two telephone counsellings (duration: 50 min) based on motivational interviewing, (3) online therapy over 17 weeks (15 weekly group sessions, eight individual sessions) based on cognitive–behavioural therapy. A follow-up is conducted after 6 months. A total of 860 participants will be randomised. Hierarchical testing procedure is used to test the coprimary endpoints number of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition and ICD-11 criteria. Primary analysis will be performed with a sequential logit model.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Ethics Committees of the Universities of Lübeck (file number: 21-068), Mainz (file number: 2021-15907) and Berlin (file number: 015.2021). Results will be reported in accordance to the CONSORT statement. If the approach is superior to the control condition, it may serve as part of treatment for IUD.

Trial registration number

DRKS00025994.
Hyperbaric oxygen for treatment of long COVID-19 syndrome (HOT-LoCO): protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase II clinical trial
Authors: Kjellberg Anders , Abdel-Halim Lina , Hassler Adrian , El Gharbi Sara , Al-Ezerjawi Sarah , Boström Emil , Sundberg Carl Johan , Pernow John , Medson Koshiar , Kowalski Jan H , Rodriguez-Wallberg Kenny A , Zheng Xiaowei , Catrina Sergiu , Runold Michael , Ståhlberg Marcus , Bruchfeld Judith , Nygren-Bonnier Malin , Lindholm Peter
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Long COVID-19, where symptoms persist 12 weeks after the initial SARS-CoV-2-infection, is a substantial problem for individuals and society in the surge of the pandemic. Common symptoms are fatigue, postexertional malaise and cognitive dysfunction. There is currently no effective treatment and the underlying mechanisms are unknown, although several hypotheses exist, with chronic inflammation as a common denominator. In prospective studies, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been suggested to be effective for the treatment of similar syndromes such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. A case series has suggested positive effects of HBOT in long COVID-19. This randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial will explore HBOT as a potential treatment for long COVID-19. The primary objective is to evaluate if HBOT improves health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients with long COVID-19 compared with placebo/sham. The main secondary objective is to evaluate whether HBOT improves endothelial function, objective physical performance and short-term HRQoL.

Methods and analysis

A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase II clinical trial in 80 previously healthy subjects debilitated due to long COVID-19, with low HRQoL. Clinical data, HRQoL questionnaires, blood samples, objective tests and activity metre data will be collected at baseline. Subjects will be randomised to a maximum of 10 treatments with hyperbaric oxygen or sham treatment over 6 weeks. Assessments for safety and efficacy will be performed at 6, 13, 26 and 52 weeks, with the primary endpoint (physical domains in RAND 36-Item Health Survey) and main secondary endpoints defined at 13 weeks after baseline. Data will be reviewed by an independent data safety monitoring board.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is approved by the Swedish National Institutional Review Board (2021–02634) and the Swedish Medical Products Agency (5.1-2020-36673). Positive, negative and inconclusive results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals with open access.

Trial registration number

NCT04842448.
Trends in prevalence and incidence of registered dementia and trends in multimorbidity among patients with dementia in general practice in Flanders, Belgium, 2000–2021: a registry-based, retrospective, longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Beerten Simon Gabriël , Helsen Antje , De Lepeleire Jan , Waldorff Frans Boch , Vaes Bert
Published: November 2022

Objectives

With the ageing of our population, it seems plausible that the prevalence of both dementia and multimorbidity will increase in the following decades. The aim of this study is to examine the trends in prevalence and incidence of registered dementia and trends in multimorbidity in patients with dementia in general practice in Flanders.

Design

Retrospective, longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Primary care practices across Flanders, Belgium.

Participants

Patients included in the Intego database.

Methods

Data were collected from the Intego database, a Belgian general practice registration network, from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2021. Joinpoint regression, the Cochran-Armitage test and Jonckheere-Terpstra test were used for the trend analysis.

Results

Data from 149 492 unique patients aged 65 years and older were available. From 2000 to 2021, 3835 incident cases of dementia were found. The age-adjusted prevalence of registered dementia significantly increased during this study period, from 1.19% to 2.43% (average annual percentage change (AAPC) 3.3; 95% CI 2.7 to 4.0). Incidence increased from 3.68 to 5.86 per 1000 patient years overall (AAPC 1.8, 95% CI −2.0 to 5.7), but declined in recent years (annual percentage change −8.1, 95% CI −14.8 to −0.8). Almost three-quarters of the patients with dementia (74.8%) suffered from multimorbidity (three or more comorbidities) and this increased significantly during the study period (p=0.0031). By 2021, 86.7% and 74.8% of the patients with dementia suffered from two or more or three or more chronic conditions, respectively. Hypertension (47.9%), osteoarthritis (29.7%) and lipid metabolism disorders (25.7%) were the most prevalent conditions.

Conclusions

The prevalence of registered dementia doubled over a 22-year time period, mirroring the increasing health burden by this disease globally. Furthermore, three-quarters of the patients with dementia suffered from multimorbidity, underlining the urgent need to implement comorbidity management and patient-centred care in dementia.
Does binge drinking mediate the relationship between four adverse childhood experiences and adult traumatic brain injury? Results from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 Cohort
Authors: Daugherty Jill , Treves-Kagan Sarah , Gottfredson Nisha C , Miedema Stephanie , Haarbauer-Krupa Juliet
Published: November 2022

Objective

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with increased risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Alcohol use may play an important role in this relationship. This study examines whether binge drinking mediates the relationship between four ACEs and TBIs sustained in adulthood.

Methods

Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1979 cohort, we conducted longitudinal mediation analyses (n=6317). Interviews occurred annually from 1979 to 1994 and biennially until 2016. We evaluated the direct and indirect effects of individual ACEs (ie, experiencing physical violence, low parental warmth, familial alcoholism and familial mental illness; reported retrospectively) and a cumulative ACEs score on mean level of binge drinking (calculated across waves) and having a TBI in adulthood. To establish temporality, we included binge drinking that was measured at age 18 or older and before any reported TBI.

Results

Cumulative ACEs, familial alcoholism and physical abuse exposure were significantly associated with having a TBI through binge drinking, although this only explained a small part of the association between ACEs and TBI. Other ACEs were not significantly associated with binge drinking or TBI.

Conclusion

The results indicate that while ACEs and adult TBI risk were significantly associated, lifetime binge drinking explains only a small part of the association. Future research could examine alternative social, biological and behavioural mechanisms along the pathway between ACEs and TBI. Determining this mechanism will allow public health practitioners to design and implement effective TBI prevention programmes for those at higher risk of injury due to ACE exposure.
Socioeconomic position over the life course and impaired lung function of older adults in Central and Eastern Europe: the HAPIEE study
Authors: Quispe-Haro Consuelo , Pająk Andrzej , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Capkova Nadezda , Bobak Martin , Pikhart Hynek
Published: November 2022

Background

Social differences in lung functioning have been reported, but the role of socioeconomic position (SEP) at different stages of life is less well understood, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. This study addressed this question.

Methods

The analysis included 10 160 individuals aged 45–70 years from the Czech Republic, Poland and Lithuania. Lung function was either normal if values of forced expiratory volume in the first second divided by forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and FVC were higher than the lower limit of normality or impaired if otherwise. SEP at three stages of life was assessed using maternal education (childhood), participant’s education (young adulthood), and current ability to pay for food, clothes and bills (late adulthood). SEP measures were dichotomised as advantaged versus disadvantaged. The associations between impaired lung function and life-course SEP were estimated by logistic regression.

Results

Disadvantaged SEP in young and late adulthood had higher odds of impaired lung function. In young adulthood, age-adjusted ORs were 1.26 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.49) in men and 1.56 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.88) in women, while in late adulthood, the ORs were 1.15 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.34) in men and 1.26 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.46) in women. Men and women disadvantaged at all three stages of life had ORs of 1.42 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.91) and 1.83 (95% CI 1.32 to 2.52), respectively, compared with those always advantaged. Smoking substantially attenuated the ORs in men but not in women.

Conclusion

Reducing socioeconomic inequalities in young and late adulthood may contribute to reducing the risk of impaired lung function in late adulthood.