bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Architecture of intact mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase complex revealed byin-situstructural analysis
Authors: Wang Chen , Ma Cheng , Chang Shenghai , Wu Hangjun , Yan Chunlan , Chen Jinghua , Wu Yongping , An Shaoya , Xu Jiaqi , Han Qin , Jiang Yujie , Jiang Zhinong , Gao Haichun , Zhang Xing , Chang Yunjie
Published: February 2024

The multi-enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) links glycolysis to the citric acid cycle by converting pyruvate into acetyl-coenzyme A and is essential for cellular energy metabolism. Although individual components have been characterized, the structure of intact PDC remains unclear, hampering our understanding of its composition and multi-step catalytic reactions. Here, we report thein-situarchitecture of intact PDC within mammalian mitochondria by cryo-electron tomography. The organization of peripheral E1 and E3 multimers varies substantially among PDCs. We discovered 1-46 E1 heterotetramers surrounding each PDC core, and up to 12 E3 dimers locating primarily along the pentagonal openings. Furthermore, we observed dynamic interactions of the substrate translocating lipoyl domains (LDs) with both E1 and E2, implicating the mechanism of substrate channeling. Our findings reveal the intrinsic dynamics of PDC peripheral compositions, suggesting an additional model in which the number of assembled E1 heterotetramer, E3 dimer, and functional LDs of PDC may be regulated to further control its catalytic activity.
Oxidative stress induces release of mitochondrial DNA into the extracellular space in human placental villous trophoblast BeWo cells
Authors: Gardner Jennifer J. , Cushen Spencer C. , Oliveira da Silva Reneé de Nazaré , Bradshaw Jessica L. , Hula Nataliia , Gorham Isabelle K. , Tucker Selina M. , Zhou Zhengyang , Cunningham Rebecca L. , Phillips Nicole R. , Goulopoulou Styliani
Published: February 2024

Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) is an indicator of cell death, inflammation, and oxidative stress. ccf-mtDNA differs in pregnancies with placental dysfunction from healthy pregnancies and the direction of this difference depends on gestational age and method of mtDNA quantification. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger release of mtDNA from non-placental cells; yet it is unknown whether trophoblast cells release mtDNA in response to oxidative stress, a common feature of pregnancies with placental pathology. We hypothesized that oxidative stress would induce cell death and release of mtDNA from trophoblast cells. BeWo cells were treated with antimycin A (10-320 μM) or rotenone (0.2-50 μM) to induce oxidative stress. A multiplex real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was used to quantify mtDNA and nuclear DNA in membrane bound, non-membrane bound, and vesicular-bound forms in cell culture supernatants and cell lysates. Treatment with antimycin A increased ROS (p<0.0001), induced cell necrosis (p=0.0004) but not apoptosis (p=0.6471) and was positively associated with release of membrane-bound and non-membrane bound mtDNA (p<0.0001). Antimycin A increased mtDNA content in exosome-like extracellular vesicles (vesicular-bound form; p=0.0019) and reduced autophagy marker expression (LC3A/B, p=0.0002; p62, p<0.001). Rotenone treatment did not influence mtDNA release or cell death (p>0.05). Oxidative stress induces release of mtDNA into the extracellular space and causes non-apoptotic cell death and a reduction in autophagy markers in BeWo cells, an establishedin vitromodel of human trophoblast cells. Intersection between autophagy and necrosis may mediate the release of mtDNA from the placenta in pregnancies exposed to oxidative stress.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

This is the first study to test whether trophoblast cells release mitochondrial DNA in response to oxidative stress and to identify mechanisms of release and biological forms of mtDNA from this cellular type. This research identifies potential cellular mechanisms that can be used in future investigations to establish the source and biomarker potential of circulating mitochondrial DNA in preclinical experimental models and humans.
Regulatory role of cholesterol in modulating actin dynamics and cell adhesive interactions in the trabecular meshwork
Authors: Wang Ting , Kimmel Hannah R C , Park Charles , Ryoo Hyeon , Liu Jing , Underhill Gregory H , Pattabiraman Padmanabhan P
Published: February 2024

The trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue plays a crucial role in maintaining intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis. Increased TM contractility and stiffness are directly correlated with elevated IOP. Although cholesterol is known to be a determinant of glaucoma occurrence and elevated IOP, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we used human TM (HTM) cells to unravel the effects of cholesterol on TM stiffness. We achieved this by performing acute cholesterol depletion with Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) and cholesterol enrichment/replenishment with MβCD cholesterol complex (CHOL). Interestingly, cholesterol depletion triggered notable actin depolymerization and decreased focal adhesion formation, while enrichment/replenishment promoted actin polymerization, requiring the presence of actin monomers. Using a specific reporter of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), we demonstrated that cholesterol depletion decreases PIP2 levels on the cell membrane, whereas enrichment increases them. Given the critical role of PIP2 in actin remodeling and focal adhesion formation, we postulate that cholesterol regulates actin dynamics by modulating PIP2 levels on the membrane. Furthermore, we showed that cholesterol levels regulate integrin α5β1 and αVβ3 distribution and activation, subsequently altering cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. Notably, the depletion of cholesterol, as a major lipid constituent of the cell membrane, led to a decrease in HTM cell membrane tension, which was reversed upon cholesterol replenishment. Overall, our systematic exploration of cholesterol modulation on TM stiffness highlights the critical importance of maintaining appropriate membrane and cellular cholesterol levels for achieving IOP homeostasis.
Spatiotemporal Clusters of ERK Activity Coordinate Cytokine-induced Inflammatory Responses in Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: DeCuzzi Nicholaus L. , Oberbauer Daniel P. , Chmiel Kenneth J. , Pargett Michael , Ferguson Justa M. , Murphy Devan , Zeki Amir A. , Albeck John G.
Published: February 2024

RATIONALE

Spatially coordinated ERK signaling events (“SPREADs”) transmit radially from a central point to adjacent cells via secreted ligands for EGFR and other receptors. SPREADs maintain homeostasis in non-pulmonary epithelia, but it is unknown whether they play a role in the airway epithelium or are dysregulated in inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To characterize spatiotemporal ERK activity in response to pro-inflammatory ligands, and (2) to assess pharmacological and metabolic regulation of cytokine-mediated SPREADs.

METHODS

SPREADs were measured by live-cell ERK biosensors in human bronchial epithelial cell lines (HBE1 and 16HBE) and primary human bronchial epithelial (pHBE) cells, in both submerged and biphasic Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) culture conditions (i.e., differentiated cells). Cells were exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines relevant to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to pharmacological treatments (gefitinib, tocilizumab, hydrocortisone) and metabolic modulators (insulin, 2-deoxyglucose) to probe the airway epithelial mechanisms of SPREADs. Phospho-STAT3 immunofluorescence was used to measure localized inflammatory responses to IL-6.

RESULTS

Pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly increased the frequency of SPREADs. Notably, differentiated pHBE cells display increased SPREAD frequency that coincides with airway epithelial barrier breakdown. SPREADs correlate with IL-6 peptide secretion and localized pSTAT3. Hydrocortisone, inhibitors of receptor signaling, and suppression of metabolic function decreased SPREAD occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Pro-inflammatory cytokines modulate SPREADs in human airway epithelial cells via both secreted EGFR and IL6R ligands. SPREADs correlate with changes in epithelial barrier permeability, implying a role for spatiotemporal ERK signaling in barrier homeostasis and dysfunction during inflammation. The involvement of SPREADs in airway inflammation suggests a novel signaling mechanism that could be exploited clinically to supplement corticosteroid treatment for asthma and COPD.

Brief Summary

Combining live-cell ERK biosensors with multiple human airway epithelial models, we demonstrate that pro-inflammatory cytokines cause spatiotemporally organized ERK signaling events called “SPREADs”, correlating with conditions that disrupt epithelial barrier function. Additionally, common anti-inflammatory treatments tocilizumab, gefitinib, and hydrocortisone suppress cytokine-induced SPREADs. These findings suggest that localized ERK signaling coordinates the innate immune response via spatially restricted cytokine release and regulation of airway barrier permeability.
Spore germination: Two ion channels are better than one
Authors: Eichenberger Patrick
Published: February 2024

Germination is the process by which spores emerge from dormancy. Although spores can remain dormant for decades, the study of germination is an active field of research. In this issue ofGenes & Development, Gao and colleagues (pp. 31–45) address a perplexing question: How can a dormant spore initiate germination in response to environmental cues? Three distinct complexes are involved: GerA, a germinant-gated ion channel; 5AF/FigP, a second ion channel required for amplification; and SpoVA, a channel for dipicolinic acid (DPA). DPA release is followed by rehydration of the spore core, thus allowing the resumption of metabolic activity.
Cabibbo suppressed hyperon production off nuclei induced by antineutrinos
Authors: Benitez Galan M. , Alvarez-Ruso L. , Rafi Alam M. , Ruiz Simo I. , Vicente Vacas M. J.
Published: February 2024

In this work, we study the production of Σ and Λ hyperons in strangeness-changing ΔS=−1 charged-current interactions of muon antineutrinos on nuclear targets. At the nucleon level, besides quasielastic scattering, we consider the inelastic mechanism in which a pion is produced alongside the hyperon. Its relevance for antineutrinos with energies below 2 GeV is conveyed in integrated and differential cross sections. We observe that the distributions on the angle between the hyperon and the final lepton are clearly different for quasielastic and inelastic processes. Hyperon final-state interactions, modeled with an intranuclear cascade, lead to a significant transfer from primary produced Σ’s into final Λ’s. They also cause considerable energy loss, which is apparent in hyperon energy distributions. We have investigated

Λ

production off Ar40 in the conditions of the recently reported MicroBooNE measurement. We find that the Λπ contribution, dominated by Σ*(1385) excitation, accounts for about one third of the cross section.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Correlation functions in stable first-order relativistic hydrodynamics
Authors: Abbasi Navid , Davody Ali , Tahery Sara
Published: February 2024

First-order relativistic conformal hydrodynamics in a general (hydrodynamic) frame is characterized by a shear viscosity coefficient and two UV-regulator parameters. Within a certain range of these parameters, the equilibrium is stable and propagation is causal. In this work we study the correlation functions of fluctuations in this theory. We first compute hydrodynamic correlation functions in the linear response regime. Then we use the linear response results to explore the analytical structure of response functions beyond the linear response. A method is developed to numerically calculate the branch-cut structure from the well-known Landau equations. We apply our method to the shear channel and find the branch cuts of a certain response function, without computing the response function itself. We then solve the Landau equations analytically and find the threshold singularities of the same response function. Using these results, we achieve the leading singularity in momentum space, by which, we find the long-time tail of the correlation function. The results turn out to be in complete agreement with the loop calculations in effective field theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Radiation from an oscillating dipole in the presence of photon-sector
CPT
and Lorentz violation
Authors: O’Connor Joshua , Altschul Brett
Published: February 2024

We examine one of the standard loci for studying electromagnetic wave emission—the radiation from an oscillating electric dipole—in a model in which the electromagnetic sector is modified to include novel CPT- and Lorentz-violating propagation effects involving a preferred axial vector background. We evaluate the vacuum-birefringent radiation fields, including nonperturbative terms where appropriate. In general, the energy momentum carried by the fields in this model is known to have a complicated nonperturbative structure, which cannot be captured by naive power-series expansions in the components of the preferred background vector. However, we nevertheless find that at the lowest nontrivial orders, there are actually no modifications to the Larmor expressions for the energy-momentum emission.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Search for baryon and lepton number violating decays
D→pℓ
Authors: Maity S. , Garg R. , Bahinipati S. , Bhardwaj V. , Aihara H. , Al Said S. , Asner D. M. , Atmacan H. , Aushev T. , Ayad R. , Babu V. , Banerjee Sw. , Bauer M. , Bennett J. , Bessner M. , Biswas D. , Bobrov A. , Bodrov D. , Bonvicini G. , Borah J. , Bračko M. , Branchini P. , Budano A. , Campajola M. , Červenkov D. , Chang M.-C. , Chang P. , Chilikin K. , Cho H. E. , Cho K. , Cho S.-J. , Choi S.-K. , Choi Y. , Choudhury S. , Das S. , Dash N. , De Pietro G. , Dhamija R. , Di Capua F. , Dingfelder J. , Dong T. V. , Ecker P. , Epifanov D. , Ferber T. , Fulsom B. G. , Gaur V. , Giri A. , Goldenzweig P. , Graziani E. , Gu T. , Gudkova K. , Hadjivasiliou C. , Hayasaka K. , Hayashii H. , Hazra S. , Hou W.-S. , Hsu C.-L. , Inami K. , Ipsita N. , Ishikawa A. , Itoh R. , Iwasaki M. , Jacobs W. W. , Jin Y. , Kalita D. , Kiesling C. , Kim C. H. , Kim D. Y. , Kinoshita K. , Kodyš P. , Korobov A. , Korpar S. , Križan P. , Krokovny P. , Kumar M. , Kumar R. , Kumara K. , Kuzmin A. , Kwon Y.-J. , Lam T. , Lee S. C. , Levit D. , Li L. K. , Li Y. , Li Y. B. , Li Gioi L. , Lieret K. , Liventsev D. , Masuda M. , Matsuda T. , Matvienko D. , Maurya S. K. , Meier F. , Merola M. , Metzner F. , Mizuk R. , Mohanty G. B. , Mussa R. , Nakao M. , Narwal D. , Natochii A. , Nayak L. , Nishida S. , Ogawa S. , Ono H. , Oskin P. , Pakhlova G. , Pardi S. , Park H. , Park J. , Park S.-H. , Passeri A. , Patra S. , Paul S. , Pedlar T. K. , Pestotnik R. , Piilonen L. E. , Podobnik T. , Prell S. , Prencipe E. , Prim M. T. , Rout N. , Russo G. , Sakai Y. , Sandilya S. , Santelj L. , Savinov V. , Schnell G. , Schwanda C. , Seino Y. , Senyo K. , Shan W. , Sharma C. , Shiu J.-G. , Solovieva E. , Starič M. , Sumihama M. , Takizawa M. , Tanida K. , Tenchini F. , Trabelsi K. , Uchida M. , Uglov T. , Unno Y. , Uno S. , Urquijo P. , Usov Y. , Varvell K. E. , Wang E. , Wang M.-Z. , Watanuki S. , Wiechczynski J. , Xu X. , Yabsley B. D. , Yan W. , Yang S. B. , Yin J. H. , Yuan L. , Zhang Z. P. , Zhilich V. , Zhukova V. ,   Belle Collaboration
Published: February 2024

We search for the baryon and lepton number violating charm decays, D→pℓ, where D is either a D0 or a D¯0 and ℓ is a muon or an electron, using a data sample of 921  fb−1 collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy

e

+

e

−

collider. In the absence of significant signals, we set upper limits on the branching fractions in the range (5–8)×10−7 at a 90% confidence level, depending on the decay mode.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring constraints in integrating indoor environmental quality (IEQ) into building designs: a case of Nigerian quantity surveying firms
Authors: Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Aliu John , Agbaje Doyin Helen , Ebekozien Andrew , Aghimien Douglas Omoregie , Leo-Olagbaye Feyisetan , Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the primary constraints that quantity surveying firms in Nigeria encounter while integrating indoor environmental quality (IEQ) principles into building designs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative approach by administering a well-structured questionnaire to 114 quantity surveyors. The collected data were analyzed using methods such as frequencies, percentages, mean item scores, Kruskal–Wallis test and exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

The top five ranked constraints were limited access to funding or financing options, limited availability of green materials, limited availability of insurance for sustainable buildings, limited availability of sustainable design resources and limited diversity and inclusivity within the design profession. Based on the factor analysis, the study identified six clusters of constraints: structural-related constraints, technical-related constraints, financial-related constraints, capacity-related constraints, legal-related constraints and culture-related constraints.

Practical implications

This study has several practical implications for quantity surveying firms, policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in building design and construction in Nigeria. The findings of this study can also inform future research on the integration of IEQ principles into building designs.

Originality/value

By identifying and structuring the clusters of constraints faced by quantity surveying firms in Nigeria when implementing IEQ principles, this study provides a novel approach to understanding the challenges associated with IEQ implementation in the building sector. This understanding can guide policymakers, industry stakeholders and quantity surveying firms in developing effective strategies to overcome these constraints and promote IEQ principles in building design and construction.
Virtually authentic: examining the match-up hypothesis between human vs virtual influencers and product types
Authors: Liu Fanjue , Lee Yu-Hao
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the rising trend of virtual influencers – digitally created characters with human-like attributes. It aims to evaluate and compare their effectiveness with human influencers in terms of brand attitudes and purchase intentions. It uncovers the mechanisms underlying the differences in effectiveness observed between virtual influencers and their human counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a 2 (influencer type: human vs virtual) × 3 (product type: functional vs symbolic vs experiential) between-subjects design. Through a pilot study (n= 334) and a main study (n= 352), the research examines the interactive effects of influencer and product type on brand attitude and purchase intentions. Hypotheses were developed and tested using moderating mediation models centered on authenticity and product–endorser fit.

Findings

Virtual influencers are perceived as less authentic than human influencers across all product types, negatively influencing brand attitude and purchase intention. However, the extent to which influencer type affects brand attitudes and purchase intentions, mediated by product–endorser fit, varies based on the product type.

Originality/value

This research emphasizes two key mechanisms – authenticity and product–endorser fit – influencing the effectiveness of virtual influencers. It suggests that aligning virtual influencers with suitable product types can offset their perceived authenticity deficit, significantly affecting their endorsement effectiveness.
Subsidising Extraction: Care at Work in Zambia's Copper Mines
Authors: Lochery Emma , McNamara Thomas , Musonda James
Published: February 2024

This article explores the ambivalence of care and its role in sustaining capitalist extraction in Zambia's copper mines. Based on ethnographic research within mines and their encompassing communities, the article documents the caring practices of mineworkers and attempts of trade unionists and managerial staff to counsel and support mineworkers as they navigate exploitative employment conditions. These acts of care are often unacknowledged or trivialised by corporate discourses and top company management. Yet, they are pivotal in maintaining and repairing fragile labour relations and, thereby, production. The article explores the way acts of care support workers but, at the same time, reassert the power of the company and the inevitability of exploitation. Following the deconstruction of paternalist welfare systems in the mining sector, neoliberal investments are buttressed by these caring practices and the wider set of relationships they mobilise within the labour force and the broader community. These acts of care thus subsidise the extraction of Zambia's mineral resources.
Nocturnal hypoxaemia is common in adults with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Chang Ada , Wilson Samuel R. , Morris Sherri , Wichlan David , LeVarge Barbara L. , Little Jane Alison
Published: February 2024

The symptoms and sequelae of sickle cell anaemia (SCA) are caused by the polymerization of deoxygenated sickle haemoglobin, and people with SCA may be uniquely susceptible to adverse outcomes from hypoxia and haemoglobin desaturation. We examined by oximetry adults (aged 18–45 years) with SCA presenting symptoms indicative of polysomnography, at a single institution, irrespective of treatment, for nocturnal hypoxaemia. Clinical labs and blood for in vitro assessments were taken upon enrolment and after 8–12 weeks of oxygen therapy or observation. Of 21 screened participants, nine (43%) had sufficient nocturnal hypoxaemia to warrant oxygen therapy (≥5 min at SpO2 ≤ 88%). Time spent at SpO2 ≤ 88% associated with age (p = 0.0092), annual hospitalizations (p = 0.0018) and anaemia (p = 0.0139), as well as plasma levels of TNFα (p = 0.0019) and IL‐4 (p = 0.0147). Longitudinal analysis showed that WBC significantly decreased during the follow‐up period in hypoxic individuals but not in non‐hypoxic individuals (p = 0.0361 and p = 0.6969 respectively). Plasma levels of CCL2 and IL‐1ra tended to increase, while levels of red blood cell reactive oxygen species tended to decrease with oxygen therapy. Overall, nocturnal hypoxaemia was common in this pilot study population and associated with plausible clinical comorbidities; oxygen therapy may decrease inflammation and oxidative damage in hypoxic individuals.
Evidence of tapeworm treatment failure on a Central Kentucky Thoroughbred farm
Authors: Finnerty Constance A. , Bonometti Susana , Ripley Nichol E. , Smith Mackenzie A. , Nielsen Martin K.
Published: February 2024

Background

Equine anoplocephalid cestodes are tapeworms that occur worldwide in horses and are known to cause pathological manifestations and clinical disease within the digestive system of horses.

Objective

While these clinical manifestations and the efficacy of currently available anthelmintics against equine tapeworms have been well documented, a recent study has demonstrated treatment failure of praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate, suggesting resistance; however, this has not been heavily investigated.

Study design

This case study examined 24 Thoroughbred yearlings on one Kentucky Thoroughbred horse farm to investigate the elimination of tapeworm eggs after administration of routine anticestodal anthelmintics after confirmation of positive faecal egg counts.

Methods

The Mini‐FLOTAC faecal egg counting method was used to count anoplocephalid eggs in yearlings treated with pyrantel pamoate paste (13.2 mg base/kg), moxidectin‐praziquantel (0.4 and 2.5 mg/kg) and ivermectin‐praziquantel (0.2 and 1 mg/kg) over a 6‐month period in 2022.

Results

Data demonstrated that tapeworm egg shedding persisted post‐deworming with all three anthelmintic products. Out of the 24 Thoroughbred enrolled, 11/24 (45.8%) had persistent infections in the month of March and 3/24 (12.5%) had persistent infections in April after deworming with ivermectin‐praziquantel. With moxidectin‐praziquantel, 2/24 (8.3%) remained egg count positive. For pyrantel pamoate, 3/24 (12.5%) were detected with tapeworm eggs post‐treatment. During July and August, selected yearlings had faecal sampling done before and 2 weeks post‐deworming with moxidectin‐praziquantel. For July 1/6 (16.7%) horses had tapeworm eggs both before and after deworming, and one additional horse was positive in the post‐treatment sample only. For the August treatment, 4/14 (28.6%) were egg count positive both before and after deworming, with one additional horse being positive in the post‐treatment sample only.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated evidence of anthelmintic treatment failure against equine tapeworms by means of regular faecal egg count monitoring. Veterinarians should be aware of this development and implement strategies to monitor anticestodal treatment success.
The mind–skin connection: A narrative review exploring the link between inflammatory skin diseases and psychological stress
Authors: Biazus Soares G. , Mahmoud O. , Yosipovitch G. , Mochizuki H.
Published: February 2024

Inflammatory skin diseases are known to negatively impact patient psychology, with individuals experiencing higher rates of stress and subsequent diminished quality of life, as well as mental health issues including anxiety and depression. Moreover, increased psychological stress has been found to exacerbate existing inflammatory skin diseases. The association between inflammatory skin diseases and psychological stress is a timely topic, and a framework to better understand the relationship between the two that integrates available literature is needed. In this narrative review article, we discuss potential neurobiological mechanisms behind psychological stress due to inflammatory skin diseases, focusing mainly on proinflammatory cytokines in the circulating system (the brain‐gut‐skin communications) and the default mode network in the brain. We also discuss potential descending pathways from the brain that lead to aggravation of inflammatory skin diseases due to psychological stress, including the central and peripheral hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axes, peripheral nerves and the skin barrier function.
I spy: Factors influencing the observation of oxytetracycline in calcified structures of fishes viewed using standard light and fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Pfennig Meredith B. , Crane Derek P. , Smith Nate G. , Buckmeier Dave L.
Published: February 2024

The antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) is a fluorochrome marker, and fluorescence microscopy is used to view OTC marks in fishes' calcified structures. However, OTC marks have been observed in calcified structures using standard light microscopy for multiple species. Therefore, we conducted an experiment to investigate potential factors (i.e., season, total length of fish, growth rate, and sex) influencing the observation of OTC in calcified structures (otoliths and fin rays or spines) from channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, gray redhorse Moxostoma congestum, Guadalupe bass Mircopterus treculii, and redbreast sunfish Lepomis auritus viewed using standard light and fluorescence microscopy. OTC stains were not observed in any otoliths under standard light; however, OTC marks were commonly observed in I. punctatus spines using standard light microscopy (56.2%). Ninety‐nine percent of otoliths and 88.9% of spines and fin rays had a visible fluorescent OTC mark when viewed using fluorescence microscopy. There was a negative relationship between the observed OTC mark and total length of fish for each season, but fish injected in the summer had the most structures with an observed OTC mark under either light condition. Understanding how OTC marking is affected by biological processes and environmental conditions will assist in future studies that rely on chemical marking of calcified structures by increasing efficacy of OTC marking and interpretation of marks.
Modeling the inactivation kinetics of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase during the cold plasma treatment of kiwifruit juice
Authors: Kumar Sitesh , Pipliya Sunil , Srivastav Prem Prakash , Srivastava Brijesh
Published: February 2024

Cold Plasma (CP) is an emerging non‐thermal technology that preserves and decontaminates food. Kiwifruit juice spoilage enzymes polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) were studied at 24‐36 kV, 2‐10 mm juice depth, and 2‐10 min treatment time using log‐linear, Weibull distribution, and logistic models. The Weibull and logistic model explained enzyme inactivation kinetics well based on goodness of fit (Coefficient of determination: 0.97‐0.99 & root mean square error: 0.11‐2.15) and validation indices (accuracy factor: 1‐1.06 and bias factor: 0.96‐1.04). The logistic model suited PPO and POD inactivation curves well, with the least Akaike weight in 71.29% and 61.45%, respectively. POD had a half‐maximal activity of 11.37, 5.22, and 3.60 min at 24 kV, 30 kV, and 36 kV at 6 mm juice depth, compared to 8.71, 4.41, and 2.51 min for PPO. This shows that POD is more CP‐resistant than PPO, making its inactivation in kiwifruit juice crucial.

Practical Application

Kinetic modeling helps to comprehend the fundamental process and is suitable for improving the inactivation process and enhancing its efficacy. As a relatively primary method, mathematical models facilitate a greater comprehension of the mechanism and factors influencing the inactivation processes. This study involves the inactivation of PPO and POD to produce a stable kiwifruit juice. The inactivation of PPO and POD enzymes will prevent the undesirable enzymatic browning of juice. The kinetic data related to enzyme inactivation will help in deciding the process parameters like plasma voltage, juice depth, and treatment time for producing enzymatically stable kiwifruit juice.
Incidence and risk factors for developing chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain in 500 cancer patients: A file‐based observational study
Authors: Argyriou Andreas A. , Bruna Jordi , Kalofonou Foteini , Velasco Roser , Litsardopoulos Pantelis , Alemany Montse , Anastopoulou Garifallia G. , Kalofonos Haralabos P.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To define the incidence and risk factors for developing chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain (CINP).

Methods

Retrospective, file‐based analysis on cancer patients who received any type of conventional chemotherapy and for whom neurological evaluation was asked to reveal the extent of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) with or without CINP. CINP was assessed by means of the PI‐NRS and Douleur Neuropathique‐4 questionnaire. The total neuropathy score‐clinical version graded the severity of CIPN.

Results

The medical files of 500 chemotherapy‐treated cancer patients were reviewed. Any grade chronic CIPN was disclosed in 343 (68.6%) patients and CINP in 127 (37%) of them, corresponding to an overall percentage of 25.4% among all 500 included patients. The logistic regression analysis identified as independent predictors for CINP development the presence of uncomplicated diabetes (OR: 2.17; p = .039) and grade 2–3 chronic CIPN (OR: 1.61; p < .001) as also the administration of combined paclitaxel plus cisplatin (reference variable), compared to oxaliplatin (OR: 0.18; p = .001) and taxanes (OR: 0.16; p < .001). The increased severity of acute OXAIPN was associated with CINP (OR: 4.51; p < .001). OXA‐treated patients with persistent CINP presented a worst likelihood to improve after chemotherapy discontinuation, than patients receiving combined paclitaxel plus cisplatin (OR: 50; p < .001).

Conclusion

The incidence of CINP in our cohort was comparable to previous reports, with severities fluctuating upwards during chemotherapy and declined post‐chemotherapy. Uncomplicated diabetes, the combined paclitaxel plus cisplatin treatment and the increased severity of acute oxaliplatin neurotoxicity mostly increase the risk for developing CINP. OXA‐treated patients present less possibilities to recover from CINP after chemotherapy discontinuation, than other chemotherapies.
Floating‐Harbor syndrome and provision of dental treatment: A case report of the dental considerations
Authors: Saeed Khadeeja Ayyaz , Alsayer Fatimah
Published: February 2024

Floating‐Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare genetic syndrome with limited cases reported in the medical literature. It is an autosomal dominant condition with affected individuals carrying a pathogenic variant of the SRCAP gene. FHS cases show individuals having consistent facial features and differing levels of intellectual disability, which can affect their ability to receive different anaesthetic modalities and have capacity to consent for dental treatment. This case report focuses on the clinical management of a young adult with FHS requiring dental care with different treatment modifications tailored to the patient's individual needs. Further research and awareness of this syndrome is required to fully understand its consistent oral findings and varying intellectual abilities, to ensure appropriate and timely treatment provision.

MeSH: dentistry, Floating–Harbor syndrome (FHS), SRCAP gene, clinical management
Los costos de inmunoglobulina intravenosa son más altos para indicaciones off-label en un hospital de alta complejidad en Colombia
Authors: Correa-González Néstor F. , Díaz-Cortés Diana , Muñoz Velandia Oscar Mauricio
Published: February 2024

Introducción: La prescripción de un medicamento aprobado por las agencias reguladoras certifica que los beneficios superan los riesgos de su administración. La inmunoglobulina humana intravenosa (IVIg) se ha aprobado solo para algunas indicaciones, pero su uso se ha extendido a otras no aprobadas. Objetivo: Analizar el uso y los costos derivados del tratamiento con IVIg en una institución de alta complejidad en Bogotá (Colombia). Metodología: Estudio de utilización de medicamentos, descriptivo, observacional, de corte transversal. Se determinó el patrón, los determinantes de uso y los costos del tratamiento con IVIg, comparando las indicaciones aprobadas y no aprobadas por las agencias reguladoras. Resultados: Se incluyeron 66 pacientes a quienes se les había prescrito IVIg. Las indicaciones aprobadas más frecuentes fueron síndrome de Guillain-Barré (50 %) y púrpura trombocitopénica inmune (22,7 %). Diez pacientes recibieron IVIg para indicaciones no aprobadas, entre ellas la polimiositis/dermatopolimiositis (10,6 %). Se registraron 156 prescripciones individuales de IVIg, de las cuales 45 correspondían a indicaciones no aprobadas. El costo de las administraciones no aprobadas fue más alto comparado con las aprobadas ($16 713 213 vs. $8 383 855; p < 0,001). Se detectaron una reacción adversa seria (bradicardia) y tres no serias (cefalea). Conclusión: Aproximadamente un tercio de las administraciones de IVIg se da por fuera de las indicaciones aprobadas por las agencias reguladoras. Los costos de las indicaciones no aprobadas de IVIg son significativamente más altos. Se requiere una armonización entre las diferentes agencias, así como investigación y consensos para el uso de IVIg sobre todo en indicaciones no aprobadas.
Toxicidad en el adulto mayor desde la perspectiva de oncogeriatría y los cuidados paliativos. Parte 1
Authors: Nieto González Manuel Alejandro , Osorio Osorio Marcela Andrea , Coca León David José , Heredia Ramírez Rodrigo Alberto , Russi Noguera Yuli Andrea , Pinilla Paola Andrea , Pinilla Aldana Thalia Lorena , Méndez Rodríguez Laura María  , Molina Reyes Santiago Andrés , Gnecco Patarroyo Daniela
Published: February 2024

El cáncer es una enfermedad crónica no transmisible, cuya prevalencia va en aumento debido al envejecimiento poblacional. Aproximadamente, el 50 % de los diagnósticos nuevos de cáncer ocurren en población mayor de 65 años. Se ha identificado la edad como factor de riesgo para cáncer. Dada la evidencia limitada frente a esquemas de tratamiento respecto a quimioterapia, radioterapia e inmunoterapia en el adulto mayor, se han evidenciado desenlaces adversos derivados de la toxicidad en sistemas como tegumentario, cardiovascular, renal o neurológico, que repercuten en la adherencia al tratamiento y la calidad de vida de los pacientes. En esta primera publicación de la serie de dos para los médicos no oncólogos se tiene como objetivo describir de forma puntual los diversos tipos de toxicidad, para brindar herramientas de detección temprana de síntomas asociados con toxicidad.
Vivencias del paciente estandarizado en población LGBTI y víctimas de violencia sexual: un estudio de grupo focal
Authors: Aguiar Martinez Leonar Giovanni , Diaz-Amado Eduardo , Castellanos-Ochoa María Eugenia , Guerra-Murillo Maria Juliana , Pulido-Antolínez Valentina , Perilla-Orduz Antonia , Zapata Monsalve Brunilda Del Socorro , Moreno Luna Isabel Del Socorro , Escobar Munevar Jorge Mario
Published: February 2024

Introducción: La educación en salud basada en simulación con pacientes estandarizados (PE) en es una herramienta de aprendizaje y desarrollo de competencias tanto clínicas como de comunicación. Los actores que interpretan PE asumen riesgos psicológicos al interpretar a estos pacientes vulnerables con alta carga emocional. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia vivida por los actores (como PE) en las jornadas de simulación interpretando casos de víctimas de violencia sexual y población LGBTI donde fueron atendidos por profesionales de salud del Distrito de Bogotá. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo de tipo fenomenológico sobre la experiencia de actores que se desempeñaron como PE en los casos descritos, y desde la perspectiva del paciente interpretado y desde la del actor, se realizó un grupo focal con los actores de las jornadas. Resultados: Se identificaron actitudes negativas hacia las pacientes derivadas de prejuicios, falta de empatía, evitación, entre otros. Desde la perspectiva de los actores, se generó importante afectación emocional; así mismo, la carga emocional y las repeticiones influyeron en que a los actores les costará más desligarse de los roles, y se afectaran sus actividades diarias. Conclusiones: Se evidenció la necesidad de la simulación con PE para sensibilizar al personal de salud. La alta carga emocional y la cercanía de los casos a los actores sugiere la necesidad de acompañamiento psicológico.
Effects of Vane Trailing Edge Deterioration on Flow Phenomena: A CFD Simulation of Broken Scenarios
Authors: Thammachote Benyapa , Premyothin Jitlada , Tanpradit Ditthaphat , Wongsatanawarid Atikorn , Dipasquale Daniele , Prapamonthon Prasert
Published: February 2024

To achieve high thermal and propulsive efficiencies from an aircraft powerplant using an air-breathing system, the turbine inlet temperature (TIT), a critical design-limit variable, must rise. However, the increment of the TIT is limited by the survivability of the turbine material. Beyond the safety zone of the material, the operation can end in failure. For this reason, the turbine nozzle guide vane (NGV) is a critical component of gas turbine engines because it must operate in hot gas environments. Due to the constraints of effective cooling and the thinnest possible shape of the trailing edge (TE), this region can be suddenly or gradually deteriorated by cracks when the turbine is in long-term operation. This situation can have a seriously negative effect on the engine’s performance because the flow field and heat phenomena are different from the usual conditions. Therefore, the problem of vane TE damage is very challenging, and sustainable solutions require a thorough understanding of flow physics and heat transfer mechanisms. A three-dimensional CFD simulation with the SST k-ω turbulence model is used in this work to investigate flow phenomena at the vane trailing edge while subjected to damage effects. The profile of the Mark II vane is used to create vane boundaries in the computational domain. The computational mesh is generated by ICEM and 18 layers are added to the vane surface to capture the flow in the boundary layer. The minimum quality of the mesh is 0.2 and y+ is less than 4.5. The FLUENT software is used as the solver, with second order upwind discretization. Under the compressible flow model, air is used as the burned gas. Broken scenarios in both the streamwise and spanwise directions are presented in a very simplistic manner, with a short, shallow cutback expanding into a long, deep one, namely, 0.1 cm × 1 cm to 0.3 cm × 3 cm. The convergence of the numerical results is considered by the residual of the governing equations. Boundary conditions are set to be the same as experimental data reported by NASA so that numerical results in terms of the pressure distribution along the vane midspan can be validated. The results predicted by the SST k-w turbulence model can provide an acceptable agreement with the experiment. For subsequent simulations, numerical results involving turbulent flow, such as turbulent viscosity, turbulent kinetic energy, vorticity, and streamlines, are compared, and discussed. The findings show that vane TE damage has a significant impact on fluid in motion, particularly the phenomenon of turbulent viscosity. This suggests that heat convection is disrupted.
Combustion of Hydrogen and Natural Gas at Elevated Air Temperature Using 3D Printed Burner
Authors: Murugan Raju , M. V. R. Suresh , Chauhan Rahul Singh , Alemela Reddy
Published: February 2024

Hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel that produces only water vapor when combusted, making it a highly attractive option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic sources with potentially near-zero greenhouse gas emissions. However, combustion associated with hydrogen for industrial heating applications poses some serious challenges in terms of flame stability and high flashback propensity due to its highly reactive nature. At the same time the burner hardware is also expected to be fuel flexible (with varying LHV), i.e., to be able to operate with different blends of LPG/NG and H2. This demands a bit complex geometry to mix the fuel and air in an efficient way (fuel nozzle sizing) and at the same time to mitigate the flash back risk and introduce complex cooling schemes. Towards this, advanced additive manufacturing techniques (3D printing) open the doors to manufacture highly complex systems and facilitate the scaling of complex systems. 3D printing is an additive process, where material is only used where it is needed. Thus, it leads to reduced material wastage and more sustainable manufacturing practices.

This experimental study aims to determine the operating margins of a fuel flexible 3D printed burner, that is designed to burn different fuel blends up to 100% hydrogen. Following thorough Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses, the burner was designed for and produced through additive manufacturing technology (3D printing). As a first validation and demonstration, tests were carried at atmospheric pressure test conditions, using natural gas (NG) and hydrogen (H2) up to 250 (kW) of thermal power and air preheating up to 500°C.

The results demonstrated the burner capabilities in terms of low emissions (below 3 ppm) low pressure drop (below 2.5%) in a broad operating window (flame temperatures up to 1850K), relevant for gas turbine and other industrial heating system applications. The first tests with the 3D printed burner, with integrated fuel injection and cooling concept system showed encouraging results in terms of flash back resistance and at the same time meeting low pressure drop system compared to the conventional swirl stabilized flames.
Data Synthesis Through Deep Generative Models and its Effectiveness in Improving Defect Inspection Models
Authors: Kulkarni Ninad , Gupta Rahul , Kalyan Vijayasri , Bhate Ujwal
Published: February 2024

Recent advances in Deep Generative Models (DGM) have demonstrated their remarkable ability to synthesize highly realistic images. This work examines the effectiveness of DGM produced synthetic images in the context of training AI models for visual asset inspection, which is plagued by a host of challenges including limited data volumes, extremely imbalanced datasets owing to rarely occurring defects, poor quality and consistency of images, spiraling costs and time for data labeling, to name a few. This paper presents an approach to using DGMs, specifically Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) models, to create synthetic images containing defects and damage. The objective of the approach goes beyond generating good quality images and extends to synthesizing a distribution of images with a variety of defect features without significantly altering the object structure.

The paper concludes by discussing multiple metrics to assess the effectiveness of such synthetic data in training downstream asset inspection models and presents the results of multiple experiments on real-world data.
Testing and Modeling of Generalized K-Omega Turbulence Model and Validation on Highly Efficient Centrifugal Compressor (HECC)
Authors: Ranjan Shivani , Kumar Shailesh , Qizar Mohammed , Mansour Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

The paper outlines the CFD study carried out on the Highly Efficient Centrifugal Compressor (HECC) consisting of three blade rows which are an Impeller (main blade/splitter blade), a Diffuser (main/splitter vane) and a Deswirl. The commercial Ansys CFX 2021R2 CFD package has been used for its numerical simulation with a major focus on turbulence modeling to predict the highly complex flow field dominated by three-dimensional, viscous, and unsteady mechanisms in centrifugal compressors. The steady-state CFD calculations were performed to assess the generalized k-omega turbulence model and capture the lessons learned along with the limitations and inconsistencies of the turbulence model. The quantitative and qualitative aero performance results are discussed and validated against the available experimental data. It has been observed that the obtained results are in good agreement with the experimental data over the characteristic curve from the choke to the stall side.