bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of confinement on the phase behavior of propane in nanoporous media: an experimental study probing capillary condensation, evaporation, and hysteresis at varying pore sizes and temperatures
Authors: Alloush Rami M. , Sharma Keerti Vardhan , Piri Mohammad
Published: December 2023

The phase behavior and properties of propane under confinement is investigated using nanoporous media and the effects of pore size and temperature are probed.
Improved stable flux and antifouling properties of a PSF gravity-driven membrane by blending with hydrophilic functionalized mesoporous silicon
Authors: Wang Haidong , Wang Haoyu , Cheng Li , Lu Xiaofei , Li Rundong , Ma Jun , Ma Fang
Published: December 2023

Improved stable flux and antifouling properties of PSF gravity-driven membrane by blending with hydrophilic functionalized mesporous silicon.
Synthesis of polyoxometalate-pillared Zn–Cr layered double hydroxides for photocatalytic CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation
Authors: Zhao Xiaotong , Jiang Haoyang , Xiao Yongcheng , Zhong Miao
Published: December 2023

This study explores polyoxometalate (POM)-pillared Zn–Cr layered double hydroxides (LDHs) photocatalysts for CO2 reduction and H2O oxidation. Specifically, the LDH pillared with SiW12O404− shows promoted photocatalytic performance.
Current harmonic suppression strategy for permanent magnet synchronous motor based on small phase angle resonant controller
Authors: Xie Fang , Xu Jinhu , Shen Mengyuan , Zheng Ziang
Published: December 2023

In this study, a small phase angle resonant controller (SPARC) is designed to suppress the current harmonics in a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). First, the analytical model of the PMSM is established. Second, a SPARC is designed to improve the problem of the overly large phase angle of the resonant controller at the resonant frequency. Third, the frequency error caused by the SPARC discretisation is compensated online. Finally, an experimental platform is built for the PMSM harmonic suppression, and the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method are verified through a comparison with the method of motor control using quasi‐resonant controller.
A novel refined maintenance strategy for full life cycle of high‐speed automatic train protection system
Authors: Kang Renwei , Pang Yanzhi , Cheng Jianfeng , Xu Peng , Chen Jianqiu , Zhang Kaiyuan
Published: December 2023

Automatic train protection (ATP) system is essential for ensuring the safe operation of high‐speed trains. However, the existing extensive and fixed maintenance mode of the ATP system results in a waste of resources. To achieve a state of operation and maintenance that ensures both protection capability and economic efficiency, a lean method in a dynamic maintenance mode for the full life cycle of the ATP system is proposed. Firstly, reliability tests are carried out based on historical failure data. The parameter values of the possible life distribution are estimated by maximum likelihood method, and the optimal life distribution of different devices is obtained through the Kolmogorov–Smirnov hypothesis test. Secondly, a dynamic failure rate function is introduced to describe the impact of maintenance on device performance. A refined maintenance model is then established within the life cycle, and the dynamically changing preventive maintenance intervals and frequencies are obtained using a genetic algorithm. Finally, to mitigate the impact of the intermittent operation of ATP system on maintenance, the multidimensional relationships among the maintenance strategy, service time and operation mileage are revealed. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through an example test on a type of driver machine interface device.
Stochastic operation model for readiness assessment of small wind turbines based on Markov theory
Authors: Zalewska‐Lesiak Justyna , Małachowski Jerzy , Szkutnik‐Rogoż Joanna
Published: December 2023

Wind energy is now one of the most important alternative sources of renewable energy. The development of wind power generation is a prerequisite to meet environmental and sustainable development requirements while achieving energy security goals. The condition for the effectiveness of the proper operation of a wind power plant is its ability to perform the intended functions, which can be expressed by the coefficient of technical readiness. This article presents an original analysis of the readiness of small wind turbines. As part of the research, an original stochastic operation model was developed based on the application of the Markov process theory. Based on the collected data, a 3‐state phase space of the studied process was identified. Various analyses were carried out to calculate the operating coefficients of wind power plants. The ergodic (boundary) probabilities were calculated using three methods. The conditional probabilities were then determined based on the initial distribution. The resulting readiness factors, not exceeding 30%, indicate the low operational efficiency of the small wind turbines in question. Furthermore, an analysis of the sensitivity of the performance factors was carried out for the analysed objects.
Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow (PNIF) for Nasal Breathing Evaluation
Authors: Xavier Rui
Published: December 2023

Measuring nasal airflow and nasal breathing has been a major goal of rhinology. Many objective methods for measuring nasal airflow or nasal airway resistance or dimensions provide valuable data but are time-consuming and require expensive equipment and trained technicians, thus making these methods less practical for clinical practice. Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurement is fast, unexpensive, noninvasive, and able to provide an objective evaluation of nasal airflow in real-time. Unilateral PNIF measurements allow separated evaluation of each side of the nasal airway and may prove particularly useful when clinical assessment detects significant asymmetry between both nasal cavities.

PNIF measurements are most useful for assessing changes in nasal airflow achieved by any form of therapy, including surgical treatment of the nasal airway. These measurements generally correlate with other objective methods for nasal airway evaluation, but not unequivocally with patient-reported evaluation of nasal breathing. Nevertheless, as low PNIF values prevent the sensation of a suitable nasal breathing, PNIF measurement may also prove useful to optimize the decision of how to best address patients with complaints of nasal airway obstruction.
Suspected Myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination among South Korean Adolescents
Authors: Kim Mi Jin , Kim Jin Hee , Jun Hyun Ok , Kim Kyung Min , Jeung Min Sub , Park Jun Sung
Published: December 2023

Objective Since vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been initiated, rare cases of COVID-19 mRNA vaccination-associated myocarditis (VAM) have been reported worldwide. This study aimed to report the short-term outcomes and the clinical presentation of VAM in South Korean adolescents.

Methods In this prospective multicenter study across five tertiary hospitals in South Korea, patients aged 12 to 17 years with symptoms of VAM were included from October 18, 2021, to April 30, 2022. We performed laboratory tests, electrocardiography, chest radiography, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies on these patients.

Results A total of 14 patients were diagnosed with VAM during the study period. The median age of the patients was 15.2 years (interquartile range [IQR], 14.6–15.9) and 11 patients (78.6%) were male. All patients had received a messenger RNA Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The median latent period from vaccination to symptom onset was 1 (range, 0–8; IQR, 0.8–3.5) day. Chest pain was the most common symptom (11/14, 78.6%), and the median duration of symptoms was 1 week. Except for one patient (7.1%) who was admitted to intensive care unit, most patients (13/14, 93.8%) had a minor and short clinical course without an intensive treatment including an immune modulator.

Conclusion VAM in South Korean adolescents had self-limiting clinical courses as reported by previous studies. Despite the small number of cases, our findings, consistent with previous studies, revealed that East Asian adolescents might have a similar or even milder clinical course than adolescents of other ethnicities.
Comparison of Clinical, Laboratory Parameters, and Outcome of COVID-19-Positive and Negative Neonates Delivered from COVID-19-Positive Mothers
Authors: Singh Preeti , Kumar Ankur , Mehta Anita , Chauhan Mudit
Published: December 2023

Objective Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a highly contagious respiratory viral infection that affects all individuals, although neonates are considered to be the most susceptible populations; therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcome and association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive mothers and newborns.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a dedicated COVID-19 tertiary care hospital in India over a period of 1 year. The pregnant mothers infected with COVID-19 virus were enrolled with their newborn baby up to the age of 28 days. COVID-19 test was done by using a rapid antigen kit and further confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results Prevalence of COVID-19-positive newborns born of COVID-19-positive mothers is reported at 8.4%. Female:male ratio was found to be 1:1.2. Raised D-dimer (88.9%) and C-reactive protein (88.9%) were the most common findings in COVID-19-positive newborns followed by leucopenia (33.3%). Among the COVID-19 newborns, Apgar score less than or equal to 7 and respiratory distress were found in 55.6 and 33.3%, respectively. Out of 9 COVID-19-positive newborns, two (22.2%) were expired, and out of 98 COVID-19-negative newborns, 4(4.1%) were expired.

Conclusion This study revealed that severity of maternal symptoms is related to mortality of newborns. About 22.2% COVID-19-positive newborns expired, whereas 4.1% of COVID-19-negative newborns expired so risk of mortality increased among COVID-19-positive neonates as compared with negative ones. However, this study was conducted on a small sample size and further research with larger populations is needed to validate these findings.
Reshaping neuroimmunology: diagnosis and treatment in the era of precision medicine
Authors: dos Passos Giordani Rodrigues , Adoni Tarso , Mendes Maria Fernanda , Sato Douglas Kazutoshi
Published: December 2023

Precision medicine has revolutionized the field of neuroimmunology, with innovative approaches that characterize diseases based on their biology, deeper understanding of the factors leading to heterogeneity within the same disease, development of targeted therapies, and strategies to tailor therapies to each patient. This review explores the impact of precision medicine on various neuroimmunological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), optic neuritis, autoimmune encephalitis, and immune-mediated neuropathies. We discuss advances in disease subtyping, recognition of novel entities, promising biomarkers, and the development of more selective monoclonal antibodies and cutting-edge synthetic cell-based immunotherapies in neuroimmunological disorders. In addition, we analyze the challenges related to affordability and equity in the implementation of these emerging technologies, especially in situations with limited resources.
Gonadotropins in the Management of Couple Infertility: Toward the Rational Use of an Empirical Therapy
Authors: Romeo Marilina , Donno Valeria , Spaggiari Giorgia , Granata Antonio R.M. , Simoni Manuela , La Marca Antonio , Santi Daniele
Published: December 2023

Although epidemiology shows that both men and woman can experience infertility, the female partner usually experiences most of the diagnostic and therapeutic burden. Thus, management of couple infertility is a unique example of gender inequality. The use of exogenous gonadotropins in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to induce multifollicular growth is well consolidated in women, but the same is not done with the same level of confidence and purpose in infertile men. Indeed, the treatment of idiopathic male infertility is based on an empirical approach that involves administration of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in dosages within the replacement therapy range. This treatment has so far been attempted when the endogenous FSH serum levels are within the reference ranges. According to the most recent evidence, a “substitutive” FSH administration may not be effective enough, while a stimulatory approach could boost spermatogenesis over its basal levels without adverse extragonadal effects. This article aims to describe the rationale behind the empirical application of gonadotropins in couple infertility, highlighting the need for a change in the therapeutic approach, especially for the male partner.
Deaf children, home language environments, and reciprocal–contingent family interactions
Authors: Ocuto Oscar L
Published: December 2023

Engaged communication between mother and a child in their early developmental stages is one of the predictors of children’s development of higher-order thinking skills. For deaf children, this engaged communication between mother and child hinges on the home language environment (HLE) being fully accessible to the child. This research uses agogical phenomenology in exploring the lived experiences of participants’ HLE where sign language is used, with particular focus on the opportunities for extended discourse. Data were collected via semistructured interviews with the deaf children and their parents and observations in the HLEs of five signing families with at least one deaf child in the southwestern United States. The aim of this study was to document and provide insights into how language use in deaf children’s HLE can impact their knowledge development; these insights uncovered the essence of reciprocal and contingent family interactions as a central aspect of the deaf child’s HLE. It is hoped that the qualitative phenomenological findings will frame subsequent quantitative investigations of the variability in language access to home language components.
Divergent gametic thermal performance and floral warming across an elevation gradient
Authors: Heiling Jacob M , Koski Matthew H
Published: December 2023

Thermal environments vary widely across species ranges, establishing the potential for local adaptation of thermal performance optima and tolerance. In the absence of local adaptation, selection should favor mechanisms to meet thermal optima. Floral temperature is a major determinant of reproductive success in angiosperms, yet whether gametic thermal performance shows signatures of local adaptation across temperature gradients, and how variation in gametic thermal performance influences floral evolution, is unknown. We characterized flowering season temperatures for the forb, Argentina anserina, at extremes of a 1000 m elevation gradient and generated thermal performance curves for pollen and ovule performance in populations at each extreme. Thermal optima fell between mean and maximum intrafloral temperatures. However, cooler high-elevation populations had ~4 °C greater pollen thermal optima than warmer low-elevation populations, while tolerance breadths did not differ. We then tested whether plants at elevational extremes differentially warmed the floral microenvironment. High-elevation flowers warmed significantly more than low, bringing intrafloral temperatures nearer the pollen optima. A manipulative experiment demonstrated that stronger warming in high elevation was conferred by floral tissues. Elevational divergence in floral warming may be driven, in part, by selection on flowers to meet different thermal demands of the gametophytes.
Ectopic Expression of C-Type Lectin Mincle Renders Mice Susceptible to Staphylococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Hollwedel Femke D , Maus Regina , Stolper Jennifer , Iwai Satoru , Kasai Hayato , Holtfreter Silva , Pich Andreas , Neubert Lavinia , Welte Tobias , Yamasaki Sho , Maus Ulrich A
Published: December 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is a prevalent pathogen in pneumonia and harbors glycolipids, which may serve as molecular patterns in Mincle (macrophage-inducible C-type lectin)–dependent pathogen recognition. We examined the role of Mincle in lung defense against S aureus in wild-type (WT), Mincle knockout (KO), and Mincle transgenic (tg) mice. Two glycolipids, glucosyl-diacylglycerol (Glc-DAG) and diglucosyl-diacylglycerol (Glc2-DAG), were purified, of which only Glc-DAG triggered Mincle reporter cell activation and professional phagocyte responses. Proteomic profiling revealed that Glc2-DAG blocked Glc-DAG–induced cytokine responses, thereby acting as inhibitor of Glc-DAG/Mincle signaling. WT mice responded to S aureus with a similar lung pathology as Mincle KO mice, most likely due to Glc2-DAG–dependent inhibition of Glc-DAG/Mincle signaling. In contrast, ectopic Mincle expression caused severe lung pathology in S aureus–infected mice, characterized by bacterial outgrowth and fatal pneumonia. Collectively, Glc2-DAG inhibits Glc-DAG/Mincle–dependent responses in WT mice, whereas sustained Mincle expression overrides Glc2-DAG–mediated inhibitory effects, conferring increased host susceptibility to S aureus.
Clinical, microbiological and genomic characterization of Gram-negative bacteria with dual carbapenemases as identified by rapid molecular testing
Authors: Mushtaq Ammara , Alburquerque Bremy , Chung Marilyn , Fabre Shelcie , Sullivan Mitchell J , Nowak Michael , Sordillo Emilia M , Polanco Jose , van Bakel Harm , Gitman Melissa R
Published: December 2023

Objective

Dual carbapenemase-producing organisms (DCPOs) are an emerging threat that expands the spectrum of antimicrobial resistance. There is limited literature on the clinical and genetic epidemiology of DCPOs.

Methods

DCPO isolates were identified by Xpert® Carba-R PCR testing of routine diagnostic cultures performed from 2018 to 2021 at a New York City health system. WGS was performed by Illumina and/or PacBio. Medical records of patients were reviewed for clinical and epidemiological data.

Results

Twenty-six DCPO isolates were obtained from 13 patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 22) was most frequent, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 2), Escherichia coli (n = 1) and Enterobacter cloacae (n = 1). The most common DCPO combination was blaNDM/blaOXA-48-like (n = 16). Notably, 1.05% (24/2290) of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales isolates were identified as DCPOs. The susceptibility profiles matched the identified resistance genes, except for a K. pneumoniae (blaKPC/blaOXA-48-like) isolate that was phenotypically susceptible to meropenem. Eleven patients were hospitalized within the year prior to admission, and received antibiotic(s) 1 month prior. Seven patients were originally from outside the USA. Hypertension, kidney disease and diabetes were frequent comorbidities. Death in two cases was attributed to DCPO infection. WGS of eight isolates showed that carbapenemases were located on distinct plasmids, except for one K. pneumoniae isolate where NDM and KPC carbapenemases were located on a single IncC-type plasmid backbone.

Conclusions

Here we characterized a series of DCPOs from New York City. Foreign travel, prior hospitalization, antibiotic usage and comorbidities were common among DCPO cases. All carbapenemases were encoded on plasmids, which may facilitate horizontal transfer.
French healthcare students and antibiotics: are they ready to promote their appropriate use?
Authors: Slekovec Céline , Lepiller Quentin , Anxionnat Raphaël , Mouillet Sophie , Ferreira David , Guillaume Agnès , Kubicki Alexandre , Le Bourvellec Lara , Maitre Doriane , Meurisse Aurélia , August Miguel Joseph , Bertrand Xavier , Moulin Thierry , Bouiller Kevin , Nerich Virginie
Published: December 2023

Objectives

French healthcare students are required to carry out primary prevention interventions as part of the Healthcare Service by Healthcare Students (HSHS). The purpose of this study was to explore students’ perceptions of preparedness to address the public’s concerns about antibiotic use and how their perceptions changed after implementing their intervention.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent twice during the 2020–2021 academic year to 920 multidisciplinary healthcare students (nursing, medicine, physiotherapy, pharmacy and midwifery students) enrolled in the HSHS in Franche-Comté (HSHS-FC).

Results

This study included 870/920 students (94.6%). Medical and pharmacy students were the most concerned about the issue of antimicrobial resistance. Before enrollment in the HSHS-FC, 463 of the 870 students included (53.2%) reported having sufficient knowledge about antibiotics to lead preventive interventions, reaching 87.9% (58/66) for pharmacy students. Despite this relative lack of knowledge, 77.2% of students felt confident to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics in the healthcare service context. This rate ranged from 68.0% (17/25) for midwifery students to 93.9% (62/66) for pharmacy students. Irrespective of the topic of the intervention, students significantly improved their knowledge and ability to promote antibiotic use after training in the HSHS-FC.

Conclusions

Theoretical prerequisites and a feeling of concern vary widely depending on the curriculum. The HSHS-FC promotes multidisciplinary collaboration and can contribute to improving students’ knowledge. The support of an expert in antimicrobial resistance may be necessary to validate the content of the interventions proposed by the students.
Optically thick structure in early B-type supergiant stellar winds at low metallicities
Authors: Parsons Timothy N , Prinja Raman K , Bernini-Peron Matheus , Fullerton Alex W , Massa Derck L , Oskinova Lidia M , Pauli Daniel , Rickard Matthew J , Sander Andreas A C
Published: December 2023

Accurate determination of mass-loss rates from massive stars is important to understand stellar and galactic evolution and enrichment of the interstellar medium. Large-scale structure and variability in stellar winds have significant effects on mass-loss rates. Time-series observations provide direct quantification of such variability. Observations of this nature are available for some Galactic early supergiant stars but not yet for stars in lower metallicity environments such as the Magellanic Clouds. We utilize ultraviolet spectra from the Hubble Space Telescope ULLYSES program to demonstrate that the presence of structure in stellar winds of supergiant stars at low metallicities may be discerned from single-epoch spectra. We find evidence that, for given stellar luminosities and mean stellar wind optical depths, structure is more prevalent at higher metallicities. We confirm, at Large Magellanic Cloud (0.5 Z⊙), Small Magellanic Cloud (0.2 Z⊙), and lower (0.14–0.1 Z⊙) metallicities, earlier Galactic results that there does not appear to be correlation between the degree of structure in stellar winds of massive stars and stellar effective temperature. Similar lack of correlation is found with regard to terminal velocity of stellar winds. Additional and revised values for radial velocities of stars and terminal velocities of stellar winds are presented. Direct evidence of temporal variability, on time-scales of several days, in stellar wind at low metallicity is found. We illustrate that narrow absorption components in wind-formed profiles of Galactic OB stellar spectra remain common in early B supergiant spectra at low metallicities, providing means for better constraining hot, massive star mass-loss rates.
The chaotic four-body problem in Newtonian gravity – II. An ansatz-based approach to analytical solutions
Authors: Barrera Retamal Carlos M , Leigh Nathan W C , Stone Nicholas C
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we continue our analysis of the chaotic four-body problem and our study of binary–binary interactions in star clusters. We present a general ansatz-based analytical treatment using statistical mechanics, where each outcome of the four-body problem is regarded as some variation of the three-body problem. For example, when two single stars are produced (the 2 + 1 + 1 outcome), each ejection event is modelled as its own three-body interaction by assuming that the ejections are well separated in time. This is a generalization of the approach adopted in Paper I, based on the density-of-states formalism. There are three possible outcomes for the four-body problem with negative total energies: 2 + 2, 2 + 1 + 1, and 3 + 1. For each outcome, we apply an ansatz-based approach to deriving analytical distribution functions that describe the properties of the products of chaotic four-body interactions involving point particles. To test our theoretical distributions, we perform a set of scattering simulations in the equal-mass point-particle limit using FEWBODY, where we vary the initial ratio of binary semimajor axes. We compare our final theoretical distributions to the simulations for each particular scenario, finding consistently good agreement between the two. The highlights of our results include that binary–binary scatterings act to systematically destroy binaries producing instead a binary and two ejected stars (when the initial binary semimajor axes are similar) or a stable triple (when the initial semimajor axes are very different). The 2 + 2 outcome produces the widest binaries, and the 2 + 1 + 1 outcome produces the most compact binaries.
Optimizing the gravitational tree algorithm for many-core processors
Authors: Tokuue Tomoyuki , Ishiyama Tomoaki
Published: December 2023

Gravitational N-body simulations calculate numerous interactions between particles. The tree algorithm reduces these calculations by constructing a hierarchical oct-tree structure and approximating gravitational forces on particles. Over the last three decades, the tree algorithm has been extensively used in large-scale simulations, and its parallelization in distributed memory environments has been well studied. However, recent supercomputers are equipped with many CPU cores per node, and optimizations of the tree construction in shared memory environments are becoming crucial. We propose a novel tree construction method in contrast to the conventional top-down approach. It first creates all leaf cells without traversing the tree and then constructs the remaining cells by a bottom-up approach. We evaluated the performance of our novel method on the supercomputer Fugaku and an Intel machine. On a single thread, our method accelerates one of the most time-consuming processes of the conventional tree construction method by a factor of above 3.0 on Fugaku and 2.2 on the Intel machine. Furthermore, as the number of threads increases, our parallel tree construction time reduces considerably. Compared to the conventional sequential tree construction method, we achieve a speed up of over 45 on 48 threads of Fugaku and more than 56 on 112 threads of the Intel machine. In stark contrast to the conventional method, the tree construction with our method no longer constitutes a bottleneck in the tree algorithm, even when using many threads.
Transmission Bottleneck Size Estimation from De Novo Viral Genetic Variation
Authors: Shi Yike Teresa , Harris Jeremy D , Martin Michael A , Koelle Katia
Published: December 2023

Sequencing of viral infections has become increasingly common over the last decade. Deep sequencing data in particular have proven useful in characterizing the roles that genetic drift and natural selection play in shaping within-host viral populations. They have also been used to estimate transmission bottleneck sizes from identified donor–recipient pairs. These bottleneck sizes quantify the number of viral particles that establish genetic lineages in the recipient host and are important to estimate due to their impact on viral evolution. Current approaches for estimating bottleneck sizes exclusively consider the subset of viral sites that are observed as polymorphic in the donor individual. However, these approaches have the potential to substantially underestimate true transmission bottleneck sizes. Here, we present a new statistical approach for instead estimating bottleneck sizes using patterns of viral genetic variation that arise de novo within a recipient individual. Specifically, our approach makes use of the number of clonal viral variants observed in a transmission pair, defined as the number of viral sites that are monomorphic in both the donor and the recipient but carry different alleles. We first test our approach on a simulated dataset and then apply it to both influenza A virus sequence data and SARS-CoV-2 sequence data from identified transmission pairs. Our results confirm the existence of extremely tight transmission bottlenecks for these 2 respiratory viruses.
Research progress on the association between trimethylamine/trimethylamine-N-oxide and neurological disorders
Authors: Xie Lizheng , Pan Li , Liu Baiyun , Cheng Hongwei , Mao Xiang
Published: December 2023

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a common intestinal metabolite. The Choline in the nutrient forms TMA under the action of the gut microbiota, which passes through the liver and eventually forms TMAO. Initial studies of TMAO focused on cardiovascular disease, but as research progressed, TAMO's effects were found to be multisystem and closely related to the development of neurological diseases. Intestinal tract is the organ with the largest concentration of bacteria in human body, and the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota affect human health. As a two-way communication axis connecting the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, the brain-gut axis provides the structural basis for TMAO to play its role. This article will review the correlation between TMA/TMAO and neurological diseases in order to find new directions and new targets for the treatment of neurological diseases.
Development and Evaluation of a Cognitive Battery for People With Schizophrenia in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreegziabhere Yohannes , Habatmu Kassahun , Cella Matteo , Alem Atalay
Published: December 2023

Background and Hypothesis

Cognitive difficulties significantly burdened people with schizophrenia (PWS). However, cognitive assessment is often unavailable in low- and middle-income counties (LMICs) due to a lack of validated and culturally adapted cognitive assessment tools. In this study, we developed and evaluated a culturally sensitive cognitive battery for PWS in Ethiopia.

Study Design

This study was conducted in three phases. First, we selected appropriate tests through an instrument selection procedure and created a new battery. Then, we rigorously adapted the tests using culturally competent procedures, including cognitive interviewing and expert meetings. Finally, we tested the new battery in 208 PWS and 208 controls. We evaluated its psychometric properties using advanced statistical techniques, including Item Response Theory (IRT).

Study Results

The Ethiopian Cognitive Assessment battery for Schizophrenia (ECAS) was developed from three different batteries. Participants reported tests were easy to complete, and the raters found them easy to administer. All tests had good inter-rater reliability, and the composite score had very high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.91). One-factor structure better represented the data with excellent internal consistency (α = .81). ECAS significantly differentiated PWS from controls with 77% sensitivity and 62% specificity at a Z-score ≤0.12 cut-off value. IRT analysis suggested that the battery functions best among moderately impaired participants (difficulty between −0.06 and 0.66).

Conclusions

ECAS is a practical, tolerable, reliable, and valid assessment of cognition. ECAS can supplement current assessment tools in LAMICs for PWS and can be used to measure cognitive intervention outcomes.
Adaptation and validation of the Chinese version of the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale–Short Form in a sample of Chinese women
Authors: Wu Chanchan , Choi Edmond Pui Hang , Chau Pui Hing , Štulhofer Aleksandar
Published: December 2023

Background

Existing research on sexual satisfaction has been carried out primarily in Western samples, lacking insights from less sexually permissive cultures such as China, particularly in the case of heterosexual and sexual minority women.

Aim

This study aimed to culturally adapt and validate the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale–Short Form (NSSS-S) in a sample of Chinese women with diverse sexual identities.

Methods

The standard forward-backward translation procedure and cognitive debriefing were conducted to translate the NSSS-S into Mandarin Chinese (NSSS-SC). The psychometric properties of the NSSS-SC were assessed in this cross-sectional survey.

Outcomes

The primary outcome measure was the NSSS-S. The World Health Organization Quality of Life–Abbreviated Form, the Positive Sexuality Scale, the Female Sexual Function Index, and a single-item measure of sexual satisfaction were used to test the measure’s validity.

Results

A total of 336 Chinese women were recruited, with an average age of 26.82 years (SD, 6.03; range, 18-56). The 1-dimensional model had a good fit to the data and was invariant across 2 sexual identity groups (cisgender heterosexual and sexual minority women) and age. The NSSS-SC had good reliability; no significant floor and ceiling effects were observed. We found moderate to strong correlations between the NSSS-SC scores and the sexual satisfaction, sexual function, positive sexuality, and quality-of-life indicators. On average, cisgender heterosexual women were characterized by higher sexual satisfaction scores when compared with sexual minority women.

Clinical Translation

The NSSS-SC can be used as a reliable and culturally appropriate measure of sexual satisfaction in women of different ages and sexual identities, which could be used in future sex-related surveys.

Strengths and Limitations

This study is the first to translate the NSSS-S into Chinese and validate the NSSS-SC in a sample of Chinese women with varied sexual identities. However, this study recruited only female participants; future studies should also validate the NSSS-SC in Chinese men.

Conclusion

The NSSS-SC is linguistically equivalent to the original scale and has solid psychometric properties, which can be used to assess sexual satisfaction levels in diverse samples of Chinese women.
Trends in engagement with cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain conditions after referral
Authors: Kozel Giovanni , Leary Owen P , Losee Yasemin , Ma Kevin L , Carayannopoulos Alexios G , Morris Julie , McLaughlin Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain (CBT-CP) is an important evidence-based non-pharmacologic treatment for chronic back and neck pain that is frequently recommended as a component of multidisciplinary treatment. However, the success of CBP-CP’s implementation in clinical settings is affected by a variety of poorly understood obstacles to patient engagement with CBT-CP. Expanding upon the limited prior research conducted in heterogeneous practice settings, this study examines patterns of treatment initiation for CBT-CP at an interdisciplinary, hospital-based chronic pain practice and conducts exploratory comparisons between groups of patients who did and did not engage in CBT-CP after receiving a referral. Patients’ descriptive data, including pain severity, work status, prior therapy, and behavioral health questionnaire scores at intake visit, were obtained through a retrospective chart review of electronic medical records. Data were then analyzed using inter-group comparisons and logistic regression modeling to determine factors that predicted treatment initiation for CBT-CP. On multivariate analysis, we found that patient’s depression level as measured by their Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) score was solely predictive of treatment initiation, as chronic pain patients with a higher level of depression were found to be more likely to attend their recommended appointments of CBT-CP. Anxiety score as measured by GAD-7, work status, pain scores, and prior therapy engagement were not independently predictive. No single “profile” of patient-level factors was found to delineate patients who did and did not initiate CBT-CP, demonstrating the limitations of clinical variables as predictors of uptake.
Analysis of Histomorphologic/Molecular Association and Immune Checkpoint Regulators in Epithelioid Glioblastoma and Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma: Are These Tumors Potential Candidates for Immune Checkpoint Blockade?
Authors: Mahajan Swati , Singh Jyotsna , Dandapath Iman , Jha Prerana , Chaturvedi Sujata , Ahuja Arvind , Bhardwaj Minakshi , Saran Ravindra , Garg Ajay , Sharma Mehar C. , Manjunath Niveditha , Suri Ashish , sarkar Chitra , Suri Vaishali
Published: December 2023

Accurate diagnosis of Epithelioid glioblastoma (eGB) and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is sometimes challenging owing to overlapping histologic and genetic features. There are limited reports on the immune profile of these tumors. In this study, we assessed 21 PXA [15 PXA Grade 2 (PXAG2); 6 PXA Grade 3 (PXAG3)] and 14 eGB for their histopathological and molecular association. Further, their immune profile was compared with GB, IDH1 wild-type (wt) (n-18). Morphologically, PXAG2 mostly differed from eGB; however, it was occasionally difficult to differentiate PXAG3 from eGB due to their epithelioid pattern and less obvious degenerative features. PXAG2 showed predominantly diffuse, whereas variable positivity for epithelial and glial markers was seen in PXAG3 and eGB. All cases showed retained nuclear ATRX and INI-1. H3K27M or IDH1 mutation was seen in none. P53 mutation was more common in eGB, followed by PXAG3, and least common in PXAG2. BRAF V600E mutation was observed in 66.67% PXAG2, 33.33% PXAG3, and 50% eGB, with 100% concordance between immunohistochemistry (IHC) and sequencing. Thirty-six percent eGB, 33% PXAG3, and 61% PXAG2 harbored CDKN2A homozygous deletion. EGFR amplification was observed in 14% eGB and 66% of GB, IDH wt. PDL1 and CTLA-4 expression was higher in eGB (71.4% and 57.1%), PXAG3 (66.6% and100%), and PXAG2 (60% & 66.7%) as compared with GB, IDH wt (38.8% and 16.7%). Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes were also observed in a majority of eGB and PXA (90% to 100%) in contrast to GB, IDH wt (66%). This analysis highlights the homogenous molecular and immune profile of eGB and PXA, suggesting the possibility that histologically and molecularly, these two entities represent 2 ends of a continuous spectrum with PXAG3 lying in between. Higher upregulation of PDL1, CTLA-4, and increased tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in these tumors as compared with GB, IDH wt suggests potential candidature for immunotherapy.
Clinical Implications of Atrial Fibrillation Provoked by Acetylcholine
Authors: Shibata Keita , Wakabayashi Kohei , Ikeda Naoko , Ishinaga Tomoyuki , Kusakabe Yuta , Asakawa Masaki , Aizawa Naoki , Shimazu Suguru , Furuya Takahiro , Nakamura Yuya , Sato Chisato , Nishikura Tenjin , Shiigai Masaru , Mutou Mitsunori , Honye Junko , Tanno Kaoru
Published: December 2023

Background

The coronary spasm provocation test using acetylcholine (ACh) is useful for diagnosing vasospastic angina (VSA). Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) during ACh testing is frequent and usually transient. However, the clinical implications of PAF provoked by ACh is unknown. Deterioration of the left atrial (LA) reservoir strain is associated with new-onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) and fibrosis of the left atrium; additionally, ACh shortens the action potential duration and facilitates AF in the fibrotic atria in the human AF model. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between LA function and occurrence of AF during the ACh test.

Methods

We studied a consecutive cohort of 100 patients (60.1±14.5 years, 39 women) without history of AF who underwent the ACh test in our centers from 2015 to 2022. Echocardiographic data were available for all the patients. PAF was defined as lasting >30 s during the ACh test. Based on the occurrence of AF during the ACh test, the patients were divided into two groups: provoked PAF group (n=29) vs. non AF group (n=71). LA function was assessed via two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. Occurrences of spontaneous AF were recorded as clinical events during long-term follow-up.

Results

The observation period was 675 (114.5-1789.5) days, and 65 patients (65%) were tested positive in the ACh test and diagnosed with VSA. LA volume index was similar between provoked PAF and non AF groups (26.9±7.4 mL/m2vs. 27.1±8.5 mL/m2,p=0.89). In contrast, LA reservoir (27.6±5.2% vs. 34.8±6.8%,p<0.001) and conduit (13.4±5.1% vs. 18.4±6.2%,p<0.001) strain were significantly lower in provoked PAF group than in non AF group. The provoked PAF group had a lower LA booster strain (14.1±5.6% vs. 16.4±6.3%,p=0.093) than non AF group. A multiple regression analysis showed that LA reservoir strain was independently associated with the provoked PAF during ACh test (OR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.91,p<0.001). In the provoked PAF group, spontaneous AF occurred in three patients (10.3%), one of whom was treated with pulmonary vein isolation, whereas there were no events of PAF in the non AF group.

Conclusion

The occurrence of PAF during the ACh test suggests dysfunction of left atria and may predict future PAF.
Rapid submillimeter QSM and R2*mapping using interleaved multi-shot 3D-EPI at 7 and 3 Tesla
Authors: Stirnberg Rüdiger , Deistung Andreas , Reichenbach Jürgen R. , Breteler Monique M. B. , Stöcker Tony
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To explore the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) efficiency of interleaved multi-shot 3D-EPI for fast and robust high-resolution whole-brain quantitative susceptibility (QSM) andmapping at 7T and 3T.

Methods

Single- and multi-TE segmented 3D-EPI is combined with conventional CAIPIRINHA undersampling for up to 72-fold effective gradient echo (GRE) imaging acceleration. Across multiple averages, scan parameters are varied (e.g. dual-polarity frequency-encoding) to additionally correct forB0-induced artifacts, geometric distortions and motion retrospectively. A comparison to established GRE protocols is made. Resolutions range from 1.4mm isotropic (1 multi-TE average in 36s) up to 0.4mm isotropic (2 single-TE averages in approximately 6 minutes) with whole-head coverage.

Results

Only 1-4 averages are needed for sufficient SNR with 3D-EPI, depending on resolution and field strength. Fast scanning and small voxels together with retrospective corrections result in substantially reduced image artifacts, which improves susceptibility andmapping. Additionally, much finer details are obtained in susceptibility-weighted image projections through significantly reduced partial voluming.

Conclusion

Using interleaved multi-shot 3D-EPI, single-TE and multi-TE data can readily be acquired 10 times faster than with conventional, accelerated GRE imaging. Even 0.4mm isotropic whole-head QSM within 6 minutes becomes feasible at 7T. At 3T, motion-robust and distortion-free 0.8mm isotropic whole-brain QSM andmapping in less than 7 minutes becomes clinically feasible. Stronger gradient systems may allow for even higher effective acceleration rates through larger EPI factors while maintaining optimal contrast.
Five dominant dimensions of brain aging are identified via deep learning: associations with clinical, lifestyle, and genetic measures
Authors: Yang Zhijian , Wen Junhao , Erus Guray , Govindarajan Sindhuja T. , Melhem Randa , Mamourian Elizabeth , Cui Yuhan , Srinivasan Dhivya , Abdulkadir Ahmed , Parmpi Paraskevi , Wittfeld Katharina , Grabe Hans J. , Bülow Robin , Frenzel Stefan , Tosun Duygu , Bilgel Murat , An Yang , Yi Dahyun , Marcus Daniel S. , LaMontagne Pamela , Benzinger Tammie L.S. , Heckbert Susan R. , Austin Thomas R. , Waldstein Shari R. , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B. , Launer Lenore J. , Sotiras Aristeidis , Espeland Mark A. , Masters Colin L. , Maruff Paul , Fripp Jurgen , Toga Arthur , O’Bryant Sid , Chakravarty Mallar M. , Villeneuve Sylvia , Johnson Sterling C. , Morris John C. , Albert Marilyn S. , Yaffe Kristine , Völzke Henry , Ferrucci Luigi , Bryan Nick R. , Shinohara Russell T. , Fan Yong , Habes Mohamad , Lalousis Paris Alexandros , Koutsouleris Nikolaos , Wolk David A. , Resnick Susan M. , Shou Haochang , Nasrallah Ilya M. , Davatzikos Christos
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Brain aging is a complex process influenced by various lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors, as well as by age-related and often co-existing pathologies. MRI and, more recently, AI methods have been instrumental in understanding the neuroanatomical changes that occur during aging in large and diverse populations. However, the multiplicity and mutual overlap of both pathologic processes and affected brain regions make it difficult to precisely characterize the underlying neurodegenerative profile of an individual from an MRI scan. Herein, we leverage a state-of-the art deep representation learning method, Surreal-GAN, and present both methodological advances and extensive experimental results that allow us to elucidate the heterogeneity of brain aging in a large and diverse cohort of 49,482 individuals from 11 studies. Five dominant patterns of neurodegeneration were identified and quantified for each individual by their respective (herein referred to as) R-indices. Significant associations between R-indices and distinct biomedical, lifestyle, and genetic factors provide insights into the etiology of observed variances. Furthermore, baseline R-indices showed predictive value for disease progression and mortality. These five R-indices contribute to MRI-based precision diagnostics, prognostication, and may inform stratification into clinical trials.
Genetic activation of canonical RNA interference in mice
Authors: Buccheri Valeria , Pasulka Josef , Malik Radek , Loubalova Zuzana , Taborska Eliska , Horvat Filip , Kulmann Marcos Iuri Roos , Jenickova Irena , Prochazka Jan , Sedlacek Radislav , Svoboda Petr
Published: December 2023

Canonical RNA interference (RNAi) is sequence-specific mRNA degradation guided by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) made from double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) by RNase III Dicer. RNAi has different roles including gene regulation, antiviral immunity or defense against transposable elements. In mammals, RNAi is constrained by Dicer, which is adapted to produce microRNAs, another class of small RNAs. However, RNAi exists in mouse oocytes, which employs a truncated Dicer variant. A homozygous mutation to express only the truncated variant (ΔHEL1) causes dysregulation of microRNAs and perinatal lethality in mice. Here, we report the phenotype and RNAi activity in DicerΔHEL1/wt mice, which are viable, show minimal miRNome changes but their endogenous siRNA levels are increased by an order of magnitude. We show that siRNA abundance is limited by available dsRNA but not by PKR, a dsRNA sensor of innate immunity. Expressing dsRNA from a transgene, functional RNAi in vivo was induced in heart. DicerΔHEL1/wt mice thus represent a new model for researching mammalian canonical RNAi in vivo and offer an unprecedented platform for addressing claims about its biological roles.