bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RASopathies and spinal deformities for screening of scoliosis
Authors: Machida Masayoshi , Rocos Brett , Ohashi Hirofumi , Taira Katsuaki , Nemoto Naho , Oikawa Noboru , Kaguchi Ryoma , Nakanishi Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2023

Background

The RASopathies (Noonan syndrome [NS] and Costello syndrome [CS]) are rare disorders. Although these have been characterized, precise delineation of the differences in the spinal deformities associated with RASopathy has not been described. This study characterized the spinal deformities found in NS and CS and describes a strategy for the screening of scoliosis.

Methods

The clinical records and spinal X‐rays of 35 consecutive NS and CS patients were reviewed. Spinal X‐rays were assessed to define the presence and progression of scoliosis. Clinical records were examined to identify the risk factors associated with scoliosis. In addition, we investigated the association between clinical records and scoliosis using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Twenty‐four patients with NS and 11 with CS were included. Nine patients with NS and five with CS showed scoliosis. The mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 12.6 ± 2.4 years in NS and 11.4 ± 2.5 years in CS (p = 0.55), and mean follow‐up period was 4.8 ± 2.6 years and 6.3 ± 2.4 years (p = 0.42), respectively. The coronal angular deformity at final follow‐up was 27.3 ± 8.5° in NS and 19.4 ± 6.9° in CS (p = 0.030) with a mean annual progression of 2.8 ± 1.1° in NS 1.0 ± 1.0° in CS (p = 0.030). Cardiac disease was present in eight out of nine patients with NS with concomitant scoliosis in NS, and significantly more than in CS (p = 0.007). PTPN11 significantly correlated with scoliosis (odds ratio 12.4 0.035, 95% confidence interval: 1.20–128.00).

Conclusions

Spinal deformity in NS is more severe than in CS. This study identified a relationship between PTPN11 and scoliosis. Therefore, PTPN11 can be used for the screening of scoliosis.
Methylprednisolone use in children with severe pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Authors: Ozsurekci Yasemin , Aykac Kubra , Demir Osman Oguz , Ilbay Sare , Kesici Selman , Karakaya Jale , Cengiz Ali Bulent
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and optimal use of corticosteroids in children with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia, for which effective treatment is still lacking with respect to this population.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study and included patients (aged < 18 years) with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who received standard doses (2–4 mg/kg/day) and high doses (>250 mg/day) of methylprednisolone (MPZ). We adjusted for patients on steroid treatments with a propensity score and compared the side effects of different MPZ doses and patient survival.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients were included: 61% were male, the median age was 8, interquartile range (IQR) 2–15) years. The overall survival was 84.4% in patients treated with standard‐dose MPZ (n = 45, 76.3%) and 92.2% in patients treated with high‐dose MPZ (n = 14, 23.7%; p = 0.67). The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data did not differ significantly after propensity score matching, apart from bradycardia, which was a prominent feature of the high‐dose group. The clinical and radiological response rates on day 7 were higher and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) was lower in the high‐dose group.

Conclusion

The patients with high‐dose MPZ had better clinical and radiological responses than those with standard‐dose MPZ, although the mortality rate did not differ between standard and high‐dose regimens of MPZ.
The evolving circle of landscape design
Authors: McQuillan Maximilian , Ryba Ren
Published: August 2023

In landscape design and ecological restoration, humans shape the landscape. In doing so, practitioners express values that are not always stated explicitly. Here, we discuss how the values expressed by landscape designers and ecological scientists have constantly evolved through history and remain contested and re‐negotiated today—a phenomenon we term the “evolving circle of landscape design.” Values inherent in present‐day landscape design and restoration (e.g. biodiversity, climate resilience) may be one transient point among many (e.g. power relations of societies in the past, digital landscapes of societies in the future) on this evolving circle. We believe that a critical, reflective understanding of the values expressed during landscape design and restoration will enable practitioners to choose more freely which values are expressed in landscapes, and that doing so will empower our disciplines to help society meet its present and future challenges.
Predictors of functional impairment and mortality in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Jain Neha , Bansal Ravi , Saxena Sanjiv , Sharma Sourabh , Raju Sree Bhushan
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Numerous factors impact the mortality and functional abilities of patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). We aimed to determine the mortality rate at 1 year of MHD, identify predictors of mortality, and assess functional impairments concerning activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADL (IADL).

Methods

Our study was prospective, observational cohort study that enrolled patients receiving MHD. We collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. We also assessed ADLs and IADLs for daily performance.

Results

Our study included 167 patients with a mean age of 51.6 ± 13.1 years, and 56.9% were male. Of these, 80 (47.9%) were diabetic, and 145 (86.8%) were hypertensive. The mortality rate after 1 year of MHD was 10.8%, and cardiovascular causes accounted for over 70% of total deaths. Sudden cardiac death was the most frequent cause (38.9%), followed by cardiogenic shock (22.2%). Older age and low parathormone levels (<300 pg/mL) were significantly associated with higher mortality rates. Mean ADL and IADL scores were 4.5 ± 1.3 and 6.3 ± 2.7, respectively. Eighteen (10.8%) and 56 (33.5%) patients had low ADL and IADL scores, respectively. Although statistically insignificant, a higher proportion of non‐survivors exhibited low IADL and ADL scores. Older age, longer diabetes duration, and higher BMI levels were significantly associated with lower IADL scores.

Conclusions

Older age and suppressed PTH levels are predictors of mortality in ESRD patients receiving MHD. These patients require regular follow‐ups to rule out cardiovascular morbidity. Functional impairment is prevalent but remains underdiagnosed in MHD patients. It should be monitored regularly to improve quality of life in ESRD.
The inverse association between the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele and C‐reactive protein levels is stronger in persons with obesity and diabetes
Authors: Giil Lasse Melvaer , Hanseth Silja , Bojovic Ognjen , Nordrehaug Jan Erik , Ueland Per Magne , Meyer Klaus , Tell Grethe S.
Published: August 2023

Background

C‐reactive protein (CRP) is lower in patients who carry the apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele variant (APOEε4) of the APOE gene. This could however be explained by other factors observed in APOEε4 carriers, such as lower body mass index (BMI), possibly less diabetes and more use of statins, all associated with CRP concentrations.

Objectives

To assess the association between CRP and APOEε4 stratified by BMI, statin use and diabetes.

Methods

We included 2700 community‐dwelling older adults from the Hordaland health study with genotyping of the APOE gene by a one‐step polymerase chain reaction and CRP measured using immuno‐MALDI‐TOF MS. Differences in CRP concentrations by APOE (ε4 vs no ε4) were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U tests, also stratified by statin use, diabetes and BMI categories. Finally, we performed linear regression with log (CRP) as the outcome and APOEε4 together with statin use, diabetes, BMI and their respective interactions.

Results

CRP was higher in APOEε4 carriers irrespective of BMI, diabetes and statin use. In APOEε4 non‐carriers, CRP was elevated with diabetes and obesity as expected. However, this was attenuated or even reversed in APOEε4 carriers. Such differences were not observed for statin use.

Conclusions

Statin use, obesity or diabetes did not confound the known association between the APOEε4 allele and lower CRP. Our data suggest that CRP is less responsive to inflammatory cues involved in diabetes and obesity in APOEε4 carriers. Epidemiological studies should take note of these relationships, as CRP, APOEε4, diabetes and obesity are both linked to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease.
Competing with precision: incentives for developing predictive biomarker tests
Authors: Brekke Kurt R. , Dalen Dag Morten , Straume Odd Rune
Published: August 2023

We study the incentives of drug producers to develop predictive biomarkers, taking into account strategic interaction between drug producers and health plans. For this purpose, we develop a two‐dimensional spatial framework that allows us to capture the informational role of biomarkers and their effects on price competition and treatment choices. Although biomarkers increase the information available to prescribers, we identify an anticompetitive effect on the prices set by producers of therapeutically substitutable drugs. We also find that better information about each patient's most therapeutically appropriate drug does not necessarily lead to more efficient treatment outcomes.
The long non‐coding RNALINDA restrains cellular collapse following DNA damage in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Herbst Josephine , Nagy Solveig Henriette , Vercauteren Ilse , De Veylder Lieven , Kunze Reinhard
Published: August 2023

The genomic integrity of every organism is endangered by various intrinsic and extrinsic stresses. To maintain genomic integrity, a sophisticated DNA damage response (DDR) network is activated rapidly after DNA damage. Notably, the fundamental DDR mechanisms are conserved in eukaryotes. However, knowledge about many regulatory aspects of the plant DDR is still limited. Important, yet little understood, regulatory factors of the DDR are the long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs). In humans, 13 lncRNAs functioning in DDR have been characterized to date, whereas no such lncRNAs have been characterized in plants yet. By meta‐analysis, we identified the putative long intergenic non‐coding RNA induced by DNA damage (LINDA) that responds strongly to various DNA double‐strand break‐inducing treatments, but not to replication stress induced by mitomycin C. After DNA damage, LINDA is rapidly induced in an ATM‐ and SOG1‐dependent manner. Intriguingly, the transcriptional response of LINDA to DNA damage is similar to that of its flanking hypothetical protein‐encoding gene. Phylogenetic analysis of putative Brassicales and Malvales LINDA homologs indicates that LINDA lncRNAs originate from duplication of a flanking small protein‐encoding gene followed by pseudogenization. We demonstrate that LINDA is not only needed for the regulation of this flanking gene but also fine‐tuning of the DDR after the occurrence of DNA double‐strand breaks. Moreover, Δlinda mutant root stem cells are unable to recover from DNA damage, most likely due to hyper‐induced cell death.
“Why don't you want my poop?” Willing stool donor's experiences of being ineligible to donate intestinal microbiota
Authors: Hyde Melissa K. , Masser Barbara M. , Spears Lianne
Published: August 2023

Background

Blood collection agencies (BCAs) hosting stool (fecal or poo) donor programs report high rates of donor deferral. However, the impact of deferral on willing donors, in terms of personal well‐being and future engagement with BCAs, remains unexplored. Accordingly, we surveyed those attempting to donate intestinal microbiota about their experience of being ineligible.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 196 potential stool donors from Australia's BCA (>90% blood/blood product donors) completed the first stage of eligibility screening and then an online survey once notified of their ineligibility. Respondents reported motives for donating, perceptions of screening and improvements needed, experience of being told they are ineligible, and their feelings about this.

Results

Over 80% of participants were ineligible to donate. Of those ineligible, 58% did not know why they were ineligible resulting in potentially future eligible donors being permanently lost. Motives (>5%) included helping others, being a human substance donor, understanding benefits, curiosity/novelty, and helping science/research. Participants identified they needed clear and timely information during screening and a specific reason for their ineligibility. Participants commonly experienced disappointment, confusion, and calm in response to being ineligible.

Discussion

BCAs need strategies to mitigate the disappointment of ineligible donors, maintain satisfaction with BCAs, and preserve donor identity since many ineligible donors give multiple human substances. BCAs should provide more information about eligibility criteria during early screening stages to reduce disappointment and give personalized information about ineligibility to resolve the confusion. Offering alternative opportunities to give may reduce disappointment and increase ineligible donor engagement.
Evaluación del derecho al trabajo en la política pública de juventud de Santiago de Cali (2008-2023)
Authors: Alegría Rodríguez Alexis
Published: August 2023

Los estudios sobre políticas públicas laborales para jóvenes son de fundamental importancia en un país en desarrollo como Colombia. Este artículo de carácter cualitativo evalúa la política pública de juventud (PPJ) de Santiago de Cali en el ámbito laboral, analizando los programas y proyectos de PPJ propuestos, la pertinencia de los mismos, así como su impacto en la población juvenil. Aquello evidencia que los jóvenes urbanos son un grupo poblacional vulnerable y que deben superar barreras asociadas a problemas de inclusión social, ligadas a altos índices de desempleo causado por la fractura entre el modelo económico, educativo y productivo, fruto del desinterés y falta de voluntad política.
Cable SCARA Robot Controlled by a Neural Network Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Okabe Eduardo , Paiva Victor , Silva-Teixeira Luis H. , Izuka Jaime
Published: August 2023

In this work, three reinforcement learning algorithms (Proximal Policy Optimization, Soft Actor-Critic, and Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient) are employed to control a two link selective compliance articulated robot arm (SCARA) robot. This robot has three cables attached to its end-effector, which creates a triangular shaped workspace. Positioning the end-effector in the workspace is a relatively simple kinematic problem, but moving outside this region, although possible, requires a nonlinear dynamic model and a state-of-the-art controller. To solve this problem in a simple manner, reinforcement learning algorithms are used to find possible trajectories for three targets out of the workspace. Additionally, the SCARA mechanism offers two possible configurations for each end-effector position. The algorithm results are compared in terms of displacement error, velocity, and standard deviation among ten trajectories provided by the trained network. The results indicate the Proximal Policy Algorithm as the most consistent in the analyzed situations. Still, the Soft Actor-Critic presented better solutions, and Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient provided interesting and more unusual trajectories.
New Dynamic Multiwave Solutions of the Fractional Peyrard–Bishop DNA Model
Authors: Tripathy A. , Sahoo S.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we have studied the new solitary wave solutions of the beta-fractional derivative form of the Peyrard–Bishop DNA model (PB-DNAM). These solutions are responsible for analyzing the nonlinear interaction between the adjacent displacements of the DNA strand. To get these solutions, we have applied the generalized Riccati equation expansion method. Under different parametric conditions and fractional values, the obtained solutions show different wave patterns including w-shape, bright, combined dark-bright, periodic wave solutions, bell shape, m-shape, w-shape along with two bright solutions, and m-shape along with two dark solutions. These physical characteristics are analyzed thoroughly by graphical representations. The solutions show the successful application of the proposed method which will be helpful in finding analytical solutions to other nonlinear problems.
An Analytical Method for Sensitivity Analysis of Rigid Multibody System Dynamics Using Projective Geometric Algebra
Authors: Sun Guangzhen , Ding Ye
Published: August 2023

The analytical sensitivity analysis, i.e., the analytical first-order partial derivatives of dynamical equations, is one key to improving descent-based optimization methods for motion planning and control of robots. This paper proposes an efficient algorithm that recursively evaluates the analytic gradient of the dynamical equations of a multibody system. The theory of projective geometric algebra (PGA) is used to generate the algorithm. It provides a systemic and geometrically intuitive interpretation for the multibody system dynamics, and the resulting algorithm is highly efficient, with concise formula. The algorithm is first applied to the open-chain system and extended for the cases when kinematic loops are contained. The runtime varying with respect to the degree-of-freedom (DOF) of the system is analyzed. The results are compared with that obtained from the algorithm based on spatial vector algebra (SVA) using open-source matlab codes. A 2DOF serial robot, a 3DOF robot with a kinematic loop and the PUMA560 robot are used for the validation of the minimum-effort motion planning, and it is verified that the proposed algorithm improves the efficiency.
Experimental Study of Helium Stratification in Multi-Compartment Containment Studies Facility
Authors: Gera Bhuvaneshwar , Sharma Pavan K. , Karanam Aditya , Mishra Shubham , Thangamani I. , Saha Nandan , Dutta Anu , Goyal Priyanshu , Verma Vishnu , Chattopadhyay Jayanta
Published: August 2023

A significant amount of hydrogen may be released inside the containment of water-cooled nuclear power reactor under postulated accident conditions. Its distribution in the multicompartment containment geometry must be known to manage and mitigate the local hydrogen concentration in combustible pockets. An experimental study to characterize the behavior of a lighter gas (helium in place of hydrogen) in a multicompartment containment studies facility (CSF) has been pursued. Helium distribution experiments have been performed in CSF by varying important accident parameters like helium release rate, injection duration, injection area, and injection direction. The experimental studies performed in CSF depict helium stratification in the upper dome region. Stratification in terms of stratification/effective stratification factor has been determined for a range of experiments. The present experimental studies are important for understanding hydrogen distribution characteristics in multicompartment containment geometry and for benchmarking computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes. Based on these studies some important prevailing practices for recombiner placement were endorsed.
Development and Testing of a System Thermal-Hydraulics Model for a 50-MWel-Class Pressurized Water Reactor–Small Modular Reactor
Authors: Wang Shujun , Huang Xianmin , Rao Yanfei , Bromley Blair P.
Published: August 2023

This paper describes the development, analysis, testing of a RELAP5-3D system thermal-hydraulics model for a 50-MWel-class pressurized water reactor–small modular reactor (PWR–SMR), similar to that by NuScale Power. This study focuses on a series of sensitivity tests to investigate the impacts of model changes. Parameters considered in the sensitivity study included the surge line junction resistance (SLJR), steam generator (SG) heat transfer area (SGHTA), SG primary flow area (SGPFA), SG secondary pressure (SGSP), and SG secondary flowrate (SGSF). Results for the reference and sensitivity simulations are compared with available design data. The flow in the primary circuit of the PWR–SMR is driven by natural circulation and can be sensitive to changes in hydraulic resistance and pressure drop in system components. Initial analysis results demonstrated significant flow oscillations. As a result of sensitivity studies, it was found that the surge line junction resistance needed to be increased by increasing the form loss coefficient from 4.9 to 30.0, to reduce mass flow oscillation amplitude to less than ±2%. Modifications to the steam generator heat transfer area, primary flow area, or secondary pressure have very little impact in reducing flow oscillations. However, it was found that the steam generator secondary flowrate will affect primary circuit flow oscillations, and when the SGSF was artificially increased from 68 kg/s (design data) to 91 kg/s (a 36% increase), the oscillations were eliminated, along with better matching with design data for core flowrate and inlet/outlet temperatures. Further improvements to the model for the steam generator will be required.
Investigation on Heat Transfer Distribution of Rotating Two-Pass Smooth and Ribbed Channels Under Aero-Engine Simulated Conditions
Authors: Yao Jiaxu , Zhang Ke , He Wenbin , Lei Jiang , Xu Jin
Published: August 2023

Rotating significantly alters the internal cooling of turbine rotor blades by induced Coriolis force and buoyancy force, whose effects are characterized by the nondimensional rotation number (Ro) and buoyancy parameter (Bo). The present work was carried out in a new experimental rig of rotor blade internal cooling to obtain detailed heat transfer distributions when the three nondimensional criterion numbers (i.e., Re, Ro, and Bo) are similar to aero-engine operating conditions. Smooth and ribbed two-pass internal cooling channels with a 180-deg tip turn are investigated. The hydraulic diameter is 25.4 mm (1 in.), and the aspect ratio is 2:1. The Reynolds number is fixed at 25,000, with the maximum Ro and Bo of 0.316 and 0.272, respectively. The steady-state thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) technique is used to measure detailed heat transfer distributions in the channel. Steady-state RANS simulations are also employed to resolve the flow characteristics. The effects of rotation on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are studied in this paper. The results show effects of rotation on the heat transfer distribution present apparent spatial discrepancy, especially around the bend region. The significant difference in the influence of rotation is witnessed in the smooth and the ribbed channels.
Utilization of Distinct HVAC Operation Modes to Improve Demand Response Flexibility in the Pharmaceutical Industry and Economic Analysis for Optimization by HOMER Software
Authors: Gupta Ankush , Suhag Sathans
Published: August 2023

In the pharmaceutical industry (PMI), the major portion of energy is consumed in heat ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system; therefore, building energy management systems (BEMS) primarily focus on optimizing the energy consumption in HVAC systems. The two operation modes of HVAC, function mode (FM) and non-function mode (NFM), are descriptively explained with their role in improving the flexibility of demanded energy. Both modes are also exposed to hybrid optimization of multiple electric renewables (HOMER) software analysis from an economic perspective. Concerning net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE) constraints, the FM/NFM of HVAC is preferable to the FM. This paper recognizes a comparative evaluation of several demand response (DR) alliances to deliver a comprehensive image of the suitability of DR alliances for different PMIs. Further, the paper also explores an innovative concept in the form of a control algorithm and discusses the relevant challenges and future opportunities. Moreover, the use of renewable energy systems (RESs) for enhancing energy management (EM) flexibility with the economy in the PMI or other industries is emphasized through DR alliances. This review study could be helpful to the PMI in terms of managing energy demand and also incorporating DR as an essential aspect of EM.
Thermal Spreading and Contact Resistance: Fundamentals and Applications
Authors: Muzychka Yuri S. , Yovanovich M. Michael
Published: August 2023

Single source reference on how applying thermal spreading and contact resistance can solve problems across a variety of engineering fields

Thermal Spreading and Contact Resistance: Fundamentals and Applications offers comprehensive coverage of the key information that engineers need to know to understand thermal spreading and contact resistance, including numerous predictive models for determining thermal spreading resistance and contact conductance of mechanical joints and interfaces, plus detailed examples throughout the book.

Written by two of the leading experts in the field, Thermal Spreading and Contact Resistance: Fundamentals and Applications includes information on:

Contact conductance, mass transfer, transport from super-hydrophobic surfaces, droplet/surface phase change problems, and tribology applications such as sliding surfaces and roller bearings

Heat transfer in micro-devices and thermal spreaders, orthotropic systems, and multi-source applications for electronics thermal management applications

Fundamental principles, thermal spreading in isotropic half-space regions, circular flux tubes and disc spreaders, and rectangular flux channels and compound spreaders.
Generative adversarial networks with physical sound field priors
Authors: Karakonstantis Xenofon , Fernandez-Grande Efren
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a deep learning-based approach for the spatiotemporal reconstruction of sound fields using generative adversarial networks. The method utilises a plane wave basis and learns the underlying statistical distributions of pressure in rooms to accurately reconstruct sound fields from a limited number of measurements. The performance of the method is evaluated using two established datasets and compared to state-of-the-art methods. The results show that the model is able to achieve an improved reconstruction performance in terms of accuracy and energy retention, particularly in the high-frequency range and when extrapolating beyond the measurement region. Furthermore, the proposed method can handle a varying number of measurement positions and configurations without sacrificing performance. The results suggest that this approach provides a promising approach to sound field reconstruction using generative models that allow for a physically informed prior to acoustics problems.
Life After the Gridiron: Examining Retired National Football League Athletes’ Self-Presentation Strategies and Follower Engagement on Instagram Personal and Business Pages
Authors: Tamayo Felipe , Brison Natasha T. , Harris Hailey A.
Published: August 2023

As athletes enter a new chapter in their lives retiring from their sport, the challenge of upholding and enhancing personal brands arises. There has been extensive research on athlete brand building via social media; however, there have been few studies analyzing how athletes build their own brands and brand extensions postcareer, particularly former National Football League (NFL) players. Sixteen retired NFL athletes were examined using Goffman’s theory of self-presentation to determine strategies used for building personal brand extensions and obtaining follower engagement via Instagram. Through a content analysis, a total of 2,933 Instagram posts were analyzed, and the findings from this study revealed that former NFL players with fewer followers received higher engagement rates, and retired NFL players made more backstage type of posts on personal pages compared with front-stage posts. Implications, recommendations, and future research suggestions also are discussed within the paper.
Physiological Demands of Exergames in Older Adults—A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kubica Claudia , Dütschler Benjamin , Felder Timo , Querciagrossa Dario , Nigg Claudio R.
Published: August 2023

New approaches are needed to address low physical activity levels among older adults and to promote daily physical activity tailored to their interests and abilities. This study aimed to review the current literature analyzing the physiological demands of exergames in older adults. A systematic database search was conducted in October 2020 and March 2022. A total of 3,540 studies were screened, and 16 were incorporated into the data analysis. The studies included 527 participants, 61% female, with a mean age of 72.3 ± 4.7 years. Analyzed physiological parameters included mean heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, and metabolic equivalents or oxygen uptake. Exergames are capable of offering light- to moderate-intensity activity for older adults (mean heart rate: 108 ± 9.1 bpm; mean rate of perceived exertion: 11.5 ± 1.8; metabolic equivalents: 2.7 ± 0.7). Although implications are positive, high diversity was found in the study design according to intervention duration and assessment of physiological parameters.
Mandatory disclosure would reveal corporate carbon damages
Authors: Greenstone Michael , Leuz Christian , Breuer Patricia
Published: August 2023

Accurate reporting is critical for markets and climate policies
The gut microbiota reprograms intestinal lipid metabolism through long noncoding RNA
Snhg9
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Wang Meng , Chen Jiaxin , Li Yun , Kuang Zheng , Dende Chaitanya , Raj Prithvi , Quinn Gabriella , Hu Zehan , Srinivasan Tarun , Hassell Brian , Ruhn Kelly A. , Behrendt Cassie L. , Liang Tingbo , Dou Xiaobing , Song Zhangfa , Hooper Lora V.
Published: August 2023

The intestinal microbiota regulates mammalian lipid absorption, metabolism, and storage. We report that the microbiota reprograms intestinal lipid metabolism in mice by repressing the expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)
Snhg9
(small nucleolar RNA host gene 9) in small intestinal epithelial cells.
Snhg9
suppressed the activity of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (PPARγ)—a central regulator of lipid metabolism—by dissociating the PPARγ inhibitor sirtuin 1 from cell cycle and apoptosis protein 2 (CCAR2). Forced expression of
Snhg9
in the intestinal epithelium of conventional mice impaired lipid absorption, reduced body fat, and protected against diet-induced obesity. The microbiota repressed
Snhg9
expression through an immune relay encompassing myeloid cells and group 3 innate lymphoid cells. Our findings thus identify an unanticipated role for a lncRNA in microbial control of host metabolism.
Action needed to make carbon offsets from forest conservation work for climate change mitigation
Authors: West Thales A. P. , Wunder Sven , Sills Erin O. , Börner Jan , Rifai Sami W. , Neidermeier Alexandra N. , Frey Gabriel P. , Kontoleon Andreas
Published: August 2023

Carbon offsets from voluntary avoided-deforestation projects are generated on the basis of performance in relation to ex ante deforestation baselines. We examined the effects of 26 such project sites in six countries on three continents using synthetic control methods for causal inference. We found that most projects have not significantly reduced deforestation. For projects that did, reductions were substantially lower than claimed. This reflects differences between the project ex ante baselines and ex post counterfactuals according to observed deforestation in control areas. Methodologies used to construct deforestation baselines for carbon offset interventions need urgent revisions to correctly attribute reduced deforestation to the projects, thus maintaining both incentives for forest conservation and the integrity of global carbon accounting.
Aging impairs the neurovascular interface in the heart
Authors: Wagner Julian U. G. , Tombor Lukas S. , Malacarne Pedro Felipe , Kettenhausen Lisa-Maria , Panthel Josefine , Kujundzic Haris , Manickam Nivethitha , Schmitz Katja , Cipca Maria , Stilz Kathrin A. , Fischer Ariane , Muhly-Reinholz Marion , Abplanalp Wesley T. , John David , Mohanta Sarajo K. , Weber Christian , Habenicht Andreas J. R. , Buchmann Giulia K. , Angendohr Stephan , Amin Ehsan , Scherschel Katharina , Klöcker Nikolaj , Kelm Malte , Schüttler Dominik , Clauss Sebastian , Günther Stefan , Boettger Thomas , Braun Thomas , Bär Christian , Pham Minh-Duc , Krishnan Jaya , Hille Susanne , Müller Oliver J. , Bozoglu Tarik , Kupatt Christian , Nardini Eleonora , Osmanagic-Myers Selma , Meyer Christian , Zeiher Andreas M. , Brandes Ralf P. , Luxán Guillermo , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: August 2023

Aging is a major risk factor for impaired cardiovascular health. Because the aging myocardium is characterized by microcirculatory dysfunction, and because nerves align with vessels, we assessed the impact of aging on the cardiac neurovascular interface. We report that aging reduces nerve density in the ventricle and dysregulates vascular-derived neuroregulatory genes. Aging down-regulates microRNA 145 (miR-145) and derepresses the neurorepulsive factor semaphorin-3A. miR-145 deletion, which increased
Sema3a
expression or endothelial
Sema3a
overexpression, reduced axon density, mimicking the aged-heart phenotype. Removal of senescent cells, which accumulated with chronological age in parallel to the decline in nerve density, rescued age-induced denervation, reversed
Sema3a
expression, preserved heart rate patterns, and reduced electrical instability. These data suggest that senescence-mediated regulation of nerve density contributes to age-associated cardiac dysfunction.
Evidence for a radiation belt around a brown dwarf
Authors: Climent J. B. , Guirado J. C. , Pérez-Torres M. , Marcaide J. M. , Peña-Moñino L.
Published: August 2023

Ultracool dwarfs (UCDs) are a category of astronomical objects that includes brown dwarfs and very-low-mass stars. Radio observations of UCDs have measured their brightness as a function of time (light curves) and spectral energy distributions, providing insight into their magnetic fields. We present spatially resolved radio observations of the brown dwarf LSR J1835+3259 using very-long-baseline interferometry showing extended radio emission. The detected morphology is consistent with the presence of a radiation belt. Comparison with models indicates that the radiation belt contains energetic particles confined by magnetic mirroring. We contend that radio-emitting UCDs have dipole-ordered magnetic fields with radiation belt–like morphologies and aurorae that are similar to those of Jupiter.
The midnolin-proteasome pathway catches proteins for ubiquitination-independent degradation
Authors: Gu Xin , Nardone Christopher , Kamitaki Nolan , Mao Aoyue , Elledge Stephen J. , Greenberg Michael E.
Published: August 2023

Cells use ubiquitin to mark proteins for proteasomal degradation. Although the proteasome also eliminates proteins that are not ubiquitinated, how this occurs mechanistically is unclear. Here, we found that midnolin promoted the destruction of many nuclear proteins, including transcription factors encoded by the immediate-early genes. Diverse stimuli induced midnolin, and its overexpression was sufficient to cause the degradation of its targets by a mechanism that did not require ubiquitination. Instead, midnolin associated with the proteasome via an α helix, used its Catch domain to bind a region within substrates that can form a β strand, and used a ubiquitin-like domain to promote substrate destruction. Thus, midnolin contains three regions that function in concert to target a large set of nuclear proteins to the proteasome for degradation.
Ternary NiMo-Bi liquid alloy catalyst for efficient hydrogen production from methane pyrolysis
Authors: Chen Luning , Song Zhigang , Zhang Shuchen , Chang Chung-Kai , Chuang Yu-Chun , Peng Xinxing , Dun Chaochao , Urban Jeffrey J. , Guo Jinghua , Chen Jeng-Lung , Prendergast David , Salmeron Miquel , Somorjai Gabor A. , Su Ji
Published: August 2023

Methane pyrolysis (MP) is a potential technology for CO
2
-free hydrogen production that generates only solid carbon by-products. However, developing a highly efficient catalyst for stable methane pyrolysis at a moderate temperature has been challenging. We present a new and highly efficient catalyst created by modifying a Ni-Bi liquid alloy with the addition of Mo to produce a ternary NiMo-Bi liquid alloy catalyst (LAC). This catalyst exhibited a considerably low activation energy of 81.2 kilojoules per mole, which enabled MP at temperatures between 450 and 800 Celsius and a hydrogen generation efficiency of 4.05 ml per gram of nickel per minute. At 800 Celsius, the catalyst exhibited 100% H
2
selectivity and 120 hours of stability.
Good vibrations
Authors: George Arlene J. , Abraira Victoria E.
Published: August 2023

The role of a mechanosensitive ion channel in sexual behavior is unveiled
Quasar at cosmic dawn challenges theorists
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: August 2023

Black hole 40 million times the Sun’s mass formed puzzlingly fast
Researchers propose test for AI sentience
Authors: Finkel Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Human consciousness theories inform preliminary checklist for bots
Chemists convert electricity into fuel for living cells
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: August 2023

ATP generated with renewable power could be used to manufacture proteins and medicines
Yersinia
deploys type III-secreted effectors to evade caspase-4 inflammasome activation in human cells
Authors: Zhang Jenna , Brodsky Igor E. , Shin Sunny
Published: August 2023

Yersinia
are Gram-negative zoonotic bacteria that use a type III secretion system (T3SS) to inject
Yersinia
outer proteins into the host cytosol to subvert essential components of innate immune signaling. However,
Yersinia
virulence activities can elicit activation of inflammasomes, which lead to inflammatory cell death and cytokine release to contain infection.
Yersinia
activation and evasion of inflammasomes have been characterized in murine macrophages but remain poorly defined in human cells, particularly intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), a primary site of intestinal
Yersinia
infection. In contrast to murine macrophages, we find that in both human IECs and macrophages,
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
T3SS effectors promote evasion of the caspase-4 inflammasome, which senses cytosolic lipopolysaccharide. The anti-phagocytic YopE and YopH, as well as the translocation regulator YopK, were collectively responsible for evading inflammasome activation, in part by inhibiting
Yersinia
internalization mediated by YadA and β1-integrin signaling. These data provide insight into the mechanisms of
Yersinia-
mediated inflammasome activation and evasion in human cells and reveal species-specific differences underlying the regulation of inflammasome responses to
Yersinia
.

IMPORTANCE

Yersinia
are responsible for significant disease burden in humans, ranging from recurrent disease outbreaks (yersiniosis) to pandemics (
Yersinia pestis
plague). Together with rising antibiotic resistance rates, there is a critical need to better understand
Yersinia
pathogenesis and host immune mechanisms, as this information will aid in developing improved immunomodulatory therapeutics. Inflammasome responses in human cells are less studied relative to murine models of infection, though recent studies have uncovered key differences in inflammasome responses between mice and humans. Here, we dissect human intestinal epithelial cell and macrophage inflammasome responses to
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
. Our findings provide insight into species- and cell type-specific differences in inflammasome responses to
Yersinia
.
Metagenomic and metabolomic analyses reveal the role of gut microbiome-associated metabolites in diarrhea calves
Authors: Shi Zhihai , Wang Yazhou , Yan Xiangzhou , Ma Xiaoya , Duan Anqin , Hassan Faiz-ul , Wang Wenjia , Deng Tingxian
Published: August 2023

Calf diarrhea is a multifactorial disease that affects the cattle industry and accounts for more than 50% of calf mortality. Although there is evidence of an association between altered gut microbiota and diarrhea, remarkably little is known about the microbial and metabolic mechanisms underlying the link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and the occurrence of calf diarrhea. Here, we performed fecal metagenomic and metabolomic studies on fecal samples from diarrheic and healthy calves of Xia-nan cattle breed. Results revealed that composition of the gut microbiome and metabolome was remarkably altered in diarrheic calves, and gut microbial alterations were associated with diarrhea and linked to the changes in metabolites. Metabolite profiles showed that diarrheic calves exhibited a marked decrease in some purines (adenosine, adenine, 2'-deoxyguanosine, allantoate, deoxyinosine, and deoxyguanosine) and arachidonic acid (prostaglandin F2α and prostaglandin E2) compared to healthy calves. Purine-producing microbial species, including
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Campylobacter coli
,
Treponema porcinum
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Phocaeicola coprophilus
, were significantly reduced in diarrheic calves compared to healthy calves, whereas the arachidonic acid-producing species such as
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
,
Staphylococcus aureus
, and
Clostridiales bacterium
exhibited a marked increase. These microbial signatures were closely associated with the metabolic dysbiosis of purine and arachidonic acid in diarrhea calves. Our study showed that gut microbiota-driven metabolic disorders of purine or arachidonic acid were associated with calf diarrhea. The findings prove that altered gut microbiota plays a role in diarrhea pathogenesis and indicate that gut microbiota-targeted therapies could be useful for both prevention and treatment of diarrhea.

IMPORTANCE

Calf diarrhea is of great concern to the global dairy industry as it results in significant economic losses due to lower conception rates, reduced milk production, and early culling. Although there is evidence of an association between altered gut microbiota and diarrhea, remarkably little is known about the microbial and metabolic mechanisms underlying the link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and the occurrence of calf diarrhea. Here, we used fecal metagenomic and metabolomic analyses to demonstrate that gut microbiota-driven metabolic disorders of purine or arachidonic acid were associated with calf diarrhea. These altered gut microbiotas play vital roles in diarrhea pathogenesis and indicate that gut microbiota-targeted therapies could be useful for both prevention and treatment of diarrhea.
Rv1453
is associated with clofazimine resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Ye , Li Yuanyuan , Huo Fengmin , Chen Xi , Zhu Hui , Guo Shaochen , Fu Lei , Wang Bin , Lu Yu
Published: August 2023

Clofazimine (CFZ) has been repurposed for treating tuberculosis (TB), especially multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). However, the mechanisms of resistance to clofazimine are poorly understood. We previously reported a mutation located in the intergenic region of
Rv1453
that was linked to resistance to CFZ and demonstrated that an
Rv1453
knockout resulted in an increased minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CFZ. The current study aims to go back and describe in detail how the mutation was identified and further explore its association with CFZ resistance by testing additional 30 isolates. We investigated MICs of clofazimine against 100 clinical strains isolated from MDR-TB patients by microplate alamarBlue assay. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 11 clofazimine-resistant and 7 clofazimine-susceptible strains, including H37Rv. Among the 11 clofazimine-resistant mutants subjected to WGS, the rate of mutation in the intergenic region of the
Rv1453
gene was 55% (6/11) in clofazimine-resistant strains. Among another 30 clofazimine-resistant clinical isolates, 27 had mutations in the intergenic region of the
Rv1453
gene. A mutation in the
Rv1453
gene associated with clofazimine resistance was identified, which shed light on the mechanisms of action and resistance of clofazimine.

IMPORTANCE

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, especially the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) brings great distress to humans. Clofazimine (CFZ) plays an important role in the treatment of MDR-TB. To understand the underlying mechanism of clofazimine resistance better, in this study, we review and detail the findings of the mutation of intergenic region of
Rv1453
and find additional evidence that this mutation is related to clofazimine resistance in 30 additional isolates. The significance of our research is to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of clofazimine-resistant mechanisms, which is critical for reducing the emergence of resistance and for anti-TB drug discovery.
Prevalence and molecular characterization of cefotaxime-resistant
Salmonella
strains recovered from retail meat samples in Shenzhen, China, during 2014–2017
Authors: Yang Chen , Chen Kaichao , Ye Lianwei , Heng Heng , Yang Xuemei , Wai-chi Chan Edward , Chen Sheng
Published: August 2023

In this work, we collected foodborne
Salmonella
strains in Shenzhen, China, during 2014–2017 and investigated the genetic profile of all cefotaxime-resistant isolates in the collection. The strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests, whole-genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and conjugation studies. A total of 79 cefotaxime-resistant
Salmonella
were identified and found to exhibit multidrug resistance. Resistance rate recorded during the study period increased from 1.9% to 9.1%.
Salmonella
Typhimurium was the predominant serovar, and CTX-M family genes were dominant among the ESBLs genes detected. Notably, CTX-M-bearing plasmids or transposons often contain other drug resistance genes. Furthermore, a combination of CTX-M-55 and CTX-M-65 genes was detected for the first time in foodborne
Salmonella
strains. Our findings reveal the prevalence and molecular characteristics of cefotaxime-resistant foodborne
Salmonella
strains in southern China.

IMPORTANCE

Cefotaxime-resistant
Salmonella
strains pose an increasing threat to human health by causing infections with limited treatment options. It is therefore necessary to undertake a surveillance on the prevalence of such strains and investigate the resistance and transmission mechanisms. In this work, various ESBL genes flanked by different IS located in different mobile genetic elements were detectable among cefotaxime-resistant
Salmonella
strains. These data show that the high prevalence and genotypic diversity of cefotaxime-resistant foodborne
Salmonella
strains in China are possibly attributed to the evolution and transmission of a wide range of multidrug resistance-encoding mobile genetic elements.
Cranial nerve VI palsy in chronic sphenoid sinusitis
Authors: Wang Ruoyu Luie , Tavárez Bertilia , Amaro-Barron Jonathan , Iqbal Arooj , Mesola Rovie
Published: August 2023

Sphenoid sinusitis is a rare disease associated with life-threatening complications that can be avoided with early recognition and timely treatment. Here, we present a case of a woman in her 80s admitted for symptomatic anaemia likely secondary to a gastrointestinal bleed with left cranial nerve (CN) VI palsy incidentally discovered on physical examination. CT and MRI were suggestive of chronic left sphenoid sinusitis with possible involvement of the left cavernous sinus. Surgical treatment was deferred due to high cardiac risk for perioperative mortality and recent ischaemic stroke. Despite antibiotic treatment, the patient’s CN VI palsy remained unchanged. This report contributes to the current understanding of sphenoid sinusitis by presenting a complex case of chronic sphenoid sinusitis in which urgent surgical intervention was deferred due to the patient’s multiple comorbidities. Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of the CN examination and imaging modalities in diagnosing sphenoid sinusitis.