bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of ceramic waste powder on shear performance of environmentally friendly reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp , Althaqafi Essam , Bahrami Alireza , Aksoylu Ceyhun , Karalar Memduh , Özdöner Nebi , Shcherban Evgenii M. , Stel’makh Sergey A. , Beskopylny Alexey , Thomas Blessen Skariah
Published: May 2024

This investigation considered the usability of ceramic waste powder (CWP) in altered quantities in reinforced concrete beams (RCBs). In this way, it was aimed to reduce the environmental impacts of concrete by using CWP as a raw material in RCBs. 12 small-scale shear RCBs with the dimensions of 100 × 150 × 1000 mm were tested in this study. The variations of stirrups spacing and CWP ratio were examined in these specimens. The percentages of CWP by weight utilized in RCBs were 10%, 20%, and 30%, and stirrups spacings were adopted as 270 mm, 200 mm, and 160 mm. At the end of the study, it was determined that more than 10% CWP additive negatively affected the RCBs' compressive strength. The load-carrying capacity reduced between 30.3% and 59.4% when CWP increased from 0% to 30% as compared to RCB with stirrups spacing of 270 mm without CWP. However, compared to RCB with stirrups spacings of 200 mm and 160 mm without CWP, there were decreases in the load-carrying capacity as 21.4%–54.3% and 18.6%–54.6%, respectively. While the CWP ratio increased, the specimens with 160 mm, 200 mm, and 270 mm stirrups spacings obtained a lower maximum load value. However, with the increase of the CWP ratio in the specimens with 160 mm stirrups spacing, RCBs reached the maximum load-carrying capacity at an earlier displacement value. When stirrups spacing was selected as 270 mm, it was observed that the maximum load-carrying capacity of RCBs reached at a similar displacement value as the CWP ratio increased. Besides, it was resulted that the bending stiffness of RCBs reduced as the quantity of CWP enhanced. The bending stiffness decreased by 29.1% to 66.4% in the specimens with 270 mm stirrups spacing, 36.3% to 20.2% with 200 mm stirrups spacing, and 10.3% to 36.9% with 160 mm stirrups spacing. As an implication of the experiments, the use of CWP up to 10% in RCBs was realized as an economical and environmental approach and is suggested. There is some evidence to report that making use of CWP may be considered to be ecologically benign. This is due to the fact that reusing CWP may significantly reduce CO2emissions, save energy, and reduce total power consumption. Furthermore, the experimental results were compared to the analytical calculations.
Socioeconomic and geographic inequalities in antenatal and postnatal care components in India, 2016–2021
Authors: Chi Hyejun , Jung Sohee , Subramanian S. V. , Kim Rockli
Published: May 2024

Despite the well-known importance of high-quality care before and after delivery, not every mother and newborn in India receive appropriate antenatal and postnatal care (ANC/PNC). Using India’s National Family Health Surveys (2015–2016 and 2019–2021), we quantified the socioeconomic and geographic inequalities in the utilization of ANC/PNC among women aged 15–49 years and their newborns (N = 161,225 in 2016; N = 150,611 in 2021). For each of the eighteen ANC/PNC components, we assessed absolute and relative inequalities by household wealth (poorest vs. richest), maternal education (no education vs. higher than secondary), and type of place of residence (rural vs. urban) and evaluated state-level heterogeneity. In 2021, the national prevalence of ANC/PNC components ranged from 19.8% for 8 + ANC visits to 91.6% for maternal weight measurement. Absolute inequalities were greatest for ultrasound test (33.3%-points by wealth, 30.3%-points by education) and 8 + ANC visits (13.2%-points by residence). Relative inequalities were greatest for 8 + ANC visits (1.8 ~ 4.4 times). All inequalities declined over time. State-specific estimates were overall consistent with national results. Socioeconomic and geographic inequalities in ANC/PNC varied significantly across components and by states. To optimize maternal and newborn health in India, future interventions should aim to achieve universal coverage of all ANC/PNC components.
Rice husk reuse as a sustainable energy alternative in Tolima, Colombia
Authors: Ramírez Angie Tatiana Ortega , Tovar Miriam Reyes , Silva-Marrufo Oscar
Published: May 2024

Colombia has great potential to produce clean energy through the use of residual biomass from the agricultural sector, such as residues obtained from the life cycle of rice production. This document presents a mixed approach methodology study to examine the combustion of rice husks as a possible energy alternative in the Tolima department of Colombia. First, the physicochemical characteristics of the rice husk were analyzed to characterize the raw material. Next, System Advisor Model (SAM) software was used to model a bioenergy plant to obtain biochar, bio-oil, and biogas from the combustion of rice husks and generate performance matrices, such as thermal efficiency, heat rate, and capacity factor. Then, the project was evaluated for financial feasibility using a mathematical model of net present value (NPV) with a planning horizon of 5 years. Finally, a subset of the local population was surveyed to assess perspectives on the project in the region. The results of the rice husk physicochemical analysis were the following: nitrogen content (0.74%), organic carbon (38.04%), silica (18.39%), humidity determination (7.68%), ash (19.4%), presence of carbonates (< 0.01%), and pH (6.41). These properties are adequate for the combustion process. The SAM simulation showed that the heat transferred in the boiler was 3180 kW, maintaining an efficiency between 50 and 52% throughout the 12 months of the year, meaning that the rice husk can generate electricity and thermal energy. The financial analysis showed that the internal rate of return (IRR) was 6% higher than the opportunity interest rate (OIR), demonstrating economic feasibility of the project. The design and creation of a rice husk processing plant is socially and environmentally viable and has the potential to contribute to the economic development of the Tolima community and reduce greenhouse gases. Likewise, this activity has the potential to promote energy security for consumers and environmental sustainability while at the same time being economically competitive.
Wide-incident-angle, polarization-independent broadband-absorption metastructure without external resistive elements by using a trapezoidal structure
Authors: Pham Thanh Son , Zheng Haiyu , Chen Liangyao , Khuyen Bui Xuan , Lee YoungPak
Published: May 2024

The absorption of electromagnetic waves in a broadband frequency range with polarization insensitivity and incidence-angle independence is greatly needed in modern technology applications. Many structures based on metamaterials have been suggested for addressing these requirements; these structures were complex multilayer structures or used special materials or external electric components, such as resistive ones. In this paper, we present a metasurface structure that was fabricated simply by employing the standard printed-circuit-board technique but provides a high absorption above 90% in a broadband frequency range from 12.35 to 14.65 GHz. The metasurface consisted of structural unit cells of 4 symmetric substructures assembled with a metallic bar pattern, which induced broadband absorption by using a planar resistive interaction in the pattern without a real resistive component. The analysis, simulation, and measurement results showed that the metasurface was also polarization insensitive and still maintained an absorption above 90% at incident angles up to 45°. The suggested metasurface plays a role in the fundamental design and can also be used to design absorbers at different frequency ranges. Furthermore, further enhancement of the absorption performance is achieved by improved design and fabrication.
A low-latency graph computer to identify metastable particles at the Large Hadron Collider for real-time analysis of potential dark matter signatures
Authors: Kotwal Ashutosh Vijay , Kemeny Hunter , Yang Zijie , Fan Jiqing
Published: May 2024

Image recognition is a pervasive task in many information-processing environments. We present a solution to a difficult pattern recognition problem that lies at the heart of experimental particle physics. Future experiments with very high-intensity beams will produce a spray of thousands of particles in each beam-target or beam-beam collision. Recognizing the trajectories of these particles as they traverse layers of electronic sensors is a massive image recognition task that has never been accomplished in real time. We present a real-time processing solution that is implemented in a commercial field-programmable gate array using high-level synthesis. It is an unsupervised learning algorithm that uses techniques of graph computing. A prime application is the low-latency analysis of dark-matter signatures involving metastable charged particles that manifest as disappearing tracks.
Tactile adaptation to orientation produces a robust tilt aftereffect and exhibits crossmodal transfer when tested in vision
Authors: Wang Guandong , Alais David
Published: May 2024

Orientation processing is one of the most fundamental functions in both visual and somatosensory perception. Converging findings suggest that orientation processing in both modalities is closely linked: somatosensory neurons share a similar orientation organisation as visual neurons, and the visual cortex has been found to be heavily involved in tactile orientation perception. Hence, we hypothesized that somatosensation would exhibit a similar orientation adaptation effect, and this adaptation effect would be transferable between the two modalities, considering the above-mentioned connection. The tilt aftereffect (TAE) is a demonstration of orientation adaptation and is used widely in behavioural experiments to investigate orientation mechanisms in vision. By testing the classic TAE paradigm in both tactile and crossmodal orientation tasks between vision and touch, we were able to show that tactile perception of orientation shows a very robust TAE, similar to its visual counterpart. We further show that orientation adaptation in touch transfers to produce a TAE when tested in vision, but not vice versa. Additionally, when examining the test sequence following adaptation for serial effects, we observed another asymmetry between the two conditions where the visual test sequence displayed a repulsive intramodal serial dependence effect while the tactile test sequence exhibited an attractive serial dependence. These findings provide concrete evidence that vision and touch engage a similar orientation processing mechanism. However, the asymmetry in the crossmodal transfer of TAE and serial dependence points to a non-reciprocal connection between the two modalities, providing further insights into the underlying processing mechanism.
Ischemic stroke outcome after promoting CD4+CD25+ Treg cell migration through CCR4 overexpression in a tMCAO animal model
Authors: Lee Seowoo , Kim Jiwon , You Je Sung , Hyun Young-Min , Kim Jong Youl , Lee Jong Eun
Published: May 2024

The importance of neuroinflammation during the ischemic stroke has been extensively studied. The role of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells during the recovery phase have shown infarct size reduction and functional improvement, possibly through the mitigation of inflammatory immune responses. We aimed to investigate the molecular factors involved in microglia-Treg cell communication that result in Treg trafficking. First, we observed the migration patterns of CD8+ (cytotoxic) T cells and Treg cells and then searched for chemokines released by activated microglia in an oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) model. The transwell migration assay showed increased migration into OGD media for both cell types, in agreement with the increase in chemokines involved in immune cell trafficking from the mouse chemokine profiling array. MSCV retrovirus was transduced to overexpress CCR4 in Treg cells. CCR4-overexpressed Treg cells were injected into the mouse transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model to evaluate the therapeutic potential via the tetrazolium chloride (TTC) assay and behavioral tests. A general improvement in the prognosis of animals after tMCAO was observed. Our results suggest the increased mobility of CCR4-overexpressed Treg cells in response to microglia-derived chemokines in vitro and the therapeutic potential of Treg cells with increased mobility in cellular therapy.
Hydrolyzed egg yolk peptide prevented osteoporosis by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Chen Chuanjing , Huang Ludi , Chen Yuanyuan , Jin Jin , Xu Ze , Liu Fei , Li Kelei , Sun Yongye
Published: May 2024

Hydrolyzed egg yolk peptide (YPEP) was shown to increase bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats. However, the underlying mechanism of YPEP on osteoporosis has not been explored. Recent studies have shown that Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and gut microbiota may be involved in the regulation of bone metabolism and the progression of osteoporosis. The present study aimed to explore the preventive effect of the YPEP supplementation on osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and to verify whether YPEP can improve osteoporosis by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and gut microbiota. The experiment included five groups: sham surgery group (SHAM), ovariectomy group (OVX), 17-β estradiol group (E2: 25 µg /kg/d 17β-estradiol), OVX with low-dose YPEP group (LYPEP: 10 mg /kg/d YPEP) and OVX with high-dose YPEP group (HYPEP: 40 mg /kg/d YPEP). In this study, all the bone samples used were femurs. Micro-CT analysis revealed improvements in both bone mineral density (BMD) and microstructure by YPEP treatment. The three-point mechanical bending test indicated an enhancement in the biomechanical properties of the YPEP groups. The serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), bone gla protein (BGP), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) were markedly higher in the YPEP groups than in the OVX group. The LYPEP group had markedly lower levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) than the OVX group. The YPEP groups had significantly higher protein levels of the Wnt3a, β-catenin, LRP5, RUNX2 and OPG of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway compared with the OVX group. Compared to the OVX group, the ratio of OPG/RANKL was markedly higher in the LYPEP group. At the genus level, there was a significantly increase in relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and a decrease in Escherichia_Shigella in YPEP groups, compared with the OVX group. However, in the correlation analysis, there was no correlation between these two bacteria and bone metabolism and microstructure indexes. These findings demonstrate that YPEP has the potential to improve osteoporosis, and the mechanism may be associated with its modulating effect on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
A longitudinal study on the impact of breastfeeding with or without formula milk on dental caries
Authors: Sritangsirikul Sirima , Kitsahawong Kemporn , Matangkasombut Oranart , Seminario Ana Lucia , Pitiphat Waranuch
Published: May 2024

Concerns exist about prolonged breastfeeding increasing dental caries risk, but evidence is mixed. This 2-year cohort study followed 486 toddlers, to examine the association between breastfeeding duration and caries at age 3. Caregivers reported feeding practices and potential confounders every 6 months. “Full breastfeeding” was defined as feeding breastmilk without formula milk regardless of other foods/liquids, whereas “any breastfeeding” was feeding breastmilk with/without formula milk. A calibrated dentist performed dental examinations. We used multivariable log-binomial and negative binomial regressions to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for caries prevalence and severity, adjusted for confounders. At 3-year-old, 60.3% of children exhibited caries (mean decayed-and-filled-teeth, dft: 3.3). Notably, full breastfeeding for 6–17 months reduced caries prevalence (RR = 0.84, 95%CI 0.73–0.98 for 6–11 months; RR = 0.78, 95%CI 0.63–0.96 for 12–17 months). Conversely, any breastfeeding ≥ 18 months significantly increased caries risk (RR = 1.45, 95%CI 1.31–1.60). Full breastfeeding ≥ 6 months or any breastfeeding 6–17 months was associated with lower dft scores in children. Our findings suggest a complex relationship between breastfeeding duration and caries. Full breastfeeding for moderate durations (6–17 months) offers protective benefits, while any breastfeeding ≥ 18 months increases risk in this population.
Exploring the specialized metabolome of the plant pathogen Streptomyces sp. 11-1-2
Authors: Díaz-Cruz Gustavo A. , Bignell Dawn R. D.
Published: May 2024

Streptomycesbacteria are notable for producing chemically diverse specialized metabolites that exhibit various bioactivities and mediate interactions with different organisms.Streptomycessp. 11-1-2 is a plant pathogen that produces nigericin and geldanamycin, both of which display toxic effects against various plants. Here, the ‘One Strain Many Compounds’ approach was used to characterize the metabolic potential ofStreptomycessp. 11-1-2. Organic extracts were prepared from 11-1-2 cultures grown on six different agar media, and the extracts were tested in antimicrobial and plant bioassays and were subjected to untargeted metabolomics and molecular networking. Most extracts displayed strong bioactivity against Gram-positive bacteria and yeast, and they exhibited phytotoxic activity against potato tuber tissue and radish seedlings. Several known specialized metabolites, including musacin D, galbonolide B, guanidylfungin A, meridamycins and elaiophylin, were predicted to be present in the extracts along with closely related compounds with unknown structure and bioactivity. Targeted detection confirmed the presence of elaiophylin in the extracts, and bioassays using pure elaiophylin revealed that it enhances the phytotoxic effects of geldanamycin and nigericin on potato tuber tissue. Overall, this study reveals novel insights into the specialized metabolites that may mediate interactions betweenStreptomycessp. 11-1-2 and other bacteria and eukaryotic organisms.
A multi-point decentralized control for mitigating vibration of flexible space structures using reaction wheel actuators
Authors: Bifa Chen , Liao Jianbin , Yan Jin , Li Hanlin , Huang Chaoming
Published: May 2024

The vibration with large amplitude and low frequency of the flexible space structures is prone to affect the attitude stability and pointing precision of the spacecraft. To mitigate the vibration of the flexible space structures, a multi-point decentralized control strategy using reaction wheel (RW) actuators is proposed and investigated in this paper. The motion equations of the solar array with multiple RW actuators are derived in modal coordinate representation. To suppress the overall response of the structure, the decentralized control strategy using RW actuators is designed based on the natural frequencies and mode shapes. The stability and the effect of closed-loop dynamic system is theoretically proved. The comparative studies under sun-pointing of the solar array and the rest-to-rest orbital maneuver conditions are presented to show the control performance of the RW actuators. The results indicate that, with 2% increase in total mass from the addition of the actuators, the vibration attenuation time can be decreased by 85.25% and 94.16% for the vibration excited by the sun-pointing and the rest-to-rest orbital maneuver, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed decentralized control method. Theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental study are conducted to demonstrate the validity of the proposed vibration mitigation approach and its potential application in the spacecraft design.
The global significance of Scleractinian corals without photoendosymbiosis
Authors: Vuleta S. , Nakagawa S. , Ainsworth T. D.
Published: May 2024

Globally tropical Scleractinian corals have been a focal point for discussions on the impact of a changing climate on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Research into tropical Scleractinian corals, particularly the role and breakdown of photoendosymbiosis in response to warming, has been prolific in recent decades. However, research into their subtropical, temperate, cold- and deep-water counterparts, whose number is dominated by corals without photoendosymbiosis, has not been as prolific. Approximately 50% of Scleractinian corals (> 700 species) do not maintain photoendosymbiosis and as such, do not rely upon the products of photosynthesis for homeostasis. Some species also have variable partnerships with photendosymbionts depending on life history and ecological niche. Here we undertake a systematic map of literature on Scleractinian corals without, or with variable, photoendosymbiosis. In doing so we identify 482 publications spanning 5 decades. In mapping research effort, we find publications have been sporadic over time, predominately focusing on a limited number of species, with greater research effort directed towards deep-water species. We find only 141 species have been studied, with approximately 30% of the total identified research effort directed toward a single species, Desmophyllum pertusum, highlighting significant knowledge gaps into Scleractinian diversity. We find similar limitations to studied locations, with 78 identified from the global data, of which only few represent most research outputs. We also identified inconsistencies with terminology used to describe Scleractinia without photoendosymbiosis, likely contributing to difficulties in accounting for their role and contribution to marine ecosystems. We propose that the terminology requires re-evaluation to allow further systematic assessment of literature, and to ensure it’s consistent with changes implemented for photoendosymbiotic corals. Finally, we find that knowledge gaps identified over 20 years ago are still present for most aphotoendosymbiotic Scleractinian species, and we show data deficiencies remain regarding their function, biodiversity and the impacts of anthropogenic stressors.
Experimental study, simulation and technical–economic feasibility of an interesterification plant for hydrocarbons synthesis by using plastics and frying oil waste
Authors: Villardi Hugo Gomes D’Amato , Nascimento Madson M. , Pessoa Fernando Luiz P. , Santos Alex Álisson B. , Mascarenhas Luiz Alberto Brêda , Andrade Leone Peter Correia , de Andrade Jailson B.
Published: May 2024

This work presents the experimental assessment of a 20 mL batch reactor’s efficacy in converting plastic and oil residues into biofuels. The reactor, designed for ease of use, is heated using a metallic system. The experiments explore plastic solubilization at various temperatures and residence times, employing a mixture of distilled water and ethylene glycol as the solvent. Initial findings reveal that plastic solubilization requires a temperature of 350 °C with an ethylene glycol mole fraction of 0.35, whereas 250 °C suffices with a mole fraction of 0.58. Additionally, the study includes a process simulation of a plant utilizing a double fluidized bed gasifier and an economic evaluation of the interesterification/pyrolysis plant. Simulation results support project feasibility, estimating a total investment cost of approximately $12.99 million and annual operating expenses of around $17.98 million, with a projected payback period of about 5 years.
Community dynamics and metagenomic analyses reveal Bacteroidota's role in widespread enzymatic Fucus vesiculosus cell wall degradation
Authors: Macdonald Jascha F. H. , Pérez-García Pablo , Schneider Yannik K.-H. , Blümke Patrick , Indenbirken Daniela , Andersen Jeanette H. , Krohn Ines , Streit Wolfgang R.
Published: May 2024

Enzymatic degradation of algae cell wall carbohydrates by microorganisms is under increasing investigation as marine organic matter gains more value as a sustainable resource. The fate of carbon in the marine ecosystem is in part driven by these degradation processes. In this study, we observe the microbiome dynamics of the macroalga Fucus vesiculosus in 25-day-enrichment cultures resulting in partial degradation of the brown algae. Microbial community analyses revealed the phylum Pseudomonadota as the main bacterial fraction dominated by the genera Marinomonas and Vibrio. More importantly, a metagenome-based Hidden Markov model for specific glycosyl hydrolyses and sulphatases identified Bacteroidota as the phylum with the highest potential for cell wall degradation, contrary to their low abundance. For experimental verification, we cloned, expressed, and biochemically characterised two α-L-fucosidases, FUJM18 and FUJM20. While protein structure predictions suggest the highest similarity to a Bacillota origin, protein–protein blasts solely showed weak similarities to defined Bacteroidota proteins. Both enzymes were remarkably active at elevated temperatures and are the basis for a potential synthetic enzyme cocktail for large-scale algal destruction.
Differences between radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis patients in a Mexican cohort
Authors: Londono John , Pacheco-Tena Cesar , Santos Ana Maria , Cardiel Mario Humberto , Rodríguez-Salas Gustavo , Rueda Igor , Arias-Correal Sofía , Mesa Cristian , Marta Juliana Mantilla , Santacruz Juan Camilo , Rueda Juan Camilo , Vargas-Alarcón Gilberto , Burgos-Vargas Rubén
Published: May 2024

To compare the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics, disease onset, and clinical features of radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) and non-radiographic axial Spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) patients. All patients who attended outpatient spondylarthritis (SpA) clinics at Hospital General de Mexico and the Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición from 1998 to 2005 and met the rheumatologist diagnostic criteria for SpA were selected. Then the SpA patients were classified by European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group criteria (ESSG). We selected SpA patients with axial presentation as axial SpA (axSpA), and they were classified as r-axSpA if they met modified New York (mNY) criteria for sacroiliitis and as nr-axSpA if they did not meet mNY criteria; to compared clinical, demographic, and laboratory test between the subgroups. It included 148 SpA patients; 55 (37.2%) patients had r-axSpA, and 70 (47.3%) had nr-axSpA. The nr-axSpA patients had a lower proportion of males (58.6% vs 78.2%, P < 0.05), lower HLA-B27 frequency (54.3%. vs. 92.7%, P < 0.05), were older at disease onset (21 vs 16 years; P < 0.01) and had a higher frequency of infections at disease onset (9.1% vs 32.9, P < 0.05) than r-axSpA. BASFI (2.9 vs 4.8; P < 0.0001), Dougados functional index (7 vs. 14; P < 0.05), and BASDAI (4.1 vs. 5.2; P < 0.001) were lower in patients with nr-axSpA than r-axSpA, respectively. The factors that most influenced the presentation of r-axSpA were history of uveitis (OR 14, 95% CI 2.3–85), HLA-B27 (OR 7.97, 95% CI, 2.96–122), male sex (OR 6.16, 95% CI, 1.47–25.7), axial enthesopathy count (OR 1.17 95% CI, 1.03–1.33). This study provides insight into the differences between nr-axSpA and r-axSpA in Mexico. Patients with r-axSpA were mainly male, with a younger presentation age, a higher prevalence of HLA-B27, more history of uveitis, fewer episodes of dactylitis, more axial enthesopathy, and higher disease activity than nr-axSpA.
The efficacy of bracing in the treatment of progressive early-onset scoliosis
Authors: Li Haixia , Wu Jigong , Song Lizhi , Shao Shuilin , Chen Zhiming , Wang Jiaxu , Gao Bo , Huo Litao
Published: May 2024

Serial casting as one of the applications to treat early-onset scoliosis has been reported efficiently to improve deformity, but no report has focused on the efficacy of braces in the treatment of congenital early-onset scoliosis and comparison with progressive idiopathic early-onset scoliosis. Patients with progressive EOS treated with braces in our institution with a minimum of 4 years follow-up were reviewed. Two groups according to the etiological diagnosis were analyzed and compared: the congenital scoliosis (CS) group and idiopathic scoliosis (IS) group. The success cases and the failure cases were also compared. 27 patients with an average main Cobb angle of 38.19° (20–55) underwent initial bracing at an average age of 55.7 months (24–108), the average follow-up time was 76.19 months (49–117). In IS group the main Cobb angle was corrected to 18.69 ± 12.06° (48.61%) following the first bracing; the final Cobb angle was 23.08 ± 22.15°(38.76%) after brace removal. In CS group the main Cobb angle was corrected to 33.93 ± 10.31°(17.1%) following the first bracing and 37.93 ± 14.74°(3.53%) after brace removal. Both coronal chest width and T1-T12 height increased dramatically from pre-bracing to the last follow-up. Patients diagnosed as IS tended to have a better result in main Cobb angle correction than that of CS (P = 0.049). By the time of last follow-up, 8 patients had undergone surgery, and the operation time was postponed by 68.88 ± 26.43 months. For patients with progressive early-onset scoliosis, bracing is an efficient nonsurgical alternative to casting, and some of them can be cured; if not, eventual surgical intervention can be delayed for a period of time without restrictions on the thoracic cavity.
Interaction of obesity and proteins associated with the NLRP3 inflammasome following mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Eagle Shawn R. , Basantani Mahesh K. , Preszler Jonathan , Sherry Natalie , McIntyre Peyton , Kershaw Erin E. , Puccio Ava M. , Okonkwo David O.
Published: May 2024

The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been associated with worse outcomes from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The NLRP3 inflammasome is also strongly associated with other pro-inflammatory conditions, such as obesity. Little is known about the potential effect of mild TBI (mTBI) on the NLRP3 inflammasome and the extent to which modifying factors, such as obesity, may augment the inflammatory response to mTBI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins with obese body mass index (BMI ≥ 30) within 24 h of mTBI after presenting to a level 1 trauma center emergency department. This is a secondary analysis of prospectively enrolled patients with mTBI who presented to the emergency department of one U.S. Level 1 trauma center from 2013 to 2018 (n = 243). A series of regression models were built to evaluate the association of NLRP3 proteins obtained from blood plasma within 24 h of injury and BMI as well as the potential interaction effect of higher BMI with NLRP3 proteins (n = 243). A logistic regression model revealed a significant association between IL-18 (p < 0.001) in mTBI patients with obese BMI compared to mTBI patients with non-obese BMI (< 30). Moderation analyses revealed statistically significant interaction effects between apoptotic speck-like protein (ASC), caspase-1, IL-18, IL-1β and obese BMI which worsened symptom burden, quality of life, and physical function at 2 weeks and 6 months post-injury. Higher acute concentrations of IL-1β in the overall cohort predicted higher symptoms at 6-months and worse physical function at 2-weeks and 6-months. Higher acute concentrations of IL-18 in the overall cohort predicted worse physical function at 6-months. In this single center mTBI cohort, obese BMI interacted with higher acute concentrations of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins and worsened short- and long-term clinical outcomes.
Finite element study on the micromechanics of cement-augmented proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) for intertrochanteric fracture treatment
Authors: Liu Yurui , Zheng Liqin , Li Shaobin , Zhang Zhengze , Lin Ziling , Ma Wuhua
Published: May 2024

Blade cut-out is a common complication when using proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. Although cement augmentation has been introduced to overcome the cut-out effect, the micromechanics of this approach remain to be clarified. While previous studies have developed finite element (FE) models based on lab-prepared or cadaveric samples to study the cement-trabeculae interface, their demanding nature and inherent disadvantages limit their application. The aim of this study was to develop a novel 'one-step forming' method for creating a cement-trabeculae interface FE model to investigate its micromechanics in relation to PFNA with cement augmentation. A human femoral head was scanned using micro-computed tomography, and four volume of interest (VOI) trabeculae were segmented. The VOI trabeculae were enclosed within a box to represent the encapsulated region of bone cement using ANSYS software. Tetrahedral meshing was performed with Hypermesh software based on Boolean operation. Finally, four cement-trabeculae interface FE models comprising four interdigitated depths and five FE models comprising different volume fraction were established after element removal. The effects of friction contact, frictionless contact, and bond contact properties between the bone and cement were identified. The maximum micromotion and stress in the interdigitated and loading bones were quantified and compared between the pre- and post-augmentation situations. The differences in micromotion and stress with the three contact methods were minimal. Micromotion and stress decreased as the interdigitation depth increased. Stress in the proximal interdigitated bone showed a correlation with the bone volume fraction (R2 = 0.70); both micromotion (R2 = 0.61) and stress (R2 = 0.93) at the most proximal loading region exhibited a similar correlation tendency. When comparing the post- and pre-augmentation situations, micromotion reduction in the interdigitated bone was more effective than stress reduction, particularly near the cement border. The cementation resulted in a significant reduction in micromotion within the loading bone, while the decrease in stress was minimal. Noticeable gradients of displacement and stress reduction can be observed in models with lower bone volume fraction (BV/TV). In summary, cement augmentation is more effective at reducing micromotion rather than stress. Furthermore, the reinforcing impact of bone cement is particularly prominent in cases with a low BV/TV. The utilization of bone cement may contribute to the stabilization of trabecular bone and PFNA primarily by constraining micromotion and partially shielding stress.
Nuclear sequences of mitochondrial origin in domestic yak
Authors: Poncet Mélissa , Féménia Maureen , Pierre Clémence , Charles Mathieu , Capitan Aurélien , Boulling Arnaud , Rocha Dominique
Published: May 2024

Mitochondrial DNA sequences are frequently transferred into the nuclear genome, generating nuclear mitochondrial DNA sequences (NUMTs). Here, we analysed, for the first time, NUMTs in the domestic yak genome. We obtained 499 alignment matches covering 340.2 kbp of the yak nuclear genome. After a merging step, we identified 167 NUMT regions with a total length of ~ 503 kbp, representing 0.02% of the nuclear genome. We discovered copies of all mitochondrial regions and found that most NUMT regions are intergenic or intronic and mostly untranscribed. 98 different NUMT regions from domestic yak showed high homology with cow and/or wild yak genomes, suggesting selection or hybridization between domestic/wild yak and cow. To rule out the possibility that the identified NUMTs could be artifacts of the domestic yak genome assembly, we validated experimentally five NUMT regions by PCR amplification. As NUMT regions show high similarity to the mitochondrial genome can potentially pose a risk to domestic yak DNA mitochondrial studies, special care is therefore needed to select primers for PCR amplification of mitochondrial DNA sequences.
The interaction of GRP78 and Zika virus E and NS1 proteins occurs in a chaperone-client manner
Authors: Sornjai Wannapa , Promma Ploenphit , Priewkhiew Suphansa , Ramphan Suwipa , Jaratsittisin Janejira , Jinagool Pailin , Wikan Nitwara , Greenwood Michael , Murphy David , Smith Duncan R.
Published: May 2024

Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a chaperone protein that is a central mediator of the unfolded protein response, a key cellular stress response pathway. GRP78 has been shown to be critically required for infection and replication of a number of flaviviruses, and to interact with both non-structural (NS) and structural flavivirus proteins. However, the nature of the specific interaction between GRP78 and viral proteins remains largely unknown. This study aimed to characterize the binding domain and critical amino acid residues that mediate the interaction of GRP78 to ZIKV E and NS1 proteins. Recombinant EGFP fused GRP78 and individual subdomains (the nucleotide binding domain (NBD) and the substrate binding domain (SBD)) were used as a bait protein and co-expressed with full length or truncated ZIKV E and NS1 proteins in HEK293T/17 cells. Protein–protein interactions were determined by a co-immunoprecipitation assay. From the results, both the NBD and the SBD of GRP78 were crucial for an effective interaction. Single amino acid substitutions in the SBD showed that R492E and T518A mutants significantly reduced the binding affinity of GRP78 to ZIKV E and NS1 proteins. Notably, the interaction of GRP78 with ZIKV E was stably maintained against various single amino acid substitutions on ZIKV E domain III and with all truncated ZIKV E and NS1 proteins. Collectively, the results suggest that the principal binding between GRP78 and viral proteins is mainly a classic canonical chaperone protein-client interaction. The blocking of GRP78 chaperone function effectively inhibited ZIKV infection and replication in neuronal progenitor cells. Our findings reveal that GRP78 is a potential host target for anti-ZIKV therapeutics.
Wild capuchin monkeys use stones and sticks to access underground food
Authors: Valença Tatiane , Oliveira Affonço Gabriela , Falótico Tiago
Published: May 2024

Primates employ different tools and techniques to overcome the challenges of obtaining underground food resources. Humans and chimpanzees are known to tackle this problem with stick tools and one population of capuchin monkeys habitually uses stone tools. Although early hominids could have used stones as digging tools, we know little about when and how these could be useful. Here, we report a second primate population observed using stone tools and the first capuchin monkey population to habitually use the ‘stick-probing’ technique for obtaining underground resources. The bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) from Ubajara National Park, Brazil, use ‘hands-only’ and ‘stone-digging’ techniques for extracting underground storage organs and trapdoor spiders. Males also use ‘stick-probing’ and ‘stone-stick’ techniques for capturing trapdoor spiders. Tool use does not increase success in obtaining these resources. Stone-digging is less frequent in this population than in the only other known population that uses this technique. Females use stones in a lower proportion of their digging episodes than males in both populations. Ecological and cultural factors potentially influence technique choice and sex differences within and between populations. This population has a different pattern of underground food exploration using tools. Comparing this population with others and exploring the ecological and cultural factors under which capuchin monkeys employ different tools and techniques will allow us to better understand the pressures that may have shaped the evolution of those behaviors in primates.
Slower-decaying tropical cyclones produce heavier precipitation over China
Authors: Lai Yangchen , Gu Xihui , Wei Lihong , Wang Liangyi , Slater Louise J. , Li Jianfeng , Shi Donglei , Xiao Mingzhong , Wang Lunche , Guan Yansong , Kong Dongdong , Zhang Xiang
Published: May 2024

The post-landfall decay of tropical cyclones (TC) is often closely linked to the magnitude of damage to the environment, properties, and the loss of human lives. Despite growing interest in how climate change affects TC decay, data uncertainties still prevent a consensus on changes in TC decay rates and related precipitation. Here, after strict data-quality control, we show that the rate of decay of TCs after making landfall in China has significantly slowed down by 45% from 1967 to 2018. We find that, except the warmer sea surface temperature, the eastward shift of TC landfall locations also contributes to the slowdown of TC decay over China. That is TCs making landfall in eastern mainland China (EC) decay slower than that in southern mainland China (SC), and the eastward shift of TCs landfall locations causes more TCs landfalling in EC with slower decay rate. TCs making landfall in EC last longer at sea, carry more moisture upon landfall, and have more favorable dynamic and thermodynamic conditions sustaining them after landfall. Observational evidence shows that the decay of TC-induced precipitation amount and intensity within 48 h of landfall is positively related to the decay rate of landfalling TCs. The significant increase in TC-induced precipitation over the long term, due to the slower decay of landfalling TCs, increases flood risks in China’s coastal areas. Our results highlight evidence of a slowdown in TC decay rates at the regional scale. These findings provide scientific support for the need for better flood management and adaptation strategies in coastal areas under the threat of greater TC-induced precipitation.
A physiologically-based digital twin for alcohol consumption—predicting real-life drinking responses and long-term plasma PEth
Authors: Podéus Henrik , Simonsson Christian , Nasr Patrik , Ekstedt Mattias , Kechagias Stergios , Lundberg Peter , Lövfors William , Cedersund Gunnar
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Alcohol consumption is associated with a wide variety of preventable health complications and is a major risk factor for all-cause mortality in the age group 15-47 years. To reduce dangerous drinking behavior, eHealth applications have shown promise. A particularly interesting potential lies in the combination of eHealth apps with mathematical models. However, existing mathematical models do not consider real-life situations, such as combined intake of meals and beverages, and do not connect drinking to clinical markers, such as phosphatidylethanol (PEth). Herein, we present such a model which can simulate real-life situations and connect drinking to long-term markers. The new model can accurately describe both estimation data according to a χ2 -test (187.0 < Tχ2 = 226.4) and independent validation data (70.8 < Tχ2 = 93.5). The model can also be personalized using anthropometric data from a specific individual and can thus be used as a physiologically-based digital twin. This twin is also able to connect short-term consumption of alcohol to the long-term dynamics of PEth levels in the blood, a clinical biomarker of alcohol consumption. Here we illustrate how connecting short-term consumption to long-term markers allows for a new way to determine patient alcohol consumption from measured PEth levels. An additional use case of the twin could include the combined evaluation of patient-reported AUDIT forms and measured PEth levels. Finally, we integrated the new model into an eHealth application, which could help guide individual users or clinicians to help reduce dangerous drinking.
An ecotoxicological view on malaria vector control with ivermectin-treated cattle
Authors: Heinrich Andre Patrick , Pooda Sié Hermann , Porciani Angélique , Zéla Lamidi , Schinzel Alexandra , Moiroux Nicolas , Roberge Christophe , Martina Marie-Sophie , Courjaud Anne-Laure , Dabiré Roch K. , Römbke Jörg , Düring Rolf-Alexander , Mouline Karine
Published: May 2024

Malaria remains an enduring challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting public health and development. Control measures can include the use of insecticides that target adult Anopheles mosquitoes transmitting the malaria-causing Plasmodium parasite. Such mosquitoes can also bite livestock, allowing vector populations to be maintained at levels that enable parasite transmission. Thus, one way to control the spread of malaria includes the use of endectocide-treated livestock which renders the blood of cattle toxic to such mosquito populations. Here we present an ecotoxicological perspective on malaria vector control, using cattle treated with the endectocide ivermectin to target zoophagic and opportunistic Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes. Our study employs an innovative, long-acting injectable ivermectin formulation with over 6 months of sustained mosquitocidal activity. Robust vector population modelling underscores its promising field effectiveness. Environmental implications (soil sorption and dissipation) of excreted ivermectin and potential ecotoxicological risks to non-target dung organisms in West Africa are discussed, in addition to actionable, locally inspired risk mitigation measures to protect sub-Saharan soils and agroecosystems from chemical pollution. We highlight how ecotoxicology and environmental chemistry improve livestock-based vector control with ivermectin for effective and more sustainable malaria management.
Decreased progenitor TCF1 + T-cells correlate with COVID-19 disease severity
Authors: Tu Thai Hien , Grunbaum Ami , Santinon François , Kazanova Alexandra , Rozza Nicholas , Kremer Richard , Mihalcioiu Catalin , Rudd Christopher E.
Published: May 2024

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to a severe inflammatory disease characterized by significant lymphopenia. However, the underlying cause for the depletion of T-cells in COVID-19 patients remains incompletely understood. In this study, we assessed the presence of different T-cell subsets in the progression of COVID-19 from mild to severe disease, with a focus on TCF1 expressing progenitor T-cells that are needed to replenish peripheral T-cells during infection. Our results showed a preferential decline in TCF1+ progenitor CD4 and CD8+ T-cells with disease severity. This decline was seen in various TCF1+ subsets including naive, memory and effector-memory cells, and surprisingly, was accompanied by a loss in cell division as seen by a marked decline in Ki67 expression. In addition, TCF1+ T-cells showed a reduction in pro-survival regulator, BcL2, and the appearance of a new population of TCF1 negative caspase-3 expressing cells in peripheral blood from patients with severe disease. The decline in TCF1+ T-cells was also seen in a subgroup of severe patients with vitamin D deficiency. Lastly, we found that sera from severe patients inhibited TCF1 transcription ex vivo which was attenuated by a blocking antibody against the cytokine, interleukin-12 (IL12). Collectively, our findings underscore the potential significance of TCF1+ progenitor T-cells in accounting for the loss of immunity in severe COVID-19 and outline an array of markers that could be used to identify disease progression.