bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of compensatory mitophagy in skeletal muscles during sepsis
Authors: Sedraoui Sami , Leduc‐Gaudet Jean‐Philippe , Mayaki Dominique , Moamer Alaa , Huck Laurent , Gouspillou Gilles , Petrof Basil J. , Hussain Sabah
Published: May 2024

Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a major problem in critically ill patients suffering from sepsis. This condition is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased autophagy in skeletal muscles. Autophagy is a proteolytic mechanism involved in eliminating dysfunctional cellular components, including mitochondria. The latter process, referred to as mitophagy, is essential for maintaining mitochondrial quality and skeletal muscle health. Recently, a fluorescent reporter system called mito‐QC (i.e. mitochondrial quality control) was developed to specifically quantify mitophagy levels. In the present study, we used mito‐QC transgenic mice and confocal microscopy to morphologically monitor mitophagy levels during sepsis. To induce sepsis, Mito‐QC mice received Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (10 mg kg–1 i.p.) or phosphate‐buffered saline and skeletal muscles (hindlimb and diaphragm) were excised 48 h later. In control groups, there was a negative correlation between the basal mitophagy level and overall muscle mitochondrial content. Sepsis increased general autophagy in both limb muscles and diaphragm but had no effect on mitophagy levels. Sepsis was associated with a downregulation of certain mitophagy receptors (Fundc1, Bcl2L13, Fkbp8 and Phbb2). The present study suggests that general autophagy and mitophagy can be dissociated from one another, and that the characteristic accumulation of damaged mitochondria in skeletal muscles under the condition of sepsis may reflect a failure of adequate compensatory mitophagy.

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Key points

There was a negative correlation between the basal level of skeletal muscle mitophagy and the mitochondrial content of individual muscles.

Mitophagy levels in limb muscles and the diaphragm were unaffected by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced sepsis.

With the exception of BNIP3 in sepsis, LPS administration induced either no change or a downregulation of mitophagy receptors in skeletal muscles.
Relación de Sacerdotes y Coadjutores partícipes de la Arquitectura Jesuítica Neogranadina, 1604-1767
Authors: González Mora Felipe
Published: May 2024

El estudio de la arquitectura jesuita en el territorio neogranadino durante su primera época 1604-1767, ha permitido evidenciar la participación de varios religiosos de la Compañía de Jesús -varios de ellos arquitectos- en la concreción de los espacios arquitectónicos necesarios para el buen desarrollo de sus actividades que exigía su proyecto religioso, social, educativo y cultural. El presente artículo pretende identificar, reconocer, divulgar y valorar la participación de los sacerdotes y hermanos coadjutores jesuitas que laboraron en los colegios o misiones, y contribuyeron con sus conocimientos para la materialización de los edificios de la orden en territorio neogranadino, particularizando en cada uno de ellos su origen con señalamiento de las respectivas acciones arquitectónicas más relevantes que contribuyeron a la configuración de la arquitectura jesuítica del Nuevo Reino de Granada.
Palabras Clave: Colonia; Jesuitas; Sacerdotes y Coadjutores; Arquitectura; Nuevo Reino de Granada
Retención del talento en organizaciones IT: El rol del liderazgo transformacional de los supervisores y los acuerdos de empleo idiosincráticos
Authors: Berettera Celeste , Pujol-Cols Lucas , Arraigada Mariana
Published: May 2024

La retención del talento se ha convertido en un verdadero desafío en la industria tecnológica (IT). Así, este estudio examina los efectos del liderazgo transformacional sobre las intenciones de los empleados de permanecer en la organización a través de la negociación de acuerdos de empleo idiosincráticos (i-deals). Se recolectaron datos en una muestra no probabilística de 109 trabajadores IT contactados mediante un enfoque de redes. Los resultados revelan que los líderes transformacionales son más proclives a negociar acuerdos idiosincráticos y que este estilo de liderazgo se relaciona positivamente con las intenciones de los empleados de permanecer en la organización. Futuras investigaciones deberían explorar aún más el rol de la negociación idiosincrática en las dinámicas examinadas en este artículo y, particularmente, su patrón diferencial de efectos sobre la retención del talento de acuerdo con el tipo de i-deal bajo negociación.
Semi-Supervised Approach Using Transductive Support Vector Machine for Internal Leakage Detection in Two-Stage Hydraulic Cylinder
Authors: Prakash Jatin , Miglani Ankur , Kankar P. K.
Published: May 2024

Hydraulic cylinders with higher stages of extraction are extensively used in earthmoving and heavy machines due to their longer stroke, shorter retracted length, and high-end performance. The rigorous and long hours of operations make cylinders prone to internal leakage, which visually remains unnoticeable. This paper presents the conceptualization and realization of a newly developed 210 bar high-pressure hydraulic test rig actuated by a two-stage hydraulic cylinder. Experiments have been carried out to acquire pressure signals for two different leakage conditions (3% and 5% for moderate and severe leakages respectively) in the ramp wave motion of the cylinder. A decline in the working pressure and the piston velocity by approximately 10% and 45% for these leakage conditions respectively is noted. The time–frequency analysis infers these signals contain low-frequency components. For the automated leakage detection, a new iterative probability-based, transductive semi-supervised support vector machine (TS-SVM) is proposed capable of learning with limited datasets in several iterations. TS-SVM classifies the internal leakage with 100% accuracy in four iterations and utilizes only 64% of the total training data.
The usefulness of ultrasound in identifying the underlying findings linked to pain in podagra patients
Authors: Du Meixia , Zhong Yanmi , Yan Mengmeng , Xiao Lishan , Jiang Caiyun , Zhang Fangfang , Zhao Cheng , Ning Chunping
Published: May 2024

Aim: To explore whether ultrasound (US) can be employed to identify the underlying characteristics associated with pain in patients with podagra by evaluating the relationship between ultrasound findings and clinical pain.Material and methods: Patients with podagra were recruited and grouped into a pain group (G1, 82 patients) and a non pain group (G2, 123 patients). US features were collected and compared. US data were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis and ROC analysis. Interobserver reliability was assessed, too.Results: A total of 205 patients (196 male and 9 female) were enrolled in this study. In multivariate analysis, the thickness of the synovium (OR=1.928, CI=1.074-3.463), CD (color Doppler) signal of the synovium (OR=1.458, CI=1.011-2.103), and CD signal of the tophi (OR=1.576, CI=1.142-2.177) were identified as risk factors for clinical pain. Areas under the ROC curves (AUC) were 0.713, 0.686 and 0.641 for the three indicators, respectively. The best cutoff points were 1 mm for the thickness of the synovium, grade 1 for the CD signal of the synovium and grade 2 for the CD signal of the tophi.Conclusions: Ultrasound can provide valuable information for determining underlying features associated with pain in patients with podagra.
Effects of graphene doping and gas adsorption on the peak positions of graphene plasmon resonance and adsorbate infrared absorption
Authors: Ye Jongpil
Published: May 2024

The peak positions of graphene plasmon resonance can be controlled to overlap with those of the infrared absorption spectra of gas molecules, allowing highly sensitive detection and identification by graphene nanoribbons. In this study, we investigate the adsorption of gas molecules, including SO2, SO3, H2S, and NH3, on graphene and characterize its effects on the relative positions of the two peaks using density functional theory and the finite difference time domain method. It is demonstrated that the binding energies are stronger, and the amounts of charge transfer are greater in the case of SO2 and SO3 adsorbed on n-doped graphene than in other cases. Electron acceptance by SO2 and SO3 adsorbates on n-doped graphene redshifts the graphene plasmon resonance peaks and their stretching and wagging infrared absorption peaks. However, the former is significantly further redshifted, leading to narrower peak-position-matching ribbon widths in n-doped graphene than in p-doped graphene. The amounts of charge transfer are relatively small regardless of the doping type in the case of NH3 and H2S, mitigating the doping-type dependence compared to SO2 and SO3. The wagging peaks of NH3 on n-doped graphene are shown to be further blueshifted than on p-doped graphene, rendering their peak-position-matching ribbon widths further closer to each other. These results suggest that the effects of doping and adsorption on the two types of peaks should be considered to optimize the performance of graphene plasmon-based gas sensing and identification.
Effects of working pressure during magnetron sputtering on thermoelectric performance of flexible p-type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thin films
Authors: Hu Ding , Liang Shaojun , He Yichun , Zhang Rensheng , Yue Song
Published: May 2024

The influence of argon working pressure during magnetron sputtering on thermoelectric properties has been investigated on p-type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 flexible films deposited at various working pressures in the range from 2 to 5 Pa. The microstructure and orientations, atomic compositions, and carrier concentration could be regulated by adjusting the working pressure, due to the size-dependent inhibition of the deposition of the sputtered Bi, Sb, and Te atoms from argon ions. Profiting from the occurrence of the (006) orientation, the nearest stoichiometric ratio, the highest carrier concentration and mobility, and the quantum confinement effect, the film deposited at 4 Pa displays the maximum power factor of 1095 μW m−1 K−2 at 360 K. These results suggest that the electrical transport properties of the sputtered flexible thermoelectric thin films can be synergistically optimized by selecting an appropriate working pressure.
Low hunting costs in an expensive marine mammal predator
Authors: Rojano-Doñate Laia , Teilmann Jonas , Wisniewska Danuta M. , Jensen Frants H. , Siebert Ursula , McDonald Birgitte I. , Elmegaard Siri L. , Sveegaard Signe , Dietz Rune , Johnson Mark , Madsen Peter T.
Published: May 2024

Many large terrestrial mammalian predators use energy-intensive, high-risk, high-gain strategies to pursue large, high-quality prey. However, similar-sized marine mammal predators with even higher field metabolic rates (FMRs) consistently target prey three to six orders of magnitude smaller than themselves. Here, we address the question of how these active and expensive marine mammal predators can gain sufficient energy from consistently targeting small prey during breath-hold dives. Using harbor porpoises as model organisms, we show that hunting small aquatic prey is energetically cheap (<20% increase in FMR) for these marine predators, but it requires them to spend a large proportion (>60%) of time foraging. We conclude that this grazing foraging strategy on small prey is viable for marine mammal predators despite their high FMR because they can hunt near continuously at low marginal expense. Consequently, cessation of foraging due to human disturbance comes at a high cost, as porpoises must maintain their high thermoregulation costs with a reduced energy intake.
Biomarkers from subcutaneous engineered tissues predict acute rejection of organ allografts
Authors: Urie Russell R. , Morris Aaron , Farris Diana , Hughes Elizabeth , Xiao Chengchuan , Chen Judy , Lombard Elizabeth , Feng Jiane , Li Jun Z. , Goldstein Daniel R. , Shea Lonnie D.
Published: May 2024

Invasive graft biopsies assess the efficacy of immunosuppression through lagging indicators of transplant rejection. We report on a microporous scaffold implant as a minimally invasive immunological niche to assay rejection before graft injury. Adoptive transfer of T cells into Rag2
−/−
mice with mismatched allografts induced acute cellular allograft rejection (ACAR), with subsequent validation in wild-type animals. Following murine heart or skin transplantation, scaffold implants accumulate predominantly innate immune cells. The scaffold enables frequent biopsy, and gene expression analyses identified biomarkers of ACAR before clinical signs of graft injury. This gene signature distinguishes ACAR and immunodeficient respiratory infection before injury onset, indicating the specificity of the biomarkers to differentiate ACAR from other inflammatory insult. Overall, this implantable scaffold enables remote evaluation of the early risk of rejection, which could potentially be used to reduce the frequency of routine graft biopsy, reduce toxicities by personalizing immunosuppression, and prolong transplant life.
What to give your robot mother on Mother’s Day
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: May 2024

Jung_E
, the 2023 science-fiction movie from South Korea, suggests that a novel leg-wheel hybrid for robot locomotion might be appreciated.
Tumor-associated NK cells drive MDSC-mediated tumor immune tolerance through the IL-6/STAT3 axis
Authors: Neo Shi Yong , Tong Le , Chong Joni , Liu Yaxuan , Jing Xu , Oliveira Mariana M. S. , Chen Yi , Chen Ziqing , Lee Keene , Burduli Nutsa , Chen Xinsong , Gao Juan , Ma Ran , Lim Jia Pei , Huo Jianxin , Xu Shengli , Alici Evren , Wickström Stina L. , Haglund Felix , Hartman Johan , Wagner Arnika K. , Cao Yihai , Kiessling Rolf , Lam Kong Peng , Westerberg Lisa S. , Lundqvist Andreas
Published: May 2024

Apart from their killer identity, natural killer (NK) cells have integral roles in shaping the tumor microenvironment. Through immune gene deconvolution, the present study revealed an interplay between NK cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in nonresponders of immune checkpoint therapy. Given that the mechanisms governing the outcome of NK cell–to–myeloid cell interactions remain largely unknown, we sought to investigate the cross-talk between NK cells and suppressive myeloid cells. Upon contact with tumor-experienced NK cells, monocytes and neutrophils displayed increased expression of MDSC-related suppressive factors along with increased capacities to suppress T cells. These changes were accompanied by impaired antigen presentation by monocytes and increased ER stress response by neutrophils. In a cohort of patients with sarcoma and breast cancer, the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by tumor-infiltrating NK cells correlated with S100A8/9 and arginase-1 expression by MDSCs. At the same time, NK cell–derived IL-6 was associated with tumors with higher major histocompatibility complex class I expression, which we further validated with
b2m
-knockout (KO) tumor mice models. Similarly in syngeneic wild-type and
IL-6
KO mouse models, we then demonstrated that the accumulation of MDSCs was influenced by the presence of such regulatory NK cells. Inhibition of the IL-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) axis alleviated suppression of T cell responses, resulting in reduced tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. Together, these results characterize a critical NK cell–mediated mechanism that drives the development of MDSCs during tumor immune escape.
Detection of clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus in New York City
Authors: Meade Philip S. , Bandawane Pooja , Bushfield Kaitlyn , Hoxie Irene , Azcona Karla R. , Burgos Daneidy , Choudhury Sadia , Diaby Adama , Diallo Mariama , Gaynor Kailani , Huang Aaron , Kante Kadiatou , Khan Shehryar N. , Kim William , Ajayi Paul Kehinde , Roubidoux Ericka , Nelson Sasha , McMahon Rita , Albrecht Randy A. , Krammer Florian , Marizzi Christine
Published: May 2024

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b were detected in North America in the winter of 2021/2022. These viruses have spread across the Americas, causing morbidity and mortality in both wild and domestic birds as well as some mammalian species, including cattle. Many surveillance programs for wildlife as well as commercial poultry operations have detected these viruses. In this study, we conducted surveillance of avian species in the urban environment in New York City. We detected highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses in six samples from four different bird species and performed whole-genome sequencing. Sequencing analysis showed the presence of multiple different genotypes. Our work highlights that the interface between animals and humans that may give rise to zoonotic infections or even pandemics is not limited to rural environments and commercial poultry operations but extends into the heart of our urban centers.

IMPORTANCE

While surveillance programs for avian influenza viruses are often focused on migratory routes and their associated stop-over locations or commercial poultry operations, many bird species—including migratory birds—frequent or live in urban green spaces and wetlands. This brings them into contact with a highly dense population of humans and pets, providing an extensive urban animal–human interface in which the general public may have little awareness of circulating infectious diseases. This study focuses on virus surveillance of this interface, combined with culturally responsive science education and community outreach.
The isoprenyl chain length of coenzyme Q mediates the nutritional resistance of fungi to amoeba predation
Authors: Saeed Nauman , Valiante Vito , Kufs Johann E. , Hillmann Falk
Published: May 2024

Amoebae are environmental predators feeding on bacteria, fungi, and other eukaryotic microbes. Predatory interactions alter microbial communities and impose selective pressure toward phagocytic resistance or escape which may, in turn, foster virulence attributes. The ubiquitous fungivorous amoeba
Protostelium aurantium
has a wide prey spectrum in the fungal kingdom but discriminates against members of the
Saccharomyces
clade, such as
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and
Candida glabrata
. Here, we show that this prey discrimination among fungi is solely based on the presence of ubiquinone as an essential cofactor for the predator. While the amoeba readily fed on fungi with CoQ presenting longer isoprenyl side chain variants CoQ8-10, such as those from the
Candida
clade, it failed to proliferate on those with shorter CoQ variants, specifically from the
Saccharomyces
clade (CoQ6). Supplementing non-edible yeast with CoQ9 or CoQ10 rescued the growth
of P. aurantium
, highlighting the importance of a long isoprenyl side chain. Heterologous biosynthesis of CoQ9 in
S. cerevisiae
by introducing genes responsible for CoQ9 production from the evolutionary more basic
Yarrowia lipolytica
complemented the function of the native CoQ6. The results suggest that the use of CoQ6 among members of the
Saccharomyces
clade might have originated as a predatory escape strategy in fungal lineages and could be retained in organisms that were able to thrive by fermentation.

IMPORTANCE

Ubiquinones (CoQ) are universal electron carriers in the respiratory chain of all aerobic bacteria and eukaryotes. Usually 8-10 isoprenyl units ensure their localization within the lipid bilayer. Members of the
Saccharomyces
clade among fungi are unique in using only 6. The reason for this is unclear. Here we provide evidence that the use of CoQ6 efficiently protects these fungi from predation by the ubiquitous fungivorous amoeba
Protostelium aurantium
which lacks its own biosynthetic pathway for this vitamin. The amoebae were starving on a diet of CoQ6 yeasts which could be complemented by either the addition of longer CoQs or the genetic engineering of a CoQ9 biosynthetic pathway.
Seven genome sequences of airborne, bacterial isolates from Antarctica
Authors: Dieser Markus , Smith Heidi J. , Foreman Christine M.
Published: May 2024

Ice-covered and remote landscapes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, are likely seeded by aeolian transport of biological material from ice-free local or distant environments. Here, we report the genome sequences of seven bacteria isolated from aerosols collected on top of two dry valley glaciers.
Characteristics and immune functions of the endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems in myxobacteria
Authors: Hu Wei-feng , Yang Jiang-yu , Wang Jing-jing , Yuan Shu-fei , Yue Xin-jing , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Ya-qi , Meng Jun-yan , Li Yue-zhong
Published: May 2024

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and their associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) system widely occurs in prokaryotic organisms to recognize and destruct genetic invaders. Systematic collation and characterization of endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems are conducive to our understanding and potential utilization of this natural genetic machinery. In this study, we screened 39 complete and 692 incomplete genomes of myxobacteria using a combined strategy to dispose of the abridged genome information and revealed at least 19 CRISPR-Cas subtypes, which were distributed with a taxonomic difference and often lost stochastically in intraspecies strains. The
cas
genes in each subtype were evolutionarily clustered but deeply separated, while most of the CRISPRs were divided into four types based on the motif characteristics of repeat sequences. The spacers recorded in myxobacterial CRISPRs were in high G+C content, matching lots of phages, tiny amounts of plasmids, and, surprisingly, massive organismic genomes. We experimentally demonstrated the immune and self-target immune activities of three endogenous systems in
Myxococcus xanthus
DK1622 against artificial genetic invaders and revealed the microhomology-mediated end-joining mechanism for the immunity-induced DNA repair but not homology-directed repair. The panoramic view and immune activities imply potential omnipotent immune functions and applications of the endogenous CRISPR-Cas machinery.

IMPORTANCE

Serving as an adaptive immune system, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and their associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) empower prokaryotes to fend off the intrusion of external genetic materials. Myxobacteria are a collective of swarming Gram-stain-negative predatory bacteria distinguished by intricate multicellular social behavior. An in-depth analysis of their intrinsic CRISPR-Cas systems is beneficial for our understanding of the survival strategies employed by host cells within their environmental niches. Moreover, the experimental findings presented in this study not only suggest the robust immune functions of CRISPR-Cas in myxobacteria but also their potential applications.
Integration of metataxonomic data sets into microbial association networks highlights shared bacterial community dynamics in fermented vegetables
Authors: Junker Romane , Valence Florence , Mistou Michel-Yves , Chaillou Stéphane , Chiapello Helene
Published: May 2024

The management of food fermentation is still largely based on empirical knowledge, as the dynamics of microbial communities and the underlying metabolic networks that produce safe and nutritious products remain beyond our understanding. Although these closed ecosystems contain relatively few taxa, they have not yet been thoroughly characterized with respect to how their microbial communities interact and dynamically evolve. However, with the increased availability of metataxonomic data sets on different fermented vegetables, it is now possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the microbial relationships that structure plant fermentation. In this study, we applied a network-based approach to the integration of public metataxonomic 16S data sets targeting different fermented vegetables throughout time. Specifically, we aimed to explore, compare, and combine public 16S data sets to identify shared associations between amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) obtained from independent studies. The workflow includes steps for searching and selecting public time-series data sets and constructing association networks of ASVs based on co-abundance metrics. Networks for individual data sets are then integrated into a core network, highlighting significant associations. Microbial communities are identified based on the comparison and clustering of ASV networks using the “stochastic block model” method. When we applied this method to 10 public data sets (including a total of 931 samples) targeting five varieties of vegetables with different sampling times, we found that it was able to shed light on the dynamics of vegetable fermentation by characterizing the processes of community succession among different bacterial assemblages.

IMPORTANCE

Within the growing body of research on the bacterial communities involved in the fermentation of vegetables, there is particular interest in discovering the species or consortia that drive different fermentation steps. This integrative analysis demonstrates that the reuse and integration of public microbiome data sets can provide new insights into a little-known biotope. Our most important finding is the recurrent but transient appearance, at the beginning of vegetable fermentation, of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) belonging to
Enterobacterales
and their associations with ASVs belonging to
Lactobacillales
. These findings could be applied to the design of new fermented products.
Impact of whole grain highland hull-less barley on the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles of gut microbial communities in rats fed high-fat diets
Authors: Xia Xuejuan , Lu Jing , Chen Xuanyu , Zhou Lu , Huang Yadong , Ding Shunjie , Li Guannan
Published: May 2024

Polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) is a traditional non-culture technique that can provide a fingerprint of the microbial community. In the field of gut microbiota analysis, PCR-DGGE still holds potential for development. In the present study, we utilized an improved nested PCR-DGGE approach targeting the V3 region of 16S ribosomal DNA to investigate the impact of whole grain highland hull-less barley (WHLB), a cereal known for its significant hypocholesterolemic effect, on the gut microbiota profiles of high-fat diet rats. Seventy-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups and fed a normal control diet, a high-fat diet, or a high-fat diet supplemented with a low or high dose of WHLB for 4 or 8 weeks. The results revealed that the dominant bands varied among different dose groups and further changed with different treatment times. The compositions of bacterial communities in feces and cecal content were similar, but the dominant bacterial bands differed. After performing double DGGE, extracting the bands, sequencing the DNA, and aligning the sequences, a total of 19 bands were classified under the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, while two bands were identified as unclassified uncultured bacteria. The relative abundance of
Lactobacillus gasseri
, Uncultured
Prevotella
sp., and
Clostridium
sp. increased following the administration of WHLB. Illumina-based sequencing was employed to assess the reliability of DGGE, demonstrating its reliability in analyzing the dominant taxonomic composition, although it may have limitations in accurately detecting the alpha diversity of bacterial species.

IMPORTANCE

While next-generation sequencing has overshadowed polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), the latter still holds promise for advancing gut microbiota analysis due to its unique advantages. In this study, we used optimized nested PCR-DGGE to investigate the gut microbiota profile of high-fat diet rats after administering whole grain highland hull-less barley. High-throughput sequencing was employed to validate the DGGE results. Our results proved the reliability of PCR-DGGE for analyzing the dominant taxonomic composition while also providing visual evidence of a notable relationship between the composition of cecal and fecal microbial communities, highlighting substantial differences in both richness and abundance.
Strontium isotopes and rare earth elements in terrestrial hot-spring deposits: Characterization and geothermal implications
Authors: Luo Lianchao , Wen Huaguo , Capezzuoli Enrico , Brogi Andrea , Liu Ruolin , Vaselli Orlando , Wang Fudong , Lu Zhipeng , You Yaxian , Kele Sándor
Published: May 2024

Identifying geothermal reservoir rock types is fundamental in geothermal exploration, but the absence of active surface geothermal manifestations (especially hot springs) in blind geothermal systems makes this identification difficult. Nevertheless, blind geothermal systems may develop early-formed hot-spring deposits. As (bio-)chemical precipitate, these deposits may retain geochemical signatures of spring waters and thus provide insights into reservoir rock types. To assess their geothermal implications, the 87Sr/86Sr and rare earth elements + yttrium (REE + Y) characteristics of hot-spring deposits in two geothermal systems were investigated and compared with those of their reservoir rocks. Results showed relatively uniform 87Sr/86Sr values in hot-spring deposits within each system, but occasional 87Sr/86Sr contamination induced by exogenous detritus input was also observed. The amount of detritus input relates to the potential for interaction with surrounding soils/rocks and is thus environmentally controlled. Hot-spring deposits with high Sr concentrations showed greater 87Sr/86Sr contamination resistance than those with low Sr concentrations, revealing the influence of Sr concentration in hot-spring deposits on detrital 87Sr/86Sr contamination. The detritus input also influenced the REE + Y signatures of the hot-spring deposits, underscoring the necessity of contamination assessment before geochemical interpretation. Excluding samples with significant 87Sr/86Sr and/or REE + Y contamination, the remaining samples closely mirrored their respective reservoir rocks in terms of 87Sr/86Sr, with partial overlap in REE + Y signatures. This suggests that the 87Sr/86Sr and REE + Y characteristics of hot-spring deposits provide valuable insights into reservoir rock types. However, variations in 87Sr/86Sr or REE + Y compositions between some hot-spring deposits and corresponding reservoir rocks indicate additional influencing factors beyond reservoir rock types. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of reservoir rock types requires integrated geochemical characterization, probably including 87Sr/86Sr, REE + Y, and other parameters. These findings underscore the potential of geochemical characterization of hot-spring deposits for identifying geothermal reservoir rock types, and this geochemical approach can complement geological and geophysical data to improve exploration efficiency, especially in blind geothermal systems.
Supplemental Material: Geodetic constraints on three-component motion of the Ordos block (China) and their implications for lithospheric dynamics
Authors: Li Zhangjun , al. et
Published: May 2024

GNSS position and leveling height difference time series in the northeastern Ordos block and the Datong volcanic areas (Figs. S1 and S2). Observed and calculated vertical velocities at each continuously operating GNSS site, as well as seasonal vertical deformation signal from GNSS stations (Fig. S3). Leveling vertical velocities relative to the Ordos Block (the Suide bedrock benchmark) and geocentered ITRF2014 reference frames (Fig. S4). Rotation strain rates and median spatial smoothing distances in strain rate calculation (Fig. S5). 
Achalasia in pregnancy
Authors: Azahar Zafirah Akmal , Ab Rahim Mohd Fadliyazid , Ahmad Nasriah , Ramli Roziana
Published: May 2024

Achalasia is characterised by incomplete relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter and aberrant oesophageal peristaltic activity resulting in impaired oesophageal emptying. This rare condition in pregnancy is unique as both the disease and its treatment are associated with fetomaternal risks and complications. A woman in her early 30s, gravida 3 para 2 at 35 weeks’ pregnancy with suspected oesophageal achalasia, presented with shortness of breath, cough and fever following frequent bouts of vomiting and fluid regurgitation. She was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia complicated by severe metabolic acidosis, malnutrition syndrome and fetal growth restriction. Following stabilisation of the acute clinical problems, delivery was expedited via caesarean section. Postpartum endoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of achalasia as per initial suspicion. Definitive surgery was performed several months later after optimisation of the patient’s nutritional status. This case illustrates the life-threatening complications of achalasia in pregnancy.
Anasarca as the first presentation of anti-synthetase syndrome
Authors: Xiong Jiaqing , Balakrishnan Tharmmambal , Fong Warren
Published: May 2024

A woman in her 70s presented with anasarca and exertional dyspnoea. Investigation showed severe hypoalbuminaemia with no urinary or gastrointestinal protein losses. CT thorax reported lung consolidations, and transbronchial lung biopsy demonstrated organising pneumonia. Autoimmune myositis serology was positive for anti-Jo-1, anti-Ro-52, and anti-PM/Scl-100 antibodies. She was diagnosed with anti-synthetase syndrome with organising pneumonia. She was treated with oral prednisolone and oral mycophenolate mofetil with a good clinical response.
Paradoxical masseteric bulging after botulinum neurotoxin type A injection
Authors: Sandhu Shaiba , Shaefer Jeffry
Published: May 2024

Paradoxical masseteric bulging refers to an unexpected occurrence of masseter muscle bulging or protrusion following the administration of botulinum toxin injections, contrary to the anticipated muscle weakening effect. It may occur secondary to toxin failing to diffuse through the entire masseter muscle due to the presence of an inferior tendon structure within the superficial masseter that divides it into a superficial and deep belly. We report a clinical case of paradoxical masseteric bulging in a female in her late 40s who developed this adverse effect within a week of her masseter botulinum neurotoxin type A injections. We also describe the masseter two-site injection technique for the management of this complication.
Nocardiakeratitis after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)
Authors: Alhemyari Mohammed H , Satarasi Pranitha , Joseph Joveeta , Bagga Bhupesh
Published: May 2024

We report the case of a female patient in her late 20s who visited the clinic with concerns about poor vision, redness, watering and a burning sensation in her left eye 2 weeks after undergoing a small incision lenticule extraction. She had no history of systemic illness or immunosuppressed status. On slit lamp examination, she was found to have corneal stromal infiltrates in the interface at multiple locations. Given the clinical diagnosis of microbial keratitis, corneal scraping of the interface infiltrate was performed and sent for microbiological examination revealing gram-positive, thin, beaded filaments that were acid-fast positive and later identified by growth in culture media asNocardiaspecies. This case was managed successfully with the use of topical amikacin and systemic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole with complete resolution of infection.
Scimitar syndrome with vein stenosis in an infant
Authors: Corvol Fany , Hascoet Sébastien , Le Bret Emmanuel , Nathan Nadia
Published: May 2024

Scimitar syndrome is characterised by right lung hypoplasia and abnormal pulmonary venous return, known as the ‘scimitar vein’. We report the case of an infant girl with scimitar syndrome who developed a severe respiratory distress mimicking asthma. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was diagnosed, attributed to scimitar vein stenosis and a left-to-right shunt. Scimitar vein stenosis, a rare complication of scimitar syndrome, can lead to severe PH, highlighting the importance of prompt management in specialised care centres.
Duplication of right vertebral artery in Klippel-Feil anomaly
Authors: Charan Bheru Dan , Gaikwad Shailesh B , Agarwal Sushant , Sharma Neha
Published: May 2024

The duplicated origin of the vertebral artery (VA) is an uncommon anatomical variant, which is generally identified incidentally during angiography and can be misdiagnosed as dissection in the setting of posterior circulation stroke. Here, we describe a case of the right V1 VA duplication with embryological aspects in a patient with Klippel-Feil anomaly, which was diagnosed during preoperative evaluation. Surgeons must be aware to avoid vascular injury from a duplicated VA before head-neck and spinal surgery.
The relative risk of fatal poisoning by methadone or buprenorphine within the wider population of England and Wales
Authors: Marteau Dave , McDonald Rebecca , Patel Kamlesh
Published: May 2024

Objective

To examine the population-wide overdose risk emerging from the prescription of methadone and buprenorphine for opioid substitution treatment in England and Wales.

Design

Retrospective administrative data study.

Setting

National databases for England and Wales.

Participants/cases

Drug-related mortality data were drawn from the Office for National Statistics, and prescription data for methadone and buprenorphine were obtained from the National Health Service for the years 2007–2012. During this 6-year period, a total of 2366 methadone-related deaths and 52 buprenorphine-related deaths were registered, corresponding to 17 333 163 methadone and 2 602 374 buprenorphine prescriptions issued. The analysis encompassed poisoning deaths among members of the wider population of England and Wales who consumed, but were not prescribed these medications, in addition to patients prescribed methadone or buprenorphine.

Main outcome measures

Mortality risk: substance-specific overdose rate per 1000 prescriptions issued; relative risk ratio of methadone in relation to buprenorphine.

Results

During the years 2007–2012, the pooled overdose death rate was 0.137/1000 prescriptions of methadone, compared to 0.022/1000 prescriptions of buprenorphine (including buprenorphine-naloxone). The analysis generated a relative risk ratio of 6.23 (95% CI 4.79 to 8.10) of methadone in relation to buprenorphine. UK Borders Agency data were taken into consideration and revealed that only negligible amounts of methadone and buprenorphine were seized on entering UK territory between 2007 and 2012, suggesting domestic diversion.

Conclusions

Our analysis of the relative safety of buprenorphine and methadone for opioid substitution treatment reveals that buprenorphine is six times safer than methadone with regard to overdose risk among the general population. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of prescribing methadone, and tighter regulations are needed to prevent its diversion.
Practice of breast self-examination and associated factors among women of reproductive age in the North Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022: a convergent mixed-methods study
Authors: Hussein Dursa , Oyato Befekadu Tesfaye , Gashaw Ketema , Geleta Tinsae Abeya , Tufa Derara Girma , Geleta Leta Adugna
Published: May 2024

Objective

To assess practice of breast self-examination (BSE) and associated factors among women of reproductive age in the North Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Design

Community-based cross-sectional study with a convergent mixed-methods approach.

Setting

The study was conducted in the North Shoa Zone of Oromia, Central Ethiopia, between 1 May 2022 and 30 June 2022.

Participants

1076 women of reproductive age were selected using simple random sampling technique for the quantitative study. For the qualitative part, a total of 46 women were approached purposively to elicit rich ideas and insight into the issue. The quantitative data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and focus group discussions were used for the qualitative part. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS V.26. An adjusted OR with a 95% CI was employed. Thematic analysis approach was applied for the qualitative data analysis.

Outcome measures

Participants were interviewed to respond whether they practised BSE.

Results

Overall, 192 (18.2%; 15.7%–20.5%) of the participants had ever performed BSE. Having a family history of breast cancer (BC) (adjusted OR (AOR)=6.9, 95% CI 4.6 to 10.3), being knowledgeable on BSE (AOR=3, 95% CI 1.9 to 4.3), having high perceived susceptibility (AOR=1.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.5), having high self-efficacy (AOR=1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3) and having a high perceived benefit to BSE (AOR=1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3) were significantly associated with increased odds of BSE practice.

Four main themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: BC and BSE-related knowledge, perceived benefits of treatment, barriers to BSE practice and enablers of BSE practice.

Conclusion

The practice of BSE in this area was considerably low. The North Shoa Zonal Health Office and other stakeholders should disseminate instructional materials that cover the techniques and benefits of regularly performing BSE. Healthcare professionals should engage in the community to address the obstacles women face in practising BSE.
Predicting the association of different levels of physical activity on postoperative pulmonary complications using the international physical activity questionnaire in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery under general anaesthesia: protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Qiu Lei , Zhao Liang , Wang Bailun , Yang Li , Cao Cuicui , Lv Meng , Xu Mengchao , Hou Ming , Wang Xiaofei , Wang Yuelan , Gu Chang Ping
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) occur frequently in patients undergoing lung surgery under general anaesthesia and are strongly associated with longer postoperative hospital stays and increased mortality. The existing literature has shown that a higher level of preoperative physical activity (PA) plays a positive role in the low incidence of postoperative complications and the quality of life in patients undergoing lung surgery. However, the association between preoperative PA levels and the incidence of PPCs has rarely been studied, particularly in thoracoscopic lung surgery. This study aims to evaluate PA levels in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and to investigate the association between PA levels and the incidence of PPCs.

Methods and analysis

A total of 204 participants aged 18–80 years undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery (thoracoscopic wedge resection, thoracoscopic segmentectomy and thoracoscopic lobectomy) will be included in the study. The primary outcome is the incidence of PPCs within the first 5 postoperative days. The secondary outcomes include the number of PPCs, the incidence of PPCs 1 month postoperatively, the arterial blood levels of inflammatory markers, the incidence of postoperative adverse events within the first 5 postoperative days, extubation time, unplanned admission to the intensive care unit, postoperative length of stay and mortality 1 month postoperatively.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University on 31 March 2022 (YXLL-KY-2022(014)) and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. We plan to disseminate the data and findings of this study in international and peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

The trial has been prospectively registered at the clinicaltrials.gov registry (NCT05401253).
Body mass index and all-cause mortality in HUNT and UK biobank studies: revised non-linear Mendelian randomisation analyses
Authors: Burgess Stephen , Sun Yi-Qian , Zhou Ang , Buck Christopher , Mason Amy M , Mai Xiao-Mei
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To estimate the shape of the causal relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality risk in a Mendelian randomisation framework.

Design

Mendelian randomisation analyses of two prospective population-based cohorts.

Setting

Individuals of European ancestries living in Norway or the UK.

Participants

56 150 participants from the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway and 366 385 participants from UK Biobank recruited by postal invitation.

Outcomes

All-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular, cancer, non-cardiovascular non-cancer).

Results

A previously published non-linear Mendelian randomisation analysis of these data using the residual stratification method suggested a J-shaped association between genetically predicted BMI and mortality outcomes with the lowest mortality risk at a BMI of around 25 kg/m2. However, the ‘constant genetic effect’ assumption required by this method is violated. The reanalysis of these data using the more reliable doubly-ranked stratification method provided some indication of a J-shaped relationship, but with much less certainty as there was less precision in estimates at the lower end of the BMI distribution. Evidence for a harmful effect of reducing BMI at low BMI levels was only present in some analyses, and where present, only below 20 kg/m2. A harmful effect of increasing BMI for all-cause mortality was evident above 25 kg/m2, for cardiovascular mortality above 24 kg/m2, for cancer mortality above 30 kg/m2and for non-cardiovascular non-cancer mortality above 26 kg/m2. In UK Biobank, the association between genetically predicted BMI and mortality at high BMI levels was stronger in women than in men.

Conclusion

This research challenges findings from previous conventional observational epidemiology and Mendelian randomisation investigations that the lowest level of mortality risk is at a BMI level of around 25 kg/m2. Our results provide some evidence that reductions in BMI will increase mortality risk for a small proportion of the population, and clear evidence that increases in BMI will increase mortality risk for those with BMI above 25 kg/m2.
Exploring the perceptions and experiences of community rehabilitation for Long COVID from the perspectives of Scottish general practitioners’ and people living with Long COVID: a qualitative study
Authors: Cooper Kay , Duncan Edward , Hart-Winks Erin , Cowie Julie , Shim Joanna , Stage Emma , Tooman Tricia , Alexander Lyndsay , Love Alison , Morris Jacqui H , Ormerod Jane , Preston Jenny , Swinton Paul
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To explore the experience of accessing Long COVID community rehabilitation from the perspectives of people with Long COVID and general practitioners (GPs).

Design

Qualitative descriptive study employing one-to-one semistructured virtual interviews analysed using the framework method.

Setting

Four National Health Service Scotland territorial health boards.

Participants

11 people with Long COVID (1 male, 10 female; aged 40–65 (mean 53) and 13 GPs (5 male, 8 female).

Results

Four key themes were identified: (1) The lived experience of Long COVID, describing the negative impact of Long COVID on participants’ health and quality of life; (2) The challenges of an emergent and complex chronic condition, including uncertainties related to diagnosis and management; (3) Systemic challenges for Long COVID service delivery, including lack of clear pathways for access and referral, siloed services, limited resource and a perceived lack of holistic care, and (4) Perceptions and experiences of Long COVID and its management, including rehabilitation. In this theme, a lack of knowledge by GPs and people with Long COVID on the potential role of community rehabilitation for Long COVID was identified. Having prior knowledge of rehabilitation or being a healthcare professional appeared to facilitate access to community rehabilitation. Finally, people with Long COVID who had received rehabilitation had generally found it beneficial.

Conclusions

There are several patient, GP and service-level barriers to accessing community rehabilitation for Long COVID. There is a need for greater understanding by the public, GPs and other potential referrers of the role of community rehabilitation professionals in the management of Long COVID. There is also a need for community rehabilitation services to be well promoted and accessible to the people with Long COVID for whom they may be appropriate. The findings of this study can be used by those (re)designing community rehabilitation services for people with Long COVID.