bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clostridium cellabutyricum sp. nov., isolated from a Chinese liquor mud cellar, exhibiting probiotic potential and antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Qi Yin , Lu Xiao-Ling , Li Yingli , Liu Xiang-Ru , Nie Hao , Zhang Yuan-Jie , Wang Meng-Ling
Published: January 2024

Clostridium spp., which can produce short-chain fatty acids, represents potential probiotic candidates as promising adjuvant therapy against immune-associated disease via modulating host gut microbiome disorder. However, as obligate anaerobic bacteria, the strain resource of Clostridium spp. remains limited. A novel Clostridium bacterium, designated strain YQ-FP-027T, was isolated from a Chinese liquor mud cellar with the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.24%) with Clostridium intestinale DSM6191T. Characterization based on phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic evidence was conducted. The probiotic profiles were determined both in vitro and in vivo. While its in vitro resistance to bile salts and acid was limited, the strain produced significant quantities of butyric acid (2001.92µg/g), and acetic acid (458.17µg/g). Its supernatant exhibited inhibitory effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial cell growth. To evaluate its in vivo probiotic capacity, two chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm lung infection mouse models for both the preventative (pre-treatment) and therapeutic (post-treatment) applications of strain YQ-FP-027T were constructed. Treatment with YQ-FP-027T substantially reduced bacterial loads in lung tissue by 44.4% and 34.9% for the prevention and treatment models, respectively. Notably, upregulation of interleukin-10 expression and a significant increase in gut flora diversity were observed during YQ-FP-027T treatment. Further analysis of gut microbial diversity indicated an increase in beneficial genera such as Lachnospira and Prevotella, with a potential uptick in Lactobacillus abundance post-treatment in the prevention model, indicating the modulating ability of strain YQ-FP-027T on the gut microbiome as underlying mechanisms against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm infections. Characterization based on phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic evidence demonstrated that strain YQ-FP-027T represents a novel species of the genus Clostridium, for which the name Clostridium cellabutyricum sp. nov., is proposed. Our results showed that strain holds great potential to provide a therapeutic alternative to alleviate the negative impacts of current infectious disease treatments.
Accounting for Financing Risks improves Intergenerational Equity of Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Fries Christian , Quante Lennart
Published: January 2024

Today's decisions on climate change mitigation affect the damage that future generations will bear. Discounting future benefits and costs of climate change mitigation is one of the most important components of assessing efficient climate mitigation pathways. We extend the DICE model with stochastic discount rates to reflect the dynamic nature of discount rates. Stochastic rates give rise to a mitigation strategy, resulting in all model quantities becoming stochastic.
We show that the classical calibration of the DICE model induces intergenerational inequality: future generations have to bear higher costs relative to GDP and that this effect worsens under stochastic discount rates.
Accounting for additional financing risks, we investigate two modifications of DICE. We find that allowing financing of abatement costs and considering non-linear financing effects for large damages improves intergenerational effort sharing. We propose a modified optimisation to keep costs below 3\% of GDP, resulting in more equal efforts between generations.
Superhydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride microporous membranes via combining TIPS with rolling embossing: the influence of pre-evaporation
Authors: Sun Qichao , Yang Zhensheng , Wang Zhingying , Wu Lianying
Published: January 2024

Superhydrophobic microporous membranes hold great promise for applications in membrane contactor processes and oil-water separation, and it is crucial to develop a simple method to prepare stable superhydrophobic membrane. We investigated the impact of pre-evaporation time on membrane performance during the preparation of superhydrophobic membranes, employing a combination of TIPS with rolling embossing. To ensure the success of the roll pressing process, we initially conducted pre-evaporation experiments to determine the optimal pre-evaporation time. Subsequently, the embossed membranes underwent comprehensive characterization using SEM, XRD, AFM, contact angle measurement, porosity analysis, pore size determination, N2 flux measurement, and assessment of mechanical stability. The surface of the embossed membrane showcased a micron-submicron hierarchical structure reminiscent of the lotus leaf surface, resulting in a high water contact angle (WCA) of 151° and a low solid contact angle (SA) of 9.5°. Furthermore, the embossed membrane exhibited favorable porosity, pore size, N2 flux, and liquid entry pressure (LEP). The micro-submicron hierarchical structure demonstrated excellent mechanical stability. Ultimately, the embossed membranes demonstrated remarkable separation efficiency and operational stability in emulsion separation. Even after 20 cycles, the PVDF micropores maintained a high flux of 982.10 L•m− 2•h− 1 and a retention rate (α) of 98.67%. Notably, the embossed membranes effectively removed 100% of mechanical impurities and water from waste diesel fuel.
Trade-offs of on-farm yield estimation approaches and key factors affecting yield accuracy in smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa. A review.
Authors: Nabateregga Mabel , Sølberg Svein Øivind , Etten Jacob van , de Sousa Kauê
Published: January 2024

Enhancing food security for smallholder farmers amidst challenging climatic conditions requires accurate quantification of agricultural production. However, there are increasing debates on the weaknesses of commonly used yield estimation approaches in smallholder production systems. There is also a limited understanding of the implications of methodological choice of different yield estimation approaches at varying scales in diverse production systems. As such, smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have been characterized with substantial crop yield variability which is persistent even within the same agro-ecological zones. Moreover, broad comparisons for regional and national agricultural productivity have often formed the basis of certain misconceptions about crop productivity across a wide diversity of production systems, each with its own peculiarities and oddities. Additionally, the key factors influencing accuracy and reliability of yield data are still not well understood and are often overlooked when estimating yield in both small and large-scale surveys. This review provides an in-depth comparative analysis of trade-offs and sources of error in commonly applied yield estimation approaches in SSA production systems. Also, here for the first time, we collectively discuss the key factors that impact accuracy and reliability of yield data in diverse production systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Our review provides useful insights for standardizing on-farm yield measurement approaches and benchmarking crop production in smallholder production systems, a prerequisite for recommendations and decision-making in agricultural research. Improving the measurement of yield data will increase the understanding of diverse smallholder production systems and consequentially improve the targeting of productivity-enhancing interventions.
Neural network based estimates of the climate impact on mortality in Germany-application to storyline climate simulations
Authors: Schachtschneider Reyko , Saynisch-Wagner Jan , Sánchez-Benitez Antonio , Thomas Maik
Published: January 2024

The aim of this work is the prediction of heat-related mortality for Germany under future, i.e. hotter, climate conditions. The prediction is made based on 2m temperature data from climate storyline simulations using machine learning techniques. We use an echo state network for linking the outputs of storyline climate simulations to the target data. The target data are all-cause mortality rates of Germany for all ages. The network is trained with present day climate model outputs. Model outputs of future, i.e. 2K and 4K warmer, storylines are used to predict mortality rates under such climatic conditions. We find that we can train an echo state network with recent temperature data and mortality and make plausible predictions about expected developments of mortality in Germany based on future climate storylines. The trained network can successfully predict mortality rates for future climate conditions. We find increased mortality during the summer months which is attributed to the presence of more severe heat waves. The mortality decrease found during winter can be explained milder winters leading to fewer deaths caused by respiratory diseases. However, mortality in winter is largely influenced by other factors such as influenza waves or vaccination rate and explainability due to temperature is limited.
3bmGPT: A novel language model for transforming and analyzing protein-ligand binding interactions in drug discovery.
Authors: Jung Jongsun , Lee Taeseob , Witztum Jonathan , Jung Heehoon , Jung Ahnjae , Min JaeWoong , Hong Jong , Zhang Bin , An Junsik , Hong Woonyoung
Published: January 2024

Emergent Large Language Models (LLMs) show impressive capabilities in performing a wide range of tasks. These models can be harnessed for biophysical use, as well. The main challenge in this endeavor lies in transforming 3D chemical data into 1D language-like data. We developed a method to transform molecular data into language-like data and tokenize it for LLM use in biophysical context. We then trained a model, 3bmGPT, and validated it with a known protein-ligand complex. Using the pre-trained result, the model can assess the chemical properties of targets, detect shared binding properties and structures, and reveal related drugs. 3bmGPT and the synthetic-language to describe binding interactions uncovered novel protein-protein networks influenced by ligands, indicating functionally related yet previously unreported interactions. We provide open access to a fully functional web-based tool utilizing 3bmGPT.
Numerical Investigation on Seismic Specifications of Coupled Primary-Secondary Structural Systems
Authors: Fereidooni Omid , Zarfam Panam , Mansoori Mohammadreza
Published: January 2024

The present study evaluates primary-secondary structure interaction (PSSI) in three-dimensional (3D) single- and multi-story steel frame structures. A novel, yet practical, technique was presented to include the effects of secondary systems on the seismic response of coupled structures using concentrated mass systems. Also, a method was proposed to lower the time period of coupled structures via designing a deformable infill wall seating, contrary to the conventional wall-frame connections. The coupled structures were experimentally and numerically studied to examine the effect of secondary systems in the form of concentrated mass, infill walls, and the associated restraining wall posts. Thus, experimental models were exposed to selected ground motion excitations and the finite element (FE) models were subjected to non-linear dynamic time-history analyses. Five types of frame structures were designed, fabricated, and subjected to seismic loading via both approaches and the results were compared. An excellent agreement between the two approaches were observed. It was revealed that secondary systems noticeably increase story displacements and accelerations despite the very light weight, altering the seismic behavior of the entire system. However, free vibrations of the coupled frames were considerably eliminated when the proposed concentrated mass secondary systems were used in steel frames. Also, the input earthquake energy was immediately dissipated in structures with deformable wall seating.
The Associations between Muscle Ultrasound Measurements, Calf Circumference, Mid-upper Arm Circumference, and Body Mass Index
Authors: Ozturk Yelda , Guner Merve , Bas Arzu Okyar , Ceylan Serdar , Koca Meltem , Esme Mert , Balci Cafer , Dogu Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Halil Meltem
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Muscle ultrasound (US) is a trending method for sarcopenia diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to show the changes in rectus femoris (RF) muscle thickness, RF cross-sectional area, gastrocnemius medialis (GC) muscle thickness, calf circumference (CC), and mid-upper arm circumference (MAC) throughout different body mass index (BMI) categories. Therefore, we planned to find out their associations with probable sarcopenia regardless of age, sex, and BMI.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in geriatric outpatients (≥ 65 years). Waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), MAC, CC, BMI, handgrip strength (HGS), fat-free mass index (FFMI), fat%, and muscle US measurements were obtained.
Results
A total of 227 patients, 62.1% female, were included. Partial correlation, controlled for age, and sex, revealed that BMI had a positive strong correlation with WC (r = 0.727), HC (r = 0.793), MAC (r = 0.637), FFMI (r = 0.632), and fat% (r = 0.620). Therefore, BMI had a positive moderate correlation with CC (r = 0.545), and a positive weak correlation with GC muscle thickness (r = 0.283). RF muscle thickness (OR 0.781, 95% CI;0.691–0.882, p < 0.001), RF cross-sectional area (OR 0.601, 95% CI; 0.480–0.753, p < 0.001), and GC muscle thickness (OR 0.869, 95% CI; 0.783–0.964), p < 0.008) were independently associated with probable sarcopenia when adjusted for age, sex, and BMI categories. There were no independent associations between BMI, CC, and MAC.
Conclusion
Muscle US measurements are independently associated with probable sarcopenia, regardless of age, sex, and BMI. Future prospective studies are needed to support the importance of muscle US to predict sarcopenia in patients with obesity.
Mixed phase Ti3+-rich TiO2 thin films by oxide defect engineered crystallization
Authors: Palmolahti Lauri , Ali-Löytty Harri , Hannula Markku , Tinus Tuomas , Lehtola Kalle , Tukiainen Antti , Reuna Jarno , Valden Mika
Published: January 2024

Amorphous TiO2 thin films have an insufficient chemical stability for photocatalytic applications. Annealing treatments induce crystallization improving the chemical stability. However, the crystalline structure is already predetermined by the composition of the amorphous phase. In this paper, we demonstrate that the oxide defects, i.e., oxygen vacancies and Ti3+ states, can be created by O2 deficiency during ion-beam sputter deposition without affecting the O/Ti ratio of TiO2 that thus contains a variable degree of under- and over-coordinated Ti atoms. TiO2 with only a few defects crystallizes into microcrystalline anatase during vacuum annealing whereas a moderate density of defects causes crystallization into nanocrystalline rutile. An excessive density of defects results in a mixed amorphous/nanocrystalline rutile phase that was analyzed by near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. The density of defects did not affect the crystallization temperature that was 400 °C. Unlike the as deposited amorphous TiO2 thin films, all crystalline films including the mixed phase one were chemically stable in 1.0 M NaOH. The vacuum annealing preserves the Ti3+ gap states that are critical to the charge transfer in protective TiO2-based photoelectrode coatings.
A low dose of curcumin-PDA nanoparticles improves viability and proliferation in endoneurial fibroblasts and Schwann cell cultures
Authors: Alberdi Lucia Vázquez , Martínez-Busi Marcela , Arrarte Eloisa , Echeverry Carolina , Calero Miguel , Kun Alejandra
Published: January 2024

Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa’s roots. Low doses of curcumin are related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, while high doses are used for their lethality. This diversity of behaviors allows us to understand curcumin as a compound with hormetic action. Due to its strongly hydrophobic character, curcumin is often solubilized in organic compounds. Despite their importance in experimental design, the specific biological impact of these vehicles alone is rarely documented. In this way, we have recently reported the undesirable and occasionally irreversible effects of alcohol and DMSO on the viability of primary Schwann cell cultures. In this scenario, the use of nanoparticles as delivery systems has become a successful alternative strategy for these compounds. In the present work, we describe the structure of Polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, loaded with a low dose of curcumin (Curc-PDA) without the use of additional organic solvents, characterized by transmission/scanning electron microscopy, and diffraction light scattering. We analyzed the curcumin released using Ultra-High-Pressure-Liquid Chromatography with a Mass-Spectrometry detector, and we found two different forms of curcumin. Small increased cell viability and proliferation were observed in endoneurial fibroblast and Schwann cell primary cultures when Curc-PDA was steadily supplied for 5 days. Furthermore, opposite to that observed in front of organic solvents, PDA alone showed no effect over endoneurial fibroblast or Schwann cell viability nor proliferation. These results confirm the properties of curcumin at very low doses, thus widening its therapeutic window thanks to the increased bioavailability provided by our biological approach.
Expression of CD83 in tissue-resident regulatory T cells maintains local homeostasis and restricts effector cells in allergic asthma
Authors: Heiß Anita , Wild Andreas , Steinkasserer Alexander , Kuhnt Christine , Draßner Christina , Krammer Susanne , Geiger Adriana , Geppert Carol , Schliep Stefan
Published: January 2024

Non-lymphoid tissue Tregs (NLT-Tregs) are critical for tissue homeostasis, inflammation control, and induction of mucosal repair. Recent single-cell RNA sequencing data identified expression of CD83 as part of a NLT-Treg signature, however its biological significance for this specialized Tregs was not yet fully understood. In our previous investigations, we found that conditional deletion of CD83 (CD83cKO) disrupts stability and differentiation of lymphoid Tregs and exacerbates autoimmune responses. The present study explores for the first time the role of CD83 expression by lung-resident Tregs to understand its importance in barrier tissues. We report that CD83-deficient lung Tregs are less differentiated but more activated, resulting in unrestrained T cell activation. Furthermore, using an allergic asthma model, CD83cKO mice showed an accelerated disease progression, with augmented eosinophilic inflammation, driven by Th2-biased T cell responses. CD83cKO Tregs exhibited an enhanced responsiveness to IL-4, leading to insufficient control of Th2-differentiation from naïve T cells. These findings underscore the pivotal role of CD83 in the NLT-Treg-mediated modulation of inflammation, especially in the context of Th2 responses. Overall, our results highlight CD83 as a key player in maintaining tissue homeostasis and modulating inflammatory responses, suggesting potential therapeutic implications for inflammatory disorders such as asthma.
ncRNAs-mediated high expression of Cuproptosis-Related Gene DLAT correlates with poor prognosis and tumor immune infiltration of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Lei , Zong Zengmin , Zhang Cuiwei , Xu Jiayun , Lv Muhan
Published: January 2024

Cuproptosis is defined as a new form of programmed cell death which targets lipoylated TCA cycle proteins and reveals ten cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) of the process. Some of the CRGs have been explored as the prognostic biomarkers of various cancers. To date, HCC is still notorious for its poor prognosis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the cuproptosis-related gene DLAT plays critical roles in the initiation and progression of multiple human cancers, whereas the knowledge of DLAT in HCC is still limited. This study first conducted a pan-cancer analysis of DLAT's expression using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. DLAT was differentially expressed in most cancer types and correlated with HCC's poor prognosis. Subsequently, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) contributing to DLAT overexpression were identified by conducting expression analysis, survival analysis, and correlation analysis. Finally, the LINC01278/miR-122-5p/DLAT axis was identified as the most potential upstream ncRNA-related pathway of DLAT in HCC. Moreover, an analysis of DLAT expression concerning immune cell infiltration, immune cell biomarkers, and immune checkpoint expression in HCC was performed. Collectively, our findings elucidated that ncRNAs-mediated upregulation of DLAT is associated with poor prognosis and tumour immune infiltration in HCC.
Direct Evidence of Contact-Induced Variability in Industrially-Fabricated Highly-Scaled MoS2 FETs
Authors: Panarella Luca , Kaczer Ben , Smets Quentin , Tyaginov Stanislav , Canflanca Pablo Saraza , Vici Andrea , Verreck Devin , Schram Tom , Lin Dennis , Knobloch Theresia , Grasser Tibor , Rosa Cesar de la , Kar Gouri , Afanas'ev Valeri
Published: January 2024

Evidence of microscopic inhomogeneities of the side source/drain contacts in 300 mm wafer integrated MoS2 FETs is presented. In particular, the presence of a limited number of low Schottky barrier spots through which channel carriers are predominantly injected is demonstrated by the dramatic current changes induced by individual charge traps located near the source contact. Two distinct types of "contact-impacting traps" are identified. Type-1 trap is adjacent to the contact interface and exchanges carriers with the metal. Its impact is only observable when the adjacent contact is the reverse-biased FET source and limits the channel current. Type-2 trap is located in the AlOx interlayer, near the source contact, and exchanges carriers with the channel. Its capture/emission time constants exhibit both a gate and drain bias dependence due to the high sensitivity of the contact regions to the applied lateral and vertical fields. Unlike typical channel-impacting oxide traps, both types of reported defects affect the Schottky barrier height rather than the threshold voltage and result in giant random telegraph noise (RTN). These observations indicate that the contact quality and geometry play a fundamental role in the ultimate scaling of 2D FETs.
Quantitative Precipitation Forecast with a Radar Data Assimilation Method for Rainfall-induced Shallow Landslide Predictions
Authors: Ho Jui-Yi , Lin Chung-Yi , Liu Che-Hsin , Chen Wei-Bo , Chang Chih-Hsin , Lee Kwan Tun
Published: January 2024

Taiwan is prone to hillslope disasters in mountain areas because of its special topographical, geological, and hydrological conditions. During typhoons and rainstorms, severe shallow landslides frequently occur. To mitigate the impact of shallow landslides, not only the structural measures are necessary, but also adequate warning systems and contingency measures must be executed. Hence, precise precipitation forecasts and landslide prediction are the most important measures in practice. To account for inherent weather uncertainties precipitation forecasts based on quantitative precipitation forecast model with radar data assimilation method and ensemble mean prediction were adopted in this study instead of using a single model output. The SIMTOP model based on infinite-slope model and TOPMODEL was developed. In considering detail topographic characteristics of the subcatchments, the proposed model can estimate the variation of saturated water level during rainstorms, and then link with the slope instability analysis to clarify whether shallow landslides would occur in the subcatchment. Two area vulnerable to landslide in Taiwan were collected to test the applicability of the model for landslide prediction. Six typhoons events were used to verify the applicability of the proposed model. Four indexes including the probability of detection (POD), false alarm ratio (FAR), threat score (TS), and accuracy (ACC) were adopted to assess the performance of two kinds of very short-term rainfall forecasts with SIMTOP model. The results indicate that quantitative precipitation forecast model with radar data assimilation with SIMTOP model was better than ensemble rainfall forecasts with SIMTOP model. It is promising to apply the proposed model for landslide early warnings to reduce the magnitude of the loss of lives and properties.
Effects of the AMPAr antagonist, Perampanel, on Cognitive Function in Rats Exposed to Neonatal Iron Overload
Authors: Silva José Afonso Corrêa , Souza Lariza Oliveira , Severo Maria Paula Arakaki , Rodrigues Sarah Luize Camargo , Molz Patrícia , Schonhofen Patrícia , Herlinger Alice Laschuk , Schröder Nadja
Published: January 2024

Iron accumulation has been associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and memory decline. As previously described by our research group, iron overload in the neonatal period induces persistent memory deficits, increases oxidative stress, and apoptotic markers. The neuronal insult caused by iron excess generates an energetic imbalance that can alter glutamate concentrations and thus trigger excitotoxicity. Drugs that block glutamatergic receptor, eligibly mitigate neurotoxicity; among them, Perampanel (PER), a reversible AMPA receptor (AMPAR) antagonist. In the present study, we sought to investigate the neuroprotective effects of PER in rats subjected to iron overload in the neonatal period. Recognition and aversive memory were evaluated, AMPAR subunit phosphorylation, as well as the relative expression of genes such as GRIA1, GRIA2, DGL4, and CAC, which code proteins involved in AMPAR anchoring. Male rats received vehicle or carbonyl iron (30 mg/kg) from the 12th to the 14th postnatal day and were treated with vehicle or PER (2 mg/kg) for 21 days in adulthood. The excess of iron caused recognition memory deficits and impaired emotional memory, and PER was able to improve the rodents' memory. Furthermore, iron overload increased the expression of the GRIA1 gene and decreased the expression of the DGL4 gene, demonstrating the influence of metal accumulation on the metabolism of AMPAR. These results suggest that iron can trigger changes in the expression of genes important for the assembly and anchoring of AMPAR and that blocking AMPAR with PER is capable of partially reversing the cognitive deficits caused by iron overload.
A new adjacent tool in the management of clinical T1a solid renal masses
Authors: Asi Tariq , Altan Mesut , Karabulut Erdem , Yazici Mustafa , Akdogan Bulent , Ozen Haluk
Published: January 2024

Purpose
To present a new adjacent tool in the management of clinical T1a solid renal masses that uses preoperative clinical features to predict benign pathology in clinical T1a solid renal masses.
Materials and Methods
Demographic, clinical and pathologic data related to 579 patients diagnosed with clinical solid T1a renal mass were retrospectively collected. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the variables related to benign pathology. Variables with statistical significance were used to develop a nomogram.
Results
The female-to-male ratio was 240/339, with a median age of 56 (47-64) years. 40% (232/579) of all patients had a diagnosis of hypertension or diabetes mellitus or both. All patients had solitary renal lesion with a median size of 3.0 (2.3-3.5) cm. Cystic component was noticed in 20.7% (119/579) of the lesions.
Benign pathology was detected in 19.9% (115/579) of cases. On univariate analysis, female gender, age less than 60 years, absence of hypertension or diabetes mellitus, symptomatic presentation, smaller tumor size and absence of cystic component were all related to benign pathology. Female gender, age less than 60 years, smaller tumor size and absence of cystic component kept their significance on multivariable analysis. A nomogram was built depending on these variables. The model was close to the ideal and had a c-index value of 0.79.
Conclusion
The nomogram in the present study has good predictive ability for benign pathology in T1a solid renal masses. This will help physicians and patients while making decisions related to the management paradigm.
The impact of gestational weight gain on fetal and neonatal outcomes: The Araraquara Cohort Study
Authors: Victor Audêncio , Teles Laísla de França da Silva , Aires Isabel Oliveira , Carvalho Leticia Falcão , Luzia Liania A. , Artes Rinaldo , Rondó Patrícia H.
Published: January 2024

Background: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important indicator for monitoring maternal and fetal health. Objective: To evaluate the effect of GWG outside the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on fetal and neonatal outcomes.
Study Design: A prospective cohort study with 1642 pregnant women selected from 2017-2023, with gestational age ≤ 18 weeks and followed until delivery in the city of Araraquara, Southeast Brazil. The relationship between IOM-recommended GWG and fetal outcomes (abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness, arm and thigh subcutaneous tissue area and intrauterine growth restriction) and neonatal outcomes (percentage of fat mass, fat-free mass, birth weight and length, ponderal index, weight adequateness for gestational age by the Intergrowth curve, prematurity, and Apgar score) were investigated. Generalized Estimating Equations were used.
Results: GWG below the IOM recommendations was associated with increased risks of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (aOR 1.61; 95% CI: 1.14-2.27), low birth weight (aOR 2.44; 95% CI: 1.85-3.21), and prematurity (aOR 2.35; 95% CI: 1.81-3.05), and lower chance of being Large for Gestational Age (LGA) (aOR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.28-0.54), with smaller arm subcutaneous tissue area (AST) (-7.99 g; 95% CI: -8.97 to -7.02), birth length (-0.76 cm; 95% CI: -1.03 to -0.49), and neonatal fat mass percentage (-0.85%; 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.58). Whereas LGA (aOR 1.53; 95% CI: 1.20-1.96), with lower 5th-minute Apgar score (aOR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20-0.87), and increased birth weight (90.14 g; 95% CI: 53.30 to 126.99).
Conclusion: Adherence to GWG recommendations is crucial, with deviations negatively impacting fetal health. Effective weight control strategies are imperative.
Deep learning-based adaptive threshold decision for free-space optical communications
Authors: JING QIANWEN , Hong Yan-Qing
Published: January 2024

This study proposes a deep learning (DL)-based adaptive threshold decision (ATD) technique for free-space optical (FSO) communications. A low-pass filter (LPF) was adopted to extract channel state information (CSI) from the received signal. However, a dynamic cutoff frequency is required for LPF under various turbulence channels and data rates. Therefore, the DL technique, a fully connected neural network (FCNN), was introduced to improve the capability of LPF-based CSI extraction. Two techniques, cascaded LPF and FCNN based CSI estimation, and the FCNN-based adaptive cutoff frequency of the LPF are proposed and evaluated in the simulation. The simulation results showed that the performance of the proposed FCNN-based adaptive cutoff frequency of the LPF technique was close to that of the traditional ATD with a perfect CSI. In addition, it exceeded the performance of cascaded LPF and FCNN-based CSI estimation techniques.
HIF1α-glycolysis engages activation-induced cell death to drive IFN-γ induction in hypoxic T cells
Authors: Shi Lewis , Shen Hongxing , Mullen Logan , Ojo Oluwagbemiga , Xing Chuan , Yassin Abdelrahman , Lewis Zach , Bonner James
Published: January 2024

The role of HIF1α-glycolysis in regulating IFN-γ induction in hypoxic T cells is unknown. Given that hypoxia is a common feature in a wide array of pathophysiological contexts such as tumor and that IFN-γ is instrumental for protective immunity, it is of great significance to gain a clear idea on this. Combining pharmacological and genetic gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches, we find that HIF1α-glycolysis controls IFN-γ induction in both human and mouse T cells activated under hypoxia. Specific deletion of HIF1α in T cells (HIF1α–/–) and glycolytic inhibition significantly abrogate IFN-γ induction. Conversely, HIF1α stabilization in T cells by hypoxia and VHL deletion (VHL–/–) promotes IFN-γ production. Mechanistically, reduced IFN-γ production in hypoxic HIF1α–/– T cells is due to attenuated activation-induced cell death but not proliferative defect. We further show that depletion of intracellular acetyl-CoA is a key metabolic underlying mechanism. Hypoxic HIF1α–/– T cells are less able to kill tumor cells, and HIF1α–/– tumor-bearing mice are not responsive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, indicating loss of HIF1α in T cells is a major mechanism of therapeutic resistance to ICBs. Importantly, acetate supplementation restores IFN-γ production in hypoxic HIF1α–/– T cells and re-sensitizes HIF1α–/– tumor-bearing mice to ICBs, providing an effective strategy to overcome ICB resistance. Taken together, our results highlight T cell HIF1α-anaerobic glycolysis as a principal mediator of IFN-γ induction and anti-tumor immunity. Considering that acetate supplementation (i.e., glycerol triacetate (GTA)) is approved to treat infants with Canavan disease, we envision a rapid translation of our findings, justifying further testing of GTA as a repurposed medicine for ICB resistance, a pressing unmet medical need.
Efficacy of digital interventions on physical activity promotion in individuals with noncommunicable diseases: An overview of systematic reviews.
Authors: Kardan Mohammadhossein , Jung Andres , Iqbal Mehvish , Keshtkar Saeed , Geidl Wolfgang , Pfeifer Klaus
Published: January 2024

Background Physical inactivity is considered one of the main modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. Multiple barriers have been identified that hinder engagement in traditional physical activity programs and the achievement of PA recommendations. Digital interventions expand opportunities to empower people with non-communicable diseases to be physically active. This overview of systematic reviews aims to evaluate the efficacy of digital interventions on physical activity promotion among individuals with non-communicable diseases. Method A protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022364350). A qualitative synthesis method was applied to summarize the efficacy data. The assessment of methodological quality using AMSTAR-2 for each systematic review was performed by two independent reviewers. Results Searches in nine databases resulted in seven systematic reviews for inclusion. Most of the primary studies included in these seven reviews were conducted in high-income countries. The reviews addressed five populations: participants with cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis. Digital interventions were classified into two categories: interventions based on digital activity trackers and remote interventions via digital facilities. Additional components were identified in both categories of interventions such as motivational content, counseling, goal setting, tailored feedback/reminders, and other behavioral change techniques. The overall quality of the reviews ranged from critically low to low. The findings provided some evidence that both categories of interventions were effective in promoting physical activity. Conclusion Translating these findings into practice demands collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to harness the potential of digital solutions for physical activity promotion to combat an important NCD risk factor.
Intestinal organoids to model Salmonella infection and its impact on progenitors
Authors: Yan Jin , Racaud-Sultan Claire , Pezier Tiffany , Edir Anissa , Rolland Corinne , Claverie Coralie , Burlaud-Gaillard Julien , Olivier Michel , Velge Philippe , Lacroix-Lamandé Sonia , Vergnolle Nathalie , Wiedemann Agnès
Published: January 2024

In order to survive and replicate, Salmonella has evolved mechanisms to gain access to intestinal epithelial cells of the crypt. However, the impact of Salmonella Typhimurium on stem cells and progenitors, which are responsible for the ability of the intestinal epithelium to renew and protect itself, remains unclear. Given that intestinal organoids growth is sustained by primitive cells activity, we have used this model to document the effects of Salmonella Typhimurium infection on epithelial proliferation and differentiation, and compared it to an in vivo model of Salmonella infection in mice. Among gut segments, the caecum was preferentially targeted by Salmonella. Analysis of infected crypts and organoids demonstrated increased length and size, respectively. mRNA transcription profiles of infected crypts and organoids pointed to upregulated EGFR-dependent signals, associated with a decrease in secretory cell lineage differentiation. To conclude, we show that organoids are suited to mimic the impact of Salmonella on primitive cells, carrying a great potential to drastically reduce the use of animals for scientific studies on that topic. In both models, the EGFR pathway, crucial to primitive cell proliferation and differentiation, is taken over by Salmonella, suggesting that repeated infections might have consequences on crypt integrity and further oncogenesis.
Diagnostic and therapeutic contribution of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy without general anesthesia in patients aged 75 and older
Authors: Leclair Bathilde , Levassort Hélène , Pepin Marion , Sawczynski Bruno , Lechowki Laurent , Desoutter Marie-Astrid , Thomas Bazin
Published: January 2024

Background and study aims:
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is frequently performed in older patients and allows to detect lesion in 20 to 50% of cases, it also participates to therapeutic management. However, considering that elderly population is often more fragile and this medical procedure without anesthesia may be judged uncomfortable and invasive, EGD raises questions about its benefit-risk balance in this population. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic impact and tolerance of EGD without general anesthesia in older hospitalized patients.
Patients and methods:
We performed an observational, retrospective single-center study including patients who underwent an EGD without general anesthesia, aged 75 years and over. The primary endpoint was the description of a macroscopic lesion consistent with the indication. The secondary endpoints were the endoscopy's contributivity in the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and its tolerance.
Results
Our study included 200 patients between January 2018 and December 2019. A macroscopic diagnosis consistent with the indication was found in 88 patients (44%). When no macroscopic diagnosis was made, EGD led in 70.5% of cases to a change in treatment or the proposal of an additional procedure. Forty-six percent of EGD were well-tolerated.
Conclusion
In this population, EGD allows progress in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach with a good tolerance.
Systematic exploration of prognostic alternative splicing events related to tumor immune microenvironment of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Hongwei , Zhang Min , Yang Fang , Tang Chunhan , Xu Ke , Zhou Yuchuan , Ren Tao
Published: January 2024

Background Pathologically, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of renal carcinoma, with high heterogeneity and poor prognosis. There is increasing evidence that alternative splicing (AS) is involved in tumor evolution and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). However, studies on the exploration of AS events and TIME in ccRCC are still few but needed.
Methods The transcriptional data and clinicopathological information of patients with ccRCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were extracted completely. Patients were grouped according to the ESTIMATE algorithm and differentially expressed AS events (DEASs) were identified. The relationship between AS events and features of TIME were investigated by functional enrichment analysis and unsupervised consensus analysis. Finally, hub SF was identified by the regulatory network of survival-related AS events and intersection splicing factors (SFs), and its biological function was further verified in vitro.
Results In total, the data of 515 patients with ccRCC were extracted and analyzed. Patients with low immune-score presented longer overall survival (OS) than high immune-score. 861 AS events were identified as DEASs, and they were enriched in immune-related pathways. 3 AS-based clusters were identified and found to have different prognoses and unique immune features. Finally, MBNL1 was identified as a hub SF, and it was shown to inhibit proliferation and metastasis, promote apoptosis, and block cells in G2/M phase in 786O and A498 cells.
Conclusion The prognosticrisk model constructed base on immune-related AS events has good predictive ability for ccRCC, and the 3-clusters model based on immune-related AS events has potential for further clinical exploration. Thehub SF found in the present study, such as MBNL1, could affect the progression of ccRCC.
Quantifying cell divisions along evolutionary lineages in cancer
Authors: Naxerova Kamila , Blohmer Martin , Cheek David , Hung Wei-Ting , Kessler Maria , Lee I-Hsiu , Gorelick Alexander , Yang Ching-Yeuh , Yeh Yi-Chen , Ho Hsiang-Ling , Speiser Dorothee , Karsten Maria , Lanuti Michael , Pai Sara , Lennerz Jochen , Chou Teh-Ying , Kloor Matthias
Published: January 2024

Cell division drives somatic evolution but is challenging to quantify in human tissues. Here, we develop a framework to count cell divisions with DNA replication-related mutations in polyguanine homopolymers. We apply the method in two different scenarios. First, analyzing 505 samples from 37 patients, we study the milestones of colorectal cancer evolution. We find that tumor founder cells divide at similar rates as normal intestinal stem cells over a patient’s lifetime. Primary tumors diversify at ~250 divisions from the founder cell, while distant metastasis divergence occurs significantly later, at ~500 divisions. Notably, distant but not lymph node metastases share a common origin with primary tumor regions that have undergone surplus divisions, tying subclonal expansion to metastatic capacity. Second, we analyze a cohort of 73 multifocal lung cancers with ambiguous origins. We show that the cell division burden of the tumors’ common ancestor distinguishes independent primary tumors from intrapulmonary metastases and correlates with patient survival. Metastatic capacity is tied to more extensive proliferation, mirroring our results in colorectal cancer. The cell division history of human cancers contains valuable biological and clinical information and can be effectively interrogated with our simple framework.
Do chest CT findings predict the outcome in pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Esmaeilian Saeid , Teimouri Arash , Hoseinyazdi Meisam , Mohajeri Elham , Hooshmandi Sedighe
Published: January 2024

Background: COVID-19 is a novel infectious disease that poses significant challenges for the management of pregnant patients, especially regarding the use and interpretation of chest CT scans. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance and radiological features of chest CT scans in pregnant women with COVID-19.
Methods: The authors conducted a cross-sectional, multi-center study of 53 pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19 by RT-PCR testing who underwent chest CT scans in three hospitals in Iran. They collected and analyzed data on demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological variables, as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes. They used low-dose chest CT protocol and abdominal shields to minimize radiation exposure and assessed the interobserver reliability of the chest CT diagnosis using Cohen’s kappa coefficient.
Results: The study included 41 pregnant women with COVID-19 and available chest CT scans. The mean maternal age was 34.6±7.60 years and the mean gestational age was 28.73±5.66 weeks. Dyspnea was the most common symptom (85.4%), followed by fever (68.3%) and cough (51.2%). Asthma (p=0.001) and diabetes (p=0.001) were significantly associated with worse outcomes and abnormal chest CT scans. Myalgia (p=0.001), respiratory distress (p=0.001), admission O2 saturation (p=0.001), leukopenia (p=0.001), lymphocytosis (p=0.001), and high CRP levels (p=0.001) were also correlated with adverse outcomes and abnormal chest CT scans. Normal chest scans were observed in 25 patients (61%), while 16 patients (39%) had abnormal CT scan findings. Ground glass opacity (81.3%) and consolidation (68.8%) were the most common radiological features on chest CT scans. Four maternal deaths occurred due to delayed referral and underlying comorbidities such as heart failure or renal failure.
Conclusion: The percentage of lung involvement and the presence of consolidation on chest CT scans could predict the prognosis of pregnant women with COVID-19. Chest CT scans could be a useful tool for the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 in pregnancy, especially in cases of severe symptoms or comorbidities.
Smart Sensors, Smart Calibration: Machine Learning Advancements for Coal Dust Monitoring and Control
Authors: Amoah Nana A. , Zaid Mirza Muhammad , Du Xiaosong , Wang Yang , Xu Guang
Published: January 2024

The recent resurgence of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis among coal miners in the United States has been linked to the exposure to excessive levels of coal dust. To control miners’ overexposure, the PDM3700 monitors were adopted in the mining industry to measure each miner’s coal dust exposure levels. However, the high cost of the PDM3700 hinders its purpose of measuring all miners’ exposure levels. The Plantower PMS5003 low-cost PM sensors have demonstrated the ability to measure coal dust concentrations with high spatial resolution in real time due to their low cost and small size. These sensors, however, require extensive calibration to ensure they maintain a high accuracy over long periods of deployment. Since they have only been calibrated for mining induced PM monitoring using linear regression models in the past, the objective of this study is to leverage machine learning algorithms for coal dust monitoring sensor calibration. A laboratory collocation experiment was performed using the PDM and APS as reference monitors in a wind tunnel under a wide range of concentrations, temperatures and relative humidities. The results revealed that nonlinear machine learning techniques significantly outperformed traditional linear regression models for low-cost sensor calibration. With artificial neural network being the strongest calibration model, the Pearson correlation of the PMS5003 sensors reached 0.98 and 0.97 with the Airtrek sensors reaching Pearson correlation of 0.91 while the Gaslab sensors reached correlations of 0.93 and 0.92. This shows a 2–11% improvement in model performance over the linear regression model through artificial neural network calibration. The success of machine learning algorithms in this work has demonstrated the feasibility of deploying low-cost PM sensors for coal dust monitoring in mines.