bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic Progression of Infant Respiratory Syncytial Virus Associated Bronchiolitis Across the United States Before and Since the Onset of COVID‐19: Results From Four Health Systems, 2015–2023
Authors: Blatt Adam Z. , Suh Mina , Walter Emmanuel B. , Wood Charles T. , Espinosa Claudia , Enriquez‐Bruce Maria E. , Domachowske Joseph , Daniels Danielle , Budhecha Sonia , Elliott Amanda , Wolf Zachary , Waddell Emory B. , Movva Naimisha , Reichert Heidi , Fryzek Jon P. , Nelson Christopher B.
Published: May 2024

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a substantial cause of infant morbidity and mortality due to seasonal peaks of bronchiolitis across the United States. Clinical and viral surveillance plays a pivotal role in helping hospital systems prepare for expected surges in RSV bronchiolitis. Existing surveillance efforts have shown a geographic pattern of RSV positivity across the United States, with cases typically starting in the southeast and spreading north and west. Public health measures implemented due to the COVID‐19 pandemic disrupted viral transmission across the nation and altered the expected seasonality of RSV. The impact of these changes on the geographic progression of infant RSV bronchiolitis across the United States has not been described.

Methods

Here, we used clinical and viral surveillance data from four health care systems located in different regions of the United States to describe the geographic progression of infant RSV bronchiolitis across the country from 2015 to 2023.

Results

Prior to widespread circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2, infant RSV bronchiolitis followed an established geographic pattern associated with seasonal epidemics originating in Florida and spreading north (North Carolina and New York) and later westward (Nevada). Although public health and social measures implemented during the COVID‐19 pandemic disrupted the seasonality of RSV disease, infant RSV bronchiolitis epidemics progressed across the nation in a pattern identical to the prepandemic era.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of ongoing clinical and viral surveillance to optimally track the onset of RSV epidemics and allow health care systems to prepare for expected RSV bronchiolitis surges.
Cryoablation of atrial fibrillation in “very severe” obese patients (BMI ≥ 40): Indications, feasibility, procedural safety and efficacy, and clinical outcome (the ICE‐Obese Extreme)
Authors: Urbanek Lukas , Schmidt Boris , Bordignon Stefano , Schaack David , Ebrahimi Ramin , Tohoku Shota , Hirokami Jun , Efe Tolga Han , Plank Karin , Schulte‐Hahn Britta , Nowak Bernd , Chun Julian K. R. , Chen Shaojie
Published: May 2024

Background

Management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in very severe obese patients is challenging. Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) represents an effective rhythm control strategy. However, data in this patient group were limited.

Methods

Highly symptomatic AF patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 who had failed antiarrhythmic drug therapy and electrocardioversion and failure to achieve targeted body‐weight‐reduction underwent CBA.

Results

Data of 72 very severe obese AF patients (Group A) and 129 AF patients with normal BMI (Group B, BMI < 25 kg/m2) were consecutively collected. Group A had significantly younger age (60.6 ± 10.4 vs. 69.2 ± 11.2 years), higher BMI (44.3 ± 4.3 vs. 22.5 ± 1.6 kg/m2). Procedural pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was successful in all patients (2 touch‐up ablation in Group A). Compared to Group B, Group A had similar procedural (61.3 ± 22.6 vs. 57.5 ± 19 min), similar fluoroscopy time (10.1 ± 5.5 vs. 9.2 ± 4.8 min) but significantly higher radiation dose (2852 ± 2095 vs. 884 ± 732 µGym2). We observed similar rates of real‐time‐isolation (78.6% vs. 78.5%), single‐shot‐isolation (86.5% vs. 88.8%), but significantly longer time‐to‐sustained‐isolation (53.5 ± 33 vs. 43.2 ± 25 s). There was significantly higher rate of puncture‐site‐complication (6.9% vs. 1.6%) in Group A. One‐year clinical success in paroxysmal AF was (Group A: 69.4% vs. Group B: 80.2%; p < .001), in persistent AF was (Group A: 58.1% vs. Group B: 62.8%; p = .889). In Re‐Do procedures Group A had a numerically lower PVI durability (75.0% vs. 83.6%, p = .089).

Conclusion

For very severe obese AF patients, CBA appears feasible, leads to relatively good clinical outcome.
CRISPR/Cas9 Ribo nucleoprotein complex‐mediated editing of the OBP13 gene affected the response of male Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) to methyl eugenol
Authors: Sujatha Parvathy Madhusoodanan , Karuppannasamy Ashok , Chalapathi Pradeep , Dhawane Yogi , Narasimhappa Nagesha Somakalahalli , Narayanappa Anu Cholenahalli , Munikrishnappa Vinay Kumar Thirumalahatti , Chikmagalur Nagaraja Bhargava , Thalooru Shashikala , Kesavan Subhaharan , Maligeppagol Manamohan , Ramasamy Asokan
Published: May 2024

The oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is an exceptionally hazardous pest that can cause up to 100% loss. Male annihilation using male attractant methyl eugenol (ME) is the most adopted control measure of this insect. The molecular process underlying this perception of insects remains unexplored. In this study, we focus on gene functionality of odorant‐binding protein 13 (OBP13) in ME perception by knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated embryonic editing through microinjection. The electrophysiological study of mutant flies through electroantennogram has shown highly depressed ME perception and further the genetic‐level mutational confirmation stating that OBP13 is a major OBP involved in ME perception. The molecular docking of OBP13 with ME revealed the predicted key interactions involved, thus providing more scope in targeting gene editing and in engineering ME substitutes.
New insights into the reproduction and migration of the porbeagle shark Lamna nasus (Bonnaterre 1788) in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Colonello Jorge H. , Cortés Federico , Burla Juan , Storni Benjamin , Laurentxena Mercedes , Allega Lucrecia
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to estimate the reproductive parameters of porbeagle shark in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean and thus characterize the adult fraction of this population. Therefore, 1012 specimens were measured by scientific observers on board the commercial trawl fleet operating south of 50° S. The size range of the specimens was from 77 to 292 cm fork length (LF). The mean size at maturity was estimated to be 153 cm LF for males and 172 cm LF for females. Porbeagle shark catches were recorded throughout the year, with the highest frequency occurring between November and June. The presence of pregnant females was observed from December to July, along with an increase in the average size of embryos in each litter. The information presented in this study improves the knowledge of the reproductive biology and allows to propose a migratory pattern of adult porbeagle females in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. The likely seasonal increase in vulnerability of this shark to austral trawl fishery, despite all conservation management measures established in Argentina, underscores the importance of promoting its proper management and conservation given the need to improve understanding of porbeagle population dynamics in the Southern Hemisphere.
An orchestrated ethylene–gibberellin signaling cascade contributes to mesocotyl elongation and emergence of rice direct seeding
Authors: Lyu Yusong , Dong Xinli , Niu Shipeng , Cao Ruijie , Shao Gaoneng , Sheng Zhonghua , Jiao Guiai , Xie Lihong , Hu Shikai , Tang Shaoqing , Wei Xiangjin , Hu Peisong
Published: May 2024

A mechanized direct seeding of rice with less labor and water usage, has been widely adopted. However, this approach requires varieties that exhibit uniform seedling emergence. Mesocotyl elongation (ME) offers the main drive of fast emergence of rice seedlings from soils; nevertheless, its genetic basis remains unknown. Here, we identify a major rice quantitative trait locus Mesocotyl Elongation1 (qME1), an allele of the Green Revolution gene Semi‐Dwarf1 (SD1), encoding GA20‐oxidase for gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis. ME1 expression is strongly induced by soil depth and ethylene. When rice grains are direct‐seeded in soils, the ethylene core signaling factor OsEIL1 directly promotes ME1 transcription, accelerating bioactive GA biosynthesis. The GAs further degrade the DELLA protein SLENDER RICE 1 (SLR1), alleviating its inhibition of rice PHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTOR‐LIKE13 (OsPIL13) to activate the downstream expansion gene OsEXPA4 and ultimately promote rice seedling ME and emergence. The ancient traits of long mesocotyl and strong emergence ability in wild rice and landrace were gradually lost in company with the Green Revolution dwarf breeding process, and an elite ME1‐R allele (D349H) is found in some modern Geng varieties (long mesocotyl lengths) in northern China, which can be used in the direct seeding and dwarf breeding of Geng varieties. Furthermore, the ectopic and high expression of ME1 driven by mesocotyl‐specific promoters resulted in rice plants that could be direct‐seeded without obvious plant architecture or yield penalties. Collectively, we reveal the molecular mechanism of rice ME, and provide useful information for breeding new Green Revolution varieties with long mesocotyl suitable for direct‐seeding practice.
Reconstructing an ancient fish: Three‐dimensional skeletal restoration of the head of Mawsonia (Sarcopterygii, Actinistia) using CT scan, and an adjusted model for body size estimation in fossil coelacanths
Authors: Toriño Pablo , Dutel Hugo , Soto Matías , Norbis Walter , Ezquerra Víctor , Perea Daniel
Published: May 2024

Mawsonia constitutes one of the most conspicuous fossil coelacanth taxa, due to its unique anatomy and possible maximum body size. It typifies Mesozoic coelacanth morphology, before the putative disappearance of the group in the fossil record. In this work, the three‐dimensional cranial anatomy and body size estimations of this genus are re‐evaluated from a recently described specimen from Upper Jurassic deposits of Uruguay. The 3D restoration was performed directly on the material based on anatomical information provided by the living coelacanth Latimeria and previous two‐dimensional restorations of the head of Mawsonia. The montage was then scanned with computed tomography and virtually adjusted to generate an interactive online resource for future anatomical, taxonomic and biomechanical research. In general terms, the model constitutes a tool to improve both the anatomical knowledge of this genus and its comparison with other coelacanths. It also facilitates the evaluation of possible evolutionary trends and the discussion of particular features with potential palaeobiological implications, such as the anterior position of the eye and the development of the pseudomaxillary fold. Regarding the body size, a previous model for body size estimation based on the gular plate was submitted to OLS, RMA, segmented linear and PGLS regressions (including the evaluation of regression statistics, variance analysis, t‐tests and residual analysis). The results point to a power relationship between gular and total lengths showing a better support than a simple linear relationship. The new resulting equations were applied to the studied individual and are provided for future estimates. Although an isometric evolutionary growth cannot be rejected with the available evidence, additional models developed with other bones will be necessary to evaluate possible hidden evolutionary allometric trends in this group of fishes, thus avoiding overestimates.
Effective improvement methods for striae distensae: A novel approach utilizing laser‐induced micro‐jet injectors with poly‐d,l‐lactic acid
Authors: Seo Suk Bae , Kim Soo‐Bin , Yi Kyu‐Ho
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Striae distensae (SD), or stretch marks, result from rapid stretching of the skin due to various factors. Conventional treatments often yield unsatisfactory results, leading to the exploration of alternative methods. Laser‐induced microjet technology offers a promising approach for drug delivery to target areas. This study investigates the efficacy of using a microjet injector with poly‐d,l‐lactic acid for treating SD.

Methods

Four female participants with SD were treated with poly‐d,l‐lactic acid solution using a microjet injector over five sessions. Patients were assessed based on severity scales before and after treatment. Topical anesthetics were applied to minimize discomfort. Injection techniques were optimized to reduce side effects such as bleeding and pain.

Results

All patients showed significant improvement in SD appearance after 5–7 treatments. Assessment scales indicated positive outcomes both immediately after treatment and at the 32‐week follow‐up. Minimal side effects, primarily petechiae, were observed.

Discussion

Laser‐induced microjet technology offers several advantages, including rapid drug delivery and mechanotransduction effects, promoting skin regeneration. Poly‐d,l‐lactic acid injections demonstrated effectiveness in treating SD, particularly when delivered via microjet injectors. Patients expressed high satisfaction due to the procedure's minimal invasiveness and quick recovery.

Conclusion

Utilizing a needleless microjet injector with poly‐d,l‐lactic acid shows promise as a treatment for SD, typically requiring 5–7 sessions for optimal results. Mild petechiae may occur as a common side effect. This approach offers an effective and minimally invasive alternative for addressing this common cosmetic concern.
Performance evaluation of portable respiratory polygraphy for assessing sleep bruxism in adults
Authors: Martynowicz Helena , Michalek‐Zrabkowska Monika , Gac Pawel , Blaszczyk Bartlomiej , Fulek Michal , Frosztega Weronika , Wojakowska Anna , Poreba Rafal , Mazur Grzegorz , Wieckiewicz Mieszko
Published: May 2024

Background

Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for sleep bruxism (SB) assessment, it is expensive, not widely accessible, and time‐consuming.

Objective

Given the increasing prevalence of SB, there is a growing need for an alternative, readily available, reliable and cost‐effective diagnostic method. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic validity of portable respiratory polygraphy (PRPG) compared with PSG for SB diagnosis.

Methods

One hundred and three subjects underwent simultaneous examinations using PRPG (NOX T3, NOX Medical) and PSG (NOX A1, NOX Medical) in a sleep laboratory.

Results

The mean Bruxism Episodes Index (BEI) measured by PRPG was 4.70 ± 3.98, whereas PSG yielded a mean BEI of 3.79 ± 3.08. The sensitivity for detecting sleep bruxism (BEI >2) by PRPG was 48.3%, with a specificity of 81.2%. The positive predictive value was estimated at 51.9%, and the negative predictive value at 78.9%. However, when distinguishing between mild bruxism (BEI >2 < 4) and severe bruxism (BEI >4), PRPG demonstrated a sensitivity of 77.8% and 68.3% and a specificity of 48.6% and 71.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Polysomnography continues to be the SB diagnostic gold standard tool, as the sensitivity and specificity of PRPG are significantly lower when compared with PSG. Nevertheless, PRPG could serve as an alternative tool for SB screening or diagnosis, despite its limitations. Furthermore, our data indicate that comorbidities such as sleep apnea and sleep quality do not influence the diagnostic accuracy of PSG, suggesting its potential as a screening instrument in individuals with other sleep disorders.
Positioning adolescence in the developmental timeline
Authors: Chaku Natasha , Davis‐Kean Pamela E.
Published: May 2024

Adolescence, the second decade of life, bridges childhood and adulthood, but also represents a host of unique experiences that impact health and well‐being. Lifespan theories often emphasize the continuity of individual characteristics and their contexts from childhood to adolescence, underscoring the distal influence of childhood experiences. Yet, adolescence is marked by transitions that may provoke discontinuities, particularly within individuals, their contexts, and their interactions within those contexts. These discontinuities occur at varied times, orders, and intensities for individual youth, suggesting that adolescence may be a developmental turning point where earlier life experiences may be mediated, reversed, or transformed by proximal events. This perspective piece emphasizes the importance of considering transitions, discontinuities, and developmental turning points in adolescence as well as their potential to explain heterogeneity in adolescent and adult outcomes. We explore one biological and one contextual transition in adolescence and highlight innovative theories and methods for investigating continuity and discontinuity dynamics across development, which could lead to new insights related to the adolescent period and its importance in shaping future life trajectories.
Melatonin in energy control: Circadian time‐giver and homeostatic monitor
Authors: Challet Etienne , Pévet Paul
Published: May 2024

Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized from dietary tryptophan in various organs, including the pineal gland and the retina. In the pineal gland, melatonin is produced at night under the control of the master clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Under physiological conditions, the pineal gland seems to constitute the unique source of circulating melatonin. Melatonin is involved in cellular metabolism in different ways. First, the circadian rhythm of melatonin helps the maintenance of proper internal timing, the disruption of which has deleterious effects on metabolic health. Second, melatonin modulates lipid metabolism, notably through diminished lipogenesis, and it has an antidiabetic effect, at least in several animal models. Third, pharmacological doses of melatonin have antioxidative, free radical‐scavenging, and anti‐inflammatory properties in various in vitro cellular models. As a result, melatonin can be considered both a circadian time‐giver and a homeostatic monitor of cellular metabolism, via multiple mechanisms of action that are not all fully characterized. Aging, circadian disruption, and artificial light at night are conditions combining increased metabolic risks with diminished circulating levels of melatonin. Accordingly, melatonin supplementation could be of potential therapeutic value in the treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders. More clinical trials in controlled conditions are needed, notably taking greater account of circadian rhythmicity.
Placement of an artificial urethral sphincter in 8 male dogs with urethral diverticulum
Authors: Neumann Geoffrey , Vachon Catherine , Culp William T.N. , Palm Carrie , Byron Julie K. , Pogue Joanna , Dunn Marilyn
Published: May 2024

Background

Urethral diverticulum (UD) is a poorly defined anomaly consisting of an outpouching of the urethra. Management without surgical resection is not previously reported in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Report the outcome of male dogs presented for urinary incontinence with UD treated with an artificial urethral sphincter (AUS).

Animals

Eight client‐owned dogs with UD treated with an AUS.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study. Medical records from male dogs with urinary incontinence were reviewed. Inclusion criteria:  diagnosis of a UD by retrograde cystourethrography, cystoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography or contrast computed tomodensitometry (CT) or a combination of these modalities, AUS placement, and at least 1 follow‐up. Urinary continence score (UCS) was attributed retrospectively.

Results

Median UCS at presentation was 1/5. A contrast cystourethrogram was diagnostic in 8/8 dogs. All diverticula were saccular, and 7/8 were within the prostatic urethra and 1/8 extended up to the membranous urethra. A congenital origin was suspected in 7 dogs and acquired in 1. Concurrent anomalies included renal dysplasia or chronic pyelonephritis (n = 4), bilateral cryptorchidism (n = 3), and pelvic urinary bladder (n = 3). All dogs were poorly/moderately responsive to phenylpropanolamine. Artificial urethral sphincter placement resulted in improvement in continence in all dogs with a median UCS of 4/5 (5/5 in 2/8 dogs, 4/5 in 5/8 dogs, 3/5 in 1/8 dogs).

Conclusion

Urethral diverticulum should be considered in male dogs with persistent urinary incontinence not responding to medical management. Artificial urethral sphincter placement is an effective therapeutic option that improved continence scores in all dogs.
Glycosyl transferase GT2 genes mediate the biosynthesis of an unusual (1,3;1,4)‐β‐glucan exopolysaccharide in the bacterium Sarcina ventriculi
Authors: Lampugnani Edwin R. , Ford Kris , Ho Yin Ying , van de Meene Allison , Lahnstein Jelle , Tan Hwei‐Ting , Burton Rachel A. , Fincher Geoffrey B. , Shafee Thomas , Bacic Antony , Zimmer Jochen , Xing Xiaohui , Bulone Vincent , Doblin Monika S. , Roberts Eric M.
Published: May 2024

Linear, unbranched (1,3;1,4)‐β‐glucans (mixed‐linkage glucans or MLGs) are commonly found in the cell walls of grasses, but have also been detected in basal land plants, algae, fungi and bacteria. Here we show that two family GT2 glycosyltransferases from the Gram‐positive bacterium Sarcina ventriculi are capable of synthesizing MLGs. Immunotransmission electron microscopy demonstrates that MLG is secreted as an exopolysaccharide, where it may play a role in organizing individual cells into packets that are characteristic of Sarcina species. Heterologous expression of these two genes shows that they are capable of producing MLGs in planta, including an MLG that is chemically identical to the MLG secreted from S. ventriculi cells but which has regularly spaced (1,3)‐β‐linkages in a structure not reported previously for MLGs. The tandemly arranged, paralogous pair of genes are designated SvBmlgs1 and SvBmlgs2. The data indicate that MLG synthases have evolved different enzymic mechanisms for the incorporation of (1,3)‐β‐ and (1,4)‐β‐glucosyl residues into a single polysaccharide chain. Amino acid variants associated with the evolutionary switch from (1,4)‐β‐glucan (cellulose) to MLG synthesis have been identified in the active site regions of the enzymes. The presence of MLG synthesis in bacteria could prove valuable for large‐scale production of MLG for medical, food and beverage applications.
Genetically encoded Boolean logic operators to sense and integrate phenylpropanoid metabolite levels in plants
Authors: Ferreira Savio S. , Antunes Mauricio S.
Published: May 2024

Synthetic biology has the potential to revolutionize biotechnology, public health, and agriculture. Recent studies have shown the enormous potential of plants as chassis for synthetic biology applications. However, tools to precisely manipulate metabolic pathways for bioproduction in plants are still needed.

We used bacterial allosteric transcription factors (aTFs) that control gene expression in a ligand‐specific manner and tested their ability to repress semi‐synthetic promoters in plants. We also tested the modulation of their repression activity in response to specific plant metabolites, especially phenylpropanoid‐related molecules. Using these aTFs, we also designed synthetic genetic circuits capable of computing Boolean logic operations.

Three aTFs, CouR, FapR, and TtgR, achieved c. 95% repression of their respective target promoters. For TtgR, a sixfold de‐repression could be triggered by inducing its ligand accumulation, showing its use as biosensor. Moreover, we designed synthetic genetic circuits that use AND, NAND, IMPLY, and NIMPLY Boolean logic operations and integrate metabolite levels as input to the circuit.

We showed that biosensors can be implemented in plants to detect phenylpropanoid‐related metabolites and activate a genetic circuit that follows a predefined logic, demonstrating their potential as tools for exerting control over plant metabolic pathways and facilitating the bioproduction of natural products.
Stomatal response to VPD in C4 plants with different biochemical sub‐pathways
Authors: Gan Shu Han , Sage Rowan F.
Published: May 2024

C4 NAD‐malic enzyme (NAD‐ME) species occurs in drier regions and exhibit different drought responses compared to C4 NADP‐malic enzyme (NADP‐ME) species. However, a physiological mechanism explaining the geographical discrepancies remains uncertain. This study examined gas exchange patterns that might explain different distributions observed between two subtypes of C4 photosynthesis. We measured the response of leaf gas exchange to vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and CO2 in plants from six distinct C4 clades having closely related NAD‐ME and NADP‐ME species using a Li‐Cor 6400 gas exchange system. We found that NAD‐ME species exhibited greater relative reductions in stomatal conductance with increases in VPD than NADP‐ME species but observed no consistent subtype differences in C4 cycle activity as indicated by the initial slope of the A response to intercellular CO2 concentration. Based on these results, we hypothesise the greater response of gs to increasing VPD may enable NAD‐ME plants to outperform NADP‐ME plants in hot, dry environments where VPD is normally high.
Measurement of lead, mercury, and cadmium in blood donors in Canada
Authors: Hadjesfandiari Narges , Serrano Katherine , Richardson‐Sanchez Tomas , Barakauskas Vilte E. , Yi Qi‐Long , Murphy Michael , Devine Dana V.
Published: May 2024

Background

Fetal and neonatal exposure to lead is associated with irreversible adverse effects on neural development. There is no reliable threshold for lead effect, so limiting exposure is recommended. A significant correlation has been reported between post‐transfusion blood lead level (BLL) in infants and lead levels in transfused RBC units. We measured levels of lead, mercury, and cadmium, in Canadian donor blood to investigate if concerning levels for neonatal transfusion exist.

Study Design and Methods

Whole blood samples from blood donors (n = 2529) were shipped cold within 7 days of donation. All permanent blood donation clinics across Canada were sampled. Twelve of these permanent clinics and 8 mobile clinics with a greater potential for having higher lead or mercury levels were oversampled. Heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

Of all donations, 2.2% (lead) and 0.4% (mercury) had levels higher than the recommended thresholds for safe neonatal transfusion. BLLs were higher in males but there was no significant difference in the blood mercury levels of males versus females. Cadmium levels were higher in females. There was a positive correlation between donor age and levels of heavy metals, with lead having the strongest correlation (r = 0.47, p < .0001). Three clinics in close proximity to two lead‐producing mines were among the clinics with the highest BLLs. Significantly higher blood mercury levels were observed in coastal clinics.

Conclusion

Our data on donor blood heavy metal levels supports considering blood transfusion as an exposure source to heavy metals and encourages informed selection of blood units for transfusion to vulnerable groups.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of the Film Cooling Characteristics of the Multicavity Tip With Inclined Film Holes
Authors: Jia Zhe , Li Feng , Zhang Weixin , Liu Zhao , Feng Zhenping
Published: May 2024

Due to the complex flow field and the considerable heat load on the turbine blade tip, film cooling is essential to protect the tip from being overheated. In this paper, an experimental work was conducted to compare the film cooling distributions of four tip structures (cavity numbers are one, two, three, and four) with two film hole configurations (perpendicular and 45 degrees inclined to the cavity floor) under three coolant blowing ratios (M = 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5). By using pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique, the distributions of film cooling effectiveness were measured. Moreover, a computation with careful validation was executed to obtain the cooling traces in the tip region and compare the aerodynamic performance of these multicavity tips. The results showed that the value and uniformity of film cooling effectiveness were improved by the inclined configuration. The tip film cooling was enhanced when using the multicavity tips. The aerodynamic loss of the tested tips was compared as well.
Spatial domain decomposition-based physics-informed neural networks for practical acoustic propagation estimation under ocean dynamics
Authors: Duan Jie , Zhao Hangfang , Song Jinbao
Published: May 2024

Practical acoustic propagation modeling is significantly affected by ocean dynamics, and then can be exploited in numerous oceanic applications, where “practical” refers to modeling acoustic propagation in simulations that mimic real-world ocean environments. Physics-based numerical models provide approximate solutions of wave equation and rely on accurate prior environmental knowledge while the environment of practical scenarios is largely unknown. In contrast, data-driven machine learning offers a promising avenue to estimate practical acoustic propagation by learning from dataset. However, collecting such a high-quality, noise-free, and dense dataset remains challenging. Under the practical hurdle posed by the above approaches, the emergence of physics-informed neural network (PINN) presents an alternative to integrate physics and data but with limited representation capacity. In this work, a framework, termed spatial domain decomposition-based physics-informed neural networks (SPINNs), is proposed to enhance the representation capacity in spatially dependent oceanic scenarios and effectively learn from incomplete and biased prior physics and noisy dataset. Experiments demonstrate SPINNs' advantages over PINN in practical acoustic propagation estimation. The learning capacity of SPINNs toward physics and dataset during training is further analyzed. This work holds promise for practical applications and future expansion.
Effect of Protein Supplementation Combined With Resistance Training in Gait Speed in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Juan , Wang Yahai , Liu Fang , Miao Yu
Published: May 2024

Background: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of protein supplementation and resistance training (RT), compared with RT alone or combined with a placebo, in improving gait speed. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus databases, and 18 randomized controlled trials with 1,147 older participants were included for meta-analysis. Data were pooled as the effect sizes (Hedges’ g) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of the gait speed (in meters per second). The random-effect meta-analysis, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Results: The combination of protein supplementation and RT significantly improved gait speed (Hedges’ g: 0.52 m/s, 95% confidence interval [0.17, 0.86], p = .005; I2 = 86.5%) compared with the RT alone. The subgroup analyses revealed that the significant improvement in gait speed postprotein intervention plus RT was observed only in participants who consumed protein after RT (Hedges’ g: 0.90 m/s, 95% confidence interval [0.46, 1.33], p = .001; I2 = 79.6%). The pooled result did not significantly change after excluding any single study at one time or excluding smaller studies with large effect sizes. Conclusions: Protein supplementation combined with RT could significantly improve the gait speed of older adults compared with RT alone. This positive effect is more pronounced in people who consume protein after RT.
“Now I Am Walking Toward Health”: A Qualitative Study About the Outcomes of Physical Activity Participation That Matter to Older Adults
Authors: Young Peter J. , Wallsworth Christine , Gosal Hitika , Mackey Dawn C.
Published: May 2024

Background/Objectives: Randomized controlled trials that deliver physical activity interventions have demonstrated benefits for older adults across numerous health outcomes. However, too little attention has been directed to ensuring that such trials are measuring patient-relevant outcomes. To support outcome selection for future trials, the objective of this study was to understand what outcomes related to their physical activity participation older adults find important. Methods: We conducted 12 semistructured interviews with adults aged 65 years and older and analyzed interview transcripts with a reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Older adults desired diverse outcomes from their physical activity participation, ranging from generic (e.g., quality of life) to specific (e.g., leg strength). Relevant outcomes were classified under five themes: physical, clinical, social, psychological, and overarching, each with respective subthemes. Conclusions: The outcomes that older adults found important were plentiful and rooted in a desire to improve their quality of life. Some of the outcome themes have been reported frequently in past trials (e.g., physical), but others have not (e.g., social). Future researchers should be aware of, and responsive to, the priorities of older adults when designing trials and defining outcomes. Significance/Implications: This study will help to improve outcome selection for future trials of physical activity with older adults. In alignment with a patient-oriented research philosophy, this study will also ground future outcome selection in the priorities of older adults.
The Effect of Content Knowledge on Content Development, Task Adaptations, and Children’s Task Performance in Elementary School
Authors: Iserbyt Peter , Mous Anke , Vandenlindenloof Charlotte , Vanluyten Kian
Published: May 2024

Purpose: We investigated the effect of a content knowledge workshop on a teacher’s content development in terms of selected task types, task adaptations, and in turn children’s task performance during a six-lesson crawl swimming unit in elementary school. Methods: One physical education teacher taught two 6-lesson units of the front crawl before (comparison) and after (experimental) the workshop to different children (n = 88). Task types, task adaptations, and task performance were collected live by trained observers. Results: The number of tasks taught increased from 48 to 61 after the workshop. Informing tasks decreased 28% (p = .005) and applying tasks increased 11% (p = .039). Task adaptations increased from 123 to 211 (p = .021). A significantly higher proportion of tasks was correctly performed by more children in the experimental group. Discussion/Conclusion: The content knowledge workshop caused a substantial shift in the teacher’s content development, which resulted in more children correctly performing the tasks.
DNA damage induces p53-independent apoptosis through ribosome stalling
Authors: Boon Nicolaas J. , Oliveira Rafaela A. , Körner Pierré-René , Kochavi Adva , Mertens Sander , Malka Yuval , Voogd Rhianne , van der Horst Suzanne E. M. , Huismans Maarten A. , Smabers Lidwien P. , Draper Jonne M. , Wessels Lodewyk F. A. , Haahr Peter , Roodhart Jeanine M. L. , Schumacher Ton N. M. , Snippert Hugo J. , Agami Reuven , Brummelkamp Thijn R.
Published: May 2024

In response to excessive DNA damage, human cells can activate p53 to induce apoptosis. Cells lacking p53 can still undergo apoptosis upon DNA damage, yet the responsible pathways are unknown. We observed that p53-independent apoptosis in response to DNA damage coincided with translation inhibition, which was characterized by ribosome stalling on rare leucine-encoding UUA codons and globally curtailed translation initiation. A genetic screen identified the transfer RNAse SLFN11 and the kinase GCN2 as factors required for UUA stalling and global translation inhibition, respectively. Stalled ribosomes activated a ribotoxic stress signal conveyed by the ribosome sensor ZAKα to the apoptosis machinery. These results provide an explanation for the frequent inactivation of SLFN11 in chemotherapy-unresponsive tumors and highlight ribosome stalling as a signaling event affecting cell fate in response to DNA damage.
Global band convergence design for high-performance thermoelectric power generation in Zintls
Authors: Shi Xin , Song Shaowei , Gao Guanhui , Ren Zhifeng
Published: May 2024

Electronic band convergence can have a beneficial impact on thermoelectric performance, but finding the right band-converged compositions is still time-consuming. We propose a method for designing a series of compositions with simultaneous band convergence in the high-entropy Yb

x

Ca
1−

x

Mg

y

Zn
2−

y

Sb
2
material by zeroing the weighted sum of crystal-field splitting energies of the parent compounds. We found that so-designed compositions have both larger power factors and lower thermal conductivities and that one of these compositions exhibits a large thermoelectric figure of merit value in comparison with to other p-type Zintls. Our material shows high stability both thermally and temporally. We then assembled an all-Zintl single-stage module, nontoxic and free of tellurium, that demonstrates an exceptional heat-to-electricity conversion efficiency exceeding 10% at a temperature difference of 475 kelvin.
Progress on priming HIV-1 immunity
Authors: Sanders Rogier W. , Moore John P.
Published: May 2024

Four new studies inform on the multistep path to generate broadly active HIV-1 antibodies
NSF halts South Pole probe of cosmic inflation
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: May 2024

Aging infrastructure there cannot support suite of new telescopes, agency says
The genes
mgtE
and
spoVG
are involved in zinc tolerance of
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Schürmann Jacqueline , Fischer Martin A. , Herzberg Martin , Reemtsma Thorsten , Strommenger Birgit , Werner Guido , Schuster Christopher F. , Layer-Nicolaou Franziska
Published: May 2024

Metals are essential for all living organisms, but the type of metal and its concentration determines its action. Even low concentrations of metals may have toxic effects on organisms and therefore exhibit antimicrobial activities. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary adaptation processes of
Staphylococcus aureus
to metals and common genes for metal tolerance. Laboratory and clinical isolates were treated with manganese, cobalt, zinc, or nickel metal salts to generate growth-adapted mutants. After growth in medium supplemented with zinc, whole-genome sequencing identified, among others, two genes,
mgtE
(SAUSA300_0910)

,

a putative magnesium transporter and
spoVG
(SAUSA300_0475), a global transcriptional regulator, as hot spots for stress-induced single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs in
mgtE
were also detected in mutants treated with high levels of cobalt or nickel salts. To investigate the effect of these genes on metal tolerance, deletion mutants and complementation strains in an
S. aureus
USA300 LAC* laboratory strain were generated. Both, the
mgtE
and
spoVG
deletion strains were more tolerant to cobalt, manganese, and zinc. The
mgtE
mutant was also more tolerant to nickel exposure. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that the
mgtE
deletion mutant accumulated less intracellular zinc than the wild type, explaining increased tolerance. From these results, we conclude that
mgtE
gene inactivation increases zinc tolerance presumably due to reduced uptake of zinc. For the SpoVG mutant, no direct effect on the intracellular zinc concentration was detected, indicating toward different pathways to increase tolerance. Importantly, inactivation of these genes offers a growth advantage in environments containing certain metals, pointing toward a common tolerance mechanism.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is an opportunistic pathogen causing tremendous public health burden and high mortality in invasive infections. Treatment is becoming increasingly difficult due to antimicrobial resistances. The use of metals in animal husbandry and aquaculture to reduce bacterial growth and subsequent acquisition of metal resistances has been shown to co-select for antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, understanding adaptive mechanisms that help
S. aureus
to survive metal exposure is essential. Using a screening approach, we were able to identify two genes encoding the transporter MgtE and the transcriptional regulator SpoVG, which conferred increased tolerance to specific metals such as zinc when inactivated. Further testing showed that the deletion of
mgtE
leads to reduced intracellular zinc levels, suggesting a role in zinc uptake. The accumulation of mutations in these genes when exposed to other metals suggests that inactivation of these genes could be a common mechanism for intrinsic tolerance to certain metals.
Enterovirus A71 crosses a human blood–brain barrier model through infected immune cells
Authors: Gaume Léa , Chabrolles Hélène , Bisseux Maxime , Lopez-Coqueiro Igor , Dehouck Lucie , Mirand Audrey , Henquell Cécile , Gosselet Fabien , Archimbaud Christine , Bailly Jean-Luc
Published: May 2024

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is associated with neurological conditions such as acute meningitis and encephalitis. The virus is detected in the bloodstream, and high blood viral loads are associated with central nervous system (CNS) manifestations. We used an
in vitro
blood–brain barrier (BBB) model made up of human brain-like endothelial cells (hBLECs) and brain pericytes grown in transwell systems to investigate whether three genetically distinct EV-A71 strains (subgenogroups C1, C1-like, and C4) can cross the human BBB. EV-A71 poorly replicated in hBLECs, which released moderate amounts of infectious viruses from their luminal side and trace amounts of infectious viruses from their basolateral side. The barrier properties of hBLECs were not impaired by EV-A71 infection. We investigated the passage through hBLECs of EV-A71-infected white blood cells. EV-A71 strains efficiently replicated in immune cells, including monocytes, neutrophils, and NK/T cells. Attachment to hBLECs of immune cells infected with the C1-like virus was higher than attachment of cells infected with C1-06. EV-A71 infection did not impair the transmigration of immune cells through hBLECs. Overall, EV-A71 targets different white blood cell populations that have the potential to be used as a Trojan horse to cross hBLECs more efficiently than cell-free EV-A71 particles.

IMPORTANCE

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) was first reported in the USA, and numerous outbreaks have since occurred in Asia and Europe. EV-A71 re-emerged as a new multirecombinant strain in 2015 in Europe and is now widespread. The virus causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease in young children and is involved in nervous system infections. How the virus spreads to the nervous system is unclear. We investigated whether white blood cells could be infected by EV-A71 and transmit it across human endothelial cells mimicking the blood–brain barrier protecting the brain from adverse effects. We found that endothelial cells provide a strong roadblock to prevent the passage of free virus particles but allow the migration of infected immune cells, including monocytes, neutrophils, and NK/T cells. Our data are consistent with the potential role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of EV-A71 infections by spreading the virus in the blood and across the human blood–brain barrier.
Use of Lithium Capillary Structures in Ohmic Discharges of T-10 Tokamak
Authors: Vershkov V. A. , Sarychev D. V. , Shelukhin D. A. , Nemets A. R. , Mirnov S. V. , Lyublinski I. E. , Vertkov A. V. , Zharkov M. Yu.
Published: May 2024

The results of experiments at the T-10 tokamak using lithium capillary-porous structures are presented. It is shown that lithium sputtering under conditions of graphite diaphragms can significantly reduce deuterium recycling and the level of impurities in the plasma. At the same time, recycling increases significantly five discharges after the start of the day of the experiment, and the effect of reducing the level of impurities persists for 150–300 discharges. The results of using a capillary-porous structure with lithium filling as a movable rail diaphragm in the T-10 configuration with tungsten main diaphragms are presented. The introduction of a lithium diaphragm into the SOL region makes it possible to reduce recycling and obtain discharges with an effective plasma charge approaching unity. In this case, the effect increases as the lithium sputtered in the chamber is accumulated. It is shown experimentally that a capillary-porous structure with lithium filling can be used as a main diaphragm with longitudinal plasma heat fluxes up to 3.6 MW/m2. However, a necessary condition is the complete impregnation of the porous structure with lithium and the prevention of extrusion of lithium into the discharge as a result of the interaction of the current flowing to the diaphragm with the toroidal magnetic field. Experiments have shown that to obtain discharges with a small lithium admixture, a strong gas injection of deuterium or impurity is required to reduce the temperature of the plasma periphery and effective cooling of the diaphragm below 450°C. Otherwise, the diaphragm transfers into a strong evaporation mode with high lithium flows, which lead to a significant increase in the lithium concentration in the plasma. Strong evaporation reduces the heat inflow and stabilizes the diaphragm temperature.
Study protocol for a transversal study to develop a screening model for excessive gambling behaviours on a representative sample of users of French authorised gambling websites
Authors: Perrot Bastien , Hardouin Jean-Benoit , Costes Jean-Michel , Caillon Julie , Grall-Bronnec Marie , Challet-Bouju Gaëlle
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Since the legalisation of online gambling in France in 2010, gambling operators must implement responsible gambling measures to prevent excessive gambling practices. However, actually there is no screening procedure for identifying problematic gamblers. Although several studies have already been performed using several data sets from online gambling operators, the authors deplored several methodological and clinical limits that prevent scientifically validating the existence of problematic gambling behaviour. The aim of this study is to develop a model for screening excessive gambling practices based on the gambling behaviours observed on French gambling websites, coupled with a clinical validation.

Methods and analysis

The research is divided into three successive stages. All analyses will be performed for each major type of authorised online gambling in France. The first stage aims at defining a typology of users of French authorised gambling websites based on their gambling behaviour. This analysis will be based on data from the Authority for Regulating Online Gambling (ARJEL) and the Française Des Jeux (FDJ). For the second stage aiming at determining a score to predict whether a gambler is problematic or not, we will cross answers from the Canadian Problem Gambling Index with real gambling data. The objective of the third stage is to clinically validate the score previously developed. Results from the screening model will be compared (using sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve, and positive and negative predictive values) with the diagnosis obtained with a telephone clinical interview, including diagnostic criteria for gambling addiction.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the local Research Ethics Committee (GNEDS) on 25 March 2015. Results will be presented in national and international conferences, submitted to peer-reviewed journals and will be part of a PhD thesis. A final report with the study results will be presented to the ARJEL, especially the final screening model.

Trial registration number

NCT02415296.