bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the conditions of application of noise-based spectral ratios in a highly industrialized area: a case study in the French Rhone Valley
Authors: Gisselbrecht Loïc , Froment Bérénice , Boué Pierre , Gélis Céline
Published: March 2023

The local ground motion amplification related to the geology at a specific site (i.e. the so-called site effects) may be classically quantified through the SSR (standard spectral ratio) technique applied on earthquake recordings. However, such a quantification might be challenging to carry out in low-to-moderate seismicity regions. Methods based on background ambient noise, such as noise-based standard spectral ratio (SSRn), might be of great interest in these areas. But noise-derived amplification is particularly sensitive to local anthropogenic sources, which may introduce biases in the evaluation of site effects by dominating the geological effects, especially for frequencies higher than 1 Hz. A hybrid approach (SSRh), developed to reduce biases in noise-based spectral ratios by combining classical earthquake-based spectral ratio (SSR) and SSRn, was recently introduced and relies on a site reference. We here investigate the applicability of SSRn and SSRh in a heavily industrialized environment in the Tricastin Valley (south-east France), where critical facilities are located. We continuously recorded ambient noise from 2020 February to March on a 400-sensor seismic array covering an area of about 10 km by 10 km. We demonstrate that SSRn and SSRh computed below 1 Hz are able to reproduce amplification factors provided by SSR. By contrast, at frequencies higher than 1 Hz, SSRn strongly deviates from SSR. SSRh shows closer results to SSR but presents a dependence to the choice of the local site reference, thereby questioning the possibility to use SSRh blindly to estimate the local amplification in our context. These discrepancies reflect the impact of local anthropogenic sources. We therefore introduced a two-step workflow to mitigate the influence of local sources. The first step is to define a characteristic time window to optimally isolate significant transient signals. The second step consists in selecting the time segments that do not contain these transients with a clustering-based approach. By applying this workflow, we were able to remove some strong anthropogenic transient signals likely to be generated by local sources at some sites and therefore to locally improve the amplification assessment through noise-based spectral ratios. However, stationary sources, whose impact cannot be removed through our procedure, remain a major issue. This study provides some insights into the application of SSRn and SSRh in noisy industrialized areas, especially regarding the impact of local noise sources. It illustrates the difficulty of having a procedure for mitigating the impact of these sources that is efficient everywhere inside such a complex anthropized environment, where different types of sources (including stationary sources) cohabit.
Simulating H/V spectral ratios (HVSR) of ambient vibrations: a comparison among numerical models
Authors: Albarello D , Herak M , Lunedei E , Paolucci E , Tanzini A
Published: March 2023

The use of H/V spectral ratios (HVSR) of ambient vibrations to constrain the local seismo-stratigraphical configuration relies on numerical forward models able to connect observations with subsoil seismic properties. Several models were proposed to this purpose in the last decades, which are based on different assumptions about the nature of the ambient vibration wavefield. Performances of nine numerical tools implementing these models have been checked by considering 1600 realistic 1-D subsoil configurations mostly relative to A, B and C Eurocode8 soil classes. Resultant HVSR curves predicted by the models are quite similar both in their general shape and in predicting the resonant soil frequencies, possibly because all of them share the same basic representation of the subsoil as a 1-D stack of flat uniform viscoelastic layers. The common sensitivity to transmission/reflection matrices resulting from that representation explains the well-known correspondence of HVSR maxima to 1-D resonance frequency estimates, regardless of the physical assumptions (about source distribution, radiation pattern, dominating seismic phases, etc.) behind the computational model adopted for simulating HVSR curves. On the other hand, the computational models here considered provide quite different amplitudes for HVSR values corresponding to the resonance frequencies. However, since experimental HVSR amplitudes at the same site are affected by an inherent variability (e.g. due to the possible lack of ergodicity of the ambient vibration stochastic wavefield, non-ideal experimental settings, etc.) and uncertainty about the local seismo-stratigraphical profile (attenuation, 2-D/3-D effects, etc.) observations cannot be used for general scoring of the considered computational models on empirical basis. In this situation, the ‘optimal’ numerical tool to be considered for the forward HVSR modelling must be defined case by case.
A critical issue on microbiological cut-off value of ampicillin resistance inLactiplantibacillus plantarum
Authors: Wu Manyu , Tarrah Armin , Ghion Gloria , Pakroo Shadi , Giacomini Alessio , Corich Viviana
Published: March 2023

Aim

Comprehensive evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility patterns in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains isolated from grape marc, based on genomic and phenotypic assessment.

Methods and results

We assessed the antibiotic resistance-susceptibility patterns of 20 L. plantarum strains for 16 antibiotics. Genomes of relevant strains were sequenced for in silico assessment and comparative genomic analysis. Results showed high MIC values for spectinomycin, vancomycin, and carbenicillin, indicating natural resistance to these antibiotics. Besides, these strains revealed MIC values for ampicillin higher than previously established by the EFSA, indicating the possible presence of acquired resistance genes in the genomes. However, genomic analysis by complete genome sequencing did not reveal presence of ampicillin resistance genes.

Conclusion

Comparative genomic analysis between our strains and other L. plantarum genomes present in the literature showed several substantial genomic differences, and suggested the need to adjust the cut-off value for ampicillin in L. plantarum. However, further sequence analysis will reveal how these strains have acquired antibiotic resistance.
Evaluation of steam heat as a decontamination approach for SARS-CoV-2 when applied to common transit-related materials
Authors: Richter William R , Sunderman Michelle M , Schaeufele David J , Willenberg Zachary , Ratliff Katherine , Calfee M Worth , Oudejans Lukas
Published: March 2023

Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of steam heat for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 when applied to materials common in mass transit installations.

Methods and results

SARS CoV-2 (USA-WA1/2020) was resuspended in either cell culture media or synthetic saliva, inoculated (∼1 × 106 TCID50) onto porous and nonporous materials and subjected to steam inactivation efficacy tests as either wet or dried droplets. The inoculated test materials were exposed to steam heat ranging from 70°C to 90°C. The amount of infectious SARS-CoV-2 remaining after various exposure durations ranging from 1 to 60 s was assessed. Higher steam heat application resulted in higher inactivation rates at short contact times. Steam applied at 1-inch distance (∼90°C at the surface) resulted in complete inactivation for dry inoculum within 2 s of exposure (excluding two outliers of 19 test samples at the 5-s duration) and within 2–30 s of exposure for wet droplets. Increasing the distance to 2 inches (∼70°C) also increased the exposure time required to achieve complete inactivation to 15 or 30 s for materials inoculated with saliva or cell culture media, respectively.

Conclusions

Steam heat can provide high levels of decontamination (>3 log reduction) for transit-related materials contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 using a commercially available steam generator with a manageable exposure time of 2–5 s.
I Really Know You: How Influencers Can Increase Audience Engagement by Referencing Their Close Social Ties
Authors: Chung Jaeyeon (Jae) , Ding Yu , Kalra Ajay
Published: March 2023

Despite firms’ continued interest in using influencers to reach their target consumers, academic and practical insights are limited on what levers an influencer can use to enhance audience engagement using their posts. We demonstrate that posting stories with or about people whom they share close ties with—such as family, friends, and romantic partners—can be one effective lever. Content that incorporates close social ties can be effective for several reasons: it may increase perceptions of authenticity, enhance perceived similarity, increase the perception that the influencer possesses more warmth, and could satisfy viewers’ interpersonal curiosity. We analyze texts and photographs of 55,631 posts of 763 influencers on Instagram, and after controlling for several variables, we find robust support that consumers “like” posts that reference close social ties. Furthermore, this effect enhances when first-person pronouns are used to describe special moments with these close ties. We supplement the Instagram data with an experimental approach and confirm the relationship between close ties and consumer engagement. Managerially, this is a useful insight as we also show that sponsored posts tend to be perceived negatively compared to non-sponsored posts; yet, embedding social ties on the sponsored posts can mitigate consumers’ negative responses.
A rare case of rhabdomyosarcoma identified in a VRAM flap after lower extremity reconstruction
Authors: Fisher Marlie H , Woods Jack F C , Bartlett Edmund K , Nelson Jonas A
Published: March 2023

Spindle cell sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (sc-RMS) is an extremely rare soft tissue tumor. We report an unusual case of sc-RMS in a 36-year-old patient whose tumor arose in a rectus abdominis muscle free flap that had been used for lower extremity reconstruction 18 years previously. After surgical excision of the tumor and immediate reconstruction, the patient has remained in remission and has full function of his lower extremity six months after diagnosis and treatment.
Successful treatment of a patient with a ‘flow-through’ type II endoleak associated with an aberrant renal artery after endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Sano Masaya , Hashimoto Takuya , Saito Mio , Kimura Masaru , Miyazaki Masaya , Deguchi Juno
Published: March 2023

Identification and control of responsible feeding arteries are crucial in treating type II endoleaks after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). A 78-year-old female patient required management of a type II endoleak 8 years after EVAR. A persistent endoleak from the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) enlarged the size of an aneurysm sac. Sac angiography from the IMA revealed a flow-through endoleak from the IMA to an aberrant renal artery (ARA). After coil embolization of the ARA through the sac together with the IMA, the sac shrank. Control of flow-through vessels may be essential for managing post-EVAR enlargement due to type II endoleaks.
Efficacy of detergent-based cleaning and wiping against SARS-CoV-2 on high-touch surfaces
Authors: Nelson S W , Hardison R L , Limmer R , Marx J , Taylor B M , James R R , Stewart M J , Lee S D , Calfee M W , Ryan S P , Howard M W
Published: March 2023

Efficacy of cleaning methods against SARS-CoV-2 suspended in either 5% soil load (SARS-soil) or simulated saliva (SARS-SS) was evaluated immediately (hydrated virus, T0) or 2 hours post-contamination (dried virus, T2). Hard water dampened wiping (DW) of surfaces, resulted in 1.77–3.91 log reduction (T0) or 0.93–2.41 log reduction (T2). Incorporating surface pre-wetting by spraying with a detergent solution (D + DW) or hard water (W + DW) just prior to dampened wiping did not unilaterally increase efficacy against infectious SARS-CoV-2, however, the effect was nuanced with respect to surface, viral matrix, and time. Cleaning efficacy on porous surfaces (seat fabric, SF) was low. W + DW on stainless steel (SS) was as effective as D + DW for all conditions except SARS-soil at T2 on SS. DW was the only method that consistently resulted in > 3-log reduction of hydrated (T0) SARS-CoV-2 on SS and ABS plastic. These results suggest that wiping with a hard water dampened wipe can reduce infectious virus on hard non-porous surfaces. Pre-wetting surfaces with surfactants did not significantly increase efficacy for the conditions tested. Surface material, presence or absence of pre-wetting, and time post-contamination affect efficacy of cleaning methods.
Microbial and clinical epidemiology of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the divergent causative agents
Authors: Erami Mahzad , Aboutalebian Shima , Hezaveh Seyed Jamal Hashemi , Ghazvini Roshanak Daie , Momen-Heravi Mansooreh , Jafari Yazdan , Ahsaniarani Amir Hossein , Basirpour Bahare , Matini Amir Hassan , Mirhendi Hossein
Published: March 2023

Since COVID-19 spread worldwide, invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS) has emerged in immunocompromised patients as a new clinical challenge. In this study, clinical specimens of 89 COVID-19 patients who presented clinical and radiological evidence suggestive of IFRS were examined by direct microscopy, histopathology, and culture, and the isolated colonies were identified through DNA sequence analysis. Fungal elements were microscopically observed in 84.27% of the patients. Males (53.9%) and patients over 40 (95.5%) were more commonly affected than others. Headache (94.4%) and retro-orbital pain (87.6%) were the most common symptoms, followed by ptosis/proptosis/eyelid swelling (52.8%), and 74 patients underwent surgery and debridement. The most common predisposing factors were steroid therapy (n = 83, 93.3%), diabetes mellitus (n = 63, 70.8%), and hypertension (n = 42, 47.2%). The culture was positive for 60.67% of the confirmed cases, and Mucorales were the most prevalent (48.14%) causative fungal agents. Different species of Aspergillus (29.63%) and Fusarium (3.7%) and a mix of two filamentous fungi (16.67%) were other causative agents. For 21 patients, no growth was seen in culture despite a positive result on microscopic examinations. In PCR-sequencing of 53 isolates, divergent fungal taxons, including 8 genera and 17 species, were identified as followed: Rhizopus oryzae (n = 22), Aspergillus flavus (n = 10), A. fumigatus (n = 4), A. niger (n = 3), R. microsporus (n = 2), Mucor circinelloides, Lichtheimia ramosa, Apophysomyces variabilis, A. tubingensis, A. alliaceus, A. nidulans, A. calidoustus, Fusarium fujikuroi/proliferatum, F. oxysporum, F. solani, Lomentospora prolificans, and Candida albicans (each n = 1). In conclusion, a diverse set of species involved in COVID-19-associated IFRS was observed in this study. Our data encourage specialist physicians to consider the possibility of involving various species in IFRS in immunocompromised and COVID-19 patients. In light of utilizing molecular identification approaches, the current knowledge of microbial epidemiology of invasive fungal infections, especially IFRS, may change dramatically.
Model-independent determination of H0 and ΩK, 0 using time-delay galaxy lenses and gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Du Shen-Shi , Wei Jun-Jie , You Zhi-Qiang , Chen Zu-Cheng , Zhu Zong-Hong , Liang En-Wei
Published: March 2023

Combining the ‘time-delay distance’ (DΔt) measurements from galaxy lenses and other distance indicators provides model-independent determinations of the Hubble constant (H0) and spatial curvature (ΩK, 0), only based on the validity of the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) metric and geometrical optics. To take the full merit of combining DΔt measurements in constraining H0, we use gamma-ray burst (GRB) distances to extend the redshift coverage of lensing systems much higher than that of Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) and even higher than quasars, whilst the general cosmography with a curvature component is implemented for the GRB distance parametrizations. Combining Lensing + GRB yields $H_0=71.5^{+4.4}_{-3.0}$ km s−1 Mpc−1 and $\Omega _{K,0} = -0.07^{+0.13}_{-0.06}$ (1σ). A flat-universe prior gives slightly an improved $H_0 = 70.9^{+4.2}_{-2.9}$ km s−1Mpc−1. When combining Lensing+GRB + SN Ia, the error bar ΔH0 falls by 25 per cent, whereas ΩK, 0 is not improved due to the degeneracy between SN Ia absolute magnitude, MB, and H0 along with the mismatch between the SN Ia and GRB Hubble diagrams at z ≳ 1.4. Future increment of GRB observations can help to moderately eliminate the MB–H0 degeneracy in SN Ia distances and ameliorate the restrictions on cosmographic parameters along with ΩK, 0 when combining Lensing+SN Ia + GRB. We conclude that there is no evidence of significant deviation from a (an) flat (accelerating) universe and H0 is currently determined at 3 per cent precision. The measurements show great potential to arbitrate the H0 tension between the local distance ladder and cosmic microwave background measurements and provide a relevant consistency test of the FLRW metric.
Multiple flares in the changing-look AGN NGC 5273
Authors: Neustadt J M M , Hinkle J T , Kochanek C S , Reynolds M T , Mathur S , Tucker M A , Pogge R , Stanek K Z , Payne A V , Shappee B J , Holoien T W-S , Auchettl K , Ashall C , de Jaeger T , Desai D , Do A , Hoogendam W B , Huber M E
Published: March 2023

NGC 5273 is a known optical and X-ray variable AGN. We analyse new and archival IR, optical, UV, and X-ray data in order to characterize its long-term variability from 2000–2022. At least one optical changing-look event occurred between 2011 and 2014 when the AGN changed from a Type 1.8/1.9 Seyfert to a Type 1. It then faded considerably at all wavelengths, followed by a dramatic but slow increase in UV/optical brightness between 2021 and 2022. Near-IR (NIR) spectra in 2022 show prominent broad Paschen lines that are absent in an archival spectrum from 2010, making NGC 5273 one of the few AGNs to be observed changing-look in the NIR. We propose that NGC 5273 underwent multiple changing-look events between 2000 and 2022 – starting as a Type 1.8/1.9, NGC 5273 changes-look to a Type 1 temporarily in 2002 and again in 2014, reverting back to a Type 1.8/1.9 by 2005 and 2017, respectively. In 2022, it is again a Type 1 Seyfert. We characterize the changing-look events and their connection to the dynamic accretion and radiative processes in NGC 5273 and propose that the variable luminosity (and thus, Eddington ratio) of the source is changing how the broad-line region (BLR) reprocesses the continuum emission.
Preparing for end-of-life: learning from Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation decision-making during COVID-19
Authors: Robinson Louise , Lawrie Iain , Hard Jake , Hewson Tom , Shaw Daisy , Shaw Will , Shaw Jenny
Published: March 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions were made differently. This included more prominent roles for specialties such as psychiatry and doctors in training. Concerns about inappropriate DNAR decisions led to anxiety for doctors, patients and the public. Positive outcomes may have included earlier and better-quality end-of life-discussions. However, COVID-19 exposed the need for support, training and guidance in this area for all doctors. It also highlighted the importance of effective public education about advanced care planning.
Observability of triple top quark signal at future hadron colliders
Authors: Ahmed Ijaz , Bi Nazima , Ather M W , Amjad M S
Published: March 2023

The Standard Model (SM) cross-sections for the production of single top quarks, top-quark pairs, triple top quarks, and four top quarks at three different center-of-mass energies, i.e. $\sqrt{s}=$ 7, 10, and 14 TeV, at existing particle colliders as well as at future hadron colliders, are studied. A fully kinematic analysis with the optimized preselection cuts along with invariant mass reconstruction of top quarks is performed for triple-top production processes pp→tttW, tttd, and tttb in the presence of the SM background. All three signal processes are forced to decay in fully hadronic mode. The studies are performed for the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL−LHC) at $\sqrt{s}=$ 14 TeV and for the High-Energy LHC (HE−LHC) at $\sqrt{s}=$ 27 TeV. The signal to background ratio and signal significance of all signal and background processes are estimated for both the scenarios. It is found that the chances of signal observability at the HE−LHC are higher than those at the HL−LHC. PACS numbers: 12.60.Fr, 14.80.Fd
Regulating Untaxable Externalities: Are Vehicle Air Pollution Standards Effective and Efficient?
Authors: Jacobsen Mark R , Sallee James M , Shapiro Joseph S , van Benthem Arthur A
Published: March 2023

The world has 1.4 billion passenger vehicles. How should governments regulate their air pollution emissions? A Pigouvian tax is technologically infeasible. Most countries instead rely on exhaust standards that limit air pollution emissions per mile for new vehicles. We assess the effectiveness and efficiency of these standards, which are the centerpiece of U.S. Clean Air Act regulation of transportation, and counterfactual policies. We show that the air pollution emissions per mile of new U.S. vehicles has fallen spectacularly, by over 99%, since standards began in 1967. Several research designs with a half century of data suggest that exhaust standards have caused most of this decline. Yet exhaust standards are not cost-effective in part because they fail to encourage scrap of older vehicles, which account for the majority of emissions. To study counterfactual policies, we develop an analytical and a quantitative model of the vehicle fleet. Analysis of these models suggests that tighter exhaust standards increase social welfare and increasing registration fees on dirty vehicles yields even larger gains by accelerating scrap, although both reforms have complex effects on inequality.
Adaptive composite anti-disturbance control for heavy haul trains
Authors: Chen Longsheng , Yang Hui
Published: March 2023

In this paper, an adaptive composite anti-disturbance control of heavy haul trains (HHTs) is proposed. First, the mechanical principle and characteristics of couplers are analysed and the longitudinal multi-particles nonlinear dynamic model of HHTs is established, which can satisfy that the forces of vehicles in different positions are different. Subsequently, a radial basis function network (RBFNN) is employed to approximate the uncertainties of HHTs, and a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is constructed to estimate the approximation error and external disturbances. To indicate and improve the approximation accuracy, a serial-parallel identification model of HHTs is constructed to generate a prediction error, and an adaptive composite anti-disturbance control scheme is developed, where the prediction error and tracking error are employed to update RBFNN weights and an auxiliary variable of NDO. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme are demonstrated through the Lyapunov theory and simulation experiments.
Polydatin inhibits mitochondrial damage and mitochondrial ROS by promoting PINK1‐Parkin‐mediated mitophagy in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Liu Siqi , Wang Chongyang , Zhang Yulian , Zhang Yalin , Song Yilan , Jiang Jingzhi , Liu Ruobai , Jin Hainan , Yan Guanghai , Jin Yongde
Published: March 2023

Polydatin (PD), a natural product derived from Polygonum cuspidatum, has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects and has significant benefits in treating allergic diseases. However, its role and mechanism in allergic rhinitis (AR) have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we investigated the effect and mechanism of PD in AR. AR model was established in mice with OVA. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) were stimulated with IL‐13. HNEpCs were also treated with an inhibitor of mitochondrial division or transfected with siRNA. The levels of IgE and cellular inflammatory factors were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. The expressions of PINK1, Parkin, P62, LC3B, NLRP3 inflammasome proteins, and apoptosis proteins in nasal tissues and HNEpCs were measured by Western blot. We found that PD suppressed OVA‐induced epithelial thickening and eosinophil accumulation in the nasal mucosa, reduced IL‐4 production in NALF, and regulated Th1/Th2 balance. In addition, mitophagy was induced in AR mice after OVA challenge and in HNEpCs after IL‐13 stimulation. Meanwhile, PD enhanced PINK1‐Parkin‐mediated mitophagy but decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and apoptosis. However, PD‐induced mitophagy was abrogated after PINK1 knockdown or Mdivi‐1 treatment, indicating a key role of the PINK1‐Parkin in PD‐induced mitophagy. Moreover, mitochondrial damage, mtROS production, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and HNEpCs apoptosis under IL‐13 exposure were more severe after PINK1 knockdown or Mdivi‐1 treatment. Conclusively, PD may exert protective effects on AR by promoting PINK1‐Parkin‐mediated mitophagy, which further suppresses apoptosis and tissue damage in AR through decreasing mtROS production and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Metastasis suppressor 1 interacts with protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor‐δ to regulate adipogenesis
Authors: Chen Meng , Dong Yuan , Tian Lijie , Zhou Jie , Zhu Endong , Yuan Hairui , Li Xiaoxia , Wang Baoli
Published: March 2023

Adipogenesis is a finely controlled process and its dysfunction may contribute to metabolic disorders such as obesity. Metastasis suppressor 1 (MTSS1) is a player in tumorigenesis and metastasis of various types of cancers. To date, it is not known whether and how MTSS1 plays a role in adipocyte differentiation. In the current study, we found that MTSS1 was upregulated during adipogenic differentiation of established mesenchymal cell lines and primary cultured bone marrow stromal cells. Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function experiments uncovered that MTSS1 facilitated adipocyte differentiation from mesenchymal progenitor cells. Mechanistic explorations revealed that MTSS1 bound and interacted with FYN, a member of Src family of tyrosine kinases (SFKs), and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor‐δ (PTPRD). We demonstrated that PTPRD was capable of inducing the differentiation of adipocytes. Overexpression of PTPRD attenuated the impaired adipogenesis induced by the siRNA targeting MTSS1. Both MTSS1 and PTPRD activated SFKs by suppressing the phosphorylation of SFKs at Tyr530 and inducing the phosphorylation of FYN at Tyr419. Further investigation showed that MTSS1 and PTPRD were able to activate FYN. Collectively, our study has for the first time unraveled that MTSS1 plays a role in adipocyte differentiation in vitro through interacting with PTPRD and thereby activating SFKs such as FYN tyrosine kinase.
NONO regulates B‐cell development and B‐cell receptor signaling
Authors: Zhang Yongguang , Cui Dongya , Huang Miaohui , Zheng Yongwei , Zheng Baijiao , Chen Liling , Chen Qi
Published: March 2023

The paraspeckle protein NONO is a multifunctional nuclear protein participating in the regulation of transcriptional regulation, mRNA splicing and DNA repair. However, whether NONO plays a role in lymphopoiesis is not known. In this study, we generated mice with global deletion of NONO and bone marrow (BM) chimeric mice in which NONO is deleted in all of mature B cells. We found that the global deletion of NONO in mice did not affect T‐cell development but impaired early B‐cell development in BM at pro‐ to pre‐B‐cell transition stage and B‐cell maturation in the spleen. Studies of BM chimeric mice demonstrated that the impaired B‐cell development in NONO‐deficient mice is B‐cell‐intrinsic. NONO‐deficient B cells displayed normal BCR‐induced cell proliferation but increased BCR‐induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, we found that NONO deficiency impaired BCR‐induced activation of ERK, AKT, and NF‐κB pathways in B cells, and altered BCR‐induced gene expression profile. Thus, NONO plays a critical role in B‐cell development and BCR‐induced B‐cell activation.
Knockdown of phosphatases of regenerating liver‐1 prolongs the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via activating DAF‐16/FOXO
Authors: Yu Yaoru , Chen Jing , An Lu , Huang Tianci , Wang Wenbo , Cheng Ziqi , Wang Lu , Xu Xuesong , Zhao Zhizhuang , Fu Xueqi , Ma Junfeng
Published: March 2023

Phosphatases of regenerating liver (PRLs) are dual‐specificity protein phosphatases. The aberrant expression of PRLs threatens human health, but their biological functions and pathogenic mechanisms are unclear yet. Herein, the structure and biological functions of PRLs were investigated using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Structurally, this phosphatase in C. elegans, named PRL‐1, consisted of a conserved signature sequence WPD loop and a single C(X)5R domain. Besides, by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, PRL‐1 was proved to mainly express in larval stages and express in intestinal tissues. Afterward, by feeding‐based RNA‐interference method, knockdown of prl‐1 prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans but also improved their healthspan, such as locomotion, pharyngeal pumping frequency, and defecation interval time. Furthermore, the above effects of prl‐1 appeared to be taken without acting on germline signaling, diet restriction pathway, insulin/insulin‐like growth factor 1 signaling pathway, and SIR‐2.1 but through a DAF‐16‐dependent pathway. Moreover, knockdown of prl‐1 induced the nuclear translocation of DAF‐16, and upregulated the expression of daf‐16, sod‐3, mtl‐1, and ctl‐2. Finally, suppression of prl‐1 also reduced the ROS. In conclusion, suppression of prl‐1 enhanced the lifespan and survival quality of C. elegans, which provides a theoretical basis for the pathogenesis of PRLs in related human diseases.
Long‐lived autoreactive memory CD4+ T cells mediate the sustained retinopathy in chronic autoimmune uveitis
Authors: Fan Nai‐Wen , Zhu Qiurong , Wang Shudan , Ortiz Gustavo , Huckfeldt Rachel M. , Chen Yihe
Published: March 2023

Chronic uveitis comprises heterogeneous clinical entities characterized by sustained and recurrent intraocular inflammation that is believed to be driven by autoimmune responses. The management of chronic uveitis is challenging with the limited availability of efficacious treatments, and the underlying mechanisms mediating disease chronicity remain poorly understood as the majority of experimental data are derived from the acute phase of the disease (the first 2–3 weeks post‐induction). Herein, we investigated the key cellular mechanisms underlying chronic intraocular inflammation using our recently established murine model of chronic autoimmune uveitis. We demonstrate unique long‐lived CD44hiIL‐7R+IL‐15R+CD4+ memory T cells in both retina and secondary lymphoid organs after 3 months postinduction of autoimmune uveitis. These memory T cells functionally exhibit antigen‐specific proliferation and activation in response to retinal peptide stimulation in vitro. Critically, these effector‐memory T cells are capable of effectively trafficking to the retina and accumulating in the local tissues secreting both IL‐17 and IFN‐γ upon adoptively transferred, leading to retinal structural and functional damage. Thus, our data reveal the critical uveitogenic functions of memory CD4+ T cells in sustaining chronic intraocular inflammation, suggesting that memory T cells can be a novel and promising therapeutic target for treating chronic uveitis in future translational studies.
Efficacy and safety of the surgical treatments for lower calyceal stones: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Hou Jun , Xu Feihong , Du Huifang , Liu Jingxuan , Li Ning
Published: March 2023

Objective:

Efficacy and safety of five common surgical treatments for lower calyceal (LC) stones were assessed for LC stones 20 mm or less.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted up to June 2020 using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The study has been registered in PROSPERO, CRD42021228404. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of five common surgical treatments for LC stones were collected, including percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), mini-PCNL (MPCNL), ultramini-PCNL (UMPCNL), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Heterogeneity among studies was assessed by using global inconsistency and local inconsistency. Both pooled odds ratio, along with 95% credible interval (CI) and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve values were calculated to assess the outcomes, paired comparisons of efficacy and safety of five treatments.

Results:

Nine peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, comprising 1674 patients in recent 10 years, were included. Heterogeneity tests showed no statistical significance, and a consistency model was chosen, respectively. The order of surface under the cumulative ranking curve values for efficacy was as follows: PCNL (79.4), MPCNL (75.2), UMPCNL (66.3), RIRS (29), and eSWL (0). For safety: eSWL (84.2), UMPCNL (82.2), RIRS (52.9), MPCNL (16.6), and PCNL (14.1).

Conclusion:

In the current study, all five treatments are both effective and safe. Many factors must be considered to choose surgical treatments for LC stones 20 mm or less; the results that we separate conventional PCNL into PCNL, MPCNL, and UMPCNL make the questions even more controversial. However, relative judgments are still needed to be used as reference data in clinical management. For efficacy, PCNL>MPCNL>UMPCNL>RIRS>ESWL, ESWL is statistically inferior to the other four treatments, respectively. RIRS is statistically inferior to PCNL and MPCNL, respectively. For safety, ESWL>UMPCNL>RIRS>MPCNL>PCNL, ESWL is statistically superior to RIRS, MPCNL, and PCNL, respectively. RIRS is statistically superior to PCNL. We cannot reach conclusions about which surgical treatment is the best choice for all patients with LC stones 20 mm or less; therefore, tailored treatments based on individual patients still demand more attention than ever before for both patients and urologists.
Bone grafting for femoral head necrosis in the past decade: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Lou Pengqiang , Zhou Guangzhi , Wei Bo , Deng Xiaolei , Hou Decai
Published: March 2023

Background:

Bone grafting is considered a method that can provide mechanical and structural support to the femoral head and prevent the collapse of the femoral head after core decompression (CD). However, there are no consensus guidelines on which bone grafting method is best after CD. The authors assessed the efficacy of various bone grafting modalities and CD through a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA).

Materials and methods:

Ten articles were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library searches. Bone graft modalities are categorized into four, and CD is the control group: (1) CD, (2) autologous bone graft (ABG), (3) biomaterial bone graft (BBG), (4) bone graft combined with bone marrow graft (BG+BM), and (5) free vascular bone graft (FVBG). The rates of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), femoral head necrosis progression rate, and Harris hip score (HHS) improvement were compared among the five treatments.

Results:

A total of 816 hips were included in the NMA: specifically, 118 hips in CD, 334 in ABG, 133 in BBG, 113 in BG+BM, and 118 in FVBG. The NMA results show no significant differences in preventing conversion to THA and improving HHS in each group. All bone graft methods are better than CD in preventing osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) progress [ABG: odds ratio (OR)=0.21, 95% CI: 0.07–0.56; BBG: OR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.52; BG+BM: OR=0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.24; FVBG: OR=0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.38]. The rankgrams indicate that BG+BM is the best intervention in preventing conversion to THA (73%), preventing ONFH progress (75%), and improving HHS (57%), followed by the BBG in preventing conversion to THA (54%), improving HHS (38%), and the FVBG in preventing ONFH progress (42%).

Conclusions:

This finding indicates that bone grafting after CD is necessary to prevent ONFH progression. Moreover, bone grafts combined with bone marrow grafts and BBG seem to be effective treatment methods in ONFH.
EVIDENCE OF HIV/HCV COINFECTION AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS ATTENDING FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, YENAGOA, NIGERIA
Authors: Okonko IO , Shaibu N
Published: March 2023

Coinfection of hepatitis C (HCV) may compromise antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Nigeria. In this study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of HIV/HCV coinfection in people living with HIV/AIDs (PLWHA) receiving ART and associated factors. Patients were selected from HIV-1-infected patients enrolled in National HAART Cohort at Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, Nigeria. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, medical assessments and anti-HCV antibody serology were obtained for analysis with an ELISA kit (Dia. Pro). A total of 4 of 104 PLWHA tested were anti-HCV antibody positive (4.0%). HIV/HCV coinfections were higher in age groups ≥41 years (4.4%), males (7.0%), CD4 counts 350-499 cells/μl (7.1%) and PVL ≥1000 copies/ml (10.0%). CD4 counts and viral load were an indicator for HIV/HCV coinfections. Socio-demographic variables were not associated (p > 0.05) with HIV/HCV coinfection in univariate analysis; older PLWHA were more likely to be HCV-positive. Males were more prone to HIV/HCV coinfection than females. HIV status did seem to influence the predisposition to HCV infection, as an increase in susceptibility was observed with HIV-infected patients in Yenagoa, Nigeria. The high prevalence of HIV/HCV coinfection in PLWHA in Yenagoa receiving ART demands routine screening for viral hepatitis coinfection, intensive prevention of childhood HCV transmission, and modification of the management of HIV infection.
Transcriptomics-based subphenotyping of the human placenta enabled by weighted correlation network analysis in early-onset preeclampsia with and without fetal growth restriction
Authors: Ackerman William E , Buhimschi Catalin S. , Brown Thomas L. , Zhao Guomao , Summerfield Taryn L. , Buhimschi Irina A.
Published: March 2023

Background: Placental disorders contribute to pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR), but debate regarding their specific pathobiology persists. Our objective was to apply transcriptomics with weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to further clarify the placental dysfunction in these conditions. Methods: We performed RNA sequencing with WGNCA using human placental samples (n=30), separated into villous tissue and decidua basalis, and clinically grouped as follows: (1) early-onset PE (EOPE)+FGR (n=7); (2) normotensive, nonanomalous preterm FGR (n=5); (2) EOPE without FGR (n=8); (4) spontaneous idiopathic preterm birth (PTB, n=5) matched for gestational age (GA); and (5) uncomplicated term births (TB, n=5). Our data was compared with RNA-seq datasets from public databases (GSE114691, GSE148241, and PRJEB30656; n=130 samples). Results: We identified 14 correlated gene modules in our specimens, of which most were significantly correlated with birthweight and maternal blood pressure. Of the 3 network modules consistently predictive of EOPE±FGR across datasets, we prioritized a co-expression gene group enriched for hypoxia-response and metabolic pathways for further investigation. Cluster analysis based on transcripts from this module and the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis metabolic pathway consistently distinguished a subset of EOPE±FGR samples with an expression signature suggesting modified tissue bioenergetics. We demonstrated that the expression ratios of LDHA/LDHB and PDK1/GOT1 could be used as surrogate indices for the larger panels of genes in identifying this subgroup. Conclusions: We provide novel evidence for a molecular subphenotype consistent with a glycolytic metabolic shift that occurs more frequently but not universally in placental specimens of EOPE±FGR
Identification of the putative causal risk factors and biomarkers of stroke using large-scale genome-wide studies
Authors: Islam Tania , García-Marín Luis M , Rentería Miguel E. , Cuellar-Partida Gabriel , Khan Asaduzzaman , Moni Mohammad Ali
Published: March 2023

Stroke is a complex neurological disorder, and the risk factors and genetic biomarkers associated with stroke development are not completely understood. This study aims to identify putative causal traits and their biomarkers that influence the risk of stroke. Here the latent causal variable (LCV) method has been used to investigate the potential causal genetic relationships between large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of 1504 complex traits from UK Biobank and stroke. Generalised Mendelian randomisation (GSMR) method has also been further used to examine causal inference. These analyses suggest 14 causal traits associated with stroke risk (|GCP|> 0.60; FDR < 0.05), including atrial fibrillation, deep venous thrombosis, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and platelet crit. Gene-based analysis has revealed shared genes, providing novel insights into the genetic biomarkers of the causal traits on stroke risk. Functional enrichment analyses of the shared genes have provided biological pathways underlying biological mechanisms to stroke risk, including “oxidative damage”, “platelet activation”, “cell aging”, and others. This study provides causal evidence of cardiovascular, metabolic, and blood clot-related traits increasing stroke risk. The identified shared gene biomarkers provide valuable insights into the shared genetic biomarkers and underlying mechanisms linking causal traits to stroke risk.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LEVEL OF SPIRITUALITY AND BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL AMONG ADULT HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN RURAL SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
Authors: Omonijo Adetunji , Olowoyo Paul , Ibrahim Azeez Oyemomi
Published: March 2023

Background

Spirituality has been strongly associated with good blood pressure control as it forms a strong coping mechanism in hypertensive patients.

Purpose

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was done to determine the relationship between spirituality and blood pressure control among adult hypertensive patients in rural Southwestern Nigeria with a view to achieving good blood pressure control.

Method

The selection was done by systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic and clinical information were obtained through semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. The level of spirituality was assessed using the Spiritual Perspective Scale. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

The mean age of the respondents was 61.1±11.1 years. More than half (52.6%) had high level of spirituality and more than two-thirds (67.1%) of respondents had controlled blood pressure. Respondents with high level of spirituality were 4.76 times more likely to have a good blood pressure control {p<0.001, 95%CI (1.05-14.99)}than those with low level of spirituality.

Conclusion

Proper understanding and effective utilization of this relationship will assist health professionals and researchers in the appropriate integration of this concept into patients’ holistic care with the aim of achieving better blood pressure control among hypertensive patients.
Energy-loss index does not improve risk prediction in aortic stenosis compared to conventional aortic valve area assessment
Authors: Lindow Thomas , Playford David , Strange Geoff , Kozor Rebecca , Ugander Martin
Published: March 2023

Background

Evidence of improved risk assessment in aortic stenosis (AS) by using energy-loss index (ELI) instead of aortic valve area indexed to body surface area (AVAi) is scarce, and positive results have been driven by aortic valve replacement. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic performance of ELI and AVAi in a head-to-head comparison using large-scale, real-world data.

Methods

In the multi-center, mortality-data linked National Echocardiography Database of Australia (NEDA), patients with AS and requisite ascending aortic area measurements were identified. The prognostic value of AVAi and ELI, respectively, was analyzed using Cox regression and the C statistic.

Results

In patients with mild AS (n=3,179), moderate AS (n=4,194), and severe AS (n=3,120), there were 4,229 deaths of which 2,359 were reported as cardiovascular deaths (median [interquartile range] follow-up 2.5 [1.1–4.5] years]. Decreasing AVAi was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.18 [1.16– 1.20] per 0.1 cm2/m2downward increment]. Prognostic performance for 5-year mortality did not improve by using ELI instead of AVAi (identical C statistics 0.626 [0.612–0.640]), and the relative performance did not change when analyzing 1-year cardiovascular mortality, or all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

ELI was not associated with improved prognostic performance compared to AVAi in echocardiographic assessment of AS using large-scale, real-world clinical data. AVAi remains a relevant measure for risk prediction in AS, providing information on incremental risk with decreasing area.
Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies with diverse specificities ameliorate collagen antibody-induced arthritis in a time-dependent manner
Authors: Gomez Alejandro M. , Brewer R. Camille , Moon Jae-Seung , Acharya Suman , Kongpachith Sarah , Wang Qian , Jahanbani Shaghayegh , Wong Heidi H. , Lanz Tobias V. , Love Zelda Z. , Min-Oo Gundula , Niedziela-Majka Anita , Robinson William H.
Published: March 2023

Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and have long been considered to contribute to pathogenesis. In this study, we sequenced the plasmablast antibody repertoires of RA patients and functionally characterized their encoded ACPAs. Recombinantly expressed monoclonal ACPAs bound citrullinated autoantigens, as well as autocitrullinated peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4). Using the collagen antibody induced arthritis (CAIA) mouse model, we demonstrated that the recombinant ACPAs significantly reduced paw thickness and arthritis severity as compared to isotype-matched control antibodies. Treatment with recombinant ACPAs also significantly reduced bone erosions, synovitis, and cartilage damage in histologic analysis of paws. This amelioration was observed for all the ACPAs tested and was independent of citrullinated antigen specificities. Furthermore, disease amelioration was more prominent when ACPAs were injected at earlier stages of CAIA than at later phases of the model, implying that ACPAs’ anti-inflammatory effects were more preventative than therapeutic. This study highlights a potential protective role for ACPAs in RA.