bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attenuated humoral response against SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients
Authors: Toya Takashi , Atsuta Yuya , Sanada Takahiro , Honda Tomoko , Sadato Daichi , Sekiya Noritaka , Kogure Hiroko , Takakuwa Sonomi , Onai Daishi , Shingai Naoki , Shimizu Hiroaki , Najima Yuho , Kobayashi Takeshi , Ohashi Kazuteru , Harada Yuka , Kohara Michinori , Doki Noriko
Published: September 2022

Antibody persistence several months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) mRNA vaccination in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients remains largely unknown. We sequentially evaluated the humoral response to two doses of mRNA vaccines in 128 adult recipients and identified the risk factors involved in a poor response. The median interval between stem cell transplantation and vaccination was 2.7 years. The SARS‐CoV‐2 S1 Ab became positive after the second vaccination dose in 87.6% of the recipients, and the median titer was 1235.4 arbitrary units (AU)/ml. In patients on corticosteroid treatment, the corticosteroid dose inversely correlated with Ab titer. Multivariate analysis identified risk factors for poor peak response such as an interval from stem cell transplantation ≤1 year, history of clinically significant CMV infection, and use of >5 mg/day prednisolone at vaccination. Six months after vaccination, the median titer decreased to 185.15 AU/ml, and use of >5 mg/day prednisolone at vaccination was significantly associated with a poor response. These results indicate that early vaccination after stem cell transplantation (<12 months) and CMV infection are risk factors for poor peak response, while steroid use is important for a peak as well as a persistent response. In conclusion, although humoral response is observed in many stem cell transplantation recipients after two doses of vaccination, Ab titers diminish with time, and factors associated with persistence and a peak immunity should be considered separately.
A gain‐of‐function GRIA2 variant associated with neurodevelopmental delay and seizures: Functional characterization and targeted treatment
Authors: Coombs Ian D. , Ziobro Julie , Krotov Volodymyr , Surtees Taryn‐Leigh , Cull‐Candy Stuart G. , Farrant Mark
Published: September 2022

α‐Amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid‐type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) are ligand‐gated cationic channels formed from combinations of GluA1‐4 subunits. Pathogenic variants of GRIA1–4 have been described in patients with developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and seizures, with GRIA2 variants typically causing AMPAR loss of function. Here, we identify a novel, heterozygous de novo pathogenic missense mutation in GRIA2 (c.1928 C>T, p.A643V, NM_001083619.1) in a 1‐year‐old boy with epilepsy, developmental delay, and failure to thrive. We made patch‐clamp recordings to compare the functional and pharmacological properties of variant and wild‐type receptors expressed in HEK293 cells, with and without the transmembrane AMPAR regulatory protein γ2. This showed GluA2 A643V‐containing AMPARs to exhibit a novel gain of function, with greatly slowed deactivation, markedly reduced desensitization, and increased glutamate sensitivity. Perampanel, an antiseizure AMPAR negative allosteric modulator, was able to fully block GluA2 A643V/γ2 currents, suggesting potential therapeutic efficacy. The subsequent introduction of perampanel to the patient's treatment regimen was associated with a marked reduction in seizure burden, a resolution of failure to thrive, and clear developmental gains. Our study reveals that GRIA2 disorder can be caused by a gain‐of‐function variant, and both predicts and suggests the therapeutic efficacy of perampanel. Perampanel may prove beneficial for patients with other gain‐of‐function GRIA variants.
Efficacy of bismuth for antibiotic‐resistant Helicobacter pylori strains eradication: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Zhongxue , Li Yueyue , Kong Qingzhou , Liu Jing , Wang Juan , Wan Meng , Lin Minjuan , Lin Boshen , Zhang Wenlin , Ding Yuming , Wang Shaotong , Mu Yijun , Duan Miao , Zuo Xiuli , Li Yan‐qing
Published: September 2022

Background & Aims

Antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is increasing worldwide, and bismuth quadruple therapy has been recommended as a first‐line regimen in many areas. This study aimed to investigate whether bismuth would improve the eradication rate (ER) of clarithromycin‐/metronidazole‐/levofloxacin‐resistant H. pylori strains and how much additional efficacy bismuth could achieve.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central databases for randomized controlled trials were systematically searched by two independent reviewers until 15 January 2022. Pooled ERs of clarithromycin‐/metronidazole‐/levofloxacin‐resistant H. pylori strains were compared between bismuth‐containing and non‐bismuth therapies. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model.

Results

Eight studies enrolling 340 individuals were included. The RRs of pooled ERs compared between bismuth‐containing and non‐bismuth therapies were 1.83 for clarithromycin‐resistant strains (95% CI 1.16–2.89, pooled ER: 76.9% vs. 36.6%, p = .009, I2 = 0%), 1.39 for metronidazole‐resistant strains (95% CI 1.09–1.78, pooled ER: 86.8% vs. 60.9%, p = .008, I2 = 37%), 2.75 for dual clarithromycin/metronidazole‐resistant strains (95% CI 1.01–7.52, pooled ER: 76.9% vs. 18.2%, p = .05, I2 = 0%), and 1.04 for levofloxacin‐resistant strains (95% CI 0.56–1.93, pooled ER: 63.4% vs. 54.3%, p = .90; I2 = 60%). Bismuth significantly increased the ERs of clarithromycin‐, metronidazole‐, and dual‐resistant strains by 40%, 26%, and 59%, respectively. Subgroup analysis of treatment duration showed that the significantly higher eradication rate for antibiotic‐resistant strains in bismuth‐containing therapy than non‐bismuth therapy was only observed in 14‐day treatment regimens and not in 7‐day regimens (p = .02 and .17, respectively).

Conclusions

Bismuth was most effective in improving the ERs of dual‐resistant H. pylori strains, followed by clarithromycin‐ and metronidazole‐resistant strains. Prolonged treatment duration might effectively improve the efficacy of bismuth in overcoming antibiotic resistance.
Pilot trial of iBDecide: Evaluating an online tool to facilitate shared decision making for adolescents and young adults with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Matula Kelly A. , Minar Philip , Daraiseh Nancy M. , Lin Li , Recker Marlee , Lipstein Ellen A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

This pilot, randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the usability, among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with ulcerative colitis (UC), of a web‐based tool (‘iBDecide’) designed to facilitate shared decision making (SDM).

Methods

AYAs with UC (n = 35) were randomized to intervention (iBDecide,n = 14) and control (n = 12) arms before a scheduled clinic visit. We measured the usability of iBDecide, SDM, preferred decision‐making style, decision conflict and intervention use.

Results

Participants in the intervention group found iBDecide easy to use and agreed that it made them feel ready to participate in decision making and that they would use it to prepare for appointments. There were 130 visits to iBDecide, lasting on average 3 min, 41 s. The medication and nutrition trackers were among the most‐viewed pages. Pages specifically designed to facilitate SDM were viewed only four times. Across groups, too few participants reported making decisions during clinic visits for decision‐related measures to be reported.

Conclusions

This pilot trial provides evidence for the usability of iBDecide and guidance for developing a larger‐scale trial of a combined web‐based and in‐clinic SDM intervention. Overall, iBDecide shows promise in engaging AYAs with UC in SDM and condition management.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients, specifically AYAs with UC, and healthcare providers were involved in the design of this study's intervention, iBDecide. Additionally, the research team, from study conception to manuscript writing, included a young adult with inflammatory bowel disease.

Clinical Trial Registration: This study was registered atclinicaltrials.gov(NCT04207008).
Should inclusion have an expiry date? Older people's attitudes on intellectual disabilities
Authors: Ankori Galia , Yaacovi Yehonatan , Carmeli Eli
Published: September 2022

Background

Older people with intellectual disabilities represent a new and neglected population in need of services, yet it may be problematic to include them in generic services without having a clear idea of how elderly people from the general population feel towards them. To the best of our knowledge, this topic has not been addressed quantitatively.

Method

Seventy‐three participants over 63 years of age (23 females and 50 males) from the general population without an intellectual disability completed two valid measures: the CLAS‐MR and the WHOQOL‐OLD.

Results

Level of education and quality of life were positively associated with attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities. Age was negatively associated with knowledge regarding intellectual disability.

Conclusions

When preparing for the inclusion of older people with intellectual disabilities in generic services, attention should be given to members' level of education, quality of life, and knowledge regarding intellectual disabilities. Sensitivity should be applied to potential tendencies to shelter people with intellectual disabilities.
Mitochondrial derived peptide MOTS‐c prevents the development of heart failure under pressure overload conditions in mice
Authors: Zhong Peng , Peng Jianye , Hu Yewen , Zhang Jun , Shen Caijie
Published: September 2022

MOTS‐c, a mitochondrial‐derived peptide (MDP), has been shown to have multiple biological activities such as antioxidation, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐apoptosis properties. In the present study, we aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effect of MOTS‐c peptide in an animal model of heart failure. The heart failure mouse model was made by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) operations. The MOTS‐c peptide was administrated subcutaneously by using an osmotic pump. At the end of the animal experiment, cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, and heart tissues were subjected to histological and molecular analysis. In vitro cultured H9C2 cells were used to test the effects of MOTS‐c overexpression on cell death in response to H2O2 stimulation. Our study showed that MOTS‐c peptide attenuated TAC‐induced cardiac dysfunction and remodelling. In addition, the MOTS‐c peptide reduced the inflammatory response and upregulated the antioxidant capacity, coupled with the activation of the AMPK pathway in the heart of the TAC mouse model. In in vitro cultured cardiac cells, overexpression of MOTS‐c was shown to activate the AMPK pathway and protect cell apoptosis in response to H2O2 stimulation. Taken together, our study suggested that MOTS‐c peptides may have therapeutic potential in treating HF.
A novel neo‐sex chromosome in Sylvietta brachyura (Macrosphenidae) adds to the extraordinary avian sex chromosome diversity among Sylvioidea songbirds
Authors: Sigeman Hanna , Zhang Hongkai , Ali Abed Salwan , Hansson Bengt
Published: September 2022

We report the discovery of a novel neo‐sex chromosome in an African warbler, Sylvietta brachyura (northern crombec; Macrosphenidae). This species is part of the Sylvioidea superfamily, where four separate autosome–sex chromosome translocation events have previously been discovered via comparative genomics of 11 of the 22 families in this clade. Our discovery here resulted from analyses of genomic data of single species‐representatives from three additional Sylvioidea families (Macrosphenidae, Pycnonotidae and Leiothrichidae). In all three species, we confirmed the translocation of a part of chromosome 4A to the sex chromosomes, which originated basally in Sylvioidea. In S. brachyura, we found that a part of chromosome 8 has been translocated to the sex chromosomes, forming a unique neo‐sex chromosome in this lineage. Furthermore, the non‐recombining part of 4A in S. brachyura is smaller than in other Sylvioidea species, which suggests that recombination continued along this region after the fusion event in the Sylvioidea ancestor. These findings reveal additional sex chromosome diversity among the Sylvioidea, where five separate translocation events are now confirmed.
Oxidation kinetics and ANN model for shelf life estimation of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) grains during storage
Authors: Selvan Shilpa S. , Mohapatra Debabandya , Anakkallan Subeesh , Kate Adinath , Tripathi Manoj Kumar , Singh Karan , Kar Abhijit
Published: September 2022

This work analyzed the impact of storage period and temperature (5, 25, and 45°C) on the rancidity indicators and oxidation kinetics of pearl millet grains stored for 120 days. The storage period and temperature had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on the free fatty acid (FFA), acid value (AV), and peroxide value (PV). An Arrhenius‐type equation was used to estimate the shelf life of grains derived from the oxidation kinetics data of the rancidity parameters. A pseudo‐zero‐order reaction model fit the kinetics of pearl millet grains better than the first‐order reaction model, and this model was also exploited to anticipate the shelf life of the grains during storage. Higher storage temperatures have a less shelf life as compared to the grains stored at a lower temperature. Similarly, the pearl millet grains stored at 45°C have a shelf life of 8.5 weeks, which was much lower than the shelf life of 15.7 weeks at 5°C, respectively. FFA, AV, and PV of pearl millet grains were estimated using artificial neural network modeling based on Levenberg–Marquardt's backpropagation algorithm. Low root mean square error (0.262) values and high R2 (0.998) values indicate a good fit for the developed model. The developed shelf‐life prediction model has a positive significance for the assessment of quality deterioration of grains during storage.

Novelty Impact Statement

Storage temperature and time impacted the rancidity indicators, such as FFA, PV, and AV in pearl millet grain. These rancidity indicators can be modeled using oxidation kinetics and on Arrehenius equation and ANN modeling shelf life of the grains can be predicted.
The End of Macro‐Narratives of Progress? History, Christian Theology, and the Anthropocene
Authors: Gregory Brad S.
Published: September 2022

The dominant modern Western macro‐narrative of historical change from the Middle Ages to the present has been a positive one of progress, all things considered. Most of those critical of the trajectory’s imperfect realization nevertheless defend its central ideals and the extension of opportunities to unjustly excluded persons. Such ideals include the politically protected right of individuals to live as they wish and to pursue material prosperity. The multivalent ecological degradation that marks the Anthropocene epoch since the Great Acceleration of the mid‐twentieth century makes clear the planetary environmental costs of the pursuit, protection, and extension of these ideals and related practices in the modern era. Historically, expansionist and belligerent Western European countries and their offshoots since the fifteenth century bear a disproportionate responsibility for the eventual emergence of the Anthropocene. Their economic, political, technological, and military influence exerted an outsized environmental influence on our planet—the human corner of God’s creation—before and after the Industrial Revolution. Religiously, all of these European nations were overwhelmingly peopled either by Catholic or Protestant Christians from the sixteenth century until well into the twentieth. With Christians in the vanguard, the post‐Reformation rebranding of avarice as self‐interest and the open‐ended pursuit of wealth are antithetical to the New Testament’s ethos of ascetic self‐denial. Having ignored what Jesus said, we live with the planetary consequences in the Anthropocene, which now poses an obstacle to any and all macro‐narratives of progress.
Islam, Culture, and Reprogenetics: Implementation of Genetic and Reproductive Technologies in Qatar
Authors: Shabana Ayman
Published: September 2022

This paper explores how genetic and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are implemented in Qatar. It investigates how medical professionals deal with moral issues surrounding the various applications of these technologies, on the basis of fieldwork that was undertaken on this topic. The paper places the views of the medical professionals within the local (national/regional/cultural) as well as wider normative (legal/Sunni‐Islamic) contexts and demonstrates how the implementation of ARTs in Qatar is informed by a wide range of ethical, legal, professional, and cultural norms.
Reprogenetic Technologies and the Valuing of the Biogenetic Family
Authors: de Melo‐Martín Inmaculada
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Reprogenetic technologies, which combine the power of reproductive technologies with the tools of genetic science and technology, give prospective parents a remarkable degree of control over a variety of their offspring’s characteristics. Not uncommonly, proponents of these technologies treat them as mere value‐neutral tools, limiting their assessments to risk and benefit considerations narrowly conceptualized. However, such assessments are ethically unsound. Far from being value‐neutral, reprogenetic technologies support or alter human values by mediating our perceptions of the world and our reasons for action. In this paper, I focus in particular on the biological or genetic family and show how reprogenetic technologies reinforce the value that such families have in many societies. I also explore the negative consequences of ignoring the value‐ladenness of reprogenetic technologies.
Moral uncertainty, noncognitivism, and the multi‐objective story
Authors: Robinson Pamela , Steele Katie
Published: September 2022

We sometimes seem to face fundamental moral uncertainty, i.e., uncertainty about what is morally good or morally right that cannot be reduced to ordinary descriptive uncertainty. This phenomenon raises a puzzle for noncognitivism, according to which moral judgments are desire‐like attitudes as opposed to belief‐like attitudes. Can a state of moral uncertainty really be a noncognitive state? So far, noncognitivists have not been able to offer a completely satisfactory account. Here, we argue that noncognitivists should exploit the formal analogy between moral uncertainty and moral multi‐objective decision problems. Our ‘multi‐objective story’ enables noncognitivists to save our moral uncertainty thought and talk by explaining how the underlying phenomenon could be noncognitive.
Criptococosis diseminada en adulto mayor inmunocompetente: A propósito de un caso clínico
Authors: Mejía Grueso Andrea , Dávila Ruales Valentina , Morales Restrepo Sergio Alejandro , Venegas Sanabria Luis Carlos
Published: September 2022

La criptococosis es una enfermedad fúngica de distribución global, con mayor incidencia en países desarrollados. Se presenta usualmente en inmunosuprimidos y se asocia con alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Su presentación diseminada es muy poco frecuente en personas inmunocompetentes, y en adultos mayores aumenta el riesgo de mortalidad debido a su presentación atípica y a los cambios fisiológicos asociados al envejecimiento. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 83 años con síndrome confusional agudo subtipo motor hipoactivo, que progresó a estupor, y declinación funcional de rápida instauración. Presentó signos de irritación meníngea, por lo cual se le realizó una punción lumbar y film array meníngeo el cual fue positivo para Cryptococcus. Se obtuvo serología para VIH el cual fue no reactivo. Se descartaron otras causas de inmunocompromiso y dado antígeno sérico para Cryptococcus neoformans reactivo en 400 diluciones, se consideró un caso de criptococosis diseminada en paciente inmunocompetente.
El síndrome constitucional desde una perspectiva geriátrica
Authors: Muñoz Muñetón Carolina , Chacón-Valenzuela Estephanía , Rodríguez Varón Alberto , Vargas María Paula , Chavarro-Carvajal Diego
Published: September 2022

La fatiga, la anorexia y la pérdida de peso involuntaria son términos que se han incluido en la definición de síndrome constitucional. Estos acompañan a muchas enfermedades en las que el diagnóstico se realiza mediante síntomas y signos específicos. Sin embargo, en adultos mayores, el término puede llegar a ser más ambiguo y no en todos los casos se asocia con malignidad. Es común que los adultos mayores presenten pérdida del apetito o disminución de la ingesta de alimentos, dado que la anorexia y la disgeusia en el anciano son cambios fisiológicos normales que pueden afectar su metabolismo energético y el estado general de salud. Adicionalmente, las comorbilidades y algunos medicamentos pueden tener un efecto sobre la ingesta alimentaria y la pérdida de peso. Es por esto por lo que es importante tener otros diagnósticos diferenciales de esta entidad clínica, como sarcopenia y fragilidad, que en sus propios criterios diagnósticos están la pérdida de peso y la fatiga. Ante los múltiples diagnósticos diferenciales, actualmente el síndrome constitucional puede ser un reto en la población adulta mayor, y la valoración geriátrica, una herramienta útil para abordarlo.
La replicación del virus del dengue induce respuestas de estrés en el retículo endoplasmático rugoso y en el aparato de Golgi, tanto en células de vertebrados como de invertebrados (mosquitos
Authors: Viettri Mercedes , Rodríguez León Fernando , Zambrano José Luis , Ludert Juan Ernesto
Published: September 2022

Las infecciones con el virus del dengue, transmitidas al humano por mosquitos del género Aedes sp., constituyen un problema de salud pública para las regiones tropicales y subtropicales del planeta. El ciclo de replicación del virus del dengue se lleva a cabo principalmente en el citoplasma de las células, en estrecha asociación con organelos membranosos como el retículo endoplasmático rugoso y el complejo de Golgi. En esta revisión se analiza la respuesta al estrés de estos organelos, ante la infección viral, tanto en células de vertebrados como de mosquitos, y se discuten las implicaciones de esta respuesta en la biología de estos agentes.
Displasia geleofísica tipo 1 en una familia con mutación en el gen ADAMTSL2
Authors: Guapi Nauñay Victor Hugo , Calvache Burbano Angélica María , Leone Campo Paola Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

Introducción: La displasia geleofísica es un trastorno heterogéneo del tejido conectivo, caracterizado por presentar baja talla, manos y pies pequeños, y limitación para los movimientos articulares, con heterogeneidad de locus y herencia autosómica recesiva. Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos clínicos y radiológicos de dos pacientes con displasia geleofísica tipo 1. Casos clínicos: Recién nacido a término, con antecedente de polihidramnios, pequeño para la edad gestacional. A las 20 horas de vida presentaba limitación para los movimientos articulares, con dedos de las manos y los pies cortos, de piel gruesa y áspera. Con cuatro meses de edad, los exámenes de laboratorio reportaron: disminución de la hormona de crecimiento 0,90 ng/ml (1-9 ng/ml) y el factor de crecimiento insulinoide tipo 1 < 40 ng/ml (49-327 ng/ml) con persistencia de baja talla, por debajo del percentil 3. El estudio molecular reportó una variante que se encuentra en heterocigosis compuesta c.[215G>A] + [340G>A] en el gen ADAMTSL2, para displasia geleofísica tipo 1. El segundo caso se trata de un recién nacido de 72 horas de vida, medio hermano del primer caso, quien presentó hallazgos clínicos coincidentes con el primero, además de válvula bicúspide aórtica; ambos casos del mismo padre con diferente pareja.
Experimental and Computational Study of Enhanced Forced Convection Heat Transfer in Novel Slotted Wavy-Plate-Fin Channels
Authors: Shi Dantong , Lin Kuan-Ting , Jog Milind A. , Manglik Raj M.
Published: September 2022

Forced convective enhanced heat transfer performance of airflows (50 ≤ Re ≤ 4000, Pr ∼ 0.71) in novel slotted sinusoidal wavy-plate-fins is investigated both experimentally and computationally. The slotted wavy fin core evaluated in the experiments was produced by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Compared with the equivalent or nonslotted wavy fin core, also produced by DMLS, while the heat transfer was found to be similar, the pressure drop was reduced by as much as 31%. This very attractively significant enhancement was further explored in a three-dimensional computational analysis. Besides validating experimental results, it is seen that a significant part of pressure loss in plain wavy-fin channels is due to form drag induced by flow recirculation in the trough region. This is shown to be reduced substantially if the fins are slotted at large form drag locations. Their position and size, characterized, respectively, by phase angle (β) and dimensionless slot size (δ), are varied in the simulations to explore their role in the enhanced thermal-hydrodynamic performance. One such modified design exhibits a characteristically unusual performance at low Re, where improvement in heat transfer (+17%) is accompanied by a reduction in pressure loss (–16.8%). Additionally, at high Re, though a slight decline in heat transfer (–7.6%) is evidenced, the pressure drop is nearly cut in half (–46.6%). Moreover, the overall thermal-hydrodynamic performance based on the metric of fixed heat transfer rate and pressure drop constraint shows that ∼15% reduction in the required heat transfer surface area can be achieved with slotted wavy fins.
Experimental Results for a Novel Flash Evaporation and Phase Separation System for Desalination of Sea Water
Authors: Chandramouli Vasudevan , Jen Jin , Dhir Vijay K.
Published: September 2022

A novel system combining dynamic flash evaporation and vapor separation for desalination has been investigated in this work. The feed water passes through injection tubes which are connected to injector passages installed tangentially onto a separator tube. Flashing in the injection tubes is initiated from pressure drop due to friction and acceleration resulting in a two-phase mixture. Centrifugal force from tangential injection separates the two-phase mixture. In this compact system, vapor production and phase separation occur on the order of several milliseconds. Tap water and seawater were used as inlet feed water for the system. Thermal conversion efficiency to analyze the vapor production efficacy and phase separation efficiency to evaluate the purity of the condensate were investigated to evaluate the system. Thermal conversion and phase separation efficiencies up to 98% were obtained with the single stage system. Further improvement in purity of condensate was achieved with a two-stage system. In the two-stage system, the vapor captured along with some entrained droplets from the first stage was directed to a second set of injector passages connected in series to the first stage retrieval tube. With a two-stage system and seawater with salt concentration by mass of 2.5%, collected condensate with salt concentrations lower than 0.02% by mass was achieved, which is comparable to that of potable water. Thus, the novel dynamic flash evaporation and vapor separation system have been demonstrated to be very effective in producing potable water.
Experimental Evidence of the Band Gap Formation in Rotors With Longitudinal Periodicity
Authors: Lamas Patrick B. , Nicoletti Rodrigo
Published: September 2022

The longitudinal periodicity of the rotating elements in a rotating machine can impose band gaps (modal spacing) on the frequency spectrum of the system. These band gaps are characterized by a large distance between two adjacent modes with a low vibrating response of the system. Here, the rotating elements of the machine (e.g., the stages or the impellers) are considered to be the periodic elements of the rotor. In this disk-like configuration of the rotor, the system can present band gaps due to two different reasons: the matching between the number of disks and the eigenmode wavenumber (usually in slender rotors); the presence of local-mode shapes (usually in large rotors). This work presents experimental evidence of the band gap formation in a slender periodic rotor. The obtained results validate the theoretical predictions of previous works.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Low Temperature Ignition Processes From a Nanosecond Pulsed Discharge at Quiescent Conditions
Authors: Gururajan Vyaas , Scarcelli Riccardo , Biswas Sayan , Ekoto Isaac
Published: September 2022

Recent interest in nonequilibrium plasma discharges as sources of ignition for the automotive industry has not yet been accompanied by the availability of dedicated models to perform this task in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) engine simulations. The need for a low-temperature plasma (LTP) ignition model has motivated much work in simulating these discharges from first principles. Most ignition models assume that an equilibrium plasma comprises the bulk of discharge kernels. LTP discharges, however, exhibit highly nonequilibrium behavior. In this work, a method to determine a consistent initialization of LTP discharge kernels for use in engine CFD codes like converge is proposed. The method utilizes first principles discharge simulations. Such an LTP kernel is introduced in a flammable mixture of air and fuel, and the subsequent plasma expansion and ignition simulation is carried out using a reacting flow solver with detailed chemistry. The proposed numerical approach is shown to produce results that agree with experimental observations regarding the ignitability of methane-air and ethylene-air mixtures by LTP discharges.
Nonlinear Reduced Order Modeling of Structures Near Buckling and Application to an Energy Harvester
Authors: Wang X. Q. , Mignolet Marc P. , Liao Yabin
Published: September 2022

The focus of this investigation is first on assessing the validity to structures under in-plane forces, in particular near buckling, of the reduced order modeling approach for nonlinear geometric response that has been extensively developed in the last two decades. This focus is motivated by a class of piezoelectric energy harvesters that rely on strongly nonlinear behavior, such as large amplitude responses, to achieve broadband energy harvesting. A simple, two-rigid bars linkage that approximates a buckling beam is first considered to discover the features of the nonlinear force–displacement relationship induced by an in-plane loading. It is observed that the corresponding form of this relationship is not consistent with the one derived from a reduced order model (ROM) but can be closely approximated by it over a large displacement range. This analysis emphasizes in particular the role of a group of ROM coefficients that are usually considered unimportant. A similar study is performed next for the buckled harvester modeled within nastran and it is again found that a close match of the force–displacement relationship can be achieved. Based on that positive outlook, a six basis functions ROM of this beam harvester that includes piezoelectric effects is built and identified. It is found to provide a close match of nastran nonlinear predictions over a broad range of transverse and in-plane loadings in static and dynamic conditions. The ROM usefulness in predicting the open-circuit voltage is demonstrated.
Optimization of a Horizontal Single Axis Tracking Solar Array on Skewed Topography With Interrow Shading
Authors: Davol Andrew , Belanger Jacques , Smith Logan , Kim Byungyu , Charkowsky Shea
Published: September 2022

Horizontal single axis tracking (HSAT) solar arrays are now prevalent in the solar industry due to the potential energy output increase of up to 30% over fixed arrays [1]. This study addresses the effect of skewed topography on HSAT arrays. Specifically, the study will investigate the optimization of the tracking algorithm to maximize energy output, balancing tracking and interrow shading losses. This is accomplished using a 3-D model of the array to predict the expected interrow shading and a power generation model that estimates the lost power at any instant due to the predicted shading. An optimization routine is run changing the input parameters fed to the tracking software to ultimately optimize the energy production of the array. A case study utilizing one zone of the Gold Tree Solar Array on the campus of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Figure1) demonstrated a potential 8% energy generation increase annually over a system set to default settings.
Internal Cathode Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Operating on Model Methane Combustion Exhaust
Authors: Hartwell Alexander R. , Ahn Jeongmin
Published: September 2022

The combustion of methane produces favorable conditions for power generation via solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). When SOFCs operate in the exhaust of a combustion reaction in a flame-assisted fuel cell (FFC) arrangement, electrical power and heat can be simultaneously produced. These combined heat and power (CHP) systems offer high efficiencies and resilience against external power supply disruptions. The geometric limitations of SOFCs, however, have previously complicated their integration into combustion chambers. Specifically, the desirable self-sealing tubular-SOFC (tSOFC) geometry which offers resilience against rapid thermal fluctuations, a necessity for operation within combustion chambers, requires the fuel to be fed to the inside of the tube when produced through traditional manufacturing procedures. This requirement significantly alters the combustion chamber operation. This issue has been eliminated through development of a novel extrusion-based internal cathode tSOFC (IC-tSOFC) which has oxidant fed internally allowing it to be directly placed into the fuel containing environment of a combustion chamber. At this point, the performance of these cells has only been investigated when utilizing hydrogen as a fuel. This work investigates IC-tSOFC operation with model methane combustion exhaust acting as the fuel supply. Variation of performance as a result of operation temperature as well as exhaust compositions are presented in addition to scanning electron microscope images of the cells before and after short-term durability testing. The results shown here provide motivation to continue work on integrating IC-tSOFCs into combustion systems to produce high efficiency CHP solutions.
Characteristics of Swirl-Stabilized Distributed Combustion With Hydrogen-Enriched Methane
Authors: Roy Rishi , Gupta Ashwani K.
Published: September 2022

Distributed combustion was investigated with hydrogen-enriched methane fuel in a swirl-stabilized burner. Distributed reaction zones were established from conventional swirl flames at two heat release intensities of 5.72 and 7.63 MW/m3-atm by diluting the main airstream with carbon dioxide. The appearance of distributed reaction zones with hydrogen addition to methane fuel was investigated here. High-speed chemiluminescence imaging was performed for different cases without any spectral filtering to visualize the shape of reaction zones. A gradual increase of % H2 in the fuel mixture increased the chemiluminescence intensity and reduced the flame standoff distance gradually in both the swirl and distributed combustion cases. The reaction zone at higher thermal intensities was found to be wider than the lower thermal intensity case. Distributed reaction zones possessed lower visible chemiluminescence signatures than that of the conventional swirl flames considered. The increased flame chemiluminescence signatures with hydrogen enrichment were related to higher flame reactivity because of hydrogen addition. This hypothesis was verified by computing the laminar flame speed at various hydrogen-enriched cases at different O2 concentrations. The results revealed that the flame speed gradually decreased when the flame transitioned from swirl combustion to distributed combustion regime. Additionally, higher flame speed was observed at different O2 levels corresponding to higher hydrogen content in the fuel mixture.
Study of a Non-Premixed Methane/Air Pilot Flame
Authors: Bendadi Mohammed El Khalil
Published: September 2022

Principle use of the pilot flame is to control combustion in systems having continuous ignition and maintain main flame by providing heat or chemical species and prevention from cold air. This paper study the numerical simulation of non-premixed methane/air piloted flame comparatively with piloted methane/air flame of Sandia National Laboratories. Two-dimensional (2D) simulation used to study the diffusion of piloted flame and measure temperature, pressure, velocity and mass fraction CH4, O2, CO2 and NO including axial and radial profiles. The results describe the propagation of methane/air combustion in the burner and stoichiometric flame length using axial and radial profiles x/D, the factors influence on the flame: the flux of initial jet, the stoichiometric mixture fraction methane/air and diameter of initial jet, that result the reducing of soot in the reaction zone.
Effects of frequency and pulse width on electron density, hydrogen peroxide generation, and perfluorooctanoic acid mineralization in a nanosecond pulsed discharge gas-liquid plasma reactor
Authors: Bulusu Radha Krishna Murthy , Yatom Shurik , Patterson Christopher W. , Wandell Robert J. , Locke Bruce R.
Published: September 2022

Plasma electron density and temperature were characterized in a continuous flowing gas-liquid film reactor with argon carrier gas by time-resolved optical emission spectroscopy. The plasma parameters were studied as a function of time for varying pulse widths and frequencies. Pulse frequency was varied between 1 and 10 kHz at 16 kV (input voltage) and 40 ns (pulse width) using an Eagle Harbor Technologies, Inc. (EHT) power supply and 5–100 kHz using an Airity Technologies, LLC (AT) power supply. The pulse width was varied between 40 and 200 ns at 16 kV, 2 kHz with the EHT power supply. Optimal frequencies of 5 and 20 kHz were observed for peak electron density with EHT and AT power supplies, respectively. The peak electron density increased with increasing pulse width between 40 and 200 ns using the EHT power supply. Hydrogen peroxide exiting the reactor in the liquid phase increased with discharge power irrespective of the power supply or pulse parameters. Mineralization of 12.5, 50, and 200 ppm perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) dissolved in DI water to fluoride (F−) correlated to the peak electron density. Glycerol, a liquid-phase hydroxyl radical scavenger, depleted hydrogen peroxide but did not affect PFOA mineralization. CO, a gas-phase hydroxyl radical scavenger, led to a reduction in the formation of F− production, suggesting hydroxyl radicals in the gas-liquid film play a necessary, but not singular, role in mineralization of PFOA.
The Antibacterial Type VII Secretion System of Bacillus subtilis: Structure and Interactions of the Pseudokinase YukC/EssB
Authors: Tassinari Matteo , Doan Thierry , Bellinzoni Marco , Chabalier Maïalene , Ben-Assaya Mathilde , Martinez Mariano , Gaday Quentin , Alzari Pedro M. , Cascales Eric , Fronzes Rémi , Gubellini Francesca
Published: September 2022

Type VII secretion systems mediate protein extrusion from Gram-positive bacteria and are classified as T7SSa and T7SSb in
Actinobacteria
and in
Firmicutes
, respectively. Despite the genetic divergence of T7SSa and T7SSb, the high degree of structural similarity of their WXG100 substrates suggests similar secretion mechanisms.
Tag-Dependent Substrate Selection of ClpX Underlies Secondary Differentiation of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Wood Nicholas A. , Swoboda Abigail R. , Blocker Amanda M. , Fisher Derek J. , Ouellette Scot P.
Published: September 2022

Chlamydia trachomatis
is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections and preventable infectious blindness. This unique organism undergoes developmental transitions between infectious, nondividing forms and noninfectious, dividing forms.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacteriophage Eula, Isolated on Microbacterium foliorum
Authors: Cook Travis , Raffan Sophie , Born Taylor , Breece Chloe , Chandler Isaac , DiLeo Henry , Eudy Allison , Lyon Kaitlyn , Nicholson Christian , Serrano Adilene , Sigmon Madeline , Stevenson Sydney , Townsell Karli , Van Patten Grace , Leonard Justin E. , Collins D. Parks
Published: September 2022

Eula is a lytic microbacteriophage extracted from a soil sample collected in Statesville, NC, and isolated on
Microbacterium foliorum
NRRL B-24224. The Eula double-stranded DNA genome is 41,379 bp, with 69 predicted protein-coding genes and 1 tRNA. Based on gene content similarity, Eula was assigned to bacteriophage cluster EB.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. Strain RKCA744, Isolated from the Arauca River, Colombia
Authors: Cartmell Christopher , Grunwald Alyssa L. , Arango Carolina , Duncan Noelle J. , Haltli Bradley A. , Diaz Luis E. , Kerr Russell G.
Published: September 2022

Streptomyces
sp. strain RKCA744 was isolated from sediment collected from the Arauca River, Colombia.
Multiplex PCR Detection of Respiratory Tract Infections in SARS-CoV-2-Negative Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department: an International Multicenter Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Duclos Maelys , Hommel Benjamin , Allantaz Florence , Powell Michaela , Posteraro Brunella , Sanguinetti Maurizio
Published: September 2022

As SARS-CoV-2 has dominated the diagnostic strategies for RTIs during the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, our data provide evidence that a variety of RTI pathogens may be circulating in each of the 13 countries included in the study. It is now plausible that the COVID-19 pandemic will one day move forward to endemicity.
Influence of epidemics and pandemics on paediatric ED use: a systematic review
Authors: Roland Damian , Gardiner Adam , Razzaq Darakhshan , Rose Katy , Bressan Silvia , Honeyford Kate , Buonsenso Danilo , Da Dalt Liviana , De Tisham , Farrugia Ruth , Parri Niccolo , oostenbrink Rianne , Maconochie Ian K , Bognar Zsolt , Moll Henriette A , Titomanlio Luigi , Nijman Ruud Gerard Gerard
Published: September 2022

Objective

To assess the impact of epidemics and pandemics on the utilisation of paediatric emergency care services to provide health policy advice.

Setting

Systematic review.

Design

Searches were conducted of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library for studies that reported on changes in paediatric emergency care utilisation during epidemics (as defined by the WHO).

Patients

Children under 18 years.

Interventions

National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies was used.

Main outcome measures

Changes in paediatric emergency care utilisation.

Results

131 articles were included within this review, 80% of which assessed the impact of COVID-19. Studies analysing COVID-19, SARS, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and Ebola found a reduction in paediatric emergency department (PED) visits, whereas studies reporting on H1N1, chikungunya virus andEscherichia colioutbreaks found an increase in PED visits. For COVID-19, there was a reduction of 63.86% (95% CI 60.40% to 67.31%) with a range of −16.5% to −89.4%. Synthesis of results suggests that the fear of the epidemic disease, from either contracting it or its potential adverse clinical outcomes, resulted in reductions and increases in PED utilisation, respectively.

Conclusions

The scale and direction of effect of PED use depend on both the epidemic disease, the public health measures enforced and how these influence decision-making. Policy makers must be aware how fear of virus among the general public may influence their response to public health advice. There is large inequity in reporting of epidemic impact on PED use which needs to be addressed.

Trial registration number

CRD42021242808.
Biological effects of stored platelet-rich plasma eye-drops in corneal wound healing
Authors: Okumura Yuichi , Inomata Takenori , Fujimoto Keiichi , Fujio Kenta , Zhu Jun , Yanagawa Ai , Shokirova Hurramhon , Saita Yoshitomo , Kobayashi Yohei , Nagao Masahi , Nishio Hirofumi , Sung Jaemyoung , Midorikawa-Inomata Akie , Eguchi Atsuko , Nagino Ken , Akasaki Yasutsugu , Hirosawa Kunihiko , Huang Tianxiang , Kuwahara Mizu , Murakami Akira
Published: September 2022

Background/aims

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and sterility of stored platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye-drops for corneal epithelial wound healing compared with those of autologous serum (AS) eye-drops.

Methods

At our single institution, PRP and AS eye-drops were prepared using peripheral blood obtained from six healthy volunteers and stored at 4°C. Platelet and leucocyte counts and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and fibronectin levels were assessed during storage for up to 4 weeks. Sterility was assessed by culturing 4-week poststorage samples. PRP, AS, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) eye-drop efficacies were compared using corneal epithelial wound healing assaysin vitroandin vivoand monitoring wound areas under a microscope every 3 hours.

Results

Higher platelet and lower leucocyte counts were seen in PRP than in whole blood on the day of preparation. After storage, TGF-β1, EGF, and fibronectin levels were significantly higher in PRP than in AS eye-drops.In vitroandin vivo, PRP eye-drops used on the day of preparation significantly promoted corneal epithelial wound healing compared with PBS. Moreover, PRP eye-drops stored for 4 weeks significantly promoted corneal wound healing compared with PBS and AS eye-drops.

Conclusion

PRP eye-drops stored at 4°C for 4 weeks promoted corneal epithelial wound healing with higher levels of growth factors than those observed in AS eye-drops, while maintaining sterility, suggesting that this preparation satisfies the unmet medical needs in the treatment of refractory keratoconjunctival epithelial disorders.
Sharing study materials in health and medical research
Authors: DeVito Nicholas J , Morton Caroline , Cashin Aidan Gregory , Richards Georgia C , Lee Hopin
Published: September 2022

Making study materials available allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the scientific literature. Sharing can take many forms and include a wide variety of outputs including code and data. Biomedical research can benefit from increased transparency but faces unique challenges for sharing, for instance, confidentiality concerns around participants’ medical data. Both general and specialised repositories exist to aid in sharing most study materials. Sharing may also require skills and resources to ensure that it is done safely and effectively. Educating researchers on how to best share their materials, and properly rewarding these practices, requires action from a variety of stakeholders including journals, funders and research institutions.
Development of a customised programme to standardise comorbidity diagnosis codes in a large-scale database
Authors: Osorio Robert C , Raygor Kunal P , Abla Adib A
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 coding creates a data standardisation challenge for large-scale longitudinal research. We sought to develop a programme that automated this standardisation process.

Methods

A programme was developed to standardise ICD-9 and ICD-10 terminology into one system. Code was improved to reduce runtime, and two iterations were tested on a joint ICD-9/ICD-10 database of 15.8 million patients.

Results

Both programmes successfully standardised diagnostic terminology in the database. While the original programme updated 100 000 cells in 12.5 hours, the improved programme translated 3.1 million cells in 38 min.

Discussion

While both programmes successfully translated ICD-related data into a standardised format, the original programme suffered from excessive runtimes. Code improvement with hash tables and parallelisation exponentially reduced these runtimes.

Conclusion

Databases with ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes require terminology standardisation for analysis. By sharing our programme’s implementation, we hope to assist other researchers in standardising their own databases.