bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal effects of peer victimization on adolescents' future educational and work expectations: Depressive symptoms as a mechanism
Authors: Schacter Hannah L. , Bakth Faizun N. , Johnson Je'Nae , Hoffman Adam J.
Published: August 2024

Leveraging six waves of data, this study examined the effects of ninth‐grade peer victimization on adolescents' future work and education expectations 2 years later, testing depressive symptoms as a mechanism. Participants (N = 388, Mage = 14.05; 61% female, 35% male, 3% non‐binary, trans, or other gender; 46% White, 19% Black, 17% Asian, 6% AMENA, 6% Multiracial, 6% other race) completed surveys from ninth through 11th grade. Results indicated that adolescents who experienced more frequent relational, but not overt, peer victimization in ninth grade were subsequently more pessimistic about their educational and occupational prospects beyond high school; depressive symptoms mediated this link. The findings suggest that relational victimization and its psychological harm may undermine adolescents' confidence in achieving postsecondary success.
Religion, Race, and the Limit of Ethics: Historical Considerations
Authors: Dees Sarah
Published: August 2024

This article examines the study of Indigenous religions and ethics in the late‐nineteenth and early‐twentieth centuries. Over the past few decades, scholars have grappled with the colonial origins of religious studies. This essay focuses on the history of anthropological scholarship on Indigenous religions and the significance of this work for the growth of the academic study of religious and ethical systems. I first consider scholarship on Indigenous ethical systems produced by theologians and comparative religionists. I next consider how anthropological concepts of cultural relativity offered scholars of religion important tools to broaden and deepen understandings of Indigenous cultures. Finally, I address the limits of these anthropological tools. During this era, scholars increasingly argued that Indigenous cultural traditions were worthy of study; however, the prevailing racialized assumptions contributed to assessments of these ethical systems as inferior to Euro‐American religio‐ethical systems.
Suicide risk among young people who use drugs in Hanoi, Vietnam: Prevalence and related factors
Authors: Luan Pham T , Pham Quang L , Tan Doan D , Linh Nguyen T , Long Nguyen T , Oanh Khuat TH , Michel Laurent , Van Tuan Nguyen
Published: August 2024

Aim

Adolescents and young adults are vulnerable to suicidality, especially those at high risk such as young people who use drugs (YPUD). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and related factors of suicide risk among this population.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive, cross‐sectional study on YPUD aged 16–24 in the community in Hanoi, Vietnam. Data on socio‐demographic characteristics, drug use, and adverse childhood experiences were collected using face‐to‐face questionnaires by research assistants. YPUD were screened by psychiatrists for depression, psychotic symptoms, and suicide risk, using the MINI questionnaire.

Results

Three hundred‐seven YPUD (250 males, 57 females) participated in the study; of those, 86 (28.0%) were at risk of suicide. Gender (female), adverse childhood experiences, depression, and psychosis were relevant factors.

Conclusion

The prevalence of suicide risk among young people using drugs was high. Therefore, suicide risk should be screened and monitored in the clinical assessment of this population. In addition, the intervention efforts to detect and intervene in adverse events during childhood may be one way to prevent mental health and suicide in later life.
Reference growth curves of anthropometric markers in Brazilian children and adolescents aged 7–14 years from southern Brazil
Authors: Alves Junior Carlos Alencar Souza , da Silva Andressa Ferreira , Hinnig Patrícia de Fragas , de Assis Maria Alice Altemburg , Conde Wolney Lisboa , Andaki Alynne Christian Ribeiro , de Vasconcelos Francisco de Assis Guedes , Silva Diego Augusto Santos
Published: August 2024

Reference growth curves are viable tools for monitoring somatic growth. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop reference growth curves for body mass, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) in Brazilian children and adolescents aged 7–14 years. The reference growth curves were constructed from a cross‐sectional panel study using data from four surveys conducted in 2002, 2007, 2012/2013 and 2018/2019, with 9675 children and adolescents aged 7–14 years, of both sexes from Florianopolis, Southern Brazil. Growth curves were constructed using the LMS method, based on anthropometric indicators and indices (body mass, height, BMI, WC and WHtR), measured according to standardised norms. There was an increase in body mass, height, BMI and WC values with increasing age in both sexes and percentiles (P5, P10, P25, P50, P75, P85 and P95). The girls presented higher values of body mass, BMI and WC in the analysed percentiles, compared to the boys. Regarding height, there was a higher value from 10 to 11 years old in girls and from 12 to 14 years old in boys. WHtR decreased with increasing age in both sexes and analysed percentiles. Region‐specific reference growth curves can enable the monitoring of somatic growth of particular paediatric populations, expanding discussions in different regions of the world.
A fungal plant pathogen overcomes mlo‐mediated broad‐spectrum disease resistance by rapid gene loss
Authors: Kusch Stefan , Frantzeskakis Lamprinos , Lassen Birthe D. , Kümmel Florian , Pesch Lina , Barsoum Mirna , Walden Kim D. , Panstruga Ralph
Published: August 2024

Hosts and pathogens typically engage in a coevolutionary arms race. This also applies to phytopathogenic powdery mildew fungi, which can rapidly overcome plant resistance and perform host jumps.

Using experimental evolution, we show that the powdery mildew pathogen Blumeria hordei is capable of breaking the agriculturally important broad‐spectrum resistance conditioned by barley loss‐of‐function mlo mutants.

Partial mlo virulence of evolved B. hordei isolates is correlated with a distinctive pattern of adaptive mutations, including small‐sized (c. 8–40 kb) deletions, of which one is linked to the de novo insertion of a transposable element. Occurrence of the mutations is associated with a transcriptional induction of effector protein‐encoding genes that is absent in mlo‐avirulent isolates on mlo mutant plants. The detected mutational spectrum comprises the same loci in at least two independently isolated mlo‐virulent isolates, indicating convergent multigenic evolution. The mutational events emerged in part early (within the first five asexual generations) during experimental evolution, likely generating a founder population in which incipient mlo virulence was later stabilized by additional events.

This work highlights the rapid dynamic genome evolution of an obligate biotrophic plant pathogen with a transposon‐enriched genome.
Ginsenoside Rb1 ameliorates apical periodontitis via suppressing macrophage pyroptosis
Authors: Guan Xiaoyue , Zhao Rui , Wang Yuting , Li Wenlan , Pan Lifei , Yang Yao , Mu Wenli , Hou Tie Zhou
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The objectives of current study were to investigate the role and related mechanism of Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) on regulating apical periodontitis (AP) prognosis.

Materials and Methods

Clinical specimens were used to determine the involvement of calcium overload‐induced macrophage pyroptosis in periapical tissues. Next, a calcium ion‐chelating agent (BAPTA‐AM) was applied to detect the suppression of intracellular calcium overload in macrophage pyroptosis. Then, network pharmacology, western blot (WB) analysis, and Fluo‐4 calcium assay were conducted to explore the role of GRb1 on intracellular calcium overload. To gain a better understanding of GRb1 in calcium overload‐induced macrophage pyroptosis linked AP, GRb1‐treated AP models were established.

Results

We discovered clinically and experimentally that calcium overload‐dependent macrophage pyroptosis is involved in AP pathogenesis, and reducing calcium overload greatly decreased macrophage pyroptosis in an AP cell model. Next, based on GRb1's inhibitory role in aberrant intracellular calcium accumulation, we discovered that GRb1 alleviates AP by suppressing calcium‐dependent macrophage pyroptosis in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Conclusions

GRb1 is an effective therapeutic strategy to rescue the periapical tissues from inflammation due to its anti‐pyroptosis function. Thus, the present study supports further investigation of GRb1 as an adjuvant therapy for AP.
Immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR as ancillary tools in the diagnosis of acquired oral syphilis
Authors: Barreto Maria Eduarda Zeraik , Soares Ciro Dantas , de Andrade Maíra Medeiros Pacheco , de Oliveira Sales Alexandre , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Tenório Jefferson R. , de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate Treponema pallidum detection using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assays in acquired oral syphilis (AOS).

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐seven paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens of AOS (32 secondary and five primary) were analyzed, integrating double‐positive serological results with clinicodemographic and histopathological data. T. pallidum presence was semiquantitatively assessed by IHC, while RT‐PCR targeted T. pallidum DNA. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The study included mostly females (62.2%) with a mean age of 27.1 years. T. pallidum was detected in all samples by IHC, predominantly in the epithelium across all layers (43.2%). RT‐PCR identified T. pallidum DNA in 32 cases, with negative results observed in cases of secondary AOS. The AUC for IHC versus disease stage was 62.5% (95% CI: 45.1–77.8), and for RT‐PCR, it was 57.8% (95% CI: 40.5–73.8). The AUC comparing IHC to RT‐PCR was 83.8% (95% CI: 67.9–93.8).

Conclusion

This study represents the first attempt to evaluate the proposed direct detection algorithm for AOS. IHC and RT‐PCR serve as ancillary tools for detecting T. pallidum in both primary and secondary stages of AOS.
Initiation of Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation With Post‐Transplant Cyclophosphamide in Children: A Low–Middle‐Income Country Institutional Experience
Authors: Bukhari Syed Ibrahim , Saeed Javeria , Fadoo Zehra , Belgaumi Asim Fakhruddin , Allani Naureen , Altaf Sadaf
Published: August 2024

Background

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is a curative treatment especially for countries where bone marrow registries are nonexistent. We present our experience with haploidentical HSCT in pediatric patients.

Methods

Retrospective data collected and analyzed for patients ≤18 years, from January 2017 to December 2022.

Results

The cohort consisted of 20 patients with median age at transplant of 61.5 (IQR: 124) months. Fourteen (70%) were malignant and 6 (30%) were benign diseases. Donors were father in majority (9/20; 45%). Stem cell source was peripheral blood 8, marrow 8, and combined 4. c‐specific antibodies were positive in 6 (30%). Median CD34 cell dose infused: 9.35 × 106/kg. Median engraftment time: 15 (IQR: 17) days. Acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) occurred in 12/20 (60%) and 5/20 (25%), respectively. Complications included infection/sepsis (14/20; 70%), cytomegalovirus reactivation (14/20; 70%), sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (1/20; 5%), primary graft failure (PGF) (6/20; 30%), and secondary graft failure (4/20; 20%). PGF was more common in benign conditions (p = 0.003) and less prevalent in cases with aGVHD (p = 0.007). aGVHD was more common in malignant conditions (p = 0.007). Overall survival (OS), relapse‐free survival (RFS), and treatment‐related mortality (TRM) were 40%, 50%, and 35%, respectively. Median time of survival and relapse were 8 (IQR: 15) and 9 (IQR: 13) months, respectively.

Conclusion

OS was comparable to that of other low–middle‐income countries. GVHD was a major challenge, along with sepsis and CMV infection. Half of the leukemias relapsed. Graft failure was a major concern in nonmalignant diseases.
Long‐Term Amino Acid Homeostasis, Neurodevelopmental and Growth Profiles Following Liver Transplantation in Maple Syrup Urine Disease
Authors: Vasudevan Anu K. , Shanmugam Naresh , Rammohan Ashwin , Balakrishnan Umamaheswari , Menon Jagadeesh , Iqbal Mohammed Asrar Ul Huq , Mohammed Gehan Mohammed Osman , Kaliamoorthy Ilankumaran , Rela Mohamed
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is caused by the deficiency of branched‐chain keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKAD) and, it is well described that BCKAD contributed by an allograft following liver transplantation (LT) phenotypically normalizes this inborn error of metabolism (IEM). There is, however, a paucity of data especially with regards to the neurodevelopmental aspects and catch‐up growth profiles after LT in a resource‐challenged setting. We present our series of children under 6 years of age who underwent LT for MSUD particularly focusing on their amino acid homeostasis, neurodevelopmental and somatic growth profiles.

Methods

Of 580 consecutive pediatric LT (PLT) performed between January 2011 and December 2022, all children who underwent LT for MSUD were included for analysis. Data accrued included peri‐LT details, pre‐ and post‐LT metabolic profile, neurodevelopmental assessment, somatic growth evaluation, and long‐term outcomes.

Results

Six children underwent LT for MSUD with a median age and weight at LT of 20.5 (IQR: 8–60) months and 10.1 (IQR: 6.7–15.8) kg, respectively. One explanted liver was used as a domino graft for Arginase deficiency. Median follow‐up period was 52.5 (IQR: 27–94) months. None had vascular or biliary complications. Following LT, all children were started on an unrestricted protein diet and had normalization of BCAA levels. Post‐LT height and weight improved by 1 SD but did not achieve the normal profile. None of the children had neuro‐deterioration and have achieved new milestones.

Conclusion

This is the first‐report presenting the growth aspects, amino acid and neurodevelopmental profiles of children who underwent LT for MSUD within the socio‐economic‐cultural idiosyncrasies and constraints prevalent in our part of the world.
Navigating financial cycles: Economic growth, bureaucratic autonomy, and regulatory governance in emerging markets
Authors: Coban M. Kerem , Apaydin Fulya
Published: August 2024

Political decisions over economic growth policies influence the degree of bureaucratic autonomy and regulatory governance dynamics. Yet, our understanding of these processes in the Global South is somewhat limited. The article studies the post‐Global Financial Crisis period and relies on elite interviews and secondary sources from Turkey. It problematizes how an economic growth model dependent on foreign capital inflows, which are contingent on global financial cycles, influences the trajectory of bureaucratic autonomy. Specifically, we argue that dependence on foreign capital flows for economic growth creates an unstable macroeconomic policy environment: while the expansionary episode of the global financial cycle masks conflicts between the incumbent and bureaucracy, the contractionary episode threatens the political survival of the incumbent. In the case of Turkey, this has incentivized the ruling coalition to resort to executive aggrandizement to control monetary policy and banking regulation, which resulted in a dramatic decay of the autonomy of the regulatory agencies since 2013.
Does it matter how we measure poverty? Correlates of income and multidimensional poverty in Sri Lanka
Authors: Deyshappriya N. P. Ravindra , Feeny Simon
Published: August 2024

While it is widely accepted that poverty is multidimensional, debates over how it is best measured continue. This paper examines whether different measurements of poverty provide different implications from a policy perspective. Using probit models applied to household level data it examines the correlates of both income poverty and multidimensional poverty in the context of Sri Lanka. Results suggest that the two measures of poverty share many of the same correlates. Age of the household head, education, marital status, employment, access to agricultural land and the receipt of remittances are important across the two poverty measures. However, there are important differences with respect to the signs of the coefficients on household size and ethnicity variables. Further, the magnitude of the associations of independent variables with poverty vary considerably across the two measures. Policy recommendations are provided.
Effect of post‐discharge online kangaroo care training on breastfeeding self‐efficacy in mothers with preterm infants: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Kaynak Serap , Ergün Sibel
Published: August 2024

Background

Preterm newborns face many health problems due to their incomplete intrauterine development and the immaturity of their systems. One of these problems concerns nutrition. This study aimed to determine the effect of online kangaroo care (KC) training provided post‐discharge on breastfeeding self‐efficacy in mothers with preterm infants.

Methods

This research was conducted as an experimental study with a randomised control group. Two groups were formed: kangaroo care and control. The sample of the study consisted of 68 mothers of preterm infants. The mothers in the KC group were given online KC training after discharge from the hospital. The mothers were asked to perform KC regularly, at least once a day, for 20 min, 7 days a week. The Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale was administered to the mothers before and after training.

Results

The results of the study revealed that the difference between the pre‐test and post‐test breastfeeding self‐efficacy scores was statistically significantly higher among the mothers who received online KC training compared with the controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

According to the results of our research carried out in this context, the mothers who received online KC training had increased breastfeeding self‐efficacy compared to those in the control group.
NrCAM activates the NF‐κB signalling pathway by competitively binding to SUMO‐1 and promotes Th17 cell differentiation in Graves' disease
Authors: Huang Fengjiao , Zhang Lijuan , Zhou Yingying , Zhao Shuiying , Wang Jiao
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NrCAM) by regulating Th17 cell differentiation in the pathogenesis of Graves' disease (GD). Naïve CD4+ T cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of GD patients and healthy control (HC) subjects. During the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells, NrCAM level in GD group was improved. Interference with NrCAM in CD4+ T cells of GD patients decreased the percentage of Th17 cells. NrCAM overexpression in CD4+ T cells of HC subjects increased the percentage of Th17 cells and upregulated p‐IκBα, p50, p65, c‐Rel protein expressions, and NF‐κB inhibitor BAY11‐7082 partially reversed NrCAM effect. NrCAM overexpression promoted the degradation of IκBα, and overexpression of small ubiquitin‐related modifier 1 (SUMO‐1) inhibited IκBα degradation. NrCAM overexpression reduced IκBα binding to SUMO‐1. During Th17 cell differentiation in HC group, NrCAM overexpression increased IL‐21 levels and secretion, and IL‐21 neutralizing antibody reversed this effect. IL‐21 level was decreased after p65 interference in CD4+ T cells of HC subjects. p65 interacts with IL‐21 promoter region. In conclusion, NrCAM binds to SUMO‐1 and increases phosphorylation of IκBα, leading to activation of NF‐κB pathway, which promotes Th17 cell differentiation.
Muscle memory in humans: evidence for myonuclear permanence and long‐term transcriptional regulation after strength training
Authors: Cumming Kristoffer Toldnes , Reitzner Stefan Markus , Hanslien Marit , Skilnand Kenneth , Seynnes Olivier R. , Horwath Oscar , Psilander Niklas , Sundberg Carl Johan , Raastad Truls
Published: August 2024

The objective of this work was to investigate myonuclear permanence and transcriptional regulation as mechanisms for cellular muscle memory after strength training in humans. Twelve untrained men and women performed 10 weeks of unilateral elbow‐flexor strength training followed by 16 weeks of de‐training. Thereafter, 10 weeks’ re‐training was conducted with both arms: the previously trained arm and the contralateral untrained control arm. Muscle biopsies were taken from the trained arm before and after both training periods and from the control arm before and after re‐training. Muscle biopsies were analysed for fibre cross‐sectional area (fCSA), myonuclei and global transcriptomics (RNA sequencing). During the first training period, myonuclei increased in type 1 (13 ± 17%) and type 2 (33 ± 23%) fibres together with a 30 ± 43% non‐significant increase in mixed fibre fCSA (P = 0.069). Following de‐training, fCSA decreased in both fibre types, whereas myonuclei were maintained, resulting in 33% higher myonuclear number in previously trained vs. control muscle in type 2 fibres. Furthermore, in the previously trained muscle, three differentially expressed genes (DEGs; EGR1, MYL5 and COL1A1) were observed. Following re‐training, the previously trained muscle showed larger type 2 fCSA compared to the control (P = 0.035). However, delta change in type 2 fCSA was not different between muscles. Gene expression was more dramatically changed in the control arm (1338 DEGs) than in the previously trained arm (822 DEGs). The sustained higher number of myonuclei in the previously trained muscle confirms myonuclear accretion and permanence in humans. Nevertheless, because of the unclear effect on the subsequent hypertrophy with re‐training, the physiological benefit remains to be determined.

image

Key points

Muscle memory is a cellular mechanism that describes the capacity of skeletal muscle fibres to respond differently to training stimuli if the stimuli have been previously encountered.

This study overcomes past methodological limitations related to the choice of muscles and analytical procedures.

We show that myonuclear number is increased after strength training and maintained during de‐training.

Increased myonuclear number and differentially expressed genes related to muscle performance and development in the previously trained muscle did not translate into a clearly superior responses during re‐training. Because of the unclear effect on the subsequent hypertrophy and muscle strength gain with re‐training, the physiological benefit remains to be determined.
Investigating the Impact of Steam Enhancement on Combustion in a Swirl-Assisted Jet-Stabilized Gas Turbine Combustor
Authors: Izadi Saeed , Kislat Oliver , Zanger Jan , Seliger-Ost Hannah , Kutne Peter , Aigner Manfred
Published: August 2024

A newly developed gas turbine combustor system based on the swirl-assisted jet-stabilized concept using Jet A-1 and natural gas as reference fuel is tested under wet conditions to evaluate its combustion characteristics in the presence of steam. The effect of steam injection into the gas turbine combustor under both spray and superheated liquid fuel injection conditions is studied experimentally on an atmospheric test rig. The experiments are conducted at atmospheric pressure and an elevated combustion air temperature of 305 °C. To evaluate the effect of steam injection on combustion performance, the water-to-gas ratio (WGR) is varied from 0% to 32%. Even at very high WGR levels, the results show virtually no combustion thermoacoustic instability during operation. With increasing WGR = 0–16% and at stoichiometric condition, NOx reductions of −82% to −100% were observed during Jet A-1 and natural gas combustion, respectively. It is shown that the reduction of the combustion zone temperature due to the steam acting as a heat sink is the main cause of the NOx decrease. For both wet and dry conditions, CO levels remained fairly similar. Both flame length and flame height above the burner increased with increasing WGR. This is due to the reduced reactivity of the fuel–air mixture. The operating range of the burner remained fairly constant for Jet A-1 until WGR = 20% while it decreased significantly with increasing WGR for natural gas combustion. While the effect of the WGR on CO was modest, the greatest effect of the WGR was on the heat release zone intensity at a constant air to fuel ratio. In reducing the NOx levels of Jet A-1 and natural gas combustion, both thermal and chemical effects of steam injection were observed. However, steam acting as a heat sink and lowering the flame temperature, thereby reducing the thermal NO formation rate, was the dominant factor in NOx reduction.
Development of Detailed and Reduced Chemical Kinetic Models for Ammonia Gas Turbines
Authors: Rahman Ramees K. , Pierro Michael , Winquist Mark , Subbaraman Ganesan , Sun Wenting , Steele Robert , Vega John , Vasu Subith S.
Published: August 2024

The power generation sector has been recently moving toward decarbonization, and there is an increased interest in replacing conventional fossil fuels with fuels that produce reduced/zero carbon emissions. One such fuel is ammonia (NH3). However, ammonia is hard to ignite, has a low flame speed, and produces a significantly large amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Hence, using 100% ammonia as fuel in gas turbines requires significant modifications and the development of novel combustors. Blending hydrogen with ammonia, however, helps in having better control over the combustion properties. For example, a 70%/30% mixture of NH3/H2 mixture has a flame speed comparable to natural gas. Before utilizing hydrogen-blended ammonia in an actual gas turbine combustor, thorough simulation studies are required to evaluate its performance, possible hazards, and emissions. The literature lacks well-validated chemical kinetic models for the combustion of hydrogen-blended ammonia for undiluted mixtures at gas turbine-relevant conditions (∼20 bar). Most models available in the literature have been developed for ammonia extremely diluted in diluents such as argon or nitrogen. Hence, in this work, we develop a detailed chemical kinetic model for hydrogen-blended ammonia combustion and validate it with a wide range of experimental data for both dilute and undiluted mixtures relevant to gas turbine operating conditions. We outline the strengths and weaknesses of the current mechanism to aid future users of our chemical kinetic mechanism. The detailed chemical kinetic mechanism was reduced to a smaller version (32 species mechanism) without significant loss in accuracy using the directed relation graph with error propagation (DRGEP) and full species sensitivity analysis. The resultant mechanism can predict a wide range of experimental results with the least cumulative error and will be a valuable tool in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations that will enable the development of gas turbines for zero-carbon power generation.
Impact of Diluents on Flame Stability With Blends of Natural Gas and Hydrogen
Authors: Rodriguez Camacho Javier , Le Dang , Blust James , O'Connor Jacqueline
Published: August 2024

Two potential decarbonization pathways for natural gas (NG)-fueled gas turbine engines include blending hydrogen (H2) into NG and postcombustion carbon capture. H2 blending changes several combustion properties, including flame speed and stretch sensitivity. The use of post-combustion carbon capture systems is typically facilitated by the implementation of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), where exhaust gases are injected into the inlet of the engine, increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration at the outlet and, hence, increasing the efficiency of carbon capture technologies. In this work, we explore the impact of H2 blending and EGR on the stability of a swirl-stabilized, central-piloted flame. Mixtures of NG and H2 are tested at a range of different diluent compositions, with oxygen varied from 21% to 15% by volume in the oxidizer. In all cases, a constant adiabatic flame temperature is maintained to mimic the operation of a gas turbine at a given turbine inlet temperature. A variable-length combustor is used for testing, where combustor length is varied to understand the dynamic stability characteristics of the system. Results show that EGR and H2 work in opposition to each other, where higher levels of EGR result in poor flame holding and higher levels of H2 result in better flame holding. Increasing H2 generally increases the amplitude of thermoacoustic instability at each condition, a result of the change in flame position in this particular combustor. Importantly, H2 can be added to NG to improve flame holding without significantly decreasing CO2 levels in the products, showing that H2 blending can be a method for counteracting combustor operability issues that arise from high levels of EGR necessary to improve the efficiency of typical carbon capture systems.
Axial Flow Fan Performance in a Forced Draught Air-Cooled Heat Exchanger for a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle
Authors: Boshoff Francois D. , van der Spuy Sybrand J. , Pretorius Johannes P.
Published: August 2024

An axial flow cooling fan has been designed for use in a concentrated solar power plant. The plant is based on a supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) Brayton cycle, and uses a forced draft air-cooled heat exchanger (ACHE) for cooling. The fan performance has been investigated using both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and scaled fan tests. This paper presents a CFD model that integrates the fan with the heat exchanger. The objective is to establish a foundation for similar models and to contribute to the development of efficient ACHE units designed for sCO2 power cycles. The finned-tube bundle is simplified, with a Porous Media Model representing the pressure drop through the bundle. Pressure inlet and -outlet boundary conditions are used, meaning the air flowrate is solved based on the fan and tube bundle interaction. The flowrate predicted by the CFD model is 0.5% higher than the analytical prediction, and 3.6% lower than the design value, demonstrating that the assumptions used in the design procedure are reasonable. The plenum height is also found to affect the flowrate, with shorter plenums resulting in higher flow rates and fan efficiencies, and longer plenums resulting in more uniform cooling air flow.
Laboratory Tests in Cyber-Physical Mode for an Energy Management System Including Renewable Sources and Industrial Symbiosis
Authors: Ferrari Mario L. , Gini Lorenzo , Pascenti Matteo
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper regards the laboratory validation of an energy management system (EMS) for an industrial site on the Eigerøy island (Norway). It will be the demonstration district in the ROBINSON project for a consequent concept replication. This activity in cyber-physical mode is an innovative approach to finalize the EMS tool with real measurement data with prime movers available at laboratory level, considering the necessary EMS robustness and flexibility for replication on other industrial islands. This EMS was designed and developed to minimize variable costs, producing on/off and set-point signals that, through a model predictive control (MPC) software, establish the system status. This smart grid includes renewable sources (e.g., solar panels, a wind turbine, and syngas) and traditional prime movers, such as a steam boiler for the industry needs. Moreover, an energy storage device is installed composed of an electrolyzer with a hydrogen pressure vessel. The main results reported in this work regard 26-h tests performed in cyber-physical mode thanks to the real-time interaction of hardware and software. So, a real microturbine and real photovoltaic (PV) panels were managed by the EMS in conjunction with software models for components not physically present in the laboratory. Although the optimization target was cost minimization, significant improvement was also obtained in terms of efficiency increase and CO2 emission decrease.
Numerical Analysis and Design of New Exhaust Section Downstream of Constant Volume Combustor
Authors: Gallis Panagiotis , Misul Daniela Anna , Boust Bastien , Bellenoue Marc , Salvadori Simone
Published: August 2024

Pressure gain combustors (PGC) exploit either their isochoric or detonative combustion increasing the theoretical thermal efficiency of a gas turbine cycle. On this basis, a constant-volume combustor (CVC) is developed operating with rotary valves while the chamber is fed with mixture of air and liquid iso-octane. This work describes the numerical design of a new exhaust section after the CVC. First, the design parametrization of the transition duct and the resulting design of experiments (DOE) of 81 samples are introduced. Every case is numerically tested and the election of the best sample is based on the pressure losses and the oscillations characterization. In the last part, the LS89-VKI vane is added at the aft part of the best transition duct and the ensemble exhaust system is analyzed with the help of transient CFD analysis. Every component is evaluated in terms of pressure losses and oscillations, while the operation of the vane is investigated in details. The results of the stator's performance are discussed and compared with steady experimental data. During a CVC period, the cycle average outlet flow angle remains close to the outlet metal angle denoting promising results for the future numerical analysis of the subsequent rotor.
The Effects of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Pain, Range of Motion, and Muscle Strength in Athletes With Iliotibial Band Tightness: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Unuvar Bayram Sonmez , Demirdel Ertugrul , Gercek Hasan
Published: August 2024

Context: We designed this study to investigate the effects of 2 myofascial release techniques, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Foam Roller (FR), on pain, joint range of motion, and muscle strength in athletes suffering from iliotibial band (ITB) tightness. Design: A total of 39 male soccer players were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial, aged between 18 and 23 years who were divided into 3 groups: Only Exercise, IASTM, and FR. Methods: All participants performed daily strengthening and stretching exercises, while 1 group added IASTM, and the other added FR to the exercise program. We evaluated ITB tightness with the Ober test and an inclinometer, pressure pain threshold, using an algometer, and we evaluated muscle strength with the Cybex Norm Isokinetic device. Results: We found that all 3 groups exhibited an increase in the Ober inclination angle after the interventions (P = .001), but the increase was greater for participants in the IASTM and FR groups, compared with exercise alone. Additionally, both the IASTM and FR groups displayed an increased pressure pain threshold (P = .001), whereas there was no change in the control group. Moreover, while all 3 groups experienced an increase in hip muscle strength (P = .001), the IASTM and FR groups exhibited a greater increase compared with exercise alone (P = .001). Conclusions: Based on these findings, exercise improves pain, range of motion, and muscle strength in athletes with ITB tightness, and IASTM, and FR techniques enhanced exercise effects but did not differ from one another. While our study demonstrated that both IASTM and FR techniques significantly enhance the benefits of exercise for athletes with ITB tightness, further research could delve into the long-term effects of these interventions.
Attributes Contributing to the Use of Technology in School-Based Physical Activity Promotion: A Diffusion of Innovations Approach
Authors: Ha Taemin , Dauenhauer Brian , McMullen Jaimie , Krause Jennifer
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This study examined the attributes contributing to the use of technology among school staff to facilitate and promote physical activity. Method: A mixed-methods sequential explanatory research design was employed with the diffusion of innovations theory as a guide. The Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Technology Practice Questionnaire, a diffusion of innovations questionnaire, and semistructured interviews were used to collect data. Multiple regression analysis and open and axial coding techniques were conducted to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Results: Complexity and trialability attributes contributed to the use of technology in schools. Despite acknowledging the benefits of technology use in promoting physical activity, school staff also expressed concerns about barriers and risks related to its use. Discussion/Conclusion: The study provides insights into factors affecting the use of technology among school staff and recommends that schools, districts, and professional organizations offer more opportunities for staff to explore and learn about various technologies.
Nature should be the model for microbial sciences
Authors: Baker Brett J. , Hyde Emily , Leão Pedro
Published: August 2024

Until recently, microbiologists have relied on cultures to understand the microbial world. As a result, model organisms have been the focus of research into understanding Bacteria and Archaea at a molecular level. Diversity surveys and metagenomic sequencing have revealed that these model species are often present in low abundance in the environment; instead, there are microbial taxa that are cosmopolitan in nature. Due to the numerical dominance of these microorganisms and the size of their habitats, these lineages comprise mind-boggling population sizes upward of 10
28
cells on the planet. Many of these dominant groups have cultured representatives and have been shown to be involved in mediating key processes in nature. Given their importance and the increasing need to understand changes due to climate change, we propose that members of Nitrosophaerota (
Nitrosopumilus maritimus
), SAR11 (
Pelagibacter ubique
), Hadesarchaeia, Bathyarchaeia, and others become models in the future. Abundance should not be the only measure of a good model system; there are other organisms that are well suited to advance our understanding of ecology and evolution. For example, the most well-studied symbiotic bacteria, like
Buchnera
,
Aliivibrio
, and
Rhizobium
, should be models for understanding host-associations. Also, there are organisms that hold new insights into major transitions in the evolution of life on the planet like the Asgard Archaea (Heimdallarchaeia). Innovations in a variety of
in situ
techniques have enabled us to circumvent culturing when studying everything from genetics to physiology. Our deepest understanding of microbiology and its impact on the planet will come from studying these microbes in nature. Laboratory-based studies must be grounded in nature, not the other way around.
Rapidly progressive cystic lung disease in a patient with a scalp lesion
Authors: Majumdar Uddalak , Sameed Muhammad , Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , Ghosh Subha , Stoller James K , Chaisson Neal
Published: August 2024

We describe an elderly patient presenting with pneumothorax, cystic lung disease and a scalp lesion. The pneumothorax resolved after placing a chest tube and suction but recurred within a week. Progression of cystic features was also seen, and biopsies of the lung and scalp lesions were performed. Immunohistochemistry was positive for markers of endothelial cells (CD31 and ERG) and negative for markers expected to be positive in alveolar cells (keratin AE1/AE3 and TTF-1), supporting the diagnosis of metastatic angiosarcoma. Palliative chemotherapy did not prevent progression and the patient expired soon after. In describing the clinico-radiological correlation of metastatic angiosarcoma, we also briefly describe the approach to cystic lung disease. Understanding the pathophysiology of cyst formation in metastatic angiosarcoma may help clinicians to better appreciate and manage the full spectrum of cystic lung disease, especially with atypical features.
Appendicolith classification: physical and chemical properties of appendicoliths in patients with CT diagnosed acute appendicitis – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Vanhatalo Sanja , Mäkilä Ermei , Hakanen Antti J , Munukka Eveliina , Salonen Jarno , Saarinen Timo , Grönroos Juha , Sippola Suvi , Salminen Paulina
Published: August 2024

Objective

Appendicoliths are associated with a more complicated course of acute appendicitis and failure of non-operative treatment. We aimed to update the appendicolith classification originally described in 1966 and to assess the association of appendicolith characteristics with appendicitis severity.

Design

This prospective predefined MAPPAC-trial (ClinicalTrials.govNCT03257423) substudy included patients with CT diagnosed appendicitis presenting with an appendicolith. CT visible appendicoliths were harvested at surgery, measured and characterised by morphological examination complemented with micro-CT and micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Patients were categorised into two groups: appendicolith appendicitis without other complications and appendicolith appendicitis with complications (appendiceal gangrene, perforation and/or abscess). The association of appendicolith classification and characteristics with appendicitis severity was evaluated.

Results

Of 78 patients with a CT appendicolith, 41 appendicoliths were collected and classified based on the degree of hardness into three classes. The hardest appendicoliths (class 3) were less common (19.5%) presenting with a stone-hard outer layer and concentrically layered inner structure around a core. The layered inner structure was also observed in class 2 appendicoliths, but was absent in soft, class 1 appendicoliths. Appendicolith hardness or measures (maximum length, diameter and weight) were not associated with appendicitis severity. The spatial distribution of the main inorganic elements of calcium and phosphorus varied within most appendicoliths.

Conclusion

This updated classification confirms categorisation of CT visible appendicoliths into three classes based on their physical and chemical characteristics. The data on clinical and aetiopathological characteristics of appendicoliths is scarce and using this systematic classification would add to this understanding.
Feasibility of forecasting future critical care bed availability using bed management data
Authors: Palmer John , Manataki Areti , Moss Laura , Neilson Aileen , Lo Tsz-Yan Milly
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This project aims to determine the feasibility of predicting future critical care bed availability using data-driven computational forecast modelling and routinely collected hospital bed management data.

Methods

In this proof-of-concept, single-centre data informatics feasibility study, regression-based and classification data science techniques were applied retrospectively to prospectively collect routine hospital-wide bed management data to forecast critical care bed capacity. The availability of at least one critical care bed was forecasted using a forecast horizon of 1, 7 and 14 days in advance.

Results

We demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of forecasting critical care bed capacity without requiring detailed patient-level data using only routinely collected hospital bed management data and interpretable models. Predictive performance for bed availability 1 day in the future was better than 14 days (mean absolute error 1.33 vs 1.61 and area under the curve 0.78 vs 0.73, respectively). By analysing feature importance, we demonstrated that the models relied mainly on critical care and temporal data rather than data from other wards in the hospital.

Discussion

Our data-driven forecasting tool only required hospital bed management data to forecast critical care bed availability. This novel approach means no patient-sensitive data are required in the modelling and warrants further work to refine this approach in future bed availability forecast in other hospital wards.

Conclusions

Data-driven critical care bed availability prediction was possible. Further investigations into its utility in multicentre critical care settings or in other clinical settings are warranted.
Cross-sectional study of determinants of undernutrition among children aged 6–36 months in Kabul, Afghanistan
Authors: Rezaee Mohammad Taqi , Zakki Shahbaz Ahmad , Haq Ijaz ul , Rahimi Noorullah , Fayaz Mehwish
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The current study aimed to find the distribution and factors associated with undernutrition among children aged 6–36 months in Kabul.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Public Ataturk Children’s Hospital, Kabul.

Participants

385.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic conditions and anthropometry of children. Logistic regression was used to find determinants of undernutrition.

Results

The distribution of stunting, wasting and underweight was 38.7%, 11.9% and 30.6%, respectively. Among the children studied, 54% did not receive breast milk within the first hour of birth, 53.2% were not exclusively breastfed, 21% received complementary feeding before the age of 6 months, 22.1% lacked access to safe water and 44.7% did not practise hand washing with soap. The odds of stunting were lower (p<0.05) in girls (AOR 5.511, 95% CI 3.028 to 10.030), children of educated fathers (OR 0.288, 95% CI 0.106 to 0.782), those from nuclear families (OR 0.280, 95% CI 0.117 to 1.258), those exclusively breastfed (OR 0.499, 95% CI 0.222 to 1.51) and those practising good hygienic practices (OR 0.440, 95% CI 0.229 to 0.847). Boys had high odd of girls (OR 6.824, 95% CI 3.543 to 13.143) while children of educated fathers (OR 0.340, 95% CI 0.119 to 0.973), those receiving complementary food at 6 months (OR 0.368, 95% CI 0.148 to 1.393) and those practising good hygiene (OR 0.310, 95% CI 0.153 to 0.631) had lower odds (p<0.05) of being underweight. Boys (OR 3.702, 95% CI 1.537 to 8.916) had higher odds of being wasted, whereas children of educated mothers (OR 0.480, 95% CI 0.319 to 4.660), those from nuclear families (OR 0.356, 95% CI 0.113 to 1.117), those receiving early breast feeding (OR 0.435, 95% CI 0.210 to 1.341) and those practising hand washing (OR 0.290, 95% CI 0.112 to 0.750) had lower odds (p<0.05) of being wasted.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the sex of the child, illiteracy of fathers, not practising hand washing and not observing hygiene, late initiation of breast milk, complementary feeding timings, and lack of proper exclusive breast feeding as contributing factors to the under-nutrition of the children in the study population.