bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing Beyond Borders: A Study of E-Design and Virtual Collaboration in Modern Innovation
Authors: Reddy V. Suryaprakash , Yadav Suman Avdhesh , Rao A.L.N. , Kanday Rajeev , Tyagi Lalit Kumar , Reddy Uma , Ftaiet Adnan Allwi
Published: December 2023

In the contemporary globalised and dynamic landscape, the phenomenon of innovation transcends territorial limitations. The research paper titled “Designing Beyond Borders” examines the field of E-Design and virtual collaboration, investigating their significant contributions to promoting contemporary innovation on a global scale. The proliferation of sophisticated digital technology and the increasing prevalence of remote work have greatly enlarged the conventional boundaries of innovation, resulting in a significant increase in opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and worldwide collaboration. This study utilises a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, case studies, and expert interviews to explore the various aspects of E-Design and virtual collaboration. This statement elucidates the profound influence of these approaches on several sectors, encompassing product design, software development, architecture, and healthcare. This study offers useful insights into the techniques and tools that facilitate teams in overcoming geographical boundaries, time zones, and cultural differences to create extraordinary innovation outcomes, through the examination of real-world instances and best practises. the research study titled “Designing Beyond Borders” delves into the complexities and constraints related to EDesign and virtual cooperation. It specifically focuses on the obstacles of establishing trust, ensuring effective communication, and safeguarding intellectual property in the context of a digital environment without geographical boundaries. The text also delves into the psychological and sociological dimensions of virtual teamwork, emphasising the significance of cultivating a sense of belonging and shared purpose among individuals collaborating remotely. The study highlights the significance of E-Design and virtual collaboration as both a reactive measure to global disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and a proactive approach for fostering sustainable innovation in the long run. In the current day, it is crucial for organisations to possess a comprehensive comprehension of virtual collaboration and E-Design in order to maintain competitiveness and relevance amongst the dynamic digital landscape.
Beyond Limits: Envisioning Sustainable Design and Production Ecosystems
Authors: Anitha D. , Awasthi Ankita , Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Kumar Ravinder , Pahwa Shilpa , Rajalakshmi B. , Alkhafaji Mohammed Ayad
Published: December 2023

The use of sustainability is of utmost importance when it comes to tackling the environmental issues that our global community is currently confronting, ranging from climate change to the depletion of natural resources. The publication titled “Beyond Limits: Envisioning Sustainable Design and Production Ecosystems” delves into the imperative need for a paradigm shift in order to effectively address the aforementioned difficulties. This paradigm shift necessitates a break from conventional, sequential frameworks towards circular and regenerative systems, signifying a fundamental shift in our design and production methodologies. The concept of sustainable design and production ecosystems is intrinsically characterised by its complex nature. The dimensions encompassed by these practises are broad, encompassing the reimagining of design processes, the careful selection of materials, the optimisation of production procedures, the rethinking of supply chain management, and the consideration of end-of-life scenarios. Each of these characteristics plays a crucial role in establishing a comprehensive and enduring environment. The fundamental objective of this notion is to develop a state of peaceful coexistence between human activities and the ecosystems of the earth. In addition to the reduction of harm, it promotes active engagement in activities that contribute to the overall welfare of our environment. By exploring this paradigm-shifting perspective, we establish the foundation for a forthcoming era in which human pursuits harmoniously integrate with the ecological systems of the Earth, ensuring a sustainable and wealthy global community for future generations.
AquaLives: Navigating the Interplay of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Global Health
Authors: Sravanthi B. , Singh S. Vikram , Rao A. Kakoli , Vyas Manish , Sethi Vandana Arora , Anandhi R.J. , Lafta Alaa M.
Published: December 2023

The provision of uncontaminated water, sufficient sanitation facilities, and appropriate hygiene behaviours is an essential entitlement of every individual and plays a crucial role in promoting worldwide health and overall welfare. The interconnection between water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) exerts a significant influence on the health outcomes of global societies. This study examines the complex relationship between water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) within the framework of global health. It specifically highlights the difficulties, prospects, and capacity for significant change that this relationship presents. In a global context characterised by enduring issues such as limited access to water resources, insufficient sanitation infrastructure, and suboptimal hygiene practises, the demand for creative and groundbreaking remedies has become increasingly urgent. This study explores the various complex aspects of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), analysing its direct and indirect influence on health, nutrition, education, and economic advancement. The significance of AquaLives lies in emphasising the pressing need to accomplish the targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) pertaining to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) within the timeframe of 2030. This study analyses case studies and best practises from different countries, providing insights into effective strategies that can potentially revolutionise communities’ access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education. this research study explores the interconnections between Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives and the growing global health concerns, including the readiness for pandemics and the adaptation to climate change. AquaLives aims to foster a revitalised dedication to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) as a fundamental pillar of worldwide public health. The statement underscores the importance of fostering joint endeavours, promoting policy innovation, and augmenting investments in infrastructure and education.
Weight Optimization of Plastic Injection Moulded Electrical Wire Casing Thermoplastic using Hybrid RSM-Tunicate Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Barua Abhishek , Jeet Siddharth , Mishra Monalin , Kumari Kanchan , Priyadarshini Manisha , Pradhan Swastik , Saha Sumit
Published: December 2023

The need for fire-retardant material for electrical wire covers and cases is increasing as the global population continues to expand at an alarming rate. In addition to having good fire and chemical resistance, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is widely accessible in a assortment of forms and sizes, comprising rods, sheets, and tubes. Plastic injection moulding (PIM) provides a method that allows for the production of CPVC items at a rapid pace and at a low cost. When these mouldings are lightweight, they may reduce the amount of non-biodegradable materials that are used in their construction. The present research gives an insight into the CPVC material moulding for electrical wire casing elbows using an injection moulding machine, which was previously unexplored. Four plastic injection moulding parameters were considered in order to reduce the weight of the elbow, including injection pressure, mould closing speed, mould pressure, and backpressure. The 27 tests were piloted in line with Response Surface Methodbased Box-Behnken Design, and the factors were optimised using Tunicate Swarm Algorithm, which was recently developed. In the case of the plastic injection-moulded item, the analysis of variance revealed that the most significant parameter in the weight reduction was the material used. It has been determined that mould pressure is the most critical factor impacting the weight of the item when it is manufactured. As a result, the optimum manufacture of injection-moulded CPVC components will be facilitated, resulting in optimised weight while also minimising production time and raw material waste for electrical wire casing.
A Systematic Analysis of Network Bandwidth Sharing in Smart Grid Environment
Authors: Sharma Chirag , Arora Komal , Sharma Anshu , Mathur Gauri
Published: December 2023

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into modern infrastructure systems has given birth to the concept of “Intelligent Infrastructure,” with the smart grid as a prominent example. The smart management and efficient application of important electricity burden during agricultural production process has been realized by disposing energy efficiency management platform in rural areas. This paper investigates the applicability of grid computing within the context of intelligent infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on the smart grid. Grid computing, a distributed computing paradigm that utilizes the combined computational power of interconnected resources, has the potential to significantly improve the effectiveness, dependability, and sustainability of smart grid operations. In addition, the allocation and distribution of network resources by the grid’s systems will be examined in depth. While downloading gigabyte to terabyte-sized files from the internet, we frequently encounter various technical issues such as ISP restrictions, link expiration, etc In the meantime, the information exchanging has been proposed among the energy efficiency management platform, the distributed energy systems, the distribution automation system and the data acquisition system. Therefore, the intelligent scheduling of distributed energy can be realized in rural production during the peak period of electricity load and the affluent period.
Decentralising science: a moral duty and a huge opportunity
Authors: Mazzola Federico
Published: December 2023

Symmetries have always been important in the description of natural phenomena. From the structure of various materials and the ordered fashion of the atoms, many properties can take place and many others can be modulated. In particular, the electronic properties of a certain system are tightly connected to the system’s crystal structure. Hence, magnetism, transport of carriers, and the intertwining between these effects strongly rely on the underlying symmetries of a material.
Bioreactors for Tissue Engineering— A New Role for Perfusionists?
Authors: Sistino Joseph J.
Published: December 2023

Tissue engineering is an exciting new area of medicine with rapid growth and expansion over the last decade. It has the potential to have a profound impact on the practice of medicine and influence the economic development in the industry of biotechnology. In almost every specialty of medicine, the ability to generate replacement cells and develop tissues will change the focus from artificial organs and transplantation to growing replacement organs from the patient's own stem cells. Once these organs are at a size that requires perfusion to maintain oxygen and nutrient delivery, then automated perfusion systems termed "bioreactors" will be necessary to sustain the organ until harvesting. The design of these "bioreactors" will have a crucial role in the maintenance of cellular function throughout the growth period. The perfusion schemes necessary to determine the optimal conditions have not been well elucidated and will undergo extensive research over the next decade. The key to progress in this endeavor will development of long-term perfusion techniques and identifying the ideal pressures, flow rates, type of flow (pulsatile/nonpulsatile), and perfusate solution. Perfusionists are considered experts in the field of whole body perfusion, and it is possible that they can participate in the development and operation of these "bioreactors." Additional education of perfusionists in the area of tissue engineering is necessary in order for them to become integral parts of this exciting new area of medicine.
A synchronizing signal detection technique for grid voltage based on new CDSOGI-PLL
Authors: KE Shanwen , LI Yuren
Published: December 2023

When the grid voltage contains many harmonics, the filtering effect of the phase-locked loop based on dual second-order generalized integrator (DSOGI-PLL) is not ideal, and the frequency of synchronous signal extracted through the DSOGI-PLL fluctuates. A novel phase-locked loop structure based on cascade second order generalized integrator (CDSOGI-PLL) is proposed. The structure utilizes the cascaded SOGI module to simultaneously weaken the harmonics and inter-harmonics that exist in the grid voltage, thus reducing the influence of harmonics on the PLL and accurately extracting the grid voltage's synchronous signal. Matlab simulation and experimental results show that the signal detection technique proposed in the paper can effectively extract the fundamental positive sequence component, frequency and phase when the grid voltage is unbalanced and has many harmonics.
Research on functional verification method processor model built by Chisel
Authors: WU Lening , WANG Miao , CHEN Fu
Published: December 2023

With the increasing complexity of hardware design, verification has become the difficulty of chip design. In order to effectively shorten the overall working time of the design process, it is necessary to work out a method to quickly find design errors in the verification that takes up a lot of time in the design. The design under test is an ARM Chisel compatible with the ARM V4 instruction set architecture (ISA) processor model. The processor model is built with a new hardware language Chisel and is a highly complex hardware design. Based on this embedded processor model, ①a random instruction generator supporting all instructions of the ARM V4 ISA architecture is designed to increase the speed of generating test stimuli; ②based on the characteristics of the new construction language Chisel, designed for the processor model under test four verification stages: primary verification at the Chisel level, rapid verification of coverage, direct test verification and verification of complex applications, to ensure that the expected coverage is achieved; ③built in the Chisel environment and Verilog environment based on the embedded processor model Test platform. The test platform can quickly and accurately find errors and locate errors while collecting coverage, which improves the verification speed. Finally, the FPGA acceleration method is used to accelerate the verification of large-scale application programs and shorten the verification cycle.
Shadows cast by wind turbines affect combined solar and wind farms
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: December 2023

Study brings to light the challenges of combining wind and solar power plants for power inverters.
The
Drosophila
NPY-like system protects against chronic stress–induced learning deficit by preventing the disruption of autophagic flux
Authors: Chen Tianli , Zhang Mengyu , Ding Zhaowen , Hu Jiao , Yang Jie , He Lei , Jia Jia , Yang Jingjing , Yang Junfei , Song Xiaoxu , Chen Peng , Zhai Zongzhao , Huang Jing , Wang Yirong , Qin Hongtao
Published: December 2023

Chronic stress may induce learning and memory deficits that are associated with a depression-like state in
Drosophila melanogaster
. The molecular and neural mechanisms underlying the etiology of chronic stress–induced learning deficit (CSLD) remain elusive. Here, we show that the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, a conserved cellular signaling mechanism, is associated with chronic stress in
Drosophila
, as indicated by time-series transcriptome profiling. Our findings demonstrate that chronic stress induces the disruption of autophagic flux, and chronic disruption of autophagic flux could lead to a learning deficit. Remarkably, preventing the disruption of autophagic flux by up-regulating the basal autophagy level is sufficient to protect against CSLD. Consistent with the essential role of the dopaminergic system in modulating susceptibility to CSLD, dopamine neuronal activity is also indispensable for chronic stress to induce the disruption of autophagic flux. By screening knockout mutants, we found that neuropeptide F, the
Drosophila
homolog of neuropeptide Y, is necessary for normal autophagic flux and promotes resilience to CSLD. Moreover, neuropeptide F signaling during chronic stress treatment promotes resilience to CSLD by preventing the disruption of autophagic flux. Importantly, neuropeptide F receptor activity in dopamine neurons also promotes resilience to CSLD. Together, our data elucidate a mechanism by which stress-induced excessive dopaminergic activity precipitates the disruption of autophagic flux, and chronic disruption of autophagic flux leads to CSLD, while inhibitory neuropeptide F signaling to dopamine neurons promotes resilience to CSLD by preventing the disruption of autophagic flux.
The friction-induced microstructures changes of 18Cr-8Ni austenitic stainless steels with different grain sizes
Authors: Liu J , Wang H J , Huang L , Ma X , Deng X T , Wang Z D
Published: December 2023

The friction and wear performance, wear morphology and friction-induced subsurface microstructural characteristics of 18Cr-8Ni austenitic stainless steels with coarse-grained (CG), heterogeneous ultrafine-grained (HUFG), and nano/ultrafine-grained (NG/UFG) microstructures after dry sliding wear under room temperature were studied. The results reveal that HUFG steel with a good match between hardness and plasticity exhibits the best wear performance, followed by CG steel, while NG/UFG steel with the highest hardness exhibits the poorest wear performance. From the element distribution map, the contents of O and Si in the delamination and wear debris are relatively high. O is relatively evenly distributed on the whole wear surface of HUFG steel, and there is a continuous oxide layer on its wear surface. After the wear test, the hardness increment near the wear surface of the CG sample is the largest, and the depth affected by sliding is the largest, followed by the HUFG sample, and those of the NG/UFG steel are the smallest. The repeated frictional shear stress causes the formation of cracks between the mechanical mixed layer and the plastic deformation layer, and the continuous expansion of cracks can help oxygen elements diffuse deeply, causing the deformation layer materials to fall off.
Neurocysticercosis: Isolated Lesion in the Left Middle Frontal Gyrus
Authors: Mathew Abel S , Clark Carly , Lauro Peter M , Khalid Zain , McLaughlin Nicole C R
Published: December 2023

Objective

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is one of the most common parasitic infections of the central nervous system. We present a case study of a 21-year-old African man with an isolated NCC lesion to the left middle frontal gyrus, which is also known as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC).

Method

A neuropsychological evaluation was requested by the patient’s inpatient psychiatry team regarding worsening attention and depressive symptoms approximately 6 months after NCC diagnosis and treatment.

Results

Neuropsychological findings revealed deficits in the aspects of executive functioning, attention, working memory, and significant depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first case study of its kind demonstrating deficits in cognitive functioning consistent with the dlPFC lesion location. Sociocultural and linguistic considerations, clinical findings, and limitations are discussed.
Wittgenstein on Proof and Concept-Formation
Authors: Bangu Sorin
Published: December 2023

In his Remarks on the Foundations of Mathematics, Wittgenstein claims, puzzlingly, that ‘the proof creates a new concept’ (RFM III-41). This paper aims to contribute to clarifying this idea, and to showing how it marks a major break with the traditional conception of proof. Moreover, since the most natural way to understand his claim is open to criticism, a secondary goal of what follows is to offer an interpretation of it that neutralizes the objection. The discussion proceeds by analysing a well-known geometrical proof.
Impact of genomic structural variations on virulence of the tomato pathogen Cladosporium fulvum
Authors: Zaccaron Alex
Published: December 2023

Cladosporium fulvum causes tomato leaf mold and has been extensively used in the past as a model species to study plant-microbe interactions. Although the first chromosome-scale reference genome of the fungus was released in 2022, still little is known about how its genome architecture and structural variations (SVs) thereof impact its virulence. In this study, we used PacBio HiFi to sequence the genomes of four additional C. fulvum isolates and further assembled them at chromosome level. Comparative genome analyses revealed high chromosomal synteny among the five isolates, and a set of 13 core and two dispensable chromosomes, one of which carries pseudogenized copies of effector genes and likely emerged by duplication of subtelomeric regions of core chromosome. Between 14906 and 14993 genes were predicted in each C. fulvum genome with an estimated completeness of >99%. A pangenome analysis of the five isolates revealed a low number of 331 accessory genes, indicating high conservation of gene content among isolates of the fungus. An analysis of SVs showed no enriched of effectors or of other pathogenicity-related genes in these regions. However, SVs in subtelomeric regions affected virulence by prompting the loss of effector genes residing in them, as we have found is the case for the Avr9 effector gene of C. fulvum. Collectively, these results provide new insights of how genomic SVs can contribute to virulence of fungal pathogens.
Long-term Results of Developmental Hip Dysplasia Under Therapy With Pavlik Harness
Authors: Gahleitner Manuel , Pisecky Lorenz , Gotterbarm Tobias , Högler Wolfgang , Luger Matthias , Klotz Matthias C.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

The Pavlik harness is a commonly used treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) of types IIc or worse, based on the Graf classification. This study aimed to assess the long-term follow-up outcomes after treating DDH with the Pavlik harness.

Methods:

Between 1995 and 2006, ultrasound screening was conducted on 7372 newborns within the first days of life. Among them, 203 dysplastic hips in 152 patients, whose sonograms were Graf type IIc or worse, were treated with Pavlik harness. Treatment was discontinued if the measurement indicated Graf type Ia/b. More than 20 years later (mean: 20.46 y), patients were invited for clinical evaluation (Oxford Hips Score, Schulthess Hip Score, Harris Hip Score) and radiologic examination (center-edge angle according to Wiberg and the Severis classification, the rate of roofing of the femoral head via the Reimers migration percentage, and the Sharp angle).

Results:

Of the 152 patients, 60 (39.5%) participants with 80 (39.4%) affected hips (57.7% type IIc, 7.9% type D, and 15.6% type IIIa/b) were reexamined. The average follow-up duration was 20.5 years, with a maximum of 25.9 years. According to the Severin’s classification, only 2 (3.77%) patients, each with one affected hip, showed slight residual dysplasia. The Reimer’s migration percentage indicated an average of almost 90% canopy cover in the patient collective studied. No avascular necrosis was found, and the Sharp angle showed an average of almost 38 degrees. Only 4 participants with each one affected hip showed residual dysplasia according to the Sharp angle. The clinical results were quite satisfying, as none of the patients experienced hip pain that significantly limited their everyday activities or sports engagement, requiring medical attention before this study.

Conclusions:

Conservative therapy of DDH (Graf type IIc, D, III) with the Pavlik harness has demonstrated very good therapeutic success and a very low rate of residual dysplasia (2.81%). Both the radiologic and clinical outcomes were highly satisfactory.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Hip Displacement in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The Influences of Genetic Severity, Functional Level, and Disease-modifying Treatments
Authors: Ulusaloglu Armagan C. , Asma Ali , Shrader M. Wade , Scavina Mena T. , Mackenzie William G. , Erb Amanda , Howard Jason J.
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Hip displacement (HD) is common in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but neither genetic severity nor gross motor function level have been investigated as risk factors. Although disease-modifying agents (DMA) have improved function and overall health, their effects on the prevention of HD are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for HD development in SMA.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort. Children with SMA presenting between January 2005 and August 2021, at least 1 hip radiograph, and a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of HD (migration percentage ≥40%). Secondary outcomes included SMA type (I/II/III), survival motor neuron 2 copy number, Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (HFMS, out of 66), ambulatory status (Functional Mobility Scale at 50 m), clinically relevant scoliosis (>40 degrees and/or surgery), and DMA treatment (>1-year duration, nusinersen/risdiplam/onasemnogene abeparvovec) as risk factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results:

Eighty-two patients (52% female) with SMA type I (n=32, 39%), II (n=36, 44%), and III (n=14, 17%) met the inclusion criteria, with a final follow-up of 4.5 (SD: 2.7) years. Age at first hip radiograph was 3.4 (SD: 2.9) years. The prevalence of HD was 75.6%, with a mean age of onset of 4.6 (SD: 2.7) years. When stratified by SMA type, the prevalence/age of onset (mean, years) was 84%/3.1 (SD: 1.7), 80%/5.8 (SD: 2.3), and 36%/9.0 (SD: 4.3), respectively. HFMS score >23 was protective against HD by receiver operating characteristic analysis (P=0.008). Significant risk factors by univariate analysis were SMA type I (P=0.002) and II (P=0.002), HFMS ≤23 (P=0.01), nonambulatory status (Functional Mobility Scale at 50 m = 1, P=0.001), clinically relevant scoliosis (P=0.01), and DMA treatment (P=0.01). By multivariate analysis, only SMA type II (P=0.04) and scoliosis (P=0.04) were independent risk factors.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of HD in SMA is highly linked to disease severity. Identified risk factors can be used in the development of surveillance programs for early detection of HD in SMA, allowing for timely management.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Pathogen Profiles of Infectious Conjunctivitis in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Huy , Hoang Linh , Tran Yen , Hạ Thảo , Ruder Kevin , Zhong Lina , Chen Cindi , Yu Danny , Liu YuHeng , Abraham Thomas , Hinterwirth Armin , Deiner Michael , Porco Travis , Lietman Thomas M. , Seitzman Gerami D. , Doan Thuy ,   on behalf of the SCORPIO (Seasonal Conjunctivitis Outbreak Reporting for Prevention and Improved Outcomes) Study Group
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Conjunctivitis epidemics and pandemics remain a global burden. This study aims to comprehensively identify pathogens associated with conjunctivitis in Vietnam.

Methods:

Patients with acute infectious conjunctivitis who presented to an outpatient clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, were enrolled from September 2022 to March 2023. Swabs were obtained from conjunctiva and anterior nares of all patients. Unbiased RNA deep sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to identify any replicating pathogens in the samples.

Results:

Samples from 35 patients were analyzed. A pathogen was identified in 80% of the patients. In total, 72% (95% confidence interval: 54%–85%) were infected with either human adenovirus (HAdV)-D or HAdV-B. RNA viruses detected were rhinoviruses and human coronavirus 229E. Bacteria etiologies included Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenza, and Pseudomonas spp. One patient had coinfection of rhinovirus A and HAdV-B. Vittaforma corneae, a fungus, was identified in one patient. Corneal subepithelial infiltrates, pseudomembranes, or preauricular lymphadenopathy were not reported in any patient.

Conclusions:

Human adenoviruses are the common circulating pathogens associated with infectious conjunctivitis in Vietnam. HAdV species, however, seem to vary between geographic locations within Vietnam. Other underrecognized pathogens identified in this study, such as RNA viruses, suggest that broader pathogen surveillance may be beneficial.
Recent data on the role of antiretroviral therapy in weight gain and obesity in persons living with HIV
Authors: Capeau Jacqueline , Lagathu Claire , Béréziat Véronique
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has long been implicated in fat alterations and weight variations leading to cardiometabolic consequences. Recent largely prescribed antiretrovirals (ARVs) from the integrase-strand-transfer-inhibitor (INSTI) class have been associated with excessive weight gain/obesity in a minority of persons with HIV (PWH). As well, in the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) class, tenofovir-alafenamide (TAF), often replacing tenofovir-disoproxil-fumarate (TDF), has been associated with weight gain, a worrying concern in the present worldwide obesogenic environment. The respective role of the different ARV, the risk factors and the mechanisms remain questionable.

Recent findings

The INSTIs dolutegravir (DTG) and bictegravir (BIC) and TAF have a proper effect on weight gain, while efavirenz (EFV) and TDF inhibit it. These effects are reported in ART-naïve PWH, in addition to weight gain resulting from the return to health process, and in ART-controlled PWH. Also, INSTIs induce weight gain in adolescents and excessive weight gain during pregnancy. The effects of INSTIs and TAF are additive. Their trajectory differs. Most of the weight gain is observed during the initial 12-month period.

The main risk factors are low CD4+ and high viral load (VL) in ART-naïve PWH, Black race or originating from some African countries and female gender. The role of age and BMI differs between studies. The reversibility of the effect of INSTI and TAF appears limited.

Regarding the mechanisms, the INSTIs can directly alter adipose tissue in particular through inhibition of fat beiging, resulting in fat fibrosis and hypertrophy. Macrophage infiltration is decreased. The mechanisms explaining the opposite effects of TDF and TAF remain elusive.

The specific impact of DTG, BIC and TAF on weight gain/obesity in PWH is confirmed in different populations independently of the weight limiting effect of EFV and TDF. ART-linked excessive weight gain is uncommon. African origin and female sex are risk factors that need to be considered. The mechanisms are better understood for INSTIs but unknown for TDF/TAF. The reversibility of weight gain/obesity when stopping INSTI or TAF remains limited.
A Quality Improvement Project to Improve the Utilization of an Intraoperative Rapid Response System
Authors: Rama Asheen , Qian Daniel , Forbes Ty , Wang Ellen , Knight Lynda , Berg Marc , Caruso Thomas J.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Rapid response teams (RRTs) improve morbidity by reducing the incidence of cardiac arrests. Although providers commonly activate RRTs on acute care wards, they are infrequently used perioperatively. At our institution, two intraoperative calls for help exist: staff assists (SAs) and code blues (CBs). The SA functions analogously to an RRT, and the CB indicates cardiopulmonary arrest. Given the success of RRTs, this project aimed to increase the use of the SA system. Our primary goal was to increase the ratio of SA to CB alerts by 50% within 6 months.

Methods:

A quality improvement team led this project at an academic pediatric hospital in Northern California. The team analyzed the current state and identified an achievable goal. After developing key drivers, they implemented monthly simulations to teach providers the signs of clinical deterioration and to practice activating the SA system. In addition to measuring the ratio of SA to CB alerts, the team surveyed the etiologies of SA and measured process satisfaction.

Results:

Before the introduction of this initiative, the ratio of SA to CB alerts were 1:13.3. These improvements efforts led to an increase of SA to CB alerts to 1.5:1 (P = 0.0003). Twenty-three anesthesiologists provided etiologies for SA, reporting laryngospasm as the most common reason (30.4%). Nineteen nurses completed the SA survey and reported high satisfaction.

Conclusion:

This project successfully increased the utilization of a rapid response protocol in a pediatric perioperative setting using improvement methodologies and a simulation-based educational program.
Evaluating Both Partner and Patient Satisfaction With Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Cimaroli Sawyer , Bichanich Miles , Adamson Karri , LoGiudice John , Doren Erin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Few studies have looked in-depth at the relationship between patient and partner satisfaction with postmastectomy breast reconstruction. The studies that do exist suggest that perceived partner satisfaction is an important predictor of patient satisfaction in postmastectomy breast reconstruction.

Methods

We created a novel survey designed to look at reconstruction outcomes from a partner's perspective. Patients with a history of mastectomy-alone or mastectomy with reconstruction at our institution from January 2011 through December 2020 were contacted electronically to complete a demographic form and the BREAST-Q, while partners completed our novel partner survey. Sixteen mastectomy-only and 76 mastectomy with reconstruction couples completed surveys.

Results

The mean Breast-Q and partner survey scores were 87 and 87 (maximum possible = 100), respectively, for mastectomy with reconstruction. There was a correlation of 0.57 between patient and partner overall satisfaction. There was no difference in overall satisfaction between patients who underwent reconstruction and those who did not (P = 0.19). There was a relationship between satisfaction with preoperative counseling and overall satisfaction in both patients and partners. The partner survey was found to have high internal consistency for measuring various areas of partner satisfaction.

Conclusions

There is a relationship between patient and partner satisfaction with postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Our data may support the positive impact of social support on recovery after breast cancer treatment, as satisfaction was high in both groups. We therefore encourage partners to attend and participate in preoperative consultations. Finally, our novel partner survey is a reliable tool to assess partner satisfaction with postmastectomy breast reconstruction.
Multiple systemic infections caused by Rhodococcus equi: case report
Authors: Li Ning , Wu Changsheng , Cao Pengju , Chen Dongjie , Chen Falin , shen Xiuqing
Published: December 2023

Abstract 
Background: Rhodococcus equi is one of the most important causes of zoonotic infections from grazing animals. It poses a particular risk to immunocompromised individuals, including those who are undergoing long-term immunosuppressive therapy.
Case presentation: We report a case of Rhodococcus equi infection in a 65-year-old man with a medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and Adult Still's Disease, currently taking long-term hormone therapy. The non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient had blood, lung tissue, and sputum samples infected with Rhodococcus equi. His condition initially failed to improve despite multiple therapies, including vancomycin and meropenem. Although his symptoms improved after shifting his antibiotics to cover for the causative agent, he did not completely recover upon hospital discharge.
Conclusions: In recent years, the number of Rhodococcus equi cases has increased. This report describes a lethal case of Rhodococcus equi infection in a patient without HIV.
Maize mutants in miR394-regulated genes show improved drought tolerance
Authors: Miskevish Franco , Lodeyro Anabella , Ponso María Agustina , Bouzo Carlos , Meeley Robert , Timmermans Marja C. , Dotto Marcela
Published: December 2023

Water limitation represents one of the major threats to agricultural production, which often leads to drought stress and results in compromised growth, development and yield of crop species. Drought tolerance has been intensively studied in search for potential targets for molecular approaches to crop improvement. However, drought adaptive traits are complex and our understanding of the physiological and genetic basis of drought tolerance is still incomplete. The miR394-LCR pathway is a conserved regulatory module shown to participate in several aspects of plant growth and development, including stress response. Here we characterized the miR394 pathway in maize, which harbors two genetic loci producing an evolutionarily conserved mature zma-miR394 targeting two transcripts coding for F-Box proteins, named hereby ZmLCR1 and ZmLCR2. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing zma-MIR394B gene showed high tolerance to drought conditions, compared to control plants. Moreover, analysis of growth and development of single and double maize mutant plants in ZmLCR genes indicate that these mutations do not affect plant fitness when they grow in normal watering conditions, but mutants showed better survival than wild type plants under water deprivation conditions. This increased drought tolerance is based on a more efficient intrinsic water use, changes in root architecture and increased epicuticular wax content under water limiting conditions. Our results indicate that the miR394-regulated ZmLCR genes are involved in drought stress tolerance and are remarkable candidates for maize crop improvement.
Dendritic cell-derived lncRNA in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Wang Zhenglong , Changhao KE , Chen Yuheng , Zhao Yongchao , He Yuanjie , Liang Xiao , Tu Qingxian , Xu Min , Guo Fujia , Ge Junbo , Shi Bei
Published: December 2023

Background

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and dendritic cells (DC) play an important role in the occurrence and development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the role and mechanism of DC-derived lncRNA in patients with ACS still remains understudied.

Objective

To investigate the expression difference and role of lncRNA in monocyte-derived DC(moDC) in patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS).

Methods and Results

The subjects were divided into 4 groups: (1) healthy control group (CON), (2) unstable angina group (UA), (3) non-ST elevation myocardial infarction group (NSEMI or NST) and (4) ST elevation myocardial infarction group (STEMI or ST). Peripheral blood was extracted and isolated to obtain mononuclear cells (PBMC). After induction into moDC, morphology was observed by electron microscope and identified by flow cytometry (FCM) (CD80, CD86, CD11c, CD14, HLA-DR), and morphological and functional differences were compared. The differentially expressed lncRNA were screened by gene sequencing, and the biological functions of which were predicted by GO and KEGG and the correlation between candidate lncRNA and target genes was analyzed. The expression levels of markers, signaling pathways, inflammatory factors and target gene were performed by FCM, RT-PCR, WB and ELISA after the candidate lncRNA were over-expressed or silenced. Electron microscope showed that the cells were suspended cells of dendritic pseudopodia. FCM showed that the expression levels of DC markers CD11c (99.02±0.12%) and HLA-DR (99.32±0.08%) were high, while the expression levels of CD80 (24.27±0.99%) and CD86 (32.38±0.59%) were low. The number of differentially expressed lncRNA screened by gene sequencing was as follows: CON vs UA, 3; CON vs. NST, 49; CON vs ST, 35; UA vs. NST, 115; UA vs ST, 113; ST vs NST, 4. The results of FCM, RT-PCR, WB and ELISA showed that the expression levels of markers (CD80, CD86, HLA-DR), signaling pathways (p-PI3K, p-AKT), inflammatory factors (IL-6 and IL-12p70) and target gene (CCL14) were increased after over-expression of CCL15-CCL14; On the contrary, its expression level was decreased.

Conclusions

There are differences in moDC morphology and function and lncRNA expression in different types of ACS patients, and the differentially expressed lncRNA (CCL15-CCL14) regulates the function of moDC.
Geometric-relationship specific transfer in visual perceptual learning
Authors: Tan Qingleng , Sasaki Yuka , Watanabe Takeo
Published: December 2023

Visual perceptual learning (VPL) is defined as long-term improvement on a visual task as a result of visual experience. In many cases, the improvement is highly specific to the location where the target is presented, which refers to location specificity. In the current study, we investigated the effect of a geometrical relationship between the trained location and an untrained location on transfer of VPL. We found that significant transfer occurs either diagonally or along a line passing the fixation point. This indicates that whether location specificity or location transfer occurs at least partially depends on the geometrical relationship between trained location and an untrained location.
Cortical F-actin filament organization corrals E-cadherin/HMR-1 during cytokinetic furrow ingression inC. elegansembryos
Authors: Mondal Debodyuti , Rai Megha , Padmanabhan Anup
Published: December 2023

In metazoan cells, the delicate equilibrium between proliferative cell division and inter-cellular adhesion is crucial for achieving growth while maintaining tissue integrity and homeostasis. The transmembrane adhesion receptor, E-cadherin, not only facilitates cell-cell adhesion but modulates cytokinesis by impeding cortical F-actin flow and inhibiting actomyosin contractility. In theC. eleganszygote, newly established cell-cell interfaces following cytokinesis lack E-cadherin/HMR-1 (Padmanabhan et al., 2017b). The mechanisms responsible for the spatial exclusion of HMR-1, however remain elusive. Here, we show that HMR-1 is actively prevented from entering the cytokinetic furrow zone during early embryonic divisions inC. elegans. The compact alignment of unbranched F-actin filaments polymerized by the formin/CYK-1 restricts HMR-1 from entering the ingressing furrow. This corralling phenomenon depends on the physical association between HMR-1 and F-actin mediated via the β- and α- catenins, HMP-2 and HMP-1, respectively. Our findings reveal a previously unknown reciprocal regulatory relationship between cell adhesion and cell division machineries, ensuring the precise orchestration of the cytokinesis during embryonic development.
Uncovering Minimal Pathways in Melanoma Initiation
Authors: Xiao Hui , Shiu Jessica , Chen Chi-Fen , Wu Jie , Zhou Peijie , Telang Sahil S. , Ruiz-Vega Rolando , Nie Qing , Lander Arthur D. , Ganesan Anand K.
Published: December 2023

Cutaneous melanomas are clinically and histologically heterogeneous. Most display activating mutations inBraforNrasand complete loss of function of one or more tumor suppressor genes. Mouse models that replicate such mutations produce fast-growing, pigmented tumors. However, mice that combineBrafactivation with only heterozygous loss ofPtenalso produce tumors and, as we show here, in an Albino background this occurs even withBrafactivation alone. Such tumors arise rarely, grow slowly, and express low levels of pigmentation genes. The timing of their appearance was consistent with a single step stochastic event, but no evidence could be found that it requiredde novomutation, suggesting instead the involvement of an epigenetic transition. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed such tumors to be heterogeneous, including a minor cell type we term LNM (Low-pigment,Neural- and extracellularMatrix-signature) that displays gene expression resembling “neural crest”-like cell subsets detected in the fast-growing tumors of more heavily-mutated mice, as well as in human biopsy and xenograft samples. We provide evidence that LNM cells pre-exist in normal skin, are expanded byBrafactivation, can transition into malignant cells, and persist with malignant cells through multiple rounds of transplantation. We discuss the possibility that LNM cells not only serve as a pre-malignant state in the production of some melanomas, but also as an important intermediate in the development of drug resistance.
Quantitative Dynamic Analysis ofde novoSphingolipid Biosynthesis inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Osinuga Abraham , Solis Ariadna Gonzalez , Cahoon Rebecca E. , Al-Siyabi Adil , Cahoon Edgar B. , Saha Rajib
Published: December 2023

Sphingolipids are pivotal for plant development and stress responses. Growing interest has been directed towards fully comprehending the regulatory mechanisms of the sphingolipid pathway. We explore itsde novobiosynthesis and homeostasis inArabidopsis thalianacell cultures, shedding light on fundamental metabolic mechanisms. Employing15N isotope labeling and quantitative dynamic modeling approach, we developed aregularized and constraint-basedDynamicMetabolicFluxAnalysis (r-DMFA) framework to predict metabolic shifts due to enzymatic changes. Our analysis revealed key enzymes such as sphingoid-base hydroxylase (SBH) and long-chain-base kinase (LCBK) to be critical for maintaining sphingolipid homeostasis. Disruptions in these enzymes were found to affect cellular viability and increase the potential for programmed cell death (PCD). Thus, this work enhances our understanding of sphingolipid metabolism and demonstrates the utility of dynamic modeling in analyzing complex metabolic pathways.
Comparative transcriptomics provides insight into molecular mechanisms of zinc tolerance in the ectomycorrhizal fungusSuillus luteus
Authors: Smith Alexander , Swinnen Janne , Jonckheere Karl , Bazzicalupo Anna , Liao Hui-Ling , Ragland Greg , Colpaert Jan , Lipzen Anna , Tejomurthula Sravanthi , Barry Kerrie , Grigoriev Igor , Ruytinx Joske , Branco Sara
Published: December 2023

Zinc is a major soil contaminant and high zinc levels can disrupt growth, survival, and reproduction of fungi. Some fungal species have evolved zinc tolerance through cell processes mitigating zinc toxicity, though the genes and detailed mechanisms underlying fungal zinc tolerance remain unexplored. To fill this gap in knowledge, we investigated the gene expression of zinc tolerance in the mycorrhizal fungusSuillus luteus. We found that zinc tolerance in this species is both a constitutive and environmentally dependent trait. Highly differentially expressed genes were predicted to be involved in transmembrane transport, metal chelation, oxidoreductase activity, and signal transduction. Some of these genes were previously reported as candidates forS. luteuszinc tolerance, while others are reported here for the first time. Overall, we foundS. luteuszinc tolerance is associated with differences in expression of genes involved in metal exclusion and immobilization, as well as recognition and mitigation of metal-induced oxidative stress. Our results contribute to understanding the mechanisms of fungal metal tolerance and pave the way for further research on the role of metal tolerance in mycorrhizal associations.
WITHDRAWN: Release of extracellular DNA byPseudomonasspecies as a major determinant for biofilm switching and an early indicator for cell population control
Authors: Kakahi Fatemeh Bajoul , Martinez Juan Andres , Avitia Fabian Moreno , Telek Samuel , Volke Daniel C. , Wirth Nicolas T. , Nikel Pablo I. , Delvigne Frank
Published: December 2023

Withdrawal Statement

The authors have withdrawn this manuscript due to a duplicate posting of manuscript number BIORXIV/2021/430776. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author. The correct preprint can be found at doi: 10.1101/2021.02.11.430776