bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of quaternary α-isoxazole–α-alkynyl amino acid derivatives
Authors: Li Min , Chen Yihua , Yan Yingkun , Liu Min , Huang Min , Li Wenzhe , Cao Lianyi , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: October 2022

Chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed enantioselective addition of 5-amino-isoxazoles with β,γ-alkynyl-α-ketimino esters provided good yields and excellent enantioselectivities.
Copper-catalyzed aerobic nitrogen-migration cyanation and oxygenation of unsaturated ketoximes via the CC bond cleavage: facile access to 4-oxobutanenitriles
Authors: Liu Xiao-Dong , Li Yang , Hu Ming , Wang Qiu-An , Li Jin-Heng
Published: October 2022

Site-selective aerobic 1,4-nitrogen-migration cyanation and oxygenation of unsaturated ketoximes involving the CC bond cleavage toward 4-oxobutanenitriles is depicted.
Naphthyridine-based iridium(iii) complexes for green to red OLEDs with EQEs over 30% and low efficiency roll-off
Authors: Lu Guangzhao , Wu Ruixia , Li Nengquan , Wang Xinzhong , Zhou Liang , Yang Chuluo
Published: October 2022

Four rigid naphthyridine-based iridium(iii) complexes are developed with good electron mobility, high device efficiency and extremely low efficiency roll-off.
Incipient detection of stator inter‐turn short‐circuit faults in a Doubly‐Fed Induction Generator using deep learning
Authors: Alipoor Ghasem , Mirbagheri Seyed Jafar , Moosavi Seyed Mohammad Mahdi , Cruz Sérgio M. A.
Published: October 2022

Wind turbines are increasingly expanding worldwide and Doubly‐Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) is a key component of most of them. Stator winding fault is a major fault in this equipment and its incipient detection is of vital importance. However, there is a paucity of research in this field. In this study, a novel machine learning‐based method is proposed for incipient detection of inter‐turn short‐circuit fault (ITF) in the DFIG stator based on the current signals of the stator. The proposed method makes use of state‐of‐the‐art deep learning methods along with conventional signal processing tools and general machine learning techniques. More specifically, the incipient fault detection problem is regarded as a multi‐class classification problem and a Long Short‐Term Memory network, which is more appropriate for time‐series data is utilised for inference. Furthermore, a variant of the celebrated Empirical mode Decomposition analysis tool is used to extract some well‐known statistical features among which the most informative ones are selected using a new feature selection method. Our tests using experimental data in steady‐state conditions show that the proposed method can accurately detect ITF fault at its initial stage when only one turn is shorted. Moreover, its performance is considerably higher than that of a variety of machine learning‐based methods.
Internal rotation and buoyancy travel time of 60 γ Doradus stars from uninterrupted TESS light curves spanning 352 days
Authors: Garcia S. , Van Reeth T. , De Ridder J. , Aerts C.
Published: October 2022

Context. Gamma Doradus (hereafter γ Dor) stars are gravity-mode pulsators whose periods carry information about their internal structure. These periods are especially sensitive to the internal rotation and chemical mixing, two processes that are currently not well constrained in the theory of stellar evolution.

Aims. We aim to identify the pulsation modes and deduce the internal rotation and buoyancy travel time for 106 γ Dor stars observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission in its southern continuous viewing zone (hereafter S-CVZ). We rely on 140 previously detected period-spacing patterns, that is, series of (near-)consecutive pulsation mode periods.

Methods. We used the asymptotic expression to compute gravity-mode frequencies for ranges of the rotation rate and buoyancy travel time that cover the physical range in γ Dor stars. Those frequencies were fitted to the observed period-spacing patterns by minimising a custom cost function. The effects of rotation were evaluated using the traditional approximation of rotation, using the stellar pulsation code GYRE.

Results. We obtained the pulsation mode identification, internal rotation, and buoyancy travel time for 60 TESS γ Dor stars. For the remaining 46 targets, the detected patterns were either too short or contained too many missing modes for unambiguous mode identification, and longer light curves are required. For the successfully analysed stars, we found that period-spacing patterns from 1-yr-long TESS light curves can constrain the internal rotation and buoyancy travel time to a precision of 0.03 d-1 and 400 s, respectively, which is about half as precise as literature results based on 4-yr-long Kepler light curves of γ Dor stars.
Orbital parallax of binary systems compared to Gaia DR3 and the parallax zero-point offset at bright magnitudes
Authors: Groenewegen M. A. T.
Published: October 2022

Multiple systems for which the astrometric and spectroscopic orbit are known offer the unique possibility of determining the distance to these systems directly without any assumptions. They are therefore ideal objects for a comparison of Gaia data release 3 (GDR3) parallax data, especially since GDR3 presents the results of the non-single star (NSS) analysis that potentially results in improved parallaxes. This analysis is relevant in studying the parallax zero-point offset (PZPO) that is crucial in improving upon the distance scale. An sample of 192 orbital parallax determinations for 186 systems is compiled from the literature. The stars are also potentially in wide binary systems (WBS). A search was performed and 37 WBS (candidates) were found. Only for 21 objects does the NSS analysis provide information, including 8 from the astrometric binary pipeline, for which the parallaxes do improve significantly compared to those in the main catalogue with significant lower goodness-of-fit (GOF) parameters. It appears that most of the objects in the sample are eliminated in the pre-filtering stage of the NSS analysis. The difference between the orbital parallax and the (best) Gaia parallax was finally obtained for 170 objects. A raw comparison is meaningless, however, due to limitations in accuracy both in the orbital and in Gaia data. As many systems have been eliminated in the pre-filtering stage of the astrometric NSS pipeline, they remain in GDR3 with values for the GOF parameter in the range from several tens to several hundreds. When objects with large parallax errors or unrealistically large differences between the orbital and Gaia parallaxes are eliminated, and objects with a GOF <100 or < 8 are selected (the latter also with G < 10.5 mag selected), samples of 68 and 20 stars remain. Parallax differences in magnitude bins and for the sample are presented. Three recipes from the literature that calculate the PZPO are tested. After these corrections are applied the remaining parallax differences are formally consistent with zero within the error bar for all three recipes. In all cases, an uncertainty in these averages of about 10–15 µas remains for these samples due to the small number statistics. The proof of concept of using orbital parallaxes is shown to work, but the full potential is not reached as an improved parallax from the NSS analysis is available for only for eight systems. In the final selection, the orbital parallax of 18 of 20 stars is known to better than 5%, and the parallax determination for 6 stars is better than from Gaia. In the full sample, 148 objects reach this precision in orbital parallax and therefore the full potential of using orbital parallaxes may hopefully be reached with GDR4.
Examining the dust of the tailless Oort-cloud comet C/2020 T2
Authors: Kwon Yuna G. , Masiero Joseph R. , Markkanen Johannes
Published: October 2022

We report our latest analysis of the Oort-cloud comet C/2020 T2 (also named Palomar or T2) observed at 2.06 au from the Sun (phase angle of 28.°5) roughly two weeks before perihelion. It lacks a significant dust tail in scattered light, showing a strong central condensation of the coma throughout the apparition that is reminiscent of so-called Manx comets. Its spectral slope of polarized light increases and decreases in the J (1.25 μm) and H (1.65 μm) bands, respectively, resulting in an overall negative (blue) slope (−0.31 ±0.14% μm−1 ) in contrast to the red polarimetric color of active comets observed at similar geometries. The average polarization degree of T2 is 2.86±0.17% for the J and 2.75±0.16% for the H bands. Given that near-infrared wavelengths are sensitive to the intermediate-scale structure of cometary dust (i.e., dust aggregates), our light-scattering modeling of ballistic aggregates with different porosities and compositions shows that the polarimetric properties of T2 are compatible with low-porosity (~66%), absorbing dust aggregates with negligible ice contents on a scale of 10–100 μm (density of ~652 kg m−3). This is supported by the coma morphology of T2 which has a viable β (the relative importance of solar radiation pressure on dust particles) range of ≲10−4. The secular evolution of r-band activity of T2 from archival data reveals that the increase in its brightness accelerates around 2.4 au pre-perihelion, with its overall dust production rate that is about 100 times smaller than those of active Oort-cloud comets. We also found an apparent concentration of T2 and Manx comets toward ecliptic orbits. This paper underlines the heterogeneous nature of Oort-cloud comets, which may be investigated in the near future with dedicated studies of their dust characteristics.
Metal-THINGS: Association and optical characterization of supernova remnants with H I holes in NGC 6946
Authors: Lara-López M. A. , Pilyugin L. S. , Zaragoza-Cardiel J. , Zinchenko I. A. , López-Cruz O. , O’Sullivan S. P. , De Rossi M. E. , Dib S. , Garduño L. E. , Rosado M. , Sánchez-Cruces M. , Valerdi M.
Published: October 2022

Context. NGC 6946, also known as the “Fireworks Galaxy”, is an unusual galaxy that hosts a total of 225 supernova remnant (SNR) candidates, including 147 optically identified with high [S II]/Hα line ratios. In addition, this galaxy shows prominent H I holes, which have been analyzed in previous studies. Indeed, the connection between SNRs and H I holes along with their physical implications in the surrounding gas are worthy of attention.

Aims. This paper explores the connection between the SNRs and the H I holes, including an analysis of their physical link to observational optical properties inside and around the rims of the holes, using new integral field unit (IFU) data from the Metal-THINGS survey.

Methods. We present an analysis combining previously identified H I holes, SNR candidates, and new integral field unit (IFU) data from Metal-THINGS of the spiral galaxy NGC 6946. We analyzed the distributions of the oxygen abundance, star formation rate surface density, extinction, ionization, and diffuse ionized gas, as well as the Baldwin-Phillips-Terlevich classification throughout the galaxy.

Results. By analyzing the optical properties of the 121 previously identify H I holes in NGC 6946 in detail, we find that the SNRs are concentrated at the rims of the H I holes. Furthermore, our IFU data show that the star formation rate and extinction are enhanced at the rims of the holes. To a lesser degree, the oxygen abundance and ionization parameter show hints of enhancement on the rims of the holes. Altogether, this provides evidence of induced star formation taking place at the rims of the holes, whose origin can be explained by the expansion of superbubbles created by multiple supernova explosions in large stellar clusters dozens of Myr ago.
On optimal uniform approximation of Lévy processes on Banach spaces with finite variation processes
Authors: Bednorz Witold M. , Łochowski Rafał M. , Martynek Rafał
Published: October 2022

For a general càdlàg Lévy process X on a separable Banach space V we estimate values of infc≥0 {ψ(c) + infY∈AX(c) 𝔼TV(Y,[0,T])}, where AX(c) is the family of processes on V adapted to the natural filtration of X, a.s. approximating paths of X uniformly with accuracy c, ψ is a penalty function with polynomial growth and TV(Y, [0,T]) denotes the total variation of the process Y on the interval [0,T], Next, we apply obtained estimates in three specific cases: Brownian motion with drift on ℝ, standard Brownian motion on ℝd and a symmetric α-stable process (α ∈ (1, 2)) on ℝ.
Pandemie-Management unter Berücksichtigung des Pflegealltags
und dem Bedürfnis nach guter Pflege. Ergebnisse und
Handlungsempfehlungen aus den CoronaCare-Workshops
Authors: Holmberg Christine , Eich-Krohm Astrid , Ringkamp Daniela , König Franziska , Weigt Julia , Paul Joshua , Apfelbacher Christian , Silberzahn-Jandt Gudrun , Großmann Sandy , Heidecker Lisa-Sophie , Elsbernd Astrid , Bergholz Andreas , Merz Sibille
Published: October 2022

Die Covid-19 Pandemie stellt das öffentliche, private und berufliche
Leben vor große Herausforderungen. Das ethnografische Forschungsprojekt
CoronaCare untersucht das alltägliche Leben von Menschen während
der Covid-19 Pandemie in Deutschland mit Fokus auf die soziale Gesundheit und
Sorgebeziehungen. Ziel war es, aus den Ergebnissen Empfehlungen für
künftige Pandemieplanungen zu entwickeln, um deren Fokus um soziale
Gesundheit zu erweitern. Gemeinsam mit Akteur*innen aus den Bereichen
Wissenschaft, Gesundheits- und Sozialverwaltung auf lokaler und
Länderebene, aus Pflegeeinrichtungen sowie Sozialverbänden
wurden auf Basis empirisch begründeter Fallvignetten im Rahmen von drei
Workshops zwischen Juni und November 2021 Handlungsempfehlungen für die
Pandemieplanung formuliert, welche die Spannungsverhältnisse
adressieren, denen Pflegekräfte während der Pandemie ausgesetzt
sind. Die herausgearbeiteten Spannungsverhältnisse betreffen sowohl den
Berufs- und Arbeitsethos als auch das private und berufliche Handeln der
Arbeitskräfte und verweisen darauf, dass es sich bei Pandemieplanung um
ein sogenanntes wicked problem handelt, bei dem es nur relationale, aber keine
eindeutigen Lösungen geben kann. Daraus ergeben sich folgende
Handlungsempfehlungen: 1. das grundsätzliche Spannungsverhältnis
zwischen dem menschlichen Bedürfnis zu sorgen und zu versorgen und den
Eindämmungsmaßnahmen der Pandemieplanung benennen und
anerkennen; 2. die Pandemie lokal verstehen und gestalten; 3. eine enge
Zusammenarbeit auf kommunaler Ebene zwischen Gesundheits-, Sozial-,
Familienpolitik und Verwaltung gestalten; und 4. individuelle
Gestaltungsfreiräume schaffen, um ethische Reflexionen des pflegerischen
Handelns zu eröffnen. Für eine Pandemieplanung verstanden als
wicked problem bedeutet das, dass Maßnahmen als Empfehlungen, nicht als
festgelegte Regeln, ausgesprochen werden sollten, um Handlungsspielräume
für eine am Individuum angepasste gute Versorgung zu
ermöglichen. Politisch sollten diese flankiert werden mit eindeutig
formulierten, stabilen Handlungsanleitungen
(„Handlungsplanken“). Unterstützt sollten diese durch
regelmäßige Schulungen von Mitarbeiter*innen, um
Prinzipien von Schutzmaßnahmen und Ziele der Pandemieplanung zu
verstehen und damit Handlungsspielräume und eigene
Abwägungsprozesse zu ermöglichen. Die entwickelten
Workshop-Formate können als Form des multidimensionalen Wissenstransfers
in einer gesellschaftlich herausfordernden Situation Berücksichtigung
finden.
High-Resolution Computed Tomography of Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Rodriguez Karen , Ashby Christian L. , Varela Valeria R. , Sharma Amita
Published: October 2022

While radiography is the first-line imaging technique for evaluation of pulmonary disease, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) provides detailed assessment of the lung parenchyma and interstitium, allowing normal anatomy to be differentiated from superimposed abnormal findings. The fibrotic interstitial lung diseases have HRCT features that include reticulation, traction bronchiectasis and bronchiolectasis, honeycombing, architectural distortion, and volume loss. The characterization and distribution of these features result in distinctive CT patterns. The CT pattern and its progression over time can be combined with clinical, serologic, and pathologic data during multidisciplinary discussion to establish a clinical diagnosis. Serial examinations identify progression, treatment response, complications, and can assist in determining prognosis. This article will describe the technique used to perform HRCT, the normal and abnormal appearance of the lung on HRCT, and the CT patterns identified in common fibrotic lung diseases.
Effects of Mouthguards on Skin Damage In Vitro Study
Authors: Saito Maho , Nakajima Kazunori , Tsutsui Arata , Sakaue Takahiro , Kanemitsu Anna , Takeda Tomotaka , Fukuda Kenichi
Published: October 2022

Objective Mouthguards can prevent and reduce orofacial sports traumas, which occur to the players themselves. However, the effect of mouthguards on skin damage has not been clarified. The present study's purpose was to examine whether the mouthguard can reduce or prevent skin damage caused by teeth (including the difference in mouthguard thickness).

Materials and Methods Pigskins, artificial teeth, and Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) mouthguard blanks with 1.5- and 3.0-mm thickness were employed. Each of the two type mouthguards was produced in 10 replicates. Mouthguard incisal thickness and collision touch angle were measured on a PC using imaging software. A pendulum-type machine was used to apply impact. Strain gauges attached to the tooth and impacted plate were used to measure mouthguards' effect on impact stress. Also, a microscope was used to observe the after impacted skin condition, and the extent of damage was assessed as a score.

Results The pigskin was ruptured in without mouthguard (NOMG) with presenting the highest damage score, whereas the complete rupture was not seen in the 1.5 mm MG, but the damage of the skin (defeat) was observed. No tissue change was found with the 3 mmMG. In both the flat plate and impact tooth strain, no significant difference was observed between NOMG and 1.5 mmMG. However, 3 mmMG had a significantly smaller value than the other two conditions. These results are likely to be strongly influenced by the mouthguard incisal thicknesses and collision touch angles differences.

Conclusion The present study results clarified that two different thickness mouthguards reduced the skin damage, and the thicker mouthguard showed more effectiveness. Therefore, mouthguards may prevent the wearer's stomatognathic system's trauma and avoid damage to the skin of other athletes they are playing with. This effect seems to be an essential basis for explaining the necessity of using mouthguards for others besides full-contact sports.
The Osteogenesis Mechanisms of Dental Alveolar Bone Socket Post Induction with Hydroxyapatite Bovine Tooth Graft: An Animal Experimental in Rattus norvegicus Strain Wistar
Authors: Zubaidah Nanik , Pratiwi Dian Dwi , Masa Maria Margaretha S. Nogo , Setiawatie Ernie Maduratna , Kunarti Sri
Published: October 2022

Objectives Surgical endodontics (hemisection) commonly involves the alveolar bone socket and the periradicular tissue. In today's era, optimizing the bone healing process is updated by using bone graft induction. This study explores the mechanisms of bone healing of the alveolar bone socket post-dental extraction of Wistar rats after administration of a bovine tooth graft (hydroxyapatite bovine tooth graft [HAp-BTG]).

Materials and Methods Fifty Wistar rats were randomly selected into two groups, control and treatment, and into five subgroups on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The postextraction socket was filled with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the control and PEG + HAp-BTG as the treatment group. On days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, Wistar rats were sacrificed, mandibles were taken, paraffin blocks were made, cut 4 µm thick, and made into glass preparations for microscopic examination. The variable analysis was performed by staining hematoxylin-eosin for osteoblasts (OBs) and osteoclasts (OCs) and immunohistochemistry for runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osterix (OSX), osteocalcin (OCN), bone morphogenic protein (BMP) 2. We analyzed the expressed cell count per microscope field.

Results In general, the number of cell expressions in the treatment group was significantly higher and faster, except for significantly lower OC. The high variables peak occurred on day 14 for RUNX2 and OCN, on day 7 for OSX, while OB significantly increased on day 21 and remained until day 28. The decrease of OC cells occurred on day 7 and remained low until 28 days. BMP2 was first dominantly induced by HAp-BTG, then the others.

Conclusion HAp-BTG can induce higher and faster bone healing biomarkers. BMP2 is the dominant first impacted. On the 28th day, it did not significantly express the suppression of OC by OB, which entered the bone formation and remodeling step.
Postnatal Posterior Fossa Arachnoid Cyst: A Developmental Etiology to Be Considered
Authors: Ramachandran Thiynesvaran , Valayatham Vijayan , Ganesan Dharmendra
Published: October 2022

Intracranial arachnoid cyst is the most common cystic congenital anomaly in the brain. In this study, we discuss a pregnancy that had serial fetal ultrasound scans throughout the pregnancy and a fetal anomaly scan at 24 weeks of gestation that was normal. The child was born healthy with normal development, but 12 months onward the head began to enlarge. The magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a large posterior fossa arachnoid cyst with hydrocephalus. We discuss the postulation to explain this pathogenesis of the cyst. This case highlights that not all symptomatic arachnoid cysts are congenital despite the manifestation being as early as infancy.
Use of 99mTc-DTPA Scintigraphy in Evaluation of Ureteral Laceration Due to Transurethral Lithotripsy in a Patient with Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Gharepapagh Esmaeil , Fakhari Ashraf , Zomorrodi Afshar , Dabiri Oskuei Shahram
Published: October 2022

Transurethral lithotripsy (TUL) procedure via ureteroscopy as an invasive method for nephrolithiasis treatment would lead to urinary tract injuries. In this reported case, the procedure caused severe damage to the left ureter that was detected by 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA) scan. Generally, the TUL procedure through the ureter scope is used to manage urinary tract stones. In this case, the TUL was performed on a patient with a history of nephrolithiasis. Following that, she was accompanied with abdominal pain and discomfort, so 99mTc-DTPA scintigraphy was performed to evaluate the urinary tract system. The scintigraphy showed a severe damage to the left ureter that finally resulted in autotransplantation. The control 99mTc-DTPA scintigraphy performed 3 weeks after revealed no visible urinary leakage. In this case, the 99mTc-DTPA scan prevented the patient from dangerous complications. So, 99mTc-DTPA scan could be performed after TUL and ureteroscopy to detect probable risks.
18F-FDG PET Brain Findings in a Case of Idiopathic Benign Rolandic Epilepsy of Childhood
Authors: Vankadari Kousik , Kumar Rajender , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Sankhyan Naveen
Published: October 2022

Idiopathic benign rolandic epilepsy, also known as benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECTS), is one of the commonly seen electroclinical epilepsy syndromes of childhood with a generally favorable long-term prognosis. We describe a 5-year-old female child who presented with recurrent focal seizures involving right side of face since the age of 6 months. She had no perinatal or postnatal insults, had normal development, and her neurological examination was unremarkable. Electroencephalogram showed rolandic spikes, suggesting BCETCS. Her seizures remained refractory to two appropriately dosed antiepileptic drugs. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not reveal any structural lesion. Interictal fluorodeoxyglucose 18F-positron emission tomography brain showed hypometabolism in the left lower rolandic region.
Semiquantitative Approach to Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography Interpretation in Clinical Practice
Authors: Franceschi Ana M. , Petrover David R. , Giliberto Luca , Clouston Sean A. P. , Gordon Marc L.
Published: October 2022

Objective Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) plays a vital role in the in vivo detection of β-amyloid accumulation in Alzheimer's disease. Increasingly, trainees and infrequent readers are relying on semiquantitative analyses to support clinical diagnostic efforts. Our objective was to determine if the visual assessment of amyloid PET may be facilitated by relying on semiquantitative analysis.

Methods We conducted a retrospective review of [18F]-florbetaben PET/computed tomographies (CTs) from 2016 to 2018. Visual interpretation to determine Aβ+ status was conducted by two readers blinded to each other's interpretation. Scans were then post-processed utilizing the MIMneuro software, which generated regional-based semiquantitative Z-scores indicating cortical Aβ-burden.

Results Of 167 [18F]-florbetaben PET/CTs, 92/167 (reader-1) and 101/167 (reader-2) were positive for amyloid deposition (agreement = 92.2%, κ = 0.84). Additional nine scans were identified as possible Aβ-positive based solely on semiquantitative analyses. Largest semiquantitative differences were identified in the left frontal lobe (Z = 7.74 in Aβ + ; 0.50 in Aβ − ). All unilateral regions showed large statistically significant differences in Aβ-burden (P ≤ 2.08E-28). Semiquantitative scores were highly sensitive to Aβ+ status and accurate in their ability to identify amyloid positivity, defined as a positive scan by both readers (AUC ≥ 0.90 [0.79–1.00]). Spread analyses suggested that amyloid deposition was most severe in the left posterior cingulate gyrus. The largest differences between Aβ +/Aβ− were in the left frontal lobe. Analyses using region-specific cutoffs indicated that the presence of amyloid in the temporal and anterior cingulate cortex, while exhibiting relatively low Z-scores, was most common.

Conclusion Visual assessment and semiquantitative analysis provide highly congruent results, thereby enhancing reader confidence and improving scan interpretation. This is particularly relevant, given recent advances in amyloid-targeting disease-modifying therapeutics.
Visualization of Domain- and Concentration-Dependent Impact of Thrombomodulin on Differential Regulation of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis
Authors: Mochizuki Liina , Sano Hideto , Honkura Naoki , Masumoto Kazuma , Urano Tetsumei , Suzuki Yuko
Published: October 2022

Background Thrombomodulin (TM) functions as a dual modulator—anticoagulant and antifibrinolytic potential—by the thrombin-dependent activation of protein C and thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI). Activated TAFI cleaves the C-terminal lysine of partially degraded fibrin and inhibits both plasminogen binding and its activation on the fibrin surface. We have reported previously that activated platelets initiate fibrin network formation and trigger fibrinolysis after the accumulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen.

Objective To analyze the effects of domain-deletion variants of TM on coagulation and fibrinolysis at different concentrations.

Methods Domain-deletion variants of TM, such as D123 (all extracellular regions), E3456 (minimum domains for thrombin-dependent activation of protein C and TAFI), and E456 (minimum domains for that of protein C but not TAFI), were used at 0.25 to 125 nM for turbidimetric assay to determine the clotting time and clot lysis time and to visualize fibrin network formation and lysis in platelet-containing plasma.

Results and Conclusions A low concentration of either D123 or E3456, but not of E456, prolonged clot lysis time, and delayed the accumulation of fluorescence-labeled plasminogen at the activated platelets/dense fibrin area due to effective TAFI activation. Conversely, only the highest concentrations of all three TM variants delayed the clotting time, though fibrin network formation in the vicinity of activated platelets was almost intact. TAFI activation might be affected by attenuation in thrombin activity after the clot formation phase. These findings suggest that the spatiotemporal balance between the anticoagulant and antifibrinolytic potential of TM is controlled in domain- and concentration-dependent manners.
Diagnosis and Monitoring of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Murphy Megan E. , Bhattacharya Sumona , Axelrad Jordan E.
Published: October 2022

Ulcerative colitis is one of the two main subtypes of inflammatory bowel disease, along with Crohn's disease. Understanding the clinical and endoscopic features of ulcerative colitis is critical in achieving a timely diagnosis. An initial evaluation includes assessing clinical symptoms, inflammatory markers, endoscopic findings, and determination of the presence or absence of extraintestinal manifestations. Initial disease management should consider disease severity at the time of diagnosis as well as prognostication, or the determination of risk factors present with a high likelihood of severe disease in the future. Once appropriate therapy has been initiated, ongoing monitoring is crucial, which may include repeated clinical assessments over time, measuring noninvasive markers of inflammation, and endoscopic and histologic reevaluation. An important aspect of disease monitoring in ulcerative colitis is dysplasia surveillance; there are many patient-specific risk factors which influence surveillance strategies. Utilizing appropriate surveillance techniques is necessary for early detection of dysplasia and colorectal neoplasia.
Numerical simulation of hydrogen bubble growth and mass transfer on horizontal microelectrode surface under electrode-normal magnetic field
Authors: Zhan Shuiqing , Yuan Rui , Huang Yujie , Zhang Wei , Li Bin , Wang Zhentao , Wang Junfeng
Published: October 2022

Based on our previous visual experiments and the volume of fluid (VOF) multiphase model, the growth and detachment characteristics of a single hydrogen bubble on the horizontal microelectrode surface under the electrode-normal magnetic field have been numerically investigated. The mass transfer contributions of supersaturated dissolved hydrogen to the bubble growth from the liquid microlayer under the direct injection model and from the bulk bubble interface under the gas–liquid diffusion-controlled model are adopted. The bubble shapes and diameters predicted from the numerical investigation agree well with experimental results under the same conditions. The simulated results indicate that the supersaturated dissolved hydrogen concentration and the mass transfer source at the wedge-shaped areas adjacent to the bubble foot are obviously higher than those in the wider bulk bubble interface regions. The mass transfer contribution to the bubble growth from the liquid microlayer beneath the bubble base directly plays a dominant role. The higher current density and corresponding Lorentz force mainly appears in the wedge-shaped areas, while the higher rotational electrolyte flow velocity appear at oblique positions of the bubble equator. The bubble detachment behavior makes the rotational electrolyte flows is significantly more complex.
A combination of exercise and calorie restriction improves the development of obesity-related type 2 diabetes mellitus in KKAy mice
Authors: Sugimoto Takumi , Uchitomi Ran , Onishi Takumi , Kamei Yasutomi
Published: October 2022

We observed that exercise and calorie restriction reduced the body weight and blood glucose levels, concurrently improving insulin resistance and glucose tolerance in obese/diabetic model KKAy mice. Analysis of gene expression in the skeletal muscle showed enhanced mRNA levels of GLUT4 (glucose uptake), ATGL (lipolytic enzyme), and slow-twitch myosin heavy chain, which may contribute to the antiobesity and antidiabetic effects.
A single administration of barley β-glucan and arabinoxylan extracts reduces blood glucose levels at the second meal via intestinal fermentation
Authors: Mio Kento , Togo-Ohno Marina , Tadenuma Natsuki , Ogawa Reina , Yamanaka Chiemi , Aoe Seiichiro
Published: October 2022

Diet with barley may suppress the glycemic response after consuming the next meal (“second meal effect”). This study aimed to investigate the second meal effect and its mechanism. Mice were given a single dose of β-glucan or arabinoxylan, the primary sources of soluble fiber in barley. A single dose of β-glucan or arabinoxylan extract, followed 6 h later by a 20% glucose solution (second meal), suppressed blood glucose elevation. Arabinoxylan and β-glucan increased the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the ileum and cecum, respectively. Total GLP-1 secretion in the blood increased with β-glucan and showed an increasing trend with arabinoxylan. These results suggest barley β-glucan and arabinoxylan are fermented in the intestinal tract to generate SCFAs, which may induce GLP-1 secretion and control blood glucose levels during the second meal.
Recent insights into crosstalk between genetic parasites and their host genome
Authors: Mandal Amit K
Published: October 2022

The bulk of higher order organismal genomes is comprised of transposable element (TE) copies, i.e. genetic parasites. The host–parasite relation is multi-faceted, varying across genomic region (genic versus intergenic), life-cycle stages, tissue-type and of course in health versus pathological state. The reach of functional genomics though, in investigating genotype-to-phenotype relations, has been limited when TEs are involved. The aim of this review is to highlight recent progress made in understanding how TE origin biochemical activity interacts with the central dogma stages of the host genome. Such interaction can also bring about modulation of the immune context and this could have important repercussions in disease state where immunity has a role to play. Thus, the review is to instigate ideas and action points around identifying evolutionary adaptations that the host genome and the genetic parasite have evolved and why they could be relevant.
Expression ofscp3anddazlreveals the meiotic characteristics of the olive flounderParalichthys olivaceus
Authors: Wang Wenxiang , Liang Shaoshuai , Zou Yuxia , Li Ze , Wu Qiaowan , Wang Lijuan , Wu Zhihao , Peng Zhuangzhuang , You Feng
Published: October 2022

Olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus is an important cultured marine fish. We found that the meiosis marker scp3 and its intrinsic regulator dazl were mainly expressed in the gonads. During the ovarian differentiation, scp3 signal was detected first in pre-meiotic oogonia at 60-mm total length (TL) and then in primary oocytes at 80- and 100-mm TL, with a sharp increase in scp3 expression level observed at 80- and 100-mm TL. Dazl signal was detected in primordial germ cells at 30-mm TL and oogonia at 60-mm TL, but no significant change of expression was observed. During the testicular differentiation period, scp3 and dazl expression remained at low levels, and scp3 signal was weakly detected in spermatogonia at 80-mm TL, whereas dazl signal was not found. During the ovarian developmental stages, the highest expression levels of scp3 and dazl were detected at stages I and II, respectively, and strong signals of scp3 and dazl were detected in primary oocytes and oocytes at phases I and II. In the testis, the high expression of scp3 and dazl was detected at stages II–IV and II–III, respectively. Scp3 signal was weakly observed in pre-meiotic spermatogonia at stages I and II and strongly detected in primary spermatocytes at stages III–V. Dazl was detected in the nuclei of spermatogonia and spermatids at stages II–IV. Furthermore, scp3 expression in the ovary could be promoted by 17α-ethynylestradiol and tamoxifen, whereas dazl expression could be downregulated by tamoxifen.
The molecular chaperone cysteine string protein is required for monomeric SNARE proteins to assemble intrans-complexes during human sperm acrosomal exocytosis
Authors: Flores-Montero Karina , Berberián María Victoria , Mayorga Luis Segundo , Tomes Claudia Nora , Ruete María Celeste
Published: October 2022

Membrane fusion in sperm cells is crucial for acrosomal exocytosis and must be preserved to ensure fertilizing capacity. Evolutionarily conserved protein machinery regulates acrosomal exocytosis. Molecular chaperones play a vital role in spermatogenesis and post-testicular maturation. Cysteine string protein (CSP) is a member of the Hsp40 co-chaperones, and the participation of molecular chaperones in acrosomal exocytosis is poorly understood. In particular, the role of CSP in acrosomal exocytosis has not been reported so far. Using western blot and indirect immunofluorescence, we show that CSP is present in human sperm, is palmitoylated, and predominantly bound to membranes. Moreover, using functional assays and transmission electron microscopy, we report that blocking the function of CSP avoided the assembly of trans-complexes and inhibited exocytosis. In summary, here, we describe the presence of CSP in human sperm and show that this protein has an essential role in membrane fusion during acrosomal exocytosis mediating the trans-SNARE complex assembly between the outer acrosomal and plasma membranes. In general, understanding CSP’s role is critical in identifying new biomarkers and generating new rational-based approaches to treat male infertility.
On the implied weights of linear regression for causal inference
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ambarish , Zubizarreta José R
Published: October 2022

A basic principle in the design of observational studies is to approximate the randomized experiment that would have been conducted under ideal circumstances. At present, linear regression models are commonly used to analyse observational data and estimate causal effects. How do linear regression adjustments in observational studies emulate key features of randomized experiments, such as covariate balance, self-weighted sampling and study representativeness? In this paper, we provide answers to this and related questions by analysing the implied individual-level data weights of various linear regression methods. We derive new closed-form expressions of these implied weights, and examine their properties in both finite and large samples. Among others, in finite samples we characterize the implied target population of linear regression, and in large samples demonstrate the multiply robust properties of regression estimators from the perspective of their implied weights. We show that the implied weights of general regression methods can be equivalently obtained by solving a convex optimization problem. This equivalence allows us to bridge ideas from the regression modelling and causal inference literatures. As a result, we propose novel regression diagnostics for causal inference that are part of the design stage of an observational study. We implement the weights and diagnostics in the new lmw package for R.
Acute and chronic kidney disease and risk of hospital mortality during COVID-19 pandemic waves in the pre-vaccination era
Authors: Portolés José , López-Sánchez Paula , Martin-Rodríguez Leyre , Serrano-Salazar María Luisa , Valdenebro-Recio Maria , Ramos Antonio , Malo Rosa María , Zalamea Felipe , Martin-Giner Juan Manuel , Marques María , Ortiz Alberto
Published: October 2022

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and COVID-19 may cause acute kidney injury (AKI) which also influences outcomes. There is little information on the independent contribution of CKD and AKI to the risk of death in COVID-19 on different waves, as CKD is a key risk factor for AKI.

Methods

We have studied the epidemiology of CKD and AKI in 2878 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and their independent association with in-hospital mortality in the two largest pre-vaccination COVID-19 waves in Madrid, Spain. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients were grouped into four mutually exclusive categories: previous-CKD, community-acquired AKI (CA-AKI), hospital-acquired AKI (HA-AKI) and normal renal function throughout hospitalization.

Results

Pre-existent or acquired kidney involvement was observed in 35.5% and 36.8% of COVID-19 patients in the 1st and 3rd waves, respectively. Overall, 13.9% of patients with normal kidney function on arrival developed HA-AKI. In the 3rd wave, CA-AKI was more common than in the 1st wave. Overall, 9%–20% of CKD cases and 22%–40% of AKI cases remained undiagnosed in the discharge report. CKD, CA-AKI and HA-AKI were independently associated with risk of death in multivariate analysis, with HA-AKI, which was usually mild, being the most relevant independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality. A model including kidney involvement category, age, Charlson index, admission lactate dehydrogenase and lymphocytes predicted death with a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.898.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CKD and AKI were common in pre-vaccination waves among hospitalized COVID-19 patients and were independent risk factors for death, even when AKI was mild to moderate, and despite improvements in treatment.
Ceramides and Phosphatidylcholines Associate with Cardiovascular Diseases in the Elderly
Authors: Katajamäki Taina T , Koivula Marja-Kaisa , Hilvo Mika , Lääperi Mitja T A , Salminen Marika J , Viljanen Anna M , Heikkilä Elisa T M , Löppönen Minna K , Isoaho Raimo E , Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa , Jylhä Antti , Viikari Laura , Irjala Kerttu M , Pulkki Kari J , Laaksonen Reijo M H
Published: October 2022

Background

The ceramide- and phospholipid-based cardiovascular risk score (CERT2) has been found to predict the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, especially cardiovascular mortality. In the present study, our aim was to estimate the predictive ability of CERT2 for mortality of CVD, coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke in the elderly and to compare these results with those of conventional lipids.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study with an 18-year follow-up period that included a total of 1260 participants ages ≥64 years. Ceramides and phosphatidylcholines were analyzed using a LC-MS. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were performed by enzymatic methods and HDL cholesterol was determined by a direct enzymatic method. Concentrations of LDL-cholesterol were calculated according to the Friedewald formula.

Results

A higher score of CERT2 was significantly associated with higher CVD, CAD, and stroke mortality during the 18-year follow-up both in unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression models. The unadjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of CERT2 (95% CI) per SD for CVD, CAD, and stroke were 1.72 (1.52–1.96), 1.76 (1.52–2.04), and 1.63 (1.27–2.10), respectively, and the corresponding adjusted HRs (95% CI) per SD for CERT2 were 1.48 (1.29–1.69), 1.50 (1.28–1.75), and 1.41 (1.09–1.83). For conventional lipids, HRs per SD were lower than for CERT2.

Conclusions

The risk score CERT2 associated strongly with CVD, CAD, and stroke mortality in the elderly, while the association between these events and conventional lipids was weak.
Online/Offline Attribute-Based Boolean Keyword Search For Internet Of Things
Authors: Yao Jiahui , Xu Lingling
Published: October 2022

With the rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing, a large amount of IoT data has been stored and shared in cloud servers. However, sensitive IoT data may be leaked by untrusted cloud servers, which is a key problem hindering the development of IoT-cloud systems. To solve this problem, searchable encryption has been presented, which enables IoT devices to encrypt the collected data before uploading them to the cloud and make retrievals over the encrypted data by keyword queries. In this paper, we will study attribute-based keyword search (ABKS), which relieves us from cumbersome key management and provides a fine-grained access control. However, since the existing ABKS schemes are all constructed by bilinear pairings, which incurs high computational costs, they are not suitable for resource-constrained IoT devices. In this article, we propose an online/offline attribute-based boolean keyword search scheme, which can significantly reduce the online computing costs of IoT devices. In addition, our scheme can support boolean keyword search for data users, which has more flexible keyword expressivity than the existing online/offline ABKS schemes. We simulate our scheme and the experimental results show that it is both efficient and practical for the real IoT-cloud systems.
The year 2021 in the European Heart Journal—Cardiovascular Imaging: Part I
Authors: Edvardsen Thor , Donal Erwan , Muraru Denisa , Gimelli Alessia , Fontes-Carvalho Ricardo , Maurer Gerald , Petersen Steffen E , Cosyns Bernard
Published: October 2022

The European Heart Journal—Cardiovascular Imaging was introduced in 2012 and has during these 10 years become one of the leading multimodality cardiovascular imaging journals. The journal is currently ranked as Number 19 among all cardiovascular journals. It has an impressive impact factor of 9.130 and our journal is well established as one of the top cardiovascular journals. The most important studies published in our Journal in 2021 will be highlighted in two reports. Part I of the review will focus on studies about myocardial function and risk prediction, myocardial ischaemia, and emerging techniques in cardiovascular imaging, while Part II will focus on valvular heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and congenital heart disease.
A multicentre, propensity score matched analysis comparing a valve-sparing approach to valve replacement in aortic root aneurysm: Insight from the AVIATOR database
Authors: Arabkhani Bardia , Klautz Robert J M , de Heer Frederiek , De Kerchove Laurent , El Khoury Gebrine , Lansac Emmanuel , Schäfers Hans-Joachim , El-Hamamsy Ismail , Lenoir Marien , Aramendi José I , Meuris Bart , Verbrugghe Peter , Kluin Jolanda , Koolbergen Dave R , Bouchot Olivier , Rudez Igor , Kolesar Adrian , van Brakel Thomas J
Published: October 2022

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to evaluate the outcome of valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) and to compare the outcomes to those of patients having composite valve–graft conduit aortic root replacement (CVG-ARR) in a cohort of patients with aortic root aneurysm ± valve insufficiency, without valvular stenosis. Although valve-sparing procedures are preferable in young patients, there is a lack of comparative data in comparable patients.

METHODS

The VSRR procedures were performed in 2005 patients, and 218 patients underwent a CVG-ARR procedure. Exclusion criteria included aortic dissection, endocarditis and valvular stenosis. Propensity score matching (3:1 ratio) was applied to compare VSRR (reimplantation 33% and remodelling 67%) and CVG-ARR.

RESULTS

We matched 218 patients with CVG-ARR to 654 patients with VSRR (median age, 56.0; median follow-up was 4 years in both groups; interquartile range 1–5 years). Early mortality was 1.1% of those who had VSRR versus 2.3% in those who had CVG-ARR. Survival was 95.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 94–97%] at 5 years in patients who had VSRR versus 85.4% (95% CI 82–92%) in those who had CVG-ARR; P = 0.002. Freedom from reintervention at 5 years was 96.8% (95% CI 95–98%) with VSRR and 95.4% (95% CI 91–99%) with CVG-ARR (P = 0.98). Additionally, there were more thromboembolic, endocarditis and bleeding events in the patients who had CVG-ARR (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This multicentre study shows excellent results after valve-sparing root replacement in patients with an ascending aortic aneurysm with or without valve insufficiency. Compared to composite valve-graft aortic root replacement, survival is better and valve-related events are fewer. Consequently, valve-sparing procedures should be considered whenever a durable repair is feasible. We advocate a valve-sparing strategy even in more complex cases when performed in experienced centres.