bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calprotectin as a diagnostic marker for sepsis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Rong-Yue , Jia Hui-Miao , Han Yu-Zhen , Qian Ben-Shu , You Pan , Zhang Xiao-Ke , Li Wen-Xiong , Huang Li-Feng
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition, and biomarkers are needed to diagnose sepsis fast and accurately. We aimed to perform this meta-analysis to investigate the diagnostic value of calprotectin on sepsis in critically ill patients.

Methods

The investigators searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they assessed the diagnostic accuracy of serum calprotectin for sepsis in intensive care unit (ICU). We estimated its diagnostic value and explored the source of heterogeneity. The bivariate model and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curve were used in the meta-analysis.

Results

Six records assessing 821 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were separately as 0.77, 0.85, 5.20, 0.27, respectively. The Fagan's nomogram showed post‐test probabilities of 91% and 35% for positive and negative outcomes, respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated that sepsis definition could be a possible source of heterogeneity, but there’s no sufficient data to investigate sepsis-3 definition. Sensitivity analysis suggested that two studies could affect the stability of pooled results.

Conclusion

On the basis of our meta-analysis, calprotectin is a helpful marker for early diagnosis of sepsis on ICU admission.
Systematic analysis of lysine malonylation in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Li Zhengyi , Wu Qinrui , Zhang Yixin , Zhou Xuedong , Peng Xian
Published: November 2022

Protein lysine malonylation (Kmal) is a novel post-translational modification (PTM) that regulates various biological pathways such as energy metabolism and translation. Malonylation in prokaryotes, however, is still poorly understood. In this study, we performed a global Kmal analysis of the cariogenic organism Streptococcus mutans by combining antibody-based affinity enrichment and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis. Altogether, 392 malonyllysine sites in 159 proteins were identified. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis revealed that Kmal occurs in proteins involved in various metabolic pathways including translation machinery, energy metabolism, RNA degradation, and biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that Kmal substrates were globally altered in the biofilm growth state compared to the planktonic growth state. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of the lysine malonylome of our study with previously determined lysine acetylome in S. mutans revealed that a small proportion of Kmal sites overlapped with acetylated sites, whereby suggesting that these two acylations have distinct functional implications. These results expand our knowledge of Kmal in prokaryotes, providing a resource for researching metabolic regulation of bacterial virulence and physiological functions by PTM.
Correlation of cardiovascular risk predictors with overweight and obesity in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Wang Yaodong , He Jinchun
Published: November 2022

Purpose

We aimed to analyze the correlation between overweight and obesity-related indicators and cardiovascular risk predictors in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and to evaluate their mutual predictive properties.

Methods

A total of 103 patients with FH included from 2004 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the correlation between overweight and obesity-related indicators and cardiovascular risk predictors in FH patients. Subject operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze their reciprocal predictive performance.

Results

(1) Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) (β = 0.020) and ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio (BAR) (β = 0.015) were independently correlated with body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.05); AIP (β = 1.176) was independently correlated with waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (P < 0.01); AIP (β = 1.575), BAR (β = 0.661) and atherogenic coefficient (AC) (β = 0.427) were independently correlated with waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) (P < 0.05). (2) The area under the ROC (AUC) for overweight corresponding to AIP, BAR, and AC were 0.695 (95% CI = 0.593–0.797, P < 0.01), 0.660 (95% CI = 0.555–0.766, P < 0.01), and 0.632 (95% CI = 0.525–0.740, P < 0.05), respectively; and AUCs for central obesity corresponding to AIP, BAR and AC were 0.757 (95% CI = 0.656–0.857, P < 0.001), 0.654 (95% CI = 0.536–0.771, P < 0.05) and 0.651 (95% CI = 0.538–0.764, P < 0.05), respectively. The AUCs for moderate risk of AIP corresponding to BMI, WHR, and WHtR were 0.709 (95% CI = 0.608–0.811, P < 0.001), 0.773 (95% CI = 0.678–0.867, P < 0.001), 0.739 (95% CI = 0.641–0.836, P < 0.001), respectively, and BMI, WHR and WHtR corresponded to an AUC of 0.691 (95% CI = 0.585–0.797, P < 0.01), 0.734 (95% CI = 0.632–0.835, P < 0.001), and 0.706 (95% CI = 0.603–0.810, P < 0.01) for high risk of AIP, respectively.

Conclusion

AIP has independent positive linear correlation with indicators related to overweight and obesity in FH patients; AIP has good predictive performance for overweight and obesity in FH patients, and WHR has good performance for identifying moderate and high risk of AIP in FH patients.
It’s time to change our documentation philosophy: writing better neurology notes without the burnout
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Jorge M. , Loeb Jeffrey A. , Hier Daniel B.
Published: November 2022

Succinct clinical documentation is vital to effective twenty-first-century healthcare. Recent changes in outpatient and inpatient evaluation and management (E/M) guidelines have allowed neurology practices to make changes that reduce the documentation burden and enhance clinical note usability. Despite favorable changes in E/M guidelines, some neurology practices have not moved quickly to change their documentation philosophy. We argue in favor of changes in the design, structure, and implementation of clinical notes that make them shorter yet still information-rich. A move from physician-centric to team documentation can reduce work for physicians. Changing the documentation philosophy from “bigger is better” to “short but sweet” can reduce the documentation burden, streamline the writing and reading of clinical notes, and enhance their utility for medical decision-making, patient education, medical education, and clinical research. We believe that these changes can favorably affect physician well-being without adversely affecting reimbursement.
Developing an educational app for students with autism
Authors: Somerton Michelle
Published: November 2022

This paper describes the design, development, and pilot test of an App, and explains how research based strategies and pedagogical approaches can be embedded within an App based format. The aims and scope of the research were to; (a) synthesize research findings on reading comprehension difficulties for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) identifying evidence-based strategies that underpin improvements; (b) determine the features associated with the design of ‘quality’ educational apps; (c) create a reading comprehension app for students with ASD and; (d) test in applied settings. The study utilized extensive literature searches to determine key considerations for design and development of the App and then piloted the completed product through employing an AB case study design with two participants. Pre and post testing measured discrete vocabulary skills including expressive and receptive vocabulary, reading comprehension, phonological development, and reading behaviors. The results of the design process and pilot test provide recommendations for developers and educators when considering the critical pedagogical content and functionality of Apps for supporting reading comprehension skills for students with Autism.
Exploring risk factors of short-term readmission in heart failure patients: A cohort study
Authors: Niu Xiao Na , Wen He , Sun Nan , Zhao Ran , Wang Ting , Li Yan
Published: November 2022

Background

The risk of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) has been studied previously. Readmission risk of HF patients was rarely explored. Thus, we aimed to explore early warning factors that may influence short-term readmission of HF patients.

Methods

The data of this study came from an HF database in China. It was a retrospective single-center observational study that collected characteristic data on Chinese HF patients by integrating electronic medical records and follow-up outcome data. Eventually, 1,727 patients with HF were finally included in our study.

Results

In our study, the proportion of HF patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II, III, and IV HF were 17.20%, 52.69%, and 30.11%, respectively. The proportion of patients with readmission within 6 months and readmission within 3 months was 38.33% and 24.20%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that NYHA class (pIII = 0.028, pIV < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.002), Cr (p = 0.003), and RDW-SD (p = 0.039) were risk factors for readmission within 6 months of HF patients. NYHA class (pIII = 0.038, pIV < 0.001), CCI (p = 0.033), Cr (p = 0.012), UA (p = 0.042), and Na (p = 0.026) were risk factors for readmission within 3 months of HF patients.

Conclusions

Our study implied risk factors of short-term readmission risk in patients with HF, which may provide policy guidance for the prognosis of patients with HF.
Albinism in the largest extant amphibian: A metabolic, endocrine, or immune problem?
Authors: Chang Liming , Zhu Wei , Jiang Jianping
Published: November 2022

Background

Pigment regression is an intriguing phenomenon that can be caused by disorders in melanin metabolism or endocrine regulation, or by autoimmune disorders. Albino animals serve as excellent models for the study of the genetic determination of morphology, particularly the evolution of and molecular mechanisms underlying chromatophore-related diseases in animals and humans.

Material and Methods

The artificial culture of Andrias davidianus, the largest extant amphibian, is flourishing in China due to the great ecological and economic value of this animal. Approximately 0.1% of individuals express an albino phenotype accompanied by delayed somatic growth and mortality at early developmental stages. In this study, brain and skin transcriptomics were conducted to study the underlying molecular basis of the phenotype.

Results

The results indicated decreased transcription of genes of melanin synthesis. Interestingly, MHC I isotypes and immune-related pathways accounted for the primary transcriptional differences between groups, suggesting that the albino phenotype represents a systematic immune problem to a far greater extent than a pigmentation defect. Albino individuals exhibited shifted transcription of MHC I isotypes, and the albino-specific isotype was characterized by increased charges and decreased space in the antigen- binding pocket, implying a drastic change in antigen specificity and a potential risk of autoimmune disorders.

Conclusion

These results suggest an association between the albino phenotype and MHC I variants in A. davidianus, which could serve as a convenient model for vitiligo or other autoimmune diseases.
Association of thyroid function, within the euthyroid range, with cardiovascular risk: The EPIPorto study
Authors: Neves João Sérgio , Fontes-Carvalho Ricardo , Borges-Canha Marta , Leite Ana Rita , von Hafe Madalena , Vale Catarina , Martins Sandra , Guimarães João Tiago , Carvalho Davide , Leite-Moreira Adelino , Azevedo Ana
Published: November 2022

Background

Thyroid hormones are important modulators of cardiovascular function. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are known to contribute to an increased cardiovascular risk. It remains uncertain whether thyroid hormones level within the euthyroid range are associated with cardiometabolic risk. We aimed to evaluate the association between thyroid function levels within the euthyroid range and cardiovascular risk in a population-based cohort.

Methods

Eight hundred thirty-five subjects aged ≥45 years from the EPIPorto population-based cohort were included. We excluded participants with TSH, free T4 (FT4), or free T3 (FT3) outside of the reference range, or with previous cardiovascular or thyroid disease. The associations between thyroid function, cardiovascular risk factors and the 10-year estimated risk of cardiovascular events (using SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP) were evaluated in linear and logistic regression models, crudely and adjusting for age, sex, BMI, diabetes, and smoking.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 61.5 (SD 10.5) years and 38.9% were men. Eleven percent of the participants had diabetes, 47.8% had dyslipidemia, and 54.8% had hypertension. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.4 (SD 4.6) kg/m2, and the median (percentile25-75) 10-year risk of cardiovascular events was 5.46% (2.92, 10.11). Participants with higher BMI, larger waist circumference and higher hs-CRP had higher levels of FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio. Lower FT3/FT4 ratio and higher FT4 levels were associated with higher prevalence of diabetes and more adverse lipid profile. Higher TSH, lower FT3 and lower FT3/FT4 ratio were associated with lower eGFR. Lower FT3, lower FT3/FT4 ratio and higher FT4 were associated with an increased 10-year risk of cardiovascular events.

Conclusions

In a population-based study, variations of thyroid function within the euthyroid range were associated with cardiovascular risk factors. On one hand, individuals with higher BMI, larger waist circumference and higher hs-CRP had higher levels of FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio. On the other hand, a decreased conversion of T4 to T3 (lower FT3, lower FT3/FT4 ratio and/or higher FT4) was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes, a more adverse lipid profile, a lower eGFR and an increased 10-year risk of cardiovascular events.
Visible-light-driven nanoscale zero-valent iron loaded rGO/g-C3N4 for fluoroquinolone antibiotics degradation in water
Authors: Liu Chen , Xie Yuqian , Jiao Yuzhu , Du Yongjuan , Zheng Qinmin , Sun Yingxue
Published: November 2022

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics attract increasing attention in the water treatment field because of the potential adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. The graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) based photocatalysis has been demonstrated as an economically feasible and environmentally benign process to control these persistent contaminants. In this study, a new visible-light-driven of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) co-modified g-C3N4-based photocatalyst was synthesized via ultrasonication-assisted chemisorption method. The optimized nZVI-loaded rGO/g-C3N4 (10% IGCN) showed a reaction rate enhancement of 2.12∼3.69-fold and 1.20∼1.68-fold for the degradation of ofloxacin (OFL), norfloxacin (NOR), and ciprofloxacin (CIP) compared to that of carbon-doped g-C3N4 (MCB0.07) and rGO-supported g-C3N4 (7.5% GCN) under the irradiation of simulated visible light, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of nZVI and rGO to improve the separation of charge carriers and boost the harvest of visible light. The degradation mechanisms were explored by scavenger tests and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), indicating that holes (h+) played a dominant role in the decomposition of OFL, NOR, and CIP. The piperazine ring and C–N between the piperazine ring and benzene were the primary attack sites of h+. In addition, the ring-opening oxidation of benzene (C=C bond) connected by the C–F bond may also be an essential step. This study shed light on the degradation mechanism of OFL, NOR, and CIP under visible light irradiation of the 10% IGCN and provided theoretical support for the practical application of photocatalysis in treating antibiotics-containing water.
A signal recognition particle-related joint model of LASSO regression, SVM-RFE and artificial neural network for the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Xu Jingxi , Liang Chaoyang , Li Jiangtao
Published: November 2022

Background: Systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SSc-PH) is one of the most common causes of death in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The complexity of SSc-PH and the heterogeneity of clinical features in SSc-PH patients contribute to the difficulty of diagnosis. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop and optimize models for the diagnosis of SSc-PH. Signal recognition particle (SRP) deficiency has been found to promote the progression of multiple cancers, but the relationship between SRP and SSc-PH has not been explored.

Methods: First, we obtained the GSE19617 and GSE33463 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database as the training set, GSE22356 as the test set, and the SRP-related gene set from the MSigDB database. Next, we identified differentially expressed SRP-related genes (DE-SRPGs) and performed unsupervised clustering and gene enrichment analyses. Then, we used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) to identify SRP-related diagnostic genes (SRP-DGs). We constructed an SRP scoring system and a nomogram model based on the SRP-DGs and established an artificial neural network (ANN) for diagnosis. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to identify the SRP-related signature in the training and test sets. Finally, we analyzed immune features, signaling pathways, and drugs associated with SRP and investigated SRP-DGs’ functions using single gene batch correlation analysis-based GSEA.

Results: We obtained 30 DE-SRPGs and found that they were enriched in functions and pathways such as “protein targeting to ER,” “cytosolic ribosome,” and “coronavirus disease—COVID-19”. Subsequently, we identified seven SRP-DGs whose expression levels and diagnostic efficacy were validated in the test set. As one signature, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values for seven SRP-DGs were 0.769 and 1.000 in the training and test sets, respectively. Predictions made using the nomogram model are likely beneficial for SSc-PH patients. The AUC values of the ANN were 0.999 and 0.860 in the training and test sets, respectively. Finally, we discovered that some immune cells and pathways, such as activated dendritic cells, complement activation, and heme metabolism, were significantly associated with SRP-DGs and identified ten drugs targeting SRP-DGs.

Conclusion: We constructed a reliable SRP-related ANN model for the diagnosis of SSc-PH and investigated the possible role of SRP in the etiopathogenesis of SSc-PH by bioinformatics methods to provide a basis for precision and personalized medicine.
Regulation and directed inhibition of ECP production by human neutrophils
Authors: Vega-Rioja Antonio , Chacón Pedro , Fernández-Delgado Lourdes , Doukkali Bouchra , del Valle Rodríguez Alberto , Perkins James R. , Ranea Juan A. G. , Dominguez-Cereijo Leticia , Pérez-Machuca Beatriz María , Palacios Ricardo , Rodríguez David , Monteseirín Javier , Ribas-Pérez David
Published: November 2022

Background

Neutrophils are involved in the pathophysiology of allergic asthma, where the Eosinophil Cationic Protein(ECP) is a critical inflammatory mediator. Although ECP production is attributed to eosinophils, we reported that ECP is also present in neutrophils from allergic patients where, in contrast to eosinophils, it is produced in an IgE-dependent manner. Given the key role of ECP in asthma, we investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in ECP production as well as the effects induced by agonists and widely used clinical approaches. We also analyzed the correlation between ECP production and lung function.

Methods

Neutrophils from allergic asthmatic patients were challenged with allergens, alone or in combination with cytokines, in the presence of cell-signaling inhibitors and clinical drugs. We analyzed ECP levels by ELISA and confocal microscopy. Lung function was assessed by spirometry.

Results

IgE-mediated ECP release is dependent on phosphoinositide 3-kinase, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and the production of reactive oxygen species by NADPH-oxidase. Calcineurin phosphatase and the transcription factor NFAT are also involved. ECP release is enhanced by the cytokines interleukin (IL)-5 and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and inhibited by interferon-γ, IL-10, clinical drugs (formoterol, tiotropium and budesonide) and allergen-specific IT. We also found an inverse correlation between asthma severity and ECP levels.

Conclusions

Our results suggest the molecular pathways involved in ECP production and potential therapeutic targets. We also provide a new method to evaluate disease severity in asthmatic patients based on the quantification ofin vitroECP production by peripheral neutrophils.
An interleukin-1 polymorphism additionally intensified by atopy as prognostic factor for aseptic non-mechanical complications in metal knee and hip arthroplasty
Authors: Summer B. , Lill D. , Remmel K. , Schraml A. , Schopf C. , Banke I. J. , Kuechenhoff H. , Maierhofer T. , Endres S. , Thomas P.
Published: November 2022

Background

In contrast to infection or mechanical issues joint replacement failure following inflammatory adverse reactions is poorly understood.

Objective

To assess the association of IL-1β polymorphisms and history of allergy with aseptic non-mechanical complications following arthroplasty.

Methods

In 102 patients with aseptic non-mechanically caused symptomatic knee or hip arthroplasty (SA) and 93 patients with asymptomatic arthroplasty (AA) questionnaire-based history, patch test with at least standard series, lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) with nickel, cobalt and chromium and interleukin-1 polymorphism analysis were done. Three polymorphisms of the IL1B gene [IL-1b -3954 (rs1143634), IL-1b -511 (rs16944) and IL-1b -31 (rs1143627)] and one polymorphism of the IL1RN gene [IL1RN intron 2, variable number of tandem repeats, VNTR (rs2234663)] were assessed by PCR and gel electrophoresis.

Results

We found no significant difference in smoking history and atopy but 25% versus 10% of self-reported metal allergy in SA versus AA; the patch test (respective, LTT) for metal sensitivity was more often positive in SA patients. The allele 498 bp of the IL1RN polymorphism occurred significantly more often in the SA group (37% versus 11%; p < 0.0001). Upon additional presence of atopy, the difference was even greater (60% vs 10%) (p < 0.000001). There was no association of IL-1 polymorphisms with metal allergy.

Conclusion

The IL1RN VNTR allele 498 bp was strongly associated with SA. In patients with a history of atopy, presence of the IL1RN VNTR allele 498 bp led to a four-fold higher SA prevalence compared to patients without this allele.
The immune response to lumpy skin disease virus in cattle is influenced by inoculation route
Authors: Fay Petra C. , Wijesiriwardana Najith , Munyanduki Henry , Sanz-Bernardo Beatriz , Lewis Isabel , Haga Ismar R. , Moffat Katy , van Vliet Arnoud H. M. , Hope Jayne , Graham Simon P. , Beard Philippa M.
Published: November 2022

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) causes severe disease in cattle and water buffalo and is transmitted by hematophagous arthropod vectors. Detailed information of the adaptive and innate immune response to LSDV is limited, hampering the development of tools to control the disease. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the immune responses of calves experimentally inoculated with LSDV via either needle-inoculation or arthropod-inoculation using virus-positive Stomoxys calcitrans and Aedes aegypti vectors. Seven out of seventeen needle-inoculated calves (41%) developed clinical disease characterised by multifocal necrotic cutaneous nodules. In comparison 8/10 (80%) of the arthropod-inoculated calves developed clinical disease. A variable LSDV-specific IFN-γ immune response was detected in the needle-inoculated calves from 5 days post inoculation (dpi) onwards, with no difference between clinical calves (developed cutaneous lesions) and nonclinical calves (did not develop cutaneous lesions). In contrast a robust and uniform cell-mediated immune response was detected in all eight clinical arthropod-inoculated calves, with little response detected in the two nonclinical arthropod-inoculated calves. Neutralising antibodies against LSDV were detected in all inoculated cattle from 5-7 dpi. Comparison of the production of anti-LSDV IgM and IgG antibodies revealed no difference between clinical and nonclinical needle-inoculated calves, however a strong IgM response was evident in the nonclinical arthropod-inoculated calves but absent in the clinical arthropod-inoculated calves. This suggests that early IgM production is a correlate of protection in LSD. This study presents the first evidence of differences in the immune response between clinical and nonclinical cattle and highlights the importance of using a relevant transmission model when studying LSD.
Effects of biological sex and pregnancy in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: It’s complicated
Authors: McCombe Pamela A. , Greer Judith M.
Published: November 2022

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) can be induced in many animal strains by inoculation with central nervous system antigens and adjuvant or by the passive transfer of lymphocytes reactive with these antigens and is widely used as an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). There are reports that female sex and pregnancy affect EAE. Here we review the effects of biological sex and the effects of pregnancy on the clinical features (including disease susceptibility) and pathophysiology of EAE. We also review reports of the possible mechanisms underlying these differences. These include sex-related differences in the immune system and in the central nervous system, the effects of hormones and the sex chromosomes and molecules unique to pregnancy. We also review sex differences in the response to factors that can modify the course of EAE. Our conclusion is that the effects of biological sex in EAE vary amongst animal models and should not be widely extrapolated. In EAE, it is therefore essential that studies looking at the effects of biological sex or pregnancy give full information about the model that is used (i.e. animal strain, sex, the inducing antigen, timing of EAE induction in relation to pregnancy, etc.). In addition, it would be preferable if more than one EAE model were used, to show if any observed effects are generalizable. This is clearly a field that requires further work. However, understanding of the mechanisms of sex differences could lead to greater understanding of EAE, and suggest possible therapies for MS.
UCRNet: Underwater color image restoration via a polarization-guided convolutional neural network
Authors: Hu Haofeng , Huang Yizhao , Li Xiaobo , Jiang Liubing , Che Li , Liu Tiegen , Zhai Jingsheng
Published: November 2022

Underwater images always suffer from low contrast and color distortion due to the wavelength-dependent scattering and absorption effects caused by particles existing in turbid water, especially in high turbidity conditions. Based on the polarization properties of the backscattering light, polarimetric methods can estimate the intensity level of the backscattering and the transmittance of the media. Accordingly, they can separate the target signal from the undesired ones to achieve high-quality imaging. In addition, learning-based polarimetric methods are effective for gray-model image restoration, but the learning-based polarimetric technique for color image restoration has yet to be considered. In this paper, we propose a 3- dimensional convolutional neural network, which maintains the correlation of polarization information among different polarization channel images as well as embodies polarization constraints, for underwater color image restoration. The experimental results verify that the proposed solution improves the image quality (i.e., the image contrast, details, and color) and outperforms other existing methods, especially when the turbidity of scattering media is high. The proposed solution can be readily applied to practical applications and potentially realize the clear vision in other scattering media, including biomedical imaging and remote sensing.
Stable isotope tracing reveals compartmentalized nitrogen assimilation in scleractinian corals
Authors: Chiles Eric N. , Huffmyer Ariana S. , Drury Crawford , Putnam Hollie M. , Bhattacharya Debashish , Su Xiaoyang
Published: November 2022

Corals form symbiotic relationships with dinoflagellate algae of the family Symbiodiniaceae, bacteria, and other microbes. Central to that relationship is the regulation of nutrition flux between the animal host and the photosynthetic Symbiodiniaceae that it is reliant on for the majority of metabolic needs. Nitrogen availability controls the growth and density of Symbiodiniaceae within coral tissues and has been proposed to play a role in host derived symbiosis regulation. Warming ocean temperatures and subsequent increases in dissolved organic carbon can potentially increase nitrogen fixation and lead to bleaching. We investigated the importance of nitrogen metabolism in vivo with LC-MS based stable isotope tracing using nubbins from three species of Hawaiian coral, the more heat tolerant Montipora capitata and Porites compressa and the more heat sensitive Pocillopora acuta, that were collected from reefs in Kāne’ohe Bay, O’ahu. In addition to 15N incorporation into nucleotides, amino acids, and urea cycle metabolites, we also observed significant isotopic labeling in dipeptides, supporting their previous identification as major heat stress response metabolites. Surprisingly, the dipeptides are highly enriched in 15N compared to free amino acids, which are the biosynthetic precursors for dipeptides. This suggests that there is a high turnover of dipeptide pools and distinct biosynthetic mechanisms that separately mediate amino acid and dipeptide production. These preliminary data show that nitrogen assimilation in the coral holobiont is likely compartmentalized, with rapid assimilation and quick dipeptide turnover occurring in one region of the holobiont and slow turnover of other nitrogen containing metabolites in other region(s).
An analytical approach to global buckling of ring-stiffened sandwich cylindrical shells
Authors: Cao Xiaoming , Wang Lei , Li Zhao , Zhang Hao , Wang Xinliang
Published: November 2022

In this paper, an analytical approach for global buckling of ring-stiffened sandwich cylindrical shells is presented with layerwise theory (LWT). Appropriate displacement functions are assumed according to the boundary conditions and the deformation characteristics of the inner and outer shells. The strain energies of the inner and outer shells and the ribs and the work done by external forces are derived with the help of classical laminate theory. Furthermore, the Rayleigh–Ritz method is employed to obtain the critical buckling load of ring-stiffened sandwich cylindrical shells. The ribband width has a great influence on the precision of calculation of the critical buckling load, and a formula for calculating this width is obtained by data fitting. To confirm the accuracy of the proposed formulation, a numerical simulation is carried out by using Abaqus FEM software. The results show that the proposed approach has high accuracy in predicting the global buckling behavior of ring-stiffened sandwich cylindrical shells. Finally, the effects on the buckling performance of ring-stiffened sandwich cylindrical shells caused by changing the inner and outer shell thicknesses and the rib height, thickness, and spacing are explored.
Impedance-based damage assessment of steel-ECC composite deck using piezoelectric transducers
Authors: Sun Rui , Li Yunjuan , Qin Fengjiang , Zhang Zhigang
Published: November 2022

The excellent crack and fatigue resistance of Engineering Cementitious Composites (ECC) materials makes it promising to be used in orthotropic bridge deck system. However, overloading and fatigue load might cause structural damage and, consequently, structural performance degradation. In this work, the piezoelectric lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) transducers are used to identify the structural damage of the steel-ECC composite deck by implementing both experimental test and numerical simulation. Two steel-ECC composite deck are prepared and four-point bending loading tests are performed on the two specimens to introduce several damage scenarios by gradually increasing the load. The impedance output signals of the piezoelectric sensors are measured under different damage scenarios, and the damage index are extracted to identify the structural damage. A finite element model of the steel-ECC composite deck is established, and the impedance signals with different damage scenarios are calculated and used to assess the structural damages. According to the experimental test and numerical simulation, the impedance-based technology performs to be an effective way to identify the structural damage of the steel-ECC composite deck.
Recent advances in sustainable and safe marine engine operation with alternative fuels
Authors: Karvounis Panagiotis , Tsoumpris Charalampos , Boulougouris Evangelos , Theotokatos Gerasimos
Published: November 2022

Pursuing net-zero emission operations in the shipping industry are quintessential for this sector to mitigate the environmental impact caused by hydrocarbon fuel combustion. Significant contributions to this are expected from the substitution of conventional marine fuels by alternative, emission-free fuels with lower emission footprints. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review for delineating the main characteristics of the considered alternative fuels, specifically focusing on hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia, which have recently attracted attention from both industry and academia. This study comparatively assesses the potential of using these fuels in marine engines, and their subsequent performance characteristics as well as the associated environmental benefits. In addition, the required storage conditions, space, as well as the associated costs, are reviewed. Special attention is given to the safety characteristics and requirements for each alternative fuel. The results of this study demonstrate that the environmental benefits gained from alternative fuel use are pronounced only when renewable energy is considerably exploited for their production, whereas the feasibility of each fuel depends on the vessel type used and pertinent storage constraints. Hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol are considered best-fit solutions for small scale shipping, requiring minimal on-board storage. In addition, the need for comparative assessments between diesel and alternative fuels is highlighted and sheds light on marine engines’ operational characteristics. Moreover, using combinations of alternative and diesel fuels is identified as a direction towards decarbonisation of the maritime sector; intensifying the need for optimisation studies on marine engine design and operation. This study concludes with recommendations for future research directions, thus contributing to fuel research concepts that can facilitate the shipboard use of alternative fuels.
Risk factors for peripheral venous catheter-related phlebitis stratified by body mass index in critically ill patients: A post-hoc analysis of the AMOR-VENUS study
Authors: Kashiura Masahiro , Yasuda Hideto , Oishi Takatoshi , Kishihara Yuki , Moriya Takashi , Kotani Yuki , Kondo Natsuki , Sekine Kosuke , Shime Nobuaki , Morikane Keita
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Phlebitis is an important complication in patients with peripheral intravascular catheters (PIVCs). Although an association between body mass index (BMI) and phlebitis has been suggested, the risk of phlebitis according to BMI has not been well elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the risk of phlebitis according to BMI in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Materials and methods

This study undertook a secondary analysis of the data from a prospective multicenter observational study assessing the epidemiology of phlebitis at 23 ICUs in Japan. Patients admitted into the ICU aged ≥18 years with a new PIVC inserted after ICU admission were consecutively enrolled and stratified into the following groups based on BMI: Underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25.0 kg/m2), and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2). The primary outcome was phlebitis. The risk factors for phlebitis in each BMI-based group were investigated using a marginal Cox regression model. In addition, hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results

A total of 1,357 patients and 3,425 PIVCs were included in the analysis. The mean BMI for all included patients was 22.8 (standard deviation 4.3) kg/m2. Among the eligible PIVCs, 455; 2,041; and 929 were categorized as underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obese, respectively. In the underweight group, catheter size ≥ 18 G and amiodarone administration were independently associated with the incidence of phlebitis. Drug administration standardization was associated with the reduction of phlebitis. In the normal weight group, elective surgery as a reason for ICU admission, and nicardipine, noradrenaline, and levetiracetam administration were independently associated with the incidence of phlebitis. Heparin administration was associated with the reduction of phlebitis. In the overweight/obese group, the Charlson comorbidity index, catheter size ≥ 18 G, and levetiracetam administration were independently associated with the incidence of phlebitis. Catheters made from PEU-Vialon (polyetherurethane without leachable additives) and tetrafluoroethylene were associated with the reduction of phlebitis.

Conclusion

We investigated the risk factors for peripheral phlebitis according to BMI in ICU and observed different risk factors in groups stratified by BMI. For example, in underweight or overweight patients, large size PIVCs could be avoided. Focusing on the various risk factors for phlebitis according to patients’ BMIs may aid the prevention of phlebitis.
Low-cost locally manufacturable unilateral imperial external fixator for low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Saeidi Mehdi , Barnes Spencer C. , Berthaume Michael A. , Holthof Sander R. , Milandri Giovanni S. , Bull Anthony M. J. , Jeffers Jonathan
Published: November 2022

Treating open fractures in long bones can be challenging and if not performed properly can lead to poor outcomes such as mal/non-union, deformity, and amputation. One of the most common methods of treating these fracture types is temporary external fixation followed by definitive fixation. The shortage of high-quality affordable external fixators is a long-recognised need, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This research aimed to develop a low-cost device that can be manufactured locally to international standards. This can provide surge capacity for conflict zones or in response to unpredictable incidents and situations. The fixator presented here and developed by us, the Imperial external fixator, was tested on femur and tibia specimens under 100 cycles of 100 N compression-tension and the results were compared with those of the Stryker Hoffmann 3 frame. The Imperial device was stiffer than the Stryker Hoffmann 3 with a lower median interfragmentary motion (of 0.94 vs. 1.48 mm). The low-cost, easy to use, relatively lightweight, and easy to manufacture (since minimum skillset and basic workshop equipment and materials are needed) device can address a critical shortage and need in LMICs particularly in conflict-affected regions with unpredictable demand and supply. The device is currently being piloted in three countries for road traffic accidents, gunshot wounds and other conflict trauma—including blast cohorts.
Tuning gold-based surface functionalization for streptavidin detection: A combined simulative and experimental study
Authors: Dutta Sutapa , Gagliardi Mariacristina , Bellucci Luca , Agostini Matteo , Corni Stefano , Cecchini Marco , Brancolini Giorgia
Published: November 2022

A rationally designed gold-functionalized surface capable of capturing a target protein is presented using the biotin–streptavidin pair as a proof-of-concept. We carried out multiscale simulations to shed light on the binding mechanism of streptavidin on four differently biotinylated surfaces. Brownian Dynamics simulations were used to reveal the preferred initial orientation of streptavidin over the surfaces, whereas classical molecular dynamics was used to refine the binding poses and to investigate the fundamental forces involved in binding, and the binding kinetics. We assessed the binding events and the stability of the streptavidin attachment through a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). The sensing element comprises of biotinylated polyethylene glycol chains grafted on the sensor’s gold surface via thiol-Au chemistry. Finally, we compared the results from experiments and simulations. We found that the confined biotin moieties can specifically capture streptavidin from the liquid phase and provide guidelines on how to exploit the microscopic parameters obtained from simulations to guide the design of further biosensors with enhanced sensitivity.
Fluorescence microscopy imaging of a neurotransmitter receptor and its cell membrane lipid milieu
Authors: Barrantes Francisco J.
Published: November 2022

Hampered by the diffraction phenomenon, as expressed in 1873 by Abbe, applications of optical microscopy to image biological structures were for a long time limited to resolutions above the ∼200 nm barrier and restricted to the observation of stained specimens. The introduction of fluorescence was a game changer, and since its inception it became the gold standard technique in biological microscopy. The plasma membrane is a tenuous envelope of 4 nm–10 nm in thickness surrounding the cell. Because of its highly versatile spectroscopic properties and availability of suitable instrumentation, fluorescence techniques epitomize the current approach to study this delicate structure and its molecular constituents. The wide spectral range covered by fluorescence, intimately linked to the availability of appropriate intrinsic and extrinsic probes, provides the ability to dissect membrane constituents at the molecular scale in the spatial domain. In addition, the time resolution capabilities of fluorescence methods provide complementary high precision for studying the behavior of membrane molecules in the time domain. This review illustrates the value of various fluorescence techniques to extract information on the topography and motion of plasma membrane receptors. To this end I resort to a paradigmatic membrane-bound neurotransmitter receptor, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). The structural and dynamic picture emerging from studies of this prototypic pentameric ligand-gated ion channel can be extrapolated not only to other members of this superfamily of ion channels but to other membrane-bound proteins. I also briefly discuss the various emerging techniques in the field of biomembrane labeling with new organic chemistry strategies oriented to applications in fluorescence nanoscopy, the form of fluorescence microscopy that is expanding the depth and scope of interrogation of membrane-associated phenomena.
Hepatocellular carcinoma risk-stratification based on ASGR1 in circulating epithelial cells for cancer interception
Authors: Roa-Colomo Amparo , López Garrido María Ángeles , Molina-Vallejo Pilar , Rojas Angela , Sanchez Mercedes González , Aranda-García Violeta , Salmeron Javier , Romero-Gomez Manuel , Muntane Jordi , Padillo Javier , Alamo Jose María , Lorente Jose A. , Serrano María José , Garrido-Navas M. Carmen
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Lack of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma impedes stratifying patients based on their risk of developing cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of circulating epithelial cells (CECs) based on asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1) and miR-122-5p expression as potential diagnostic and prognostic tools in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis (LC).

Methods: Peripheral blood samples were extracted from LC and HCC patients at different disease stages. CECs were isolated using positive immunomagnetic selection. Genetic and phenotypic characterization was validated by double immunocytochemistry for cytokeratin (CK) and ASGR1 or by in situ hybridization with miR-122-5p and CECs were visualized by confocal microscopy.

Results: The presence of CECs increased HCC risk by 2.58-fold, however, this was only significant for patients with previous LC (p = 0.028) and not for those without prior LC (p = 0.23). Furthermore, the number of CECs lacking ASGR1 expression correlated significantly with HCC incidence and absence of miR-122-5p expression (p = 0.014; r = 0.23). Finally, overall survival was significantly greater for patients at earlier cancer stages (p = 0.018), but this difference was only maintained in the group with the presence of CECs (p = 0.021) whereas progression-free survival was influenced by the absence of ASGR1 expression.

Conclusion: Identification and characterization of CECs by ASGR1 and/or miR-122-5p expression may be used as a risk-stratification tool in LC patients, as it was shown to be an independent prognostic and risk-stratification marker in LC and early disease stage HCC patients.
Cryo-EM structure of the diapause chaperone artemin
Authors: Parvate Amar D. , Powell Samantha M. , Brookreson Jory T. , Moser Trevor H. , Novikova Irina V. , Zhou Mowei , Evans James E.
Published: November 2022

The protein artemin acts as both an RNA and protein chaperone and constitutes over 10% of all protein in Artemia cysts during diapause. However, its mechanistic details remain elusive since no high-resolution structure of artemin exists. Here we report the full-length structure of artemin at 2.04 Å resolution. The cryo-EM map contains density for an intramolecular disulfide bond between Cys22-Cys61 and resolves the entire C-terminus extending into the core of the assembled protein cage but in a different configuration than previously hypothesized with molecular modeling. We also provide data supporting the role of C-terminal helix F towards stabilizing the dimer form that is believed to be important for its chaperoning activity. We were able to destabilize this effect by placing a tag at the C-terminus to fully pack the internal cavity and cause limited steric hindrance.