bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-Eddy-Simulation of Labyrinth Seal Flows
Authors:   Leibniz Universität Hannover, Wein Lars , Seume Joerg R. ,   Leibniz Universität Hannover, Schmierer Roman ,   MTU Aero Engines AG, Herbst Florian ,   MTU Aero Engines AG
Published: March 2023

The correct prediction of labyrinth seal flows for the aerodynamic, thermodynamic, aeroacoustic, and aeroelastic design of turbomachinery is of utmost importance for industrial purposes. Due to the complexity of labyrinth seals flows, stateof- the-art RANS models for industrial application often fail to do so. A more accurate prediction of turbulent flows can be provided by Large-Eddy-Simulations (LES). However, the requirements for LES of labyrinth seal flows regarding the discretization of the computational domain are not known a priori but demand a careful validation. Within this work, measurements of a rotating labyrinth seals test rig (RLP) were used for the validation of RANS (Reynolds- Averaged Navier-Stokes) simulations and LES. The k􀀀w turbulence model in combination with a production limiter for k in stagnation points yields an accurate prediction of the discharge coefficient. Nevertheless, all eddy viscosity turbulence models tested have deficits. They yield a wrong prediction of the size of flow separation and recirculation up to 50%, the mixing of the leakage jet, and the swirl imposed by viscosity of the fluid at the rotor surface up to 50%. The LES verifies the deficits observed with RANS turbulence models and provides improved or even exact predictions of the flow. This requires a DNS-like (Direct Numerical Simulation) spatial discretization of Dx+ = Dz+   10 at the rotor surface. This stringent requirement can be related to turbulent streaks in the boundary layer of the rotating disk that determine the production range of k. Furthermore, the computational domain must have a size of at least 3.9 times the height of the seal blades in circumferential direction in order to capture the dominant coherent structures in the flow.
Influence of the internal structures on the performance of sweeping jet film cooling
Authors:   School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Yuan Tangjia , Wang Kechen ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhou* Wenwu ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Wen Xin ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Liu Yingzheng ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Published: March 2023

As sweeping jet film cooling exhibits a remarkable improvement in lateral film effectiveness, research on fluidic oscillators to provide better film coverage is gaining interest. However, compared with the other type holes, the traditional fluidic oscillator is too large for applying well on film cooling. To modify the size of the oscillator, three geometrical parameters are chosen to be analyzed (e.g., the width of the inlet wedge W1, the length of the mixing chamber W2, and the width of the feedback channel W3, normalized by the width of the exit throat D). Three-dimensional unsteady RANS simulations are conducted to evaluate the influence of each parameter on the adiabatic film cooling effectiveness, frequency, and flow structures. The simulated results show that the width of the feedback channel has little influence on frequency, whereas the length of the mixing chamber has a significant impact on film cooling effectiveness and frequency. Based on the above results, a modified fluidic oscillator has been proposed, which has a more compact structure and shows higher film cooling effectiveness at the same blowing ratio.
Application of B-Spline Basis Functions as Harmonic Functions for the Concurrent Shape and Mesh Morphing of Airfoils
Authors:   School of Production Eng. & Management, Technical University of Crete, Nikolos Ioannis K. , Lygidakis Georgios N. ,   School of Production Eng. & Management, Technical University of Crete, Leloudas Stavros N. ,   School of Production Eng. & Management, Technical University of Crete, Tavla Sofia ,   School of Production Eng. & Management, Technical University of Crete
Published: March 2023

The automatic deformation of the computational mesh along with the deformed geometry in design optimization cycles is a valuable procedure, as it reduces the required time for the construction of new meshes. The introduction of harmonic coordinates for the deformation of objects included within a closed mesh (cage) has been introduced in computer graphics. Harmonic coordinates result from solutions to the Laplace’s equation (harmonic functions) using a numerical solver. In this work, a modification to the classical harmonic coordinates’ concept is introduced for the deformation of 2D geometries (and the corresponding computational mesh) which are defined as B-spline curves. The B-spline basis functions are used as harmonic functions along the mesh boundary, being also the geometry to be deformed. Thus, any deformation of the B-Spline boundary, through the movement of the curve’s control points, can be successfully propagated to the interior of the computational domain, resulting in the concurrent and conformable modification of the B-Spline boundary and the entire computational mesh. For the computation of harmonic coordinates a node-centered Finite-Volume based Laplace solver for unstructured meshes is used, enhanced with an agglomeration multigrid scheme. The proposed method is applied and assessed for the shape and mesh morphing of airfoils.
Inclined Slot Cooling of the Pressure Side Rims of Squealer Tips
Authors:   University of Oxford, Vieira Joao A C , Coull John ,   University of Oxford, Ireland Peter ,   University of Oxford
Published: March 2023

The blade tip is a particularly critical component of the high pressure turbine because the hot gas leaking over it causes a loss of efficiency and degrades the blade. This tip degradation is often a limiting factor of engine life. Squealer designs tend to have high efficiency, but the pressure side rims are particularly vulnerable due to their large surface area and the difficulties of shielding them from hot overtip leakage flow. This paper considers a new approach to cooling the pressure side rim using an inclined slot inside a recessed step. Compared to conventional cooling strategies, in which coolant is provided by multiple cylindrical holes, the slot feature improves cooling effectiveness by more than 50% in key regions of the pressure side rim, whilst also allowing reduction in coolant mass flow. The concept design is developed using a combination of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations and experiments on a linear cascade with representative Mach and Reynolds numbers.
Aerothermal comparison of a diffuser hole and a slot geometry: thermal performance and jet stability
Authors:   Institute of Thermal Turbomachinery, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Stichling Katharina , Bauer Hans-Jörg ,   Institute of Thermal Turbomachinery, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Published: March 2023

Numerous experimental investigations, predominantly determining the adiabatic film cooling effectiveness and the heat transfer coefficient with film cooling dependent on parameters such as blowing ratio (M), density ratio (DR), velocity ratio (VR) and momentum flux ratio (IR) have been conducted in the past for a vast variety of geometries. To fully characterize a jet in cross-flow for its application in film cooling, thermal and aerodynamic parameters have to be analysed in conjunction. In the present work, detailed flow field measurements using Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (SPIV) are conducted at engine-realistic operating conditions in a test rig at the Institute of Thermal Turbomachinery (ITS) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Additionally, thermal measurements using Infrared Thermography (IRT) are carried out to determine the adiabatic film cooling effectiveness and the heat transfer coefficient with film cooling. Two film cooling hole geometries are analysed: A 10°-10°-10° laidback fan-shaped shaped film cooling hole (LFH10) and a slot geometry with a plenum-like inlet. Flow field data, and thermal film cooling quantities are analysed to quantify and characterize their aerothermal behaviour. The significance of the stability and continuity of the exiting film cooling jets for the thermal performance is demonstrated to comprehend the differences in how efficiently the provided cooling air is used. It is shown, that the absence of the counter-rotating vortex pair may not necessarily lead to an improved adiabatic film cooling effectiveness ηa,W.
Epicurean Priority-setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
Authors: Hol Bjørn , Solberg Carl Tollef
Published: March 2023

The aim of this article is to study the relationship between Epicureanism and pandemic priority-setting and to explore whether Epicurus's philosophy is compliant with the later developed utilitarianism. We find this aim interesting because Epicurus had a different way of valuing death than our modern society does: Epicureanism holds that death—understood as the incident of death—cannot be bad (or good) for those who die (self-regarding effects). However, this account is still consistent with the view that a particular death can be bad for everyone else but those who die, such as family, friends, and society (other-regarding effects). During the pandemic, the focus has been on the number of deaths more than on the suffering and reduced well-being of those infected and the rest of society. However, since the pandemic requires prioritization, it is, on a utilitarian account, important to consider priorities that do the most good overall. In this article, we approach the harm of death from an Epicurean point of view, seeking to flesh out potential implications for pandemic priority-setting, and healthcare in general, using a case study of COVID-19 priority-setting. We also explore whether this would conflict with utilitarianism. We conclude that an Epicurean pandemic priority-setting approach would be different but, surprisingly, not radically different from many of the actual priority-setting decisions we saw under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sex differences in cocaine self-administration by Wistar rats after predator odor exposure
Authors: Templeton-Jager Taylor J. , Diarra Siga , Gilpin Nicholas W.
Published: March 2023

Traumatic stress disorders are defined in part by persistent avoidance of trauma-related contexts. Our lab uses a preclinical model of traumatic stress using predator odor (i.e., bobcat urine) in which some but not all rats exhibit persistent avoidance of odor-paired stimuli, similar to what is seen in humans. Bobcat urine exposure increases alcohol consumption in male Avoider rats, but it has not been tested for its effects on intake of other drugs. Here, we tested the effect of bobcat urine exposure on cocaine self-administration in adult male and female Wistar rats. We did not observe any effect of bobcat urine exposure on cocaine self-administration in male or female rats. We observed that (1) female rats with long access (6 h) to cocaine self-administer more cocaine than long-access males, (2) long-access males and females exhibit escalation of cocaine intake over time, (3) stressed rats gain less weight than unstressed rats following acute predator odor exposure, (4) baseline cocaine self-administration is predictive of subsequent cocaine self-administration. The results of this study may inform future work on predator odor effects on cocaine self-administration.
A new biomechanical FE model for blunt thoracic impact
Authors: Chaufer Martin , Delille Rémi , Bourel Benjamin , Marechal Christophe , Lauro Franck , Mauzac Olivier , Roth Sebastien
Published: March 2023

In the field of biomechanics, numerical procedures can be used to understand complex phenomena that cannot be analyzed with experimental setups. The use of experimental data from human cadavers can present ethical issues that can be avoided by utilizing biofidelic models. Biofidelic models have been shown to have far-reaching benefits, particularly in evaluating the effectiveness of protective devices such as body armors. For instance, numerical twins coupled with a biomechanical model can be used to assess the efficacy of protective devices against intense external forces. Similarly, the use of human body surrogates in experimental studies has allowed for biomechanical studies, as demonstrated by the development of crash test dummies that are commonly used in automotive testing. This study proposes using numerical procedures and simplifying the structure of an existing biofidelic FE model of the human thorax as a preliminary step in building a physical surrogate. A reverse engineering method was used to ensure the use of manufacturable materials, which resulted in a FE model called SurHUByx FEM (Surrogate HUByx Finite Element Model, with HUByx being the original thorax FE model developed previously). This new simplified model was validated against existing experimental data on cadavers in the context of ballistic impact. SurHUByx FEM, with its new material properties of manufacturable materials, demonstrated consistent behavior with the corresponding biomechanical corridors derived from these experiments. The validation process of this new simplified FE model yielded satisfactory results and is the first step towards the development of its physical twin using manufacturable materials.
Selenium speciation-dependent cancer radiosensitization by induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Nie Shiqing , He Xin , Sun Zhiting , Zhang Yan , Liu Ting , Chen Tianfeng , Zhao Jianfu
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Radiation therapy has Q6long been a routine and effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the radioresistance and side effects have limited its application. In recent years, the superiority showed by trace element selenium in tumor radiotherapy sensitization has received wide attention. However, different forms of selenium compounds exhibit different chemical properties and their mechanisms of action on tumors may be different.

Methods: Human non-small cell lung cancer SPC-A1 cells were studied. Drug toxicity was detected by MTT assay. The selenium content absorbed in vitro at different time points was detected by ICP-MS. Colony formation were conducted to observe the radiosensitization effect of different selenium compounds on SPC-A1 cells, and to compare the proliferation ability of SPC-A1 cells treated by radiation alone and radiation combined with different selenium compounds. Cell migration was detected by cell scratch assay. The changes of cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect the effects of different selenium compounds combined with X-ray on ROS production.

Results: In this study, these four representative selenium compounds all have a certain ability to enhance the ability of radiotherapy to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration, and the mechanism may be related to blocking cell cycle in G2/M phase, activating the caspase cascade and reducing intracellular ROS levels to induce tumor cell apoptosis. Among them, -2-valent organic selenium has the most obvious effect, mainly inhibits cell migration, and induces early apoptosis by activating a large number of caspase-3, and arrest the cell cycle in S phase and G2/M phase. 0-valent selenium nanoparticles mainly arrest the cell cycle in G2/M phase. +4-valent inorganic selenium exerts its antitumor effects primarily by inhibiting tumor cell migration and inducing early apoptosis of tumor cells.

Discussion: In this paper, the antitumor effects of four different forms of selenium compounds combined with X-rays on SPC-A1 cells were investigated, and their inhibitory effects on the proliferation and migration of cancer cells and their mechanisms were examined. We found that the radiosensitizing effect of selenium on NSCLC was closely related to its selenium form through the study of the sensitizing effect of different kinds of selenium compounds on radiotherapy.
Comparison of current treatment strategy for osteonecrosis of the femoral head from the perspective of cell therapy
Authors: Wang Jiaqian , Xu Peirong , Zhou Liang
Published: March 2023

Aims: The purpose of our study is to compare the effects of core decompression (CD) and bone grafting (BG) on osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). And evaluate the efficacy of CD based on cell therapy to provide guidance for the dose and number of cells.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library between 2012 and 2022, with keywords including “osteonecrosis of the femoral head”, “core decompression” and “bone grafting”. We selected comparative studies of CD and BG, and the comparison of CD combined with bone marrow (BM) transplantation and CD alone. Changes in hip pain were assessed by VAS, hip function were assessed by HHS and WOMAC, and THA conversion rate was used as an evaluation tool for femoral head collapse. From these three aspects, the dose of bone marrow and the number of cells transplantation were subgroup analyzed.

Results: Eleven studies were used to compare the efficacy of CD and BG. There was no significant difference in HHS, and the THA conversion rate of BG was significantly lower than that of CD. Thirteen CD studies based on cell therapy were included in the meta-analysis. Bone marrow aspiration concentrate (BMAC) can significantly improve VAS (mean difference (MD), 10.15; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 7.35 to 12.96, p < 0.00001) and reduce THA conversion rate (odds ratio (OR), 2.38; 95% CI 1.26 to 4.47, p = 0.007). Medium dose bone marrow fluid has a lower p-value in THA conversion rate. The p values of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) of 109 magnitude in VAS score were lower.

Conclusion: In general, there is no consensus on the use of BG in the treatment of ONFH. The enhancement of cell-based CD procedure shows promising results. Using 20 mL BMAC and 109 magnitude BMMC is likely to achieve better results.
The incremental significance of heart rate recovery as a predictor during exercise-stress myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging in individuals with suspected coronary artery disease
Authors: Yang Shuai , Xi Rui , Li Bing-Bing , Wang Xin-Chao , Song Li-Wei , Ji Tian-Xiong , Ma Hui-Zhu , Lu Hai-Li , Zhang Jing-Ying , Li Si-Jin , Wu Zhi-Fang
Published: March 2023

Background

Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) are more likely to occur when abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR). This study aimed to assess the incremental predictive significance of HRR over exercise stress myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS) results for MACE in individuals with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Between January 2014 and December 2017, we continually gathered data on 595 patients with suspected CAD who received cycling exercise stress MPS. HRR at 1, 2, 3, and 4 min were used as study variables to obtain the optimal cut-off values of HRR for MACE. The difference between the peak heart rate achieved during exercise and the heart rate at 1, 2, 3, and 4 min was used to calculate the HRR, as shown in HRR3. Heart rate variations between two locations in time, such as HRR2 min−1 min, were used to establish the slope of HRR. All patients were followed for a minimum of 4 years, with MACE as the follow-up goal. The associations between HRR and MACE were assessed using Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Results

Patients with MACE were older (P = 0.001), and they also had higher rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, abnormal MPS findings (SSS ≥ 5%), medication history (all P < 0.001), and lower HRR values (all P < 0.01). Patients with and without MACE did not significantly vary in their HRR4 min−3 min. The optimal cut-off of HRR1, 2, and 3 combined with SSS can stratify the risk of MACE in people with suspected CAD (all P < 0.001). HRR 1, 2, and 3 and its slope were linked to MACE in multivariate analysis, where HRR3 was the most significant risk predictor. With a global X2 increase from 101 to 126 (P < 0.0001), HRR3 demonstrated the greatest improvement in the model's predictive capacity, incorporating clinical data and MPS outcomes.

Conclusions

HRR at 3 min has a more excellent incremental prognostic value for predicting MACE in patients with suspected CAD following cycling exercise stress MPS. Therefore, incorporating HRR at 3 min into known predictive models may further improve the risk stratification of the patients.
Dietary supplements could prevent cardiometabolic syndrome: Are they safe and reliable enough for disease prevention and health promotion?
Authors: Télessy Istvan G. , Buttar Harpal S. , Wilson Douglas W. , Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R.
Published: March 2023

Dietary supplements (DS) and their purchase is often based on a consumer's personal choice and advertisements. The associated DS regulations, particularly in manufacturing and marketing, are far more flexible and permissive than that of the well-regulated prescription pharmaceuticals. However, the adverse health effects associated with the inadvertent use of mega-doses of DS are not well understood. The demand for DS, nutraceuticals, and herbal remedies has experienced an upswing during the past two to three decades, and global product sales have thrived. More so, the prevention of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) and related disorders like diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, and serum lipid abnormalities, as well as of other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), is of highest health care priority globally, since these disorders impose very high economic burdens on health care systems and society. In this review, we argue why DS could prevent cardiometabolic syndrome, by providing the potential benefits and risks associated with them, especially self-medication considering their intake by the public at large. Good manufacturing practices and quality control are absolutely necessary for the manufacture of DS products, and proper labeling is needed regarding the optimal dose schedules of various DS and bioactive ingredients. Specific examples are used to underscore the indications and dosage recommendations made for the marketing and promotion of fish oil, coenzyme Q10, and Mg-containing products for the prevention of cardiometabolic syndrome.
Cardiac metastasis mimicking STEMI—impact of point-of-care ultrasound on clinical decision-making: A case report
Authors: Le Anh Ngoc , Nguyen Anh Van , Nguyen Trang Ngoc , Kirkpatrick James N. , Nguyen Huyen Thi , Nguyen Hoai Thi Thu
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The manifestations of cardiac metastases are extremely variable depending on their location and extension.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old man was admitted to the cardiac emergency department presenting with chest pain, worsening shortness of breath and palpitations. He had a history of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy, and he was not diagnosed with cardiovascular disease before. The electrocardiogram showed significant ST-segment elevations in leads II, III, and aVF. Initially, the patient was diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. A cardiac point-of-care ultrasound was performed immediately revealing two large heterogeneous masses in the left ventricular wall and the apex, which changed the diagnosis and the management strategy. There was no significant change in serial cardiac biomarkers in the setting of persistent STE. Thoracic computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed that the patient was suffering from cardiac and lung metastases.

Conclusion

ECG findings of localized and prolonged STE without Q waves or changes in biomarkers may suggest myocardial tumor invasion, especially in the cancer setting. Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound is an effective, convenient, noninvasive imaging modality to guide real-time clinical decision-making.
Case report: Unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysms causing postural angina pectoris and false “pulmonary hypertension”
Authors: Zhou Chi , Tao Jingwen , Li Sheng
Published: March 2023

A 37-year-old woman presented with worsening intermittent chest pain and dyspnea in the previous year. Although the dyspnea was exertion-dependent, her chest pain was heavily dependent on her postural position, worsening in the supine position but alleviated by lying prone or by sitting up and leaning forward. She was cyanotic, and a diastolic murmur in the left third intercostal space was auscultated. An electrocardiogram recorded when she laid flat and had angina pectoris attacks showed ST-segment elevation in the aVR and depression in the II, III, aVF, and V3–V6 leads. However, when she sat up for a few minutes, her symptoms and ST-segment abnormalities disappeared. Echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography angiography revealed large unruptured aneurysms of the left and non-coronary sinuses, along with a dilated aortic root, severe aortic regurgitation, and right ventricular high pressure. Coronary angiography showed ∼90% pulsating stenosis of the left main coronary artery and ∼80% pulsating stenosis of the proximal left circumflex artery, presumably caused by pulsation of the dilated sinus of Valsalva aneurysm under blood pressure. Genetic testing revealed c.1781 C > G nonsense mutations in the FLNA gene. The patient underwent surgery, which confirmed dual unruptured left/non-coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysms. Our case illustrates an unusual postural form of angina pectoris and false “pulmonary hypertension” caused by large dual unruptured left/non-coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysms.
Personalized diversification of complementary recommendations with user preference in online grocery
Authors: Ma Luyi , Sinha Nimesh , Cho Jason H. D. , Kumar Sushant , Achan Kannan
Published: March 2023

Complementary recommendations play an important role in surfacing the relevant items to the customers. In the cross-selling scenario, some customers might present more exploratory shopping behaviors and prefer more diverse complements, while other customers show less exploratory (or more conventional) shopping behaviors and want to have a deep dive of less diverse types of complements. The existence of two distinct shopping behaviors reflects users' different shopping intents and requires complementary recommendations to be adaptable based on the user's shopping intent. Although many studies focus on improving the recommendations through post-processing techniques, such as user-item-level personalized ranking and diversification of recommendations, they fail to address such a requirement. First, many user-item-level personalization methods cannot explicitly model the preference of users in two types of shopping behaviors and their intent on the corresponding complementary recommendations. Second, most of the diversification methods increase the heterogeneity of the recommendations. However, users' intent on conventional complementary shopping requires more homogeneity of the recommendations, which is not explicitly modeled. The present study tries attempts to solve these problems by the personalized diversification strategies for complementary recommendations. To address the requirement of modeling heterogenized and homogenized complementary recommendations, we propose two diversification strategies, heterogenization and homogenization, to re-rank complementary recommendations based on the determinantal point process (DPP). We use transaction history to estimate users' intent on more exploratory or more conventional complementary shopping. With the estimated user intent scores and two diversification strategies, we propose an algorithm to personalize the diversification strategies dynamically. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our re-ranking algorithm on the publicly available Instacart dataset.
Parkinson’s disease population-wide registries in the United States: Current and future opportunities
Authors: Wu Allan D. , Wilson Andrew M.
Published: March 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with both genetic and environmental risk factors. Efforts to understand the growing incidence and prevalence of PD have led to several state PD registry initiatives in the United States. The California PD Registry (CPDR) is the largest state-wide PD registry and requires electronic reporting of all eligible cases by all medical providers. We borrow from our experience with the CPDR to highlight 4 gaps to population-based PD registries. Specifically we address (1) who should be included in PD registries; (2) what data should be collected in PD case reports; (3) how to ensure the validity of case reports; and (4) how can state PD registries exchange and aggregate information. We propose a set of recommendations that addresses these and other gaps toward achieving a promise of a practical, interoperable, and scalable PD registry in the U.S., which can serve as a key health information resource to support epidemiology, health equity, quality improvement, and research.
The ankle in XLH: Reduced motion, power and quality of life
Authors: Akta Celine , Wenzel-Schwarz Florian , Stauffer Alexandra , Kranzl Andreas , Raimann Adalbert , Kocijan Roland , Ganger Rudolf , Mindler Gabriel T.
Published: March 2023

Background

X-linked hypophosphatemia (OMIM 307800) is a rare bone disease caused by a phosphate-wasting condition with lifelong clinical consequences. Those affected suffer from bone pain, complex skeletal deformities, impaired mobility and a reduced quality of life. Early osteoarthritis and reduced range of motion of the lower limbs are known pathologies in XLH patients. However, XLH-specific data on the affected compartments such as the ankle joint through the evaluation of radiographic and gait analysis data is still lacking.

Patients and methods

In this cross-sectional study, patients with genetically verified XLH, age ≥ 16 - 50 years and a complete record of gait analysis and or radiographic analysis data were included. Clinical examination, radiological and gait analysis data were compared to norms using the dataset of our gait laboratory registry. Radiographic analysis included tibial deformity analysis and assessment of osteoarthritis and enthesopathies. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), SF36v2, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were used. Twentythree participants with 46 limbs were eligible for the study.

Results

A total of 23 patients (n=46 feet) met the inclusion criteria. Patients with XLH had significantly reduced gait quality, ankle power and plantar flexion (p < 0.001) compared to a historic gait laboratory control group. Ankle valgus deformity was detected in 22 % and ankle varus deformity in 30 % of the patients. The subtalar joint (59.1%) as well as the anterior tibiotalar joint (31.1%) were the main localizations of moderate to severe joint space narrowing. Ankle power was decreased in moderate and severe subtalar joint space narrowing (p < 0.05) compared to normal subtalar joint space narrowing. No lateral or medial ligament instability of the ankle joint was found in clinical examination. Tibial procurvatum deformity led to lower ankle power (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study showed structural and functional changes of the ankle in patients with XLH. Subtalar ankle osteoarthritis, patient reported outcome scores and clinical ankle restriction resulted in lower gait quality and ankle power.
O-GlcNAcylation-induced GSK-3β activation deteriorates pressure overload-induced heart failure via lack of compensatory cardiac hypertrophy in mice
Authors: Matsuno Mahito , Yokoe Shunichi , Nagatsuka Takehiro , Morihara Hirofumi , Moriwaki Kazumasa , Asahi Michio
Published: March 2023

O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) modulates many functions of proteins via O-GlcNAcylation that adds O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) to the serine/threonine residues of proteins. However, the role of O-GlcNAcylation in cardiac remodeling and function is not fully understood. To examine the effect of O-GlcNAcylation on pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and subsequent heart failure, transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery was performed in wild type (WT) and Ogt transgenic (Ogt-Tg) mice. Four weeks after TAC (TAC4W), the heart function of Ogt-Tg mice was significantly lower than that of WT mice (reduced fractional shortening and increased ANP levels). The myocardium of left ventricle (LV) in Ogt-Tg mice became much thinner than that in WT mice. Moreover, compared to the heart tissues of WT mice, O-GlcNAcylation of GSK-3β at Ser9 was increased and phosphorylation of GSK-3β at Ser9 was reduced in the heart tissues of Ogt-Tg mice, resulting in its activation and subsequent inactivation of nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) activity. Finally, the thinned LV wall and reduced cardiac function induced by TAC4W in Ogt-Tg mice was reversed by the treatment of a GSK-3β inhibitor, TDZD-8. These results imply that augmented O-GlcNAcylation exacerbates pressure overload-induced heart failure due to a lack of compensatory cardiac hypertrophy via O-GlcNAcylation of GSK-3β, which deprives the phosphorylation site of GSK-3β to constantly inactivate NFAT activity to prevent cardiac hypertrophy. Our findings may provide a new therapeutic strategy for cardiac hypertrophy and subsequent heart failure.
Reducing antimicrobial resistances by source separation of domestic wastewater
Authors: Londong Jörg , Barth Marcus , Söbke Heinrich
Published: March 2023

Antimicrobial resistances (AMR) are ranked among the top ten threats to public health and societal development worldwide. Toilet wastewater contained in domestic wastewater is a significant source of AMR entering the aquatic environment. The current commonly implemented combined sewer systems at times cause overflows during rain events, resulting in the discharge of untreated wastewater into the aquatic environment, thus promoting AMR. In this short research article, we describe an approach to transform combined sewer systems into source separation-modified combined sewer systems that separately treat toilet wastewater. We employ simulations for demonstrating that source separation-modified combined sewer systems reduce the emission of AMR-causing substances by up to 11.5 logarithm levels. Thus, source separation-modified combined sewer systems are amongst the most effective means of combating AMR.
Effect of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy on the prognosis of patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome and neurological complications
Authors: Liu Yun , Tong Hanwen , He Fei , Zhai Yu , Wu Chao , Wang Jun , Jiang Chenxiao
Published: March 2023

Background

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been reported to exert a beneficial effect on severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) patients with neurological complications. However, in clinical practice, the standard regime is unclear and there is a lack of evidence from large-scale studies.

Methods

A single-center retrospective study was conducted to determine the influence of IVIG dosage and duration on SFTS patients with neurological complications. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, and laboratory parameters before and after IVIG treatment were measured. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan–Meier method and analyzed with the log-rank test according to the median IVIG dosage and IVIG duration. Besides, multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to examine the association between the independent factors and 28-day mortality in SFTS patients.

Results

Overall, 36 patients (58.06%) survived, while 26 (41.9%) patients died. The median age of the included patients was 70 (55–75) years, and 46.8% (29/62) were male. A significantly higher clinical presentation of dizziness and headache was observed in the survival group. The IVIG duration in the survival group was longer than in the death group (P <0.05). Additionally, the IVIG dosage was higher in the survival group than in the death group, but there was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.066). The mediating effect of IVIG duration was verified through the relationship between IVIG dosage and prognosis using the Sobel test. Univariate analysis revealed that IVIG dosage (HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–1.00; P = 0.007) and IVIG duration (HR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.41–0.72; P <0.001) were significantly associated with risk of death. The multivariate analysis generated an adjusted HR value of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–1.00; P = 0.012) for IVIG dosage and 0.26 (95% CI: 0.09–0.78; P = 0.016) for dizziness and headache.

Conclusion

Prolonged high-dose IVIG is beneficial to the 28-day prognosis in SFTS patients with neurological complications.
La Niña conditions influence interannual call detections of pygmy blue whales in the eastern Indian Ocean
Authors: Truong Gary , Rogers Tracey L.
Published: March 2023

Oceans across the globe are warming rapidly and marine ecosystems are changing as a result. However, there is a lack of information regarding how blue whales are responding to these changing environments, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. This is because long term data are needed to determine whether blue whales respond to variability in environmental conditions. Using over 16 years of passive acoustic data recorded at Cape Leeuwin, we investigated whether oceanic environmental drivers are correlated with the migration patterns of eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) pygmy blue whales off Western Australia. To determine which environmental variables may influence migration patterns, we modelled the number of acoustic call detections of EIO pygmy blue whale calls with broad and fine scale environmental variables. We found a positive correlation between total annual whale call detections and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), with more whale calls detected during La Niña years. We also found that monthly whale call detections correlated with sea surface height around the hydrophone and chlorophyll-a concentration at a prominent blue whale feeding aggregation area (Bonney Upwelling) where whales feed during the summer before migrating up the west Australian coast. At the interannual scale, ENSO had a stronger relationship with call detections than IOD. During La Niña years, up to ten times more EIO pygmy blue whale calls were detected than in neutral or El Niño years. This is likely linked to changes in productivity in the feeding areas of the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean. We propose that in lower productivity years whales either skipped migration or altered their habitat use and moved further offshore from the hydrophones and therefore were not detected. The frequency and intensity of ENSO events are predicted to increase with climate change, which is likely to impact the productivity of the areas used by blue whales. These changes in productivity may affect the physical condition and reproductive success of individual whales. A reduction in reproductive success could have a significant impact on blue whale recovery from historical whaling and their ability to adapt to a changing environment.
Response of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) to different types of acoustic harassment devices and subsequent piling during the construction of offshore wind farms
Authors: Voß Julika , Rose Armin , Kosarev Vladislav , Vílela Raúl , van Opzeeland Ilse Catharina , Diederichs Ansgar
Published: March 2023

Before piling of offshore wind farm foundations, acoustic harassment devices (AHDs) are used to drive harbor porpoises out of the area where they could suffer injuries. Until 2017, a combination of pingers and seal scarer devices (usually SPL = 174-193 dB re 1 μPa (rms) @ 1m at 1 to 20 kHz depending on the device) was prescribed for mitigation purposes in Germany. However, seal scarers led to decreased porpoise detection rates in much larger distances than intended, when 750 m is usually rendered sufficient to avoid injuries. Therefore, devices specifically designed for mitigation purposes were developed and are prescribed since then. These acoustic porpoise deterrents (APDs; e.g. FaunaGuard Porpoise Module; SPL = 172 dB re 1 μPa (rms) @ 1m at 60 to 150 kHz) aim to keep the animals away from offshore construction sites but should not lead to large-scale disturbance as caused by a seal scarer. Although project-specific evaluations indicated that APDs are effective, a cross-project analysis and a comparison with data from previous piling procedures employing seal scarers were still pending. The present study aimed to fill this gap. Between March 2018 and April 2019, harbor porpoise detection rates were monitored acoustically in four offshore wind farm projects using CPODs before, during and after piling at different distances up to 10 km from piling. APD operation led to a significant decrease in detection rates in the vicinity of the device, indicating the displacement of the animals from a small-scale area. Depending on the wind farm, detection rates during APD operation decreased by 30 to 100% at 750 m distance compared to 6 hours before APD operation. Furthermore, reduced detection rates during APD operation were only observed up to about 2.5 km distance even when the APD was switched on for over 40 minutes. Given that the extent of disturbance to harbor porpoises is lower when using an acoustic porpoise deterrent compared to the seal scarer, we consider that preferential use of an acoustic porpoise deterrent is an improvement to mitigation strategies and an important step forward to a less harmful piling procedure.
Performance of the long-snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus, under warming conditions
Authors: Costa Ana Beatriz , Correia Miguel , Silva Gonçalo , Lopes Ana Filipa , Faria Ana Margarida
Published: March 2023

Temperature is a determinant cue for several behavioral, physiological, and metabolic processes in fish, which occur within a range set to optimize species fitness. Understanding how ocean warming will impact species, at individual and population levels, is, therefore, of utmost relevance for management and conservation purposes. This knowledge assumes particular relevance when it comes to species with unique life history traits that experience multiple threats, such as seahorses. This study aimed to assess the effects of warming on growth, feed intake, and behavioral patterns of the long-snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus. Fish were collected, before the breeding season, in the Sado estuary, Portugal, and subsequently exposed for an 8-week period to three different temperatures: 17°C, 20°C, and 24°C. Three times a week, behavioral observations were performed. Feed intake was measured every day and individuals were weighed once a week. Results indicate differences in behavioral responses of seahorses exposed to increasingly warming conditions. Under extreme temperature conditions (24°C), fish were more active, and fed more, but this increment of energy through feeding did not translate into increased growth in weight. Altogether, these results indicate that Sado’s population of H. guttulatus may become under thermal stress when exposed, for a long term, to warming conditions that are expected to occur by the end of the century.
Sea level anomalies in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean as a potential predictor of La Niña beyond one-year lead
Authors: Zhao Xia , Yuan Dongliang , Wang Jing
Published: March 2023

Most climate forecast agencies failed to make successful predictions of the strong 2020/2021 La Niña event before May 2020. The western equatorial Pacific warm water volume (WWV) before the 2020 spring failed to predict this La Niña event because of the near neutral state of the equatorial Pacific Ocean in the year before. A strong Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event took place in the fall of 2019, which is used as a precursor for the La Niña prediction in this study. We used observational data to construct the precursory relationship between negative sea level anomalies (SLA) in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean (SETIO) in boreal fall and negative Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature anomalies index one year later. The application of the above relation to the prediction of the 2020/2021 La Niña was a great success. The dynamics behind are the Indo-Pacific “oceanic channel” connection via the Indian Ocean Kelvin wave propagation through the Indonesian seas, with the atmospheric bridge playing a secondary role. The high predictability of La Niña across the spring barrier if a positive IOD should occur in the previous year suggests that the negative SETIO SLA in fall is a much better and longer predictor for this type of La Niña prediction than the WWV. In comparison, positive SETIO SLA lead either El Niño or La Niña by one year, suggesting uncertainty of El Niño predictions.
Sediment resuspension enhances nutrient exchange in intertidal mudflats
Authors: Rios-Yunes Dunia , Grandjean Tim , di Primio Alena , Tiano Justin , Bouma Tjeerd J. , van Oevelen Dick , Soetaert Karline
Published: March 2023

Intertidal coastal sediments are important centers for nutrient transformation, regeneration, and storage. Sediment resuspension, due to wave action or tidal currents, can induce nutrient release to the water column and fuel primary production. Storms and extreme weather events are expected to increase due to climate change in coastal areas, but little is known about their effect on nutrient release from coastal sediments. We have conducted in-situ sediment resuspension experiments, in which erosion was simulated by a stepwise increase in current velocities, while measuring nutrient uptake or release in field flumes positioned on intertidal areas of a tidal bay (Eastern Scheldt) and an estuary (Western Scheldt). In both systems, the water column concentration of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrite (NO2−) increased predictably with greater erosion as estimated from pore water dilution and erosion depth. In contrast, the phosphate (PO43−) dynamics were different between systems, and those of nitrate (NO3−) were small and variable. Notably, sediment resuspension caused a decrease in the overlying water PO43− concentration in the tidal bay, while an increase was observed in the estuarine sediments. Our observations showed that the concentration of PO43− in the water column was more intensely affected by resuspension than that of NH4+ and NO2−. The present study highlights the differential effect of sediment resuspension on nutrient exchange in two contrasting tidal coastal environments.
Risk for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents
Authors: Park Jinkyeong , Hong Yoonki , Hong Ji Young
Published: March 2023

Background

There are few studies on medical conditions associated with the development of drug-resistant TB.

Objective

We investigated the risk factors for the occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) in patients with pulmonary TB.

Materials and methods

Based on claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment service in South Korea, we retrospectively investigated patients aged 18 years or older with active pulmonary TB who were treated with anti-TB therapy between January 1, 2008, and February 28, 2021.

Results

Among 248,176 patients with pulmonary TB who underwent anti-TB therapy, 2.0% were identified as having MDR-TB. MDR-TB showed male predominance compared to patients without MDR-TB, and patients with MDR-TB were younger. The risk for MDR-TB in patients treated with anti-TB therapy was 3.26 times higher in patients who received anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents before prescription of anti-TB medications than in those who had never been exposed to anti-TNF agents after adjusting for other TB risk factors (age, sex, inhaled corticosteroid, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, pneumoconiosis, and organ or blood recipients). The risk for MDR-TB was also increased in males and younger patients.

Conclusion

Treatment with an anti-TNF agent could be a driver of MDR-TB in patients with pulmonary TB.