bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on thermal deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of P550 high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Guo Wei
Published: June 2023

The high nitrogen austenitic stainless steel is widely used as power generation and geological exploration equipment materials because of its excellent strength, corrosion resistance and non-magnetic. In this paper, the mechanical behavior and microstructure evolution of P550 steel in the range of 900 °C–1200 °C and 0.001–10 s−1 deformation conditions were studied by physical and heat treatment simulations, metallographic observations and thermal processing maps. The results showed that the flow curves quickly reach the peak and then soften to a steady state, which indicates dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior. DRX is easy to occur when the deformation temperature is above 1080 °C. The activation energy of the forged P550 stainless steel was calculated as 519 kJ mol−1. There is a positive correlation between the peak stress, DRX critical stress, strain and Z value of the tested steel. The instability of the tested steel is easy to produce in the high strain rate region and low temperature region during hot working. Crack germinates and expands preferentially at the ‘necklace structure’ of inadequate dynamic recrystallization. Under the deformation state of 0.001 s−1, coarse crystals and mixed crystals are easily emerged during subsequent heat treatment. Combining the hot working map, the maximum deformation resistance and the grain evolution behavior during hot working and heat treatment, the suggested working window is T = 1020 °C–1200 °C and έ = 0.01–1 s−1.
Microstructure and mechanical performance of laser additive manufacturing Ni50Ti40Cu10 and Ni45Ti40Cu15 alloy
Authors: Yingying Zhao , Hao Liu , Man Huang , Xia Chang , Jian Tu , jingmin Wang , Jie Zhou , Zhiming Zhou , Can Huang
Published: June 2023

Ni-Ti-Cu alloy can not only prevent scale and biological adhesion, but also has applications in aerospace, automotive engineering, and nanotechnology. In this study, Ni50Ti40Cu10 and Ni45Ti40Cu15 alloy large-size thin-walled parts are prepared on the surface of Ti plates using laser additive manufacturing technology. The optimum operational parameters are explored through a two-factor controlled variable method, based on which the effects of TiC and TiB2 addition on the forming quality of Ni50Ti40Cu10 and Ni45Ti40Cu15 alloys are further investigated. SEM, EDS, and other testing methods are used to determine the microstructure composition and distribution, and the composition of the physical phases of the alloy. Finally, tensile and hardness tests are carried out to study the mechanical properties of the alloy. The results show that the better operational parameters for laser additive manufacturing of large-size thin-walled Ni50Ti40Cu10 and Ni45Ti40Cu15 alloys are 1250w laser power and 300 mm min−1 scanning speed. 0.6 wt% TiC addition can achieve better forming quality of the large-size thin-walled parts. The large-size thin-walled Ni50Ti40Cu10 alloy precipitates significantly more Ti2Ni strengthening phases than the large-size thin-walled Ni45Ti40Cu15 alloy. Ni50Ti40Cu10 alloy large-size thin-walled parts have 20% higher tensile strength and 45.4% higher elongation compared to Ni45Ti40Cu15 alloy. The average hardness of Ni45Ti40Cu15 large-size thin-walled parts is 3.4% lower than that of Ni50Ti40Cu10 alloy.
A review of nanomaterials and their applications in oil & petroleum industries
Authors: Roy Ayan , Kabra Dikshita , Pareek Garima , Kumari Kanak , Kashyap Pandali Pratyush , Naik Samriddhi , Chadha Utkarsh , Selvaraj Senthil Kumaran
Published: June 2023

The swiftly growing global economies remain the root cause of the soaring demand for oil and gas to satisfy their excessive energy demands, thus making the oil and gas sector one of the most important industrial sectors. Though renewable energy technologies are the more sustainable option, technological advances are required to make them more accessible to the common people. Therefore, due to the limitation of renewable energy technologies, oil and gas continue to be a more viable alternative. Extensive research is being conducted on the applications of nanotechnology to make the upstream, midstream, and downstream processes efficient in the oil and gas sector. Nanomaterials make the activities in processing and transportation more economical, efficient, and environment-friendly than their conventional counterparts. In this review, we have highlighted the need for nanomaterials in oil and gas, for example, in crude oil exploration, including drilling and EOR, separation techniques, refining, transportation, and other related activities. Further, this review summarizes novel nanomaterials developed and used in the activities mentioned above, and at the end, we have briefly described the synthesis mechanism of these nanomaterials. Finally, we emphasize the current challenges and future work prospects in this area of study.
Steam cracker facilities in the United States: operations, emissions, and sociodemographic patterns of surrounding populations
Authors: Johnson Nicholaus P , Bell Michelle L , Perez Nicholas , Dubrow Robert , Deziel Nicole C
Published: June 2023

Background: Production of shale gas in the United States (US) increased more than 10-fold from 2008 to 2021, yielding greater quantities of hydrocarbon feedstocks and incentivizing expansion of petrochemical facilities. Steam crackers (SCs) convert hydrocarbon feedstocks into ethylene and propylene (the building blocks of plastics), while releasing toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases (GHGs). Analyses of environmental health and justice impacts of SCs are limited. Methods: We described SC operations, locations, and emissions, and evaluated sociodemographic characteristics of populations residing near SCs to better understand potential public health hazards and inform future studies. We summarized and described industry-reported emissions from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Release Inventory and GHG Reporting Program. We compared population characteristics of US Census block groups ⩽5 km and >5 km from a steam cracker-containing facility (SCF) within the same county. Results: We identified 32 SCFs across five US states, with most in Texas and Louisiana. Toxic chemicals with the greatest reported cumulative air emissions in 1987–2019 were: ethylene, propylene, hydrochloric acid, benzene, n-hexane, 1,3-butadiene, ammonia, toluene, vinyl acetate, and methanol. Reported total annual GHG emissions were 4% higher in 2019 versus 2010, with total GHG emissions of >650 million metric tons (carbon dioxide equivalents) in 2010–2019. We found that 752 465 people live in census block groups ⩽5 km from an SCF, regardless of county. Compared to block groups >5 km away within the same county, block groups closer to SCFs had statistically significantly lower median incomes ($54 843 vs $67 866) and more vacant housing (15% vs 11%), and higher proportions of residents who were non-Hispanic Black (31% vs 19%) and unemployed (8% vs 6%). Conclusion: SCs emit substantial amounts of GHGs and toxic chemicals in locations with historically disadvantaged populations. Future research could further evaluate the accuracy of reported emissions, conduct monitoring in proximate communities, and assess population-level health impacts.
Algebraic structures from the point of view of complete multiplicative lattices
Authors: Facchini Alberto
Published: June 2023

General results on multiplicative lattices found recently by Facchini, Finocchiaro and Janelidze have been studied in the particular case of groups by Facchini, de Giovanni and Trombetti. In this paper we prove that these results hold not only for the multiplicative lattices of all normal subgroups of a group, but also for much more general multiplicative lattices. Therefore they can be applied to other algebraic structures, for instance to braces.
On Utumi rings and continuous regular Baer rings
Authors: Lee Gangyong , Roman Cosmin , Tung Nguyen , Zhang Xiaoxiang
Published: June 2023

In 1963, Utumi determined under what condition the maximal one-sided ring of quotients of a ring is, in fact, two-sided. That is, he showed if a ring is nonsingular and cononsingular then its maximal right and left rings of quotients coincide. In this paper, we provide more properties of an Utumi ring. A ring is called (right) Utumi if it is both (right) nonsingular and (right) cononsingular. We show that every right Utumi ring is left nonsingular. Moreover, we prove that, for any one-sided nonsingular ring

R
R

, its maximal right and left rings of quotients coincide if and only if

R
R

is a cononsingular ring. Thus, for a right nonsingular

R
R

, which is not left nonsingular, the maximal right and left rings of quotients of

R
R

are different. We also prove that every left cononsingular, right extending ring is directly finite. In particular, every left cononsingular, right nonsingular, right continuous ring is a unit-regular Baer ring. Furthermore, we characterize right and left continuous regular rings in terms of Utumi rings. Examples which delineate the concepts and results are provided.
Measures of ability to learn, grow and make decisions among older persons: a systematic review of measurement properties
Authors: Mansor Norma , Awang Halimah , Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan Jotheeswaran , Mikton Christopher , Diaz Theresa
Published: June 2023

Objective

this study aims to conduct a systematic review on available instruments for measuring older persons’ ability to learn, grow and make decisions and to critically review the measurement properties of the identified instruments.

Methods

we searched six electronic databases, which include PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, SciELO, ERIC and AgeLine, between January 2000 and April 2022. Reference lists of the included papers were also manually searched. The COSMIN (CONsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments) guidelines were used to evaluate the measurement properties and the quality of evidence for each instrument.

Results

13 instruments from 29 studies were included for evaluation of their measurement properties. Of the 13 reviewed, 6 were on the ability to learn, 3 were on the ability to grow and 4 were on the ability to make decisions. The review found no single instrument that measured all three constructs in unidimensional or multidimensional scales. Many of the instruments were found to have sufficient overall rating on content validity, structural validity, internal consistency and cross-cultural validity. The quality of evidence was rated as low due to a limited number of related validation studies.

Conclusion

a few existing instruments to assess the ability to learn, grow and make decisions of older people can be identified in the literature. Further research is needed in validating them against functional, real-world outcomes.
Neurocognitive Test Performance and Concussion-Like Symptom Reporting Among Adolescent Athletes With Self-Reported Autism on Preseason Assessments
Authors: Cook Nathan E , Iverson Ila A , Maxwell Bruce , Zafonte Ross , Berkner Paul D , Iverson Grant L
Published: June 2023

Objective

To examine baseline neurocognitive functioning and symptom reporting among adolescents with self-reported autism.

Method

Participants in this cross-sectional, observational study were 60,751 adolescents who completed preseason testing. There were 425 students (0.7%) who self-reported an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Cognitive functioning was measured by Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing and symptom ratings were obtained from the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale.

Results

Groups differed significantly across all neurocognitive composites (p values <.002); effect size magnitudes for most differences were small, though among boys a noteworthy difference on visual memory and among girls differences on verbal memory and visual motor speed composites were noted. Among boys, the ASD group endorsed 21 of the 22 symptoms at a greater rate. Among girls, the ASD group endorsed 11 of the 22 symptoms at a greater rate. Some examples of symptoms that were endorsed at a higher rate among adolescents with self-reported autism were sensitivity to noise (girls: odds ratio, OR = 4.38; boys: OR = 4.99), numbness or tingling (girls: OR = 3.67; boys: OR = 3.25), difficulty remembering (girls: OR = 2.01; boys: OR = 2.49), difficulty concentrating (girls: OR = 1.82; boys: OR = 2.40), sensitivity to light (girls: OR = 1.82; boys: OR = 1.76), sadness (girls: OR = 1.72; boys: OR = 2.56), nervousness (girls: OR = 1.80; boys: OR = 2.27), and feeling more emotional (girls: OR = 1.79; boys: OR = 2.84).

Conclusion

Students with self-reported autism participating in organized sports likely experience a low degree of functional impairment, on average. If they sustain a concussion, their clinical management should be more intensive to maximize the likelihood of swift and favorable recovery.
Heterogeneity changes of active bacterial community on cigar filler leaves after fermentation based on metagenome
Authors: Yao Lan , Ding Jingyi , Zhang Tongtong , Jia Youpiao , Dai Jun , Zheng Xueyun , Yu Jun , Yang Chunlei , Chen Xiong
Published: June 2023

Microorganisms play an important role in cigar fermentation. To further explore the dynamic changes of bacterial community composition, the changes of surface bacterial diversity of cigar filler leaves were investigated in the present study by high-throughput sequencing technology. It was found that the surface bacterial richness was declined after fermentation, and the dominant microorganisms on the surface of cigar filler leaves evolved from Pseudomonas spp. and Sphingomonas spp. before fermentation to Staphylococcus spp. after fermentation. The chemical composition and sensory quality evaluation of cigar filler leaves were closely related to the changes of surface bacterial community. The changes of the dominant surface bacterial community led to the differences of metabolic functions, among which the metabolic pathways such as the synthesis of secondary metabolites, carbon metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis were significantly different. The results provide a basis for clarifying the roles of bacteria in fermentation of cigar filler leaves.
MCPNet: a parallel maximum capacity-based genome-scale gene network construction framework
Authors: Pan Tony C , Chockalingam Sriram P , Aluru Maneesha , Aluru Srinivas
Published: June 2023

Motivation

Gene network reconstruction from gene expression profiles is a compute- and data-intensive problem. Numerous methods based on diverse approaches including mutual information, random forests, Bayesian networks, correlation measures, as well as their transforms and filters such as data processing inequality, have been proposed. However, an effective gene network reconstruction method that performs well in all three aspects of computational efficiency, data size scalability, and output quality remains elusive. Simple techniques such as Pearson correlation are fast to compute but ignore indirect interactions, while more robust methods such as Bayesian networks are prohibitively time consuming to apply to tens of thousands of genes.

Results

We developed maximum capacity path (MCP) score, a novel maximum-capacity-path-based metric to quantify the relative strengths of direct and indirect gene–gene interactions. We further present MCPNet, an efficient, parallelized gene network reconstruction software based on MCP score, to reverse engineer networks in unsupervised and ensemble manners. Using synthetic and real Saccharomyces cervisiae datasets as well as real Arabidopsis thaliana datasets, we demonstrate that MCPNet produces better quality networks as measured by AUPRC, is significantly faster than all other gene network reconstruction software, and also scales well to tens of thousands of genes and hundreds of CPU cores. Thus, MCPNet represents a new gene network reconstruction tool that simultaneously achieves quality, performance, and scalability requirements.

Availability and implementation

Source code freely available for download at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6499747 and https://github.com/AluruLab/MCPNet, implemented in C++ and supported on Linux.
Mistle: bringing spectral library predictions to metaproteomics with an efficient search index
Authors: Nowatzky Yannek , Benner Philipp , Reinert Knut , Muth Thilo
Published: June 2023

Motivation

Deep learning has moved to the forefront of tandem mass spectrometry-driven proteomics and authentic prediction for peptide fragmentation is more feasible than ever. Still, at this point spectral prediction is mainly used to validate database search results or for confined search spaces. Fully predicted spectral libraries have not yet been efficiently adapted to large search space problems that often occur in metaproteomics or proteogenomics.

Results

In this study, we showcase a workflow that uses Prosit for spectral library predictions on two common metaproteomes and implement an indexing and search algorithm, Mistle, to efficiently identify experimental mass spectra within the library. Hence, the workflow emulates a classic protein sequence database search with protein digestion but builds a searchable index from spectral predictions as an in-between step. We compare Mistle to popular search engines, both on a spectral and database search level, and provide evidence that this approach is more accurate than a database search using MSFragger. Mistle outperforms other spectral library search engines in terms of run time and proves to be extremely memory efficient with a 4- to 22-fold decrease in RAM usage. This makes Mistle universally applicable to large search spaces, e.g. covering comprehensive sequence databases of diverse microbiomes.

Availability and implementation

Mistle is freely available on GitHub at https://github.com/BAMeScience/Mistle.
Clinical validation of 3D-printed swabs in adults and children for SARS-CoV-2 detection
Authors: Sanchez-Sandoval Ana Laura , Sánchez-Pérez Celia , García-García José Antonio , Uriega-González Silvia Plata , Guerrero-Avendaño Guadalupe Mercedes Lucía , Barrón-Palma Eira Valeria
Published: June 2023

Throughout the entire coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, there were disruptions in the supply chain of test materials around the world, primarily in poor- and middle-income countries. The use of 3D prints is an alternative to address swab supply shortages. In this study, the feasibility of the clinical use of 3D-printed swabs for oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal sampling for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection was evaluated. For that purpose, paired samples with the 3D printed and the control swabs were taken from 42 adult patients and 10 pediatric patients, and the results obtained in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were compared. Additionally, in those cases where the result was positive for SARS-CoV-2, the viral load was calculated by means of a mathematical algorithm proposed by us. For both adults and children, satisfactory results were obtained in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR; no significant differences were found in the quantification cycle values between the 3D-printed swab samples and the control samples. Furthermore, we corroborated that the 3D-printed swabs caused less discomfort and pain at the time of sampling. In conclusion, this study shows the feasibility of routinely using 3D-printed swabs for both adults and children. In this way, it is possible to maintain local and cheaper consumption along with fewer distribution difficulties.
Public views are needed for skin colour scales
Authors: Lax Stephanie J , Roberts Amanda , Cliffe Eleanor , Ramesh Grishma , Ayodele Dija , Williams Hywel C , Belmo Sharon , Leighton Paul
Published: June 2023

Our public engagement exercise showed that the Fitzpatrick Scale does not adequately represent how members of the public consider their own skin. Descriptions offered by respondents regarding their skin tone were richly varied; some also indicated that structured and embedded inequalities affected the language they used. The patient voice is key to developing comprehensive, inclusive and widely understood tools.
Cathepsin and cutaneous disorders of cornification and inflammation: their close links
Authors: Akiyama Masashi
Published: June 2023

As mentioned above, the cathepsin family is a group of important proteases that are deeply involved in the development of various skin disorders of cornification and inflammation, including AiKDs. The cathepsin family members are considered to play essential roles in the keratinocyte proliferation/differentiation and inflammatory pathways in the skin.
Safety of continuous intraoperative vagus nerve neuromonitoring during thyroid surgery
Authors: Mathieson Timothy , Jimaja Wedali , Triponez Frédéric , Licker Marc , Karenovics Wolfram , Makovac Petra , Muradbegovic Mirza , Belfontali Valentina , Bédat Benoît , Demarchi Marco Stefano
Published: June 2023

Background

Continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring has successfully demonstrated to predict impending damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, by detecting changes in electromyographic recordings. Despite the apparent benefits associated with continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring, its safety is still a debate. The aim of this study was to investigate the electrophysiological impact of continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring on the vagus nerve.

Methods

In this prospective study, the amplitude of the electromyographic wave of the vagus nerve–recurrent laryngeal nerve axis was measured both proximally and distally to the stimulation electrode placed upon the vagus nerve. Electromyographic signal amplitudes were collected at three distinct events during the operation: during the dissection of the vagus nerve, before application of the continuous stimulation electrode onto the vagus nerve and after its removal.

Results

In total, 169 vagus nerves were analysed, among 108 included patients undergoing continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring-enhanced endocrine neck surgeries. Electrode application resulted in a significant overall decrease in measured proximo-distal amplitudes of −10.94 µV (95 per cent c.i. −17.06 to −4.82 µV) (P < 0.005), corresponding to a mean(s.d.) decrease of −1.4(5.4) per cent. Before the removal of the electrode, the measured proximo-distal difference in amplitudes was −18.58 µV (95 per cent c.i. −28.31 to −8.86 µV) (P < 0.005), corresponding to a mean(s.d.) decrease of −2.50(9.59) per cent. Seven nerves suffered a loss of amplitude greater than 20 per cent of the baseline measurement.

Conclusion

In addition to supporting claims that continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring exposes the vagus nerve to injury, this study shows a mild electrophysiological impact of continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring electrode placement on the vagus nerve–recurrent laryngeal nerve axis. However, the small observed differences are negligible and were not associated with a clinically relevant outcome, making continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring a safe adjunct in selected thyroid surgeries.
Characteristics of amnestic patients with hypometabolism patterns suggestive of Lewy body pathology
Authors: Silva-Rodríguez Jesús , Labrador-Espinosa Miguel A , Moscoso Alexis , Schöll Michael , Mir Pablo , Grothe Michel J ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2023

A clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD) encompasses considerable pathological and clinical heterogeneity. While Alzheimer’s disease patients typically show a characteristic temporo-parietal pattern of glucose hypometabolism on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET imaging, previous studies have identified a subset of patients showing a distinct posterior-occipital hypometabolism pattern associated with Lewy body pathology. Here, we aimed to improve the understanding of the clinical relevance of these posterior-occipital FDG-PET patterns in patients with Alzheimer’s disease-like amnestic presentations. Our study included 1214 patients with clinical diagnoses of ADD (n = 305) or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI, n = 909) from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, who had FDG-PET scans available. Individual FDG-PET scans were classified as being suggestive of Alzheimer’s (AD-like) or Lewy body (LB-like) pathology by using a logistic regression classifier trained on a separate set of patients with autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease or Lewy body pathology. AD- and LB-like subgroups were compared on amyloid-β and tau-PET, domain-specific cognitive profiles (memory versus executive function performance), as well as the presence of hallucinations and their evolution over follow-up (≈6 years for aMCI, ≈3 years for ADD). Around 12% of the aMCI and ADD patients were classified as LB-like. For both aMCI and ADD patients, the LB-like group showed significantly lower regional tau-PET burden than the AD-like subgroup, but amyloid-β load was only significantly lower in the aMCI LB-like subgroup. LB- and AD-like subgroups did not significantly differ in global cognition (aMCI: d = 0.15, P = 0.16; ADD: d = 0.02, P = 0.90), but LB-like patients exhibited a more dysexecutive cognitive profile relative to the memory deficit (aMCI: d = 0.35, P = 0.01; ADD: d = 0.85 P < 0.001), and had a significantly higher risk of developing hallucinations over follow-up [aMCI: hazard ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval = (1.29, 3.04), P = 0.02; ADD: hazard ratio = 2.2, 95% confidence interval = (1.53, 4.06) P = 0.01]. In summary, a sizeable group of clinically diagnosed ADD and aMCI patients exhibit posterior-occipital FDG-PET patterns typically associated with Lewy body pathology, and these also show less abnormal Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers as well as specific clinical features typically associated with dementia with Lewy bodies.
The coming of age of liquid biopsy in neuro-oncology
Authors: Berzero Giulia , Pieri Valentina , Mortini Pietro , Filippi Massimo , Finocchiaro Gaetano
Published: June 2023

The clinical role of liquid biopsy in oncology is growing significantly. In gliomas and other brain tumours, targeted sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from CSF may help differential diagnosis when surgery is not recommended and be more representative of tumour heterogeneity than surgical specimens, unveiling targetable genetic alterations. Given the invasive nature of lumbar puncture to obtain CSF, the quantitative analysis of cfDNA in plasma is a lively option for patient follow-up. Confounding factors may be represented by cfDNA variations due to concomitant pathologies (inflammatory diseases, seizures) or clonal haematopoiesis.

Pilot studies suggest that methylome analysis of cfDNA from plasma and temporary opening of the blood–brain barrier by ultrasound have the potential to overcome some of these limitations. Together with this, an increased understanding of mechanisms modulating the shedding of cfDNA by the tumour may help to decrypt the meaning of cfDNA kinetics in blood or CSF.
Sleep deprivation and the skin
Authors: Afzal Usamah M , Ali Faisal R
Published: June 2023

Sleep is an under-evaluated symptom when assessing patients with cutaneous disease. Consequently, the relationship between sleep deprivation and disease burden is often not considered. The focus of our review article is to explore the bidirectional relationship between sleep and cutaneous disease investigating the disruption in circadian rhythmicity and skin homeostasis. Management strategies should focus on optimizing disease control coupled with improving sleep hygiene.
The role of neutrophil extracellular traps and proinflammatory damage-associated molecular patterns in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Ma Wenlan , Zhu Jiarui , Bai Ling , Zhao Peipei , Li Feifei , Zhang Sigong
Published: June 2023

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of systemic autoimmune diseases characterized by immune-mediated muscle injury. Abnormal neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can be used as a biomarker of IIM disease activity, but the mechanism of NET involvement in IIMs needs to be elucidated. Important components of NETs, including high-mobility group box 1, DNA, histones, extracellular matrix, serum amyloid A, and S100A8/A9, act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to promote inflammation in IIMs. NETs can act on different cells to release large amounts of cytokines and activate the inflammasome, which can subsequently aggravate the inflammatory response. Based on the idea that NETs may be proinflammatory DAMPs of IIMs, we describe the role of NETs, DAMPs, and their interaction in the pathogenesis of IIMs and discuss the possible targeted treatment strategies in IIMs.
Exploring the internal forward model: action-effect prediction and attention in sensorimotor processing
Authors: Harrison Anthony W , Hughes Gethin , Rudman Gabriella , Christensen Bruce K , Whitford Thomas J
Published: June 2023

Action-effect predictions are believed to facilitate movement based on its association with sensory objectives and suppress the neurophysiological response to self- versus externally generated stimuli (i.e. sensory attenuation). However, research is needed to explore theorized differences in the use of action-effect prediction based on whether movement is uncued (i.e. volitional) or in response to external cues (i.e. stimulus-driven). While much of the sensory attenuation literature has examined effects involving the auditory N1, evidence is also conflicted regarding this component’s sensitivity to action-effect prediction. In this study (n = 64), we explored the influence of action-effect contingency on event-related potentials associated with visually cued and uncued movement, as well as resultant stimuli. Our findings replicate recent evidence demonstrating reduced N1 amplitude for tones produced by stimulus-driven movement. Despite influencing motor preparation, action-effect contingency was not found to affect N1 amplitudes. Instead, we explore electrophysiological markers suggesting that attentional mechanisms may suppress the neurophysiological response to sound produced by stimulus-driven movement. Our findings demonstrate lateralized parieto-occipital activity that coincides with the auditory N1, corresponds to a reduction in its amplitude, and is topographically consistent with documented effects of attentional suppression. These results provide new insights into sensorimotor coordination and potential mechanisms underlying sensory attenuation.
An integrated finite element method and machine learning algorithm for brain morphology prediction
Authors: Chavoshnejad Poorya , Chen Liangjun , Yu Xiaowei , Hou Jixin , Filla Nicholas , Zhu Dajiang , Liu Tianming , Li Gang , Razavi Mir Jalil , Wang Xianqiao
Published: June 2023

The human brain development experiences a complex evolving cortical folding from a smooth surface to a convoluted ensemble of folds. Computational modeling of brain development has played an essential role in better understanding the process of cortical folding, but still leaves many questions to be answered. A major challenge faced by computational models is how to create massive brain developmental simulations with affordable computational sources to complement neuroimaging data and provide reliable predictions for brain folding. In this study, we leveraged the power of machine learning in data augmentation and prediction to develop a machine-learning-based finite element surrogate model to expedite brain computational simulations, predict brain folding morphology, and explore the underlying folding mechanism. To do so, massive finite element method (FEM) mechanical models were run to simulate brain development using the predefined brain patch growth models with adjustable surface curvature. Then, a GAN-based machine learning model was trained and validated with these produced computational data to predict brain folding morphology given a predefined initial configuration. The results indicate that the machine learning models can predict the complex morphology of folding patterns, including 3-hinge gyral folds. The close agreement between the folding patterns observed in FEM results and those predicted by machine learning models validate the feasibility of the proposed approach, offering a promising avenue to predict the brain development with given fetal brain configurations.
Different activity patterns control various stages of Reelin synthesis in the developing neocortex
Authors: Engeroff Kira , Warm Davide , Bittner Stefan , Blanquie Oriane
Published: June 2023

Reelin is a large extracellular matrix protein abundantly expressed in the developing neocortex of mammals. During embryonic and early postnatal stages in mice, Reelin is secreted by a transient neuronal population, the Cajal–Retzius neurons (CRs), and is mostly known to insure the inside-out migration of neurons and the formation of cortical layers. During the first 2 postnatal weeks, CRs disappear from the neocortex and a subpopulation of GABAergic neurons takes over the expression of Reelin, albeit in lesser amounts. Although Reelin expression requires a tight regulation in a time- and cell-type specific manner, the mechanisms regulating the expression and secretion of this protein are poorly understood. In this study, we establish a cell-type specific profile of Reelin expression in the marginal zone of mice neocortex during the first 3 postnatal weeks. We then investigate whether electrical activity plays a role in the regulation of Reelin synthesis and/or secretion by cortical neurons during the early postnatal period. We show that increased electrical activity promotes the transcription of reelin via the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/TrkB pathway, but does not affect its translation or secretion. We further demonstrate that silencing the neuronal network promotes the translation of Reelin without affecting the transcription or secretion. We conclude that different patterns of activity control various stages of Reelin synthesis, whereas its secretion seems to be constitutive.
Assessing the Impact of 2-Step Clostridioides difficile Testing at the Healthcare Facility Level
Authors: Turner Nicholas A , Krishnan Jay , Nelson Alicia , Polage Christopher R , Cochran Ronda L , Fike Lucy , Kuhar David T , Kutty Preeta K , Snyder Rachel L , Anderson Deverick J
Published: June 2023

Background

Two-step testing for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) aims to improve diagnostic specificity but may also influence reported epidemiology and patterns of treatment. Some providers fear that 2-step testing may result in adverse outcomes if C. difficile is underdiagnosed.

Methods

Our primary objective was to assess the impact of 2-step testing on reported incidence of hospital-onset CDI (HO-CDI). As secondary objectives, we assessed the impact of 2-step testing on C. difficile–specific antibiotic use and colectomy rates as proxies for harm from underdiagnosis or delayed treatment. This longitudinal cohort study included 2 657 324 patient-days across 8 regional hospitals from July 2017 through March 2022. Impact of 2-step testing was assessed by time series analysis with generalized estimating equation regression models.

Results

Two-step testing was associated with a level decrease in HO-CDI incidence (incidence rate ratio, 0.53 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .48–.60]; P < .001), a similar level decrease in utilization rates for oral vancomycin and fidaxomicin (utilization rate ratio, 0.63 [95% CI, .58–.70]; P < .001), and no significant level (rate ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, .93–1.43]; P = .18) or trend (rate ratio, 0.85 [95% CI, .52–1.39]; P = .51) change in emergent colectomy rates.

Conclusions

Two-step testing is associated with decreased reported incidence of HO-CDI, likely by improving diagnostic specificity. The parallel decrease in C. difficile–specific antibiotic use offers indirect reassurance against underdiagnosis of C. difficile infections still requiring treatment by clinician assessment. Similarly, the absence of any significant change in colectomy rates offers indirect reassurance against any rise in fulminant C. difficile requiring surgical management.
Safety and Efficacy of Triple Therapy With Dolutegravir Plus 2 Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors in Treatment-Naive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 Patients: Results From a 48-Week Phase 2 Study
Authors: Pacheco Patrícia , Marques Nuno , Rodrigues Paulo , Mansinho Kamal , Maltez Fernando , Janeiro Nuno , Franco Cláudia , Trigo Diva , Batista Joana , Duque Luís , Lopes Maria João , Aleixo Maria João , Silva Ana Rita , Tavares Raquel , Alves João , Peres Susana , Póvoas Diana , Lino Sara , Gomes Perpétua , Araújo Vânia , Lopes Cristina
Published: June 2023

Background

Integrase strand transfer inhibitor–based regimens are recommended for first-line therapy in human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2). Nonetheless, dolutegravir (DTG) clinical trial data are lacking.

Methods

We conducted a phase 2, single-arm, open-label trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a triple therapy regimen that included DTG in persons with HIV-2 (PWHIV-2) in Portugal. Treatment-naive adults receive DTG in combination with 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Treatment efficacy was evaluated by the proportion of patients who achieved a plasma viral load (pVL) <40 copies/mL and/or by the change from baseline in CD4+ T-cell count and in CD4/CD8 ratio at week 48.

Results

A total of 30 patients were enrolled (22 women; median age, 55 years). At baseline, 17 (56.7%) individuals were viremic (median, pVL 190 copies/mL; interquartile range [IQR], 99–445). The median CD4 count was 438 cells/μL (IQR, 335–605), and the CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.8. Three patients discontinued the study. At week 48, all participants (27) had pVL <40 copies/mL. No virological failures were observed. Mean changes in CD4 count and CD4/CD8 ratio at week 48 were 95.59 cells/µL (95% confidence interval [CI], 28–163) and 0.32 (95% CI, .19 to .46). The most common drug-related adverse events were headache and nausea. One participant discontinued due to central nervous system symptoms. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

DTG plus 2 NRTIs is safe and effective as first-line treatment for PWHIV-2 with a tolerability profile previously known. No virological failures were observed that suggest a high potency of DTG in HIV-2 as occurs in HIV-1.

Clinical Trials Registration

M NCT 03224338.
Successful acclimatization of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) translocated to Conkouati-Douli National Park, Republic of Congo, as measured by fecal glucocorticoid metabolites
Authors: Woodruff Miles C , Atencia Rebeca , Cox Debby , Woodruff Glenn T , Wheaton Catharine J , Lavin Shana R , Setchell Joanna M
Published: June 2023

Translocation and reintroduction are common tools in conservation management and can be very successful. However, translocation can be stressful for the animals involved, and stress is implicated as a major cause of failure in release programs. Conservation managers should therefore seek to understand how the stages of translocation impact stress physiology in the animals involved. We quantified fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) as a noninvasive measure of response to potential stressors during a translocation of 15 mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) into Conkouati-Douli National Park, Republic of Congo. The mandrills were initially housed in a sanctuary, transferred to a pre-release enclosure in the National Park and then released into the forest. We collected repeated fecal samples (n = 1101) from known individuals and quantified fGCMs using a previously validated enzyme immunoassay. Transfer from the sanctuary to the pre-release enclosure correlated with a significant 1.93-fold increase in fGCMs, suggesting that transfer was a stressor for the mandrills. fGCM values decreased over time in the pre-release enclosure, suggesting that the mandrills recovered from the transfer and acclimatized to the enclosure. Release to the forest was not linked to a significant increase in fGCMs over the final values in the enclosure. Following release, fGCMs continued to decrease, fell below sanctuary values after just over a month and were about half the sanctuary values after 1 year. Overall, our results suggest that the translocation, although initially presenting a physiological challenge to the animals, was not detrimental to the well-being of the animals over the timescale of the study and, in fact, may have been beneficial. Our findings show the value of non-invasive physiology in monitoring, evaluating and designing wildlife translocations and, ultimately, contributing to their success.
Vascular smooth muscle cells specific deletion of angiopoietin-like protein 8 prevents angiotensin II-promoted hypertension and cardiovascular hypertrophy
Authors: Jiao Xiaolu , Yu Huahui , Du Zhiyong , Li Linyi , Hu Chaowei , Du Yunhui , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xiaoping , Lv Qianwen , Li Fan , Sun Qiuju , Wang Yu , Qin Yanwen
Published: June 2023

Aims

Angiopoietin-like protein 8 (ANGPTL8) plays important roles in lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and cell proliferation and migration. Clinical studies have indicated that circulating ANGPTL8 concentrations are increased in patients with hypertension and positively associated with blood pressure. ANGPTL8 deficiency ameliorates blood pressure in mice treated with chronic intermittent hypoxia. Currently, little is known regarding the pathophysiological role of the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-derived ANGPTL8 in hypertension and hypertensive cardiovascular remodelling.

Methods and results

Circulating ANGPTL8 concentrations, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, were significantly higher in hypertensive patients than in controls (524.51 ± 26.97 vs. 962.92 ± 15.91 pg/mL; P < 0.001). In hypertensive mice [angiotensin II (AngII) treatment for 14 days] and spontaneously hypertensive rats, ANGPTL8 expression was increased and predominantly located in VSMCs. In AngII-treated mice, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in Tagln-Cre-ANGPTL8fl/fl mice were approximately 15–25 mmHg lower than that in ANGPTL8fl/fl mice. AngII-induced vascular remodelling, vascular constriction, and increased expression of cell markers of proliferation (PCNA and Ki67) and migration (MMP-2 and MMP-9) were strikingly attenuated in Tagln-Cre-ANGPTL8fl/fl mice compared with ANGPTL8fl/fl mice. Furthermore, the AngII-induced increase in the heart size, heart weight, heart/body weight ratio, cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, and collagen deposition was ameliorated in Tagln-Cre-ANGPTL8fl/fl mice compared with ANGPTL8fl/fl mice. In rat artery smooth muscle cells, ANGPTL8-short hairpin RNA decreased intracellular calcium levels and prevented AngII-induced proliferation and migration through the PI3K-Akt pathway, as shown using LY294002 (inhibitor of PI3K) and Akt inhibitor VIII.

Conclusion

This study suggests that ANGPTL8 in VSMCs plays an important role in AngII-induced hypertension and associated cardiovascular remodelling. ANGPTL8 may be a novel therapeutic target against pathological hypertension and hypertensive cardiovascular hypertrophy.
Phenotyping heart failure by nuclear imaging of myocardial perfusion, metabolism, and molecular targets
Authors: Saraste Antti , Knuuti Juhani , Bengel Frank
Published: June 2023

Nuclear imaging techniques can detect and quantify pathophysiological processes underlying heart failure, complementing evaluation of cardiac structure and function with other imaging modalities. Combined imaging of myocardial perfusion and metabolism can identify left ventricle dysfunction caused by myocardial ischaemia that may be reversible after revascularization in the presence of viable myocardium. High sensitivity of nuclear imaging to detect targeted tracers has enabled assessment of various cellular and subcellular mechanisms of heart failure. Nuclear imaging of active inflammation and amyloid deposition is incorporated into clinical management algorithms of cardiac sarcoidosis and amyloidosis. Innervation imaging has well-documented prognostic value with respect to heart failure progression and arrhythmias. Emerging tracers specific for inflammation and myocardial fibrotic activity are in earlier stages of development but have demonstrated potential value in early characterization of the response to myocardial injury and prediction of adverse left ventricular remodelling. Early detection of disease activity is a key for transition from broad medical treatment of clinically overt heart failure towards a personalized approach aimed at supporting repair and preventing progressive failure. This review outlines the current status of nuclear imaging in phenotyping heart failure and combines it with discussion on novel developments.
Burden of cardiovascular disease among elderly: based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Qu Chunrun , Liao Sheng , Zhang Jingdan , Cao Hui , Zhang Hao , Zhang Nan , Yan Luzhe , Cui Gaoyuan , Luo Peng , Zhang Qingwei , Cheng Quan
Published: June 2023

Background

The burden of elderly cardiovascular disease (CVD) has received increasing attention with population ageing worldwide.

Aims

We reported on the global CVD burden in elderly individuals over 70, 1990–2019.

Methods and results

Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, elderly CVD burden data were analysed. Temporal burden trends were analysed with the joinpoint model. The slope index and concentration index were used to evaluate health inequality. From 1990 to 2019, the global elderly CVD incidence, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life year rates generally decreased. However, the current burden remains high. The rapid growth in burden in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia is a cause for concern. Countries with a higher socio-demographic index (SDI) have generally seen a greater decrease in burden, while countries with a lower SDI have generally experienced increases or smaller declines in burden. Health inequality analysis confirmed that the burden was gradually concentrating towards countries with a low SDI. Among the different CVDs, ischaemic heart disease causes the greatest burden in elderly individuals. Most CVD burdens increase with age, but stroke and peripheral vascular disease show markedly different distributional characteristics. In addition, the burden of hypertensive heart disease shows an unusual shift towards high-SDI countries. High systolic blood pressure was consistently the leading risk factor for CVD among elderly individuals.

Conclusion

The burden of CVD in older people remains severe and generally tends to shift to lower-SDI countries. Policymakers need to take targeted measures to reduce its harm.