bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single‐cell transcriptomics of human organoid‐derived enteroendocrine cell populations from the small intestine
Authors: Smith Christopher A. , Lu Van B. , Bany Bakar Rula , Miedzybrodzka Emily , Davison Adam , Goldspink Deborah , Reimann Frank , Gribble Fiona M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractGut hormones control intestinal function, metabolism and appetite, and have been harnessed therapeutically to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Our understanding of the enteroendocrine axis arises largely from animal studies, but intestinal organoid models make it possible to identify, genetically modify and purify human enteroendocrine cells (EECs). This study aimed to map human EECs using single‐cell RNA sequencing. Organoids derived from human duodenum and ileum were genetically modified using CRISPR‐Cas9 to express the fluorescent protein Venus driven by the chromogranin‐A promoter. Fluorescent cells from CHGA‐Venus organoids were purified by flow cytometry and analysed by 10X single‐cell RNA sequencing. Cluster analysis separated EEC populations, allowing an examination of differentially expressed hormones, nutrient‐sensing machinery, transcription factors and exocytotic machinery. Bile acid receptor GPBAR1 was most highly expressed in L‐cells (producing glucagon‐like peptide 1 and peptide YY), long‐chain fatty acid receptor FFAR1 was highest in I‐cells (cholecystokinin), K‐cells (glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and L‐cells, short‐chain fatty acid receptor FFAR2 was highest in ileal L‐cells and enterochromaffin cells, olfactory receptor OR51E1 was notably expressed in ileal enterochromaffin cells, and the glucose‐sensing sodium glucose cotransporter SLC5A1 was highly and differentially expressed in K‐ and L‐cells, reflecting their known responsiveness to ingested glucose. The organoid EEC atlas was merged with published data from human intestine and organoids, with good overlap between enteroendocrine datasets. Understanding the similarities and differences between human EEC types will facilitate the development of drugs targeting the enteroendocrine axis for the treatment of conditions such as diabetes, obesity and intestinal disorders.
imageKey points
Gut hormones regulate intestinal function, nutrient homeostasis and metabolism and form the basis of the new classes of drugs for obesity and diabetes.
As enteroendocrine cells (EECs) comprise only ∼1% of the intestinal epithelium, they are under‐represented in current single‐cell atlases.
To identify, compare and characterise human EECs we generated chromogranin‐A labelled organoids from duodenal and ileal biopsies by CRISPR‐Cas9.
Fluorescent chromogranin‐A positive EECs were purified and analysed by single‐cell RNA sequencing, revealing predominant cell clusters producing different gut hormones.
Cell clusters exhibited differential expression of nutrient‐sensing machinery including bile acid receptors, long‐ and short‐chain fatty acid receptors and glucose transporters.
Organoid‐derived EECs mapped well onto data from native intestinal cell populations, extending coverage of EECs.
Effects of Localized Non-Gaussian Roughness on High-Pressure Turbine Aerothermal Performance: Convective Heat Transfer, Skin Friction, and the Reynolds’ Analogy
Authors: Jelly Thomas O. , Nardini Massimiliano , Sandberg Richard D. , Vitt Paul , Sluyter Greg 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Compressible direct numerical simulations are conducted to investigate how surface roughness affects the aerothermal performance of a high-pressure turbine vane operating at an exit Reynolds number of 0.59 ×106 and exit Mach number of 0.92. The roughness under investigation here was synthesized with non-Gaussian statistical properties and an amplitude that varies over its chord length, representative of what truly occurs on an in-service vane. Particular attention is directed toward how systematically changing the axial extent of leading edge roughness affects convective heat transfer (Nusselt and Stanton numbers) and aerodynamic drag (skin friction coefficient) on the pressure and suction surfaces. The results of this investigation demonstrate that moving the larger amplitude roughness further along the suction surface can alter the blade boundary layer state. In fact, toward the trailing edge of one of the rough vanes investigated here, the local skin friction coefficient increases by a factor of 22 compared to smooth-vane levels, whereas the local Nusselt number increases by a factor 6. The disproportionate rise of drag compared to heat transfer is explored in further detail by quantifying the Reynolds’ analogy and by calculating the fractional contributions of pressure drag and viscous drag to the total drag force. The effect of varying the inlet turbulence intensity and integral length scale for a fixed roughness topography is also investigated, and the Reynolds number scaling of heat transfer and drag is examined in the context of the Chilton–Colburn analogy.
Increasing Efficiency and Reducing Emissions in a Small Displacement Gasoline Engine With Hydrogen-Enriched Natural Gas
Authors: Baumgardner Marc E. , Graves Anthony , Hilt Keegan , Larson Luke , Nordell Connor 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
There is currently a gap in the available literature on retrofitting engines with less-advanced control systems to run on hydrogen-enriched natural gas. Potential advantages of hydrogen-enriched natural gas in these engines may not be realized without altering parameters such as spark-timing, exhaust gas recirculation, or the air/fuel ratio. However, in such engines, changes in spark-timing and exhaust gas recycle are often cost-prohibitive, leaving equivalence ratio adjustments as one of the few remaining viable operational strategies. In this study, a small-displacement (319 cc), naturally aspirated, single-cylinder gasoline engine without spark-timing control was converted to run on a 10 vol% blend of hydrogen-enriched natural gas. Stoichiometric operation improved thermal efficiency, fuel consumption, and total hydrocarbon emissions, but higher NOx emissions resulted. Despite no spark-timing control, lean-burn operation at an equivalence ratio of 0.7 was found to maintain performance improvements while also lowering emissions: fuel consumption was lowered versus the methane base case by 11%, and NOx and hydrocarbon emissions were both decreased by approximately 70% below the base case. This study concludes that in a scenario even without spark-timing control, the addition of 10 vol% hydrogen can improve power, emissions, and efficiency of a spark-ignited natural gas engine, which serves as a proof-of-concept that even fairly simple, small-displacement engines can benefit from switching from gasoline to hydrogen-enriched natural gas operation.
Torrefaction Temperature Effects on Grindability of Wheat Straw Using TG-FTIR Analysis
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Zhiwei , Chen Gaofeng , Li Zaifeng , Yang Shuhua , Du Xinze , Gupta Ashwani K. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Torrefaction used for the pretreatment of biomass can enhance grindability along with a significant reduction of energy consumption required for pulverization to aid in large-scale utilization of biomass energy. In this study, torrefaction experiments of wheat straw were conducted at different temperatures using an experimental furnace facility. The influence of torrefaction temperature on the grindability of resulting wheat straw was explored using a hardgrove grindability index tester and thermogravimetric-Fourier transform infrared (TG-FTIR) spectroscopy. The results indicated that an increase in torrefaction temperature significantly increased the carbon content of wheat straw and decreased the oxygen content to result in a decrease in the O/C ratio from 0.66 to 0.39. The calorific value increased by 24% from 15.42 MJ/kg to 19.17 MJ/kg. An increase in torrefaction temperature from 220 °C to 269 °C increased the grindability index from 29 to 115. The grindability of wheat straw can be controlled to values similar to that of coal by tuning the torrefaction temperature. The main gas components released during torrefaction were H2O, CH4, CO2, and CO. Thermogravimetric data showed 29% solid residues from the raw wheat straw. An increase in torrefaction temperature increased solid residue to 41%. The pyrolysis of wheat straw at different torrefaction temperatures can be grouped into three stages such as dehydration, rapid pyrolysis, and carbonization. This study reveals effective large-scale utilization of wheat straw biomass as a high heating value solid fuel using torrefaction pretreatment.
Innovative Photovoltaic-Aeration Integration: Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Grid Stability in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Alnawafah Hamza , Alnawafah Qais , Amano Ryoichi S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed investigation into enhancing the energy efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems, emphasizing power flow analysis and experimental validation. Recognizing the substantial energy demands of aeration processes in WWTPs, this study proposes an innovative integration of PV panels with aeration tanks. This approach generates renewable energy and optimizes energy use through the thermal interaction between the PV panels and the aeration tanks. Key findings demonstrate a 15% overall increase in energy efficiency and a 5% improvement in PV efficiency due to aeration-induced cooling, along with a reduction in voltage fluctuations by up to 30% during high-demand periods. Additionally, the integration offsets approximately 20% of the WWTP's total energy consumption. The research is structured into two main components: a comprehensive power flow study using digsilent powerfactory and a laboratory experiment to validate the integration's effectiveness. The power flow analysis evaluates the electrical impact of PV integration on the WWTP's power grid, focusing on scenarios such as load fluctuations, grid disturbances, and the synchronization of PV generation with plant energy needs. The simulation results indicate that the integration significantly enhances the stability and efficiency of the plant's electrical system, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Concurrently, a laboratory experiment explored the practical effects of integrating PV systems with aeration tanks. The experiment demonstrated that the cooling effect provided by the aeration tanks leads to increased PV efficiency and notable energy savings. These experimental results align with the simulation findings, confirming the efficacy of this integrated approach. This study introduces a novel methodology for integrating renewable energy technologies into industrial processes, showcasing the potential for significant energy savings and improved operational efficiency in WWTPs. Future research will focus on scaling this integration strategy and assessing its long-term impacts on energy efficiency and wastewater treatment effectiveness.
Helicobacter pylori luxS
mutants cause hyperinflammatory responses during chronic infection
Authors: Yang Christina , Rodriguez y Baena Alessandra , Manso Bryce A. , Hu Shuai , Lopez-Magaña Raymondo , Ohanyan Mané , Ottemann Karen M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori
infects roughly half the world’s population, causing gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer in a subset. These pathologies occur in response to a chronic inflammatory state, but it is not fully understood how
H. pylori
controls this process. We characterized the inflammatory response of
H. pylori
mutants that cannot produce the quorum sensing molecule autoinducer 2 (AI-2) by deleting the gene for the AI-2 synthase,
luxS
. Our work shows that
H. pylori luxS
mutants colonize the stomach normally but recruit high numbers of CD4
+
T cells to the stomach during chronic infection. This increase in the number of CD4
+
T cells correlated with elevated expression of
CXCL9
, a chemokine important for T cell recruitment. Together, our results suggest that
H. pylori
may utilize AI-2 signaling to modulate the inflammatory response during chronic infection.

IMPORTANCE

Many bacteria signal to each other using quorum sensing signals. One type of signal is called autoinducer 2 (AI-2), which is produced and sensed by the LuxS enzyme found in many bacteria, including the gastric pathogen
Helicobacter pylori
.
H. pylori
establishes chronic infections that last for decades and lead to serious disease outcomes. How AI-2 signaling and LuxS contribute to chronic
H. pylori
infection has not been studied. In this work, we analyzed how loss of
H. pylori
-created AI-2,
via
mutation of
luxS
, affects
H. pylori
chronic infection.
luxS
mutants did not have significant colonization defects, similar to their reported phenotype during early infection, but they did have high stomach levels of effector and regulatory T cells and T-cell-recruiting chemokines. These results suggest that
H. pylori
LuxS may play more of a role in modulating the immune response versus colonization.
Development and validation of a nomogram-based risk prediction model for carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in hospitalized patients
Authors: Xu Tingting , Shi Yuxin , Cao Xiongjing , Xiong Lijuan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP) poses one of the major challenges in clinical anti-infective therapy worldwide. This retrospective cohort study at a tertiary general hospital in Wuhan aimed to identify risk factors for hospital-acquired CRKP infections among 1,113 patients. All participants were aged 18 years and above, and had confirmed positive cultures for KP isolated within 48 hours post-hospitalization. Independent risk factors were identified using LASSO logistic regression and incorporated into a predictive nomogram. The factors included in the nomogram were prior carbapenem exposure, prior β-lactams–β-lactamase inhibitor combination (BLBLI) exposure, prior intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and prior mechanical ventilation. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the nomogram were 0.793 in the training group (70% of patients) and 0.788 in the validation group (30% of patients), demonstrating its discriminatory power and predictive accuracy. The
P
values for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test were 0.333 and 0.684, indicating good calibration. The clinical utility of the nomogram was further supported by decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC), demonstrating its potential to guide clinical decision-making. Our retrospective analysis identified key risk factors for CRKP infection and developed a nomogram that could effectively predict CRKP infections in hospitalized patients. Although the single-center nature of this study limits generalizability, the nomogram provides a foundation for future prospective, multicenter validations.

IMPORTANCE

We established a nomogram scoring system that incorporates four key risk factors: prior carbapenem exposure, prior β-lactams–β-lactamase inhibitor combination (BLBLI) exposure, prior intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and prior mechanical ventilation. This nomogram demonstrated strong discriminatory power, excellent calibration, and significant clinical utility. This study highlights the critical risk factors associated with hospital-acquired carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP) infections, providing valuable insights for clinicians to identify high-risk patients.
Tumour spectrum inAKT1-related Proteus syndrome: a systematic review of clinical reports and series
Authors: Rostagni Olivia M , Early Charlotte LR , Hodges Mia B , Obasohan Justice O , Sapp Julie C , Livinski Alicia A , Biesecker Leslie G , Ours Christopher A 
Published: December 2024

AKT1-related Proteus syndrome is an ultra-rare mosaic overgrowth disorder with tumour predisposition. We conducted a systematic review to determine the range and characteristics of these tumours. A systematic review was conducted to identify clinical reports and clinical series of Proteus syndrome published between 1983 and 2023. Affected individuals were selected based on existing Proteus syndrome diagnostic criteria and expert review. Six databases were searched, and each unique record was screened independently by two authors. Two authors extracted the following data from each included report per individual: demographics, tumour diagnosis, characteristics, outcome, clinical features of Proteus syndrome and report ofAKT1genetic testing. The literature searches yielded 3074 records of which 1239 were unique and screened. After screening, 190 records were included. These represented 205 unique individuals with Proteus syndrome. There were 38 individuals (19%) with at least one tumour diagnosis. The average age of tumour diagnosis was 15.1 years (SD 12.1). The most frequent tumour sites were genitourinary/gynaecologic (25 tumours, 53%) followed by the central nervous system (11 tumours, 23%). Most tumours were benign and treated with surgery alone. This systematic review provides a summary of Proteus syndrome-associated tumours from the literature. These data assist clinicians in the diagnosis and prognosis of these tumours. The study highlights the knowledge gap of possible adult-onset tumours and long-term outcomes, which requires further research.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021237914
The Digital Economy as a Complex System
Authors: Delic Kemal A. , Johnson Jeff 
Published: December 2024

The digital economy is a complex system, but orthodox economic theory is unable to handle such complexity. For some decades economists have realized that the conventional theoretical models are not consistent with data on what people and institutions actually do, and a new behavioral economics is emerging. The science of complex systems developed over the last 50 years has developed many new ideas and methods for analyzing the non-linear non-equilibrium dynamics of complex systems. Responding to the failures of orthodox economics, those managing the global economy are willing and able to embrace and lead in this new way of looking at economic systems. Thus, economics is evolving and better able to inform decision making in the public and private sectors.
This offers new ways of sthinking about the digital economy for entrepreneurs and policy makers which in turn will provide many new example of real-world complexity. The digital economy will drive the creation of future wealth and prosperity, co-evolving with the science of complex systems. We postulate that the research in complex systems will enable better understanding of the digital economy, augment existing economic models and improve their prediction powers.
Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Anesthesia Methods in Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zheng Bin , Yu Panfeng , Liang Yan , Liu Haiying 
Published: December 2024

Background: The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and epidural anesthesia in percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD).Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID databases for all relevant studies. All statistical analysis was performed using STATA 17.0.Results: Fourteen studies were finally included, comprising 7 randomized controlled trials and 7 retrospective studies. The total number of subjects across these studies was 1655, with 316 undergoing general anesthesia, 789 undergoing local anesthesia, and 550 undergoing epidural anesthesia. The meta‐analysis of pairwise comparisons suggests that there are no differences among epidural, general anesthesia, and local anesthesia in terms of postoperative VAS, ODI, and surgery time. Regarding complications, general anesthesia has a higher complication rate compared with local anesthesia, but there are no differences between epidural and general anesthesia or between epidural and local anesthesia. In terms of anesthesia satisfaction, both general and epidural anesthesia have higher satisfaction rates compared with local anesthesia, with no significant difference between general and epidural anesthesia. The ranking of the best probabilities shows that epidural anesthesia has the lowest postoperative VAS and highest anesthesia satisfaction. General anesthesia has the lowest ODI scores. Local anesthesia has the fewest complications and operative time.Conclusion: Local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and epidural anesthesia are all safe and effective methods for PELD. Local anesthesia has advantages in complications and operation time. Epidural anesthesia is most advantageous in anesthesia satisfaction and postoperative VAS scores. General anesthesia is most advantageous in postoperative ODI. In the future, more multicenter RCTs are needed to further compare the safety and effectiveness of different anesthesia methods in PELD.
Assessing the Accuracy of Cardiovascular Disease Prediction Using Female-Specific Risk Factors in Women Aged 45 to 69 Years in the UK Biobank Study
Authors: Doust Jenny , Baneshi Mohammad Reza , Chung Hsin-Fang , Wilson Louise Forsyth , Mishra Gita Devi 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in women. We aimed to assess whether adding female-specific risk factors to traditional factors could improve CVD risk prediction.

METHODS:
We used a cohort of women from the UK Biobank Study aged 45 to 69 years, free of CVD at baseline (2006–2010) followed until the end of 2019. We developed Cox proportional hazards models using the risk factors included in 3 contemporary CVD risk calculators: Pooled Cohort Equation - Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Qrisk2, and PREDICT. We added each of the following female-specific risk factors, individually and all together, to determine if these improved measures of discrimination and calibration for predicting CVD: early menarche (<11 years), endometriosis, excessive, frequent or irregular menstruation, miscarriage, number of miscarriages, number of stillbirths, infertility, preeclampsia or eclampsia, gestational diabetes (without subsequent type 2 diabetes), premature menopause (<40 years), early menopause (<45 years), and natural or surgical early menopause (menopause <45 years or timing of menopause reported as unknown and oophorectomy reported at age <45).

RESULTS:
In the model of 135 142 women (mean age, 57.5 years; SD, 6.8) using risk factors from Pooled Cohort Equation - Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, CVD incidence was 5.3 per 1000 person-years. The c-indices for the Pooled Cohort Equation - Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Qrisk2, and PREDICT models were 0.710, 0.713, and 0.718, respectively. Adding each of the female-specific risk factors did not improve the c-index, the net reclassification index, the integrated discrimination index, the slope of the regression line for predicted versus observed events, and the Brier score or plots of calibration. Adding all female-specific risk factors simultaneously increased the c-index for the Pooled Cohort Equation - Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Qrisk2, and PREDICT models to 0.712, 0.715, and 0.720, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:
Although several female-specific factors have been shown to be early indicators of CVD risk, these factors should not be used to reclassify risk in women aged 45 to 69 years when considering whether to commence a blood pressure or lipid-lowering medication.