bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A numerical investigation into the effect of altering compression ratio, injection timing, and injection duration on the performance of a diesel engine fuelled with diesel–biodiesel–butanol blend
Authors: Youssef Abdulkarim , Ibrahim Amr 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Using renewable fuels for diesel engines can reduce both air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. A computer simulation was constructed to predict the performance, combustion characteristics, and NOx emissions of a diesel engine fuelled with diesel–biodiesel–butanol blends. The simulation was validated by comparing the modelling results against experimental data and a good agreement between the results was found. The fuels used for the validation were diesel (B0), biodiesel (B100), diesel–biodiesel blend (B50), and two diesel–biodiesel–butanol blends with 45% diesel–45% biodiesel–10% butanol (Bu10) and 40% diesel–40% biodiesel–20% butanol (Bu20) by volume. Experimental results showed that the addition of butanol reduced NOx emissions but deteriorated the engine performance. The aim of the current work was the numerical optimization of the different parameters to enhance the engine performance while using butanol to decrease NOx emissions. The engine compression ratio (CR) varied from 14 to 24, in increments of 2. Fuel injection timing (IT) was reduced from 30° before top dead centre (bTDC) to 5° bTDC in increments of 5°. Also, the fuel injection duration (IDur) was extended from 20° to 50° in increments of 10°. Results showed that the increase in the CR improved engine performance for the two investigated fuels, Bu10 and Bu20. The maximum engine brake power (BP), thermal efficiency (BTE), and minimum brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of 1.46 kW, 32.3%, and 0.273 kg/kWh respectively, were obtained when the Bu10 fuel was injected under the optimum conditions of 24 CR, 15° bTDC IT, and 40° IDur. Under these optimum conditions, the BP, BTE, and BSFC improved by 3%–3.5% for Bu10 and Bu20 fuel blends compared with the base engine conditions of a CR of 22, 30° IDur, and 10° bTDC IT. The heat release rate during the premixed phase increased when the IT was advanced, while the mixing-controlled combustion phase was enhanced when the IT was reduced. NOx emissions increased with increasing CR, while both an increase in IDur at constant IT and the reduction of the IT decreased the engine NOx emissions. Under the optimum conditions, the NOx emissions for Bu10 and Bu20 were further decreased by 2.2% and 0.9%, respectively, compared with the experimental results under base engine conditions. Reducing the IT from 15° to 5° bTDC at a CR of 24 and IDur of 40° caused the NOx emissions for Bu10 and Bu20 to decrease by 16%. When the IDur was increased from 20° to 50° at a CR of 24 and an IT of 15°bTDC, the NOx emissions for Bu10 and Bu20 decreased by 12.3% and 11.8%, respectively. The addition of butanol to the diesel–biodiesel blend under optimum conditions showed results that were comparable to those of pure diesel, with a decrease in NOx emissions.
Pathological polarizations from microglia to astrocyte contributes to spatial memory deficit in methamphetamine abstinence mice
Authors: Mai Yuning , Cheng Zhen , Wang Ze , Hu Tao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yuan Xiya , Xu Xing , Fan Yu , Ge Feifei , Shi Pengbo , Wang Jun , Yang Xin , Guan Xiaowei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Previously, we found that dCA1 A1-like polarization of astrocytes contributes a lot to the spatial memory deficit in methamphetamine abstinence mice. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear, resulting in a lack of promising therapeutic targets. Here, we found that methamphetamine abstinence mice exhibited an increased M1-like microglia and A1-like astrocytes, together with elevated levels of interleukin 1α and tumor necrosis factor α in dCA1. In vitro, the M1-like BV2 microglia cell medium, containing high levels of Interleukin 1α and tumor necrosis factor α, elevated A1-like polarization of astrocytes, which weakened their capacity for glutamate clearance. Locally suppressing dCA1 M1-like microglia activation with minocycline administration attenuated A1-like polarization of astrocytes, ameliorated dCA1 neurotoxicity, and, most importantly, rescued spatial memory in methamphetamine abstinence mice. The effective time window of minocycline treatment on spatial memory is the methamphetamine exposure period, rather than the long-term methamphetamine abstinence.
Causal effects of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on structural changes in specific brain regions: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Huang Yihong , Shi Shaole , Chen Wei , Chen Run , Wang Zilian , Wang Dongyu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study utilized Mendelian randomization to explore the impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their subtypes on brain structures, using genome-wide association study data from the FinnGen consortium for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy exposure and brain structure data from the ENIGMA consortium as outcomes. The inverse-variance weighted method, along with Cochran’s Q test, Mendelian randomization-Egger regression, Mendelian randomization-PRESSO global test, and the leave-one-out approach, were applied to infer causality and assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Findings indicate hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with structural brain alterations, including reduced cortical thickness in areas like the insula, isthmus cingulate gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, temporal pole, and transverse temporal gyrus, and an increased surface area in the superior frontal gyrus. Specific associations were found for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy subtypes: chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia increased cortical thickness in the supramarginal gyrus; preeclampsia/eclampsia led to thinner cortex in the lingual gyrus and larger hippocampal volume and superior parietal lobule surface area. Chronic hypertension was associated with reduced cortical thickness in the caudal and rostral anterior cingulate and increased surface area of the cuneus and thickness of the pars orbitalis cortex. Gestational hypertension showed no significant brain region changes. These insights clarify hypertensive disorders of pregnancies’ neurological and cognitive effects by identifying affected brain regions.
Counter-power: a Marxist view—an ontological enquiry
Authors: Palermo Giulio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The term ‘counter-power’ is widely used in political debates and social struggles. Scientifically, however, there is no clear distinction between powers and counter-powers. In the academic debate, largely based on methodological individualism, power is mostly conceived as an interpersonal relation, and counter-powers have no specific role, unless as opposing powers. In this paper, I develop an ontology of capitalist power, based on Marx’s critique of capital, and I clarify the role of counter-powers in this ontology. With these lenses, I reconsider critically the debate on power in economics and I discuss the limits of the individualist approach, from neoclassical ultra-liberalism to radical political economics. Finally, I discuss the implications of my ontological enquiry into counter-powers as far as theoretical research and political struggle are concerned.
Correlation between retinal vascular geometric parameters and pathologically diagnosed type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Liu Fang , Chen Xiaoniao , Wang Qian , Lin Wenwen , Li Ying , Zhang Ruimin , Huang Hui , Jiang Shuangshuang , Niu Yue , Liu Weicen , Wang Liqiang , Zhang Weiguang , Zheng Ying , Cao Xueying , Wang Yong , Wu Jie , Zhang Li , Tang Li , Zhou Jianhui , Chen Pu , Cai Guangyan , Dong Zheyi 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are common microvascular complications of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between retinal vascular geometric parameters and pathologically diagnosed type 2 DN and to determine the capacity of retinal vascular geometric parameters in differentiating DN from non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD).

Methods
The study participants were adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease who underwent a renal biopsy. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between retinal vessel geometry parameters and pathologically diagnosed DN. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to establish a differential diagnostic model for DN.

Results
In total, 403 patients were examined in this cross-sectional study, including 152 (37.7%) with DN, 157 (39.0%) with NDRD and 94 (23.3%) with DN combined with NDRD. After univariate logistic regression, total vessel fractal dimension, arteriolar fractal dimension and venular fractal dimension were all found to be associated with DN. In multivariate analyses adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure, diabetes, DR and other factors, smaller retinal vascular fractal dimensions were significantly associated with DN (P &lt; .05). We developed a differential diagnostic model for DN combining traditional clinical indicators and retinal vascular geometric parameters. The area under the curve of the model established by multivariate logistic regression was 0.930.

Conclusions
Retinal vessel fractal dimension is of great significance for the rapid and non-invasive differentiation of DN. Incorporating retinal vessel fractal dimension into the diagnostic model for DN and NDRD can improve the diagnostic efficiency.
Apical tubular complement activation and the loss of kidney function in proteinuric kidney diseases
Authors: Alkaff Firas F , Lammerts Rosa G M , Daha Mohamed R , Berger Stefan P , van den Born Jacob 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Many kidney diseases are associated with proteinuria. Since proteinuria is independently associated with kidney function loss, anti-proteinuric medication, often in combination with dietary salt restriction, comprises a major cornerstone in the prevention of progressive kidney failure. Nevertheless, complete remission of proteinuria is very difficult to achieve, and most patients with persistent proteinuria slowly progress toward kidney failure. It is well-recognized that proteinuria leads to kidney inflammation and fibrosis via various mechanisms. Among others, complement activation at the apical side of the proximal tubular epithelial cells is suggested to play a crucial role as a cause of progressive loss of kidney function. However, hitherto limited attention is given to the pathophysiological role of tubular complement activation relative to glomerular complement activation. This review aims to summarize the evidence for tubular epithelial complement activation in proteinuric kidney diseases in relation to loss of kidney function.
Giant cell myocarditis attributable to myositis: therapeutic management under the guidance of serial endomyocardial biopsy—a case report
Authors: Arai Marina , Kataoka Yu , Tsukamoto Yasumasa , Ohta-Ogo Keiko 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Giant cell myocarditis is a fatal disease that could be rapidly progressive if not properly managed. However, the role of immunosuppressive therapy, especially in refractory cases, remains unclear.

Case summary
A 76-year-old man presented with back pain with elevated cardiac enzymes. Skeletal muscle and endomyocardial biopsies revealed giant cell myositis and giant cell myocarditis. Despite the initial immunosuppressive therapy, cardiac enzymes continued to rise. Serial endomyocardial biopsies enabled combination treatment of prednisolone, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil according to histological inflammatory activity.

Discussion
We presented a case of refractory giant cell myocarditis preceded by giant cell myositis. While endomyocardial biopsy is an approach with risk of procedural complications, it can guide giant cell myocarditis management when the initial immunosuppressive therapy is ineffective.
Symptomatic bradycardia associated with topical brimonidine gel (Mirvaso) administration: a case report
Authors: Jesudason Daniel Indrarajan , Appalanaidu Nageswary , Khan Asif 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Bradycardia can have a number of different aetiologies, including as a side effect of medications. Brimonidine is a rare, but recognized, cause of bradycardia. Brimonidine is indicated in the treatment of facial erythema in rosacea when given as topical brimonidine gel (Mirvaso). It may also be administered as eye drops for raised intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Brimonidine is an alpha-2 agonist, which if systemically absorbed can present with bradycardia, hypotension, and dizziness. The authors are unaware of any other case reports regarding topical administration of Mirvaso in an adult and symptomatic bradycardia.

Case summary
We present the case of a 78-year-old man with a background of rosacea, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and hypertension who had two separate admissions with symptomatic bradycardia. Electrocardiograms showed sinus bradycardia with AV block first degree, with rate recorded as low as 31 b.p.m. during a syncopal episode. These episodes of symptomatic bradycardia were intermittent and had a temporal association with topical administration of Mirvaso. He had no further episodes of bradycardia on discontinuation of Mirvaso and has remained symptom free for over 6 months.

Discussion
The topical administration of Mirvaso should be avoided to broken or inflamed skin. This is owing to the increased risk of systemic absorption, which as in this case report, may present with bradycardia. This case reiterates the importance of completing a full medication history including all topical and parenteral medications in patients with arrhythmia.
Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair as a bridge to treat aortic dissecting aneurysm in a case of Marfan syndrome: a case report
Authors: Kawamoto Takanori , Kogure Tomohito , Koyanagi Chihiro , Ashihara Kyomi , Yamaguchi Junichi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that manifests with various cardiovascular conditions. This case report discusses a patient with Marfan syndrome presenting with concurrent dissecting aortic aneurysm and acute mitral valve regurgitation (MR), exploring treatment strategies for this unique case.

Case summary
A 57-year-old man diagnosed with Marfan syndrome presented with progressive dyspnoea and awareness of orthopnoea. Acute heart failure (HF) due to acute MR associated with chordae rupture was diagnosed. However, contrast-enhanced CT revealed the coexistence of a massive dissecting aortic aneurysm, indicating surgical intervention. The dissecting aortic aneurysm extended over a large area. Given the high risk of simultaneous surgery with the mitral valve, a staged approach was adopted. Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MV-TEER) was performed as the initial step to reduce the perioperative HF risk, followed by a planned two-stage surgery for the dissecting aortic aneurysm. This strategy effectively facilitated surgical intervention for the dissecting aortic aneurysm in the chronic phase after MV-TEER.

Discussion
Several reports showed the effectiveness of MV-TEER in cases of degenerative MR where surgical operation carries a high risk, but case report of MV-TEER in Marfan syndrome is rare. In recent years, the effectiveness of MV-TEER has also been reported as a ‘bridge therapy’ for heart transplantation. Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is considered a potential option to serve as a bridge to other invasive intervention.
Assessment of venous congestion with venous excess ultrasound score in the prognosis of acute heart failure in the emergency department: a prospective study
Authors: Landi Irene , Guerritore Ludovica , Iannaccone Andrea , Ricotti Andrea , Rola Philippe , Garrone Marco 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aims
In acute decompensated heart failure (HF), systemic venous congestion contributes to patients’ symptoms and hospital admissions. The purpose of our study is to determine if venous congestion, examined using the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score, predicts HF-related hospitalization and mortality in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with acute decompensated HF.

Methods and results
Fifty patients admitted for acute HF in ED underwent ultrasound (US) assessment according to the VExUS score within the first 24 and 72 h. All patients were followed up with a telephone call at 30 and 60 days after hospital discharge. On admission, 56% had a VExUS score of 3. After 72 h, 32% had no more signs of congestion at the Doppler VExUS examination (inferior vena cava &lt; 2 cm, VExUS score of 0); a similar percentage still exhibited a VExUS score of 3 despite therapy. Eighty per cent of patients were hospitalized after admission to the ED, while six (15%) died in-hospital; all exhibited a first-assessment VExUS score of 3. No patient with a VExUS score &lt; 3 died during the study. During short-term follow-up, 18 patients were readmitted to the ED for acute decompensated HF. Ninety-four per cent of the readmitted patients had a VExUS score of 3 at the Doppler assessment at the first ED admission.

Conclusion
Severe venous congestion, defined as a VExUS score of 3 at the initial assessment of patients with acute decompensated HF, predicts inpatient mortality, HF-related death, and early readmission.
Assessing Macroeconomic Tail Risk
Authors: Loria Francesca , Matthes Christian , Zhang Donghai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Real gross domestic product and industrial production in the United States display substantial asymmetry and tail risk. Is this asymmetry driven by a specific structural shock? Our empirical approach, based on quantile regressions and local projections, suggests otherwise. We find that the tenth percentile of predictive growth distributions responds between three and six times more than the median to monetary policy shocks, financial shocks, uncertainty shocks, and oil price shocks, indicating a common transmission mechanism. We present two data-generating processes that are capable of matching this finding: a threshold vector autoregression model and a non-linear equilibrium model.
Evaluation of custom-made Relay® stent-grafts for aortic arch landing zones 0 and 1: experience from two high-volume aortic centres
Authors: Dabravolskaite Vaiva , Makaloski Vladimir , Hakovirta Harri , Kotelis Drosos , Schoenhoff Florian S , Lescan Mario 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To report experience with a Relay® stent-graft custom-made platform in treating different aortic arch pathology in 2 high-volume aortic centres.

METHODS
A retrospective analysis of all patients treated between July 2016 and July 2023 with custom-made Relay® stent-graft (custom-made device). Underlying aortic arch pathology was an aneurysm, penetrating aortic ulcer, and dissection. Three custom-made device designs were used: proximal scallop, fenestrations, and inner branches. The endpoints were technical success, perioperative stroke, death, and reintervention rate.

RESULTS
Thirty-five patients (89% males) with a mean age of 70 ± 11 years were treated.
Indication for treatment was penetrating aortic ulcer in 14 patients (40%), aneurysm in 11 patients (31%) and aortic dissection in 10 patients (29%). The technical success rate was 100%. Twenty-eight patients (80%) had proximal sealing in zone 0, and 7 (20%) had proximal sealing in zone 1. Nine patients (25.6%) had proximal scallops, 9 (25.6%) had 1 big fenestration and 17 (48.8%) had a branched device; 1 with single branch, 15 with double branches and 1 with triple branches. Thirty patients (86%) had previous or simultaneous left subclavian artery revascularization. No patient died during 30 days. Two patients (5.7%) had stroke postoperatively; both recovered without disabling deficits. The mean follow-up was 35 ± 26 months. Six patients (17.1%) died during follow-up. One patient required reinforcement of the bridging stent in the left common carotid artery and one additional vascular plugging of the left subclavian artery. Three patients received distal extension.

CONCLUSIONS
The Relay® stent-graft custom-made platform showed a good performance in our study with a high technical success rate, low perioperative stroke and mortality, and low reintervention rates during the follow-up.
Coronary artery disease management in older adults: revascularization and exercise training
Authors: Pavasini Rita , Biscaglia Simone , Kunadian Vijay , Hakeem Abdul , Campo Gianluca 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The mean age of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is steadily increasing. In older patients, there is a tendency to underutilize invasive approach, coronary revascularization, up-to-date pharmacological therapies, and secondary prevention strategies, including cardiac rehabilitation. Older adults with CAD commonly exhibit atypical symptoms, multi-vessel disease involvement, complex coronary anatomy, and a higher presence of risk factors and comorbidities. Although both invasive procedures and medical treatments are characterized by a higher risk of complications, avoidance may result in a suboptimal outcome. Often, overlooked factors, such as coronary microvascular disease, malnutrition, and poor physical performance, play a key role in determining prognosis, yet they are not routinely assessed or addressed in older patients. Historically, clinicians have relied on sub-analyses or observational findings to make clinical decisions, as older adults were frequently excluded or under-represented in clinical studies. Recently, dedicated evidence through randomized clinical trials has become available for older CAD patients. Nevertheless, the management of older CAD patients still raises several important questions. This review aims to comprehensively summarize and critically evaluate this emerging evidence, focusing on invasive management and coronary revascularization. Furthermore, it seeks to contextualize these interventions within the framework of improved risk stratification tools for older CAD patients, through user-friendly scales along with emphasizing the importance of promoting physical activity and exercise training to enhance the outcomes of invasive and medical treatments. This comprehensive approach may represent the key to improving prognosis in the complex and growing patient population of older CAD patients.
Fronts divide diazotroph communities in the Southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Chowdhury Subhadeep , Berthelot Hugo , Baudet Corentin , González-Santana David , Reeder Christian Furbo , L'Helguen Stéphane , Maguer Jean-François , Löscher Carolin R , Singh Arvind , Blain Stéphane , Cassar Nicolas , Bonnet Sophie , Planquette Hélène , Benavides Mar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDinitrogen (N2) fixation represents a key source of reactive nitrogen in marine ecosystems. While the process has been rather well-explored in low latitudes of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, other higher latitude regions and particularly the Indian Ocean have been chronically overlooked. Here, we characterize N2 fixation and diazotroph community composition across nutrient and trace metals gradients spanning the multifrontal system separating the oligotrophic waters of the Indian Ocean subtropical gyre from the high nutrient low chlorophyll waters of the Southern Ocean. We found a sharp contrasting distribution of diazotroph groups across the frontal system. Notably, cyanobacterial diazotrophs dominated north of fronts, driving high N2 fixation rates (up to 13.96 nmol N l−1 d−1) with notable peaks near the South African coast. South of the fronts non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs prevailed without significant N2 fixation activity being detected. Our results provide new crucial insights into high latitude diazotrophy in the Indian Ocean, which should contribute to improved climate model parameterization and enhanced constraints on global net primary productivity projections.