bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Straight and Venturi Channel Cross Sections of Microchannel Heat Exchangers
Authors: Pandey Vishwas Kumar , Negi Vinay Pratap Singh , Ranganayakulu Chennu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This study provides extensive research on fluid flow and heat transfer for four-layered ceramic-compact counterflow microchannel heat exchangers (CFMCHE) using CFD-ACE®, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package. The goal is to build and expand upon previous studies in this area to identify a more efficient channel shape or cross section for better performance of the microchannel through numerical analysis under the same operating conditions. To develop the methodology for numerical analysis, a three-dimensional (3D) computational model of the CFMCHE was developed and validated with published and experimentally tested results with a percentage difference in outlet temperatures of 3–5% for hot fluids and 6–12% for cold fluids across the entire design of experiments (DoEs). Microchannel heat exchangers (MCHEs) exhibit high heat-transfer rates and area-to-volume ratios, making them suitable for industrial applications. In this study, various design options for channel cross sections in a venturi shape were assessed numerically using a validated methodology in a segmented venturi CFMCHE to enhance performance. The steady-state performance of the Venturi CFMCHE was compared to that of the straight CFMCHE baseline design under the same bucket volume, area, and operating conditions. It was found that the venturi CFMCHE showed a ∼4–9% improvement as compared to the straight CFMCHE, but same time the pumping power was also 15–40% under the same operating conditions. Making the right choice regarding feasibility often involves weighing the pros and cons. The high-power requirements are manageable in terms of the cost of high thermal performance for ground applications, such as power plants, industrial refrigeration, and air-conditioning. However, for aviation, space, and automobiles, weight/power requirements are given more weight than thermal performance. Therefore, the Venturi CFMCHE can be used for ground applications, whereas the straight CFMCHE can be used for aviation, space, and automobile applications. When the Goodness factor is plotted for all configurations for all operating conditions, it is also concluded that an improvement of ∼7.5% is observed in the two design configurations with the Venturi channel (20pc_TOP_BTM_Step and 40pc_BTM_Step) with respect to the straight channel. This implies that these two best designs can be used for all applications over the straight-channel CFMCHE.
Hexestrol, an estrogen receptor agonist, inhibits Lassa virus entry
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Takenaga Toru , Fehling Sarah Katharina , Igarashi Manabu , Hirokawa Takatsugu , Muramoto Yukiko , Yamauchi Koji , Onishi Chiho , Nakano Masahiro , Urata Shuzo , Groseth Allison , Strecker Thomas , Noda Takeshi 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of human Lassa fever which in severe cases manifests as hemorrhagic fever leading to thousands of deaths annually. However, no approved vaccines or antiviral drugs are currently available. Recently, we screened approximately 2,500 compounds using a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) expressing LASV glycoprotein GP (VSV-LASVGP) and identified a P-glycoprotein inhibitor as a potential LASV entry inhibitor. Here, we show that another identified candidate, hexestrol (HES), an estrogen receptor agonist, is also a LASV entry inhibitor. HES inhibited VSV-LASVGP replication with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of 0.63 µM. Importantly, HES also inhibited authentic LASV replication with IC
50
values of 0.31 µM–0.61 µM. Time-of-addition and cell-based membrane fusion assays suggested that HES inhibits the membrane fusion step during virus entry. Alternative estrogen receptor agonists did not inhibit VSV-LASVGP replication, suggesting that the estrogen receptor itself is unlikely to be involved in the antiviral activity of HES. Generation of a HES-resistant mutant revealed that the phenylalanine at amino acid position 446 (F446) of LASVGP, which is located in the transmembrane region, conferred resistance to HES. Although mutation of F446 enhanced the membrane fusion activity of LASVGP, it exhibited reduced VSV-LASVGP replication, most likely due to the instability of the pre-fusion state of LASVGP. Collectively, our results demonstrated that HES is a promising anti-LASV drug that acts by inhibiting the membrane fusion step of LASV entry. This study also highlights the importance of the LASVGP transmembrane region as a target for anti-LASV drugs.

IMPORTANCE
Lassa virus (LASV), the causative agent of Lassa fever, is the most devastating mammarenavirus with respect to its impact on public health in West Africa. However, no approved antiviral drugs or vaccines are currently available. Here, we identified hexestrol (HES), an estrogen receptor agonist, as the potential antiviral candidate drug. We showed that the estrogen receptor itself is not involved in the antiviral activity. HES directly bound to LASVGP and blocked membrane fusion, thereby inhibiting LASV infection. Through the generation of a HES-resistant virus, we found that phenylalanine at position 446 (F446) within the LASVGP transmembrane region plays a crucial role in the antiviral activity of HES. The mutation at F446 caused reduced virus replication, likely due to the instability of the pre-fusion state of LASVGP. These findings highlight the potential of HES as a promising candidate for the development of antiviral compounds targeting LASV.
The complete genome sequence of
Sedimentibacter
sp. strain MB35-C1, isolated from the sewage sludge
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wu Chih-Hung , Shih Chao-Jen , Wu Yen-Chi , Lai Shu-Jung , You Yi-Ting , Chen Sheng-Chung 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Sedimentibacter
sp. strain MB35-C1, which was isolated from sewage sludge at the Wastewater Treatment Plant of Sanming Steel Co. Ltd. in Fujian, China. The resulting genome of strain MB35-C1 is a single contig of 3,621,605 bp.
Complete genome sequences of
Cytobacillus
sp.,
Domibacillus
sp.,
Enterobacter
sp.,
Neisseria
sp.,
Pseudomonas
sp., and
Streptococcus
sp. strains from human clinical infections collected at diagnostic units in 2020
Authors: Szarvas Judit , Nag Sidsel , Otani Saria , Birkedahl Laura Elmlund Kohl , Møller Frederik Duus , Asante-Sefa Solomon , Daley Denise , Gustafson Natalie Weiler , Møller Mie , Onipede Anthony , Tafaj Silva , Aarestrup Frank M. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Members of
Bacillota
and
Pseudomonadota
phyla are frequently considered bacterial infectious agents in humans. As part of a large sequencing project of clinically relevant pathogens, we hybrid-assembled complete genomes of
Cytobacillus
,
Domibacillus
,
Enterobacter
,
Neisseria
,
Pseudomonas,
and
Streptococcus
species isolated from clinical specimens.
The complete genome sequence of
Paludicola
sp. MB14-C6, isolated from the lake waters of Donghu, Wuhan City, China
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Shih Chao-Jen , Wu Yen-Chi , Lai Shu-Jung , You Yi-Ting , Chen Sheng-Chung 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Paludicola
sp. strain MB14-C6, which was isolated from the lake waters of Donghu, situated at Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The genome of strain MB14-C6 was chosen for further species delineation and comparative genomic analysis.
Immunoinhibitory effects of anti-tuberculosis therapy induce the host vulnerability to tuberculosis recurrence
Authors: Pahuja Isha , Ghoshal Antara , Okieh Ahmed Abdallah , Verma Akanksha , Negi Kriti , Agarwal Meetu , Chandra Nidhi Subhash , Sharma Saurabh Kumar , Bhaskar Ashima , Dwivedi Ved Prakash 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

The host immune responses play a pivotal role in the establishment of long-term memory responses, which effectively aids in infection clearance. However, the prevailing anti-tuberculosis therapy, while aiming to combat tuberculosis (TB), also debilitates innate and adaptive immune components of the host. In this study, we explored how the front-line anti-TB drugs impact the host immune cells by modulating multiple signaling pathways and subsequently leading to disease relapse. Administration of these drugs led to a reduction in innate immune activation and also the cytokines required to trigger protective T cell responses. Moreover, these drugs led to activation-induced cell death in the mycobacterial-specific T cell leading to a reduced killing capacity. Furthermore, these drugs stalled the T cell differentiation into memory subsets by modulating the activation of STAT3, STAT4, FOXO1, and NFκB transcription factors and hampering the Th1 and Th17-mediated long-term host protective memory responses. These findings suggest the urgent need to augment directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) therapy with immunomodulatory agents to mitigate the adverse effects linked to the treatment.

IMPORTANCE
As a central component of TB eradication initiatives, directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) therapy imparts immune-dampening effects during the course of treatment. This approach undermines the host immune system by delaying the activation process and lowering the immune response. In our investigation, we have unveiled the impact of DOTS on specific immune cell populations. Notably, the signaling pathways involving STAT3 and STAT4 critical for memory responses and NFκβ associated with pro-inflammation were substantially declined due to the therapy. Consequently, these drugs exhibit limited effectiveness in preventing recurrence of the disease. These observations highlight the imperative integration of immunomodulators to manage TB infection.
An Example of a Relatively Maximal Nonpronormal Subgroup of Odd Order in a Finite Simple Group
Authors: Zhang X. , Su L. , Revin D. O. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe prove the existence of a triple $ ({\mathfrak{X}},G,H) $, where $ {\mathfrak{X}} $
is a class of finite groups consisting of groups of odd order which is complete
(i.e., closed under subgroups, homomorphic images, and extensions),
$ G $ is a finite simple group, $ H $ is an $ {\mathfrak{X}} $-maximal subgroup in $ G $,
and $ H $ is not pronormal in $ G $.
Retinotopic cortical mapping in objective functional monitoring of macular therapy
Authors: Ritter Markus , Hummer Allan , Pawloff Maximilian , Ledolter Anna A , Linhardt David , Woletz Michael , Deak Gabor Gyoergy , Sacu Stefan , Ristl Robin , Ramazanova Dariga , Holder Graham E , Windischberger Christian , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula Margarethe 
Published: May 2024

Background/Aims
To determine the suitability of functional MRI (fMRI) as an objective measure of macular function following therapeutic intervention; conventional psychophysical measures rely heavily on patient compliance.

Methods
Twenty patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) were studied with high-resolution fMRI, visual acuity, reading accuracy and speed, contrast sensitivity (CS) and microperimetry (MP) before and after 3 monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. Population-receptive field retinotopic maps calculated from fMRI data were compared with psychophysical measures and optical coherence tomography.

Results
Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) responders (≥5 letters) showed an increase of 29.5% in activated brain area, while non-responders showed a decrease of 0.8%. Radial histograms over eccentricity allowed quantification of the absolute number of significant voxels and thus differences before and after treatment. Responders showed increases in foveal (α<0.5°) activation, while non-responders did not. Absence of intraretinal fluid and preservation of outer retinal layers was associated with higher numbers of active V1 voxels and better BCVA. Higher voxel numbers were associated with improved reading performance and, less marked, with BCVA, CS and MP.

Conclusion
The data show that retinotopic mapping using fMRI can successfully be applied objectively to evaluate the therapeutic response in nAMD patients treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. This demonstrates the ability of retinotopic mapping to provide an objective assessment of functional recovery at a cortical level; the technique can therefore be applied, in other degenerative macular diseases, to the assessment of potential therapeutic interventions such as gene therapy or cell replacement therapy.
Posner-Schlossman Syndrome European Study Group: study protocol and baseline patients characteristics of a multicentre study
Authors: Interlandi Emanuela , Cimino Luca , Accorinti Massimo , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Latanza Loredana , Allegri Pia , Mora Paolo , Fonollosa Alex , Adan Alfredo , Pavesio Carlos , De Marco Rocco , Gandolfi Stefano A , Nucci Paolo , De Luca Marco , Gozzi Fabrizio , Visioli Giacomo , Rissotto Federico , Rissotto Roberta , Bellucci Carlo , Cachero Josè Manuel , Pellegrini Francesco , Li Calzi Gaia , Sainz de la Maza Maite , Cirillo Pasquale , Mastrofilippo Valentina , Sacchi Matteo 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe aim of the Posner-Schlossman Syndrome European Study Group (PSS-ESG) is to acquire a comprehensive dataset of European patients with PSS. Here, we present the first report on the study protocol and the clinical findings of the patients at baseline.MethodsThe PSS-ESG is a retrospective, multicentre study designed to evaluate patients with PSS. The study, designed and driven by a European Expert Committee includes three datasets: (1) the baseline, (2) the follow-up and (3) the intraocular pressure (IOP)/glaucoma dataset.ResultsA total of 11 centres adhered to the PSS-ESG and 107 patients were included (68 males, 39 females) mostly Caucasian (93.4%). At uveitis onset, the patient’s age ranged between 11 and 76 years, (mean age: 42±15 years).Best-corrected visual acuity was >0.5 in 80.3% of the eyes, IOP was >40 mm Hg in 44% of the eyes. Keratic precipitates were found in 78.5% of the eyes. No flare or cells in anterior chamber were detected in 56% and 53% of the cases, respectively. PCR analysis on aqueous sample was positive for cytomegalovirus-DNA in 50.6% out of the 81 tested patients.ConclusionsThe PSS-ESG is the first multicentre study aimed to collect a comprehensive dataset of patients with PSS in non-Asian countries. A middlde-aged Caucasian male with a low-grade anterior chamber inflammation, keratic precipitates, preserved visual acuity and marked increased in IOP seemed to be the standard PSS patient across the 11 uveitis and glaucoma centres participating in the PSS-ESG.
Gender differences in the association between physical activity and cognitive subdomains among elders with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xie Jinjin , You Yue , Zheng Peiyun , Chen Yannan , Guo Shuai , Xu Ying , Huang Jia , Liu Zhizhen , Tao Jing 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the gender differences in the correlation between physical activity (PA) and cognitive subdomains in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThe research was carried out in communities located in Fuzhou, Fujian Province and Beijing Municipality.ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling elders with T2D and MCI aged 60 years or older were eligible for this study.Primary outcome measures and analysesThe weekly PA score was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The cognitive subdomains were evaluated through a battery of cognitive assessments, including the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Trail Making Test Part B, Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT). Multiple linear regression models were employed to examine the association between PA and cognitive subdomains in both male and female individuals.ResultsIn older men, higher total IPAQ score was positively correlated with higher RAVLT (P=0.011) and SCWT (P=0.049). There was a significant interaction between the total PA score and gender in relation to RAVLT (P=0.008) and SCWT (P=0.027). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between moderate-vigorous PA level and RAVLT in older men (P=0.007). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between moderate-vigorous PA level and DSST in older women (P=0.038).ConclusionIn older individuals with T2D and MCI, the association between PA and cognitive subdomains differs between men and women. This discrepancy may impact the customisation of exercise recommendations.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for Parkinson’s disease with neuropsychiatric symptoms: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Weiqiang , Liu Qing , Cen Mingjun , Leong Ian I , Pan Zhaoquan , Liao Muxi , Zhuang Lixing 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionNeuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common non-motor symptoms among patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and significantly impact their overall quality of life detrimentally. Several studies have reported the clinical effect of acupuncture therapy in treating NPS in PD. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the potential inclusion of acupuncture therapy as an integral component of complementary treatment for PD with NPS.Methods and analysisFrom their inception until 1 December 2023, we will search eight databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science Periodical Database, Chinese Citation Database and China Biology Medicine disc for randomised controlled trials examining the effectiveness of acupuncture for PD with NPS. Literature screening and data extraction will be carried out independently by the authors. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used for meta-analysis, while the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool will assess the potential for bias.Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review protocol does not require ethical approval because it does not include private information or data of participants. This article will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022324494
Donafenib as neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced thyroid cancer: protocol for the DONATHYCA phase II prospective single-arm trial in China
Authors: Yu Jianhong , Liu Hui , Wu Yu 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe invasion of important structures in locally advanced thyroid cancer (LATC) hinders radical resection, increases the risk of recurrence and even prevents surgery. Creating the opportunity for radical operation in patients with LATC is critical for improving their prognosis. Multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors were used as neoadjuvant therapy in several studies. Donafenib produced survival benefits over placebo in Chinese patients with radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer in a recent study, but its efficacy in the neoadjuvant setting remains unknown. This study thus aims to assess the efficacy and safety of donafenib as neoadjuvant therapy in LATC.Methods and analysisDONATHYCA is a prospective, exploratory, single-arm phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of donafenib as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with LATC. 13 patients will be enrolled. The primary endpoint is the objective response rate as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours V.1.1. The secondary objectives include progression-free survival, the duration of response, the disease control rate, the R0/R1 resection rate, quality of life and toxicity during treatment according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V.4.0. Patients will receive donafenib 300 mg two times a day continuously in a 21-day treatment cycle for six cycles.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Fujian Cancer Hospital (K2023-144-02) on 27 July 2023 and registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry on 20 September 2023. The results of the study will be presented at academic conferences and published in scientific publications.Trial registration numberChiCTR2300075973
Protocol for evaluating the fitness for purpose of an artificial intelligence product for radiology reporting in the BreastScreen New South Wales breast cancer screening programme
Authors: Warner-Smith Matthew , Ren Kan , Mistry Chirag , Walton Richard , Roder David , Bhola Nalini , McGill Sarah , O’Brien Tracey A 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionRadiologist shortages threaten the sustainability of breast cancer screening programmes. Artificial intelligence (AI) products that can interpret mammograms could mitigate this risk. While previous studies have suggested this technology has accuracy comparable to radiologists most have been limited by using ‘enriched’ datasets and/or not considering the interaction between the algorithm and human readers. This study will address these limitations by comparing the accuracy of a workflow using AI alongside radiologists on a large consecutive cohort of examinations from a breast cancer screening programme. The study will combine the strengths of a large retrospective design with the benefit of prospective data collection. It will test this technology without risk to screening programme participants nor the need to wait for follow-up data. With a sample of 2 years of consecutive screening examinations, it is likely the largest test of this technology to date. The study will help determine whether this technology can safely be introduced into the BreastScreen New South Wales (NSW) population-based screening programme to address radiology workforce risks without compromising cancer detection rates or increasing false-positive recalls.Methods and analysisA retrospective, consecutive cohort of digital mammography screens from 658 207 examinations from BreastScreen NSW will be reinterpreted by the Lunit Insight MMG AI product. The cohort includes 4383 screen-detected and 1171 interval cancers. The results will be compared with radiologist single reading and the AI results will also be used to replace the second reader in a double-reading model. New adjudication reading will be performed where the AI disagrees with the first reader. Recall rates and cancer detection rates of combined AI–radiologist reading will be compared with the rates obtained at the time of screening.Ethics and disseminationThis study has ethical approval from the NSW Health Population Health Services Research Ethics Committee (2022/ETH02397). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. The findings of this evaluation will be provided to programme managers, governance bodies and other stakeholders in Australian breast cancer screening programmes.
Analysis of HERA data with a PDF parametrization inspired by quantum statistical mechanics
Authors: Bonvini Marco , Buccella Franco , Giuli Francesco , Silvetti Federico 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe present a determination of the parton distribution functions (PDFs) of the proton from HERA data using a PDF parametrization inspired by a quantum statistical model of the proton dynamics. This parametrization is characterised by a very small number of parameters, yet it leads to a reasonably good description of the data, comparable with other parametrizations on the market. It may thus provide an alternative to standard parametrizations, useful for studying parametrization bias and to possibly simplify the fit procedure thanks to the small number of parameters. Interestingly, the model reproduces key physical features, such as a $$\bar{d}$$

d

¯

distribution larger than $$\bar{u}$$

u

¯

, that HERA data alone are not able to constrain when using more flexible parametrizations. Moreover, polarized distributions are described in the model by the same parameters of the unpolarized ones, giving us the possibility of extracting both types of distributions within the same fit.