bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Creep Performance Study of Inconel 740H Weldment Based on Microstructural Deformation Mechanisms
Authors: Wu Xijia , Liu Rong , Zhang Xiaozhou , Wu Xueyao , Khelfaoui Fadila 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The creep behavior of Inconel 740H weldment at the temperature of 760 °C is investigated experimentally and analytically using the deformation-mechanism-based true stress (DMTS) model. The Inconel 740H weldment specimens are prepared with the gas tungsten arc welding technique. Creep testing is performed on the Inconel 740H weldment specimens under a range of stress levels from 190 MPa to 447 MPa at the temperature of 760 °C. The DMTS model is employed to analyze the creep curves and creep rates. The model parameters for Inconel 740H weldment are determined from the analyses of the creep testing data in combination with that from the previous studies of similar materials based on the same creep mechanisms that involve grain boundary sliding and intragranular dislocation climb-plus-glide with dislocation multiplication. The creep life predictions of the DMTS model for Inconel 740H weldment agree very well with creep rupture test data within a temperature range of 700–800 °C. The fractured surfaces and longitudinal sections of creep-tested Inconel 740H weldment specimens are examined using scanning electron microscopy, which corroborates the DMTS model inference that the creep failure of Inconel 740H weldment is in a mode of predominantly intergranular fracture. The present study suggests that grain boundary sliding is the most significant controlling factor for the creep failure of Inconel 740H weldment.
Rayleigh–Bénard Convection With Multiple Solutions in Trapezoidal Closed Cavities
Authors: Maurya Govind , Ahmed Nadeem , Singh Suneet , Kumar Lalit 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Rayleigh–Bénard convection (RBC) in symmetric trapezoidal closed cavities with cavity angle ϕ=70°−110°, filled with air, is studied using numerical simulations where inclined side walls are adiabatic. In contrast to rectangular cavities, where no flow exists below a threshold value, there is a weak convection even at a low Rayleigh number (Ra) due to the fact that there is a component of thermal gradient in the horizontal direction in these cavities. Interestingly, these cavities show sudden and significant jumps in the convection, similar to square cavities (Rac = 2585.02 for ϕ=90°), as Ra increases beyond a critical value (Rac). It is noted here that these Rac represent symmetry-breaking pitchfork bifurcations. These bifurcations are seen in both acute (Rac = 8000 for ϕ=70°) and obtuse (Rac = 2300 for ϕ=110°) angle trapezoidal cavities. Moreover, it is observed that multiple steady-state solutions (MSSS) exist as Ra is further increased. A forward and backward continuation approach for numerical simulations is used to track the co-existence of MSSS. These steady-states have co-existing one-roll and two-roll convective patterns beyond another threshold value of Ra. Here, two types of critical Ra have been identified for different cavity angles; one shows the sudden jump in the convection, and the other is the one beyond which MSSS co-exist. Furthermore, a codimension two bifurcation analysis is carried out with Ra and ϕ as two parameters. The bifurcation analysis divides the parameter space into different regions based on the multiplicity of the solutions.
Inter-phylum circulation of a beta-lactamase-encoding gene: a rare but observable event
Authors: Gschwind Rémi , Petitjean Marie , Fournier Claudine , Lao Julie , Clermont Olivier , Nordmann Patrice , Mellmann Alexander , Denamur Erick , Poirel Laurent , Ruppé Etienne 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Beta-lactamase-mediated degradation of beta-lactams is the most common mechanism of beta-lactam resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Beta-lactamase-encoding genes can be transferred between closely related bacteria, but spontaneous inter-phylum transfers (between distantly related bacteria) have never been reported. Here, we describe an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-encoding gene (
bla
MUN-1
) shared between the Pseudomonadota and Bacteroidota phyla. An
Escherichia coli
strain was isolated from a patient in Münster (Germany). Its genome was sequenced. The ESBL-encoding gene (named
bla
MUN-1
) was cloned, and the corresponding enzyme was characterized. The distribution of the gene among bacteria was investigated using the RefSeq Genomes database. The frequency and relative abundance of its closest homolog in the global microbial gene catalog (GMGC) were analyzed. The
E. coli
strain exhibited two distinct morphotypes. Each morphotype possessed two chromosomal copies of the
bla
MUN-1
gene, with one morphotype having two additional copies located on a phage-plasmid p0111. Each copy was located within a 7.6-kb genomic island associated with mobility.
bla
MUN-1
encoded for an extended-spectrum Ambler subclass A2 beta-lactamase with 43.0% amino acid identity to TLA-1.
bla
MUN-1
was found in species among the Bacteroidales order and in
Sutterella wadsworthensis
(Pseudomonadota). Its closest homolog in GMGC was detected frequently in human fecal samples. This is, to our knowledge, the first reported instance of inter-phylum transfer of an ESBL-encoding gene, between the Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota phyla. Although the gene was frequently detected in the human gut, inter-phylum transfer was rare, indicating that inter-phylum barriers are effective in impeding the spread of ESBL-encoding genes, but not entirely impenetrable.
FeLIX is a restriction factor for mammalian retrovirus infection
Authors: Pramono Didik , Takeuchi Dai , Katsuki Masato , AbuEed Loai , Abdillah Dimas , Kimura Tohru , Kawasaki Junna , Miyake Ariko , Nishigaki Kazuo 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancestral viral infections. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an exogenous and endogenous retrovirus in domestic cats. It is classified into several subgroups (A, B, C, D, E, and T) based on viral receptor interference properties or receptor usage. ERV-derived molecules benefit animals, conferring resistance to infectious diseases. However, the soluble protein encoded by the defective envelope (
env
) gene of endogenous FeLV (enFeLV) functions as a co-factor in FeLV subgroup T infections. Therefore, whether the gene emerged to facilitate viral infection is unclear. Based on the properties of ERV-derived molecules, we hypothesized that the defective
env
genes possess antiviral activity that would be advantageous to the host because FeLV subgroup B (FeLV-B), a recombinant virus derived from enFeLV
env
, is restricted to viral transmission among domestic cats. When soluble truncated Env proteins from enFeLV were tested for their inhibitory effects against enFeLV and FeLV-B, they inhibited viral infection. Notably, this antiviral machinery was extended to infection with the Gibbon ape leukemia virus, Koala retrovirus A, and Hervey pteropid gammaretrovirus. Although these viruses used feline phosphate transporter 1 (fePit1) and phosphate transporter 2 as receptors, the inhibitory mechanism involved competitive receptor binding in a fePit1-dependent manner. The shift in receptor usage might have occurred to avoid the inhibitory effect. Overall, these findings highlight the possible emergence of soluble truncated Env proteins from enFeLV as a restriction factor against retroviral infection and will help in developing host immunity and antiviral defense by controlling retroviral spread.

IMPORTANCE
Retroviruses are unique in using reverse transcriptase to convert RNA genomes into DNA, infecting germ cells, and transmitting to offspring. Numerous ancient retroviral sequences are known as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). The soluble Env protein derived from ERVs functions as a co-factor that assists in FeLV-T infection. However, herein, we show that the soluble Env protein exhibits antiviral activity and provides resistance to mammalian retrovirus infection through competitive receptor binding. In particular, this finding may explain why FeLV-B transmission is not observed among domestic cats. ERV-derived molecules can benefit animals in an evolutionary arms race, highlighting the double-edged-sword nature of ERVs.
Heme oxygenase-1 is an equid alphaherpesvirus 8 replication restriction host protein and suppresses viral replication via the PKCβ/ERK1/ERK2 and NO/cGMP/PKG pathway
Authors: Wang Tongtong , Li Shuwen , Hu Xinyao , Geng Yiqing , Chen Li , Liu Wenqiang , Zhao Juan , Tian Wenxia , Wang Changfa , Li Yubao , Li Liangliang 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Equid alphaherpesvirus 8 (EqHV-8) is one of the most economically important viruses that is known to cause severe respiratory disease, abortion, and neurological syndromes in equines. However, no effective vaccines or therapeutic agents are available to control EqHV-8 infection. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an antioxidant defense enzyme that displays significant cytoprotective effects against different viral infections. However, the literature on the function of HO-1 during EqHV-8 infection is little. We explored the effects of HO-1 on EqHV-8 infection and revealed its potential mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that HO-1 induced by cobalt-protoporphyrin (CoPP) or HO-1 overexpression inhibited EqHV-8 replication in susceptible cells. In contrast, HO-1 inhibitor (zinc protoporphyria) or siRNA targeting HO-1 reversed the anti-EqHV-8 activity. Furthermore, biliverdin, a metabolic product of HO-1, mediated the anti-EqHV-8 effect of HO-1 via both the protein kinase C (PKC)β/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/ERK2 and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)–protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathways. In addition, CoPP protected the mice by reducing the EqHV-8 infection in the lungs. Altogether, these results indicated that HO-1 can be developed as a promising therapeutic strategy to control EqHV-8 infection.

IMPORTANCE

EqHV-8 infections have threatened continuously donkey and horse industry worldwide, which induces huge economic losses every year. However, no effective vaccination strategies or drug against EqHV-8 infection until now. Our present study found that one host protien HO-1 restrict EqHV-8 replication
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Furthermore, we demonstrate that HO-1 and its metabolite biliverdin suppress EqHV-8 relication via the PKCβ/ERK1/ERK2 and NO/cGMP/PKG pathways. Hence, we believe that HO-1 can be developed as a promising therapeutic strategy to control EqHV-8 infection.
Multi-omics analysis elucidates the relationship between intratumor microbiome and host immune heterogeneity in breast cancer
Authors: Li Jia , Zhang Yu , Cai Yifan , Yao Peizhuo , Jia Yiwei , Wei Xinyu , Du Chong , Zhang Shuqun 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Research has indicated that intratumor microbiomes affect the occurrence, progression, and therapeutic response in many cancer types by influencing the immune system. We aim to evaluate the characteristics of immune-related intratumor microbiomes (IRIMs) in breast cancer (BC) and search for potential prognosis prediction factors and treatment targets. The clinical information, microbiome data, transcriptomics data of The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA-BRCA) patients were obtained from Kraken-TCGA-Raw-Data and TCGA portal. The core tumor-infiltrating immune cell was identified using univariate Cox regression analysis. Based on consensus clustering analysis, BC patients were categorized into two immune subtypes, referred to as immune-enriched and immune-deficient subtypes. The immune-enriched subtype, characterized by higher levels of immune infiltration of CD8+ T and macrophage M1 cells, demonstrated a more favorable prognosis. Furthermore, significant differences in alpha-diversity and beta-diversity were observed between the two immune subtypes, and the least discriminant analysis effect size method identified 33 types of IRIMs. An intratumor microbiome-based prognostic signature consisting of four prognostic IRIMs (
Acidibacillus
,
Succinimonas
,
Lachnoclostridium
, and
Pseudogulbenkiania
) was constructed using the Cox proportional-hazard model, and it had great prognostic value. The prognostic IRIMs were correlated with immune gene expression and the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs, specifically tamoxifen and docetaxel. In conclusion, our research has successfully identified two distinct immune subtypes in BC, which exhibit contrasting prognoses and possess unique epigenetic and intratumor microbiomes. The critical IRIMs were correlated with prognosis, tumor-infiltrating immune cell abundance, and immunotherapeutic efficacy in BC. Consequently, this study has identified potential IRIMs as biomarkers, providing a novel therapeutic approach for treating BC.

IMPORTANCE

Recent research has substantiated the presence of the intratumor microbiome in tumor immune microenvironment, which could influence tumor occurrence and progression, as well as provide new opportunities for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study identified the critical immune-related intratumor microbiome (
Acidibacillus
,
Succinimonas
,
Lachnoclostridium
, and
Pseudogulbenkiania
), which were correlated with prognosis, tumor-infiltrating immune cell abundance, and immunotherapeutic efficacy in breast cancer and might be the novel target to regulate immunotherapy in BC.
DEcreased Cognitive functiON, NEurovascular CorrelaTes and myocardial changes in women with a history of pre-eclampsia (DECONNECT): research protocol for a cross-sectional pilot study
Authors: Brandt Yentl , Alers Robert-Jan , Canjels Lisanne P W , Jorissen Laura M , Jansen Gwyneth , Janssen Emma B N J , van Kuijk Sander MJ , Went Tamara Michelle , Koehn Dennis , Gerretsen Suzanne C , Jansen Jacobus FA , Backes Walter H , Hurks Petra P M , van de Ven Vincent , Kooi M Eline , Spaanderman Marc E A , Ghossein-Doha Chahinda 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionPre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disorder affecting up to 8% of pregnancies. After pre-eclampsia, women are at increased risk of cognitive problems, and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disorders. These sequelae could result from microvascular dysfunction persisting after pre-eclampsia. This study will explore differences in cerebral and myocardial microvascular function between women after pre-eclampsia and women after normotensive gestation. We hypothesise that pre-eclampsia alters cerebral and myocardial microvascular functions, which in turn are related to diminished cognitive and cardiac performance.Methods and analysisThe cross-sectional ‘DEcreased Cognitive functiON, NEurovascular CorrelaTes and myocardial changes in women with a history of pre-eclampsia’ (DECONNECT) pilot study includes women after pre-eclampsia and controls after normotensive pregnancy between 6 months and 20 years after gestation. We recruit women from the Queen of Hearts study, a study investigating subclinical heart failure after pre-eclampsia. Neuropsychological tests are employed to assess different cognitive domains, including attention, processing speed, and cognitive control. Cerebral images are recorded using a 7 Tesla MRI to assess blood–brain barrier integrity, perfusion, blood flow, functional and structural networks, and anatomical dimensions. Cardiac images are recorded using a 3 Tesla MRI to assess cardiac perfusion, strain, dimensions, mass, and degree of fibrosis. We assess the effect of a history of pre-eclampsia using multivariable regression analyses.Ethics and disseminationThis study is approved by the Ethics Committee of Maastricht University Medical Centre (METC azM/UM, NL47252.068.14). Knowledge dissemination will include scientific publications, presentations at conferences and public forums, and social media.Trial registration numberNCT02347540.
Risk factors for medical adhesive-related skin injury at the site of peripherally inserted central venous catheter placement in patients with cancer: a single-centre prospective study from China
Authors: Qi Mengying , Qin Yuju , Meng Siya , Feng Nan , Meng Yan 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the incidence of, and risk factors for medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) at peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) sites in patients with cancer.DesignA prospective observational cohort study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Shenzhen, China.SettingThis was a single-centre study conducted in a tertiary hospital in Shenzhen, China.ParticipantsA total of 340 patients with cancer and PICC placement from January 2022 to June 2023 were selected using a convenience sampling method.MethodsFactors potentially associated with PICC-related MARSI (PICC-MARSI) were recorded, including patient demographics, and catheter placement and maintenance. Patients were divided into MARSI and non-MARSI groups. Univariate analysis was performed to screen for associated variables, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for PICC-MARSI.ResultsOf all 340 patients enrolled, 33 (9.7%) developed PICC-MARSI, including skin tear (8, 24.2%), tension injury (5, 15.2%), irritant contact dermatitis (10, 30.3%), allergic dermatitis (7, 21.2%) and maceration (3, 9.1%). Multivariable analysis showed that age (OR=1.058, p=0.001, 95% CI 1.023–1.094), wet skin (OR=4.873, p=0.003, 95% CI 1.728–13.742), dry skin (OR=6.247, p<0.0001, 95% CI 2.239–17.431), oedema (OR=3.302, p=0.008, 95% CI 1.365–7.985), allergy history (OR=6.044, p=0.001, 95% CI 2.040–17.906), dressing type (OR=3.827, p=0.003, 95% CI 1.595–9.185), body mass index (BMI) <18.5 (OR=4.271, p=0.015, 95% CI 1.327–13.742) and BMI 25–30 (OR=2.946, p=0.027, 95% CI 1.131–7.678) were independent risk factors for PICC-MARSI.ConclusionsProper catheter maintenance and appropriate dressing selection are crucial for the prevention of this condition.
Genetic and transcriptomic landscape of colonic diverticulosis
Authors: Seo Jungkyun , Liu Hongwei , Young Kristin , Zhang Xinruo , Keku Temitope O , Jones Corbin D , North Kari E , Sandler Robert S , Peery Anne F 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveColonic diverticulosis is a prevalent condition among older adults, marked by the presence of thin-walled pockets in the colon wall that can become inflamed, infected, haemorrhage or rupture. We present a case–control genetic and transcriptomic study aimed at identifying the genetic and cellular determinants underlying this condition and the relationship with other gastrointestinal disorders.DesignWe conducted DNA and RNA sequencing on colonic tissue from 404 patients with (N=172) and without (N=232) diverticulosis. We investigated variation in the transcriptome associated with diverticulosis and further integrated this variation with single-cell RNA-seq data from the human intestine. We also integrated our expression quantitative trait loci with genome-wide association study using Mendelian randomisation (MR). Furthermore, a Polygenic Risk Score analysis gauged associations between diverticulosis severity and other gastrointestinal disorders.ResultsWe discerned 38 genes with differential expression and 17 with varied transcript usage linked to diverticulosis, indicating tissue remodelling as a primary diverticula formation mechanism. Diverticula formation was primarily linked to stromal and epithelial cells in the colon including endothelial cells, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, goblet, tuft, enterocytes, neurons and glia. MR highlighted five genes includingCCN3, CRISPLD2, ENTPD7, PHGR1andTNFSF13, with potential causal effects on diverticulosis. Notably,ENTPD7upregulation was confirmed in diverticulosis cases. Additionally, diverticulosis severity was positively correlated with genetic predisposition to diverticulitis.ConclusionOur results suggest that tissue remodelling is a primary mechanism for diverticula formation. Individuals with an increased genetic proclivity to diverticulitis exhibit a larger numbers of diverticula on colonoscopy.
Striving for equity: exploring gender-inclusive medical leadership in India
Authors: Gulati Kamal , Davies Julie , Gonzalez de la Fuente Angel , Singh Angel Rajan 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThere is a notable gap in studies examining the impact of gender within sociocultural norms in non-western professional settings, especially concerning the well-being of women physicians.MethodsUsing purposive sampling and thematic data analysis, we recorded interviews with 30 physicians in India during May–July 2023. Participants were aged 34 to 65 years, with experience ranging from five to 35 years, in various clinical (37%), surgical (30%), paraclinical (23%) and hospital administration (10%) roles, 97% were postgraduates and 53% were women. The research questions explored how leadership roles happened, managing key challenges, barriers and enablers, and practical interventions to support women into medical leadership positions.ResultsFindings revealed that the majority of interviewees believed gender-related barriers were obstructing women’s progress and success in medical leadership roles in India. These barriers were identified within three overarching domains: (1) specialty, (2) organisational and (3) sociocultural. Interviewees commonly acknowledged the male-dominated landscape of medical leadership although some women stated that they did not perceive any barriers for women’s advancement into leadership roles. Interestingly, some men surgeons held the perception that women might not be as effective in certain surgical disciplines, such as orthopaedics and neurosurgery. Some men physicians, however, considered women physicians in India to be highly effective multitaskers.ConclusionWe recommend structural reforms in medical education, leadership development, workplace systems and cultures, and improved implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion policies in the Indian context.
Altered dynamic functional network connectivity in rheumatoid arthritis
associated with peripheral inflammation and neuropsychiatric
disorders
Authors: Zheng Yanmin , Hou Zhiduo , Ma Shuhua , Huang Zikai , Peng Jianhua , Huang Shuxin , Guo Ruiwei , Huang Jinzhuang , Lin Zhirong , Zhuang Zelin , Yin Jingjing , Xie Lei 
Published: March 2024

Objective
This study explored the dynamic functional connective (DFC)
alterations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and investigated
the correlation between the neuropsychiatric symptoms, peripheral
inflammation and DFC alterations.

Method
Using resting-state functional MRI, we investigated the DFC based on
spatial independent component analysis and sliding window method for 30
patients with RA and 30 healthy controls (HCs). The Spearman correlation
was calculated between aberrant DFC alterations, Montreal Cognitive
Assessment (MoCA), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), C
reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Diagnostic efficacy of indicators was assessed using receiver operating
characteristic analysis (ROC).

Results
Three dynamic functional states were identified. Compared with HC,
patients with RA showed reduced FC variabilities between sensorimotor
network (SMN) and insula, SMN and orbitofrontal cortex, which were the
crucial regions of sensory processing network. The above FC
variabilities were correlated with the MoCA, HAD, CRP and ESR in
patients with RA. Additionally, the CRP and ESR were negatively
correlated to MoCA and positively related to HAD in patients with RA.
The ROC analysis results showed that MoCA, HAD and FC variabilities of
the sensory processing network could distinguish patients with RA from
HC and also identify patients with RA with high ESR.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrated that abnormal DFC patterns in sensory
processing networks in patients with RA were closely associated with
peripheral inflammation and neuropsychiatric symptoms. This indicates
that the dynamic temporal characteristics of the brain functional
network may be potential neuroimaging biomarkers for revealing the
pathological mechanism of RA.