bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tm2O3 on the properties of corundum‐mullite composite ceramics for solar heat transmission pipelines
Authors: Liu Zhenying , Xie Nan , Zhang Hanxin , Huang Shouwu , Wang Kai , Wang Qiaoyuan , Xue Changguo , Zhu Hongzheng , Li Jianjun , Liu Yin , Zhao Xiaoqing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCorundum‐mullite composite ceramics appropriate for application in solar heat transmission pipelines were fabricated by the addition of Tm2O3 and sintered at atmospheric pressure. The results demonstrated that with the introduction of Tm2O3 (1–7 wt.%), the physical and mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and thermal shock resistance of the composite ceramics were significantly enhanced. The sintered sample AT5 (with 5 wt.% of Tm2O3 added) showed the best overall performance at 1550°C. The residual bending strength remained higher than 186 MPa after corrosion with 20 wt.% H2SO4 solution and 10 wt.% sodium hydroxide solution. The reaction of Tm2O3 with the Al2O3–SiO2 system produced the Tm2O3–Al2O3–SiO2 liquid phase. This liquid phase eliminated the pores through viscous flow, resulting in a dense microstructure. Furthermore, more mullite and dithulium disilicate were generated after thermal shock cycles, and their inhibition of crack deflection and extension allowed the composite ceramics to achieve excellent thermal shock resistance (residual bending strength as high as 199 MPa). The prepared corundum‐mullite composite ceramics have a good potential for application in solar heat transmission pipelines.
Performance of established disease severity scores in predicting severe outcomes among adults hospitalized with influenza—FluSurv‐NET, 2017–2018
Authors: Doyle Joshua D. , Garg Shikha , O'Halloran Alissa C. , Grant Lauren , Anderson Evan J. , Openo Kyle P. , Alden Nisha B. , Herlihy Rachel , Meek James , Yousey‐Hindes Kimberly , Monroe Maya L. , Kim Sue , Lynfield Ruth , McMahon Melissa , Muse Alison , Spina Nancy , Irizarry Lourdes , Torres Salina , Bennett Nancy M. , Gaitan Maria A. , Hill Mary , Cummings Charisse N. , Reed Carrie , Schaffner William , Talbot H. Keipp , Self Wesley H. , Williams Derek 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundInfluenza is a substantial cause of annual morbidity and mortality; however, correctly identifying those patients at increased risk for severe disease is often challenging. Several severity indices have been developed; however, these scores have not been validated for use in patients with influenza. We evaluated the discrimination of three clinical disease severity scores in predicting severe influenza‐associated outcomes.MethodsWe used data from the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network to assess outcomes of patients hospitalized with influenza in the United States during the 2017–2018 influenza season. We computed patient scores at admission for three widely used disease severity scores: CURB‐65, Quick Sepsis‐Related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), and the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI). We then grouped patients with severe outcomes into four severity tiers, ranging from ICU admission to death, and calculated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for each severity index in predicting these tiers of severe outcomes.ResultsAmong 8252 patients included in this study, we found that all tested severity scores had higher discrimination for more severe outcomes, including death, and poorer discrimination for less severe outcomes, such as ICU admission. We observed the highest discrimination for PSI against in‐hospital mortality, at 0.78.ConclusionsWe observed low to moderate discrimination of all three scores in predicting severe outcomes among adults hospitalized with influenza. Given the substantial annual burden of influenza disease in the United States, identifying a prediction index for severe outcomes in adults requiring hospitalization with influenza would be beneficial for patient triage and clinical decision‐making.
Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease in the elderly with diabetic foot ulcers: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Zhang Liya , Lin Yuanmei , Huang Xiuxian , Zhai Zhenwei , Wei Rongyan , Mo Jiacheng , Li Junjun , Lu Wensheng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the association between metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and ulcer recurrence risk in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) through an ambispective longitudinal cohort. From December 2013 to December 2022, a total of 482 inpatients with DFUs (PEDIS grade 3 and above with a severe infection) were eligible for inclusion in this study. This was an ambispective longitudinal cohort study. All participants were followed up every 6 months for 9 years with a median of 36 months. According to whether having MAFLD or not, all subjects were placed into two groups: non‐MAFLD (n = 351) and MAFLD (n = 131). The association between MAFLD and ulcer recurrence in patients with DFUs was then evaluated through multivariate Cox regression analysis, stratified analyses and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Throughout the follow‐up period, out of 482 subjects with DFUs, 68 had ulcer recurrence (14.1%). Three Cox regression models were established for data analyses. In the model I (unadjusted), MAFLD was significantly associated with the ulcer recurrence rate in patients with DFUs (HR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.097–2.92; p = 0.02). Model II (adjusted model I with gender and age) (HR = 1.781; 95% CI = 1.09–2.912; p = 0.021) and model III (adjusted model II with CVD, duration of diabetes and Cr.) (HR = 1.743; 95% CI = 1.065–2.855; p = 0.027) also showed that MAFLD was significantly related to the ulcer recurrence risk in patients with DFUs, respectively. Stratified analysis indicated that subjects aged ≥60 had a greater risk of ulcer recurrence in MAFLD than in non‐MAFLD (HR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.268–4.206; p = 0.006). Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis showed that ulcer recurrence rate had a significant association with MAFLD (log‐rank, p = 0.018). This study indicated a close association between ulcer recurrence risk and MAFLD in patients with DFUs, especially in the elderly (aged ≥60). Therefore, special attention should be paid to the elderly with both DFUs and MAFLD because they have a higher ulcer recurrence rate than other general populations in routine clinical practice.
Reliable focal and rotational activations in CARTOFINDER mapping using the OctaRay catheter
Authors: Kawaji Tetsuma , Aizawa Takanori , Yamano Saki , Naka Misaki , Bao Bingyuan , Hojo Shun , Tezuka Yuji , Nakatsuma Kenji , Matsuda Shintaro , Kato Masashi , Yokomatsu Takafumi , Miki Shinji 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the current study was to elucidated the reliable atrial fibrillation (AF) drivers identified by CARTOFINDER using OctaRay catheter.Methods and ResultsThe reliability of focal and rotational activations identified by CARTOFINDER using OctaRay catheter was assessed by the sequential recordings in each site of both atrium before and after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in 10 persistent AF patients. The outcome measures were the reproducibility rate during the sequential recordings and the stability rate between pre‐ and post‐PVI as reliable focal and rotational activations. The study results were compared with those under use of PentaRay catheter (N = 18). Total 68928 points of 360 sites in OctaRay group and 24 177 points of 311 sites in PentaRay were assessed. More focal activation sites were identified in OctaRay group than PentaRay group (7.9% vs. 5.7%, p < .001), although the reproducibility rate and the stability rate were significantly lower in OctaRay group (45.3% vs. 58.9%, p < .001; 11.2% vs. 28.4%, p < .001). Meanwhile, the prevalence of reproducible focal activation sites among overall points was comparable (3.6% vs. 3.3%, p = .08). Regarding rotational activation, more rotational activation sites were identified in OctaRay group (5.1% vs. 0.2%, p < .001), and the reproducibility rate and the stability rate were significantly higher in OctaRay group (45.2% and 12.5% vs. 0.0%, p < .001). Both reliable focal and rotational activation sites were characterized by significantly shorter AF‐cycle length (CL) and higher repetition of focal and rotational activations during the recordings compared with the sites of non or unreliable focal and rotational activations.ConclusionIn CARTOFINDER, OctaRay catheter could identify reliable focal activation with high resolution and reliable rotational activation compared with PentaRay catheter. The repetitive focal and rotational activations with short AF‐CL could be the potential target during ablation.
Macrophages enhance cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer through the transfer of circTEX2
Authors: Qu Bing , Liu Jiasheng , Peng Zhiyang , Xiao Zhe , Li Shijun , Wu Jianguo , Li Shengbo , Luo Jianfei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCisplatin‐based chemotherapy is often used in advanced gastric cancer (GC) treatment, yet resistance to cisplatin may lead to treatment failure. Mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance remain unclear. Recent evidence highlighted the role of macrophages in cancer chemoresistance. Macrophage‐derived exosomes were shown to facilitate intercellular communication. Here, we investigated the cisplatin resistance mechanism based on macrophage‐derived exosomes in gastric cancer. Cell growth and apoptosis detection experiments revealed that M2‐polarized macrophages increased the resistance of GC cells to cisplatin. qRT‐PCR, RNAase R assay, actinomycin D assay and cell nucleo‐cytoplasmic separation experiments confirmed the existence of circTEX2 in macrophage cytoplasm, with a higher expression level in M2 macrophages than that in M1 macrophages. Further experiments showed that circTEX2 acted as microRNA sponges for miR‐145 and regulated the expression of ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily C Member 1 (ABCC1). Inhibition of the circTEX2/miR‐145/ABCC1 axis blocked the cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer induced by M2 macrophages, as evidenced by in vitro and in vivo experiments. In conclusion, our research suggests that the exosomal transfer of M2 macrophage‐derived circTEX2 enhances cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer through miR‐145/ABCC1. Additionally, communication between macrophages and cancer cells via exosomes may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cisplatin‐resistant gastric cancer.
The transcriptomic response to cannabidiol of Treponema denticola, a phytocannabinoid‐resistant periodontal pathogen
Authors: Tan Jinlian , Lamont Gwyneth J. , Sekula Michael , Hong HeeJue , Sloan Lucy , Scott David A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThe use of cannabis, which contains multiple antimicrobials, may be a risk factor for periodontitis. We hypothesized that multiple oral spirochetes would be phytocannabinoid‐resistant and that cannabidiol (CBD) would act as an environmental stressor to which Treponema denticola would respond transcriptionally, thereby providing first insights into spirochetal survival strategies.Materials and MethodsOral spirochete growth was monitored spectrophotometrically in the presence and absence of physiologically relevant phytocannabinoid doses, the transcriptional response to phytocannabinoid exposure determined by RNAseq, specific gene activity fluxes verified using qRT‐PCR and orthologues among fully sequenced oral spirochetes identified.ResultsMultiple strains of oral treponemes were resistant to CBD (0.1–10 μg/mL), while T. denticola ATCC 35405 was resistant to all phytocannabinoids tested (CBD, cannabinol [CBN], tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]). A total of 392 T. denticola ATCC 35405 genes were found to be CBD‐responsive by RNAseq. A selected subset of these genes was independently verified by qRT‐PCR. Genes found to be differentially activated by both methods included several involved in transcriptional regulation and toxin control. Suppressed genes included several involved in chemotaxis and proteolysis.ConclusionsOral spirochetes, unlike some other periodontal bacteria, are resistant to physiological doses of phytocannabinoids. Investigation of CBD‐induced transcriptomic changes provided insight into the resistance mechanisms of this important periodontal pathogen. These findings should be considered in the context of the reported enhanced susceptibility to periodontitis in cannabis users.
TaSRO1 interacts with TaVP1 to modulate seed dormancy and pre‐harvest sprouting resistance in wheat
Authors: Liu Shupeng , Li Li , Wang Wenlong , Xia Guangmin , Liu Shuwei 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTDormancy is an adaptive trait which prevents seeds from germinating under unfavorable environmental conditions. Seeds with weak dormancy undergo pre‐harvest sprouting (PHS) which decreases grain yield and quality. Understanding the genetic mechanisms that regulate seed dormancy and resistance to PHS is crucial for ensuring global food security. In this study, we illustrated the function and molecular mechanism of TaSRO1 in the regulation of seed dormancy and PHS resistance by suppressing TaVP1. The tasro1 mutants exhibited strong seed dormancy and enhanced resistance to PHS, whereas the mutants of tavp1 displayed weak dormancy. Genetic evidence has shown that TaVP1 is epistatic to TaSRO1. Biochemical evidence has shown that TaSRO1 interacts with TaVP1 and represses the transcriptional activation of the PHS resistance genes TaPHS1 and TaSdr. Furthermore, TaSRO1 undermines the synergistic activation of TaVP1 and TaABI5 in PHS resistance genes. Finally, we highlight the great potential of tasro1 alleles for breeding elite wheat cultivars that are resistant to PHS.
Maintaining the avian wing aerofoil: Relationships between the number of primary and secondary flight feathers and under‐lying skeletal size in birds
Authors: Deeming D. C. , Durkin M. , Nudds R. L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBird wings vary in size and morphology in terms of both size and number of feathers and the underlying skeletal anatomy. The number of primary remiges does not seem to vary much between bird species but, by contrast, the number of secondary remiges is reported to range between 6 and 40 depending on bird size. Given that the primaries are attached to the manus, and the secondaries are attached to the ulna, it was predicted that as bone lengths increased with increasing size of the bird, then feather count would increase. Data were collected for 268 species from 25 different orders, and phylogenetically controlled analysis explored the allometry between feather count and bone size. The number of primaries was typically 10 or 11 and did not vary with manus size. By contrast, the number of secondaries increased with ulna length, but only in some orders. For example, in Gruiformes, the number of secondary feathers increased concomitantly with ulna length but despite a two orders of magnitude range in body mass, almost all species in the Passeriformes had nine secondary remiges. It is unclear why, for instance, species with an ulna length of 70 mm can have between 9 and 24 secondaries depending on their order. This variation in secondary feather number can be added to variation in relative wing bone lengths, flight feather lengths, flight feather mechanical properties, and flight feather vane densities as another potential mechanism of adaptation to flight requirements. The apparent constraint of wingspan is scaling as approximately body mass1/3. Further research is needed to explore whether changes in secondary feather number relative to ulna length are accompanied by changes in feather vane width or the overlap of adjacent feathers and how this relates to wing aerodynamics.
Sunlight, culture and state capacity
Authors: Ezcurra Roberto 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of ultraviolet radiation (UV‐R) on state capacity. The results indicate that the intensity of UV‐R is a strong predictor of cross‐country differences in state capacity. Countries with a higher degree of UV‐R exposure tend on average to have weaker states. This finding remains unaffected after controlling for different variables that may be correlated with both UV‐R and state capacity, including an extensive set of geographical, historical and contemporary factors. The observed link between sunlight and state capacity is not driven by potential outliers and is robust to the employment of alternative measures of state capacity, estimation methods and other sensitivity checks. Furthermore, the analysis also reveals that the individualistic–collectivist dimension of culture acts as a transmission channel connecting UV‐R and state capacity. The estimates show that a lower degree of UV‐R exposure leads to the adoption of individualistic values, which in turn contribute to the development of state capacity.
Developmental transcriptomes predict adult social behaviours in the socially flexible sweat bee, Lasioglossum baleicum
Authors: Omufwoko Kennedy S. , Cronin Adam L. , Nguyen Thi Thu Ha , Webb Andrew E. , Traniello Ian M. , Kocher Sarah D. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNatural variation can provide important insights into the genetic and environmental factors that shape social behaviour and its evolution. The sweat bee, Lasioglossum baleicum, is a socially flexible bee capable of producing both solitary and eusocial nests. We demonstrate that within a single nesting aggregation, soil temperatures are a strong predictor of the social structure of nests. Sites with warmer temperatures in the spring have a higher frequency of social nests than cooler sites, perhaps because warmer temperatures provide a longer reproductive window for those nests. To identify the molecular correlates of this behavioural variation, we generated a de novo genome assembly for L. baleicum, and we used transcriptomic profiling to compare adults and developing offspring from eusocial and solitary nests. We find that adult, reproductive females have similar expression profiles regardless of social structure in the nest, but that there are strong differences between reproductive females and workers from social nests. We also find substantial differences in the transcriptomic profiles of stage‐matched pupae from warmer, social‐biased sites compared to cooler, solitary‐biased sites. These transcriptional differences are strongly predictive of adult reproductive state, suggesting that the developmental environment may set the stage for adult behaviours in L. baleicum. Together, our results help to characterize the molecular mechanisms shaping variation in social behaviour and highlight a potential role of environmental tuning during development as a factor shaping adult behaviour and physiology in this socially flexible bee.
The role of hypothalamic Orexin‐A in stress‐induced gastric dysmotility: An agonistic interplay with corticotropin releasing factor
Authors: Sinen Osman , Akçalı İrem , Akkan Simla Su , Bülbül Mehmet 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundCentral Orexin‐A (OXA) modulates gastrointestinal (GI) functions and stress response. This study aimed to investigate whether OXA and CRF interact at hypothalamic level.MethodsSolid gastric emptying (GE), fecal output (FO), plasma corticosterone (CORT), and postprandial antro‐pyloric motility were assessed in rats that underwent acute restraint stress (ARS) and pretreated with central OX1R and/or CRF receptor antagonists SB‐334867 and alpha‐helical CRF9,41. Microdialysis was performed to assess ARS‐induced release of OXA and CRF in PVN and LHA, respectively. Immunofluorescence labeling was performed to detect the stress‐induced changes in OXA and to assess the hypothalamic distribution of OX1R and CRF1/2 receptors. ARS‐induced c‐Fos immunoreactivity was evaluated in PVN and LHA of rats received OX1R and CRF receptor antagonists.Key ResultsARS delayed GE by disturbing the coordination of antro‐pyloric contractions while stimulating FO and CORT secretion. ARS‐induced alterations in GE, FO, plasma CORT, and antro‐pyloric motility were attenuated by OX1R and/or CRF receptor antagonists, however, these changes were completely restored in rats received both antagonists. ARS stimulated release of OXA and CRF which were significantly attenuated by α‐CRF9,41 and SB‐334867, respectively. The OX1R was detected in CRF‐immunoreactive cells, whereas dense expression of CRF2 receptor but not CRF1 was observed in LHA. ARS remarkably increased OXA immunoreactivity in LHA. ARS‐induced c‐Fos expression in LHA and PVN was abolished by α‐CRF9,41 and SB‐334867, respectively.Conclusions & InferencesOur findings suggest a reciprocal contribution of OXA and CRF which seems to be involved in the mediation of stress‐induced alterations in neuroendocrine and GI motor functions.
Increased SARS‐CoV‐2 reactive low avidity T cells producing inflammatory cytokines in pediatric post‐acute COVID‐19 sequelae (PASC)
Authors: Paniskaki Krystallenia , Goretzki Sarah , Anft Moritz , Konik Margarethe J. , Meister Toni L. , Pfaender Stephanie , Lechtenberg Klara , Vogl Melanie , Dogan Burcin , Dolff Sebastian , Westhoff Timm H. , Rohn Hana , Felderhoff‐Mueser Ursula , Stervbo Ulrik , Witzke Oliver , Dohna‐Schwake Christian , Babel Nina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundA proportion of the convalescent SARS‐CoV‐2 pediatric population presents nonspecific symptoms, mental health problems, and a reduction in quality of life similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID‐19 symptomatic. However, data regarding its clinical manifestation and immune mechanisms are currently scarce.MethodsIn this study, we perform a comprehensive clinical and immunological profiling of 17 convalescent COVID‐19 children with post‐acute COVID‐19 sequelae (PASC) manifestation and 13 convalescent children without PASC manifestation. A detailed medical history, blood and instrumental tests, and physical examination were obtained from all patients. SARS‐CoV‐2 reactive T‐cell response was analyzed via multiparametric flow cytometry and the humoral immunity was addressed via pseudovirus neutralization and ELISA assay.ResultsThe most common PASC symptoms were shortness of breath/exercise intolerance, paresthesia, smell/taste disturbance, chest pain, dyspnea, headache, and lack of concentration. Blood count and clinical chemistry showed no statistical differences among the study groups. We detected higher frequencies of spike (S) reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells among the PASC study group, characterized by TNFα and IFNγ production and low functional avidity. CRP levels are positively correlated with IFNγ producing reactive CD8+ T cells.ConclusionsOur data might indicate a possible involvement of a persistent cellular inflammatory response triggered by SARS‐CoV‐2 in the development of the observed sequelae in pediatric PASC. These results may have implications on future therapeutic and prevention strategies.