Inactive Phase Research Articles

Microvascular and Structural Characterization of Birdshot Chorioretinitis in Active and Inactive Phases.

Objective: This study aimed to examine microvascular changes and identify predictors of short-term quiescence in active birdshot chorioretinitis (BSCR). Methods: An observational, prospective, 12-month follow-up cohort study was conducted. BSCR eyes were clinically assessed at baseline, categorized as active or inactive, and reevaluated at 12 months. Based on their clinical activity at both timepoints, eyes were divided into three subgroups: active-to-inactive (A-I), consistently active (A-A), and consistently inactive (I-I). Structural OCT, OCT-angiography (OCT-A), and ultra-widefield imaging were utilized. Exam data from fundus and nasal subfields were analyzed for microvascular changes and quiescence predictors. Results: Sixty eyes from 30 BSCR patients (47% women, 53% men, mean age 59.7 ± 12.3 years) were included. In the A-I group (16 eyes), vascular density and perfusion indices increased in all subfields post-quiescence, contrasting with the other groups. Perifoveal looping in the superficial capillary plexus predicted quiescence at 12 months compared with the A-A group. Conclusions: Vascular density rises after complete inflammation control in BSCR, and perifoveal capillary loops serve as potential predictors of short-term quiescence in active BSCR.

Dynamic Random Intersection Graph: Dynamic Local Convergence and Giant Structure

ABSTRACTRandom intersection graphs containing an underlying community structure are a popular choice for modeling real‐world networks. Given the group memberships, the classical random intersection graph is obtained by connecting individuals when they share at least one group. We extend this approach and make the communities dynamic by letting them alternate between an active and inactive phase. We analyse the new model, delivering results on degree distribution, local convergence, largest connected component, and maximum group size, paying particular attention to the dynamic description of these properties. We also describe the connection between our model and the bipartite configuration model, which is of independent interest.

Formamidinium Incorporates into Rb-based Non-perovskite Phases in Solar Cell Formulations.

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials, such as formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3), are among the most promising emerging photovoltaic materials. However, the spontaneous phase transition from the photoactive perovskite phase to an inactive non-perovskite phase complicates the application of FAPbI3in solar cells. To remedy this, alkali metal cations, most often Cs+, Rb+or K+, are included during perovskite synthesis to stabilize the photoactive phase. The atomic-level mechanisms of stabilization are complex. While Cs+dopes directly into the perovskite lattice, Rb+does not, but instead forms an additional non-perovskite phase, and the mechanism by which Rb confers increased stability remains unclear. Here, we use1H-87Rb double resonance NMR experiments to show that FA+incorporates into the Rb-based non-perovskite phases (FAyRb1-yPb2Br5andδ-FAyRb1-yPbI3) for both bromide and iodide perovskite formulations. This is demonstrated by changes in the1H and87Rb chemical shifts,1H-87Rb heteronuclear correlation spectra, and87Rb{1H} REDOR spectra. Simulation of the REDOR dephasing curves suggests up to ~60% FA+incorporation into the inorganic Rb-based phase for the bromide system. In light of these results, we hypothesize that the substitution of FA+into the non-perovskite phase may contribute to the greater stability conferred by Rb salts in the synthesis of FA-based perovskites.

Lytic promoter activity during herpes simplex virus latency is dependent on genome location.

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a significant pathogen that establishes lifelong latent infections with intermittent episodes of resumed disease. In mouse models of HSV infection, sporadic low-level lytic gene expression has been detected during latency in the absence of reactivation events that lead to production of new viruses. This viral activity during latency has been reported using a sensitive Cre-marking model for several lytic gene promoters placed in one location in the HSV-1 genome. Here, we extend these findings in the same model by examining first, the activity of an ectopic lytic gene promoter in several places in the genome and second, whether any promoters might be active in their natural context. We found that Cre expression was detected during latency from ectopic and native promoters, but only in locations near the ends of the unique long genome segment. This location is significant because it is in close proximity to the region from which latency-associated transcripts (LATs) are derived. These results show that native HSV-1 lytic gene promoters can produce protein products during latency, but that this activity is only detectable when they are located close to the LAT locus.IMPORTANCEHSV is a significant human pathogen and the best studied model of mammalian virus latency. Traditionally, the active (lytic) and inactive (latent) phases of infection were considered to be distinct, but the notion of latency being entirely quiescent is evolving due to the detection of some lytic gene expression during latency. Here, we add to this literature by finding that the activity can be found for native lytic gene promoters as well as for constructs placed ectopically in the HSV genome. However, this activity was only detectable when these promoters were located close by a region known to be transcriptionally active during latency. These data have implications for our understanding of HSV gene regulation during latency and the extent to which transcriptionally active regions are insulated from adjacent parts of the viral genome.

Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Probing Fe Segregation during the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

NiFe electrocatalysts are among the most active phases for water splitting with regard to the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The interplay between Ni and Fe, both at the surface and in the subsurface of the catalyst, is crucial to understanding such outstanding properties and remains a subject of debate. Various phenomena, ranging from the formation of oxides/(oxy)hydroxides to the associated segregation of certain species, occur during the electrochemical reactions and add another dimension of complexity that hinders the rational design of electrodes for water splitting. In this work, we have developed the procedure for the quantification of chemical depth profiling by XPS/HAXPES measurements and applied it to two NiFe electrodes with different porosities. The main outcome of this study is related to the surface reconstruction of the electrodes during the OER, followed at two different depths by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We find that Fe initially segregates at the surface when exposed to ambient conditions, resulting in the formation of an inactive FeOx phase. In addition, the porosity of the catalyst plays a significant role in the segregation process and thus in the performance of the electrode. In particular, the higher porosity of the nanostructured sample is responsible for a more pronounced diffusion of Fe from the subsurface to the surface with a more effective suppression of the activity of the Ni1-xFexOOH phase. These results highlight the importance of the fact that the chemical state of the surface of a multielement system is a snapshot in time, dependent on both external parameters, such as the applied potential and the adjacent electrolyte, and the underlying bulk properties accessible with HAXPES.

The Effect of the Oral Contraceptive Pill on Acute Glycaemic Response to an Oral Glucose Bolus in Healthy Young Women: A Randomised Crossover Study.

Background/Objective: The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is widely used by women worldwide, yet the influence of the OCP on carbohydrate metabolism remains under-investigated, with existing studies being few and largely cross-sectional. The study objective was to assess, for the first time, the effect of the combined OCP on postprandial glycaemic response to an oral glucose bolus, using a randomised crossover design. Methods: The effect of a combined monophasic OCP phase on glucose homeostasis and metabolic profile was investigated in 21 healthy young women, who were regular users of either androgenic or anti-androgenic OCP formulations. Plasma glycaemic markers (glucose, insulin and C-peptide) were assessed prior to a 60 g glucose drink (fasting) and for a further 4 h postprandially; once during the "active" (hormone-containing) pill phase and once during the "inactive" (hormone-free) pill phase of the OCP usage cycle. Results: Despite no change in fasting values, in androgenic pill users, postprandial glucose and insulin responses to an oral glucose bolus were ~100% and ~50% greater, respectively, during the active versus inactive phase. In contrast, in anti-androgenic pill users there was no significant change in response between the two OCP usage cycle phases. Conclusions: These findings highlight an acute, but potentially detrimental, influence of the combined OCP on glucose homeostasis, particularly in users of formulations containing androgenic progestogens. Given the high global prevalence of OCP use and increasingly common prolonged active pill regimens, which may continue for months, years or even decades, potential cumulative effects of such changes on metabolic risk demand further investigation.

Nucleos(t)ide analogs to treat patients with positive hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid and normal alanine transaminase: protocol for an open-label single-center randomized parallel controlled trial

BackgroundDirect high-quality evidence remains absent on the benefits of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients (CHB) with normal alanine transaminase (ALT) and positive HBV DNA after nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) treatment.MethodsThis is a single-center, open-label, randomized parallel controlled trial with a follow-up duration of 96 weeks. An estimated 300 patients will be recruited at West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China. After stratified by serum HBV DNA (< 2000 vs. ≥ 2000 IU/ml), eligible patients will be randomized (allocation ratio 1:1) to receive either antiviral therapy (the treatment group) or regular examination alone (the control group). The primary outcomes are rates of virological response and changes in the levels of serum HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) and scores of health-related qualities of life.DiscussionThis randomized controlled trial focuses on HBeAg-negative patients with normal ALT, including those of the inactive carrier phase and the grey zone, whose antiviral treatment remains controversial. Additionally, a health-related quality of life scale is introduced to comprehensively estimate the benefit of antiviral treatment apart from virological response and adverse liver events. Meaningfully, the study findings will provide high-quality and direct evidence for optimal clinical management in such populations.Trial registrationThis trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300069391) on 15 March 2023.Graphical

Temperature-Driven Stopped-Flow Experiments for Investigating the Initial Aggregation of the α-Synuclein Amyloid Protein, Focusing on Active and Inactive Phases.

The primary objective of this research is to further examine the events occurring during the active or burst phase by focusing on the aggregation of the Syn amyloid protein. Regarding this aspect, it was initially conducted rapid temperature variations using stopped-flow spectrometry and tyrosyl group fluorescence emission detection, within the initial 500 milliseconds in buffered Syn solutions at pH 7, exploring various temperature ranges to investigate protein aggregation. The results obtained were contrasted with results obtained for the Nα-acetyl-L-tyrosinamide (NAYA) parent compound in the same conditions. The utilization of the NAYA compound is suitable as it mimics the peptide bonds in proteins and contains a tyrosyl group resembling the four tyrosyl groups found in the Syn protein structure (the protein has no tryptophan residues). Furthermore, the NAYA compound adopts an intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded structure even in an aqueous solution, similar to the interactions seen in the hydrophilic face of β-sheets. Additionally, the Syn protein system can exhibit the presence of β-sheets as a result of the existence of very low abundant Syn amyloid precursor forms or nuclei during the initial stages of the protein aggregation. Thus, a relationship is present between the molecular processes in the NAYA and Syn protein systems, making the NAYA's application crucial in this research. Moreover, to aid in understanding the results, it was also compared the events during the quiescent or inactive phase (30-500 milliseconds) with those in the burst phase (up to 10 milliseconds) using stopped-flow spectrometry conditions. Steady-state measurements were beneficial in comprehending the occurrences in both the quiescent and burst phases examined. Although protein aggregation and disaggregation were observed during the quiescent phase, determining these processes in the burst phase was more challenging. In the latter case, the aggregation of the Syn protein is actually initiated by the interaction of the intrinsically disordered Syn monomers. In the quiescent phase, first-order rate constants were measured and analysis showed that Syn protein aggregation and disaggregation occur simultaneously. At lower temperatures, early protein disaggregation outweighs protein aggregation whereas at higher temperatures protein disaggregation and aggregation are rather similar. It is also need to highlight that the burst phase, while distinct from the quiescent phase, can be considered as a possible structural phase for obtaining details about the aggregation of this specific disordered protein in solution on a very short timescale.

Neuropeptide and serotonin co-transmission sets the activity pattern in the C. elegans egg-laying circuit

Neurons typically release both a neurotransmitter and one or more neuropeptides, but how these signals are integrated within neural circuits to generate and tune behaviors remains poorly understood. We studied how the two hermaphrodite-specific neurons (HSNs) activate the egg-laying circuit of Caenorhabditis elegans by releasing both the neurotransmitter serotonin and NLP-3 neuropeptides. Egg laying occurs in a temporal pattern with approximately 2-min active phases, during which eggs are laid, separated by approximately 20-min inactive phases, during which no eggs are laid. To understand how serotonin and NLP-3 neuropeptides together help produce this behavior pattern, we identified the G-protein-coupled receptor neuropeptide receptor 36 (NPR-36) as an NLP-3 neuropeptide receptor using genetic and molecular experiments. We found that NPR-36 is expressed in, and promotes egg laying within, the egg-laying muscle cells, the same cells where two serotonin receptors also promote egg laying. During the active phase, when HSN activity is high, we found that serotonin and NLP-3 neuropeptides each have a different effect on the timing of egg laying. During the inactive phase, HSN activity is low, which may result in release of only serotonin, yet mutants lacking either serotonin or nlp-3 signaling have longer inactive phases. This suggests that NLP-3 peptide signaling may persist through the inactive phase to help serotonin signaling terminate the inactive phase. We propose a model for neural circuit function in which multiple signals with short- and long-lasting effects compete to generate and terminate persistent internal states, thus patterning a behavior over tens of minutes.

Madden Julian Oscillation Influence on Diurnal Variation of Rainfall in Mentawai Islands Indonesia from IMERG Observations

Abstract Mentawai is a small island located in the Indian Ocean, so its rainfall pattern tends to be different from the larger islands in Indonesian region. Various scales of factors influence this, one of which is Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO). The aim of this study is to determine effect of MJO in Mentawai Islands on the diurnal variation of rainfall. Rainfall data was collected from 2000-2022 from Integrated Multi-SatellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG). Diurnal variations were observed in the accumulation (PA), frequency (PF), and intensity (PI) of rainfall and MJO was classified into active phase (2, 3, 4, and 5) and inactive phase (1, 6, 7, and 8) during the seasonal period (DJF-MAM-JJA-SON). Diurnal peak times in PA, PF, and PI occur later when MJO is active than when MJO is inactive, especially in JJA and SON periods in Mentawai Islands and Mentawai Strait. When MJO is active, average PA and PF are higher than when MJO is inactive. The average of PI is higher around the ocean during active and inactive phases of MJO. The number of short-duration rainfall events occurred over the land, while long-duration rainfall occurred over the ocean.

Lavender improves sleep through olfactory perception and GABAergic neurons of the central amygdala

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe use of lavender as sleep aid or hypnotic agent can be traced back as early as ancient Romans and Greeks. Yet, objective experimental data on whether and how lavender enhances sleep duration or/and sleep quality remain lacking. Aim of the studyWe aimed to characterize the sleep-wake regulating effects of lavender in the mouse and to demonstrate the brain targets and neural circuits involved. Materials and methodsA self-made precise odor delivery system combined with chronic polysomnographic recordings was employed to assess the sleep-wake effects of inhalation with lavender essential oil (LEO, extracted from lavender) and its different constituents during the light and dark phases in free-moving C57BL/6J mice. Neuroviral labeling, in situ hybridization and pharmacogenetics were combined to identify the neural circuits and targets involved. Finally, an insomniac model of DL-4-Chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)-treated mice was established to examine the sleep-inducing potential of LEO. ResultsWe found that inhalation of LEO with a concentration at 25.0% during the light (inactive) phase significantly shortened the latency to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, increased the total amount of NREM sleep at the expense of wakefulness (W), and enhanced cortical EEG slow wave activities, notably delta power spectra density. We further identified linalool, d-limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalyl acetate and terpinene-4-ol as the major effective sleep-promoting monomer components. Importantly, we found that LEO no longer produced any of the above sleep-promoting effect following either nasal injection of zinc sulfate which interrupts the olfactory pathway, or pharmacogenetics silencing of central amygdala GABAergic neurons. Finally, LEO reestablished NREM sleep with short latency in PCPA-treated insomniac mice, effects comparable with those induced by a potent sedative diazepam. ConclusionsWe have characterized the quantitative and qualitative sleep-promoting effects of LEO and its effective components via the olfactory pathway and central amygdala GABA neuronal targets. The hypnotic property of LEO is reinforced by its ability to restore sleep in insomnia. Our study thus establishes a neurobiological basis for aromatherapy of sleep disorders using lavender.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice Affects Neuronal Activity and Glia Cells in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus.

Background: Chronic liver diseases such as hepatic tumors can affect the brain through the liver-brain axis, leading to neurotransmitter dysregulation and behavioral changes. Cancer patients suffer from fatigue, which can be associated with sleep disturbances. Sleep is regulated via two interlocked mechanisms: homeostatic regulation and the circadian system. In mammals, the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the key component of the circadian system. It generates circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior and controls their entrainment to the surrounding light/dark cycle. Neuron-glia interactions are crucial for the functional integrity of the SCN. Under pathological conditions, oxidative stress can compromise these interactions and thus circadian timekeeping and entrainment. To date, little is known about the impact of peripheral pathologies such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on SCN. Materials and Methods: In this study, HCC was induced in adult male mice. The key neuropeptides (vasoactive intestinal peptide: VIP, arginine vasopressin: AVP), an essential component of the molecular clockwork (Bmal1), markers for activity of neurons (c-Fos), astrocytes (GFAP), microglia (IBA1), as well as oxidative stress (8-OHdG) in the SCN were analyzed by immunohistochemistry at four different time points in HCC-bearing compared to control mice. Results: The immunoreactions for VIP, Bmal1, GFAP, IBA1, and 8-OHdG were increased in HCC mice compared to control mice, especially during the activity phase. In contrast, c-Fos was decreased in HCC mice, especially during the late inactive phase. Conclusions: Our data suggest that HCC affects the circadian system at the level of SCN. This involves an alteration of neuropeptides, neuronal activity, Bmal1, activation of glia cells, and oxidative stress in the SCN.

Synergy between time-restricted feeding and time-restricted running is necessary to shift the muscle clock in male wistar rats

Circadian disruption is an important factor driving the current-day high prevalence of obesity and type-2 diabetes. While the impact of incorrect timing of caloric intake on circadian disruption is widely acknowlegded, the contribution of incorrect timing of physical activity remains relatively understudied. Here, we modeled the incorrect timing of physical activity in nightshift workers in male Wistar rats, by restricting running wheel access to the innate inactive (light) phase (LR). Controls included no wheel access (NR); access only during the innate active (dark) period (DR); or unrestricted (ad libitum) access (ALR). LR did not shift the phase of the muscle or liver clock, but dampened the muscle clock amplitude. As our previous study demonstrated that light-phase restricted feeding did shift the liver clock, but made the muscle clock arrhythmic, we next combined the time restriction of wheel and food access to either the light phase (LRLF) or dark phase (DRDF). LRLF produced a ∼12 h shift in the majority of clock gene rhythms in both skeletal muscle and liver. On the other hand, DRDF was most effective in reducing body weight and the accumulation of fat mass. Therefore, in order to shift the muscle clock in male Wistar rats, synergy between the timing of feeding and physical activity is necessary. These findings may contribute to further improve the design of lifestyle strategies that try to limit metabolic misalignment caused by circadian disruption.

Amino Group-Aided Efficient Regeneration Targeting Structural Defects and Inactive FePO4 Phase for Degraded LiFePO4 Cathodes.

It is urgent to develop efficient recycling methods for spent LiFePO4 cathodes to cope with the upcoming peak of power battery retirement. Compared with the traditional metallurgical recovery methods that lack satisfactory economic and environmental benefits, the direct regeneration seems to be a promising option at present. However, a simple direct lithium replenishment cannot effectively repair and regenerate the cathodes due to the serious structural damage of the spent LiFePO4. Herein, the spent LiFePO4 cathodes are directly regenerated by a thiourea-assisted solid-phase sintering process. The density functional theory calculation indicates that thiourea has a targeted repair effect on the antisite defects and inactive FePO4 phase in the spent cathode due to the associative priority of amino group (─NH2) in thiourea with Fe ions: Fe3+─N > Fe2+─N. Meanwhile, the pyrolysis products of thiourea can also create an optimal reducing atmosphere and inhibit the agglomeration of particles in the high temperature restoration process. The regenerated LiFePO4 exhibits an excellent electrochemical performance, which is comparable to that of commercial LiFePO4. This targeted restoration has improved the efficiency of direct regeneration, which is expected to achieve large-scale recycling of spent LiFePO4.

Development of a 3-Electrode Setup for the Operando Detection of Parasitic Side Reactions: Exemplified at the Quantification of Released Oxygen

The most considerable push to higher energy density Li-ion batteries (LiBs) has been achieved by incremental improvements of the positive electrode cathode active materials (CAM).1 One approach has been to increase the nickel content of layered transition metal oxide CAMs like lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA; LiNixCoyAlzO2, with x+y+z=1) to above 80%, which has already been achieved on a commercial level. While this increase is accommodated by a higher achievable discharge capacity at a given upper cut-off potential, it also reduces the structural stability of the material at high degrees of delithiation (i.e. at high state-of-charge (SOC)).2,3 The structural instability of the CAM is associated with a release of lattice oxygen at high SOC, starting at approximately 80% SOC.2,3 The release of reactive oxygen species is reported to cause a cascade of degradation mechanisms resulting in capacity fade. During this process, the near-surface region of layered transition metal oxide particles is converted into an electrochemically inactive rock-salt phase, which results in the formation of a resistive surface layer.4 Furthermore, the released oxygen can stimulate the chemical oxidation of the typically employed electrolyte solvents, such as ethylene carbonate (EC), resulting in the formation of CO, CO2, and H2O, which in turn hydrolyzes the electrolyte salt.2,5 Consequently, the detection and quantification of released oxygen for different CAMs and cycling conditions is of high interest. Gas quantification methods such as differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) and on-line electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS) are powerful tools for the qualitative and quantitative measurement of gaseous species such as O2 and CO2.2,6 However, such methods require an expensive mass spectrometer setup and a sophisticated interface between the LiB cell hardware and the mass spectrometer.Thus, in this study, we will present a simplified method that can detect and quantify released oxygen. The method is based on a setup consisting of a dual working electrode (WE) configuration, namely a primary WE with an NCA CAM (LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2, from BASF TODA Battery Materials LLC, Japan) and an auxiliary WE with only carbon (Vulcan-type carbon, XC-72, Tanaka, Japan), both being coated with a ; a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) electrode coated on aluminum serves as counter electrode (CE). The latter is delithiated to a degree of 90% and capacitively oversized, allowing the NCA working electrode to be cycled against a constant potential (with the LFP potential being at ~3.43 V vs. Li+/Li).8 While charging the NCA working electrode within the desired potential window, the carbon electrode is polarized to a constant potential of 1.21 V vs. the LFP counter electrode corresponding to ~2.20 V vs. Li+/Li. Since oxygen is reduced at that potential, a reductive current is detected once lattice oxygen is being evolved.9 By the precise knowledge of the number of electrons involved in the reduction of oxygen at the carbon electrode, we are able to convert the reductive current into an amount of released oxygen (e.g., in units of moles of oxygen per gram of cathode active material).We apply the developed cell setup to study the oxygen release characteristics of the NCA when being charged to 5.0 V vs. Li+/Li at 0.1 C and 25 °C, and compare these data to the gassing profile analyzed via OEMS. As will be shown, there is a good agreement between integrated and converted reductive current and the amount of detected O2 in the OEMS.

Understanding Surface Degradation Mechanisms in Ni-Rich Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

High Ni-rich layered cathodes, such as; LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) materials, offer very high capacity and excellent rate capability fulfilling the pressing priorities. However, the cyclic performance is poor compared to other cathodes with lower Ni content. Due to high surface reactivity, first-cycle irreversibility is quite high in all these Ni-rich cathodes. Such surface reactions lead to different electrochemically inactive phases and reduce cyclic performance. Herein, we report a comprehensive analysis of plane selective cathode and electrolyte interface reactions and link the relationship between the formation of different cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) by-products with surface reconstruction mechanisms. Moreover, we established a guiding principle of coating strategy to enhance plane selective surface properties. Both bulk and thin-film Ni-rich NMC811 electrodes were used to investigate the surface properties. We fabricated epitaxial thin films of Ni-rich NMC811 cathodes of different orientations, such as; (104), (018), and (003). Al2O3 was chosen as a model coating material to understand how it modulates surface properties. The surface by-products depend highly on the surface charge and subsequently change with Al2O3 coating. Likewise, the surface reconstruction depends on these crystallographic planes and the coating layer exposed to the electrolyte. Keywords: NMC811; Thin film; Epitaxial; CEI; Surface reconstruction

A Study on the Factors Controlling the Kinematics of a Reactivated and Slow-Moving Landslide in the Eastern Liguria Region (NW Italy) through the Integration of Automatic Geotechnical Sensors

This paper deals with the investigation of factors influencing the movement patterns of a reactivated slow-moving landslide situated in the eastern Liguria region (NW Italy) through the analysis of extensive ground-based hydrological and geotechnical monitoring data. Subsurface horizontal displacement and pore water pressure data were acquired simultaneously by means of automatic sensors positioned at pre-existing and localized failure zones. The joint examination of field measurements enabled us to explore the connections between rain, pore water pressure, and displacements. The results of continuous displacement monitoring showed that the landslide kinematics involved phases of extremely slow movements alternated with periods of relative inactivity. Both stages occurred prevalently at seasonal scale displaying similar durations. The slow-motion phases took place at relatively constant pore water pressure and were ascribed to mechanisms of viscous shear displacements along failure surfaces. Inactive phases entailed no significant deformations, mostly corresponding to prolonged dry periods. The two motion patterns were interrupted by episodic sharp deformations triggered by delayed (preparation periods from 4 to 11 days) rainfall-induced pore water pressure peaks, which were ascribed to sliding mechanisms taking place through rigid-plastic frictional behaviour. During these deformation events, hysteresis relationships between pore water pressure and displacement were found, revealing far more complex hydro-mechanical behaviour.

Histological Findings in Antigen E Positive and Negative in Chronic Hepatitis B.

To determine the histopathological findings in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection (immunotolerant phase in old terminology) and HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection (inactive carrier phase in old terminology). Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gastroenterology, University of Health Sciences, Diyarbakir Gazi Yasargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkiye and Diyarbakir and Mersin University School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, Turkiye, from May 2014 to August 2022. The difference between fibrosis and histological activity indices of 289 patients in the immunotolerant and inactive carrier phase who had liver biopsy was examined statistically. Additionally, the relationship of these data with age and gender was investigated. While 236 (81.7%) of the patients were in the inactive carrier phase, 53 (18.3%) patients were in the immunotolerant phase. The mean fibrosis score of patients in the immunotolerant stage was 2.0 ± 1.2, while it was 2.0 ± 1.0 in inactive carriers (p = 0.753). The number of patients with a fibrosis score of two and above was 21 (39.6%) in immunotolerant patients and 52 (22.0%) in inactive carrier patients (p = 0.004). In patients under 30 years of age, the mean fibrosis score was 1.7 ± 1.0. It was 2.0 ± 1.1 in those over 30 years of age (p = 0.016). Biochemical parameters or viral load cannot clearly reflect cellular damage in the liver. In the future, HBV DNA positivity alone may be the only criterion for the treatment. Chronic viral hepatitis B, Fibrosis, Immune tolerance phase, Inactive carrier phase.

Resting Energy Expenditure, Metabolic and Sex Hormones in Two Phases of the Menstrual and Hormonal Contraceptive Cycles.

Resting energy expenditure (REE) may fluctuate during the menstrual cycle (MC), due to the physiological effects of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). This study examined changes in REE and metabolic hormones (leptin, ghrelin, thyroid hormones), and dietary intake in two hormonally distinct groups, naturally menstruating women (NoOC) and women using monophasic combined oral contraceptives (COC). Measurements included REE by indirect calorimetry, body composition by bioimpedance, and blood samples for hormone analysis in the early follicular and mid-luteal phases of the MC in NoOC-group (n = 38) or the active and inactive phases of the COC cycle (COC, n = 19). Participants recorded their food intake for 3 days after measurements. A secondary analysis was completed for the NoOC-group without REE outliers (difference between measurements >1.5 × interquartile range, n = 4). In the NoOC-group, luteal phase REE was 40 kcal higher than follicular phase REE [95% confidence interval (CI): -2 kcal/d-82 kcal/d, d = 0.20, p = 0.061]. Leptin (d = 0.35, p < 0.001), T3 (d = 0.26, p = 0.05) and fat intake (d = 0.48, p = 0.027) were lower, and T4 (d = 0.21, p = 0.041) was higher in the luteal phase. After excluding outliers, REE was 44 kcal higher in the luteal phase than in the follicular phase (95% CI: 12 kcal/d-76 kcal/d, d = 0.22, p = 0.007). In the COC-group, the mean difference in REE was -2 kcal (95% CI-82 kcal/d-79 kcal/d) between active and inactive phases, while T3 was higher in the inactive phase (d = 0.01, p = 0.037). REE increases only slightly from the follicular to the luteal phase but remains unchanged between COC phases. Increases in T3, leptin, and fat intake during the luteal phase might echo metabolic fluctuations that parallel female sex hormones during the MC.

Manipulation of feeding patterns in high fat diet fed rats improves microbiota composition dynamics, inflammation and gut-brain signaling

Chronic consumption of high fat (HF) diets has been shown to increase meal size and meal frequency in rodents, resulting in overeating. Reducing meal frequency and establishing periods of fasting, independently of caloric intake, may improve obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Additionally, diet-driven changes in microbiota composition have been shown to play a critical role in the development and maintenance of metabolic disorders. In this study, we used a pair-feeding paradigm to reduce meal frequency and snacking episodes while maintaining overall intake and body weight in HF fed rats. We hypothesized that manipulation of feeding patterns would improve microbiota composition and metabolic outcomes. Male Wistar rats were placed in three groups consuming either a HF, low fat diet (LF, matched for sugar), or pair-fed HF diet for 7 weeks (n = 11–12/group). Pair-fed animals received the same amount of food consumed by the HF fed group once daily before dark onset (HF-PF). Rats underwent oral glucose tolerance and gut peptide cholecystokinin sensitivity tests. Bacterial DNA was extracted from the feces collected during both dark and light cycles and sequenced via Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S V4 region. Our pair-feeding paradigm reduced meal numbers, especially small meals in the inactive phase, without changing total caloric intake. This shift in feeding patterns reduced relative abundances of obesity-associated bacteria and maintained circadian fluctuations in microbial abundances. These changes were associated with improved gastrointestinal (GI) function, reduced inflammation, and improved glucose tolerance and gut to brain signaling. We concluded from these data that targeting snacking may help improve metabolic outcomes, independently of energy content of the diet and hyperphagia.