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Nature Communications Jun 2024The central San Andreas Fault (CSAF) exhibits a simple linear large-scale fault geometry, yet seismic and aseismic deformation features vary in a complex way along the...
The central San Andreas Fault (CSAF) exhibits a simple linear large-scale fault geometry, yet seismic and aseismic deformation features vary in a complex way along the fault. Here we investigate fault zone behaviors using geodetic observation, seismicity and microearthquake focal mechanisms. We employ an improved focal-mechanism characterization method using relative earthquake radiation patterns on 75,164 M ≥ 1 earthquakes along a 2-km-wide, 190-km-long segment of the CSAF, from 1984 to 2015. The data reveal the 3D fine-scale structure and interseismic kinematics of the CSAF. Our findings indicate that the first-order spatial variations in interseismic fault creep rate, creep direction, and the fault zone stress field can be explained by a simple fault coupling model. The inferred 3D mechanical properties of a mechanically weak and poorly coupled fault zone provide a unified understanding of the complex fine-scale kinematics, indicating distributed slip deficits facilitating small-to-moderate earthquakes, localized stress heterogeneities, and complex multi-scale ruptures along the fault. Through this detailed mapping, we aim to relate the fine-scale fault architecture to potential future faulting behavior along the CSAF.
PubMed: 38918370
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49454-z -
ImmunoHorizons Jun 2024Malaria is a serious vector-borne disease characterized by periodic episodes of high fever and strong immune responses that are coordinated with the daily synchronized...
Malaria is a serious vector-borne disease characterized by periodic episodes of high fever and strong immune responses that are coordinated with the daily synchronized parasite replication cycle inside RBCs. As immune cells harbor an autonomous circadian clock that controls various aspects of the immune response, we sought to determine whether the intensity of the immune response to Plasmodium spp., the parasite causing malaria, depends on time of infection. To do this, we developed a culture model in which mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages are stimulated with RBCs infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (iRBCs). Lysed iRBCs, but not intact iRBCs or uninfected RBCs, triggered an inflammatory immune response in bone marrow-derived macrophages. By stimulating at four different circadian time points (16, 22, 28, or 34 h postsynchronization of the cells' clock), 24-h rhythms in reactive oxygen species and cytokines/chemokines were found. Furthermore, the analysis of the macrophage proteome and phosphoproteome revealed global changes in response to iRBCs that varied according to circadian time. This included many proteins and signaling pathways known to be involved in the response to Plasmodium infection. In summary, our findings show that the circadian clock within macrophages determines the magnitude of the inflammatory response upon stimulation with ruptured iRBCs, along with changes of the cell proteome and phosphoproteome.
Topics: Animals; Macrophages; Mice; Erythrocytes; Malaria; Plasmodium berghei; Circadian Rhythm; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Reactive Oxygen Species; Cytokines; Circadian Clocks; Cells, Cultured; Proteome
PubMed: 38916585
DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2400021 -
Cureus May 2024Triceps tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries that account for less than 1% of all upper extremity tendon injuries. Medial ulnar collateral ligament injury...
Triceps tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries that account for less than 1% of all upper extremity tendon injuries. Medial ulnar collateral ligament injury (mUCL), while common in overhead athletes as a result of valgus forces during the throwing mechanics, has scarcely been reported in non-overhead, throwing individuals. Traumatic assault to the elbow may result in the rupture of the triceps tendon with concomitant mUCL injury. As such an injury pattern typically presents in middle-aged males, weightlifters, or American football players from eccentric overloading of the elbow. We present an adolescent, elite-level, competitive skier with traumatic onset distal triceps rupture with concomitant medial ulnar collateral ligament rupture suffered via a fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH) mechanism. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed acute full-thickness avulsion of the distal triceps tendon occurring at the olecranon enthesis. An open tendon repair was performed, and the patient was able to report significant symptom resolution over the course of six months postoperatively and successfully return to elite-level competition. This was a unique and rare case of triceps tendon rupture with concomitant mUCL injury in an adolescent via a non-contact, high-velocity injury mechanism. While a rare injury combination, this case nevertheless identifies an area of research not currently extensively covered-trampoline training and associated injuries in adolescents. This case, therefore, not only adds a novel dimension to the understanding of triceps and mUCL injuries in young athletes but also underscores the need for heightened awareness and specific safety protocols in sports training involving equipment like trampolines.
PubMed: 38915996
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61026 -
Journal of the Belgian Society of... 2024Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has significantly improved the evaluation of brachial plexus injuries, offering new possibilities for microsurgical repair and...
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has significantly improved the evaluation of brachial plexus injuries, offering new possibilities for microsurgical repair and contributing to the functional prognosis.
PubMed: 38915314
DOI: 10.5334/jbsr.3415 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024To achieve high-efficiency combustion of heavy fuel oil (HFO), this study investigated the combustion characteristics of methanol/HFO droplets with methanol content from...
To achieve high-efficiency combustion of heavy fuel oil (HFO), this study investigated the combustion characteristics of methanol/HFO droplets with methanol content from 10 to 30% using the suspension method under ambient temperature from 923 to 1023 K. The combustion of methanol/HFO droplets was summarized as a two-phase process consisting of six typical stages, emphasizing liquid phase. Especially, the fluctuation evaporation stage, induced by frequent and intense puffing, was identified as prominent character. Both the ignition delay and lifetime of HFO and methanol/HFO droplets decreased with increasing ambient temperatures. For the methanol/HFO droplet, the ignition delay and droplet lifetime increased with the increasing methanol content. Prominently, compared to HFO, HM10 had the most significant reduction in droplet lifetime and TINL under the same operating conditions, which indicated that the addition of 10% methanol accelerated the combustion process and reduced soot generation. Additionally, the thermos-dynamic characteristics of methanol/HFO droplets were investigated. Puffing was primarily attributed to superheating of methanol and pyrolysis of heavy components in HFO, which resulted in active and passive rupture of bubbles. Similarity and maximum deformation were employed to qualitatively distinguish between them. The obtained findings aimed to develop a promising alternative fuel to reduce emissions and preserve energy.
PubMed: 38914642
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64482-x -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Whether the Main Himalayan Thrust can host a single surface-rupturing event in the Himalaya with a rupture length of > 700 km remains controversial. Previous...
Whether the Main Himalayan Thrust can host a single surface-rupturing event in the Himalaya with a rupture length of > 700 km remains controversial. Previous paleoseismological studies in the Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalaya (DSH) suggested medieval surface-rupturing earthquakes, correlating them with the eleventh-thirteenth century events from Nepal and Bhutan and extending the coseismic rupture length > 700 km. Conversely, there is no rupture evidence of the 1714 Bhutan and 1934 Bihar-Nepal earthquakes in the DSH, resulting in a discrepancy in the rupture extent of the great earthquakes. Consequently, we conducted a paleoseismological investigation across a ~ 10 m-high fault scarp on the Himalayan Frontal Thrust at Chenga village, DSH, revealing a surface-faulting event during 1313-395 BCE. We suggest that the DSH is a 150 km-long independent segment bounded by a transverse ridge and fault and has a recurrence interval of ~ 949-1963 years, which is significantly larger than Nepal (~ 700-900 years) and Bhutan Himalaya (~ 339-761 years).
PubMed: 38914592
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63539-1 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Azole antifungal drugs are commonly used to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The nephrotoxicity and developmental toxicity of azole drugs have not been...
Azole antifungal drugs are commonly used to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The nephrotoxicity and developmental toxicity of azole drugs have not been systematically analyzed in the real world. We used the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to investigate the adverse events (AEs) associated with imidazole therapy for VVC. FAERS data (from quarter 1 2004 to quarter 3 2022) were retrieved using OpenVigil 2.1, and AEs were retrieved and standardized according to the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA). In the top 10 System Organ Class (SOC), all four drugs have been found to have kidney and urinary system diseases and pregnancy. We found significant signals, including clotrimazole [bladder transitional cell carcinoma, (report odds ratio, ROR = 291.66)], [fetal death, (ROR = 10.28)], ketoconazole[nephrogenic anemia (ROR = 22.1)], [premature rupture of membranes (ROR = 22.91 46.45, 11, 3)], Miconazole[hematuria (ROR = 19.03)], [neonatal sepsis (ROR = 123.71)], [spontaneous abortion (ROR = 5.98)], Econazole [acute kidney injury (ROR = 4.41)], [spontaneous abortion (ROR = 19.62)]. We also discovered new adverse reactions that were not reported. Therefore, when using imidazole drugs for treatment, it is necessary to closely monitor the patient's renal function, pay attention to the developmental toxicity of the fetus during pregnancy, and be aware of potential adverse reactions that may occur.
Topics: Female; Humans; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Antifungal Agents; Imidazoles; United States; United States Food and Drug Administration; Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; Pregnancy; Adult; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Miconazole; Clotrimazole
PubMed: 38914572
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63315-1 -
ELife Jun 2024Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most cases of preterm birth occur spontaneously and result from preterm labor with...
BACKGROUND
Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most cases of preterm birth occur spontaneously and result from preterm labor with intact (spontaneous preterm labor [sPTL]) or ruptured (preterm prelabor rupture of membranes [PPROM]) membranes. The prediction of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) remains underpowered due to its syndromic nature and the dearth of independent analyses of the vaginal host immune response. Thus, we conducted the largest longitudinal investigation targeting vaginal immune mediators, referred to herein as the immunoproteome, in a population at high risk for sPTB.
METHODS
Vaginal swabs were collected across gestation from pregnant women who ultimately underwent term birth, sPTL, or PPROM. Cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides in the samples were quantified via specific and sensitive immunoassays. Predictive models were constructed from immune mediator concentrations.
RESULTS
Throughout uncomplicated gestation, the vaginal immunoproteome harbors a cytokine network with a homeostatic profile. Yet, the vaginal immunoproteome is skewed toward a pro-inflammatory state in pregnant women who ultimately experience sPTL and PPROM. Such an inflammatory profile includes increased monocyte chemoattractants, cytokines indicative of macrophage and T-cell activation, and reduced antimicrobial proteins/peptides. The vaginal immunoproteome has improved predictive value over maternal characteristics alone for identifying women at risk for early (<34 weeks) sPTB.
CONCLUSIONS
The vaginal immunoproteome undergoes homeostatic changes throughout gestation and deviations from this shift are associated with sPTB. Furthermore, the vaginal immunoproteome can be leveraged as a potential biomarker for early sPTB, a subset of sPTB associated with extremely adverse neonatal outcomes.
FUNDING
This research was conducted by the Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS) under contract HHSN275201300006C. ALT, KRT, and NGL were supported by the Wayne State University Perinatal Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health.
Topics: Humans; Female; Longitudinal Studies; Pregnancy; Vagina; Premature Birth; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Proteome; Cytokines; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Young Adult; Immunoproteins
PubMed: 38913421
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.90943 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports Jun 2024Uterine rupture is specified as a complete laceration of the uterine wall, including its serosa, leading to a connection between the endometrial and peritoneal chambers....
Uterine rupture is specified as a complete laceration of the uterine wall, including its serosa, leading to a connection between the endometrial and peritoneal chambers. It can occur in any stage of pregnancy and is considered a severe and perhaps fatal complication. A 35-year-old woman at 9 weeks of gestation with a medical history of five prior cesarean sections presented with lower abdominal pain that had lasted for 5 hr. We detected small amounts of free fluid in the Douglas pouch using ultrasound. Subsequently, a laparotomy revealed a cesarean scar dehiscence from a non-cesarean scar pregnancy. Patients who experience a uterine rupture may have vague symptoms, severe abdominal discomfort, abnormal uterine bleeding, and severe hemorrhagic shock, depending on their gestational age. Ultrasound imaging can be used to diagnose this fatal condition in addition to laparoscopy to immediately identify and treat the issue in urgent cases.
PubMed: 38912433
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae422 -
ACG Case Reports Journal Jun 2024Inferior phrenic artery (IPA) aneurysms are the rarest type of visceral aneurysms. It usually occurs secondary to trauma, surgery, or as a complication of pancreatitis....
Inferior phrenic artery (IPA) aneurysms are the rarest type of visceral aneurysms. It usually occurs secondary to trauma, surgery, or as a complication of pancreatitis. In addition, it can be a manifestation of underlying systemic pathology such as vasculitis, collagen vascular disorders, sepsis, or segmental arterial mediolysis. It can be associated with hypertension in 43% of cases. The presentation of IPA aneurysm is nonspecific with abdominal pain, melena, hematochezia, and anemia. The ruptured and actively bleeding aneurysm can lead to hemorrhagic shock, and immediate management is required with angiography and endovascular embolization with coil or gel foam or stent etc. Inaccessible locations are reached with surgical intervention, but it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We here report a rare case of spontaneously ruptured IPA pseudoaneurysm extending from the posterior mediastinum to the subdiaphragmatic area and managed with coil and gel foam embolization.
PubMed: 38912373
DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001395