bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic Transmission Coefficient-Based Assessment of Tissue State During Microwave Ablation
Authors: Zeinali Nooshin , Sebek Jan , Fallahi Hojjatollah , Pfannenstiel Austin , Prakash Punit
Published: May 2022

Background: During microwave ablation (MWA), applicators are positioned within/around the target under image guidance, however, real-time monitoring of the ablation zone growth is limited. The tissue dielectric properties change with increasing temperature; therefore, changes in the complex-valued electromagnetic transmission coefficient (s21) between applicators may provide a parameter for ablation monitoring.

Objective: To relate the physical state of tissue to the energy transmitted between a pair of directional MWA applicators.

Method: We implemented a method for sequential measurement of broadband s21 between two directional MWA applicators operating at 2.45GHz. In each experiment, the input of each applicator was periodically switched between a microwave generator (“heating mode”) and a vector network analyzer (VNA, “monitoring mode”). S-parameters and tissue images after ablation were collected from 19 experiments in fresh ex vivo liver tissue for heating times 53-1200s. From gathered s21, we computed the average transmission coefficient (ATC) and group delay (GD) and related them to tissue state.

Results: Both ATC and GD decrease with time and saturate towards the completion of ablation at ~75% and ~96% of the initial value respectively.

Conclusion: We demonstrated the potential of in-procedure tissue state assessment by monitoring s21 between two directional MWA applicators in ex vivo liver.
Simulating Baroreflex Activation Therapy for the Treatment of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Clemmer John S. , Pruett W. Andrew , Hester Robert L.
Published: May 2022

Clinical trials demonstrate baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) reduces LV mass and blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients and in patients with hypertensive heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It is thought that high sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in the heart plays a role in the disease progression seen in these patients. However, the impact of BAT on hemodynamics, cardiac SNA, and disease progression during HFpEF is unknown. In the present study, we used HumMod, a large physiology model to predict the time-dependent changes of BAT during HFpEF. Our results demonstrate a progressive cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis during HFpEF. After 6 months of BAT however, left ventricular mass was reduced (-11%), associated with decreased blood pressure, decreased cardiac SNA, and restoration of β1-adrenergic activity. Interestingly, when cardiac SNA suppression was blocked during BAT, the improvement in cardiac mass was attenuated. These simulations indicate that the suppression of cardiac SNA could be the primary determinant of the cardioprotective effects from BAT in this HF population.
A Novel Tool for Auricle Retraction During Closure of Post-Auricular Incisions
Authors: Cannon Piper C. , Smetak Miriam R. , Webster Robert J. , Labadie Robert F.
Published: May 2022

Many otologic surgeries, including cochlear implantation and mastoidectomy, require a post-auricular incision for exposure. The auricle must be retracted forward in order to enable an unobstructed view of the surgical field and improve procedural outcomes. Typical methods of securing the ear include tape, a small stitch, or an assistant’s finger, depending on surgeon preference. In this paper, we propose a novel design for a tool that retracts the auricle safely, effectively, and consistently with the appropriate tension for closure of a post-auricular incision. The tool attaches to the helix with a compression fit, and then anchors between the triangular fossa and the helical crus. The tool’s efficacy is demonstrated through a test fit and comparison to standard methods. This anchoring tool enables the surgeon to retract the pinna easily and effectively.
Development and Characterization of Biostable Hydrogel Robotic Actuators for Implantable Devices: Tendon Actuated Gelatin
Authors: Harris Hannah , Radecka Adia , Malik Raefa , Pineda Guzman Roberto Alonso , Santoso Jeffrey , Bradshaw Alyssa , McCain Megan , Kersh Mariana , Golecki Holly
Published: May 2022

While the field of medical device design has made tremendous progress in recent decades, implantable devices continue to be plagued by the body’s immune response and fibrosis. The field of soft robotics uses low modulus materials that compliance match surrounding tissues to help address this issue. Traditionally, silicone has been the material of choice for soft robots. Although durable and elastic, implanted silicone often leads to fibrosis. To advance the use of soft robotics in medical devices, new materials must be explored. We hypothesize that protein-based soft robotic actuators hold promise for implantable medical devices by not only matching moduli surrounding tissues but also providing physiologically relevant chemical cues. Biocompatible soft actuators that achieve the functionality of silicone counterparts may promote integration with host cells and support long-term implant safety. Additionally, controlled degradation may hold promise for post-surgical support devices or drug delivery. Here, we develop and characterize crosslinked gelatin (GEL) actuators. The development of biomaterial soft actuators with properties comparable to synthetic analogues expands the applications of soft robotic devices for medical devices and healthcare applications.
Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis to Expedite Treatment and Prevent Pulmonary Embolism During Gestation
Authors: Maiti Dolly , Arunachalam Shivaram P.
Published: May 2022

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of thrombosis or blood clot in the deep veins of the body, usually in the lower extremities or pelvic vein. During this time, a hypercoagulable state results in a higher rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) during gestation and the postnatal stage. PE is the leading cause of maternal death, making early diagnosis and clinical treatment vital to both the mother’s and fetal life.

The current technologies for the diagnosis of DVT reduced detection accuracy with increased depth, false negatives when parallel veins are present, and the incompetence of imaging due to factors such as obesity and edema. The drawback of compression ultrasound is that clots may emboli during diagnosis and travel to vital organs such as the heart. In this study a new technological advancement is explored to superior diagnostic methods, and a near infrared device will be able to provide relative measurements of the oxygenation levels of calf veins and can help identify excessive deoxygenation and specific locations. Oxyhemoglobin & deoxyhemoglobin absorbs red light and infra-red lights differently. Oxygenated blood gets absorbed by IR light while deoxygenated gets transmitted. When infrared light is emitted onto a vein, it gets absorbed by the oxygenated hemoglobin and gives an absorbance ratio of output to the input close to 1. Infrared radiation spectroscopy measurements can indicate Δ½HbO2 and Δ½Hb to show a comparison, helping to indicate the presence or absence of a clot. . The circuit is designed with capacitors, resistors, and transistors to act as filters and triggers to pulsate at 20Hz, to pick up biological signals. An Arduino Uno microcontroller helped to process data in order to analyze signal proximity to 0 or 1 to classify DVT and validate the efficacy of using IR for DVT detection

Testing of the device allowed for a functionality check to understand whether it was able to pick up signals of oxygenation levels. The 3 tests have insight on the potential of the device; however, the results were inconclusive, due to a lack of sufficient testing. The limitation has been the inability to test on a large sample size and insufficient data, therefore it can’t be said for now whether IR is an effective way of diagnosing DVT. However, since on localized testing, the device seems to be gathering programmed signals, the research can be furthered, and the efficacy can be proved by testing on expecting patients.
Design of a Textile Sensor Embedded Shirt for Posture Monitoring
Authors: Sikligar Drashti , Nguessan Linda , Pham Diana , Grupper Jesse , Beaudette Alex , Ling Anissa , Walsh Conor , Golecki Holly M.
Published: May 2022

Poor posture leading to neck and back pain can be caused by long hours sitting in front of computer screens in ergonomically inadequate office furniture or in makeshift home offices. For most individuals, recognizing and correcting for poor posture is an uncommon practice. Poor seated posture is characterized by protracted scapulae, increased kyphosis, and a flexed lumbar spine. Toward a wearable system that performs continuous monitoring, we developed a textile sensor embedded garment. Using textile sensors sewn into a shirt, we test the capability of our design to read curvatures related to seated posture. First, textile sensors were evaluated for fabrication and data collection ease. Next, sensors embedded in shirt designs were evaluated for their ability to produce data that can be recognized as good or poor posture across a user’s back. Designs leveraging e-textiles and snap circuitry enable textile sensor posture readings in a wearable device that is soft and durable. Results from this proof-of-concept prototype show that such customizable garments may enable the study of specific muscle groups related to various postures in the future. Sensor technology embedded in everyday wear garments holds promise for integrating continuous postural monitoring to commercially available clothing.
Development of a New Generation of Neurovascular Devices for the Treatment of Cerebral Bifurcation Aneurysms with the Fusiform Opathology: A Computational Approach
Authors: Jahandardoost Mehdi , Grecov Dana , Ricci Donald , Milani Abbas , Hsiang York
Published: May 2022

Cerebral aneurysm (CA) is an abnormal dilation of the cerebral arterial wall, which accounts for more than half a million deaths each year worldwide. Flow diverters (FDs) represent one method recently developed in treating CAs. Typically, they do not need coiling (releasing micro-coils within the aneurysm) and act purely to prevent substantial blood inflow into the aneurysm.

In collaboration with Evasc Neurovascular Enterprises (Vancouver, Canada), whose area of expertise is developing novel CA therapies, we have developed a novel FD for the treatment of bifurcation CAs with fusiform-like properties involving the confluence of the main and daughter branches. To the best of authors’ knowledge, currently there is no device for an effective treatment of such complex aneurysms.

Through a stepwise design modification process and utilizing CFD modeling, we have developed a new design for the Evasc FD (eCLIPs) with improved hemodynamics, which is characterized by more than 30% reduction in the aneurysm inflow and wall shear stress (WSS) for the new implant design over eCLIPs for this subset of aneurysms. The new device design, modified-design eCLIPs (MD-eCLIPs), can represent the only device available for the treatment of such CAs with fusiform pathology.
Passive estimation of target velocity based on cross-spectrum histogram
Authors: Zhao Anbang , Song Pengfei , Hui Juan , Li Jiangqiao , Tang Kaiyu
Published: May 2022

In underwater acoustic target parameter estimation, the cross-spectrum method estimates the velocity of the target by the interference structure of the cross-correlated fields in two ranges. However, with the increase in interference in the marine environment, the performance of conventional cross-spectrum target velocity estimation methods gradually declines or even fails. To solve this problem, a cross-spectrum histogram method that combines the multi-line spectrum characteristics of the target is proposed in this paper. First, each frequency point of all line spectra is compensated by the cross-spectrum compensation method. Then the target velocity estimation value is obtained by performing probability distribution statistics on the velocity estimation results for all frequency points. Under different signal-to-noise ratios, simulations and experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is still effective in estimating the target velocity when the conventional method fails.
Microbiome “Inception”: an Intestinal Cestode Shapes a Hierarchy of Microbial Communities Nested within the Host
Authors: Brealey Jaelle C. , Lecaudey Laurène A. , Kodama Miyako , Rasmussen Jacob A. , Sveier Harald , Dheilly Nolwenn M. , Martin Michael D. , Limborg Morten T.
Published: May 2022

The importance of the parasite microbiome is gaining recognition. Of particular concern is understanding how these parasite microbiomes influence host-parasite interactions and parasite interactions with the vertebrate host microbiome as part of a system of nested holobionts.
Supplemental Material: New age and lake chemistry constraints on the Aptian pre-salt carbonates of the central South Atlantic
Authors: Lawson M. , et al.
Published: May 2022

Methods, models, and all data and supporting figures.
Video head impulse testing to differentiate vestibular neuritis from posterior circulation stroke in the emergency department: a prospective observational study
Authors: Thomas James Orton , Sharobeam Angelos , Venkat Abhay , Blair Christopher , Ozalp Nese , Calic Zeljka , Wyllie Peter , Middleton Paul M , Welgampola Miriam , Cordato Dennis , Cappelen-Smith Cecilia
Published: May 2022

Background and aims

Vertigo is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED) with 5% of presentations due to posterior circulation stroke (PCS). Bedside investigations such as the head impulse test (HIT) are used to risk stratify patients, but interpretation is operator dependent. The video HIT (v-HIT) provides objective measurement of the vestibular-ocular-reflex (VOR) and may improve diagnostic accuracy in acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). We aimed to evaluate the use of v-HIT as an adjunct to clinical assessment to acutely differentiate vestibular neuritis (VN) from PCS.

Methods

133 patients with AVS were consecutively enrolled from the ED of our comprehensive stroke centre between 2018 and 2021. Patient assessment included a targeted vestibular history, HINTs examination (Head Impulse, Nystagmus and Test of Skew), v-HIT and MRI>48 hours after symptom onset. The HINTS/v-HIT findings were analysed and compared between VN, PCS and other cause AVS. Clinical course, v-HIT and MRI findings were used to determine diagnosis.

Results

Final diagnosis was VN in 40%, PCS 15%, migraine 16% and other cause AVS 29%. PCS patients were older than VN patients (mean age 68.5±10.6 vs 60.1±14.2 years, p=0.14) and had more cardiovascular risk factors (3 vs 2, p=0.002). Mean VOR gain was reduced (<0.8) in ipsilateral horizontal and (<0.7) anterior canals in VN but was normal in PCS, migraine and other cause AVS. V-HIT combined with HINTs was 89% sensitive and 96% specific for a diagnosis of VN.

Conclusions

V-HIT combined with HINTs is a reliable tool to exclude PCS in the ED.
Epidemiological trends in opioid-only and opioid/polysubstance-related death rates among American Indian/Alaska Native populations from 1999 to 2019: a retrospective longitudinal ecological study
Authors: Qeadan Fares , Madden Erin F , Mensah Nana A , Tingey Benjamin , Herron Jalene , Hernandez-Vallant Alexandra , Venner Kamilla L , English Kevin , Dixit Amruta
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The rate of drug overdose deaths in the USA has more than tripled since the turn of the century, and rates are disproportionately high among the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population. Little is known about the overall historical trends in AI/AN opioid-only and opioid/polysubstance-related mortality. This study will address this gap.

Design

This is a retrospective longitudinal ecological study.

Setting

US death records from 1999 to 2019 using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research.

Participants

US non-Hispanic AI/AN people age 12 years and older.

Measures

The primary outcomes, identified via the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes, included overdose deaths due to (1) opioids only, opioids in combination with any other substance, all-opioid related overdoses; (2) combinations of opioids and alcohol, opioids and methamphetamine, opioids and cocaine, opioids and benzodiazepines; and (3) specific types of opioids.

Results

From 1999 to 2019, opioid-only mortality rates increased from 2.8 to 15.8 per 100 000 (p<0.001) for AI/AN women and 4.6 to 25.6 per 100 000 (p<0.001) for AI/AN men. All opioid-related mortality rates increased significantly (p<0.001) from 5.2 to 33.9 per 100 000 AI/AN persons, 3.9 to 26.1 for women and 6.5 to 42.1 for men. AI/AN also exhibited significant increases in mortality rates due to opioids and alcohol, opioids and benzodiazepines, opioids and methamphetamine, and AI/AN men experienced substantial increases in mortality due to opioids and cocaine. Mortality rates by individual opioid types increased significantly over time for heroin, natural and semi-synthetic (prescription), and synthetic opioids (fentanyl/fentanyl analogues) other than methadone.

Conclusions

These findings highlight magnification over time in opioid-related deaths and may point to broader systemic factors that may disproportionately affect members of AI/AN communities and drive inequities.
Public support for policies to phase out the retail sale of cigarettes in Australia: results from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Brennan Emily , Ilchenko Elizaveta , Scollo Michelle , Durkin Sarah J , Wakefield Melanie A
Published: May 2022

Background

There is growing international interest in a goal once considered unthinkable: phasing out the retail sales of smoked tobacco products. In this study, we examined public support for phasing out sales and specific measures for moving towards a phase-out among a nationally representative sample of Australian adults.

Methods

In December 2019, we used a probability-based online panel, Life in Australia™, to survey n=1939 Australian adults (n=1874 included in analyses due to missing data).

Results

Almost two-thirds of respondents thought it would be ‘a good thing’ if there came a time when it was no longer legal to sell cigarettes in shops in Australia and only 16.7% thought it would be ‘a bad thing’. After the concept of a phase-out was defined as removing a product from the Australian market over a set period, such as 5 years, but still allowing purchases online from overseas companies, 50.7% indicated support for such a phase-out and 61.8% thought it should happen within 10 years. Support was greater for specific measures such as licensing tobacco retailers (75.3%) and restricting sales to places children cannot enter (76.3%). Support tended to be consistent across demographic subgroups but was stronger among never and former smokers than among current smokers.

Conclusions

There has been little public discussion in Australia about the goal of 1 day phasing out the retail sale of cigarettes. It is notable that such policies are reasonably well supported by the Australian public, with only minority opposition.
E-waste: Growing environmental and health problems and its management alternatives in developing countries
Authors: Wirtu Yohannes Desalegn , Tucho Gudina Terefe
Published: May 2022

The management of hazardous municipal waste is a challenge. Added to this burden is the management of huge and growing quantities of electrical and electronic waste, which is emerging as one of the most important environmental challenges and health problems in developing countries, particularly in Africa. This has been accelerated by rapid growth and development in the information and communication technology (ICT) industries. The growth in waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) has brought several challenges including introducing effective management practices that are environmentally sound to reduce the negative impacts on human health and the environment. This review aimed to show the extent of e-waste as a growing issue to the environment and human health in developing countries where waste management problems pose immense challenges. Seven electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, JSTOR, and Google Scholar) were used to access published scientific articles. Systematic reviews, case studies, analytical cross-sectional studies, policy review papers, and available relevant studies were considered. The findings of this review show that the volume of electronic waste destined for developing countries is increasing from year to year. Most countries did not have specific policies on e-waste but relied on hazardous waste policies. Dumping and improper recycling and handling of e-waste cause problems such as contamination of soil and water, depletion of grazing land, health problems such as respiratory infections, various cancers, congenital disabilities, and other health issues that affect the brain and other vital organs.
Parameter uncertainties in weighted unbinned maximum likelihood fits
Authors: Langenbruch Christoph
Published: May 2022

Parameter estimation via unbinned maximum likelihood fits is central for many analyses performed in high energy physics. Unbinned maximum likelihood fits using event weights, for example to statistically subtract background contributions via thesPlotformalism, or to correct for acceptance effects, have recently seen increasing use in the community. However, it is well known that the naive approach to the estimation of parameter uncertainties via the second derivative of the logarithmic likelihood does not yield confidence intervals with the correct coverage in the presence of event weights. This paper derives the asymptotically correct expressions and compares them with several commonly used approaches for the determination of parameter uncertainties, some of which are shown to not generally be asymptotically correct. In addition, the effect of uncertainties on event weights is discussed, including uncertainties that can arise from the presence of nuisance parameters in the determination ofsWeights.
Medical Robotics: Opportunities in China
Authors: Guo Yao , Chen Weidong , Zhao Jie , Yang Guang-Zhong
Published: May 2022

Medical robotics is a rapidly advancing discipline that is leading the evolution of robot-assisted surgery, personalized rehabilitation and assistance, and hospital automation. In China, both research and commercial developments in medical robotics have undergone exponential growth in recent years. In this review, we first give an overview of the clinical and social demands that motivate the rapid development in medical robotics. For each subdiscipline (surgery, rehabilitation and personal assistance, and hospital automation), we then summarize the major research projects sponsored by National Key Research and Development Programs. The remaining technical, commercial, and regulatory challenges are highlighted. This review also outlines some of the new opportunities in endoluminal and interventional robotics, micro- and nanorobotics, soft exoskeletons, intelligent human–robot interaction, and telemedicine and telesurgery, which may support the general uptake of robotics in medicine.
Biochar Production And Its Basket Full Of Benefits - A Review
Authors: Mullai P , Vishali S , Kobika P , Dhivya K S , Mukund A , Sriraaman M
Published: May 2022

Biochar is an innovative technology for soil amendment. Biochar is an ecofriendly product produced from waste biomass. Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium (NPK) and Carbon content influences plant growth. Biochar is mainly enriched with carbon content and also in nitrogen content. However, by increasing porosity and its surface area it can be used as an alternate for synthetic NPK fertilizer. Major factors influencing the characteristics of biochar are the pyrolytic condition and the soil type. Many studies exist in use of biochar as fertilizer. In this context, various works in literature has been reviewed. From the review, it has been concluded that future works on biochar’s influence on soil chemistry have good scope due to scarce availability of data in literature.
Review—Electrospun Inorganic Solid-State Electrolyte Fibers for Battery Applications
Authors: Sharma Jaswinder , Polizos Georgios , Jafta Charl J. , Wood David L. , Li Jianlin
Published: May 2022

Inorganic solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), especially Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO), are promising candidates for all solid-state batteries. Generally, SSEs are synthesized by solid-state reactions at high temperatures. The high temperature required to synthesize useful polymorphs (e.g., cubic phase, in the case of LLZO) increases their production cost. To lower the synthesis temperature, several approaches, including doping and crystallite size control via sol-gel processes, have been explored. Recently, electrospinning was used to synthesize the inorganic SSE fibers to control the crystallite size and lower the calcination temperature. Several publications followed that investigated the properties of fibers and demonstrated the use of these fibers in inorganic-polymer composite SSEs. This paper presents a concise discussion of electrospinning, the parameters that control fiber morphology, the synthesis of inorganic SSE fibers, the effect of sintering conditions on the fiber morphology and composition, and the recent use of these fibers in making composite SSEs and other battery applications. Most of the discussion focuses on LLZO, but this paper also discusses applications of other types of electrospun inorganic electrolyte fibers, the challenges of using these fibers, and possible future directions in this research field.
Electrodeposition of Si from Silicate Ions at Graphite and Liquid Zn Electrodes in Molten CaCl2
Authors: Ma Yuanjia , Yasuda Kouji , Yamamoto Takayuki , Yang Xiao , Nohira Toshiyuki
Published: May 2022

To establish a next-generation production process for SOG-Si, we proposed the electrochemical reduction process of SiO2 using a liquid Zn cathode in molten CaCl2. In this study, we focused on the dissolved SiO2 to improve the productivity of the process. The ionic species and electrochemical reduction of silicate ions at solid graphite and liquid Zn electrodes in molten CaCl2 with various O2−/SiO2 ratios (r
O2−/SiO2
) at 1123 K were investigated. Ionic species of silicates in the melts were determined by Raman spectroscopy. The dominant species were SiO3
2− (r
O2−/SiO2
= 1.0) and SiO4
4− (r
O2−/SiO2
= 1.5 and 2.0). Cyclic voltammetry, XRD, and SEM revealed that the electrochemical reduction of SiO3
2−, Si2O7
6−, and SiO4
4− occurs at the graphite electrode from 1.35 V, 1.12 V, and 0.75 V vs Ca2+/Ca, respectively. The electrochemical reduction potentials of silicate ions at the liquid Zn electrode shifted to more negative values in the order SiO3
2− > Si2O7
6− > SiO4
4−. The reaction observed at 0.60 V was attributed to the simultaneous electrochemical reduction of silicate ions and formation of Ca–Zn alloy. The indirect reduction of silicate ions by Ca–Zn alloy was also confirmed.
Forensic Electrochemistry: Electrochemical Analysis of Trace Methamphetamine Residues on Household Surfaces
Authors: Lee Khai , Saisahas Kasrin , Soleh Asamee , Kunalan Vanitha , Chang Kah Haw , Limbut Warakorn , Abdullah Ahmad Fahmi Lim
Published: May 2022

Illicit methamphetamine is known to be the most manufactured amphetamine-type stimulants worldwide. Relatively simple manufacturing procedure had resulted in the creations of manufacturing sites in a variety of premises and structures, deserving forensic investigation. Therefore, this study was aimed to develop an electrochemical detection technique to determine the residual methamphetamine contamination on various surfaces. Carbon materials, namely graphene oxide, graphene nanoplatelets, graphene ink, and glassy carbon microsphere modified glassy carbon electrode were used in detecting methamphetamine by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The surface morphology modified electrode was characterised and its electrochemical behaviour was determined. Under optimal conditions, the calibration curve showed bilinear in the concentration range of 1−40 μM and 40−120 μM with good precision and accuracy. The limit of detection was determined to be 0.3 μM. Graphene oxide modified electrode coupled with DPV successfully detected the residual methamphetamine on four household surfaces, including glass, stainless steel, plastic, and varnished wood with recoveries greater than 82%. To conclude, a novel electrochemical detection technique for the presence of methamphetamine was successfully developed to be applied in clandestine laboratory settings. It would be beneficial to assist the forensic investigation, especially for those forensic evidence recovered from suspicious and suspected clandestine laboratories.
Performance and Durability of Proton Exchange Membrane Vapor-Fed Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells
Authors: Fornaciari Julie C. , Garg Samay , Peng Xiong , Regmi Yagya N. , Weber Adam Z. , Danilovic Nemanja
Published: May 2022

With a growing demand for electricity, clean hydrogen production and usage can be an asset not only to mitigate emissions but for long-term energy storage as well. Hydrogen gas, a high-density energy carrier, can be made through electrolysis in charging mode and generate electricity via a fuel cell in discharging mode in a unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC). While URFCs reduce cost by combining the charging and discharging modes into a singular device, switching between modes becomes burdensome, and water management is a major challenge. One way to mitigate these issues is to operate the entire system in the vapor phase. Vapor-phase operation simplifies the physics of the system but will introduce losses within the system, primarily ohmic and mass transport during the charging mode. In this study, we explore the performance of a Proton-Exchange-Membrane (PEM)-URFC under vapor-phase conditions and the impact of different PEMs, feed gases, and relative humidity on the performance and durability. By tailoring operating conditions and membrane, the vapor-URFC achieves a roundtrip efficiency of 42% and a lifetime of 50,000 accelerated stress test cycles for fully humidified feeds. Discussion of vapor-URFC for energy storage and extensions to look at various applications shows the promise of this technology.
Theoretical Insights on the Two-Dimensional Transitional Metal Trihydroxytriaminophenalenyl for Highly Efficient Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction
Authors: Yang Zhaofeng , Cao Zhenzhu , Cheng Lin , Li Kai , Wang Ying , Wu Zhijian
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, to relieve the environmental issues and the energy depletion, one of the most practicable and feasible technologies is the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to high value added chemicals. In this aspect, the bottleneck is to develop novel catalysts with high efficiency and selectivity. Based on this idea, in this work, a series of two dimensional transitional metal doped trihydroxytriaminophenalenyl, i.e., M3(THTAP)2, have been studied as the catalysts for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Our study showed that these catalysts are stable and have metallic character, which is conducive to electroreduction reaction. Products CH4, CH3OH and HCOOH are obtained for the studied catalysts. Cr3(THTAP)2 is the best catalyst for producing CH4. Ir3(THTAP)2 produces CH3OH as the final product and the overpotential is 0.34 V. Both Pt3(THTAP)2 and Pd3(THTAP)2 are good CO2RR catalysts to produce HCOOH with the small overpotentials of 0.17 and 0.23 V, respectively. Thus, these two dimensional transition metal organic frameworks exhibit great potential as the electrochemical catalysts for high performance CO2 electro-catalytic process. We anticipate that this work may shed new light on the development of high performance metal organic framework based electrocatalysts.
Translocation Behaviors of Synthetic Polyelectrolytes through Alpha-Hemolysin (α-HL) and Mycobacterium smegmatis Porin A (MspA) Nanopores
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Stevens Kaden C. , Ting Jeffrey M. , Marras Alexander E. , Rezvan Gelareh , Wei Xiaojun , Taheri-Qazvini Nader , Tirrell Matthew V. , Liu Chang
Published: May 2022

DNAs have been used as probes for nanopore sensing of noncharged biomacromolecules due to its negative phosphate backbone. Inspired by this, we explored the potential of diblock synthetic polyelectrolytes as more flexible and inexpensive nanopore sensing probes by investigating translocation behaviors of PEO-b-PSS and PEO-b-PVBTMA through commonly used alpha-hemolysin (α-HL) and Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A (MspA) nanopores. Translocation recordings in different configurations of pore orientation and testing voltage indicated efficient PEO-b-PSS translocations through α-HL and PEO-b-PVBTMA translocations through MspA. This work provides insight into synthetic polyelectrolyte-based probes to expand probe selection and flexibility for nanopore sensing.
Postprandial symptoms in patients with symptoms of gastroparesis: roles of gastric emptying and accommodation
Authors: Parkman Henry P. , Van Natta Mark L. , Maurer Alan H. , Koch Kenneth L. , Grover Madhusudan , Malik Zubair , Sarosiek Irene , Abell Thomas L. , Bulat Robert , Kuo Braden , Shulman Robert J. , Farrugia Gianrico , Miriel Laura , Tonascia James , Hamilton Frank , Pasricha Pankaj J. , McCallum Richard W.
Published: May 2022

Patients with delayed and normal gastric emptying (GE) had similar symptom profiles during gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES). Idiopathic patients with symptoms of gastroparesis had less gastric retention by GES; but more symptoms after GES meal and after water load satiety test (WLST) compared with diabetic patients. In patients with symptoms of gastroparesis, symptoms after WLST increased with decreasing water consumption. Early satiety and loss of appetite were associated with decreased water consumption during WLST. Thus, impaired accommodation and perhaps visceral hypersensitivity are important in explaining postprandial symptoms in gastroparesis.
Pulsatile flow in venous perforators of the lower limb
Authors: Thomas Kate N. , Gibbons Travis D. , Campbell Holly A. , Cotter James D. , van Rij Andre M.
Published: May 2022

Teaching traditionally asserts that the arterial pressure pulse is dampened across the capillary bed to the extent that pulsatility is nonexistent in the venous circulation of the lower limbs. Herein, we present evidence of transmission of arterial pulsations across the capillary network into perforator veins in the lower limbs of healthy, heat-stressed humans. Perforator veins are connections from the superficial veins that drain into the deep veins. When assessed using ultrasound at rest, they infrequently demonstrate flow, and a pulsatile flow waveform is not described. We investigated perforator vein pulsatility in 10 young, healthy volunteers who underwent passive heating by +2°C core body temperature via a hot-water-perfused suit, and 5 who also underwent active heating by +2°C via low-intensity cycling while wearing the hot-water-perfused suit. At +0.5°C increments in temperature, blood velocity in an ankle perforator vein was measured using duplex ultrasound. In all perforators with heating, sustained flow was demonstrated, with a pulsatile waveform that was synchronous with the cardiac cycle. The maximum velocity was 30 ± 13 cm/s with passive heating and approximately half with active heating ( P = 0.04). The small veins of the skin at the ankle also demonstrated increased perfusion with pulsatility, seen with low-velocity microvascular imaging technology. We consider explanations for this pulsatility and conclude that it is propagated from the arterial inflow through the skin microcirculation as a result of increased dilatation and flow volume and that this is a normal response to increased skin blood flow.
Sex-specific role of sensory neuron LKB1 on metabolic stress-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and mitochondrial respiration
Authors: Garner Katherine M. , Burton Michael D.
Published: May 2022

Pain disorders induce metabolic stress in peripheral sensory neurons by reducing mitochondrial output, shifting cellular metabolism, and altering energy use. These processes implicate neuronal metabolism as an avenue for creating novel therapeutics. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) mediates the cellular response to metabolic stress by inducing the 5′-adenosine monophosphate activated kinase (AMPK) pathway. The LKB1-AMPK pathway increases energy-producing processes, including mitochondrial output. These processes inhibit pain by directly or indirectly restoring energetic balance within a cell. Although the LKB1-AMPK pathway has been linked to pain relief, it is not yet known which cell is responsible for this property, as well any direct ties to cellular metabolism. To elucidate this, we developed a genetic mouse model where LKB1 is selectively removed from Nav1.8+ pain sensory neurons and metabolically stressed them by fasting for 24 h. We found females, but not males, had neuron-specific, LKB1-dependent restoration of metabolic stress-induced mitochondrial metabolism. This was reflected in mechanical hypersensitivity, where the absence of LKB1 led to hypersensitivity in female, but not male, animals. This discrepancy suggests a sex- and cell-specific contribution to LKB1-dependent fasting-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Although our data represent a potential role for LKB1 in anti-pain pathways in a metabolic-specific manner, more must be done to investigate these sex differences.
Beyond the gastrointestinal tract: oral and sex-specific skin microbiota are associated with hypertension in rats with genetic disparities
Authors: Mei Xue , Mell Blair , Cheng Xi , Yeo Ji-Youn , Yang Tao , Chiu Nathaline , Joe Bina
Published: May 2022

Current knowledge of the link between microbiota and hypertension is limited to the gut. Besides the gut, oral cavity and skin are other locations where sodium chloride (NaCl) is in direct contact with microbiota. Although oral nitrate-reducing bacteria generate nitric oxide, which leads to vasodilation and lowering of blood pressure (BP), the skin excretes sodium via sweat glands and is an important site for sodium and BP homeostasis. However, knowledge on the contributions of oral and skin microbiota to BP regulation, is limited. Therefore, the current study was conducted to compare the tripartite relationship between site, sex, and genetic effects on the composition of oral, skin, and gut microbiota impacting hypertension. Microbiota were profiled from the oral cavity, skin, and feces of both male and female hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (S) and congenic rats with genomic substitutions on rat chromosomes (RNO) 1, 5, 9, and 10, demonstrating disparate BP effects. Sex-specific differences in β-diversity were observed only in skin microbiota. The most abundant taxa of the oral and skin microbiota were Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria, respectively. Oral Actinobacteria were inversely associated with BP. Although the abundance of oral Actinobacteria was upregulated by the BP locus on RNO10 in both sexes, depletion of skin Cyanobacteria decreased the protection from hypertension in the RNO5 female, but not male, congenic strain. In conclusion, to our knowledge this is the first study to identify specific microbiota in sites other than gut as contributors to BP regulation. Notably, both oral Actinobacteria and skin Cyanobacteria were beneficial for lowering BP.
Secretion of IL1 by Dedifferentiated Melanoma Cells Inhibits JAK1-STAT3–Driven Actomyosin Contractility of Lymph Node Fibroblastic Reticular Cells
Authors: Rovera Christopher , Berestjuk Ilona , Lecacheur Margaux , Tavernier Cassandre , Diazzi Serena , Pisano Sabrina , Irondelle Marie , Mallavialle Aude , Albrengues Jean , Gaggioli Cédric , Girard Christophe A. , Passeron Thierry , Deckert Marcel , Tartare-Deckert Sophie , Prod'homme Virginie
Published: May 2022

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) are immunologically specialized myofibroblasts that control the elasticity of the lymph node, in part through their contractile properties. Swelling of tumor-draining lymph nodes is a hallmark of lymphophilic cancers such as cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma displays high intratumoral heterogeneity with the coexistence of melanoma cells with variable differentiation phenotypes from melanocytic to dedifferentiated states. Factors secreted by melanoma cells promote premetastatic lymph node reprograming and tumor spreading. Elucidating the impact of the melanoma secretome on FRC could help identify approaches to prevent metastasis. Here we show that melanocytic and dedifferentiated melanoma cells differentially impact the FRC contractile phenotype. Factors secreted by dedifferentiated cells, but not by melanocytic cells, strongly inhibited actomyosin-dependent contractile forces of FRC by decreasing the activity of the RHOA–RHO–kinase (ROCK) pathway and the mechano-responsive transcriptional coactivator Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP). Transcriptional profiling and biochemical analyses indicated that actomyosin cytoskeleton relaxation in FRC is driven by inhibition of the JAK1-STAT3 pathway. This FRC relaxation was associated with increased FRC proliferation and activation and with elevated tumor invasion in vitro. The secretome of dedifferentiated melanoma cells also modulated the biomechanical properties of distant lymph node in premetastatic mouse models. Finally, IL1 produced by dedifferentiated cells was involved in the inhibition of FRC contractility. These data highlight the role of the JAK1-STAT3 and YAP pathways in spontaneous contractility of resting FRC. They also suggest that dedifferentiated melanoma cells specifically target FRC biomechanical properties to favor tumor spreading in the premetastatic lymph node niche. Targeting this remote communication could be an effective strategy to prevent metastatic spread of the disease.

Significance:

Communication between dedifferentiated melanoma cells and lymph node fibroblasts reprograms the biomechanical properties of the premetastatic lymph node niche to promote tumor invasion.

See related commentary by Lund, p. 1692
Tumor Expression Quantitative Trait Methylation Screening Reveals Distinct CpG Panels for Deconvolving Cancer Immune Signatures
Authors: Yu Xiaoqing , Cen Ling , Chen Y. Ann , Markowitz Joseph , Shaw Timothy I. , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Conejo-Garcia Jose R. , Wang Xuefeng
Published: May 2022

DNA methylation signatures in tumors could serve as reliable biomarkers that are accessible in archival tissues for tracking the epigenetic dynamics shaped by both cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. However, given the ultrahigh dimensionality and noncollapsible nature of the data, it remains challenging to screen all CpG sites to identify the most promising marker panels. In this article, we introduce the concept of tumor-based expression quantitative trait methylation (eQTM) for the prioritization and systematic mining of predictive biomarkers. In melanoma as a disease model, eQTM CpGs and genes represent new and efficient candidate targets to be investigated for both prognostic and immune status monitoring purposes. Three cis-eQTM CpGs (cg07786657, cg12446199, and cg00027570) were strongly associated with and can serve as surrogate biomarkers for the tumor immune cytolytic activity score (CYT). In addition, multiple eQTM genes could be further exploited for predicting immunoregulatory phenotypes. A targeted gene panel analysis identified one eQTM in TCF7 (cg25947408) as a novel candidate biomarker for uncoupling overall T-cell differentiation and exhaustion status in a tumor. The prognostic significance of this eQTM as an independent signature to CYT was validated by both The Cancer Genome Atlas and Moffitt melanoma cohort data. Overall, eQTMs represent a mechanistically distinct class of potential biomarkers that can be used to predict patient prognosis and immune status.

Significance:

This study provides a novel and promising approach to identify targeted epigenetic biomarkers in cancer and will spur further analysis in tumor immune phenotyping.
Patient-Ventilator Synchrony in Extremely Premature Neonates during Non-Invasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist or Synchronized Intermittent Positive Airway Pressure: A Randomized Crossover Pilot Trial
Authors: Treussart Charles , Decobert Fabrice , Tauzin Manon , Bourgoin Laura , Danan Claude , Dassieu Gilles , Carteaux Guillaume , Mekontso-Dessap Armand , Louis Bruno , Durrmeyer Xavier
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Synchronization of non-invasive ventilation is challenging in extremely premature infants. We compared patient-ventilator synchrony between non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) using transdiaphragmatic (Edi) catheter and synchronized intermittent positive airway pressure (SiPAP) using an abdominal trigger. Methods: This study was a monocentric, randomized, crossover trial in premature infants born before 28 weeks of gestation, aged 3 days or more, and below 32 weeks postmenstrual age. NIV-NAVA and SiPAP were applied in a random order for 2 h with analysis of data from the second hour. The primary outcome was the asynchrony index. Results: Fourteen patients were included (median [IQR] gestational age at birth 25.6 (25.3–26.4) weeks, median [IQR] birth weight 755 [680–824] g, median [IQR] postnatal age 26.5 [19.8–33.8] days). The median (IQR) asynchrony index was significantly lower in NIV-NAVA versus SiPAP (49.9% [44.1–52.6] vs. 85.8% [74.2–90.9], p < 0.001). Ineffective efforts and auto-triggering were significantly less frequent in NIV-NAVA versus SiPAP (3.0% vs. 32.0% p < 0.001 and 10.0% vs. 26.6%, p = 0.004, respectively). Double triggering was significantly less frequent in SiPAP versus NIV-NAVA (0.0% vs. 9.0%, p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed for premature cycling and late cycling. Peak Edi and swing Edi were significantly lower in NIV-NAVA as compared to SiPAP (7.7 [6.1–9.9] vs. 11.0 [6.7–14.5] μV, p = 0.006; 5.4 [4.2–7.6] vs. 7.6 [4.3–10.8] μV, p = 0.007, respectively). No significant difference was observed between NIV-NAVA and SiPAP for heart rate, respiratory rate, COMFORTneo scores, apnoea, desaturations, or bradycardias. Discussion/Conclusion: NIV-NAVA markedly improves patient-ventilator synchrony as compared to SiPAP in extremely premature infants.
Benzodiazepines Remain Important Therapeutic Options in Psychiatric Practice
Authors: Dubovsky Steven L. , Marshall Dori
Published: May 2022

Benzodiazepines and medications acting on benzodiazepine receptors that do not have a benzodiazepine structure (z-drugs) have been viewed by some experts and regulatory bodies as having limited benefit and significant risks. Data presented in this article support the use of these medications as treatments of choice for acute situational anxiety, chronic anxiety disorders, insomnia, alcohol withdrawal syndromes, and catatonia. They may also be useful adjuncts in the treatment of anxious depression and mania, and for medically ill patients. Tolerance develops to sedation and possibly psychomotor impairment, but not to the anxiolytic effect of benzodiazepines. Sedation can impair cognitive function in some patients, but assertions that benzodiazepines increase the risk of dementia are not supported by recent data. Contrary to popular opinion, benzodiazepines are not frequently misused or conduits to misuse of other substances in patients without substance use disorders who are prescribed these medications for appropriate indications; most benzodiazepine misuse involves medications that are obtained from other people. Benzodiazepines are usually not lethal in overdose except when ingested with other substances, especially alcohol and opioids. Benzodiazepines comprise one of the few classes of psychotropic medication the mechanisms of action of which are clearly delineated, allowing for greater precision in their clinical use. These medications, therefore, belong in the therapeutic armamentarium of the knowledgeable clinician.