bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of droplet and liquid film velocities in sprays
Authors: Machado D A , Costa F S , Andrade J C , Fischer G A A
Published: July 2023

This study presents a comparative analysis of droplet and conical liquid film velocities in sprays by a pressure swirl injector with Abramovich geometric constant K = 1.986. The velocities were measured simultaneously by schlieren image velocimetry and sequential images of the liquid film, using a high-speed camera with 8192 fps and shutter of 2 μs. Other parameters, such as discharge coefficients, spray cone angles and breakup lengths were also determined, using water as test fluid, for injection pressures from 0.05 to 0.5 MPa. Experimental velocity data were compared to results from different semi-empirical equations. The breakup lengths decreased continuously from around 20 mm to 15 mm for injection pressures from 0.1 to 0.5 MPa, while spray cone angles increased continuously from about 42°–53°, for pressures from 0.2 to 0.5 MPa. Mean axial droplet velocities varied from 4.7 m s−1 to 14.5 m s−1, while the mean total droplet velocities varied from 5 m s−1 to 16.2 m s−1 and the total liquid film velocity increased from 5.7 m s−1 to 20.2 m s−1, approximately, for increasing injection pressure. Liquid film velocities were about 15%–28% higher than the droplet velocities in the pressure range considered, due to the energy required for liquid film breakup and the air drag on the droplets. The current findings underscore that significant discrepancies may arise when relying on inadequate velocity data, particularly when employed in the computation of key parameters such as the Reynolds and Weber numbers.
Luminescence imaging of water irradiated by protons under FLASH radiation therapy conditions
Authors: Yogo Katsunori , Kodaira Satoshi , Kusumoto Tamon , Kitamura Hisashi , Toshito Toshiyuki , Iwata Hiromitsu , Umezawa Masumi , Yamada Masashi , Miyoshi Takuto , Komori Masataka , Yasuda Hiroshi , Kataoka Jun , Yamamoto Seiichi
Published: July 2023

Objective. FLASH radiation therapy with ultrahigh dose rates (UHDR) has the potential to reduce damage to normal tissue while maintaining anti-tumor efficacy. However, rapid and precise dose distribution measurements remain difficult for FLASH radiation therapy with proton beams. To solve this problem, we performed luminescence imaging of water following irradiation by a UHDR proton beam captured using a charge-coupled device camera. Approach. We used 60 MeV proton beams with dose rates of 0.03–837 Gy s−1 from a cyclotron. Therapeutic 139.3 MeV proton beams with dose rates of 0.45–4320 Gy s−1 delivered by a synchrotron-based proton therapy system were also tested. The luminescent light intensity induced by the UHDR beams was compared with that produced by conventional beams to compare the dose rate dependency of the light intensity and its profile. Main results. Luminescence images of water were clearly visualized under UHDR conditions, with significantly shorter exposure times than those with conventional beams. The light intensity was linearly proportional to the delivered dose, which is similar to that of conventional beams. No significant dose-rate dependency was observed for 0.03–837 Gy s−1. The light-intensity profiles of the UHDR beams agreed with those of conventional beams. The results did not differ between accelerators (synchrotron or cyclotron) and beam energies. Significance. Luminescence imaging of water is achievable with UHDR proton beams as well as with conventional beams. The proposed method should be suitable for rapid and easy quality assurance investigations for proton FLASH therapy, because it facilitates real-time, filmless measurements of dose distributions, and is useful for rapid feedback.
Quantitative and selective study of the effect of O radicals on polypropylene surface treatment
Authors: Du Hao , Komuro Atsushi , Ono Ryo
Published: July 2023

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying plasma-polymer surface treatments using atmospheric pressure plasmas can guide their industrial applications. To this end, a novel vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation reactive species supply (VUV PRS) method, which can quantitatively supply the desired type of reactive species to polymer surfaces, was developed in our previous study. In this study, the innovative approach is used to quantitatively study the effects of O radicals on polypropylene (PP) surface treatment. Specifically, water contact angle (WCA), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to characterize the surface modification. The results show that the surface treatment is dominated by O radicals under the present experimental conditions. The surface modification rate, characterized by the WCA decline rate, is linearly correlated with the concentration of O radicals, that is (surface modification rate) = (8.1 ± 0.4)[Os] + (0.13 ± 0.02) degrees s−1, where [Os] indicates the density of O radicals at PP surface (in ppm). The ATR-FTIR spectra shows that –OH and C=O functional groups are introduced onto the PP surface after the treatment, which results in a decrease in the WCA of the surface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis shows that the surface morphology of the treated PP remains almost unchanged. Low molecular weight oxidized materials (LMWOMs) on PP surface are generated when the O radical dose that arrives at the PP surface exceeds a certain threshold. More than 60% of the oxygen-containing functional groups exist as LMWOMs when the WCA saturates. The results presented in this paper indicate that the VUV PRS method has the potential to drive the understanding of plasma-polymer surface interactions at the atomic and molecular levels. Moreover, the measured roles of the O radicals on the polymer surface at atmospheric pressure can guide the industrial application of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment.
Hydrothermal synthesis and solar cell application studies of nickel doped zinc oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Mohan Sonima , Vellakkat Mini , Reka U
Published: July 2023

Nickel doped zinc oxide nanoparticles are synthesized via a hydrothermal technique at three different temperatures. XRD analysis shows a decrease in grain size with doping at low temperature and an increase in crystallite size at high temperature. Nanoflowers and a mixture of rods and sheets are observed in SEM images. Zinc oxide nanorods wrapped with nickel oxide nano thread and spider web-like structures are clearly visible in TEM micrographs. Doping introduced defects into composites, which enhanced UV and visible absorption. A composite with an excellent photo absorption property and a noted thermal stability is chosen for fabricating solar cell devices by spin coating and doctor blade techniques, which deliver a power conversion efficiency of 3.96% and 2.32% respectively.
Better CO2 utilization under comprehensive control of airflow and electromagnetic field
Authors: Chen Zhuolei , Sun Hao , Wu Wenbin , Chen Bojian , Wu Yi , Jiang Xuxu , Guo Yunshun
Published: July 2023

The gliding arc plasma is an effective way to convert CO2 into value-added products. In this paper, the promotion of CO2 conversion by the airflow field control and electromagnetic field control of gliding arc is studied. Firstly, the self-electromagnetic field control of gliding arc is studied through the change of current level or electrode spacing. When increasing the current level or electrode spacing, a better conversion effect can be achieved under high flow rate. In addition, through the introduction of external magnetic field, the processing capacity of gliding arc is further improved under the effect of Lorentz force. Based on the multi-dimensional analysis of airflow field control and magnetic field control, it was found that only under the airflow field control plasma reactor, the conversion effect under 3.3 mm electrode spacing and 5 L min−1 flow rate reached the best, and the corresponding conversion rate and energy efficiency were 13.04% and 26.90%, respectively.
Systematic study of the isotopic dependence of heavy-ion fusion cross sections at below- and above-barrier energies
Authors: Gharaei R , Shahraki Farkhonde M
Published: July 2023

The present work provides a systematic study on the role of nuclear surface tension in the isotopic dependence of the fusion cross sections at below- and above-barrier energies over wide range of neutron content (0.5 < N/Z < 1.7). To realize our goal, we select three different versions of proximity-based potential, involving proximity potential 1977, 1988, and 2010, in order to calculate the nucleus-nucleus potential and ultimately the fusion barrier parameters. It is shown that the barrier positions, heights, and curvatures follow a (second-order) non-linear isotopic behavior with addition of neutrons which are dependent on the effect of variation in the nuclear surface tension. Our findings reveal that the sensitivity of isotopic dependence of the fusion barrier characteristics to the effect of surface energy coefficients γ increases by increasing the asymmetry of the colliding pair. In addition, we demonstrate the sensitivity toward the coefficient γ is seen more clearly from the more neutron-rich nuclei compared to the neutron-deficient ones. We discuss the isotopic dependence of the fusion cross sections at below- and above-barrier energies within the framework of the Wong model for a single potential barrier. For above-barrier energies, it is shown that the fusion cross sections follow an increasing (second-order) non-linear trend due to the addition of neutrons. While a decreasing (second-order) non-linear trend exists for the variation in the fusion cross sections at below-barrier energies. Simultaneous comparison the results obtained by the 3 versions of proximity potential for the isotopic dependence of fusion cross sections in the mentioned energy regions reveal the importance of the quantum tunneling and also nuclear structure effects.
A high-performance biosensor design for waterborne bacteria detection based on one-dimensional photonic crystal
Authors: Zaman Numayer A , Akash Nur A , Nayan Md Faysal
Published: July 2023

One of the global challenges nowadays is detecting and removing the waterborne bacteria from drinking water. In this work, we propose a one-dimensional photonic crystal based on Si/SiO2 layers containing a defect layer in the middle of the structure to detect waterborne bacteria. The findings have been formulated using the transfer matrix method, where the sensor mechanism is based on the variation of the refractive index of different bacteria samples from that of pure water. The impact of various parameters like the angle of incidence, the thickness of the defect layer, and the number of periods of the structure are studied to find the optimized condition. The sensor shows high sensitivity of 2486.57 nm RIU that can detect minimal changes of defect mode peak inside the photonic bandgap of the transmission spectra. Other performance parameters such as the quality factor (5455.70), figure of merit (6262.31 RIU−1), and limit of detection (2.72×10−05 RIU) have also been calculated to get a deeper understanding of the sensor’s capabilities. Therefore, the simplicity and excellent performance make our design efficient for any sensing application as well as fabrication process.
Jump-GRS: a multi-phase approach to structured pruning of neural networks for neural decoding
Authors: Wu Xiaomin , Lin Da-Ting , Chen Rong , Bhattacharyya Shuvra S
Published: July 2023

Objective. Neural decoding, an important area of neural engineering, helps to link neural activity to behavior. Deep neural networks (DNNs), which are becoming increasingly popular in many application fields of machine learning, show promising performance in neural decoding compared to traditional neural decoding methods. Various neural decoding applications, such as brain computer interface applications, require both high decoding accuracy and real-time decoding speed. Pruning methods are used to produce compact DNN models for faster computational speed. Greedy inter-layer order with Random Selection (GRS) is a recently-designed structured pruning method that derives compact DNN models for calcium-imaging-based neural decoding. Although GRS has advantages in terms of detailed structure analysis and consideration of both learned information and model structure during the pruning process, the method is very computationally intensive, and is not feasible when large-scale DNN models need to be pruned within typical constraints on time and computational resources. Large-scale DNN models arise in neural decoding when large numbers of neurons are involved. In this paper, we build on GRS to develop a new structured pruning algorithm called jump GRS (JGRS) that is designed to efficiently compress large-scale DNN models. Approach. On top of GRS, JGRS implements a ‘jump mechanism’, which bypasses retraining intermediate models when model accuracy is relatively less sensitive to pruning operations. Design of the jump mechanism is motivated by identifying different phases of the structured pruning process, where retraining can be done infrequently in earlier phases without sacrificing accuracy. The jump mechanism helps to significantly speed up execution of the pruning process and greatly enhance its scalability. We compare the pruning performance and speed of JGRS and GRS with extensive experiments in the context of neural decoding. Main results. Our results demonstrate that JGRS provides significantly faster pruning speed compared to GRS, and at the same time, JGRS provides pruned models that are similarly compact as those generated by GRS. Significance. In our experiments, we demonstrate that JGRS achieves on average 9%–20% more compressed models compared to GRS with 2–8 times faster speed (less time required for pruning) across four different initial models on a relevant dataset for neural data analysis.
Influence of charges deposited on membranes of human hyperdirect pathway axons on depolarization during subthalamic deep brain stimulation
Authors: Makaroff Sergey N , Nummenmaa Aapo R , Noetscher Gregory M , Qi Zhen , McIntyre Cameron C , Bingham Clayton S
Published: July 2023

Objective. The motor hyperdirect pathway (HDP) is a key target in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with deep brain stimulation (DBS). Biophysical models of HDP DBS have been used to explore the mechanisms of stimulation. Built upon finite element method volume conductor solutions, such models are limited by a resolution mismatch, where the volume conductor is modeled at the macro scale, while the neural elements are at the micro scale. New techniques are needed to better integrate volume conductor models with neuron models. Approach. We simulated subthalamic DBS of the human HDP using finely meshed axon models to calculate surface charge deposition on insulting membranes of nonmyelinated axons. We converted the corresponding double layer extracellular problem to a single layer problem and applied the well-conditioned charge-based boundary element fast multipole method (BEM-FMM) with unconstrained numerical spatial resolution. Commonly used simplified estimations of membrane depolarization were compared with more realistic solutions. Main result. Neither centerline potential nor estimates of axon recruitment were impacted by the estimation method used except at axon bifurcations and hemispherical terminations. Local estimates of axon polarization were often much higher at bifurcations and terminations than at any other place along the axon and terminal arbor. Local average estimates of terminal electric field are higher by 10%–20%. Significance. Biophysical models of action potential initiation in the HDP suggest that axon terminations are often the lowest threshold elements for activation. The results of this study reinforce that hypothesis and suggest that this phenomenon is even more pronounced than previously realized.
Electromagnetic drift wave instability in tokamak plasmas with strong pedestal gradient
Authors: Wei Lai , Ren Guangzhi , Wang Zheng-Xiong , Li Jiquan , Yu Fang
Published: July 2023

The linear eigenmode characterizations and the nonlinear turbulence energy spreading of the drift waves in a tokamak plasma with strong pedestal gradient are numerically investigated based on an electromagnetic Landau fluid model. By the linear eigenmode analysis, it is found that the dominant instability in the low β regime is the ion-temperature-gradient (ITGc) mode and the electron drift wave instability (eDWI
p
) in the core and edge region with strong density gradient, respectively. Multiple eigenstates of the eDWI
p
with different peak locations in the poloidal direction can be obtained by the eigenvalue problem solver. The dominant one is the high order eDWI
p
corresponding to the unconventional ballooning mode structure with multiple peaks in the poloidal position, in contrast to the conventional modes that peak at the outboard mid-plane, and has been verified through initial value simulation. In the high β regime, the dominant eigenmodes in the core and edge region are the conventional and unconventional kinetic ballooning modes respectively. In the nonlinear simulation, an inward turbulence spreading phenomenon during the quasi-saturation phase of the edge turbulence is clearly observed. The inward speed of the turbulence energy front in the high β regime is much faster than that in the low β regime. It is interestingly found that the speed of the turbulence energy front increases with the increase of the plasma β in the low β regime, while it is almost unchanged in the high β regime. It is identified that the turbulence spreading in the low and high β regimes are determined by the nonlinear dynamics and the linear toroidal coupling respectively.
Trends of Azole Antifungal Prescription in the United States: Medicare Part D Provider Utilization and Payment Data Analysis
Authors: Al-Obaidi Mohanad M , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis , Nix David E
Published: July 2023

Background

Invasive fungal infections carry a substantial risk of mortality and morbidity. Azole antifungals are used in the treatment of such infections; however, their extensive use can lead to the emergence of antifungal resistance and increased costs to patients and healthcare systems. The aim of this study is to evaluate trends in these antifungals use and costs.

Methods

The secular and regional trends of outpatient azole antifungals were analyzed using Medicare Part D Prescriber Public Use Files for the years 2013–2020. The total days supply (TDS), total drug cost (TDC) per 100 000 enrollees, and cost per day (CPD) were evaluated.

Results

The azole antifungal TDS for Medicare Part D enrollees increased by 12% between 2013 and 2020, and increases were noted for each azole. Southern US regions had the highest TDS, with Arizona having the highest TDS among US states in 2020. Cost analysis showed that TDC of all azoles has increased by 93% over the years, going up from $123 316 in 2013 to $238 336 per 100 000 enrollees in 2020. However, CPD showed an increase only for fluconazole and isavuconazole, with CPD of $1.62 per day and $188.30 per day, respectively.

Conclusions

Combined azole antifungal prescriptions TDS increased among Medicare Part D enrollees. The trend in CPD was mixed, whereas overall costs consistently increased over the same period. Such findings provide an insight into the impact of azole antifungal prescriptions, and increasing use could foreshadow more antifungal resistance. Continued studies to evaluate different prescribers’ trends are warranted.
Impact of Obesity on the Drug–Drug Interaction Between Dolutegravir and Rifampicin or Any Other Strong Inducers
Authors: Berton Mattia , Bettonte Sara , Stader Felix , Battegay Manuel , Marzolini Catia
Published: July 2023

Background

Obesity is increasingly prevalent among people with HIV. Obesity can impact drug pharmacokinetics and consequently the magnitude of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and, thus, the related recommendations for dose adjustment. Virtual clinical DDI studies were conducted using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to compare the magnitude of the DDI between dolutegravir and rifampicin in nonobese, obese, and morbidly obese individuals.

Methods

Each DDI scenario included a cohort of virtual individuals (50% female) between 20 and 50 years of age. Drug models for dolutegravir and rifampicin were verified against clinical observed data. The verified models were used to simulate the concurrent administration of rifampicin (600 mg) at steady state with dolutegravir (50 mg) administered twice daily in normal-weight (BMI 18.5–30 kg/m2), obese (BMI 30–40 kg/m2), and morbidly obese (BMI 40–50 kg/m2) individuals.

Results

Rifampicin was predicted to decrease dolutegravir area under the curve (AUC) by 72% in obese and 77% in morbidly obese vs 68% in nonobese individuals; however, dolutegravir trough concentrations were reduced to a similar extent (83% and 85% vs 85%). Twice-daily dolutegravir with rifampicin resulted in trough concentrations always above the protein-adjusted 90% inhibitory concentration for all BMI groups and above the 300 ng/mL threshold in a similar proportion for all BMI groups.

Conclusions

The combined effect of obesity and induction by rifampicin was predicted to further decrease dolutegravir exposure but not the minimal concentration at the end of the dosing interval. Thus, dolutegravir 50 mg twice daily with rifampicin can be used in individuals with a high BMI up to 50 kg/m2.
Nt-acetylation-independent turnover of SQUALENE EPOXIDASE 1 by Arabidopsis DOA10-like E3 ligases
Authors: Etherington Ross D , Bailey Mark , Boyer Jean-Baptiste , Armbruster Laura , Cao Xulyu , Coates Juliet C , Meinnel Thierry , Wirtz Markus , Giglione Carmela , Gibbs Daniel J
Published: July 2023

The acetylation-dependent (Ac/)N-degron pathway degrades proteins through recognition of their acetylated N-termini (Nt) by E3 ligases called Ac/N-recognins. To date, specific Ac/N-recognins have not been defined in plants. Here we used molecular, genetic, and multiomics approaches to characterize potential roles for Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) DEGRADATION OF ALPHA2 10 (DOA10)-like E3 ligases in the Nt-acetylation-(NTA)-dependent turnover of proteins at global- and protein-specific scales. Arabidopsis has two endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized DOA10-like proteins. AtDOA10A, but not the Brassicaceae-specific AtDOA10B, can compensate for loss of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) ScDOA10 function. Transcriptome and Nt-acetylome profiling of an Atdoa10a/b RNAi mutant revealed no obvious differences in the global NTA profile compared to wild type, suggesting that AtDOA10s do not regulate the bulk turnover of NTA substrates. Using protein steady-state and cycloheximide-chase degradation assays in yeast and Arabidopsis, we showed that turnover of ER-localized SQUALENE EPOXIDASE 1 (AtSQE1), a critical sterol biosynthesis enzyme, is mediated by AtDOA10s. Degradation of AtSQE1 in planta did not depend on NTA, but Nt-acetyltransferases indirectly impacted its turnover in yeast, indicating kingdom-specific differences in NTA and cellular proteostasis. Our work suggests that, in contrast to yeast and mammals, targeting of Nt-acetylated proteins is not a major function of DOA10-like E3 ligases in Arabidopsis and provides further insight into plant ERAD and the conservation of regulatory mechanisms controlling sterol biosynthesis in eukaryotes.
A cell wall–localized β-1,3-glucanase promotes fiber cell elongation and secondary cell wall deposition
Authors: Fang Shuai , Shang Xiaoguang , He Qingfei , Li Weixi , Song Xiaohui , Zhang Baohong , Guo Wangzhen
Published: July 2023

β-1,3-glucanase functions in plant physiological and developmental processes. However, how β-1,3-glucanase participates in cell wall development remains largely unknown. Here, we answered this question by examining the role of GhGLU18, a β-1,3-glucanase, in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fibers, in which the content of β-1,3-glucan changes dynamically from 10% of the cell wall mass at the onset of secondary wall deposition to <1% at maturation. GhGLU18 was specifically expressed in cotton fiber with higher expression in late fiber elongation and secondary cell wall (SCW) synthesis stages. GhGLU18 largely localized to the cell wall and was able to hydrolyze β-1,3-glucan in vitro. Overexpression of GhGLU18 promoted polysaccharide accumulation, cell wall reconstruction, and cellulose synthesis, which led to increased fiber length and strength with thicker cell walls and shorter pitch of the fiber helix. However, GhGLU18-suppressed cotton resulted in opposite phenotypes. Additionally, GhGLU18 was directly activated by GhFSN1 (fiber SCW-related NAC1), a NAC transcription factor reported previously as the master regulator in SCW formation during fiber development. Our results demonstrate that cell wall–localized GhGLU18 promotes fiber elongation and SCW thickening by degrading callose and enhancing polysaccharide metabolism and cell wall synthesis.
Hydrolyzable tannins are incorporated into the endocarp during sclerification of the water caltrop Trapa natans
Authors: Huss Jessica C , Antreich Sebastian J , Felhofer Martin , Mayer Konrad , Eder Michaela , Vieira Dias dos Santos Ana Catarina , Ramer Georg , Lendl Bernhard , Gierlinger Notburga
Published: July 2023

The water caltrop (Trapa natans) develops unique woody fruits with unusually large seeds among aquatic plants. During fruit development, the inner fruit wall (endocarp) sclerifies and forms a protective layer for the seed. Endocarp sclerification also occurs in many land plants with large seeds; however, in T. natans, the processes of fruit formation, endocarp hardening, and seed storage take place entirely underwater. To identify potential chemical and structural adaptations for the aquatic environment, we investigated the cell-wall composition in the endocarp at a young developmental stage, as well as at fruit maturity. Our work shows that hydrolyzable tannins—specifically gallotannins—flood the endocarp tissue during secondary wall formation and are integrated into cell walls along with lignin during maturation. Within the secondary walls of mature tissue, we identified unusually strong spectroscopic features of ester linkages, suggesting that the gallotannins and their derivatives are cross-linked to other wall components via ester bonds, leading to unique cell-wall properties. The synthesis of large amounts of water-soluble, defensive aromatic metabolites during secondary wall formation might be a fast way to defend seeds within the insufficiently lignified endocarp of T. natans.
The optical method based on gas injection overestimates leaf vulnerability to xylem embolism in three woody species
Authors: Petruzzellis Francesco , Di Bonaventura Azzurra , Tordoni Enrico , Tomasella Martina , Natale Sara , Trifilò Patrizia , Tromba Giuliana , Di Lillo Francesca , D’Amico Lorenzo , Bacaro Giovanni , Nardini Andrea
Published: July 2023

Plant hydraulic traits related to leaf drought tolerance, like the water potential at turgor loss point (TLP) and the water potential inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductance (P50), are extremely useful to predict the potential impacts of drought on plants. While novel techniques have allowed the inclusion of TLP in studies targeting a large group of species, fast and reliable protocols to measure leaf P50 are still lacking. Recently, the optical method coupled with the gas injection (GI) technique has been proposed as a possibility to speed up the P50 estimation. Here, we present a comparison of leaf optical vulnerability curves (OVcs) measured in three woody species, namely Acer campestre (Ac), Ostrya carpinifolia (Oc) and Populus nigra (Pn), based on bench dehydration (BD) or GI of detached branches. For Pn, we also compared optical data with direct micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging in both intact saplings and cut shoots subjected to BD. Based on the BD procedure, Ac, Oc and Pn had P50 values of −2.87, −2.47 and −2.11 MPa, respectively, while the GI procedure overestimated the leaf vulnerability (−2.68, −2.04 and −1.54 MPa for Ac, Oc and Pn, respectively). The overestimation was higher for Oc and Pn than for Ac, likely reflecting the species-specific vessel lengths. According to micro-CT observations performed on Pn, the leaf midrib showed none or very few embolized conduits at −1.2 MPa, consistent with the OVcs obtained with the BD procedure but at odds with that derived on the basis of GI. Overall, our data suggest that coupling the optical method with GI might not be a reliable technique to quantify leaf hydraulic vulnerability since it could be affected by the ‘open-vessel’ artifact. Accurate detection of xylem embolism in the leaf vein network should be based on BD, preferably of intact up-rooted plants.
Implementation and Evaluation of an End-of-Life Standardized Participant Simulation in an Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program
Authors: Daly Shannon , Roberts Sterling , Winn Sheryl , Greene Lawanda
Published: July 2023

Graduate nursing programs must provide end-of-life (EOL) content to prepare nurse practitioners to manage the holistic needs of patients. This project aimed to measure the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium curriculum’s impact on student self-confidence and anxiety levels. A pretest/posttest study design was implemented using an EOL simulation and the Nursing Anxiety and Self-Confidence With Clinical Decision-Making Scale (NASC-CDM©) to compare baseline self-confidence and anxiety levels related to clinical decision-making. Results showed that the simulation increased student self-confidence, but anxiety level remained unchanged. Nurse educators should consider incorporating EOL simulation into graduate curricula to improve student confidence with clinical decision-making.
Clinician's guide to targeted estrogen receptor degradation using PROTAC in patients with estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Grinshpun Albert
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains a major clinical challenge, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Estrogen receptor (ER) degradation using proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC) has emerged as a promising approach for overcoming acquired resistance to endocrine therapy. This review will summarize recent findings, highlighting the role of ER degradation by PROTAC in patients with MBC.

Recent findings

The application of PROTAC technology for ER degradation has demonstrated initial success in preclinical and early clinical studies. PROTACs, consisting of an ER-targeting moiety, an E3 ubiquitin ligase-recruiting moiety, and a linker, facilitate ER ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Yet, significant challenges persist in the clinical translation of ER degradation by PROTAC. These include the optimization of PROTAC design, elucidation of mechanisms underlying resistance to PROTAC-induced ER degradation, and identification of predictive biomarkers for patient stratification. Additionally, addressing potential off-target effects and toxicity profiles remains a critical aspect of developing PROTAC-based therapies.

Recent data demonstrate the potential of ER degradation by PROTAC as a therapeutic strategy for patients with MBC. Continued research efforts and development of synergistic combinations are crucial for further advancing PROTAC-based therapies and improving outcomes in patients with MBC.
Current Status of Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Zhao Zhihong , Zhang Xingwei
Published: July 2023

Cardiac thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is most commonly found in the left atrial appendage (LAA). The incidence of LAA thrombus ranges from 1.2% to 22.6%, with the vast variation in incidence attributed to the patient’s condition. The effective rate of anticoagulation for thrombus dissolution therapy is only 50%–60%, and long-term anticoagulation treatment increases the risk of bleeding. Direct percutaneous LAA closure in AF patients with LAA thrombus in a suitable location is another alternative treatment option. LAA resection with cardiac surgery is also an effective treatment. This review presents the development of the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombus in LAA.
Should Penicillin Allergy Testing Be Included as Part of Preoperative Testing?
Authors: Lozo Svjetlana , Wagner Daniel , Shah Nirav , Goldberg Roger , Gafni-Kane Adam , Solomonides Anthony
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Penicillin allergy is the most commonly reported drug allergy in the United States. Patients labeled with penicillin allergy are at risk of receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics for surgical site infection prophylaxis, which can lead to increased antibiotic resistance, higher morbidity, suboptimal antibiotic therapy, and higher medical costs. This study aimed to determine the true prevalence of penicillin allergy among surgical patients and to decrease the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent urogynecologic surgery in 2017. In 2018, a quality initiative was started, and all patients reporting penicillin allergies were offered antibiotic allergy testing as part of their preoperative testing.

Results:

In 2017, 15% of patients reported penicillin allergy and 52% of them received surgical prophylaxis with broad-spectrum antibiotics. In 2018, 463 patients underwent surgery, 55 of whom reported penicillin allergy and were offered penicillin allergy testing. 35 (64%) agreed to proceed with testing, and of those tested, 33 (94%) tested negative for penicillin allergy.

Conclusions:

94% of patients with stated penicillin allergy who consented to allergy testing proved to have negative test. Penicillin allergy testing should be considered as part of preoperative management.
The Effect of Video Information Before Insertion of an Implantable Port Catheter on Cancer Patients’ Fear of Pain and Pain Levels
Authors: Işıklı Ayse G. , Soydaş Duygu , Önüt Fatma , Şen Hakan
Published: July 2023

Background

Implantable port catheters and their needles may cause cancer patients to experience fear of pain.

Objective

The aim of this article was to study the effect of video information provided before implantable port catheter insertion on the fear of pain and on postoperative pain level.

Methods

The study is a randomized controlled trial conducted between July and December 2022 at a university hospital with a total of 84 cancer patients: intervention group (42) and control group (42). Descriptive analyses, χ2 analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Student’s t test were used to assess the data.

Results

In the preoperative period, the mean score of the fear of severe pain subdimension of the patients in the control group was found to be higher than that of the patients in the intervention group (P < .05). When the postoperative pain levels of the patients were evaluated, no difference between the visual analog scale scores of the experimental and control groups was found (P > .05).

Conclusion

Video information provided before the insertion of an implantable port catheter was found to reduce the fear of severe pain in cancer patients, but postoperative pain levels were not affected.

Implications for Practice

The use of audiovisual materials such as videos for multimedia-based information is effective in making remembering the information easy. Video-based information may be more useful in managing fear of pain in patients than traditional verbal information. The findings of this study can serve as a guide for clinical work and for developing targeted measures to reduce fear of pain.
Changes in Facial Symmetry Following Computer-Assisted Secondary Correction of Craniofacial Fractures
Authors: Jiang Taoran , Zhou Sizheng , Yu Zheyuan , Cao Dejun
Published: July 2023

Objective:

For patients without dysfunctions, the main purpose of secondary correction for craniofacial fractures is restoring facial symmetry. Computer-assisted surgery techniques including virtual surgical planning and intraoperative navigation provide the help to restore the bony symmetry as much as possible. The authors retrospectively quantitatively analyzed patients who received computer-assisted secondary correction for craniofacial fractures on facial symmetry pre and postoperation.

Methods:

This observational study reviewed the medical records of 17 patients requiring secondary correction for craniofacial fractures. Pre and postoperative computed tomography data were used to quantitatively analyze the changes in facial symmetry and enophthalmos.

Result:

All patients enrolled in this study showed mid-facial asymmetry but without dysfunctions except for enophthalmos, and 5 patients had bone defects in the frontal-temporal area. The corrective surgical techniques were different for each patient according to their specific condition. Virtual surgical planning with or without intraoperative navigation was performed for all patients. Compared with the preoperative condition, their facial symmetry was significantly improved. The maximum discrepancy value between the affected side and the mirrored unaffected side decreased from 8.10 ± 2.69 to 3.74 ± 2.02 mm postoperatively, and the mean discrepancy value decreased from 3.58 ± 1.29 to 1.57 ± 0.68 mm. In addition, the Enophthalmos Index decreased from 2.65 to 0.35 mm.

Conclusion:

This observational study objectively demonstrated that computer-assisted secondary correction for craniofacial fractures can significantly improve facial symmetry. And the authors recommend that virtual surgical planning and intraoperative navigation should be a must step in craniofacial fracture correction.
Surgeon Perspectives on Daily Presentation of Ethical Dilemmas: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Char Steven , Prager Kenneth , Dugdale Lydia , Fischkoff Katherine
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Surgeons encounter and navigate a unique set of ethical dilemmas. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) previously identified 6 core ethical issues central to the practice of surgery, but there have been no reports of the true range and complexity of ethical dilemmas encountered by surgeons in their daily practice. Qualitative research is well positioned to address this question.

STUDY DESIGN:

We conducted in-depth interviews with attending surgeons across multiple surgical subspecialties at a large, urban, academic medical center asking them to describe the most common ethical dilemmas they encounter in day-to-day practice. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded according to a grounded theory, inductive approach.

RESULTS:

Thirty attending surgeons were interviewed, representing twelve different general surgery subspecialties. The majority of dilemmas identified pertained to 4 of the 6 ACS identified core ethical issues: professional obligations, competition of interests, truth telling, and end-of-life care. No participants described dilemmas relating to the themes of confidentiality or surrogate decision-making. Approximately one-third of participants identified ethical issues not well characterized by the ACS core principles, most often relating to the pressure to provide care that is not medically indicated. There was strong support for a formalized surgical ethics curriculum.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the ACS-defined core ethical issues in surgery appropriately captured many ethical dilemmas identified by participants, surgeons described several scenarios not well characterized by these themes. A dedicated surgical ethics curriculum may help to better equip surgeons to navigate the ethical dilemmas they are likely to face in practice.
Evolution at the arid extreme: the influence of climate on sand termite colonies and fairy circles of the Namib Desert
Authors: Juergens Norbert , Groengroeft Alexander , Gunter Felicitas
Published: July 2023

In the hyperarid Namib Desert, the sand termite
Psammotermes allocerus
Silvestri, 1908 (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) establishes colonies that create conspicuous, barren patches known as ‘fairy circles' on permeable, sandy soils. The central bare areas of fairy circles serve the key function of storing moisture received from sparse rainfall. The sandy soil texture allows rapid infiltration and percolation of precipitation, while localized herbivory by the termites creates the bare patch, thereby reducing the rapid loss of soil moisture by the uptake and transpiration of water by plants. The resulting storage of rain water even during prolonged periods of drought enables perennial life in hyperarid desert environments and forms a globally unique example of ecosystem engineering by social insects. During the past decade, most publications primarily debated the origin of fairy circles. Here, we contribute to the special issue with a focus on the functional and evolutionary dimension of the structure of the
Psammotermes
colony with two differing nest types and two spatially separated key resources, as a successful adaptation to extreme desert environment. The paper is primarily a review and a synthesis of previous work, with the inclusion of new, relevant findings.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach’.
HOMOCYSTEINE POTENTIATES AMYLOID β-INDUCED CEREBRAL ENDOTHELIAL CELL APOPTOSIS, BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER DYSFUNCTION AND ANGIOGENIC IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Carey Ashley , Parodi-Rullan Rebecca , Vazquez-Torres Rafael , Canepa Elisa , Fossati Silvia
Published: July 2023

Cerebrovascular dysfunction has been implicated as a major contributor to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pathology, with cerebral endothelial cell (cEC) stress promoting ischemia, cerebral-blood flow impairments and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Recent evidence suggests that cardiovascular (CV)/cerebrovascular risk factors, including hyperhomocysteinemia (Hhcy), exacerbate AD pathology and risk. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms for this interaction remain unclear. Our lab has demonstrated that amyloid beta 40 (Aβ40) species, and particularly Aβ40-E22Q (vasculotropic Dutch mutant), promote death receptor 4 and 5 (DR4/DR5)-mediated apoptosis in human cECs, barrier permeability and angiogenic impairment. Previous studies show that Hhcy also induces EC dysfunction, but it remains unknown whether Aβ and homocysteine function through common molecular mechanisms. We tested the hypotheses that Hhcy exacerbates Aβ-induced cEC DR4/5-mediated apoptosis, barrier dysfunction, and angiogenesis defects. This study was the first to demonstrate that Hhcy specifically potentiates Aβ40-E22Q-mediated activation of the DR4/5-mediated extrinsic apoptotic pathway in cECs, including DR4/5 expression, caspase 8/9/3 activation, cytochrome-c release and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, we revealed that Hhcy intensifies the deregulation of the same cEC junction proteins mediated by Aβ, precipitating BBB permeability. Furthermore, Hhcy and Aβ40-E22Q, impairing VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signaling and VEGFR2 endosomal trafficking, additively decrease cEC angiogenic capabilities. Overall, these results show that the presence of the CV risk factor Hhcy exacerbates Aβ-induced cEC apoptosis, barrier dysfunction, and angiogenic impairment. This study reveals specific mechanisms through which amyloidosis and Hhcy jointly operate to produce brain EC dysfunction and death, highlighting new potential molecular targets against vascular pathology in comorbid AD/CAA and Hhcy conditions.
Cathelicidin downregulates neurotensin and substance P hippocampal levels
Authors: Flores Ismael Perez , Ariga Suely Kubo , Barbeiro Hermes Vieira , Barbeiro Denise Frediani , Pinheiro da Silva Fabiano
Published: July 2023

Background

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and septic encephalopathy is an early and frequent manifestation of this disease. Antimicrobial peptides are important components of innate immunity playing a crucial role during bacterial infections. Here, we investigate the protein levels of several neuropeptides in CRAMP-deficient and wild-type mice, in healthy conditions and following experimental sepsis.

Methods

Mice were submitted to cecal ligation and puncture and the protein levels of neurotensin, substance P, oxytocin and β-endorphin were evaluated in the brain.

Results

We found that CRAMP-deficient mice produce significantly less neurotensin and substance P than wild-type mice in the hippocampus, both before and 24 hours following experimental sepsis, but not 15 days post-septic shock.

Conclusions

The hippocampus is a complex structure, highly vulnerable during sepsis. The role of antimicrobial peptides and their interplay with neuropeptides should be further evaluated in this scenario.
Prioritized imputed sequence variants from multi-population GWAS improve prediction accuracy for sea lice count in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Garcia Baltasar F. , Cáceres Pablo A. , Marín-Nahuelpi Rodrigo , Lopez Paulina , Cichero Daniela , Ødegård Jorgen , Moen Thomas , Yáñez José M.
Published: July 2023

Sea lice infestation is one of the major fish health problems during the grow-out phase in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture. In this study, we integrated different genomic approaches, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), genotype imputation and meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with sea lice count in Atlantic salmon. Different sets of trait-associated SNPs were prioritized and compared against randomly chosen markers, based on the accuracy of genomic predictions for the trait. Lice count phenotypes and dense genotypes of five breeding populations challenged against sea lice were used. Genotype imputation was applied to increase SNP density of challenged animals to WGS level. The summary statistics from GWAS of each population were then combined in a meta-analysis to increase the sample size and improve the statistical power of associations. Eight different genotyping scenarios were considered for genomic prediction: 70K_array: 70K standard genotyping panel; 70K_priori: 70K SNPs with the highest p-values identified in the meta-analysis; 30K_priori: 30K SNPs with the highest p-values identified in the meta-analysis; WGS: SNPs imputed to whole-genome sequencing level; and the remaining four scenarios were the same SNP sets with a linkage disequilibrium (LD) pruning filter: 70K_array_LD; 70K_priori_LD; 30K_priori_LD and WGS_LD, respectively. Genomic prediction accuracy was evaluated using a five-fold cross-validation scheme in two different populations excluding them from the meta-analysis to remove possible validation-reference bias. Results showed significant genetic variation for sea lice counting in Atlantic salmon across populations, with heritabilities ranging from 0.06 to 0.24. The meta-analysis identified several SNPs associated with sea lice resistance, mainly inSsa03andSsa09chromosomes. Genomic prediction using the GWAS-based prioritized SNPs showed higher accuracy compared to using the standard SNP array in most of scenarios, achieving up to 57% increase in accuracy. Accuracy of prioritized scenarios was higher for the 70K_priori in comparison to 30K_priori. The use of WGS data in genomic prediction presented marginal or negative accuracy gain compared to the standard SNP array. The LD-pruning filter presented no benefits, reducing accuracy in most of scenarios. Overall, our study demonstrated the potential of prioritized of imputed sequence variants from multi-population GWAS meta-analysis to improve prediction accuracy for sea lice count in Atlantic salmon. The findings suggest that incorporating WGS data and prioritized SNPs from GWAS meta-analysis can accelerate the genetic progress of selection for polygenic traits in salmon aquaculture.