bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in pleural lavage serve as a predictive and prognostic biomarker among surgically treated Stage I−III a nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC)? A pilot study
Authors: Saikia Jyoutishman , Malik Prabhat S. , Kumar Sachin , Jain Deepali , Madan Karan , Bharati Sachidanand Jee , Deo Suryanarayana , Kumar Sunil
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

The role of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in operable nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. This study was aimed to evaluate the feasibility for identification of cfDNA in pleural lavage fluid and its correlation with plasma in resectable NSCLCs.

Methods

Consecutively resected NSCLCs were evaluated for cfDNA levels in preoperative plasma (PLS1), intraoperative pleural‐lavage (PLV) and postoperative (at 1 month) plasma sample (PLS2). CfDNA was isolated and measured quantitatively by qPCR in a TaqMan probe‐detection approach using the human β‐actin gene as the amplifying target.

Results

All (n = 34) except one were negative for malignant cells in PLV cytology. CfDNA could be isolated from all the three samples (PLS1, PLV, and PLS2) successfully in each patient. The median cfDNA levels in PLS1, PLV and PLS2 were 118 ng/mL (IQR 61−158), 167 ng/mL (IQR 59.9−179.9) and 103 ng/mL (IQR 66.5−125.4) respectively. The median follow‐up was 34.1 months (IQR 25.2−41.6). A significant overall‐survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were recorded for patients with cfDNA level cut‐offs at 125, 170, and 100 ng/mL, respectively for PLS1, PLV, and PLS2. Patients with raised cfDNA in PLS1 (>125 ng/mL) and PLV (>170 ng/mL) had significantly poorer 2‐year OS, p = 0.005 and p = 0.012, respectively. The hazards (OS) were also higher for those with raised cfDNA in PLV (HR = 5.779, 95% CI = 1.162−28.745, p = 0.032). PLV (>170 ng/mL) had increased pleural recurrences (p = 0.021) and correlated significantly with poorer DFS at 2‐years (p = 0.001) with increased hazards (HR = 9.767, 95% CI = 2.098−45.451, p = 0.004). Multivariable analysis suggested higher cfDNA in PLV as a poor prognostic factor for both OS and DFS.

Conclusions

Among patients with operable NSCLC, it is feasible to identify cfDNA in pleural lavage and correlate PLV cfDNA with pleural recurrences and outcomes.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma in the older population: A prospective analysis of outcomes
Authors: Kadhum Murtaza , Mayr Laura , Jawad Ali M. , Pope‐Jones Sophie , Cubitt Jonathan , Hemington‐Gorse Sarah
Published: March 2024

Background

The use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the older population, defined as those over 70 years old, has been debated since the adoption of SLNB into routine practice. Interestingly, there remains a paucity of evidence, especially regarding the rates of SLNB positivity, complications, and subsequent adjuvant therapy in those with node positivity.

Method

Data on patient's comorbidities, positivity rates, complication rates, and subsequent adjuvant treatments were collected prospectively from 998 patients (644 patients < 70 and 354 patients ≥ 70 years old) between 2016 and 2022.

Results

Patients aged ≥ 70 were found to have a higher prevalence of comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. The mean Breslow thickness was 2.2 and 2.5 in the under and over 70 groups respectively (p = 0.03). The mean mitotic rate was found to be 3.3 in the under 70 s and 4.1 in the over 70 s (p = 0.02). Despite these results, no significant differences were observed in the positivity rates of sentinel lymph node biopsies or in the treatment options selected for positive results. The under 70 s were more likely to experience loss of sensation (p < 0.01), but no difference was found in the total number of complications between the two groups.

Conclusion

Although patients aged 70 and above had a greater incidence of comorbidities, the study revealed that they had lower complications rates and there was no significant variation in the SLNB positivity rate or chosen treatment options between the two age groups. This study supports the move to physiological rather than chronological age assessments in SLNB of the elderly.
Efficacy and safety of 1064‐nm fractional picosecond laser for the treatment of postmastectomy scars in transgender men: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rutnin Suthinee , Yongpisarn Tanat , Sakpuwadol Nawara , Namasondhi Amornrut , Pomsoong Cherrin , Rattananukrom Teerapong , Thadanipon Kunlawat
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Subcutaneous mastectomy is a crucial component of gender affirmation therapy for transgender men (TM), but the scars that result from this procedure can frequently impair their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 1064‐nm fractional picosecond laser (FxPico) treatment for hypertrophic and atrophic postmastectomy scars in TM.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with a total of 35 pairs of bilateral symmetric mastectomy scars were enrolled. One of each pair of symmetric scars was randomly assigned to receive four FxPico treatments at 4‐week intervals. All scars were evaluated using the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) and three‐dimensional imaging for scar roughness, melanin index, and hemoglobin index before each treatment session and at 1, 3, and 6 months following the last treatment. Additionally, participant‐rated scar satisfaction (PSS) and scar improvement (Global Assessment Score, GAS), as well as adverse events were recorded.

Results

During the 6‐month follow‐up period after the end of laser treatment sessions, the treated scars showed significant reductions in the mVSS compared to the untreated controls (p < 0.001), whereas the melanin index and hemoglobin index were not significantly different. Subgroup analysis of hypertrophic scars demonstrated statistically significant reductions in mVSS at 1 (p = 0.003) and 3 months (p = 0.041) after the end of laser treatments. PSS was significantly higher on the laser‐treated scars than the controls (p = 0.008), and a participant‐rated GAS of 2.95 ± 0.65 was found. There were no serious adverse events reported.

Conclusions

1064‐nm FxPico could be utilized to treat mastectomy scars among TM, particularly the hypertrophic type.
Value co‐creation in the sharing economy: Revisiting the past to inform future
Authors: Vasil M Muhammad , Chopdar Prasanta Kr , Buhalis Dimitrios , Das Sitanshu Sekhar
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study is to provide an integrated view of the body of knowledge of value co‐creation in the sharing economy in terms of the topical content and the research background. To this end, this study conducts a systematic literature review guided by the SPAR‐4‐SLR protocol. Leveraging the integrated ADO‐TCM framework, the review identifies 39 antecedents under 3 categories, 7 decision constructs, and 18 outcome constructs related to value co‐creation, as well as the prevalent theories, contexts, and methods explored in this domain. The review exposes several research gaps and offers insightful future research pathways that are directed toward theory, context, and method. These pathways can serve as a guide to strengthen and advance the theoretical, contextual, and methodological foundations of future research, contributing to the sustained evolution of the domain.
The copy number of the eukaryotic rRNA gene can be counted comprehensively
Authors: Yabuki Akinori , Hoshino Tatsuhiko , Nakamura Tamiko , Mizuno Keiko
Published: March 2024

Gene sequence has been widely used in molecular ecology. For instance, the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene has been widely used as a biological marker to understand microbial communities. The variety of the detected rRNA gene sequences reflects the diversity of the microorganisms existing in the analyzed sample. Their biomass can also be estimated by applying quantitative sequencing with information on rRNA gene copy numbers in genomes; however, information on rRNA gene copy numbers is still limited. Especially, the copy number in microbial eukaryotes is much less understood than that of prokaryotes, possibly because of the large and complex structure of eukaryotic genomes. In this study, we report an alternative approach that is more appropriate than the existing method of quantitative sequencing and demonstrate that the copy number of eukaryotic rRNA can be measured efficiently and comprehensively. By applying this approach widely, information on the eukaryotic rRNA copy number can be determined, and their community structures can be depicted and compared more efficiently.
Identification of potential molecular mechanism related to craniofacial dysmorphism caused by FOXI3 deficiency
Authors: Xing Xiao‐Liang , Zeng Ziqiang , Wang Yana , Pan Bo , Huang Xueshuang
Published: March 2024

Background

Hemifacial macrosomia (HFM, OMIM 164210) is a complex and highly heterogeneous disease. FORKHEAD BOX I3 (FOXI3) is a susceptibility gene for HFM, and mice with loss of function of Foxi3 did exhibit a phenotype similar to craniofacial dysmorphism. However, the specific pathogenesis of HFM caused by FOXI3 deficiency remains unclear till now.

Method

In this study, we first constructed a Foxi3 deficiency (Foxi3−/−) mouse model to verify the craniofacial phenotype of Foxi3−/− mice, and then used RNAseq data for gene differential expression analysis to screen candidate pathogenic genes, and conducted gene expression verification analysis using quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results

By observing the phenotype of Foxi3−/− mice, we found that craniofacial dysmorphism was present. The results of comprehensive bioinformatics analysis suggested that the craniofacial dysmorphism caused by Foxi3 deficiency may be involved in the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. Quantitative real‐time PCR results showed that the expression of PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway‐related gene Akt2 was significantly increased in Foxi3−/− mice.

Conclusion

The craniofacial dysmorphism caused by the deficiency of Foxi3 may be related to the expression of Akt2 and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. This study laid a foundation for understanding the function of FOXI3 and the pathogenesis and treatment of related craniofacial dysmorphism caused by FOXI3 dysfunction.
Classification of multi‐feature fusion ultrasound images of breast tumor within category 4 using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Zhao Jing , Wan Mingxi , Song Qing , Su Qiang , Wang Diya
Published: March 2024

Background

Breast tumor is a fatal threat to the health of women. Ultrasound (US) is a common and economical method for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast imaging reporting and data system (BI‐RADS) category 4 has the highest false‐positive value of about 30% among five categories. The classification task in BI‐RADS category 4 is challenging and has not been fully studied.

Purpose

This work aimed to use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for breast tumor classification using B‐mode images in category 4 to overcome the dependence on operator and artifacts. Additionally, this work intends to take full advantage of morphological and textural features in breast tumor US images to improve classification accuracy.

Methods

First, original US images coming directly from the hospital were cropped and resized. In 1385 B‐mode US BI‐RADS category 4 images, the biopsy eliminated 503 samples of benign tumor and left 882 of malignant. Then, K‐means clustering algorithm and entropy of sliding windows of US images were conducted. Considering the diversity of different characteristic information of malignant and benign represented by original B‐mode images, K‐means clustering images and entropy images, they are fused in a three‐channel form multi‐feature fusion images dataset. The training, validation, and test sets are 969, 277, and 139. With transfer learning, 11 CNN models including DenseNet and ResNet were investigated. Finally, by comparing accuracy, precision, recall, F1‐score, and area under curve (AUC) of the results, models which had better performance were selected. The normality of data was assessed by Shapiro‐Wilk test. DeLong test and independent t‐test were used to evaluate the significant difference of AUC and other values. False discovery rate was utilized to ultimately evaluate the advantages of CNN with highest evaluation metrics. In addition, the study of anti‐log compression was conducted but no improvement has shown in CNNs classification results.

Results

With multi‐feature fusion images, DenseNet121 has highest accuracy of 80.22 ± 1.45% compared to other CNNs, precision of 77.97 ± 2.89% and AUC of 0.82 ± 0.01. Multi‐feature fusion improved accuracy of DenseNet121 by 1.87% from classification of original B‐mode images (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The CNNs with multi‐feature fusion show a good potential of reducing the false‐positive rate within category 4. The work illustrated that CNNs and fusion images have the potential to reduce false‐positive rate in breast tumor within US BI‐RADS category 4, and make the diagnosis of category 4 breast tumors to be more accurate and precise.
Outcome measures in pediatric chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Guttikonda Apoorva , Ahmad Ghazal , Goyal Parul , Xiang Yijin , Johnson Laura Michelle , Gillespie Scott , Carvell Kimberly T. , Butera Robert , Verma Sumit
Published: March 2024

Introduction/Aims

Objective outcome measures in children undergoing treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) are lacking. The aim of the study was to record serial grip strength and motor nerve conduction studies to assess interval change.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 16 children (8 females and 8 males; median age, 9.7 years; interquartile range, 6–13 years) with CIDP followed at a tertiary children's hospital from 2013 to 2021. Subjects were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Right and left grip strength measurements were obtained at each clinic visit using a handheld dynamometer. Annual right median motor nerve conduction study data were recorded during the study period.

Results

Mean duration of follow‐up was 2.9 years. Grip strength (right: 0.19 kg/month, p < 0.001; left 0.23 kg/month, p < 0.001) and median F‐wave latencies (−0.23/month, p = 0.015) showed significant improvement over time. Akaike information criterion showed time + IVIG frequency <21 days as best fit for grip strength and distal compound muscle action potential amplitude.

Discussion

Our study results indicate serial grip strength measurements are a feasible and objective way to assess motor strength improvement in children with CIDP receiving immunotherapy.
New approximations for network reliability
Authors: Brown Jason I. , Kolokolnikov Theodore , Kooij Robert E.
Published: March 2024

We introduce two new methods for approximating the all‐terminal reliability of undirected graphs. First, we introduce an edge removal process: remove edges at random, one at a time, until the graph becomes disconnected. We show that the expected number of edges thus removed is equal to , where is the number of edges in the graph, and is the average of the all‐terminal reliability polynomial. Based on this process, we propose a Monte‐Carlo algorithm to quickly estimate the graph reliability (whose exact computation is NP‐hard). Moreover, we show that the distribution of the edge removal process can be used to quickly approximate the reliability polynomial. We then propose increasingly accurate asymptotics for graph reliability based solely on degree distributions of the graph. These asymptotics are tested against several real‐world networks and are shown to be accurate for sufficiently dense graphs. While the approach starts to fail for “subway‐like” networks that contain many paths of vertices of degree two, different asymptotics are derived for such networks.
Enhanced dielectric properties of ferroelectric polymer composites by surface‐modified BaTiO3 particles
Authors: Ouyang Wen , Sheng Su , Chen Fulin , Tu Zinan , Jiang Qichang , Ding Qiuyuan , Wen Jian
Published: March 2024

Barium titanate (BaTiO3, BT)/poly (vinylidene fluoride, PVDF) composites containing 0%–50% of ceramic filler volume fraction were fabricated by spin‐coating method, and it was shown that the permittivity of BT/PVDF composites increased with the addition of ceramic filler. In order to enhance the interfacial bonding between the two phases, the surface modification treatment of BT ceramic particles was carried out using different mass fractions of γ‐Aminopropyl‐triethoxysilane (KH550). The results indicated that the dielectric properties of the modified composites were enhanced. The dielectric constant of the BT/PVDF composite with 10 vol.% ceramic filler treated with 1 wt.% KH550 is 20.3, which is twice as much as pure PVDF. A model of BT/PVDF dielectric composite was employed by using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate and analyze the effects of filler particle size, volume fraction, and degree of dispersion on the properties of composite dielectric films from the perspective of microstructural. Calculated results show that the addition of ceramic particles triggers local electric field distortion, which affects the dielectric properties of the composites. Meanwhile, the degree of dispersion of the filler also affects the breakdown resistance of the composite material, when the filler is uniformly dispersed, the local electric field is reduced, which effectively enhances the breakdown resistance of the material. Finite element simulation analyzes the macroscopic dielectric properties from a microstructural point of view, which is beneficial for further understanding of ceramic‐polymer composites.

Highlights

The dielectric properties of the polymer matrix were enhanced by doping BT.

The KH550 can enhance the dispersion of BT particles in the PVDF.

The surface‐modified BT improved the dielectric properties of the composite.

COMSOL simulation confirmed the effectiveness of the interface modification.
Surface‐methacrylated microcrystalline cellulose bioresins with soybean oil for additive manufacturing via vat photopolymerization
Authors: Parikh Ankit R. , Cortés‐Guzmán Karen P. , Bian Ning , Johnson Rebecca M. , Smaldone Ronald A. , Lu Hongbing , Voit Walter E.
Published: March 2024

The additive manufacturing (AM) industry increasingly looks to differentiate itself by utilizing materials and processes that are green, clean, and sustainable. Biopolymers, bio‐sourced raw materials and light weighting of parts 3D printed with photopolymer resins each represent critical directions for the future of AM. Here, we report a series of bio‐based composite resins with soybean oil derivatives, up to 20% by weight of surface‐methacrylated micro‐crystalline cellulose (MCC) and 60% total bio‐based content for vat photopolymerization based additive manufacturing. The ultimate tensile strengths of the materials were found to increase up to 3X, the Young's moduli increased up to 10X, and the glass transition temperature increased by 11.3°C when compared to the neat resin without surface‐methacrylated MCC as a filler. Working curves and shrinkage factors were used to demonstrate how the surface‐methacrylated MCC causes changes in the dimensions of printed parts, to facilitate development of optimized print parameters based on the UV intensity of the 3D printer being used. These results will allow further development of commercial 3D printable resins with a high concentration of bio‐based fillers that print well and perform on par with conventional resins.
Detection and coverage estimation of purple nutsedge in turf with image classification neural networks
Authors: Jin Xiaojun , Han Kang , Zhao Hua , Wang Yan , Chen Yong , Yu Jialin
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Accurate detection of weeds and estimation of their coverage is crucial for implementing precision herbicide applications. Deep learning (DL) techniques are typically used for weed detection and coverage estimation by analyzing information at the pixel or individual plant level, which requires a substantial amount of annotated data for training. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using image‐classification neural networks (NNs) for detecting and estimating weed coverage in bermudagrass turf.

RESULTS

Weed‐detection NNs, including DenseNet, GoogLeNet and ResNet, exhibited high overall accuracy and F1 scores (≥0.971) throughout the k‐fold cross‐validation. DenseNet outperformed GoogLeNet and ResNet with the highest overall accuracy and F1 scores (0.977). Among the evaluated NNs, DenseNet showed the highest overall accuracy and F1 scores (0.996) in the validation and testing data sets for estimating weed coverage. The inference speed of ResNet was similar to that of GoogLeNet but noticeably faster than DenseNet. ResNet was the most efficient and accurate deep convolution neural network for weed detection and coverage estimation.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that the developed NNs could effectively detect weeds and estimate their coverage in bermudagrass turf, allowing calculation of the herbicide requirements for variable‐rate herbicide applications. The proposed method can be employed in a machine vision‐based autonomous site‐specific spraying system of smart sprayers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Neuropsychiatric effects of glucocorticoids
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: March 2024

Synthetic glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone and prednisolone, are commonly used in the treatment of patients with inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders. However, the multiple physiological effects that glucocorticoids exert can often result in short‐ and long‐term adverse drug reactions, including neuropsychiatric adverse events. Despite the widespread use of glucocorticoids, the prevalence of neuropsychiatric adverse events with these medications, while believed to be common, has not been rigorously quantified.
Preparation and Application of Slag‐Based Catalyst for Steelmaking
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Qi , Song Ruikang , Liu Chunjiang , Chen Ya , Zhao HaoCheng , Lu Xi
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on utilizing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) from a steel plant as the main raw material, with water and calcium‐based montmorillonite as binders, with manganese and alkali metal nitrates (Na, K, Mg, Ca). A series of supported denitration catalysts are prepared using the equal volume impregnation method. These catalysts are then employed in the selective catalytic reduction process to investigate their impact on denitration effectiveness. Furthermore, the mechanism of low‐temperature denitration in selective catalytic reduction is analyzed by combining catalyst activity tests and characterization techniques. The activity of catalysts is assessed through Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT‐IR), X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), and search engine marketing (SEM) characterization tests, along with examining its denitration and sulfur resistance capabilities to determine the denitration mechanism. Experimental results indicate that Mn–Mg/GGBS exhibit the most efficient low‐temperature denitrification effect, and it demonstrates certain sulfur resistance with a 5% Mn loading and a 3% second active component. Introducing Ce as the third active component further enhances the sulfur resistance of Mn–Mg–Ce/GGBS when loaded at 1%.
A three‐way electrolyte with ternary solvents for high‐energy‐density and long‐cycling lithium–sulfur pouch cells
Authors: Li Zheng , Yu Legeng , Bi Chen‐Xi , Li Xi‐Yao , Ma Jin , Chen Xiang , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Chen Aibing , Chen Haoting , Zhang Zuoru , Fan Li‐Zhen , Li Bo‐Quan , Tang Cheng , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2024

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries promise high‐energy‐density potential to exceed the commercialized lithium‐ion batteries but suffer from limited cycling lifespan due to the side reactions between lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and Li metal anodes. Herein, a three‐way electrolyte with ternary solvents is proposed to enable high‐energy‐density and long‐cycling Li–S pouch cells. Concretely, ternary solvents composed of 1,2‐dimethoxyethane, di‐isopropyl sulfide, and 1,3,5‐trioxane are employed to guarantee smooth cathode kinetics, inhibit the parasitic reactions, and construct a robust solid electrolyte interphase, respectively. The cycling lifespan of Li–S coin cells with 50 µm Li anodes and 4.0 mg cm−2 sulfur cathodes is prolonged from 88 to 222 cycles using the three‐way electrolyte. Nano‐heterogeneous solvation structure of LiPSs and organic‐rich solid electrolyte interphase are identified to improve the cycling stability of Li metal anodes. Consequently, a 3.0 Ah‐level Li–S pouch cell with the three‐way electrolyte realizes a high energy density of 405 Wh kg−1 and undergoes 27 cycles. This work affords a three‐way electrolyte recipe for suppressing the side reactions of LiPSs and inspires rational electrolyte design for practical high‐energy‐density and long‐cycling Li–S batteries.
Automated Correction of Eye‐Tracking Data for Detecting Difficult‐to‐Read Characters in Japanese Text
Authors: Ito Yudai , Ishizawa Chikako , Kageyama Yoichi
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a new eye‐tracking data correction method for the development of an automatic detection system for difficult‐to‐read characters in Japanese text. The proposed method, which adjusts the x‐axis of the eye, was compared with existing methods that adjust only the y‐axis. Data correction was performed for each method, and the detection accuracy of difficult‐to‐read Japanese characters was calculated and compared. The experimental results indicate that adjusting the x‐axis and y‐axis can improve the detection accuracy of difficult‐to‐read characters in Japanese text. This research advances easy correction techniques for difficult‐to‐read character detection in Japanese text and broadens the use of eye trackers, including low‐cost eye trackers. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
lncRNA NORAD alleviates dysfunction of renal proximal tubular epithelial cells during the sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury by modulating the miR‐155‐5p‐PDK1 axis
Authors: Lu Hulin , Chen Yan , Yang Yong , Ding Min , Qiu Fengping
Published: March 2024

The sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury (Sa‐AKI) is closely related to high mortality rates worldwide. Injury to the renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs), caused by pathological conditions, is a major cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). The lncRNA NORAD has been reported to be positively associated with kidney cancers. However, the biological roles and underlying mechanisms of NORAD in RPTECs during AKI are still unclear. In this study, we found that NORAD was significantly downregulated in RPTECs from AKI tissues. Overexpression of NORAD alleviated RPTECs injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, glucose metabolism was significantly impaired during AKI, and LPS treatment inhibited glucose metabolism in RPTECs. We demonstrated that NORAD rescued the LPS‐induced inhibition of glucose metabolism in RPTECs. Furthermore, miRNA‐155‐5p was significantly upregulated in RPTECs from AKI. Through bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull‐down, RNA IP, and luciferase assays, we showed that NORAD directly associated with miR‐155‐5p to downregulate its expression. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐155‐5p inhibited glucose metabolism by directly targeting the 3′UTR of the glucose metabolism enzyme, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1). Finally, rescue experiments validated that NORAD's protective effect on RPTECs injury was mediated through modulation of the miR‐155‐5p‐PDK1‐glucose metabolism pathway. In summary, these results reveal that lncRNA NORAD can alleviate RPTECs dysfunction by targeting the miR‐155‐5p‐PDK1 axis, suggesting that NORAD has the potential to contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches against Sa‐AKI.
Effect of oxidation on physicochemical characteristics of thermoplastic canna starch
Authors: Pham Thi Thu Ha , Nguyen Thanh Tung , Nguyen Van Khoi , Nguyen Trung Duc , Pham Thu Trang , Nguyen Thu Huong , Pham Ngoc Anh
Published: March 2024

The effects of oxidation on physicochemical characteristics of thermoplastic canna starch were investigated. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) of native canna starch (CS) and oxidized canna starch (OCS) were prepared with different contents of sodium hypochlorite (1%, 3%, and 5% w/w) and 30 wt% of glycerol as plasticizer. Native starch‐based TPS (NTPS) and oxidized starch‐based TPS (OTPS) samples were tested for physicochemical, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties. In OCS, the content of carboxyl and carbonyl groups increased with the increase in the content of oxidant, and this contributed to the improvement in CS plasticization efficiency. SEM images indicated that the morphology of OTPS samples was smoother than that of NTPS. The stronger interaction between OCS and plasticizer in OTPS was indicated by FTIR spectra. XRD confirmed that the crystallite type of starch was changed and their decrease in crystallinity is attributed to effects of both oxidation and plasticization. The carbonyl and carboxyl content had a large impact on Tg and ΔHg of OTPS. The higher content of these groups in OCS leads to the lower Tg and the lower ΔHg, which could make the plasticization easier. Due to the better plasticization in OTPS, their mechanical properties and thermal stability were enhanced.
Unveiling geometric and electronic structures of NbSi4−/0 clusters and electron detachments of the anionic cluster: A quantum chemical investigation
Authors: Tran Van Tan
Published: March 2024

This article presents computational insights into the geometric and electronic structures of NbSi4−/0 clusters using density functional theory and the CASSCF/CASPT2 method. The anionic and neutral ground states are identified as the 1A′ and 2A′ states, respectively, within a trigonal bipyramidal isomer where the Nb atom occupies the equatorial position. The adiabatic detachment energy for the transition from the anionic ground state 1A′ to the neutral ground state 2A′ is estimated to be 2.30 eV. Additionally, an evaluation of the vertical detachment energies for transitions to the neutral states 12A′, 12A″, 22A′, 22A″, 32A′, 32A″, and 42A′ yields respective values of 2.42, 2.78, 2.94, 3.34, 3.86, 4.08, and 4.28 eV. These computed electron detachment energies successfully account for all five bands observed in the photoelectron spectrum of the anionic cluster. Furthermore, the Franck–Condon factor simulations reveal extensive vibrational progressions associated with the transition to the neutral ground state 12A′, manifesting as an unresolved broad band at 2.41 eV in the spectrum.
Response of frequency domain in generalized thermoelastic medium under modified Green‐Lindsay with non‐local and two temperature
Authors: Kaushal Sachin , Kumar Rajneesh , Lofty Khaled , Bala Indu
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a novel model for a generalized thermoelastic medium with homogeneity and isotropy, by applying the Modified Green‐Lindsay (MG‐L) theory of thermoelasticity. The focus is on analysing the deformation due to time‐harmonic by considering the impact of non‐local and two‐temperature (TT) parameters. The governing equations are solved using dimensionless quantities and a potential function. To address the boundary value problem in the frequency domain, the Hankel transform is employed. Specific boundary conditions, such as a normal force or thermal source, are applied. Analytical expressions for components of displacement, stresses, conductive temperature, and temperature distribution are derived in the transformed domain A numerical inversion technique is utilised to translate the solution into the physical domain. The study delves into exploring the influence of non‐local and two‐temperature parameters, as well as different theories of thermoelasticity on stresses, temperature distribution and conductive temperature. These effects are visually represented through graphical illustrations. Additionally, special cases of interest are examined and discussed.
NLRC3 attenuates osteoclastogenesis by limiting TNFα+ Th17 cell response in osteoporosis
Authors: Ren Lingyan , Liu Guangjun , Bai Yun , Gu Liling , Wang Yuan , Sun Li
Published: March 2024

NOD-like receptor family CARD domain containing 3 (NLRC3) is the intracellular protein belonging to NLR (NOD-like receptor) family. NLRC3 can negatively regulate inflammatory signal transduction pathways within the adaptive and innate immunocytes. However, studies need to elucidate the biological role of NLRC3 in bone remodeling. Herein, our study proved that NLRC3 prevents bone loss by inhibiting TNFα+ Th17 cell responses. In osteoporosis, NLRC3 attenuated TNFα+ Th17 cell accumulation in the bone marrow. However, osteoporosis (OP) development was aggravated without affecting bone marrow macrophage (BMM) osteoclastogenesis in NLRC3-deficient ovariectomized (OVX) mice. In this study, we transferred the wild-type and NLRC3−/− CD4+ cells into Rag1−/− mice. Consequently, we evidenced the effects of NLRC3 in CD4+ T cells on inhibiting the accumulation of TNFα + Th17 cells, thus restricting bone loss in the OVX mice. Simultaneously, NLRC3−/− CD4+ T cells promoted the recruitment of osteoclast precursors and inflammatory monocytes into the OVX mouse bone marrow. Mechanism-wise, NLRC3 reduced the secretion of TNFα + Th17 cells of RANKL, MIP1α, and MCP1, depending on the T cells. In addition, NLRC3 negatively regulated the Th17 osteoclastogenesis promoting functions via limiting the NF-κB activation. Collectively, this study appreciated the effect of NLRC3 on modulating bone mass via adaptive immunity depending on CD4+ cells. According to findings of this study, NLRC3 may be the candidate anti-OP therapeutic target.

Key messages

NLRC3 negatively regulated the Th17 osteoclastogenesis promoting functions via limiting the NF-κB activation.

NLRC3 may be the candidate anti-OP therapeutic target.
Edible insect-processing techniques: a strategy to develop nutritional food products and novelty food analogs
Authors: Kozlu Ali , Ngasakul Nujamee , Klojdová Iveta , Baigts-Allende Diana Karina
Published: March 2024

Edible insects have been part of the eating habits of several cultures over the years. They are recognized as a promising nutritional and sustainable alternative food source. The transformation of insects into safer and more acceptable food ingredients depends on the processing techniques and the final food system. Conventional methodologies such as blanching, boiling, drying, and milling are primarily used for material pre-conditioning and powder preparation, mostly for preparing bakery products. Most advanced technologies are preferred for extraction of insect derivatives such as lipids, proteins, polyphenols, and chitosan due to their better-quality preservation, higher yield, and more environmentally friendly (solvent residues). Insect derivatives (mainly lipids and proteins) have been used to enhance the nutritional value of processed products and to produce food analogs, principally for meat and less investigated for milk and dairy products. This literature overview summarizes the effect of different processing techniques on edible insects’ safety and quality and their use for the development of processed products and derivatives for food analogs production.
Promoting physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis through a physiotherapist led behaviour change-based intervention (PIPPRA): a feasibility randomised trial
Authors: Larkin Louise , McKenna Seán , Pyne Tadhg , Comerford Paul , Moses Anusha , Folan Ailish , Gallagher Stephen , Glynn Liam , Fraser Alexander , Esbensen Bente Appel , Kennedy Norelee
Published: March 2024

Physical activity (PA) is recommended as a key component in the management of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of a physiotherapist led, behaviour change (BC) theory-informed, intervention to promote PA in people with RA who have low levels of current PA. A feasibility randomised trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03644160) of people with RA over 18 years recruited from outpatient rheumatology clinics and classified as insufficiently physically active using the Godin−Shephard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were randomised to intervention group (4 BC physiotherapy sessions in 8 weeks) delivered in person/virtually or control group (PA information leaflet only). Feasibility targets (eligibility, recruitment, and refusal), protocol adherence and acceptability were measured. Health care professionals (HCPs) involved in the study and patients in the intervention and control arms were interviewed to determine acceptability. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data with SPSS (v27) with interviews analysed using content analysis using NVivo (v14). Three hundred and twenty participants were identified as potentially eligible, with n = 183 (57%) eligible to participate, of which n = 58 (32%) consented to participate. The recruitment rate was 6.4 per month. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the study, recruitment took place over two separate phases in 2020 and 2021. Of the 25 participants completing the full study, 23 were female (mean age 60 years (SD 11.5)), with n = 11 allocated to intervention group and n = 14 to control. Intervention group participants completed 100% of sessions 1 & 2, 88% of session 3 and 81% of session 4. The study design and intervention were acceptable overall to participants, with enhancements suggested. The PIPPRA study to improve promote physical activity in people with RA who have low PA levels was feasible, acceptable and safe. Despite the impact of COVID-19 on the recruitment and retention of patients, the study provides preliminary evidence that this physiotherapist led BC intervention is feasible and a full definitive intervention should be undertaken. Health care professionals involved in the study delivery and the patient participants described a number of positive aspects to the study with some suggestions to enhance the design. These findings hence inform the design of a future efficacy-focused clinical trial.
Ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft without omental wrap: an effective method to treat ureteral strictures
Authors: Engelmann Simon U. , Yang Yushan , Pickl Christoph , Haas Maximilian , Goßler Christopher , Kälble Sebastian , Hartmann Valerie , Breyer Johannes , Burger Maximilian , Mayr Roman
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Successful treatment options for ureteral strictures are limited. Surgical options such as ileal interposition and kidney autotransplantation are difficult and associated with morbidity and complications. Techniques such as Boari flap and psoas hitch are limited to distal strictures. Only limited case studies on the success of open buccal mucosa graft (BMG) ureteroplasty exist to this date. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success of open BMG ureteroplasty without omental wrap.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective study between July 2020 and January 2023, we included 14 consecutive patients with ureteric strictures who were treated with open BMG ureteroplasty without omental wrap. The primary outcome was the success of open BMG ureteroplasty. Further endpoints were complications and hospital readmission. Outcome variables were assessed by clinical examination, kidney sonography, and patient anamnesis.

Results

Out of 14 patients, 13 were stricture and ectasia-free without a double-J stent at a median follow-up of 15 months (success rate 93%). No complications were observed at the donor site, and the complication rate overall was low with 3 out of 14 patients (21%) having mild-to-medium complications.

Conclusions

Open BMG ureteroplasty without omental wrap is a successful and feasible technique for ureteric stricture repair.
Collective or individual rationality in the Nash bargaining solution: efficiency-free characterizations
Authors: Nakamura Kensei
Published: March 2024

In the classical bargaining problem, we propose a very mild axiom of individual rationality, which we call possibility of utility gain. This requires that for at least one bargaining problem, there exists at least one player who reaches a higher utility level than their disagreement utility. This paper shows that the Nash solution (Nash in Econometrica 18(2):155–162, 1950) is characterized by possibility of utility gain and continuity with respect to feasible sets together with Nash’s axioms except weak Pareto optimality. We also show that in Nash’s theorem, weak Pareto optimality can be replaced by conflict-freeness (introduced by Rachmilevitch in Math Soc Sci 76(C):107–109, 2015). This demands that when the agreement most preferred by all players is feasible, this should be chosen. Furthermore, we provide alternative and unified proofs for other efficiency-free characterizations of the Nash solution. This clarifies the role of each axiom in the related results.
Role of CD4+ T-cells for regulating splenic myelopoiesis and monocyte differentiation after experimental myocardial infarction
Authors: Gladow Nadine , Hollmann Claudia , Weirather Johannes , Ding Xin , Burkard Matthias , Uehlein Sabrina , Bharti Richa , Förstner Konrad , Kerkau Thomas , Beyersdorf Niklas , Frantz Stefan , Ramos Gustavo , Hofmann Ulrich
Published: March 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) induces the generation of proinflammatory Ly6Chigh monocytes in the spleen and the recruitment of these cells to the myocardium. CD4+ Foxp3+ CD25+ T-cells (Tregs) promote the healing process after myocardial infarction by engendering a pro-healing differentiation state in myocardial monocyte-derived macrophages. We aimed to study the effects of CD4+ T-cells on splenic myelopoiesis and monocyte differentiation. We instigated MI in mice and found that MI-induced splenic myelopoiesis is abrogated in CD4+ T-cell deficient animals. Conventional CD4+ T-cells promoted myelopoiesis in vitro by cell–cell-contact and paracrine mechanisms, including interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) signalling. Depletion of regulatory T-cells enhanced myelopoiesis in vivo, as evidenced by increases in progenitor cell numbers and proliferative activity in the spleen 5 days after MI. The frequency of CD4+ T-cells-producing factors that promote myelopoiesis increased within the spleen of Treg-depleted mice. Moreover, depletion of Tregs caused a proinflammatory bias in splenic Ly6Chigh monocytes, which showed predominantly upregulated expression of IFN-γ responsive genes after MI. Our results indicate that conventional CD4+ T-cells promote and Tregs attenuate splenic myelopoiesis and proinflammatory differentiation of monocytes.
First species record of Strigea falconis Szidat, 1928 (Trematoda, Strigeidae) from gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus in Iceland—pros and cons of a complex life cycle
Authors: Faltýnková Anna , Jouet Damien , Nielsen Ólafur Karl , Skírnisson Karl
Published: March 2024

Strigea falconis is a common parasite of birds of prey and owls widely distributed in the Holarctic. We aimed to characterise S. falconis from Iceland via integrative taxonomic approach and to contribute to the understanding of its circulation in the Holarctic. We recovered adult S. falconis from two gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) collected in 2011 and 2012 in Iceland (Reykjanes Peninsula, Westfjords) and characterised them by morphological and molecular genetic (D2 of rDNA, cox1, ND1 of the mDNA) methods. We provide the first species record of S. falconis in Iceland which to the best of our knowledge is its northernmost distributional range. The presence of S. falconis in Iceland is surprising, as there are no suitable intermediate hosts allowing completion of its life cycle. Gyrfalcons are fully sedentary in Iceland; thus, the only plausible explanation is that they acquired their infection by preying upon migratory birds arriving from Europe. Our data indicate that the most likely candidates are Anseriformes and Charadriiformes. Also, we corroborate the wide geographical distribution of S. falconis, as we found a high degree of similarity between our haplotypes and sequences of mesocercariae from frogs in France and of a metacercaria from Turdus naumanni in Japan, and adults from Buteo buteo and Circus aeruginosus from the Czech Republic. The case of Strigea falconis shows the advantages of a complex life cycle and also depicts its pitfalls when a parasite is introduced to a new area with no suitable intermediate hosts. In Iceland, gyrfalcons are apparently dead-end hosts for S. falconis.
Scabies: Immunopathogenesis and pathological changes
Authors: Sharaf Mahmoud S.
Published: March 2024

Scabies is an itchy skin disease caused by the burrowing miteSarcoptes scabiei. During their lifespan, the female mites invade the stratum corneum and create tunnels, in which they reside, move, feed, deposit fecal pellets, and lay eggs. Recently, scabies was included in the World Health Organization roadmap for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030. This review attempts to summarize our knowledge about the mite’s biology and the disease pathogenesis, pathological changes, and complications. Generally, the host–parasite interaction in scabies is highly complex and involves different mechanisms, some of which are yet largely unknown. Elucidation of the nature of such interaction as well as the underlying mechanisms could allow a better understanding of the mite’s biology and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic options for scabies control programs. Moreover, identification of the molecular basis of such interaction could unveil novel targets for acaricidal agents and vaccines.
Comparison of probability distributions used for harnessing the wind energy potential: a case study from India
Authors: Gugliani Gaurav Kumar , Ley Christophe , Nakhaei Rad Najmeh , Bekker Andriette
Published: March 2024

Modeling wind speed data is the prime requirement for harnessing the wind energy potential at a given site. While the Weibull distribution is the most commonly employed distribution in the literature and in practice, numerous scientific articles have proposed various alternative continuous probability distributions to model the wind speed at their convenient sites. Fitting the best distribution model to the data enables the practitioners to estimate the wind power density more accurately, which is required for wind power generation. In this paper we comprehensively review fourteen continuous probability distributions, and investigate their fitting capacities at seventeen locations of India covering the east and west offshore corner as well as the mainland, which represents a large variety of climatological scenarios. A first main finding is that wind speed varies a lot inside India and that one should treat each site individually for optimizing wind power generation. A second finding is that the wide acceptance of the Weibull distribution should at least be questioned, as it struggles to represent wind regimes with heterogeneous data sets exhibiting multimodality, high levels of skewness and/or kurtosis. Our study reveals that mixture distributions are very good alternative candidates that can model difficult shapes and yet do not require too many parameters.
Lebensmittelverluste und -abfallaufkommen in Österreich
Authors: Obersteiner Gudrun , Stoifl Barbara
Published: March 2024

Im September 2015 hat die UN-Vollversammlung im Rahmen der Nachhaltigkeitsziele bis 2030 die Zielvorgabe aufgestellt, die Lebensmittelverschwendung pro Kopf auf Einzelhandels- und Verbraucherebene zu halbieren und die Lebensmittelverluste entlang der Produktions- und Lieferkette zu verringern (Sustainable Development Goal 12.3). Die Europäische Union und ihre Mitgliedstaaten haben sich verpflichtet, diese Zielvorgabe zu erfüllen. Mit der Notwendigkeit, die Nachhaltigkeitsziele der UN umzusetzen, wurde seitens der Europäischen Union festgelegt, wie zukünftig Messungen von Lebensmittelabfällen im Rahmen der Berichtspflicht über den Umfang von Lebensmittelabfällen umzusetzen sind. Für das Referenzjahr 2020 wurden erstmals Daten für Österreich an die Europäische Kommission übermittelt. Diese unterscheiden sich jedoch teilweise aufgrund unterschiedlicher methodischer Vorgaben und/oder Herangehensweisen von jenen, die bisher für Österreich erhoben und publiziert wurden. Die jeweiligen Erhebungsmethoden werden im Detail erläutert. Unterschiede in den Ergebnissen zum Lebensmittelabfallaufkommen können, unter anderem über die jeweils verwendeten Definitionen von Lebensmittelabfall, erklärt werden.