bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of mild COVID‐19 on medium‐term respiratory function
Authors: Van Heerden J , Strijdom H , Parker A , Allwood B W , Lalla U , Lombard C J , Koegelenberg C F N
Published: November 2024

Background. There is a paucity of evidence on the impact of mild COVID‐19 on the respiratory system, particularly in non‐healthcare‐ seeking individuals.
Objectives. To investigate the effects of mild COVID‐19 on respiratory function and to identify indicators of decreased lung function.
Methods. We conducted a cross‐sectional study in 175 non‐healthcare‐seeking individuals with confirmed acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection who did not require hospitalisation. Participants were divided into three groups: those who had pulmonary function tests (PFTs) within 6 months, between 6 and 12 months, and between 12 and 24 months after infection. Each participant underwent spirometry, measurement of the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), a 6‐minute walking distance test (6MWD) and plethysmography.
Results. The mean age of the participants was 44.3 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) 32.7 kg/m2. Forty‐six participants had PFTs within 6 months, 64 between 6 and 12 months, and 65 between 12 and 24 months. Lower than expected DLCO was the most commonly detected abnormality (57%). Spirometry anomalies were noted in 23%, 10% showing an obstructive impairment and 13% a restrictive impairment, confirmed by a total lung capacity <80%. An increased BMI was the only variable that was significantly and independently linearly associated with lower than predicted (<80%) forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the 1st second, DLCO and 6MWD.
Conclusion. DLCO was low in a considerable proportion of non‐healthcare‐seeking individuals 2 years after mild COVID‐19. A high BMI was found to be significantly and independently associated with lower than predicted PFT results and 6MWD.
Severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a young child: An emerging increase in incidence?
Authors: Goussard P , Rabie H , Frigati L , Gie A , Irusen S , Jacobs C , Venkatakrishna S , Andronikou S
Published: November 2024

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Expanding the use of the newly discovered and new circumstances to fill gaps in legislative regulation: the agony of the institute or an illustration of a natural development?
Authors: Baikova Svetlana Radikovna
Published: November 2024

The subject of research of this article is a particular case of extended application of the newly discovered and new circumstances in a situation that does not essentially dispose to such application, namely: regulation of the right of a creditor to appeal against a judicial act that is the basis for inclusion of another creditor's claim in a bankruptcy case of their common debtor. The reasons for such a decision of the legislator, the historical path of development of legal regulation of this situation in Russia are analyzed, other examples of cases of extended application of the newly discovered and new circumstances to fill gaps in legislative regulation are given. The hypothesis of universality of the procedural institute of revision of a judicial act on newly discovered and new circumstances and the problem of limits of the principle of legal certainty is put. The problem of expanding the cases of application of the newly discovered and new circumstances in the light of the principle of legal certainty in civil proceedings is not investigated in detail in the scientific literature or investigated indirectly, when resolving other issues. The author believes that it is important to analyze the following issues in the formulation of this fundamental problem. As a result, the author comes to the conclusion that there are no grounds for extending the provisions of the institute to situations of revision of the judicial act-foundation, as well as evidence of the need for fundamental reform of approaches to the institute of newly discovered and new circumstances. The new look of the institute should ensure the balance of the principles of legality and legal certainty. The results of the work can be used for the development of procedural legislation, in the educational process.
Anisotropic energy funneling effect in wrinkled monolayer GeSe
Authors: Liu Jun-Jie , Zuo Hui-Ling , Tan Xin , Dong Jian-Sheng ,   College of Physics and Electromechanical Engineering, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China
Published: November 2024

Two-dimensional materials with tunable wrinkled structures open up a new way to modulate their electronic and optoelectronic properties. However, the mechanisms of forming wrinkles and their influences on the band structures and associated properties are still unclear. Here, we investigate the strain distribution, bandgap, and anisotropic energy funneling effect of wrinkled monolayer GeSe and their evolution with the wrinkle wavelength based on the atomic-bond-relaxation approach and continuum medium mechanics. We find that the top region and valley region of wrinkled monolayer GeSe exhibit tensile and compressive strains, respectively, and the strain increases with wrinkle wavelength decreasing. Moreover, the periodic undulation strain in the wrinkles can lead to continuously adjustable bandgaps and band edges in wrinkled monolayer GeSe. For zigzag wrinkled monolayer GeSe, when the wrinkle wavelength is long, the conduction band minimum value (valence band maximum value) continuously decreases (increases) from the top to the valley, forming an energy funnel. As a result, the excitons accumulate in the valleys of wrinkles, and their accumulation capability increases with wrinkle wavelength decreasing. However, as the wavelength further decreases, the energy funnel will disappear, causing some excitons to t accumulate at the top of wrinkles, while the remaining excitons will accumulate in the valleys of wrinkles. The critical wavelength for the energy funnel of zigzag wrinkled GeSe to disappear is 106nm. The physical origin is that when the top strain exceeds 4%, the bandgap will decrease. Owing to the monotonic variation of bandgap with strain, the energy funneling effect of armchair wrinkled monolayer GeSe is still retained when the wavelength decreases to 80 nm, and the accumulation of excitons is further enhanced. Our results demonstrate that the energy funneling effect induced by nonuniform can realize excitons’ accumulation in one material without the need of p-n junctions, which is of great benefit to the collection of photogenerated excitons. Therefore, the proposed theory not only clarifies the physical mechanism regarding the anisotropic energy funneling effect of wrinkled monolayer GeSe, but also provides a new avenue for designing the next-generation optoelectronic devices.
Effects of Hypogonadism and Testosterone Therapy on Diabetic Foot Complications
Authors: Jupiter Daniel C. , Faaitiiti Kelli L. , Rodriguez Robert A. , Polychronopoulou Efstathia , Lopez David S.
Published: November 2024

Background: Results of recent studies suggest that high levels of endogenous testosterone decrease the risk of diabetes. Testosterone therapy may delay the transition from prediabetes to diabetes and accelerate healing of diabetic foot ulcers in hypogonadal men. We investigated whether testosterone therapy in this population decreases the occurrence of diabetic foot complications within 1 and 5 years of diabetes diagnosis.

Methods: Optum’s deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart database was searched for male patients with diabetes. Associations between testosterone therapy and the occurrence of ulceration or the use of wound care were explored in the entire population and in those with and without hypogonadism using both bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: Contrary to the hypotheses, testosterone therapy seems to confer increased risk of diabetic foot complications. In hypogonadal men with at least 1 year of follow-up after diabetes diagnosis, any use of testosterone therapy increased the odds of wound care utilization by a factor of 1.10 (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.17), and the odds of ulceration by a factor of 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.24). Similar results are seen in all men, both with and without hypogonadism. Further exploration reveals that hypogonadism also increases the risk of wounds among people with diabetes with care utilization in the entire population.

Conclusions: Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which hypogonadism and testosterone therapy impact diabetic foot complications, and whether these mechanisms are mediated by vascular or neurologic factors.
How Canines Can Assist Our Patients with Diabetes: Diabetes Alert Dogs: What Are Their Capabilities?
Authors: Jenkins David W. , Thompson Kaitlin M. , Goeddeke Nikki
Published: November 2024

Background: The canine olfactory system is used for tasks that greatly aid society, such as detecting explosives, finding lost persons, and detecting many diseases and abnormal blood sugar levels early. However, the reliability of detection of glycemic fluctuations is questionable.

Methods: We reviewed the literature on the capability of canines in detecting significant variations in blood sugar. Traditional studies and anecdotal reports were assessed. Articles and resources that outline the available training and certification process were included.

Results: Publications included studies of canines’ ability to detect scents associated with hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia as well as behavioral changes associated with blood sugar abnormalities. Several anecdotal reports denoted excellent canine performance in detection. Perusal of literature and Web-based resources found a range of available training, from formal (with certification) to do-it-yourself home training. Evidence supporting improved mental/physical health in persons using service dogs was robust.

Conclusions: Canines have the capability to detect numerous medical conditions, including dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar in persons with diabetes, especially hypoglycemia. Most studies on the reliability and performance of diabetes alert dogs report potential lifesaving benefits but demonstrate notable variability and inconsistencies, which may be due to lack of required formal training or a certification process. Most owners believe their dogs are highly effective and greatly improve their life and safety. Due to the improving technology seen with continuous glucose monitoring devices, many believe diabetes alert dogs will become obsolete. Aside from an early warning system, diabetes alert dogs can play a significant role in overall quality of life, especially in benefiting physical and mental health.
Developing a Podiatric Telemedicine Framework for Service Users and Providers in a Primary-Care Setting
Authors: Mercieca Lisa Ann Stojmanovski , Formosa Cynthia , Chockalingam Nachiappan
Published: November 2024

Background: The use of telemedicine has garnered significant traction amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden adoption of certain practices in podiatry was not always supported by empirical evidence, resulting in the development of guidelines and metrics that lacked a foundation in rigorous research.

Methods: A modified Delphi composed of three rounds was conducted with 16 stakeholders (service users, foot and ankle health-care providers, and policymakers) from a primary-care setting to develop a podiatric telemedicine framework for a primary-care setting. The first round consisted of focus group discussions, the second round consisted of a questionnaire composed of different statements that emerged from focus group discussions, and the final third round consisted of a questionnaire with statements from the second round that required further reiterations. Statements that achieved an 80% or higher level of agreement were accepted to form part of the podiatric telemedicine framework.

Results: Excellent consensus data was obtained to develop the podiatric telemedicine framework. Although podiatric telemedicine for low-risk patients in a primary-care setting is relatively new, stakeholders highlighted the importance of having podiatric telemedicine guidelines and setting service user and provider expectations clear on what podiatric telemedicine has to offer and its pitfalls.

Conclusions: The podiatric telemedicine framework developed is recommended to all foot and ankle health-care professionals in a primary-care setting who wish to provide telemedicine consultations. Moreover, it is recommended that a pilot study be carried out to look into the feasibility of this framework being translated and implemented as a guideline related to foot and ankle telemedicine consultations.
Isobaric crosslinking mass spectrometry technology for studying conformational and structural changes in proteins and complexes
Authors: Luo Jie , Ranish Jeff
Published: November 2024

Dynamic conformational and structural changes in proteins and protein complexes play a central and ubiquitous role in the regulation of protein function, yet it is very challenging to study these changes, especially for large protein complexes, under physiological conditions. Here, we introduce a novel isobaric crosslinker, Qlinker, for studying conformational and structural changes in proteins and protein complexes using quantitative crosslinking mass spectrometry. Qlinkers are small and simple, amine-reactive molecules with an optimal extended distance of ~10 Å, which use MS2 reporter ions for relative quantification of Qlinker-modified peptides derived from different samples. We synthesized the 2-plex Q2linker and showed that the Q2linker can provide quantitative crosslinking data that pinpoints key conformational and structural changes in biosensors, binary and ternary complexes composed of the general transcription factors TBP, TFIIA, and TFIIB, and RNA polymerase II complexes.
Biopsy-based normalizations of gill monogenean-infected European catfish (Silurus glanis L., 1758) stocks for laboratory-based experiments
Authors: Bognár András , Borkhanuddin Muhammad Hafiz , Nagase Shion , Sellyei Boglárka
Published: November 2024

Ectoparasites cause serious problems during the aquaculture production of food fishes. In this study, we set out to develop and test protocols for maintenance and sampling European catfish (Silurus glanis L., 1758) stocks infected with a gill monogenean, Thaparocleidus vistulensis (Siwak 1932) Lim 1996. When we compared the feasibility of two cohabitation-based parasite culture systems (i.e., static vs. flow-through), we found that the life cycle of T. vistulensis was completed in both habitats. In our experience, static tank systems with regular water exchange allowed better daily quality control of the parasite culture than continuous flow-through systems. We investigated the microhabitat preference of T. vistulensis on the gills of infected European catfish. A balanced distribution on the two lateral gill sets and a decreasing trend in parasite numbers from anterior gill holobranches towards the posterior ones was observed. Using these results, we developed a minimally invasive sampling protocol to estimate the parasite load of individuals. The biopsy aimed at four sectors (#6, #7, #10, and #11) situated within the distal and middle zones of the first holobranch on the left side, encompassing both rows of filaments. Biopsy-based estimates of parasite loads were validated by comparing them to full parasite counts of the same individuals and showed statistically significant correlations. Our biopsy-based method is designed to identify experimental animals with similar parasite loads and create groups of hosts with comparable burdens. This setup is expected to generate reduced between-group differences for expensive experiments (e.g., high throughput transcriptomic or epigenetic studies). We propose that the biopsy-based pre-sorting procedure should be considered in similar experiments with other cultured fish species and their gill monogeneans following a thorough fine-tuning of the experimental conditions.
Comparative electromyography analysis of subphase gait disorder in chronic stroke survivors
Authors: Hohsoh Nusreena , Sanghan Thanita , Chong Desmond Y.R. , Stojanovic Goran , Chatpun Surapong
Published: November 2024

Abnormal lower limb muscle activity is the most common cause of the alterative pattern of gait in stroke survivors, resulting from spastic and paralytic muscles around the hip, knee, and ankle joints. However, the activity of the major lower limb muscles that control the legs to facilitate walking in stroke patients have not been clearly understood in each subphase of the gait. This study differentiated the characteristics of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of lower limb muscles during four subphases of gait cycle between stroke patients and healthy subjects. Sixteen chronic stroke patients and sixteen healthy subjects were recruited. All participants completed three walking trials with a self-selected walking speed. The sEMG signals were recorded on the gluteus medius, rectus femoris, long head of biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus muscles. The characteristics of sEMG signals were processed and analyzed in the time and frequency features, considering the first double support, single support, second double support, and swing phases of the gait cycle.The stroke patients had altered sEMG characteristics on both paretic and non-paretic sides compared to healthy subjects across the sub-phases of gait cycle for all six muscles. All time domain features of sEMG signal showed that the medial gastrocnemius muscle has the most significant impaired activity (p < 0.05) and affected gait disturbance during all four subphases of the gait cycle. The findings demonstrated that the medial gastrocnemius muscle had impaired activity and was most affected during all four sub-phases of the gait cycle. This indicates that sEMG of medial gastrocnemius muscle can be used to measure the improvement of gait rehabilitation.
L’inexistence de Dieu dans la phénoménologie de la donation de Jean-Luc Marion
Authors: Vinolo Stéphane
Published: November 2024

La fenomenología de la donación de Jean-Luc Marion ocupa hoy un lugar central, tanto en filosofía como en teología, desde que el anuncio del fin de la metafísica hizo posible la cuestión de Dios desde un punto de vista fenomenológico. Sin embargo, su pensamiento sobre la fenomenalidad presenta un reto formidable. Puesto que Dios ya no es el Dios de la metafísica, su fenomenalidad ya no puede basarse en una de las modalidades de la presencia, lo que nos lleva a pensar en una fenomenalidad de la ausencia o del repliegue. A través de un análisis de las tres modalidades de lo invisible, el autor muestra que lejos de lo invisible y de lo que no se ve, la fenomenalidad de Dios debe ser pensada como la manifestación de una ausencia, y no a través de la negatividad de la no existencia, menos aún a través de la del no ser, sino la de la positividad paradójica de la no existencia
El amor en María Magdalena. Una lectura al evangelio de Juan según Buenaventura
Authors: Reyes-Gacitúa Eva , Gayoso-Donzé Oscar
Published: November 2024

Este artículo aborda la figura de María Magdalena en la exégesis bonaventuriana del evangelio de Juan. A este propósito, se contextualiza el autor y la obra, y se analizan los pasajes del In Ioan referidos a María Magdalena en el contexto de la resurrección. En una primera sección se muestra la solicitud y diligencia de María Magdalena. Posteriormente, se desarrolla su fervor y amor en relación con la misión que se le otorga; finalmente se analiza la dinámica del encuentro entre ella y el resucitado. Como resultado, colocamos de manifiesto la originalidad de Buenaventura en su apreciación de lo femenino.
Determinants and Constraints of Access to Credit by Poultry Egg Farmers in Ogun State Nigeria
Authors: S.A Adewuyi , E.T Tolorunju , I.O Olusanya , S.O Akinbode
Published: November 2024

Access to credit is crucial for the advancement of the poultry industry in Nigeria, yet a significant portion of poultry farmers lack access to formal credit sources. This study investigates determinants and constraints to credit access among poultry egg farmers in Ogun State, based on data collected from 180 farmers using a multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and a Logit regression model were employed for analysis. About 33.3% of the farmers were within the age range of 41-50, poultry farmers of 62.2% within the region were more of male farmers while 75.6% of the farmers were educated up to tertiary level. Only 45% of respondents had credit access, with varying sources: 19.8% from commercial banks, 37% from cooperatives, 18% from microfinance banks, 2.5% from the Bank of Agriculture, 6.2% from government sources, and 12.3% from private organizations. The Logit model revealed that farming experience and flock size significantly influence credit access (p<0.01). For each year of farming experience, there is a 4.8% increase in the likelihood of credit access. Similarly, for each unit increase in flock size, there is approximately a 0.04% rise in credit access likelihood. Descriptive statistics highlight constraints to credit access: lack of awareness (5.1%), absence of collateral (30.3%), lack of interest (5.1%), loan denial (12.1%), high interest rates (27.2%), regulatory hurdles (8.1%), and inadequate documentation (12.1%). It is recommended that policymakers and financial institutions develop tailored credit products for poultry farmers, addressing specific challenges such as collateral requirements and high interest rates, this is because once financial barriers are removed production is likely to improve. Additionally, enhancing farmer awareness of available credit options and simplifying application processes can improve credit accessibility in the sector.
Updated Approaches to the Management of Complicated Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Narrative Review Focus on Bleeding, Perforation and Obstruction
Authors: H.R. Kumar
Published: November 2024

Complicated peptic ulcer disease are complications that occur from peptic ulcer disease and can be divided into bleeding peptic ulcer, perforated peptic ulcer and gastric outlet obstruction. The diagnosis and management of this condition is important, as bleeding peptic ulcer disease is managed by endoscopy and medical therapy. Perforated gastric ulcer is primarily treated by surgical closure of the ulcer which can be performed by an open or laparoscopic method. Gastric outlet obstruction is managed by endoscopic ballon dilatation with surgical bypass being reserved for failure of medical therapy. As complicated peptic ulcer is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality, we have conducted this review article to look at the management of complicated peptic ulcer disease.
Improvement of Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of African Rosewood (Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir) by Seed Pretreatment, Seedling Substrate and Growing Medium
Authors: Fulgence Thiemele Deless Edmond , Jésus Fofana Inza , Issa Soro Minfounga
Published: November 2024

Pterocarpus erinaceus is a highly valuable species endemic to West Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, it is subject to abusive and illegal exploitation, compromising the survival of stands and, above all, its natural regeneration. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum conditions for the germination and development of Pterocarpus erinaceus seedlings in the nursery. The experiment was conducted at the experimental site of the botanical garden of the Peleforo GON COULIBALY University (UPGC) following a randomized Fisher block design with three replications between May and August 2024. Four pretreatments were applied to Pterocarpus erinaceus seeds sown on two substrates in two environments. These were pretreatments (hulled seed, unhulled seed, unhulled seed soaked in ordinary water for 24 hours and hulled seed soaked in ordinary water for 24 hours), substrates (black earth and potting soil) and environments (tunnel and shade). The results showed that hulled seeds grown on sterilized black soil under tunnel conditions showed the best germination rate (81.67%) within a germination time of 3 days with a mean germination time of 7 days after sowing (DAS). These were followed by hulled seeds sown on black soil under shade conditions, with a 76.66% germination rate within a germination period of 3 days and an average germination time of 7.51 days after sowing. The seedlings obtained from these hulled seeds had a height of 20 cm, 7 leaves and a diameter of 1.45 mm in two months in the nursery under tunnel conditions, compared with 14.96 cm in height, 6 leaves and a diameter of 1.95 mm under shade conditions, which considerably reduced the time taken in the nursery compared with previous work. Thus, the technique of hulled seeds grown on black soil under tunnel conditions can be recommended for germinating Pterocarpus erinaceus seeds for planting purposes.
Maximizing Productivity and Profitability of Rice through Crop Establishment Methods and Weed Management Practices in Winter Rice-Garden Pea Relay Cropping System
Authors: Bhattacharjya Sameeron , Deka Jayanta , Kurmi Khagen , Pradhan Surajyoti , Bharteey Prem Kumar , Saikia Rituparna , Borah Sanjib Ranjan , Kalita Sontara , Borthakur Sanjay , Gogoi Bonti
Published: November 2024

A field experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field at Pirakata Brahmin Gaon under the jurisdiction of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jorhat to study resource conservation through crop establishment methods and weed management practices in winter rice (Oryza sativa. L.) - garden pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense) relay cropping system during 2019-20 & 2020-21. The treatment consisted of four crop establishment methods of winter rice (T) viz., T1: WDSR (Broadcasting), T2: WDSR (Modified Drum Seeder with furrow opener), T3: PTR (Farmers’ Practice), T4: PTR (Mechanized Transplanting by paddy transplanter) where WDSR: Wet Direct Seeded Rice, PTR: Puddled Transplanted Rice along with three weed management practices of rice (W) viz., W0: Weedy check, W1: Pretilachlor 0.75 kg/ha as pre-emergence fb bispyribac-sodium 0.025 kg/ha (20 DAS/DAT) as post-emergence, W2: Pretilachlor 0.75 kg/ha as pre-emergence fb manual weeding (30 DAS/DAT). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The soil of the experimental site was sandy clay loam in texture, medium acidic in reaction, medium in organic carbon and available N and low in available P2O5 and K2O. The study revealed that the establishment method that T2, T3 and T4 had higher growth and yield parameters of the crop as compared to T1: WDSR (B) which resulted in higher grain and straw yield of winter rice as well as uptake of nutrients. The highest grain yield of 49.79 and 50.13 q/ha of winter rice was recorded under T4: PTR (MTR) followed by 46.62 and 47.8 q/ha in T2: WDSR (Drum seeder) during 2019 and 2020, respectively. The percent increase in grain yield of winter rice in W1 and W2 as compared to W0 (control) was 82.97, 84.52 in 2019 and 81.62, 81.58, respectively in 2020. The treatment combination T4W2 recorded the highest grain and straw yield of winter rice which was statistically at par with T4W1, T2W1 and T2W2. The higher B:C of 2.27 and 2.14 was recorded in T2W1 with higher gross return and net return followed by T2W2 (2.18 and 2.08 during 2019 and 2020, respectively).
Economics of Value Added Products of Groundnut in Yadgir District of Karnataka, India
Authors: Patil Nagaraj , K Suresh , Deshmanya Jagrati B , G B Lokesh , Umesh Barikara
Published: November 2024

The present study was conducted to analyze the costs and returns of value added products of groundnut in Yadgir district of Karnataka. The data was derived from primary sources, consisting of 30 respondents; the information was collected using snowball sampling technique. The findings revealed that for groundnut holige, the total cost of production for 300 holiges was ₹ 2,616.16, with a net return of ₹ 2,783.84 and returns per rupee of investment (RRI) of 2.064. Groundnut chikki production incurred a cost of ₹ 3,595.84 for 500 chikkis, yielding a net return of ₹ 1,404.16 and a RRI of 1.390. Groundnut chutney powder production of 10 kg had a total cost of ₹ 2,079.37, resulting in a net return of ₹ 950.37 and a RRI of 1.463. Boiled groundnut production of 10 kg involved a total cost of ₹ 1,503.71, yielding a net return of ₹ 1,496.29 and a RRI of 1.995. Spicy coated groundnut production (10 kg) had a total cost of ₹ 2,227.91, resulting in a net return of ₹ 772.08 and a RRI of 1.346. The profitability and income-enhancing potential of value-added groundnut products, suggests that the farmers and entrepreneurs in Yadgir District can benefit from processing groundnuts into diverse, marketable products.
Flexible and Implantable Microelectrodes for Chronically Stable Neural Interfaces
Authors: Shi Jidong , Fang Ying
Published: October 2018

Implantable electrical probes that can record neural activities at single‐neuron and sub‐millisecond resolution are the most widely applied tools in both neuroscience research and neuroprosthetics. However, the structural and mechanical mismatch between conventional rigid probes and neural tissues results in inflammatory responses and signal degradation over chronic recordings. Reducing the cross‐sectional footprints and rigidity of the probes can effectively improve the long‐term stability of neural interfaces. Herein, recent progress in the development of implantable microelectrodes for chronically stable neural interfaces is highlighted, with a focus on the utilization of advanced materials and structural design concepts.
Catalytic Enantioselective Aldol Reactions of Unprotected Carboxylic Acids under Phosphine Oxide Catalysis
Authors: Kotani Shunsuke , Yoshiwara Yusaku , Ogasawara Masamichi , Sugiura Masaharu , Nakajima Makoto
Published: October 2018

The first catalytic enantioselective aldol reaction of various unprotected carboxylic acids is described. In the presence of a chiral bis(phosphine oxide) as a Lewis base catalyst, carboxylic acids were activated with silicon tetrachloride to form the corresponding bis(trichlorosilyl)enediolates in situ, which subsequently underwent an aldol reaction with an aldehyde or a ketone to produce β‐hydroxycarboxylic acids in high enantioselectivities of up to 92 % ee.
Nano CoCuFe2O4‐catalyzed coupling reaction of arylboronic acid with amines and thiols: An atom‐economic and ligand‐free route to access unsymmetrical amines and sulfides
Authors: Moghaddam Firouz Matloubi , Pourkaveh Raheleh , Gholamtajari Milad
Published: October 2018

An efficient protocol was developed for the nano CoCuFe2O4‐catalyzed C‐N and C‐S bond formation. By this catalytic system, both amine and sulfide‐based structural motifs were formed efficiently in aryl halide‐free route. The amination reaction of phenyl boronic acid with various types of amines was conducted under ligand‐free conditions, in ethanol as a green solvent at 60°C. Unsymmetrical diaryl/aryl alkyl sulfide synthesis via the coupling reaction of arylboronic acids with thiols was also conducted. The nano cobalt‐copper ferrite was used as a heterogenous efficient, inexpensive, magnetically separable and recyclable catalyst that can be used for several cycles.
Generation and Biological Characteristics of a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer that Copresents with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Li Mengshi , Cao Jinghua , He Yajun , Zhou Zijun , He Xiaodong , Zhang Qian‐Qian , Wang Li‐Jing , Qi Cui‐Ling
Published: October 2018

Both diabetes and breast cancer are common diseases worldwide, and diabetes is also linked to higher rates of breast cancer. Epidemiological data also indicate that diabetes may be one of the risk factors for breast cancer. However, the effect of diabetes on breast cancer progression in vivo is rarely reported. We established an ideal animal model of breast cancer using transgenic MMTV‐PyMT mice, which spontaneously developed breast cancer. In this model, the animals copresented with diabetes mellitus, which allowed us to study the effect of high glucose on breast cancer. Compared with MMTV‐PyMT mice without diabetes, MMTV‐PyMT mice with diabetes developed heavier tumors and exhibited greater tumor volumes. Furthermore, high glucose promoted the invasiveness and metastasis of breast cancer in MMTV‐PyMT mice. This breast cancer model in which mice copresented with diabetes provides a useful tool to study the effect of diabetes on breast cancer. Anat Rec, 302:269–277, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arterial Patterns of the Face in Camelidamorpha
Authors: Kowalczyk Karolina , Zdun Maciej , Frąckowiak Hieronim
Published: October 2018

Arteries supplying the intermandibular, mental, masseteric, buccal, labial, and nasal regions of the face in selected species belonging to the suborder Tylopoda are described in this study. Analyses were conducted on a total of five species representing the family Camelidae based on 27 heads of cadaveric specimens, which were prepared by arterial injection with acetone‐dissolved stained vinyl super chloride or stained latex LBS3060. Vascularization of regions of the face was formed by the facial, sublingual, mental, transverse facial, buccal, and infraorbital arteries. It was confirmed that the linguofacial trunk is absent in Camelidae. In turn, in camels the deep temporal artery descended in the common trunk with the transverse facial artery, while in llamas and alpacas it was a direct branch of the maxillary artery. It was shown that the pattern of facial arteries in Camelidamorpha exhibits specific traits for this clade and differs from the system of these arteries in other artiodactyls. The described specific character in arterial vascularization of the face not only expands the spectrum of morphological characteristics in Camelidae, but it also provides information which may prove useful for clinical purposes in veterinary practice. Anat Rec, 301:2122–2127, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Annotating Transcriptional Effects of Genetic Variants in Disease‐Relevant Tissue: Transcriptome‐Wide Allelic Imbalance in Osteoarthritic Cartilage
Authors: den Hollander Wouter , Pulyakhina Irina , Boer Cindy , Bomer Nils , van der Breggen Ruud , Arindrarto Wibowo , Couthino de Almeida Rodrigo , Lakenberg Nico , Sentner Thom , Laros Jeroen F. J. , ‘t Hoen Peter A. C. , Slagboom Eline P. E. , Nelissen Rob G. H. H. , van Meurs Joyce , Ramos Yolande F. M. , Meulenbelt Ingrid
Published: October 2018

Objective

Multiple single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) conferring susceptibility to osteoarthritis (OA) mark imbalanced expression of positional genes in articular cartilage, reflected by unequally expressed alleles among heterozygotes (allelic imbalance [AI]). We undertook this study to explore the articular cartilage transcriptome from OA patients for AI events to identify putative disease‐driving genetic variation.

Methods

AI was assessed in 42 preserved and 5 lesioned OA cartilage samples (from the Research Arthritis and Articular Cartilage study) for which RNA sequencing data were available. The count fraction of the alternative alleles among the alternative and reference alleles together (φ) was determined for heterozygous individuals. A meta‐analysis was performed to generate a meta‐φ and P value for each SNP with a false discovery rate (FDR) correction for multiple comparisons. To further validate AI events, we explored them as a function of multiple additional OA features.

Results

We observed a total of 2,070 SNPs that consistently marked AI of 1,031 unique genes in articular cartilage. Of these genes, 49 were found to be significantly differentially expressed (fold change <0.5 or >2, FDR <0.05) between preserved and paired lesioned cartilage, and 18 had previously been reported to confer susceptibility to OA and/or related phenotypes. Moreover, we identified notable highly significant AI SNPs in the CRLF1, WWP2, and RPS3 genes that were related to multiple OA features.

Conclusion

We present a framework and resulting data set for researchers in the OA research field to probe for disease‐relevant genetic variation that affects gene expression in pivotal disease‐affected tissue. This likely includes putative novel compelling OA risk genes such as CRLF1, WWP2, and RPS3.
Transient CHO expression platform for robust antibody production and its enhanced N‐glycan sialylation on therapeutic glycoproteins
Authors: Zhong Xiaotian , Ma Weijun , Meade Caryl L. , Tam Amy S. , Llewellyn Eliza , Cornell Richard , Cote Kaffa , Scarcelli John J. , Marshall Jeffrey K. , Tzvetkova Boriana , Figueroa Bruno , DiNino Dana , Sievers Annette , Lee Christopher , Guo Jane , Mahan Evan , Francis Christopher , Lam Khetemenee , D'Antona Aaron M. , Zollner Richard , Zhu Hongli L. , Kriz Ron , Somers Will , Lin Laura
Published: October 2018

Large‐scale transient expression in mammalian cells is a rapid protein production technology often used to shorten overall timelines for biotherapeutics drug discovery. In this study we demonstrate transient expression in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) host (ExpiCHO‐S™) cell line capable of achieving high recombinant antibody expression titers, comparable to levels obtained using human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. For some antibodies, ExpiCHO‐S™ cells generated protein materials with better titers and improved protein quality characteristics (i.e., less aggregation) than those from HEK293. Green fluorescent protein imaging data indicated that ExpiCHO‐S™ displayed a delayed but prolonged transient protein expression process compared to HEK293. When therapeutic glycoproteins containing non‐Fc N‐linked glycans were expressed in transient ExpiCHO‐S™, the glycan pattern was unexpectedly found to have few sialylated N‐glycans, in contrast to glycans produced within a stable CHO expression system. To improve N‐glycan sialylation in transient ExpiCHO‐S™, we co‐transfected galactosyltransferase and sialyltransferase genes along with the target genes, as well as supplemented the culture medium with glycan precursors. The authors have demonstrated that co‐transfection of glycosyltransferases combined with medium addition of galactose and uridine led to increased sialylation content of N‐glycans during transient ExpiCHO‐S™ expression. These results have provided a scientific basis for developing a future transient CHO system with N‐glycan compositions that are similar to those profiles obtained from stable CHO protein production systems. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2724, 2019
Concept and practice of transradial 5 French percutaneous treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions
Authors: Sgueglia Gregory A. , Gioffrè Gaetano , De Santis Antonella , Piccioni Fabiana , Summaria Francesco , Di Giorgio Angela , D'Errico Fabrizio , Gaspardone Achille
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of transradial 5 French percutaneous treatment of coronary bifurcations using conventional devices.

Background

Radial artery is smaller than femoral artery, and its size may potentially limit transradial intervention, especially when coronary anatomy is not known.

Methods

Patients with bifurcations lesions undergoing transradial 5 French ad hoc revascularization were treated according to provisional side branch (SB) stenting followed by the POT—SB dilation—final POT sequence. Only conventional devices were used.

Results

Overall, 80 patients (58 men, 65 ± 10 years) were enrolled. True bifurcations accounted for 64% of cases, with the left anterior descending artery/diagonal branch being the most frequent bifurcation site (n = 37, 46%) and left main coronary artery bifurcation being treated in 6 (8%) patients. Angiographic success was achieved in 78 (97.5%) patients through a 5 French guiding catheter whereas in two cases, a 5–6 French guiding catheter upgrade was required to optimize SB treatment after the main bifurcation vessel have been secured. Overall, procedural success was achieved in all but one patient who had periprocedural necrosis following multivessel PCI. Another patient underwent target bifurcation revascularization because of a critical restenosis in a significant SB yielding an acute coronary syndrome five months after the index procedure.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of transradial 5 French bifurcation intervention with nondedicated devices and preliminary supports its efficacy and safety over a wide range of bifurcation anatomy and complexity.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a 1,3a,6a‐Triazapentalene (TAP)‐Bonded System
Authors: Ito Masami , Mera Akane , Mashimo Takaki , Seki Tomohiro , Karanjit Sangita , Ohashi Eisaku , Nakayama Atsushi , Kitamura Kei , Hamura Toshiyuki , Ito Hajime , Namba Kosuke
Published: October 2018

A method of synthesizing a directly connected 1,3a,6a‐triazapentalene (TAP) ring system as a linearly bonded aromatic system with a planar form was established. Various TAP‐dimers and a 2‐alkyl‐TAP‐trimer were synthesized and their fluorescence properties were evaluated. Although the direct connection of the TAP ring with other TAP rings did not affect the fluorescence properties in diluted solvent, TAP‐dimers showed unique fluorescence properties derived from the aggregation state under highly concentrated conditions. In particular, TAP‐dimer 5 f showed aggregation‐induced emission in highly concentrated solution, and 5 b showed typical mechanochromic fluorescence in the solid state despite their compact molecular size.
Gestein Alginit: Neues Adsorbens für hormonell wirksame Substanzen
Authors: Tröbs Ramona , Guhl Andrea C. , Bertau Martin
Published: October 2018

Die Konzentrationen von endokrin wirksamen Substanzen (EDC) in Gewässern nehmen seit Jahren zu. Ihre toxische Wirkung ist schon länger bekannt, jedoch sind die gegenwärtigen Verfahren zur Entfernung der EDC, wie die Adsorption an Aktivkohle, mit hohen Kosten verbunden. Das natürlich vorkommende Gestein Alginit kann die existierende Methodik wirkungsvoll ergänzen. Aufgrund seines heterogenen Aufbaus lassen sich sowohl polare als auch unpolare EDC aus dem Wasser entfernen.
The prognostic value of 3 commonly measured blood parameters and geriatric assessment to predict overall survival in addition to clinical information in older patients with cancer
Authors: Baitar Abdelbari , Kenis Cindy , Decoster Lore , De Grève Jacques , Lobelle Jean‐Pierre , Flamaing Johan , Milisen Koen , Wildiers Hans
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

The current study was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of laboratory parameters and geriatric assessment (GA) in addition to a baseline model with clinical information regarding overall survival (OS) in patients with cancer.

METHODS

GA was systematically performed in patients aged ≥70 years. The baseline model consisted of age, tumor type, and stage of disease. The incremental prognostic values of the GA as a whole (10‐item GA) and laboratory parameters were assessed separately and combined. The parameters included hemoglobin (Hb), albumin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS). Analyses were conducted with continuous and dichotomized variables. Cox models were compared based on Akaike information criterion (ΔAIC) and their discriminatory ability was assessed using the concordance probability estimate (CPE).

RESULTS

A total of 328 patients were considered for this analysis. The baseline model had a CPE of 0.725. The addition of CRP, albumin, and Hb combined resulted in the best performing model (ΔAIC: 40.12 and CPE: 0.757) among the laboratory parameters. However, the 10‐item GA improved the baseline model even more (ΔAIC: 46.03 and CPE: 0.769). Similar results were observed in the analysis with dichotomous variables. The addition of the 3 laboratory parameters (CRP, albumin, and Hb) improved the CPE by 1.4% compared with the baseline model already extended with the 10‐item GA. The CPE increase (1.7%) was the highest with the GPS in the analysis with dichotomous variables.

CONCLUSIONS

GA appears to add slightly more prognostic information than laboratory parameters in addition to clinical information. The laboratory parameters have an additional prognostic value beyond clinical and geriatric information.
PPLTCAM: A parallel TCAM‐based IP address lookup structure with high incremental update performance
Authors: Wang Fei , Hong Yi , Xu Cong
Published: October 2018

On the analysis of DUOS, it is proposed a new pipeline TCAM‐Based structure for IP address lookup, PLTCAM. PLTCAM transforms the equal position of LTCAM and ITCAM into a pipeline structure, thus acquiring better search power consumption than DUOS and still maintaining the significant memory management performance on incremental updating of DUOS. In addition, a parallel processing structure, PPLTCAM, is presented to further improve the IP lookup performance of throughput. Simulation results show that PPLTCAM has the throughput performance of parallelism structures, maintaining the memory management performance on incremental updating and the low power consumption of PLTCAM. Therefore, PPLTCAM is an IP address lookup structure with good comprehensive performances.
In‐hospital opioid consumption, but not pain intensity scores, predicts 6‐month levels of pain catastrophizing following hepatic resection: A trajectory analysis
Authors: Pagé M. Gabrielle , Karanicolas Paul J. , Cleary Sean , Wei Alice C. , McHardy Paul , Ladak Salima S. J. , Ayach Nour , Sawyer Jason , McCluskey Stuart A. , Srinivas Coimbatore , Katz Joel , Coburn Natalie , Hallet Julie , Law Calvin , Greig Paul , Clarke Hance
Published: October 2018

Background

The study aims were to model acute pain intensity and opioid consumption trajectories up to 72 hr after open hepatic resection, identify predictors of trajectory membership and examine the association between trajectory memberships and 6‐month pain and psychological outcomes. This is a long‐term analysis of a published randomized controlled trial on the impact of medial open transversus abdominis plane catheters on post‐operative outcomes.

Methods

A total of 152 patients (89 males; mean age 63.0 [range: 54–72]) completed questionnaires on pain and related characteristics pre‐operatively and 6 months post‐operatively. Total opioid use was recorded several times over a 72‐hr period while self‐reported pain intensity scores were collected multiple times until hospital discharge. Analyses were carried out using growth mixture modelling, logistic regression and general linear models.

Results

Both pain intensity and opioid consumption showed that a four‐trajectory model best fits the data. Patients in the lowest opioid consumption trajectory were more likely to be classified in the constant mild pain intensity trajectory. Age and baseline levels of anxiety significantly predicted opioid trajectory membership while baseline depressive symptoms significantly predicted pain intensity trajectory membership. Patients in the two highest opioid consumption trajectories reported significantly higher levels of pain catastrophizing at 6 months compared to patients in the other 3 trajectories (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

High consumption of opioids after surgery is associated with higher levels of pain catastrophizing 6 months later. Identification of patients within these trajectories may lead to the development of early interventions targeted to high risk individuals.

Significance

Differences in initial levels of opioid consumption and rates of change in opioid consumption shortly after surgery can help predict long‐term psychological responses to pain. Identifying key characteristics associated with initial opioid consumption can lead to the development of cost‐effective early interventions targeted to high risk individuals.