bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic profiling of tumour tissue‐derived extracellular vesicles in colon cancer
Authors: Cvjetkovic Aleksander , Karimi Nasibeh , Crescitelli Rossella , Thorsell Annika , Taflin Helena , Lässer Cecilia , Lötvall Jan
Published: February 2024

Colon cancer is one of the most commonly occurring tumours among both women and men, and over the past decades the incidence has been on the rise. As such, the need for biomarker identification as well as an understanding of the underlying disease mechanism has never been greater. Extracellular vesicles are integral mediators of cell‐to‐cell communication and offer a unique opportunity to study the machinery that drives disease progression, and they also function as vectors for potential biomarkers. Tumour tissue and healthy mucosal tissue from the colons of ten patients were used to isolate tissue‐resident EVs that were subsequently subjected to global quantitative proteomic analysis through LC‐MS/MS. In total, more than 2000 proteins were identified, with most of the common EV markers being among them. Bioinformatics revealed a clear underrepresentation of proteins involved in energy production and cellular adhesion in tumour EVs, while proteins involved in protein biosynthesis were overrepresented. Additionally, 53 membrane proteins were found to be significantly upregulated in tumour EVs. Among them were several proteins with enzymatic functions that degrade the extracellular matrix, and three of these, Fibroblast activating factor (FAP), Cell surface hyaluronidase (CEMIP2), as well as Ephrin receptor B3 (EPHB3), were validated and found to be consistent with the global quantitative results. These stark differences in the proteomes between healthy and cancerous tissue emphasise the importance of the interstitial vesicle secretome as a major player of disease development.
Both‐strand gene coding in a plastome‐like mitogenome of an enoplid nematode
Authors: Nikolaeva Olga V. , Rusin Leonid Yu , Mikhailov Kirill V. , Aleoshin Vladimir V. , De Ley Paul
Published: February 2024

The phylum Nematoda remains very poorly sampled for mtDNA, with a strong bias toward parasitic, economically important or model species of the Chromadoria lineage. Most chromadorian mitogenomes share a specific order of genes encoded on one mtDNA strand. However, the few sequenced representatives of the Dorylaimia lineage exhibit a variable order of mtDNA genes encoded on both strands. While the ancestral arrangement of nematode mitogenome remains undefined, no evidence has been reported for Enoplia, the phylum's third early divergent major lineage. We describe the first mitogenome of an enoplian nematode, Campydora demonstrans, and contend that the complete 37‐gene repertoire and both‐strand gene encoding are ancestral states preserved in Enoplia and Dorylaimia versus the derived mitogenome arrangement in some Chromadoria. The C. demonstrans mitogenome is 17,018 bp in size and contains a noncoding perfect inverted repeat with 2013 bp‐long arms, subdividing the mitogenome into two coding regions. This mtDNA arrangement is very rare among animals and instead resembles that of chloroplast genomes in land plants. Our report broadens mtDNA taxonomic sampling of the phylum Nematoda and adds support to the applicability of cox1 gene as a phylogenetic marker for establishing nematode relationships within higher taxa.
High‐speed centrifugation rather than Lipoclear reagent can be used for removing the interference of lipemia on serological tests of infectious diseases: AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay
Authors: Liu Weiping , Li Lin , Yin Minggang , Cao Chengjian , Song Yaohui , Long Xia
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the interference of lipemia on measurement of HBsAg, anti‐HBs, HBeAg, anti‐HBe, anti‐HBc, anti‐HCV, HIV Ag/Ab, and anti‐TP in serum by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and compare lipemia removing performance between high‐speed centrifugation and Lipoclear reagent. Mixed native serum samples (NSs) and hyperlipemia serum samples (HLS) were prepared for the investigated parameters. The levels of these parameters in NS and HLS were determined by CMIA on an Abbott ARCHITECT i2000SR immunoassay analyzer. HBsAg, anti‐HBs, and anti‐TP were affected with relative bias >12.5% (acceptable limit) when the level of triacylglycerol (TG) was higher than 27.12 mmol/L in HLS. Clinically unacceptable bias were observed for HBeAg and anti‐HBe in HLS with TG higher than 40.52 mmol/L. However, anti‐HCV and HIV Ag/Ab were not interfered in severe lipemia with TG < 52.03 mmol/L. In addition, the Lipoclear reagent did not reduce the interference of lipemia with relative bias from −62.50% to −18.02%. The high‐speed centrifugation under the optimized condition of 12 000g for 10 min successfully removed the interference of lipemia with relative bias from −5.93% to 0% for HBsAg, anti‐HBs, HBeAg, anti‐HBe, anti‐HBc, and anti‐TP. To conclude, high‐speed centrifugation can be used for removing the interference of lipemia to measure HBsAg, anti‐HBs, HBeAg, anti‐HBe, anti‐HBc, and anti‐TP. Accordingly, a standardized sample preanalytical preparation of the patients and other screening participants as well as a specimen examination procedure for removing lipemia interference on the serological tests was recommended.
Genetic characterization and molecular epidemiological analysis of enterovirus C99 in China
Authors: Cong Ruyi , Xiao Jinbo , Ji Tianjiao , Sun Qiang , Lu Huanhuan , Yan Dongmei , Zhu Shuangli , Li Xiaolei , Wang Dongyan , Liu Ying , Li Jichen , Wang Xiaoyi , Yang Tingting , Xu Xizhu , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2024

Enterovirus C99 (EV‐C99) is a newly identified EV serotype within the species Enterovirus C. Few studies on EV‐C99 have been conducted globally. More information and research on EV‐C99 are needed to assess its genetic characteristics, phylogenetic relationships, and associations with enteroviral diseases. Here, the phylogenetic characteristics of 11 Chinese EV‐C99 strains have been reported. The full‐length genomic sequences of these 11 strains show 79.4–80.5% nucleotide identity and 91.7–94.3% amino acid (aa) identity with the prototype EV‐C99. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree constructed based on the entire VP1 coding region identified 13 genotypes (A–M), revealing a high degree of variation among the EV‐C99 strains. Phylogeographic analysis showed that the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is an important source of EV‐C99 epidemics in various regions of China. Recombination analysis revealed inter‐serotype recombination events of 16 Chinese EV‐C99 strains in 5′ untranslated regions and 3D regions, resulting in the formation of a single recombination form. Additionally, the Chinese strain of genotype J showed rich aa diversity in the P1 region, indicating that the genotype J of EV‐C99 is still going through variable dynamic changes. This study contributes to the global understanding of the EV‐C99 genome sequence and holds substantial implications for the surveillance of EV‐C99.
Innate immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection contributes to neuronal damage in human iPSC‐derived peripheral neurons
Authors: Passos Vania , Henkel Lisa M. , Wang Jiayi , Zapatero‐Belinchón Francisco J. , Möller Rebecca , Sun Guorong , Waltl Inken , Schneider Talia , Wachs Amelie , Ritter Birgit , Kropp Kai A. , Zhu Shuyong , Deleidi Michela , Kalinke Ulrich , Schulz Thomas F. , Höglinger Günter , Gerold Gisa , Wegner Florian , Viejo‐Borbolla Abel
Published: February 2024

Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes neurological disease in the peripheral and central nervous system (PNS and CNS, respectively) of some patients. It is not clear whether SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or the subsequent immune response are the key factors that cause neurological disease. Here, we addressed this question by infecting human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived CNS and PNS neurons with SARS‐CoV‐2. SARS‐CoV‐2 infected a low number of CNS neurons and did not elicit a robust innate immune response. On the contrary, SARS‐CoV‐2 infected a higher number of PNS neurons. This resulted in expression of interferon (IFN) λ1, several IFN‐stimulated genes and proinflammatory cytokines. The PNS neurons also displayed alterations characteristic of neuronal damage, as increased levels of sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin receptor motif‐containing protein 1, amyloid precursor protein and α‐synuclein, and lower levels of cytoskeletal proteins. Interestingly, blockade of the Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway by Ruxolitinib did not increase SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, but reduced neuronal damage, suggesting that an exacerbated neuronal innate immune response contributes to pathogenesis in the PNS. Our results provide a basis to study coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) related neuronal pathology and to test future preventive or therapeutic strategies.
Scores predicting atrial fibrillation after mitral valve surgery: Do we need a more specific score?
Authors: Albabtain Monirah A. , Almathami Elham A. , Alghosoon Haneen , Alsubaie Faisal F. , Abdelaal Ibrahim M. , Ismail Huda , Adam Adam I. , Arafat Amr A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery (POAF) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Several scores were used to predict POAF, with variable results. Thus, this study assessed the performance of several scoring systems to predict POAF after mitral valve surgery. Additionally, we identified the risk factors for POAF in those patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort included 1381 recruited from 2009 to 2021. The patients underwent mitral valve surgery, and POAF occurred in 233 (16.87%) patients. The performance of CHADS2, CHA2DS2‐VASc, POAF, EuroSCORE II, and HATCH scores was evaluated.

Results

The median age was higher in patients who developed POAF (60 vs. 54 years; p < .001). CHA2‐DS2‐VASc, POAF, EuroSCORE II, and HATCH scores significantly predicted POAF, with areas under the curve of the receiver operator curve (AUCROC) of 0.56, 0.61, 0.58, and 0.54, respectively. We identified age > 58 years, body mass index > 28 kg/m2, creatinine clearance < 90 mL/min, reoperative surgery, and preoperative inotropic and intra‐aortic balloon pump use as predictors of POAF. We constructed a score from these variables (PSCC‐AF). A score > 2 significantly predicted POAF (p < .001). The AUCROC of this score was 0.67, which was significantly higher than the AUCROC of the POAF score (p = .009).

Conclusion

POAF after mitral valve surgery can be predicted based on preoperative patient characteristics. The new PSCC‐AF score significantly predicted POAF after mitral valve surgery and can serve as a bedside diagnostic tool for POAF risk screening. Further studies are needed to validate the PSCC‐AF‐mitral score externally.
Protein‐losing enteropathy secondary to collagenous colitis in a 2‐year‐old
Authors: Khan Hamza Hassan , Lewin David N. , Suppa Carmine
Published: February 2024

Protein‐losing enteropathy associated with collagenous colitis (CC) is a rare but described entity in the adult population. However, literature regarding this in the pediatric population is scarce. Here we describe a 2‐year‐old female who presented with fevers, accompanied by nonbloody, watery diarrhea, and decreased oral intake. Work‐up was significant for severe hypoalbuminemia at 1.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL), pancytopenia, and elevated fecal alpha‐1‐antitrypsin at 1.13 milligrams per grams (mg/g). Gastrointestinal mucosal evaluation was normal endoscopically; however, histology was consistent with CC. She responded to 12‐week treatment with budesonide with resolution of symptoms and laboratory values. At this point, she has not had a recurrence 1 year later.
Formation and prediction of heterocyclic amines and N‐nitrosamines in smoked sausages using back propagation artificial neural network
Authors: Zhou Yajun , Zhai Shimin , Yao Guangming , Li Jihong , Li Zongping , Ma Zhiyuan , Ma Qingshu
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Heterocyclic amines (HAs) and N‐nitrosamines (NAs) are formed easily during the thermal processing of food, and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that consuming HAs and NAs increases the risk of cancer. However, there are few studies on the application of back propagation artificial neural network (BP‐ANN) models to simultaneously predict the content of HAs and NAs in sausages. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cooking time and temperature, smoking time and temperature, and fat‐to‐lean ratio on the formation of HAs and NAs in smoked sausages, and to predict their total content based on the BP‐ANN model.

RESULTS

With an increase in processing time, processing temperature and fat ratio, the content of HAs and NAs in smoked sausages increased significantly, while the content of HA precursors and nitrite residues decreased significantly. The optimal network topology of the BP‐ANN model was 5–11–2, the correlation coefficient values for training, validation, testing and all datasets were 0.99228, 0.99785, 0.99520 and 0.99369, respectively, and the mean squared error value of the best validation performance was 0.11326. The bias factor and the accuracy factor were within acceptable limits, and the predicted values approximated the true values, indicating that the model has good predictive performance.

CONCLUSION

The contents of HAs and NAs in smoked sausages were significantly influenced by the cooking conditions, smoking conditions and fat ratio. The BP‐ANN model has high application value in predicting the contents of HAs and NAs in sausages, which provides a theoretical basis for the suppression of carcinogen formation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Soil moisture conditions alter behavior of entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Frankenstein Dana , Luu Macawan S , Luna‐Ayala Jennifer , Willett Denis S , Filgueiras Camila S
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

A variety of environmental factors can disrupt biotic interactions between plants, insects and soil microorganisms with consequences for agricultural management and production. Many of these belowground interactions are mediated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be used for communication under appropriate environmental conditions. Behavioral responses to these compounds may likewise be dependent on varying soil conditions which are influenced by a changing climate. To determine how changing environmental conditions may affect VOC‐mediated biotic interactions, we used a belowground system where entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) – tiny roundworm parasitoids of soil‐borne insects – respond to VOCs by moving through the soil pore matrix. Specifically, we used two genera of EPNs – Heterorhabditis and Steinernema – that are known to respond to four specific terpenes – α‐pinene, linalool, d‐limonene and pregeijerene – released by the roots of plants in the presence of herbivores. We assessed the response of these nematodes to these terpenes under three moisture regimes to determine whether drier conditions or inundated conditions may influence the response behavior of these nematodes.

RESULTS

Our results illustrate that the recovery rate of EPNs is positively associated with soil moisture concentration. As soil moisture concentration increases from 6% to 18%, substantially more nematodes are recovered from bioassays. In addition, we find that soil moisture influences EPN preference for VOCs, as illustrated in the variable response rates. Certain compounds shifted from acting as a repellent to acting as an attractant and vice versa depending on the soil moisture concentration.

CONCLUSION

On a broad scale, we demonstrate that soil moisture has a significant effect on EPN host‐seeking behavior. EPN efficacy as biological control agents could be affected by climate change projections that predict varying soil moisture concentrations. We recommend that maintaining nematodes as biological control agents is essential for sustainable agriculture development, as they significantly contribute not only to soil health but also to efficient pest management. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Definition of sensory and instrumental thresholds of acceptability for selection of cassava genotypes with improved boiling properties
Authors: Iragaba Paula , Adinsi Laurent , Delgado Luis Fernando , Nanyonjo Ann Ritah , Nuwamanya Ephraim , Wembabazi Enoch , Kanaabi Michael , Honfozo Laurenda , Hotegni Francis , Djibril‐Moussa Imayath , Londoño Luis Fernando , Bugaud Christophe , Dufour Dominique , Kawuki Robert Sezi , Akissoé Noël , Tran Thierry
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Consumers of boiled cassava in Africa, Latin America and Asia use specific preference criteria to evaluate its cooking quality, in terms of texture, colour and taste. To improve adoption rates of improved cassava varieties intended for consumption after boiling, these preference criteria need to be determined, quantified and integrated as post‐harvest quality traits in the target product profile of boiled cassava, so that breeding programs may screen candidate varieties based on both agronomic traits and consumer preference traits.

RESULTS

Surveys of various end‐user groups identified seven priority quality attributes of boiled cassava covering root preparation, visual aspect, taste and texture. Three populations of contrasted cassava genotypes, from good‐cooking to bad‐cooking, in three countries (Uganda, Benin, Colombia) were then characterized according to these quality attributes by sensory quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and by standard instrumental methods. Consumers' preferences of the texture attributes mealiness and hardness were also determined. By analysis of correlations, the consumers' preferences scores were translated into thresholds of acceptability in terms of QDA scores, then in terms of instrumental measurements (water absorption during boiling and texture analysis). The thresholds of acceptability were used to identify among the Colombian and Benin populations promising genotypes for boiled cassava quality.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrates the steps of determining priority quality attributes for boiled cassava and establishing their corresponding quantitative thresholds of acceptability. The information can then be included in boiled cassava target product profiles used by cassava breeders, for better selection and adoption rates of new varieties. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Achilles tendinopathy research has a gender data gap: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schuppisser Martina Vera , Mondini Trissino da Lodi Camilla , Albanese Jacopo , Candrian Christian , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Purpose

A persisting gender bias has been recently highlighted in orthopaedics and sports medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the volume of gender‐specific data and gender‐specific results in the treatment of a common tendon disease, Achilles tendinopathy.

Methods

Pubmed, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched to identify all clinical studies focusing on Achilles tendinopathy treatment. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment‐Achilles (VISA‐A) data of women and men of the studies that disaggregated results by gender were collected, and a meta‐analysis was conducted. Treatment response within and in between gender categories was evaluated, focusing on overall gender‐disaggregated data, as well as within each of the three treatment categories: conservative treatment, injective treatment and surgical treatment. A formal risk of bias analysis was conducted using Downs and Black's grading system.

Results

Out of the 8796 papers screened, 178 were included after the screening. The number of female study participants grew from 20% up to 1990 to 48% in the years 2019–2022. Only 373 out of 3423 (11%) female patients and 685 of 4352 (16%) male patients were found in sex‐disaggregated studies. A meta‐analysis was conducted on the 14 papers that reported sex‐disaggregated data for VAS and VISA‐A. The meta‐analysis revealed that there was no difference in the overall treatment response between women and men and that both genders showed an overall significant treatment benefit in terms of VAS and VISA‐A values. However, significant differences were documented within the treatment categories. While no differences were found in surgical studies, in conservative treatment studies, men experienced lower posttreatment VAS values (p = 0.004). The largest difference was found in injective treatments, with men experiencing a larger change in VAS values (men = −3.0, women = −1.0, p = 0.016) and higher posttreatment VISA‐A values (p = 0.032).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta‐analysis showed a lack of awareness of the importance of sex‐specific data within Achilles tendinopathy treatment research. The proportion of female study subjects has grown over the years, but there is still a large data gap caused by the absence of sex‐disaggregated data. The omission of sex‐disaggregated data causes the loss of valuable knowledge on the true effectiveness of current Achilles tendinopathy treatment. The results of this study indicate that women profit less from available treatments, particularly injective approaches, which prompts further research for treatment adaptation by gender.

Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Barbed sutures and skin adhesives improve wound closure in hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Romanini Emilio , Zanoli Gustavo A. , Ascione Tiziana , Balato Giovanni , Baldini Andrea , Foglia Emanuela , Pellegrini Antonio V. , Verde Francesco , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to formulate evidence‐based recommendations for optimising wound management in hip and knee arthroplasty by exploring alternative methods such as barbed sutures and skin adhesives.

Methods

A Delphi panel, comprising seven orthopaedic surgeons, one musculoskeletal infectious disease specialist, and one health economics expert, was convened to evaluate the use of barbed sutures and skin adhesives for wound closure in hip and knee arthroplasty. Two systematic reviews informed the development of questionnaires, with panelists ranking their agreement on statements using a 5‐point Likert scale. Consensus was achieved if ≥75% agreement. Unresolved statements were revisited in a second round.

Results

Consensus was reached on 11 statements, providing evidence‐based recommendations. The expert panel advocates for a multilayer watertight technique using barbed sutures to prevent surgical site infections (SSI), reduce complications, shorten surgical times, optimise resources and improve cosmetic appearance. For skin closure, the panel recommends topical adhesives to decrease wound dehiscence, enhance cosmetic appearance, promote patient compliance, prevent SSIs, and optimise resources.

Conclusion

The Delphi consensus by Italian total joint arthroplasty experts underscores the pivotal role of barbed sutures and skin adhesives in optimising outcomes. While guiding clinical decision‐making, these recommendations are not prescriptive and should be adapted to local practices. The study encourages further research to enhance current evidence.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Innovative Architecture for Phosphor‐in‐Glass Films Enabling Superior Luminance and Color Quality Laser‐Driven White Light
Authors: Wang Guo‐Juan , Zhu Qiang‐Qiang , Nie Shan‐Jun , Zhai Yue , Fang Shuang‐Qiang , Kang Juan , Wang Le
Published: February 2024

Laser‐driven white light exhibits exceptional brightness and directionality, making it particularly well‐suited for spotlight applications. Yet, attaining high‐quality white light remains challenging due to the sluggish heat dispersion and inconsistent light uniformity of color converters. In this study, an innovative phosphor‐in‐glass (PiG) film architecture is introduced, aiming to achieve superior quality laser‐driven light, where the traditional Y3(Ga,Al)5O12:Ce3+ (YAGG:Ce3+) PiG film is topped with a Al2O3‐in‐glass (AiG) film. The heightened thermal conductivity of the AiG film facilitates quicker dissipation of heat, consequently elevating the luminescence saturation threshold from 14 to 16 W mm−2 and luminous flux from 1243.8 to 1475.9 lm. The increased light scattering attributed to the AiG film also effectively disperses both laser and emitted light, significantly enhancing the angular consistency of color rendering index (Ra). This improvement is evident as the coefficient of variation (Cv) decreases dramatically from 16.69% to 0.25%. Moreover, by integrating CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ (CASN:Eu2+) into the PiG film and fine‐tuning the YAGG:Ce3+ and CASN:Eu2+ ratio, a high‐quality laser‐driven white light achieving an impressive color rendering index (Ra) of 88.7 and offering an adjustable correlated color temperature (CCT) has been developed. This innovation holds tremendous potential as a versatile spotlight solution for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Hyaluronan‐Sphingosine Polymersomes for Treatment of Ocular Neovascularization: Synthesis and Evaluation
Authors: Yetisgin Abuzer Alp , Durak Saliha , Kutlu Ozlem , Cetinel Sibel
Published: February 2024

Ocular neovascularization is a hallmark of several sight‐threatening diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age‐related macular degeneration. Currently, available treatments are limited and often associated with side effects. Therefore, a novel approach to ocular neovascularization treatment through utilization of polymersomes from self‐assembled sphingosine‐grafted hyaluronic acid (HA‐Sph) amphiphilic polymers is presented. The polymersomes are generated in spherical morphologies and sizes between 97.95 ‐ 161.9 nm with homogenous size distributions. Experiments reveal that HA‐Sph polymersomes, with concentrations ≥150 µg mL−1, significantly inhibit the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), while concurrently promoting the proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells. The polymersomes demonstrate gradual disintegration in vitro, leading to sustained release of sphingosine, which prolongs the inhibition of HUVEC proliferation (from 87.5% at 24 h to 35.2% viability at 96 h). The efficacy of polymersomes in inhibiting angiogenesis is confirmed through tube formation assay, revealing a substantial reduction in tube length compared to the control group. The findings also validate the ocular penetration capability of polymersomes through ex vivo whole porcine eye ocular penetration study, indicating their suitability for topical administration. Potentially, HA‐Sph polymersomes can be harnessed to develop intricate drug delivery systems that protect the retina and effectively treat ocular diseases.
13C isotopic labeling to decipher the iron corrosion mechanisms in a carbonated anoxic environment
Authors: Lotz Hélène , Neff Delphine , Mercier‐Bion Florence , Bataillon Christian , Nuns Nicolas , Dillmann Philippe
Published: February 2024

A two‐step corrosion experiment was performed on a ferritic steel (Armco) in a synthetic solution representing the Callovo–Oxfordian at 120°C. After the development of a carbonated corrosion product layer (CPL) during the first 15 days of the experimental step, corrosion front progression was investigated using 13C marked carbonate species during the second 15 days experimental step. CPL was characterized at each step, in terms of morphology (scanning electron microscopy), composition (energy‐dispersive spectroscopy), and structure (µ‐Raman). 13C corrosion product locations were analyzed by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Results evidenced that after a step of generalized corrosion, iron corrosion continues locally at the metal/CPL interface. These results suggest that although a protective siderite layer formed on the iron surface after 15 days, a local dissolution of the carbonate layer at the M/CPL interface occurred. A galvanic effect is developed between the bared surface (anode) and the covered one (cathode). This activates iron oxidation. The precipitation of carbonate corrosion products to the metal/CPL interface is possible by the diffusion of 13CO32− ions from the bulk through the siderite layer.
Study on the passive behavior of 304 stainless steel under temperature variation
Authors: Liu Xuehui , Sui Yongqiang , Zhang Huixia , Liu Yapeng , Li Xiangbo , Hou Jian
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the passive behavior of 304 stainless steel (SS) in NaCl solution is studied by electrochemical methods and surface analysis. The polarization measurement results show that the pitting potential (Ep) has a simple linear relationship with the temperature increase. Scanning Kelvin probe results show that the surface potential difference on the surface of 304 SS is well correlated with the temperature. Scanning electron microscope results show that the rupture of the passive film accelerates with the increase of temperature. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows that the high temperature causes more oxidation on the surface of 304 SS, leading more Cr3+ oxidized to Cr6+ at high temperature.
Characterizing living ocular bacterial communities and the effects of antibiotic perturbation in house finches
Authors: Weitzman Chava L. , Hawley Dana M. , Rostama Bahman , May Meghan , Belden Lisa K.
Published: February 2024

DNA‐based methods to measure the abundance and relative abundance of bacterial taxa can be skewed by the presence of dead or transient bacteria. Consequently, the active, functional members of the community may be a small subset of the detected bacterial community. This mismatch can make inferences about the roles of communities in host health difficult and can be particularly problematic for low‐abundance microbiomes, such as those on conjunctival surfaces. In this study, we manipulated bacterial communities on bird conjunctiva with a bacteriostatic antibiotic, reducing bacterial activity while preserving viability, to identify the living and active conjunctival communities using comparisons of 16S ribosomal DNA and RNA in paired samples. DNA amplicons included many more sequence variants than RNA amplicons from the same communities, with consequent differences in diversity. While we found that changes in communities in DNA samples broadly represent shifts in the living (RNA‐amplicon) communities, assessments of community function may be better described by RNA samples, reducing background noise from dead cells. We further used these data to test RNA:DNA ratios, used in other microbiological contexts, to detect shifts in bacterial activity after antibiotic disruption but were unable to detect changes in bacterial activity with this method.
Two‐sided networks coordination for manufacturing technology standards' diffusion from home to host countries: A one‐leader and multiple‐followers Stackelberg game with multiple objectives
Authors: Zhou Qing , Wu Zhengyi , Chen Wenchong , Chen Wenqing , Liang Yao
Published: February 2024

An optimization model is necessary to depict and induce the volatility and irregularity of manufacturing technology standard (MTS) diffusion processes to ensure that the standard can be widely adopted by related stakeholders in host countries. This paper clarifies the two‐sided network coordination of MTS's transactional diffusion, consisting of new product diffusion among users and new technology diffusion among local suppliers. A procurement contract is introduced to connect and coordinate the two‐sided networks. The manufacturer from the home country is responsible for the contract design, which aims to maximize its net revenue by considering the product diffusion processes. Local suppliers determine whether to accept the contract. The decision‐making objectives of the contract acceptance for each local supplier are to maximize the net revenue and minimize workload fluctuation. The new standard‐based products are produced and sold by the manufacturer. The corresponding local supplier adopts new standard‐based technologies and supplies components for final product production if a contract is accepted. Therefore, a one‐leader and multiple‐follower Stackelberg game is proposed to figure out the best solution after coordinating the multiple objectives of each participant. The contract design and the contract acceptance are the leader and the follower, respectively. Analytical solutions under a specific MTS for refrigerator production are developed incorporating a nested Non‐dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm‐II. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can efficiently coordinate the two‐sided networks of MTS diffusion and balance the net revenue of all related stakeholders.
Defining the Genetic Landscape of Congenital Mirror Movements in 80 Affected Individuals
Authors: Collins Hutchinson Meagan L. , St‐Onge Judith , Schlienger Sabrina , Boudrahem‐Addour Nassima , Mougharbel Lina , Michaud Jean‐Francois , Lloyd Clara , Bruneau Elena , Roux Cedric , Sahly Ahmed N. , Osterman Bradley , Myers Kenneth A. , Rouleau Guy A. , Jimenez Cruz Daniel Alexander , Rivière Jean‐Baptiste , Accogli Andrea , Charron Frederic , Srour Myriam
Published: February 2024

Background

Congenital mirror movements (CMM) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary movements from one side of the body that mirror voluntary movements on the opposite side. To date, five genes have been associated with CMM, namely DCC, RAD51, NTN1, ARHGEF7, and DNAL4.

Objective

The aim of this study is to characterize the genetic landscape of CMM in a large group of 80 affected individuals.

Methods

We screened 80 individuals with CMM from 43 families for pathogenic variants in CMM genes. In large CMM families, we tested for presence of pathogenic variants in multiple affected and unaffected individuals. In addition, we evaluated the impact of three missense DCC variants on binding between DCC and Netrin‐1 in vitro.

Results

Causal pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were found in 35% of probands overall, and 70% with familial CMM. The most common causal gene was DCC, responsible for 28% of CMM probands and 80% of solved cases. RAD51, NTN1, and ARHGEF7 were rare causes of CMM, responsible for 2% each. Penetrance of CMM in DCC pathogenic variant carriers was 68% and higher in males than females (74% vs. 54%). The three tested missense variants (p.Ile164Thr; p.Asn176Ser; and p.Arg1343His) bind Netrin‐1 similarly to wild type DCC.

Conclusions

A genetic etiology can be identified in one third of CMM individuals, with DCC being the most common gene involved. Two thirds of CMM individuals were unsolved, highlighting that CMM is genetically heterogeneous and other CMM genes are yet to be discovered. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Buspirone and Zolmitriptan Combination for Dyskinesia: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: LeWitt Peter A. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Christensen Kenneth Vielsted , Tan Riswanto , Pretorius Anél , Thomsen Mikael
Published: February 2024

Background

Preclinical evidence suggests that co‐administration of the 5‐HT1A agonist buspirone and the 5‐HT1B/1D agonist zolmitriptan act synergistically to reduce dyskinesia to a greater extent than that achieved by either drug alone.

Objectives

Assess the therapeutic potential of a fixed‐dose buspirone and zolmitriptan combination in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with levodopa‐induced dyskinesia.

Methods

Single‐center, randomized, placebo‐controlled, two‐way crossover study (NCT02439203) of a fixed‐dose buspirone/zolmitriptan regimen (10/1.25 mg three times a day) in 30 patients with PD experiencing at least moderately disabling peak‐effect dyskinesia.

Results

Seven days of treatment with buspirone/zolmitriptan added to levodopa significantly reduced dyskinesia as assessed by Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale scores versus placebo (mean treatment effect vs. placebo: −4.2 [−6.1, −2.3]) without significantly worsening Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III (ON) scores (mean treatment effect vs. placebo: 0.6 [−0.1, 1.3]). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

In this proof‐of‐concept study, addition of buspirone/zolmitriptan to the patients’ PD medication regimen significantly reduced dyskinesia severity without worsening motor function. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Exact delay range for the stabilization of linear systems with input delays
Authors: Li Lin , Yu Ruilin
Published: February 2024

This paper is concerned with the exact delay range making input‐delay systems unstabilizable. The exact range means that the systems are unstabilizable if and only if the delay is within this range. Contributions of this paper are to characterize the exact range and to present a computation method to derive this range. It is shown that the above range is related to unstable eigenvalues of the system matrix. In the discrete‐time case, if none of the eigenvalues of the system matrix is a unit root, then the above range is a finite set. If there exist some eigenvalues which are unit roots, this range may be a finite set or may be composed of several arithmetic progressions. When this range contains finite elements, the number of these elements is bounded by the geometric multiplicities of eigenvalues. When this range contains arithmetic progressions, the number of such progressions is bounded by the above multiplicities. On the other hand, our results can provide an upper bound for the well‐known delay margin, which is the maximal delay value achievable by a robust controller to stabilize systems.
Sidebands in CEST MR—How to recognize and avoid them
Authors: Schüre Jan‐Rüdiger , Weinmüller Simon , Kamm Lukas , Herz Kai , Zaiss Moritz
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Clinical scanners require pulsed CEST sequences to maintain amplifier and specific absorption rate limits. During off‐resonant RF irradiation and interpulse delay, the magnetization can accumulate specific relative phases within the pulse train. In this work, we show that these phases are important to consider, as they can lead to unexpected artifacts when no interpulse gradient spoiling is performed during the saturation train.

Methods

We investigated sideband artifacts using a CEST‐3D snapshot gradient‐echo sequence at 3 T. Initially, Bloch‐McConnell simulations were carried out with Pulseq‐CEST, while measurements were performed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Sidebands can be hidden in Z‐spectra, and their structure becomes clearly visible only at high sampling. Sidebands are further influenced by B0 inhomogeneities and the RF phase cycling within the pulse train. In vivo, sidebands are mostly visible in liquid compartments such as CSF. Multi‐pulse sidebands can be suppressed by interpulse gradient spoiling.

Conclusion

We provide new insights into sidebands occurring in pulsed CEST experiments and show that, similar as in imaging sequences, gradient and RF spoiling play an important role. Gradient spoiling avoids misinterpretations of sidebands as CEST effects especially in liquid environments including pathological tissue or for CEST resonances close to water. It is recommended to simulate pulsed CEST sequences in advance to avoid artifacts.
In vivo monitoring of renal tubule volume fraction using dynamic parametric MRI
Authors: Tasbihi Ehsan , Gladytz Thomas , Millward Jason M. , Periquito Joāo S. , Starke Ludger , Waiczies Sonia , Cantow Kathleen , Seeliger Erdmann , Niendorf Thoralf
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The increasing incidence of kidney diseases is a global concern, and current biomarkers and treatments are inadequate. Changes in renal tubule luminal volume fraction (TVF) serve as a rapid biomarker for kidney disease and improve understanding of renal (patho)physiology. This study uses the amplitude of the long T2 component as a surrogate for TVF in rats, by applying multiexponential analysis of the T2‐driven signal decay to examine micromorphological changes in renal tissue.

Methods

Simulations were conducted to identify a low mean absolute error (MAE) protocol and an accelerated protocol customized for the in vivo study of T2 mapping of the rat kidney at 9.4 T. We then validated our bi‐exponential approach in a phantom mimicking the relaxation properties of renal tissue. This was followed by a proof‐of‐principle demonstration using in vivo data obtained during a transient increase of renal pelvis and tubular pressure.

Results

Using the low MAE protocol, our approach achieved an accuracy of MAE < 1% on the mechanical phantom. The T2 mapping protocol customized for in vivo study achieved an accuracy of MAE < 3%. Transiently increasing pressure in the renal pelvis and tubules led to significant changes in TVF in renal compartments: ΔTVFcortex = 4.9%, ΔTVFouter_medulla = 4.5%, and ΔTVFinner_medulla = −14.6%.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that our approach is promising for research into quantitative assessment of renal TVF in in vivo applications. Ultimately, these investigations have the potential to help reveal mechanism in acute renal injury that may lead to chronic kidney disease, which will support research into renal disorders.
Radiation exposure during sacral neuromodulation lead placement: Multi‐institutional descriptive study
Authors: Burns Ramzy T. , Orzel Joanna , Wadensweiler Paul , Kenne Kimberly , Nakastuka Hannah , Kovacevic Natalija , Aswani Yashant , Ann Gormley E. , Padamanabhan Priya , Powell Charles R. , Vollstedt Annah , Takacs Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Fluoroscopy has significantly improved lead placement and decreased surgical time for implantable sacral neuromodulation (SNM). There is a paucity of data regarding radiation and safety of fluoroscopy during SNM procedures. Our study aims to characterize fluoroscopy time and dose used during SNM surgery across multiple institutions and assess for predictors of increased fluoroscopy time and radiation dose.

Methods

Electronic medical records were queried for SNM procedures (Stage 1 and full implant) from 2016 to 2021 at four academic institutions. Demographic, clinical, and intraoperative data were collected, including fluoroscopy time and radiation dose in milligray (mGy). The data were entered into a centralized REDCap database. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to assess for predictive factors using STATA/BE 17.0.

Results

A total of 664 procedures were performed across four institutions. Of these, 363 (54.6%) procedures had complete fluoroscopy details recorded. Mean surgical time was 58.8 min. Of all procedures, 79.6% were performed by Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery specialists. There was significant variability in fluoroscopy time and dose based on surgical specialty and institution. Most surgeons (76.4%) were considered “low volume” implanters. In a multivariate analysis, bilateral finder needle testing, surgical indication, surgeon volume, and institution significantly predicted increased fluoroscopy time and radiation dose (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There is significant variability in fluoroscopy time and radiation dose utilized during SNM procedures, with differences across institutions, surgeons, and subspecialties. Increased radiation exposure can have harmful impacts on the surgical team and patient. These findings demonstrate the need for standardized fluoroscopy use during SNM procedures.
Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria in older adults who are institutionalized: Agreement with the Subjective Global Assessment and its impact on 5‐year mortality
Authors: Graciano Guilherme F. , Souza Isabella R. , Correia Maria Isabel T. D. , Anastácio Lucilene R. , Santos Bárbara C.
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition according to Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Mini Nutritional Assessment–Full Form (MNA‐FF), and different combinations of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in older adults who are institutionalized, and the impact of malnutrition on 5‐year mortality.

Methods

Nutrition status was assessed by the SGA, MNA‐FF, and 15 GLIM criteria combinations. The Katz scale was used to assess the level of dependence. The SGA was considered the reference method, and the agreement (Kappa test), sensitivity, and specificity values were calculated for each GLIM criteria combination. The variables associated with 5‐year mortality were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

One hundred eleven participants (mean age: 81y; interquartile range: 76.0–87.0; 90.9% women) were included; the prevalence of malnutrition according to the SGA and MNA‐FF were 49.5% (n = 55) and 8.1% (n = 9), respectively. The prevalence of malnutrition varied from 1.8% to 36.0% considering GLIM combinations. Eight GLIM criteria combinations had a fair agreement with SGA (κ: 0.21–0.40), and two had sensitivity >80%. Regarding mortality, 43 participants (38.7%) died within 5 years. Malnutrition according to the SGA (odds ratio [OR]: 2.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–7.46) and the Katz scale score (OR: 4.64; 95% CI:1.84–11.70) were independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

The prevalence of malnutrition varied according to the assessment tools. Malnutrition diagnosed by the SGA, but not by the GLIM criteria or MNA‐FF, was associated with 5‐year mortality in older adults who were institutionalized.
Computational multiphase micro‐periporomechanics for dynamic shear banding and fracturing of unsaturated porous media
Authors: Pashazad Hossein , Song Xiaoyu
Published: February 2024

Dynamic shearing banding and fracturing in unsaturated porous media are significant problems in engineering and science. This article proposes a multiphase micro‐periporomechanics (PPM) paradigm for modeling dynamic shear banding and fracturing in unsaturated porous media. Periporomechanics (PPM) is a nonlocal reformulation of classical poromechanics to model continuous and discontinuous deformation/fracture and fluid flow in porous media through a single framework. In PPM, a multiphase porous material is postulated as a collection of a finite number of mixed material points. The length scale in PPM that dictates the nonlocal interaction between material points is a mathematical object that lacks a direct physical meaning. As a novelty, in the coupled PPM, a microstructure‐based material length scale is incorporated by considering micro‐rotations of the solid skeleton following the Cosserat continuum theory for solids. As a new contribution, we reformulate the second‐order work for detecting material instability and the energy‐based crack criterion and J‐integral for modeling fracturing in the PPM paradigm. The stabilized Cosserat PPM correspondence principle that mitigates the multiphase zero‐energy mode instability is augmented to include unsaturated fluid flow. We have numerically implemented the novel PPM paradigm through a dual‐way fractional‐step algorithm in time and a hybrid Lagrangian–Eulerian meshfree method in space. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the robustness and efficacy of the proposed PPM paradigm for modeling shear banding and fracturing in unsaturated porous media.
Transverse shear parametrization in hierarchic large rotation shell formulations
Authors: Thierer Rebecca , Oesterle Bastian , Ramm Ekkehard , Bischoff Manfred
Published: February 2024

Consistent treatment of large rotations in common Reissner–Mindlin formulations is a complicated task. Reissner–Mindlin formulations that use a hierarchic parametrization provide an elegant way to facilitate large rotation shell analyses. This can be achieved by the assumption of linearized transverse shear strains, resulting in an additive split of strain components, which technically simplifies implementation of corresponding shell finite elements. The present study aims at validating this assumption by systematically comparing numerical solutions with those of a newly implemented hierarchic and fully nonlinear Reissner–Mindlin shell element.