bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of effects of environmental conditions on wear behaviors of glass fiber reinforced polyester composite materials
Authors: Korku Mihriban , İlhan Recep , Feyzullahoğlu Erol
Published: September 2024

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites can be subjected to different environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, hydrothermal cycle, acidic and alkaline solution in environments where they operate. These environmental conditions cause different damage mechanisms in composites such as pore formation, micro‐cracks, delamination, fiber breakage, fiber/matrix interface separation, plasticization, swelling and surface color change. In this study, wear properties of hybrid glass fiber reinforced polymer composites exposed to various environmental conditions for constant load (60 N), speed (500 rpm) and 2 h were examined comprehensively, depending on material content and environmental conditions. In this experimental study, the service conditions in glass fiber reinforced composites were simulated using different artificial aging environments such as acidic environment, hydrothermal cycle and UV radiation. In addition to the material content, it appears that the environmental conditions to which composites are exposed has a significant effect on friction coefficient. Considering environmental conditions, it is seen that the acid environment and hydrothermal cycle have reduced wear resistance of GFRP composites, while UV radiation improved wear resistance of the composites. In C2 sample, the wear rates under different conditions are 1.87 × 10−14 m3/Nm in non‐treated sample, 6.05 × 10−14 m3/Nm in acid environment, 4.79 × 10−14 m3/Nm in hydrothermal cycle and 0.59 × 10−14 m3/Nm in UV radiation.

Highlights

Friction coefficient of glass fiber reinforced polyester (GFRP) is higher under aged condition compared to non‐treated.

Glass fibers used in correct proportions can reduce friction coefficient in GFRP.

GFRP exposed to environmental conditions has an important effect on wear.

Acid environment and hydrothermal cycle has reduced wear resistance of GFRP.

UV radiation improved wear resistance of GFRP composite.
Registration of six albinism wheat sib lines for genetic aberration of photosynthetic pigments
Authors: Pan SiRui , Pan XingLai , Xu Hong , Shi YinHong , Pan QianYing , Xie SanGang , Pan QiuAi
Published: September 2024

Plant biologists have long been fascinated with the abnormal, the monstrous, and the defective. Six sib winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines with varying types of albinism, ShunMai GAG‐1 (Reg. no. GP‐1090, PI 704106), ShunMai GAG‐2 (Reg. no. GP‐1091, PI 704107), ShunMai GAG‐3 (Reg. no. GP‐1092, PI 704108), ShunMai GAG‐4 (Reg. no. GP‐1093, PI 704109), ShunMai GAG‐5 (Reg. no. GP‐1094, PI 704110), and ShunMai GAG‐6, (Reg. no. GP‐1095, PI 704111), were derived from a cross made in 2013 with unknown pedigree, and were developed using conventional phenotypic selections. Albinism, or stage‐specific albino, is their unique abnormal agronomic characteristics. All their leaves and tillers produced before winter are green, all their spring‐emerging leaves and tillers are albino, and all their summer‐producing leaves turn green again. Their main stems could have at least three albino leaves. In some colder springs, their after‐winter emerging leaves are reddish to pinkish. They may serve as useful experimental materials for addressing a wide range of wheat breeding problems, and for wheat field art too, and may also be important materials for functional studies and eventually lead to the gene discovery. We discuss the possible interactions between plastid genes and nuclear genes and between vernalization genes responsible for the transition from vegetative to generative growth stage and photosynthetic genes.
Exploring the impact of a maternal support grant to improve mental health and food security amongst pregnant women in South Africa during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Laurenzi Christina A. , Menyatsoe Masedi , Shuaib Mustafa , Edwards Amanda , Gemmell Kelly , Geffen Hayli , Tomlinson Mark , Müller Anna‐Marie , Manda Samuel , Mabaso Kopano M.
Published: September 2024

Social protection during pregnancy may support pregnant women struggling to meet basic needs to ensure a healthy pregnancy and buffer negative impacts of multiple adversities. We assessed the effect of a bimonthly digital food voucher, delivered to pregnant women during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Cape Town area, on their mental health, hunger, and dietary diversity. Pregnant women from antenatal clinics in specific high‐poverty areas were invited to join the voucher program; a subset was recruited for in‐depth telephone interviews. Interviews were conducted before, during, and after voucher distribution. Generalized estimating equations were fit to examine whether each outcome was associated with voucher exposure over time. Of the 205 participants, most were aged 25–34, not recently employed, with at least one child in their household. Approximately 1/3 were first‐time mothers and 32% reported mental health difficulties. Voucher exposure over 12 months was associated with significant reductions in mental health symptoms at midline and endline. Maternal hunger was reduced at midline and endline. High mental health scores were significantly associated with increased maternal hunger after adjusting for potential confounders. This study provides preliminary evidence for income support during pregnancy to shape positive health outcomes in South Africa.
Effect of the pH on the Formation of Gold Nanoparticles Enabled by Plasma‐Driven Solution Electrochemistry
Authors: Nam Jae Hyun , Bruggeman Peter
Published: September 2024

Plasma‐driven solution electrochemistry offers alternatives to wet‐chemical methods for synthesizing nanomaterials. This study examines how precursor solution pH affects gold nanoparticle formation, specifically the conversion of precursor ions by solvated electrons and H2O2, and particle size. Our experiments show that –enabled autocatalytic reduction selectivity is 43%–65%, suggesting a catalytic decomposition of by gold nanoparticles. The solubility of gold monomers, increasing with decreasing pH, influences nucleation and resulting particle size, affecting the particle size distribution significantly at pH between 3 and 5. A 1‐D film reaction‐diffusion model quantitatively reproduces and explains the experimental results, demonstrating the impact of pH on different plasma‐produced species, enabling the gold ion conversion and nucleation rates, which directly impact particle size distributions.
Prevention of resistance to spinosad by a combination of spinosad and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis in Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Su Tianyun
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Spinosad consists of spinosyn A and spinosyn D that are produced by the soil‐dwelling actinomycete Saccharopolyspora spinosa. It has been used to control a wide variety of arthropod pests of economic importance. Formulations of spinosad have been used to control larval mosquitoes since approximately 2010. However, the target site‐ and metabolism‐based resistance to this neurotoxin has been reported since 2000 in agricultural pests The current studies aim to further evaluate resistance risk and develop resistance prevention tactics in the southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus.

RESULTS

The first comparison group involved selection at lethal concentration, 75% (LC75) of technical spinosad for 30 generations, resulting in baseline resistance ratios (RRs) of 51.1‐fold at LC50 and 45.4‐fold at LC90 in Cx. quinquefasciatus. However, under the same conditions, selection by a combination of spinosad and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (B.t.i.), negated resistance development to spinosad, RRs ranging 1.00–1.75‐fold at LC50 and 0.83–1.76‐fold at LC90. At the same time, the selected population remained susceptible to the combination throughout the selection process, RRs fluctuating 0.74–1.38‐fold at LC50 and 0.63–1.23‐fold at LC90.

CONCLUSION

Combination of spinosad and B.t.i. negates resistance development to spinosad, as opposed to spinosad alone in Cx. quinquefasciatus. Moreover, the species tested does not develop resistance to this combination upon repeated exposures, implying the potential for further developing this combination as a viable product for larval mosquito control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hole Spin Coherence in InAs/InAlGaAs Self‐Assembled Quantum Dots Emitting at Telecom Wavelengths
Authors: Evers Eiko , Kopteva Nataliia E. , Nedelea Vitalie , Kors Andrei , Kaur Ranbir , Peter Reithmaier Johann , Benyoucef Mohamed , Bayer Manfred , Greilich Alex
Published: September 2024

Measurements of the longitudinal and transverse spin relaxation times of holes in an ensemble of vertically tunnel‐coupled self‐assembled InAs/InAlGaAs quantum dots (QDs), emitting in the telecom spectral range, are reported. The spin coherence is determined using the spin mode‐locking method in the inhomogeneous ensemble of QDs. Modeling the signal allows us to extract the hole spin coherence time to be in the range of μs. The longitudinal spin relaxation time μs is measured using the spin inertia method. The parameters investigated allow us to suggest that the main relaxation mechanism at low magnetic fields is related to the electron–hole spin exchange.
Eco‐Friendly Food Packaging Barrier Coatings Comprised of Ball‐Milled Polysaccharide Polyelectrolyte Complexes
Authors: Lin Wei‐Shu , Chi Kai , Catchmark Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2024

Increasing demand for packaging has motivated research into sustainable materials to prevent continued plastic pollution. Materials based on polysaccharide polyelectrolyte complexes (PPCs) are emerging as a viable solution for packaging applications. We employed ball milling, a well‐established technology, for the preparation of PPC materials to create an innovative one‐step process capable of producing highly concentrated and homogeneous PPC particle precursor dispersions. We fabricated carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan (CS)–based PPC solutions exhibiting high‐solid loading and investigated the potential of PPC solutions made from ball milling as alternative barriers for packaging. PPC‐coated paperboard exhibited improved Cobb test performance and outstanding grease resistance as compared to pristine paper. The results certified that a single‐step process via ball milling can produce high‐solid content PPC solutions useful for creating bio‐based coatings with excellent barrier performance.
Pretreatment method for oxygen stable isotope ratio analysis of the sugar‐rich fraction in fruit juice via isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Watanabe Ayano , Terada Shoichi
Published: September 2024

Rationale

The oxygen stable isotope ratio (δ18O) of the sugar‐rich fraction of fruit juice is important as a tracer of the geographical origin of raw material. This study sought to minimize the inter‐day variation of δ18O attributable to the influence of water to accurately monitor geographical origin labeling.

Methods

Two drying devices (freeze dryer and vacuum oven) were compared. Then, two humidity levels (normal and low humidity) at which the samples were placed after drying were compared. The low‐humidity environment was constructed using a glove bag and pure argon gas. δ18O was measured using thermal conversion elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Improvements were made to the measurement method based on aforementioned analyses results, and the performance of the initial and improved methods was compared.

Results

δ18O of juice dried in a vacuum oven was 3.30‰ lower than that of juice dried in a freeze dryer. Moreover, δ18O of juice samples exposed to normal humidity was 3.74‰ lower than that of samples exposed to low humidity. The combined inter‐day and intra‐day standard deviation was reduced from 1.20‰ in the initial method to 0.42‰ in the improved method.

Conclusions

This study describes a pretreatment method for δ18O measurement in the sugar‐rich fraction of fruit juice with less inter‐day variation, and it will be useful for monitoring geographical origin labeling.
A Design Strategy for Highly Active Oxide Electrocatalysts by Incorporation of Oxygen‐Vacancies
Authors: Acharya Narayan , Karki Surendra B. , Giordano Livia , Ramezanipour Farshid
Published: September 2024

Using both density functional theory (DFT+U) simulations and experiments, we show that the incorporation of an ordered array of oxygen‐vacancies in a perovskite oxide can lead to enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen‐evolution reaction (OER). As a benchmark, LaCoO3 was investigated, where the incorporation of oxygen‐vacancies led to La3Co3O8 (LaCoO2.67), featuring a structural transformation. DFT+U simulations demonstrated the effect of oxygen‐vacancies on lowering the potential required to achieve negative Gibbs Free Energy for all steps of the OER mechanism. This was also confirmed by experiments, where the vacancy‐ordered catalyst La3Co3O8 (LaCoO2.67) showed a remarkable enhancement of electrocatalytic properties over the parent compound LaCoO3 that lacked vacancies. We also synthesized and studied an intermediate system, with a smaller degree of oxygen‐vacancies, which showed intermediate electrocatalytic activity, lower than La3Co3O8 and higher than LaCoO3, confirming the expected trend and the impact of oxygen‐vacancies. Furthermore, we employed additional DFT+U calculations to simulate a hypothetical material with the same formula as La3Co3O8 but without the vacancy‐order. We found that the gap between centers of Co d and O p bands, which is considered an OER descriptor, would be significantly greater for a hypothetical disordered material compared to an ordered system.
Unraveling the Impact of Oxygen Vacancy on Electrochemical Valorization of Polyester Over Spinel Oxides
Authors: Kang Sailei , Guo Xuyun , Xing Dan , Yuan Wenfang , Shang Jian , Nicolosi Valeria , Zhang Ning , Qiu Bocheng
Published: September 2024

Electrochemical upcycling of end‐of‐life polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using renewable electricity offers a route to generate valuable chemicals while processing plastic wastes. However, it remains a huge challenge to design an electrocatalyst with reliable structure‐property relationships for PET valorization. Herein, spinel Co3O4 with rich oxygen vacancies for improved activity toward formic acid (FA) production from PET hydrolysate is reported. Experimental investigations combined with theoretical calculations reveal that incorporation of VO into Co3O4 not only promotes the generation of reactive hydroxyl species (OH*) species at adjacent tetrahedral Co2+ (Co2+ Td), but also induces an electronic structure transition from octahedral Co3+ (Co3+ Oh) to octahedral Co2+ (Co2+ Oh), which typically functions as highly‐active catalytic sites for ethylene glycol (EG) chemisorption. Moreover, the enlarged Co‐O covalency induced by VO facilitates the electron transfer from EG* to OH* via Co2+ Oh‐O‐Co2+ Td interaction and the following C─C bond cleavage via direct oxidation with a glyoxal intermediate pathway. As a result, the VO‐Co3O4 catalyst exhibits a high half‐cell activity for EG oxidation, with a Faradaic efficiency (91%) and productivity (1.02 mmol cm−2 h−1) of FA. Lastly, it is demonstrated that hundred gram‐scale formate crystals can be produced from the real‐world PET bottles via two‐electrode electroreforming, with a yield of 82%.
Molecular and Dissociative Adsorbed Water Concentration and Surface Protonic Conduction in Nanocrystalline TiO2
Authors: Zhao Zihan , Wang Ruibin , Han Donglin , Ling Xiao , Chen Qianli
Published: September 2024

Surface protonic conduction in porous nanocrystalline oxides is commonly involved in catalytic processes. The configuration of surface adsorbed water on oxides plays a crucial role in surface protonic conduction. However, studies on the impact of complex surface adsorbed water configuration on the surface water concentration and diffusivity remain limited, and hinder an in‐depth understanding of surface proton transport mechanisms, and the design of better surface proton conductors. Here, in situ Raman spectroscopy is utilized to quantitatively identify the contribution of dissociative and molecular adsorbed water components on porous nanocrystalline TiO2 surfaces between 25 and 200 °C. The variations in molecular and dissociative adsorbed water concentration agree with the predominant surface proton conduction mechanisms at three different temperature stages. From 40 to 125 °C, the reduced coverage of molecular adsorbed water layer results in the decreasing proton diffusivity. Water dissociation on the nanocrystalline TiO2 surface is easier in wet N2 than in wet O2, resulting in higher proton conductivity in wet N2; while the surface proton diffusivities in these two atmospheres are similar. The in situ spectroscopy technique enables the improvement of surface proton conducting oxides through quantitative evaluation and modulation of the surface proton concentration and diffusivity.
Enhanced Responsivity and Photostability of Cs3Bi2I9‐Based Self‐Powered Photodetector via Chemical Vapor Deposition Engineering
Authors: Vuong Van‐Hoang , Ippili Swathi , Pammi S.V.N. , Bae JeongJu , Yang Tae‐Youl , Jeong Min Ji , Chang Hyo Sik , Jeon Min‐Gi , Choi Jihoon , Tran Manh Trung , Tran Van‐Dang , Jella Venkatraju , Yoon Soon‐Gil
Published: September 2024

Lead‐based halide perovskites have gained significant prominence in recent years in optoelectronics and photovoltaics, owing to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. Nonetheless, the toxicity of lead (Pb) and the stability concern pose obstacles to their potential for future large‐scale market development. Herein, stable lead‐free Cs3Bi2I9 (CBI) films are presented with smooth and compact morphologies synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD), demonstrating their application as an UV photodetector in a self‐powered way. The self‐powered photodetectors (SPDs) exhibit remarkable characteristics, including a responsivity of 1.57 A W−1 and an impressive specific detectivity of 3.38 × 1013 Jones under the illumination of 365 nm at zero bias. Furthermore, the SPDs exhibit a nominal decline (≈2.2%) in the photocurrent under constant illumination over 500 h, highlighting its impressive long‐term operational stability. Finally, the real‐time UV‐detection capability of the device is demonstrated by measuring the photocurrent under various conditions, including room light and sunlight at different times. These findings offer a new platform for synthesizing stable and high‐quality perovskite films, and SPDs for advancing the development of wearable and portable electronics.
Language teacher educators' identity development through self‐study: A case for collaboration and community
Authors: Andrei Elena , Salerno April S. , Kibler Amanda K.
Published: September 2024

In this conceptual feature article, we explore how our language teacher educator (LTE) identities have been shaped through collaboration around practice‐based research as we have engaged in more than a decade of self‐study of teacher education practices (S‐STEP) work. We consider three key aspects of our collaborative identities: (1) we have a shared identity and purpose as LTE researchers; (2) we also have individual LTE identities and so heterogeneity within our group is a strength; and (3) our shared and individual LTE identities are nested within a mutual community of trust. We have found that all three of these components are necessary to develop and sustain our collaborative work, which has a dual goal of contributing to the field while we strengthen our own practices. It is our hope this article can help guide LTEs who are seeking to develop their identities and expertise and searching for communities in which to do so.
Exploring the Development of Progressive Construction in Chinese and Japanese EFL Writing: A Usage‐Based Approach
Authors: Wang Gui , Wang Hui , Wang Li
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the developmental trajectory of progressive construction among Chinese and Japanese EFL learners through a usage‐based approach. A total of 600 written essays, produced by EFL learners from China and Japan with proficiency levels ranging from elementary to upper‐intermediate, were analyzed. The findings reveal that advanced EFL learners, irrespective of their L1 backgrounds, exhibit higher productivity in using progressive constructions, aligning more closely with native English speakers. Moreover, the results support the aspect hypothesis, as activity verbs are predominantly marked with progressive across all learner groups. As for the development of progressive construction, less prototypical verb types in progressives increase proportionally with proficiency levels in the top 10 contingencies. However, discrepancies in proportions among Chinese and Japanese EFL learners underscore the need for a further examination of the intricate patterns of non‐prototypical form‐meaning associations across L1 backgrounds. The present study bears significance in shedding light on the acquisition of tense‐aspect morphology influenced by L1 transfer and learner proficiency.
Microplastic evidence assessment from water and sediment sampling in a shallow tropical lake
Authors: Padilla‐Jimenez Samuel Macario , Moncayo‐Estrada Rodrigo , Maruri Daniel Tapia , Álvarez‐Bernal Dioselina
Published: September 2024

Microplastics (MPs) severely threaten inland waterbodies due to the direct impact of human activities. In the present study, spatial and temporal patterns of MPs in a shallow tropical lake were assessed, describing their size, morphology, and polymer types. Water and sediment samples were collected from Lake Chapala during three seasons, and MPs were quantified with a stereomicroscope. The structure, elemental composition, and polymeric composition were determined via environmental scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The highest average concentration of microplastics in Lake Chapala was detected during the low‐water period in April 2022 (2.35 items/L), exceeding the July 2022 rainy season concentration (1.8 items/L) by 0.25 items/L, and sediment concentrations were also higher in April 2022 (219 items/kg) compared to July 2022 (210 items/kg). This study highlights the significant pollution of Lake Chapala with microplastics, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to manage plastic waste and mitigate its environmental impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Practitioner Points

Microplastic contamination was evaluated in Lake Chapala.

The distribution profiles of microplastics were different in each area.

Heavy metals osmium, tellurium, and rhodium were found associated with the PMs.

Polymers were found in this study.
A taxonomy of automatic differentiation pitfalls
Authors: Hückelheim Jan , Menon Harshitha , Moses William , Christianson Bruce , Hovland Paul , Hascoët Laurent
Published: September 2024

Automatic differentiation is a popular technique for computing derivatives of computer programs. While automatic differentiation has been successfully used in countless engineering, science, and machine learning applications, it can sometimes nevertheless produce surprising results. In this paper, we categorize problematic usages of automatic differentiation, and illustrate each category with examples such as chaos, time‐averages, discretizations, fixed‐point loops, lookup tables, linear solvers, and probabilistic programs, in the hope that readers may more easily avoid or detect such pitfalls. We also review debugging techniques and their effectiveness in these situations.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Machine Learning
Re‐derivation and mathematical analysis for linear peridynamics model for arbitrary Poisson ratio's material
Authors: Zhang Shangyuan , Nie Yufeng
Published: September 2024

This paper is concerned with the modeling and mathematical analysis of linear peridynamic model for arbitrary Poisson ratio's material. Based on the fundamental laws of dynamics, we re‐derive the bond‐based peridynamic model for anisotropic materials by relaxing certain assumptions. Through this process, we draw several significant conclusions, such as the relationship between the equivalent strain energy density hypothesis and the convergence of the peridynamic operator to the classical Navier operator. Additionally, the well‐posedness of time‐dependent peridynamic equations of motion is established. Finally, some necessary conditions for the material stability of anisotropic material are given.
Classical Dynamical r-matrices for the Chern–Simons Formulation of Generalized 3d Gravity
Authors: Parra Juan Carlos Morales , Schroers Bernd J.
Published: September 2024

Classical dynamical r-matrices arise naturally in the combinatorial description of the phase space of Chern–Simons theories, either through the inclusion of dynamical sources or through a gauge fixing procedure involving two punctures. Here we consider classical dynamical r-matrices for the family of Lie algebras which arise in the Chern–Simons formulation of 3d gravity, for any value of the cosmological constant. We derive differential equations for classical dynamical r-matrices in this case and show that they can be viewed as generalized complexifications, in a sense which we define, of the equations governing dynamical r-matrices for $$\mathfrak {su}(2)$$

su
(
2
)

and $$\mathfrak {sl}(2,{\mathbb {R}})$$

sl
(
2
,
R
)

. We obtain explicit families of solutions and relate them, via Weierstrass factorization, to solutions found by Feher, Gabor, Marshall, Palla and Pusztai in the context of chiral WZWN models.
A second life for the crystallographic structure of Berenil-dodecanucleotide complex: a computational revisitation thirty years after its publication
Authors: Novello Gianluca , Dodaro Andrea , Menin Silvia , Cavastracci Strascia Chiara , Sturlese Mattia , Salmaso Veronica , Moro Stefano
Published: September 2024

This study revisits the pioneering work of Professor Neidle, and co-workers, on the crystal structure of complexes formed between groove binders and DNA sequences. The original research revealed a DNA-ligand complex consisting of a dodecanucleotide bound with Berenil [1,3-bis(4′-amidinophenyl)-triazene] an anti-trypanocidal drug. This article aims to delve deeper into the structural dynamics of this system, showcasing the role played by water molecules in stabilizing the interaction between the ligand and the DNA. With this work, we reevaluate the findings from the original crystallographic study by employing modern molecular dynamics techniques, including Supervised Molecular Dynamics (SuMD) for generating binding trajectories, Thermal Titration Molecular Dynamics for assessing unbinding events, and AquaMMapS to identify regions occupied by stationary water molecules. The study addresses a minor and a major groove binding mode and assesses their strength and specificity using TTMD simulations, generating unbinding trajectories. This comprehensive approach integrates the understanding of the interaction of this DNA-ligand complex, which originated with the valuable work of Professor Neidle, resulting in an in-depth insight into the pivotal role of water molecules with this DNA, a behavior detected and extendable even to other nucleic acid complexes.
The Impact of Scars After DIEP-Flap Breast Reconstruction on Satisfaction and HR-QoL: A Cross-Sectional Study Comparing BREAST-Q Scores
Authors: Everaars Kristel E. , de Laat Erik H. , Young-Afat Danny A. , Tjin Esther P. M. , Ulrich Dietmar J. O.
Published: September 2024

Background

Although deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is the most widely used technique for autologous breast reconstruction, this technique leads to large scars in visible areas on breast and abdomen. So far, limited studies have thoroughly addressed the impact of breast and abdominal scars on satisfaction and Health-related Quality of Life (HR-QoL).

Objectives

This research aimed to determine whether women with no/minor scar symptoms after undergoing DIEP-flap breast reconstruction differ in satisfaction and perceived HR-QoL from women with symptomatic scars.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional survey study, women who had previously undergone DIEP-flap breast reconstruction completed an online survey. Patient-reported scar quality was assessed with the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), and satisfaction and HR-QoL with BREAST-Q. Independent-samples t-tests were conducted to compare BREAST-Q scores between women with no/minor scar symptoms (POSAS overall opinion score 1–3) and women with symptomatic scars (POSAS overall opinion score 4–10).

Results

A total of 248 women completed the survey. Women with scar symptoms had significantly worse BREAST-Q scores on ‘Satisfaction with breasts,’ ‘Physical well-being,’ ‘Psychosocial well-being’ and, ‘Sexual well-being’ compared to women with no/minor scar symptoms (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

After DIEP-flap breast reconstructions, women with symptomatic breast and abdominal scars had a clinically relevant and statistically significant lower degree of satisfaction and HR-QoL compared to women who had no/minor scar symptoms. We therefore recommend to explicitly and repeatedly address inevitability of visible scars after DIEP-flap breast reconstruction, aiming to improve preoperative patient selection and post-operative expectation management.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Electrochemotherapy and Calcium Electroporation on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells: An In-Vitro Investigation
Authors: Lindelauf K. H. K. , Baragona M. , Lemainque T. , Maessen R. T. H. , Ritter A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Electrochemotherapy, clinically established for treating (sub)cutaneous tumors, has been standardized in the framework of the European Standard Operating Procedure on Electrochemotherapy (ESOPE). Due to common side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs, recent advances focus on non-cytotoxic agents, like calcium, to induce cell death (calcium electroporation). Therefore, this study aims to determine the efficacy of electrochemotherapy with bleomycin or cisplatin, or calcium electroporation on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) in vitro using the ESOPE protocol.

Methods

HepG2 cell viability was measured with a MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay after electrochemotherapy with the chemotherapeutic drugs bleomycin or cisplatin (0–20 µM), or after calcium electroporation (0–20 mM), to determine its efficacy on HepG2 cells in vitro using the ESOPE protocol (8 rectangular pulses, 1000 V/cm, 100 µs) compared to non-electroporated drug treatment.

Results

Cell viability was significantly lower in electroporated samples, compared to their non-electroporated controls (27–75% difference). Electrochemotherapy with bleomycin and calcium electroporation, reached (almost) complete cell death (− 1 ± 3% and 2.5 ± 2%), in the lowest concentration of 2.5 µM and 2.5 mM, respectively. Electrochemotherapy with 2.5 µM cisplatin, significantly decreased cell viability to only 68% (± 7%).

Conclusion

Electrochemotherapy with bleomycin or cisplatin, or calcium electroporation were more effective in reducing the HepG2 cell viability in vitro using the ESOPE protocol compared to the non-electroporated drug treatments alone. When comparing electrochemotherapy, HepG2 cells are more sensitive to bleomycin than cisplatin, in similar concentrations. Calcium electroporation has the same effectiveness as electrochemotherapy with bleomycin, but calcium potentially has a better safety profile and several treatment advantages.

Graphical Abstract
Darifenacin: a promising chitinase 3-like 1 inhibitor to tackle drug resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sousa Sofia M. , Branco Helena , Avan Amir , Palmeira Andreia , Morelli Luca , Santos Lúcio L. , Giovannetti Elisa , Vasconcelos M. Helena , Xavier Cristina P. R.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most aggressive malignancies. Our previous work revealed Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) involvement in PDAC resistance to gemcitabine, identifying it as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we aimed to identify putative CHI3L1 inhibitors and to investigate their chemosensitizing potential in PDAC.

Methods

Docking analysis for CHI3L1 identified promising CHI3L1 inhibitors, including darifenacin (muscarinic receptor antagonist). PDAC cell lines (BxPC-3, PANC-1) and primary PDAC cells were used to evaluate darifenacin’s effects on cell growth (Sulforhodamine B, SRB), alone or in combination with gemcitabine or gemcitabine plus paclitaxel. Cytotoxicity against normal immortalized pancreatic ductal cells (HPNE) was assessed. Recombinant protein was used to confirm the impact of darifenacin on CHI3L1-induced PDAC cellular resistance to therapy (SRB assay). Darifenacin’s effect on Akt activation was analysed by ELISA. The association between cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (CHRM3) expression and therapeutic response was evaluated by immunohistochemistry of paraffin-embedded tissues from surgical resections of a 68 patients’ cohort.

Results

In silico screening revealed the ability of darifenacin to target CHI3L1 with high efficiency. Darifenacin inhibited PDAC cell growth, with a GI50 of 26 and 13.6 µM in BxPC-3 and PANC-1 cells, respectively. These results were confirmed in primary PDAC-3 cells, while darifenacin showed no cytotoxicity against HPNE cells. Importantly, darifenacin sensitized PDAC cells to standard chemotherapies, reverted CHI3L1-induced PDAC cellular resistance to therapy, and decreased Akt phosphorylation. Additionally, high CHMR3 expression was associated with low therapeutic response to gemcitabine.

Conclusion

This work highlights the potential of darifenacin as a chemosensitizer for PDAC treatment.
Accelerated wound healing and reduced scar formation induced by D-mannose: a possible role of mannose binding lectin
Authors: Ciucanu Cristian Ionuț , Rațiu Sonia , Crîșmariu Gianina Elena , Olariu Sorin , Ciucanu Ionel
Published: September 2024

Wounds are most commonly caused by accidents, surgery and burns, and can be internal or external. Naturally, the wound healing process can take a long time and lead to scarring. In this study we present a technique to shorten wound healing time and prevent or mitigate scarring using D-mannose that is applied directly on the wound. The results showed that the healing time is almost halved compared to treatment with povidone-iodine solution which is an antiseptic widely used in surgery. D-Mannose is neither an antisepsis nor an antibiotic. We propose a posssible mechanism by which D-mannose binds to D-mannose binding lectin and immediately activates the innate immune system that ultimately phagocytizes pathogens and clears the wound of degraded cells and materials, which reduces inflammation and implicitly wound healing time. D-Mannose also intervenes in the coagulation process by binding to fibrinogen, generating a finer and denser fibrin, which visibly reduces collagen scars. Our findings show that applying D-mannose directly on the wound as a powder shortens wound healing time and visibly attenuates scarring. Apart from the unaesthetic appearance, these scars can also cause a certain tissue dysfunction, regardless of the affected organ.

Graphical abstract
Assessment of the reliability, responsiveness, and meaningfulness of the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) for lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: Park Julien , Bremova-Ertl Tatiana , Brands Marion , Foltan Tomas , Gautschi Matthias , Gissen Paul , Hahn Andreas , Jones Simon , Arash-Kaps Laila , Kolnikova Miriam , Patterson Marc , Perlman Susan , Ramaswami Uma , Reichmannová Stella , Rohrbach Marianne , Schneider Susanne A. , Shaikh Aasef , Sivananthan Siyamini , Synofzik Matthis , Walterfarng Mark , Wibawa Pierre , Martakis Kyriakos , Manto Mario
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate the reliability, responsiveness, and validity of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) in patients with lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) who present with neurological symptoms, and quantify the threshold for a clinically meaningful change.

Methods

We analyzed data from three clinical trial cohorts (IB1001-201, IB1001-202, and IB1001-301) of patients with Niemann–Pick disease type C (NPC) and GM2 Gangliosidoses (Tay–Sachs and Sandhoff disease) comprising 122 patients and 703 visits. Reproducibility was described as re-test reliability between repeat baseline visits or baseline and post-treatment washout visits. Responsiveness was determined in relation to the Investigator’s, Caregiver’s, and Patient’s Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I). The CGI-I data was also used to quantify a threshold for a clinically meaningful improvement on the SARA scale. Using a qualitative methods approach, patient/caregiver interviews from the IB1001-301 trial were further used to assess a threshold of meaningful change as well as the breadth of neurological signs and symptoms captured and evaluated by the SARA scale.

Results

The Inter-Class Correlation (ICC) was 0.95 or greater for all three trials, indicating a high internal consistency/reliability. The mean change in SARA between repeat baseline and post-treatment washout visit assessments in all trials was −0.05, SD 1.98, i.e., minimal, indicating no significant differences, learning effects or other systematic biases. For the CGI-I responses and change in SARA scores, Area Under the Curve (AUC) values were 0.82, 0.71, and 0.77 for the Investigator’s, Caregiver’s, and Patient’s CGI-I respectively, indicating strong agreement. Further qualitative analyses of the patient/caregiver interviews demonstrated a 1-point or greater change on SARA to be a clinically meaningful improvement which is directly relevant to the patient’s everyday functioning and quality of life. Changes captured by the SARA were also paralleled by improvement in a broad range of neurological signs and symptoms and beyond cerebellar ataxia.

Conclusion

Qualitative and quantitative data demonstrate the reliability and responsiveness of the SARA score as a valid measure of neurological signs and symptoms in LSDs with CNS involvement, such as NPC and GM2 Gangliosidoses. A 1-point change represents a clinically meaningful transition reflecting the gain or loss of complex function.
Metabolomic profile of cerebrospinal fluid from patients with diffuse gliomas
Authors: Möhn Nora , Hounchonou Harold F. , Nay Sandra , Schwenkenbecher Philipp , Grote-Levi Lea , Al-Tarawni Fadi , Esmaeilzadeh Majid , Schuchardt Sven , Schwabe Kerstin , Hildebrandt Herbert , Thiesler Hauke , Feuerhake Friedrich , Hartmann Christian , Skripuletz Thomas , Krauss Joachim K.
Published: September 2024

Background

Diffuse gliomas are among the most common brain tumors in adults and are associated with a dismal prognosis, especially in patients with glioblastoma. To date, tumor tissue acquisition is mandatory for conclusive diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making. In this study, we aimed to identify possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood.

Methods

During glioma surgery at our institution, CSF and blood samples were collected from patients. Subsequently, targeted metabolomics analysis was used to detect and quantify circulating metabolites. The metabolome profiles of glioma patients were compared with those of patients in a control group who had undergone neurosurgery for other entities, such as nonglial tumors or hydrocephalus, and were correlated with established glioma diagnostic molecular markers.

Results

In this study, a total of 30 glioma patients were included, along with a control group of 21 patients without glioma. Serum metabolomic analysis did not detect any significant differences between the groups, whereas CSF-metabolome analysis revealed increased levels of six metabolites in glioma patients. Among these, the most pronounced differences were found for the biogenic amine putrescine (p = 0.00005). p-Cresol sulfate was identified as a potential CSF marker for determining isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) status in glioma patients (p = 0.0037).

Conclusion

CSF-metabolome profiling, unlike blood profiling, shows promise as a diagnostic tool for glioma patients with the potential to assign molecular subtypes. The next step will involve a larger multicenter study to validate these findings, with the ultimate objective of integrating CSF metabolomics analysis into clinical practice.
Assessing the effects of spontaneous intracranial hypotension on quality of life, work ability and disability
Authors: Kapan Ali , Waldhör Thomas , Wöber Christian
Published: September 2024

Background

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), characterized by headaches due to cerebrospinal fluid leaks or low pressure, is a challenging condition to diagnose and treat and affects the quality of life.

Methods

An 8‑week online survey was conducted to assess the impact of SIH on symptoms, sociodemographics and quality of life. The cohort was comprised of patients who had a self-reported diagnosis of SIH and were divided into two groups: those with radiological evidence of SIH and those with clinical suspicion but no radiological evidence. Mental health and disability were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Henry Ford Hospital Headache Disability Inventory (HDI).

Results

A total of 86 participants were included in the study, 59 with radiological evidence and 27 without. Most participants were female (84.9%) with a mean age of 44.8 years. Orthostatic headache was more common in participants without radiological evidence (74.1% vs. 42.4%). The severity in those with radiological evidence was 27.1% mild, 27.1% moderate, 30.5% severe and 15.3% extremely severe, while those without had 7.4% mild, 18.5% moderate, 63.0% severe and 11.1% extremely severe headaches. Mental health assessment using the DASS-21 scale showed that 77.9% of all participants reported signs of depression, 96.5% reported anxiety and 89.5% reported stress. The HDI showed 2.3% total disability, 40.7% severe, 19.8% moderate and 37.2% mild. The impact on employment was significant: 15.1% were able to work full-time, 48.8% part-time, 30.2% were unable to work and 5.8% retired early due to SIH.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the broad impact of SIH affecting physical health, mental well-being, and socioeconomic status, and calls for multifaceted and robust management approaches to address its complex effects on patients.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Müller Thomas , Gerlach Manfred , Hefner Gudrun , Hiemke Christoph , Jost Wolfgang H. , Riederer Peter
Published: September 2024

A patient-tailored therapy of the heterogeneous, neuropsychiatric disorder of Parkinson’s disease (PD) aims to improve dopamine sensitive motor symptoms and associated non-motor features. A repeated, individual adaptation of dopamine substituting compounds is required throughout the disease course due to the progress of neurodegeneration. Therapeutic drug monitoring of dopamine substituting drugs may be an essential tool to optimize drug applications. We suggest plasma determination of levodopa as an initial step. The complex pharmacology of levodopa is influenced by its short elimination half-life and the gastric emptying velocity. Both considerably contribute to the observed variability of plasma concentrations of levodopa and its metabolite 3-O-methyldopa. These amino acids compete with other aromatic amino acids as well as branched chain amino acids on the limited transport capacity in the gastrointestinal tract and the blood brain barrier. However, not much is known about plasma concentrations of levodopa and other drugs/drug combinations in PD. Some examples may illustrate this lack of knowledge: Levodopa measurements may allow further insights in the phenomenon of inappropriate levodopa response. They may result from missing compliance, interactions e.g. with treatments for other mainly age-related disorders, like hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, rheumatism or by patients themselves independently taken herbal medicines. Indeed, uncontrolled combination of compounds for accompanying disorders as given above with PD drugs might increase the risk of side effects. Determination of other drugs used to treat PD in plasma such as dopamine receptor agonists, amantadine and inhibitors of catechol-O-methyltransferase or monoamine oxidase B may refine and improve the value of calculations of levodopa equivalents. How COMT-Is change levodopa plasma concentrations? How other dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic drugs influence levodopa levels? Also, delivery of drugs as well as single and repeated dosing and continuous levodopa administrations with a possible accumulation of levodopa, pharmacokinetic behaviour of generic and branded compounds appear to have a marked influence on efficacy of drug treatment and side effect profile. Their increase over time may reflect progression of PD to a certain degree. Therapeutic drug monitoring in PD is considered to improve the therapeutic efficacy in the course of this devastating neurologic disorder and therefore is able to contribute to the patients’ precision medicine. State-of-the-art clinical studies are urgently needed to demonstrate the usefulness of TDM for optimizing the treatment of PD.
Towards an EPR on a Chip Spectrometer for Monitoring Radiation Damage During X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Shabratova Ekaterina , Lotfi Hadi , Sakr Ayman , Hassan Mohamed Atef , Kern Michal , Neeb Matthias , Grüneberger René , Klemke Bastian , Marcozzi Gianluca , Kiefer Klaus , Tsarapkin Aleksei , Höflich Katja , Dittwald Alina , Denker Andrea , Anders Jens , McPeak Joseph E. , Lips Klaus
Published: September 2024

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is an essential tool to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation, which is routinely administered for reducing contaminations and waste in food products and cosmetics as well as for sterilization in industry and medicine. In materials research, EPR methods are not only employed as a spectroscopic method of structural investigations, but also have been employed for detection of changes in electronic structure due to radiation damage from high energy X-rays, for example, to monitor radical formation inside biomolecules caused by X-ray irradiation at carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen K-edges at synchrotron facilities. Here a compact EPR spectrometer, based on EPR-on-a-chip (EPRoC) sensor and a portable electromagnet, has been developed as a solution for monitoring radiation damage of samples during their investigation by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at synchrotron facilities. A portable electromagnet with a soft iron core and forced air temperature stabilization was constructed as the source of the external magnetic field. The sweep range of magnetic field inside the most homogeneous region of the portable electromagnet is 12–290 mT. The compact spectrometer performance was evaluated by placing the EPRoC sensor inside either a commercial electromagnet or the portable electromagnet to record the EPR spectrum of tempol, irradiated alanine, and dilithium phthalocyanine (Li2Pc). The potential performance of the portable spectrometer for the detection of radiation damage in organic compounds and transition metal-containing catalysts during XAS measurements in both fluorescence and transmission modes was calculated with promising implications for measurements after implementation in a synchrotron-based XAS spectrometer.