bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Handling robot non-fixed high-velocity handling method
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Guo Fuyu , Tang Qian , Chen Jiawei
Published: May 2023

Handling robots are widely used today, and non-fixed handling is more effective than fixed handling in some specific scenarios. The non-fixed handling of robots can increase the load and reduce the precise positioning process of grabbing the object, but the handling velocity is relatively slow for the stability of the object. In addition, it needs to consider the friction and reaction force constraints on the object. This paper proposes a non-fixed high-velocity handling method for the handling robot. First, it deduces the friction and reaction force constraints that maintain the dynamic balance of the object during the handling process into robot dynamic constraints. Then, the time-optimal trajectory planning algorithm based on reachability analysis is used to solve the robot’s time-optimal trajectory that satisfies the dynamic constraints of the object in the handling process. This leads to a markedly improved production efficiency, as the robot concludes the handling process in the shortest possible time. Finally, the experimental handling of the object by the ABB IRB1200 robot verifies this method.
A RUL Prediction Method of Lithium-ion Battery Based on Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Meng Xiangdong , Wang Wei , Cao Xinyu , Li Gang , Li Dexing
Published: May 2023

Owing to the complexity of the electrochemical reaction types in lithium-ion batteries and the characteristics of nonlinear degradation, using physical models to describe the degradation process is often not accurate enough. This paper only analyzes from the perspective of data, through a data-driven method, extreme learning machine ( ELM ), to predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of lithium-ion. Firstly, the cycle charge and discharge data of lithium-ion battery are analyzed in depth to find the parameters which can indirectly characterize the degree of degeneracy of lithium-ion battery. The parameters with strong robustness to the actual capacity of lithium-ion battery are selected as indirect health indicators by correlation coefficient analysis. Then, the RUL prediction model based on ELM is constructed, which is trained and tested using the lithium-ion battery data sample set published by NASA. The results show that the RUL prediction method based on ELM can effectively predict the battery RUL, and the root mean square error (RMSE) can reach below 5 %.
A lightweight improvement of YOLOv5 for insulator fault detection
Authors: Zhou Tianshui
Published: May 2023

Along with the development of artificial intelligence, mobile terminal equipment patrol inspection has become the mainstream of power grid line patrol inspection. Insulator defect detection is an important part of power patrol inspection. To increase the detection speed under the condition of guaranteeing high precision of insulator detecting, an improved lightweight YOLOv5 algorithm is presented to achieve insulator defect detection. This algorithm uses the lightweight Ghost convolution to improve the general convolution and the Ghost Bottleneck module to improve the head module in YOLOv5. Based on the original Ghost lightweight, the algorithm improves the channel data suitable for insulator detection and decreases the number of convolutions. In the same research data and experimental environment setting, the effect is better than the unmodified Ghost optimization. Experiment results indicate that the mean precision of detecting insulator is 81%, the number of algorithm models and parameters is reduced, the speed of detection is increased under the premise of ensuring accuracy, and the improved algorithm model is more lightweight and easy to deploy and use in embedded mobile terminals.
Inverse solution of six-degrees-of-freedom serial robot with adjacent three joint axes parallel based on screw theory
Authors: Jing Xuedong , Zha Qinglin
Published: May 2023

Inverse kinematics occupies a vital role in robotics and is the fundation of robot trajectory planning as well as rigid body motion, which directly affects the rapidity and accuracy of control. Compared with the traditional Denavit-Hatenberg parameter modeling, the screw method has its unique advantages. The paper establishes the kinematic model of a six-degree-of-freedom serial robot using screw theory. The Paden-Kahan sub-problem, orientation separation reduction technique and matrix transformation are used to resolve the inverse kinematics. The effectiveness and validity of the above algorithm are verified by data calculation. A new inverse solution algorithm is designed in this paper to propose an idea for the inverse kinematic solution with the second, third, and fourth joints being parallel to each other in the robot.
Angiogenesis coupled with osteogenesis in a bone tissue engineering scaffold enhances bone repair in osteoporotic bone defects
Authors: Feng Guiyu , Liu Wei , Yu Yao , Tian Bingbing , Zhang Yingkai , Yang Fenghe , Huang Jian , Zhang Pingxin , Wang Wei , Li Dongyang , Sun Song , Niu Xufeng , Chai Limin , Li Jinyu
Published: May 2023

Increased life expectancy has resulted in an increase in osteoporosis incidence worldwide. The coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis is indispensable for bone repair. Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exerts therapeutic effects on osteoporosis, TCM-related scaffolds, which focus on the coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis, have not yet been used for the treatment of osteoporotic bone defects. Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS), the active ingredient of Panax notoginseng, was added to a poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) matrix. Osteopractic total flavone (OTF), the active ingredient of Rhizoma Drynariae, was encapsulated in nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC) and added to the PLLA matrix. Magnesium (Mg) particles were added to the PLLA matrix to overcome the bioinert character of PLLA and neutralize the acidic byproducts generated by PLLA. In this OTF-PNS/nHAC/Mg/PLLA scaffold, PNS was released faster than OTF. The control group had an empty bone tunnel; scaffolds containing OTF:PNS = 100:0, 50:50, and 0:100 were used as the treatment groups. Scaffold groups promoted new vessel and bone formation, increased the osteoid tissue, and suppressed the osteoclast activity around osteoporotic bone defects. Scaffold groups upregulated the expression levels of angiogenic and osteogenic proteins. Among these scaffolds, the OTF-PNS (50:50) scaffold exhibited a better capacity for osteogenesis than the OTF-PNS (100:0 and 0:100) scaffolds. Activation of the bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-2/BMP receptor (BMPR)-1A/runt-related transcription factor (RUNX)-2 signaling pathway may be a possible mechanism for the promotion of osteogenesis. Our study demonstrated that the OTF-PNS/nHAC/Mg/PLLA scaffold could promote osteogenesis via the coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis in osteoporotic rats with bone defects, and activating the BMP-2/BMPR1A/RUNX2 signaling pathway may be an osteogenesis-related mechanism. However, further experiments are necessary to facilitate its practical application in the treatment of osteoporotic bone defects.
The chicken eggshell membrane: a versatile, sustainable, biological material for translational biomedical applications
Authors: Mensah Rosemond A , Salim Kawther , Peszko Katarzyna , Diop Seyta , Wong Ting HR , Chau David YS
Published: May 2023

Naturally derived materials are often preferred over synthetic materials for biomedical applications due to their innate biological characteristics, relative availability, sustainability, and agreement with conscientious end-users. The chicken eggshell membrane (ESM) is an abundant resource with a defined structural profile, chemical composition, and validated morphological and mechanical characteristics. These unique properties have not only allowed the ESM to be exploited within the food industry but has also led to it be considered for other novel translational applications such as tissue regeneration and replacement, wound healing and drug delivery. However, challenges still exist in order to enhance the native ESM (nESM): the need to improve its mechanical properties, the ability to combine/join fragments of ESM together, and the addition or incorporation of drugs/growth factors to advance its therapeutic capacity. This review article provides a succinct background to the nESM, its extraction, isolation, and consequent physical, mechanical and biological characterisation including possible approaches to enhancement. Moreover, it also highlights current applications of the ESM in regenerative medicine and hints at future novel applications in which this novel biomaterial could be exploited to beneficial use.
First-principles study of the effect of pressure on the physical properties of PbC
Authors: Muñoz H , Antonio J E , Cervantes J M , Rosas-Huerta J L , Carvajal E , Escamilla R
Published: May 2023

Silicon carbide has been used as a cutting material and as a semiconductor in lighting and power electronics. Results from some studies, carried out on IV-IV group carbides like GeC and SnC, allow to identify potential technological applications of these carbides in extreme environments, opening the possibility to find new carbides for similar applications. For this work, the PbC was studied under hydrostatic pressure in the framework of the Density Functional Theory, obtaining relevant information on its structural, electronic, mechanical, vibrational, thermodynamical, and optical properties. The optimized lattice parameter and volume, and electronic bands structures type agree with the available theoretical data at zero GPa. The calculated enthalpy values show a phase transition, from the B3 structure (CsCl-type) to the B1 structure (rocksalt or NaCl-type), at 23.5 GPa. The PbC is energetically, mechanically, and dynamically stable for all the pressure values in the studied range; it is a metallic, anisotropic, and brittle material with paramagnetic ionic-covalent bonds and good hardness (the highest mechanical resistance was found above T = 370 K). As the pressure increases, it was noted: (i) the increase of the electronic cloud around the C and Pb atoms, (ii) the DOS spread, (iii) the change to be a ductile material with a tendency to the metallic bonds and (iv) an increase of the hardness and the Young modulus, due to C 2p and Pb 6p-orbitals. Our results show that the PbC is a promising material for applications in the development of optical and optoelectronic devices, and to be used as a protective coating against the low frequencies in the UV and infrared and visible regions.
The existence of UFO implies projectively universal morphisms
Authors: Balcerzak Marek , Kania Tomasz
Published: May 2023

Let

C

\mathcal C

be a concrete category. We prove that if

C

\mathcal {C}

admits a universally free object

F

\mathsf F

, then there is a projectively universal morphism

u
:

F

→

F

u\colon \mathsf F\to \mathsf F

, i.e., a morphism

u
u

such that for any

B
∈

C

B\in \mathcal {C}

and

τ
∈
Mor
⁡
(
B
)

\tau \in \operatorname {Mor}(B)

there exists an epimorphism

π
∈
Mor
⁡
(

F

,
B
)

\pi \in \operatorname {Mor}(\mathsf F, B)

such that

π
τ
=
u
π

\pi \tau = u \pi

. This builds upon and extends various ideas by Darji and Matheron [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 145 (2017), pp. 251–265] who proved such a result for the category of separable Banach spaces with contractive operators as well as certain classes of dynamical systems on compact metric spaces. Specialising from our abstract setting, we conclude that the result applies to various categories of Banach spaces/lattices/algebras, C*-algebras, etc.
The opportunity of using durum wheat landraces to tolerate drought stress: screening morpho-physiological components
Authors: Chaouachi Latifa , Marín-Sanz Miriam , Kthiri Zayneb , Boukef Sameh , Harbaoui Kalthoum , Barro Francisco , Karmous Chahine
Published: May 2023

Local genetic resources could constitute a promising solution to overcome drought stress. Thus, eight (8) durum wheat landraces and one improved variety were assessed for drought tolerance in pots under controlled conditions. Three water treatments were tested: control (100 % of the field capacity (FC)), medium (50 % FC) and severe (25 % FC) stress. The assessment was carried out at the seedling stage to mimic stress during crop set-up. Results showed that increased water stress led to a decrease in biomass and morpho-physiological parameters and an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities. Severe water stress decreased the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, relative water content (RWC) and water potential of the investigated genotypes by 56.45, 20.58, 50.18 and 139.4 %, respectively. Besides, the phenolic compounds content increased by 169.2 % compared to the control. Catalase and guaiacol peroxidase activities increased 17 days after treatment for most genotypes except Karim and Hmira. A principal component analysis showed that the most contributed drought tolerance traits were chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, RWC and electrolyte conductivity. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean clustering showed that the landraces Aouija, Biskri and Hedhba exhibited a higher adaptive response to drought stress treatments, indicating that water stress-adaptive traits are included in Tunisian landraces germplasm.
Sex differences in structural covariance network based on MRI cortical morphometry: effects on episodic memory
Authors: Shi Yajun , Cui Dong , Niu Jinpeng , Zhang Xiaotong , Sun Fengzhu , Liu Haiqin , Dou Ruhai , Qiu Jianfeng , Jiao Qing , Cao Weifang , Yu Guanghui
Published: May 2023

Sex differences in episodic memory (EM), remembering past events based on when and where they occurred, have been reported, but the neural mechanisms are unclear. T1-weighted images of 111 females and 61 males were acquired from the Dallas Lifespan Brain Study. Using surface-based morphometry and structural covariance (SC) analysis, we constructed structural covariance networks (SCN) based on cortical volume, and the global efficiency (Eglob) was computed to characterize network integration. The relationship between SCN and EM was examined by SC analysis among the top-n brain regions that were most relevant to EM performance. The number of SC connections (females: 3306; males: 437, P = 0.0212) and Eglob (females: 0.1845; males: 0.0417, P = 0.0408) of SCN in females were higher than those in males. The top-n brain regions with the strongest SC in females were located in auditory network, cingulo-opercular network (CON), and default mode network (DMN), and in males, they were located in frontoparietal network, CON, and DMN. These results confirmed that the Eglob of SCN in females was higher than males, sex differences in EM performance might be related to the differences in network-level integration. Our study highlights the importance of sex as a research variable in brain science.
Retrospective: Patricia S. Goldman-Rakic, pioneer in neuroscience and co-founder of the journal, Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Arnsten Amy F T
Published: May 2023

Patricia Goldman-Rakic (1937–2003), the co-founder of this journal, was a pioneering neuroscientist who made transformational discoveries about the prefrontal cortex and the neurobiological basis of working memory. Her research served as the foundation for cognitive neuroscience, and paved the path for women in science. Her multidisciplinary approach created a new paradigm, where the scientific question, rather than a single method, was paramount to the investigation. The current review provides a brief summary of her extraordinary life and scientific contributions.
Site and Mechanism of ML252 Inhibition of Kv7 Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels
Authors: Kanyo Richard , Lamothe Shawn M , Urrutia Arturo , Goodchild Samuel J , Allison W Ted , Dean Richard , Kurata Harley T
Published: May 2023

Kv7 (KCNQ) voltage-gated potassium channels are critical regulators of neuronal excitability and are candidate targets for development of antiseizure medications. Drug discovery efforts have identified small molecules that modulate channel function and reveal mechanistic insights into Kv7 channel physiological roles. While Kv7 channel activators have therapeutic benefits, inhibitors are useful for understanding channel function and mechanistic validation of candidate drugs. In this study, we reveal the mechanism of a Kv7.2/Kv7.3 inhibitor, ML252. We used docking and electrophysiology to identify critical residues involved in ML252 sensitivity. Most notably, Kv7.2[W236F] or Kv7.3[W265F] mutations strongly attenuate ML252 sensitivity. This tryptophan residue in the pore is also required for sensitivity to certain activators, including retigabine and ML213. We used automated planar patch clamp electrophysiology to assess competitive interactions between ML252 and different Kv7 activator subtypes. A pore-targeted activator (ML213) weakens the inhibitory effects of ML252, whereas a distinct activator subtype (ICA-069673) that targets the voltage sensor does not prevent ML252 inhibition. Using transgenic zebrafish larvae expressing an optical reporter (CaMPARI) to measure neural activity in-vivo, we demonstrate that Kv7 inhibition by ML252 increases neuronal excitability. Consistent with in-vitro data, ML213 suppresses ML252 induced neuronal activity, while the voltage-sensor targeted activator ICA-069673 does not prevent ML252 actions. In summary, this study establishes a binding site and mechanism of action of ML252, classifying this poorly understood drug as a pore-targeted Kv7 channel inhibitor that binds to the same tryptophan residue as commonly used pore-targeted Kv7 activators.

ML213 and ML252 likely have overlapping sites of interaction in the pore Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channels, resulting in competitive interactions. In contrast, the VSD-targeted activator ICA-069673 does not prevent channel inhibition by ML252.
Natural history, clinical characteristics, outcomes, and long-term follow-up of pain-free chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Ahmed Awais , Shah Ishani , Bocchino Rachel , Freedman Steven D , Kothari Darshan J , Sheth Sunil G
Published: May 2023

Background

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by chronic abdominal pain and functional insufficiency. However, a small subset of patients with prior acute pancreatitis (AP) and/or underlying risk factors for developing CP may be pain-free at diagnosis and may have a different clinical course. We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and healthcare utilization between CP patients with and without pain.

Methods

Reviewed patients with established CP were followed in our Pancreas Center between January 2016 and April 2021. Patients without risk factors for developing CP and/or without AP prior to their diagnosis and only with incidental radiologic features of CP were excluded, so as to minimize confounding factors of pancreatopathy unrelated to CP. Patients were divided into painful and pain-free groups to analyze differences in demographics, outcomes, and healthcare utilization.

Results

Of 368 CP patients, 49 (13.3%) were pain-free at diagnosis and had remained so for >9 years. There were no significant differences in body mass index, race, sex, or co-morbidities between the two groups. Pain-free patients were older at diagnosis (53.9 vs 45.7, P = 0.004) and had less recurrent AP (RAP) (43.8% vs 72.5%, P < 0.001) and less exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) (34.7% vs 65.7%, P < 0.001). Pain-free patients had less disability (2.2% vs 22.0%, P = 0.003), mental illness (20.4% vs 61.0%, P < 0.001), surgery (0.0% vs 15.0%, P = 0.059), and therapeutic interventions (0.0% vs 16.4%, P = 0.005) for pain.

Conclusions

We described a unique subset of patients with underlying risk factors for CP and/or prior AP who were pain-free at diagnosis. They were older at diagnosis, had less EPI and RAP, and overall favorable outcomes with minimal resource utilization.
The Delivery of Person-Centered Care for People Living With Dementia in Residential Aged Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Berkovic Danielle , Macrae Ann , Gulline Hannah , Horsman Phillipa , Soh Sze-Ee , Skouteris Helen , Ayton Darshini
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives

Person-centered care is the gold standard of care for people living with dementia, yet few systematic reviews have detailed how it is delivered in practice. This mixed-methods review aimed to examine the delivery of person-centered care, and its effectiveness, for people living with dementia in residential aged care.

Research Design and Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eligible studies were identified across 4 databases. Quantitative and qualitative studies containing data on person-centered care delivered to people with dementia living in residential aged care were included. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted where more than 3 studies measured the same outcome. A narrative meta-synthesis approach was undertaken to categorize verbatim participant quotes into representative themes. Risk of bias was undertaken using quality appraisal tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results

41 studies were identified for inclusion. There were 34 person-centered care initiatives delivered, targeting 14 person-centered care outcomes. 3 outcomes could be pooled. Meta-analyses demonstrated no reduction in agitation (standardized mean difference −0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.58, 0.03), improvement in quality of life (standardized mean difference −0.63, 95% CI: −1.95, 0.70), or reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms (mean difference −1.06, 95% CI: −2.16, 0.05). Narrative meta-synthesis revealed barriers (e.g., time constraints) and enablers (e.g., staff collaboration) to providing person-centered care from a staff perspective.

Discussion and Implications

The effectiveness of person-centered care initiatives delivered to people with dementia in residential aged care is conflicting. Further high-quality research over an extended time is required to identify how person-centered care can be best implemented to improve resident outcomes.
Inhibition of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay may improve stop codon read-through therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Amar-Schwartz Adi , Cohen Yuval , Elhaj Antony , Ben-Hur Vered , Siegfried Zahava , Karni Rotem , Dor Talya
Published: May 2023

Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) are genetic neuromuscular disorders that affect skeletal and cardiac muscle resulting from mutations in the dystrophin gene (DMD), coding for dystrophin protein. Read-through therapies hold great promise for the treatment of genetic diseases harboring nonsense mutations, such as DMD/BMD, as they enable a complete translation of the affected mRNA. However, to date, most read-through drugs have not achieved a cure for patients. One possible explanation for the limitation of these therapies for DMD/BMD is that they rely on the presence of mutant dystrophin mRNAs. However, the mutant mRNAs containing premature termination codons are identified by the cellular surveillance mechanism, the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) process, and are degraded. Here, we show that the combination of read-through drugs together with known NMD inhibitors have a synergistic effect on the levels of nonsense-containing mRNAs, among them the mutant dystrophin mRNA. This synergistic effect may enhance read-through therapies’ efficacy and improve the current treatment for patients.
Design and modelling of a small-scale reversible high-temperature heat pump—organic Rankine cycle system for industrial waste heat recovery
Authors: Velanparambil Ravindran Rahul , Huang Ming Jun , Hewitt Neil
Published: May 2023

Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) and heat pump (HP) are two well-established technologies for industrial waste heat recovery. Given the similarity between ORC and HP configurations, a system that can switch between HP and ORC modes with minimal modification is feasible. The reversible system according to the requirement of the industry can exploit waste heat in lower temperature bands operating as a high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) to provide useful process heat or as an ORC system generating power and thus increasing the efficiency of waste heat exploitation. This study discusses the design aspects of a small-scale reversible HTHP—ORC system, including the system layout, component selection, selection of an appropriate working fluid, the operating conditions for both modes and equipment sizing. R1233zd(E) was selected as the refrigerant for the reversible system and an automotive open-drive scroll compressor was found to be suitable, which can also be used as an expander for ORC with minimum modifications. The study also presents the modelling of the reversible system in ORC and HTHP modes including performance analysis of the scroll machine in expander and compressor roles attaining isentropic efficiency values up to 62.4 and 75.4%, respectively. The modelling results show a cycle efficiency of 5.9% (Tev = 102°C, $ \dot{m} $r = 0.064 kg/s) in ORC mode and a coefficient of performance of 4.19 in HTHP mode (for a temperature lift of 49 K with Tsource: 85°C, Ncomp: 2000 rpm).
Poisson Trace Orders
Authors: Brown Ken , Yakimov Milen
Published: May 2023

The two main approaches to the study of irreducible representations of orders (via traces and Poisson orders) have so far been applied in a completely independent fashion. We define and study a natural compatibility relation between the two approaches leading to the notion of Poisson trace orders. It is proved that all regular and reduced traces are always compatible with any Poisson order structure. The modified discriminant ideals of all Poisson trace orders are proved to be Poisson ideals and the zero loci of discriminant ideals are shown to be unions of symplectic cores, under natural assumptions (maximal orders and Cayley–Hamilton algebras). A base change theorem for Poisson trace orders is proved. A broad range of Poisson trace orders are constructed based on the proved theorems: quantized universal enveloping algebras, quantum Schubert cell algebras and quantum function algebras at roots of unity, symplectic reflection algebras, 3D and 4D Sklyanin algebras, Drinfeld doubles of pre-Nichols algebras of diagonal type, and root of unity quantum cluster algebras.
Art by Proxy
Authors: Yanal Robert
Published: May 2023

Cultural theories of art were developed to account for the arthood of nonaesthetic and nonimitative artworks. Historical theories such as those proposed by Jerrold Levinson, James Carney, and Noël Carroll fail to account for the arthood of first art and ethnological objects, as does the disjunctive theory of Stephen Davies. An institutional (artworld-based) theory, such as George Dickie’s 1977 version, can account for the arthood of art made within the context of an artworld. But what of objects that are art now but were not made in an artworld context? I add a supplement to Dickie’s institutional theory: the concept of art by proxy.
Time for a Change: Considering Vancomycin Alternatives for Pediatric Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Haynes Andrew S , Maples Holly , Parker Sarah
Published: May 2023

Vancomycin remains the standard of care for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia in pediatrics largely because no alternative antibiotic is definitively superior. Long-standing historical precedent and S. aureus’ notable lack of vancomycin resistance are clear benefits, but vancomycin’s use remains plagued by nephrotoxicity and the need for therapeutic drug monitoring, with inadequate consensus on how best to dose or monitor vancomycin in pediatrics. Daptomycin, ceftaroline, and linezolid are all promising alternatives, with improved safety relative to vancomycin. However, inadequate and variable efficacy data limit confidence in their use. Despite this, we contend that it is time for clinicians to reconsider vancomycin’s place in clinical use. In this review, we summarize the supporting data for using vancomycin versus these other anti-MRSA antibiotics, present a framework for antibiotic decision-making that considers patient-specific factors, and discuss approaches to antibiotic selection for various etiologies of MRSA bacteremia. This review aims to help pediatric clinicians choose among the various treatment options for MRSA bacteremia, acknowledging that the optimal antibiotic choice is sometimes uncertain.
Stability of the Interface Between LIPON and LCO During TEM Sample Preparation by FIB
Authors: Rezikyan Aram , Tanner Cameron , Berland Brian
Published: May 2023

An amorphous interphase between lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LIPON) solid electrolyte and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) has been reported recently in several electron microscopy studies of Li ion thin-film micro-batteries (TFMB), along with its implications to battery operation. However, the origin of the observed interphase at the as-made LIPON/LCO interface remained obscure. In this work, this interface has been characterized comprehensively by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging at all steps of the in situ focused ion beam (FIB) lift-out procedure for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation. It was found that the interphase is formed during TEM lamella preparation when the portion of LIPON layer contained within the lamella is physically disconnected from the rest of the LIPON layer by FIB. Therefore, it was demonstrated that a disordered interphase can form in LCO at its interface with LIPON during TEM sample preparation by the FIB lift-out procedure and that subtle nature of the interphase formation makes it likely to go unnoticed during the preparation. This interphase was not produced even after galvanostatic charging of a battery with a Li metal anode but inevitably appeared after the FIB lift-out of that sample.
Plant phase extraction: A method for enhanced discovery of the RNA-binding proteome and its dynamics in plants
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xu Ye , Skaggs Todd H , Ferreira Jorge F S , Chen Xuemei , Sandhu Devinder
Published: May 2023

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play critical roles in posttranscriptional gene regulation. Current methods of systematically profiling RBPs in plants have been predominantly limited to proteins interacting with polyadenylated (poly(A)) RNAs. We developed a method called plant phase extraction (PPE), which yielded a highly comprehensive RNA-binding proteome (RBPome), uncovering 2,517 RBPs from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaf and root samples with a highly diverse array of RNA-binding domains. We identified traditional RBPs that participate in various aspects of RNA metabolism and a plethora of nonclassical proteins moonlighting as RBPs. We uncovered constitutive and tissue-specific RBPs essential for normal development and, more importantly, revealed RBPs crucial for salinity stress responses from a RBP–RNA dynamics perspective. Remarkably, 40% of the RBPs are non-poly(A) RBPs that were not previously annotated as RBPs, signifying the advantage of PPE in unbiasedly retrieving RBPs. We propose that intrinsically disordered regions contribute to their nonclassical binding and provide evidence that enzymatic domains from metabolic enzymes have additional roles in RNA binding. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that PPE is an impactful approach for identifying RBPs from complex plant tissues and pave the way for investigating RBP functions under different physiological and stress conditions at the posttranscriptional level.
Adolescent sleep defects and dopaminergic hyperactivity in mice with a schizophrenia-linked Shank3 mutation
Authors: Bian Wen-Jie , González Oscar C , de Lecea Luis
Published: May 2023

Shank3 is a shared risk gene for autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Sleep defects have been characterized for autism models with Shank3 mutations; however, evidence has been lacking for the potential sleep defects caused by Shank3 mutation associated with schizophrenia and how early in development these defects may occur. Here we characterized the sleep architecture of adolescent mice carrying a schizophrenia-linked, R1117X mutation in Shank3. We further employed GRABDA dopamine sensor and fiber photometry to record dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens during sleep/wake states. Our results show that homozygous mutant R1117X mice have significantly reduced sleep in the dark phase during adolescence, altered electroencephalogram power, especially during the rapid-eye-movement sleep, and dopamine hyperactivity during sleep but not during wakefulness. Further analyses suggest that these adolescent defects in sleep architecture and dopaminergic neuromodulation tightly correlate with the social novelty preference later in adulthood and predict adult social performance during same-sex social interactions. Our results provide novel insights into the sleep phenotypes in mouse models of schizophrenia and the potential use of developmental sleep as a predictive metric for adult social symptoms. Together with recent studies in other Shank3 models, our work underscores the idea that Shank3-involved circuit disruptions may be one of the shared pathologies in certain types of schizophrenia and autism. Future research is needed to establish the causal relationship among adolescent sleep defects, dopaminergic dysregulation, and adult behavioral changes in Shank3 mutation animals and other models.
FAIMER Global Faculty Development: A Sustainable Partnership Model to Advance Health Professions Education
Authors: Vyas Rashmi , Morahan Page S. , Yuan Shiyao , Amaral Eliana , Burch Vanessa , Campos Henry H. , Mukherjee Snigdha , Salt Jessica , Supe Avinash , van Zanten Marta , Mladenovic Jeanette
Published: May 2023

The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), a member of Intealth, offers longitudinal faculty development programs (LFDPs) in health professions education (HPE) and leadership through its International FAIMER Institute (IFI) in the United States and FAIMER Regional Institutes (FRIs) globally. FAIMER fosters mutual collaboration and delineates shared responsibilities for FRI development in partnership with local institutions, using an adapted hub-and-spoke organizational design. This paper describes FAIMER’s model, its sustainability, and its impacts at individual, institutional, and national levels. IFI was launched in 2001 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as a 2-year part-time hybrid LFDP; with the COVID-19 pandemic onset, IFI transitioned to a fully online program. Since FAIMER’s launch, 11 FRIs developed in Brazil, Chile, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and South Africa, each modeled on the IFI curriculum and adapted to local context. The more than 1,600 IFI and FRI graduates (fellows) from over 55 countries now form a global community of health professions educators who have shared exposure to HPE methods and assessment, leadership and management, educational scholarship and research, and project management and evaluation. Across all global locations and program formats, fellows self-reported a similar increase in knowledge and skills in HPE. All programs center on the fellows’ institutional projects as experiential learning; these projects have focused primarily on educational methods and curriculum revisions. An increased quality of education was reported as the top impact resulting from fellows’ projects. As a result of these programs, fellows have influenced education policy in their countries and established academic societies for HPE, thus contributing to recognition of the HPE academic specialty. FAIMER has successfully developed a sustainable model for advancing HPE globally, creating a vibrant network of health professions educators who have influenced country-specific educational policy and practice. FAIMER’s model offers one approach to building global capacity in HPE.
Appendectomy in endometriosis: an update on surgical indications and management of uncommon diseases
Authors: Galaviz Veronica D. , Nguyen Anthony D. , Sticco Peter L. , Downing Keith T.
Published: May 2023

Purpose of review

Abnormal appendiceal disease is commonly encountered following an appendectomy when performed in patients with endometriosis. Appendiceal endometriosis is the most notable finding and can affect up to 39% of patients with endometriosis. Despite this knowledge, guidelines for performing an appendectomy have not been formally established. In this article, we review the surgical indications for an appendectomy at the time of endometriosis surgery and discuss the management of other diseases that may be encountered following the histopathologic evaluation of an excised appendix.

Recent findings

Removal of the appendix in patients with endometriosis contributes to optimal surgical management. Relying on abnormal appendiceal appearance for removal may leave endometriosis-affected appendices. For this reason, utilizing risk factors to guide surgical management is essential. Common appendiceal diseases are sufficiently managed with appendectomy. Uncommon diseases may require further surveillance.

Emerging data in our field support the performance of an appendectomy at the time of endometriosis surgery. Guidelines for performing a concurrent appendectomy should be formalized to encourage preoperative counselling and management for patients with risk factors for appendiceal endometriosis. Abnormal diseases is frequently encountered after appendectomy in the setting of endometriosis surgery and further management is based on the histopathology of the specimen.
Role of Serial Phlebotomy in the Management of Blunt Solid Organ Injury in Adults
Authors: Frotan Mohammad A. , Edmundson Philip , Cooper Christopher , Tibbs Brian , Garlow Laura , Vandertulip Kaeli , Miller Amy , Aryal Subhash , Roden-Foreman Jacob W. , Shires G. Tom
Published: May 2023

Background:

The management of blunt spleen and liver trauma has become increasingly nonoperative. There is no consensus on timing or duration of serial hemoglobin and hematocrit monitoring in this patient population.

Objective:

This study examined the clinical utility of serial hemoglobin and hematocrit monitoring. We hypothesized that most interventions occur early in the hospital course, based on hemodynamic instability or physical examination findings rather than serial monitoring.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult trauma patients with blunt spleen or liver injury from November 2014 through June 2019 at our Level II trauma center. Interventions were classified as no intervention, surgical intervention, angioembolization, or packed red blood cell transfusion. Demographics, length of stay, total blood draws, laboratory values, and clinical triggers preceding intervention were reviewed.

Results:

A total of 143 patients were studied, of whom 73 (51%) received no intervention, 47 (33%) received an intervention within 4 hr of presentation, and 23 (16%) had interventions beyond 4 hr. Of these 23 patients, 13 received an intervention based on phlebotomy results alone. Most of these patients (n = 12, 92%) received blood transfusion without further intervention. Only one patient underwent operative intervention based on serial hemoglobin results on hospital day 2.

Conclusion:

The majority of patients with these injury patterns either require no intervention or declare themselves promptly after arrival. Serial phlebotomy after initial triage and intervention may add little value in the management of blunt solid organ injury.
Impact of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in selected metabolic disorders
Authors: Fronczek Martyna , Osadnik Tadeusz , Banach Maciej
Published: May 2023

Purpose of review

Vitamin D (vitD) can regulate metabolic pathways in adipose tissue and pancreatic β cells by interacting with its vitamin D receptor (VDR). The aim of this study was to review original publications published in the last months and verify the relationship between genetic variants in the VDR gene and type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MetS), overweight, and obesity.

Recent findings

The recent studies concern genetic variants located in the coding and noncoding regions of the VDR gene. Some of the described genetic variants may affect VDR expression or posttranslational processing altered functionality or vitD binding capacity of VDR. Nevertheless, the data collected in recent months on the assessment of the relationship between VDR genetic variants and the risk of T2D, MetS, overweight, and obesity still do not give a clear answer to whether they have a direct impact on these metabolic disorders.

Analysis of the potential association between VDR genetic variants and parameters such as glycemia, body mass index, body fat, and lipid levels improves the current understanding of the pathogenesis of T2D, MetS, overweight, and obesity. A thorough understanding of this relationship may provide important information for individuals with pathogenic variants and enable the implementation of appropriate prevention against the development of these disorders.
Mining glycosylation-related prognostic lncRNAs and constructing a prognostic model for overall survival prediction in glioma: A study based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wu Xiang , Wang Haiyan , Li Shiqi , Luo Haitao , Liu Feng
Published: May 2023

Dysregulation of protein glycosylation plays a crucial role in the development of glioma. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs), functional RNA molecules without protein-coding ability, regulate gene expression and participate in malignant glioma progression. However, it remains unclear how lncRNAs are involved in glycosylation glioma malignancy. Identification of prognostic glycosylation-related lncRNAs in gliomas is necessary. We collected RNA-seq data and clinicopathological information of glioma patients from the cancer genome atlas and Chinese glioma genome atlas. We used the “limma” package to explore glycosylation-related gene and screened related lncRNAs from abnormally glycosylated genes. Using univariate Cox analyses Regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analyses, we constructed a risk signature with 7 glycosylation-related lncRNAs. Based on the median risk score (RS), patients with gliomas were divided into low- and high-risk subgroups with different overall survival rates. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses regression analyses were performed to assess the independent prognostic ability of the RS. Twenty glycosylation-related lncRNAs were identified by univariate Cox regression analyses. Two glioma subgroups were identified using consistent protein clustering, with the prognosis of the former being better than that of the latter. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis identified 7 survival RSs for glycosylation-related lncRNAs, which were identified as independent prognostic markers and predictors of glioma clinicopathological features. Glycosylation-related lncRNAs play an important role in the malignant development of gliomas and may help guide treatment options.
Bile acid diarrhea – as bad as it gets?
Authors: BouSaba Joelle , Camilleri Michael
Published: May 2023

Purpose of review

Bile acid diarrhea (BAD) is a common but under-recognized gastrointestinal condition that manifests with increased stool frequency and urgency, and a looser stool consistency. The aim of this review is to present recent advances in the pathophysiology, mechanisms, manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of BAD.

Recent findings

Patients with BAD have evidence of accelerated colonic transit, increased gut mucosal permeability, altered stool microbiome composition, and decreased quality of life. Single, random stool measurements of bile acids, alone or in combination with fasting serum 7-alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, have shown good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of BAD. Novel therapeutic approaches include farnesoid X receptor agonists and glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists.

Recent research has led to a better understanding of the pathophysiology and mechanisms of BAD, which might pave the way towards more targeted treatment strategies for BAD. Newer, more affordable, and easier diagnostic methods facilitate the diagnosis of BAD.
Retention of small bowel capsule endoscopy
Authors: Rosa Bruno , Dray Xavier , Koulaouzidis Anastasios
Published: May 2023

Purpose of review

Capsule endoscopy is widely recognized as a safe and effective procedure to evaluate the small bowel and/or the colon noninvasively. Although infrequent, capsule retention is the most feared adverse event related to this technique. A better knowledge of risk factors, improvement of patients’ selection and precapsule patency assessment may further contribute to reducing the incidence of capsule retention, even in patients at increased risk for this complication.

Recent findings

This review addresses the main risk factors for capsule retention, strategies for risk reduction such as patients’ selection, dedicated cross-sectional imaging and rational use of the patency capsule, as well as management options and outcomes in the case of capsule retention.

Capsule retention is infrequent, and it is usually manageable conservatively with favorable clinical outcomes. Patency capsules and dedicated small-bowel cross-sectional techniques such as CT or MR enterography should be used selectively and are both effective in decreasing the rate of capsule retention. However, none of them can completely eliminate the risk of retention.
The evaluation of liver abnormalities in inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: McHenry Scott
Published: May 2023

Purpose of Review

Develop a clinical presentation-based approach for common liver abnormalities encountered by providers caring for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Develop a treatment pathway for those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) arising in IBD. Discuss recent studies of prevalence, incidence, risk factors, and prognosis NAFLD in the IBD population.

Recent Findings

The work-up for liver abnormalities should be approached systematically in IBD patients, similar to the general population, while still appreciating the differing prevalence of underlying liver diagnoses. Although immune mediated liver diseases occur commonly in patients with IBD, NAFLD is still the most common liver disease in patients with IBD paralleling its expanding prevalence in the general population. IBD is also an independent risk factor for NAFLD, developing in many patients with lower degrees of adiposity. Furthermore, the more severe histologic subtype, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is both more common and difficult to treat considering the lower effectiveness of weight loss interventions.

Having a standard approach to the most common liver disease presentations and care pathway for NAFLD will improve the quality of care provided and ease the medical decision making complexity for IBD patients. The early identification of these patients should prevent the development of irreversible complications like cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.
Exploration of HER2 (ERBB2) immunohistochemistry in non-small cell lung cancer: correlation with ERBB2 mutational status: experimental research
Authors: Cardillo Anthony B. , Kovar Sierra , Roper Nitin , Hicks David G. , Velez Moises J.
Published: May 2023

ERBB2 (HER2) is a gene in humans that encodes the ERBB2 protein, a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor family. Non-small cell lung carcinomas do not commonly harbour ERBB2 mutations, with clinical trials conducted to assess for targeted response and progression-free survival. We retrieved cases of lung adenocarcinoma with next-generation sequencing proven ERBB2 point mutations (n=8) or amplifications (n=11) and assessed the concordance of commercially available ERBB2 (HER2) immunohistochemical antibodies with the next-generation sequencing result. At present, no commercially available ERBB2 clone can accurately detect ERBB2 mutations consistently in non-small cell lung carcinoma specimens, but amplifications can be detected with reasonable diagnostic accuracy.