bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ferroelectric catalytic BaTiO3‐based composite insoles to promote healing of infected wounds: Analysis of antibacterial efficacy and angiogenesis
Authors: Liu Qiong , Liu Xudan , Fan Linfeng , Bai Xinna , Pan Hao , Luo Hang , Zhang Dou , Huang Haitao , Bowen Chris R.
Published: June 2024

Our feet are often subjected to moist and warm environments, which can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and the development of severe infection in wounds located in the foot. As a result, there is a need for new and innovative strategies to safely sterilize feet, when shoes are worn, to prevent any potential foot‐related diseases. In this paper, we have produced a non‐destructive, biocompatible and convenient‐to‐use insole by embedding a BaTiO3 (BT) ferroelectric material into a conventional polydimethylsilane (PDMS) insole material to exploit a ferroelectric catalytic effect to promote the antibacterial and healing of infected wounds via the ferroelectric charges generated during walking. The formation of reactive oxygen species generated through a ferroelectric catalytic effect in the PDMS‐BT composite is shown to increase the oxidative stress on bacteria and decrease both the activity of bacteria and the rate of formation of bacterial biofilms. In addition, the ferroelectric field generated by the PDMS‐BT insole can enhance the level of transforming growth factor‐beta and CD31 by influencing the endogenous electric field of a wound, thereby promoting the proliferation, differentiation of fibroblasts and angiogenesis. This work therefore provides a new route for antimicrobial and tissue reconstruction by integrating a ferroelectric biomaterial into a shoe insole, with significant potential for health‐related applications.
Research and scholarly methods: Appraising the available literature to inform a research project
Authors: MacDonald Blair J. , Wang Erica H. Z. , Turgeon Ricky D.
Published: June 2024

A literature review with an evaluation of existing evidence is often the first step in designing a research project. This article provides a systematic framework and guide for clinicians, researchers, and clinician‐scientists to appraise the available literature to inform a clinical research project. The three‐step approach outlined in this article starts with defining your research question using the Population Intervention Comparator Outcome‐Design framework, followed by evaluation of the existing evidence and identification of gaps that could be addressed by a research project, and ends with guidance to refine the research question and start preparing a protocol.
Naringin protects against paclitaxel‐induced toxicity in rat testicular tissues by regulating genes in pro‐inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and JNK/MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Kankılıç Nazım Abdülkadir , Küçükler Sefa , Gür Cihan , Akarsu Serkan Ali , Akaras Nurhan , Şimşek Hasan , İleritürk Mustafa , Kandemir Fatih Mehmet
Published: June 2024

Paclitaxel (PTX), which is actively used in the treatment of many types of cancer, has a toxic effect by causing increased oxidative stress in testicular tissues. Naringin (NRG) is a natural flavonoid found in plants, and its antioxidant properties are at the forefront. This study aims to investigate the protective feature of NRG in PTX‐induced testicular toxicity.

Thirty‐five male Sprague rats were divided into five groups: control, NRG, PTX, PTX + NRG50, and PTX + NRG100. Rats were administered PTX (2 mg/kg, BW) intraperitoneally once daily for the first 5 days. Then, between the 6th and 14th days, NRG (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered orally once a day.

NRG reduced PTX‐induced lipid peroxidation and increased testicular tissue antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione). While NRG reduces the mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐1 beta, cyclooxygenase‐2, interleukin‐6, inducible‐nitric oxide synthase, mitogen‐activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK)14, MAPK15, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, P53, Apaf1, Caspase3, Caspase6, Caspase9, and Bax in testicular tissues; it caused an increase in Nrf2, HO‐1, NQO1 and Bcl‐2 levels. NRG also improved the structural and functional integrity of testicular tissue disrupted by PTX. PTX‐induced sperm damage was alleviated by NRG.

NRG showed a protective effect by alleviating the PTX‐induced testicular toxicity by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
Aplastic anemia triggered by the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor acalabrutinib in two patients with mantle cell lymphoma – A case report
Authors: Nikkarinen Anna , Glimelius Ingrid
Published: June 2024

The use of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) is rapidly increasing for patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Side effects reported so far are usually manageable. However, here we present two cases of life‐threatening aplastic anemia (AA) upon treatment with the BTKi acalabrutinib for MCL. The first patient died of neutropenic infection secondary to AA. The second patient was successfully treated with immunosuppressive treatment but the MCL relapsed shortly thereafter. AA is a potentially fatal complication that should be considered when patients present with pancytopenia during treatment with BTKi.
Use of IV immunoglobulin to treat steroid resistant, immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced pure red cell aplasia: A case report
Authors: Sherratt‐Mayhew Sam , Nicolson Phillip L. R.
Published: June 2024

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is characterised by normocytic normochromic anaemia, reticulocytopenia and reduced erythroid precursors in bone marrow. PRCA as an immune‐related adverse event secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is rare. Steroids are usually used first line to treat ICI‐induced PRCA. Here, we report a case of ICI‐induced PRCA with no response to steroids but where intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin was successfully used second line. ICI therapy was reinitiated following PRCA resolution. PRCA recurrence did not occur.
Variation in immunoglobulin use and impact on survival in myeloma
Authors: Chai Khai Li , Wellard Cameron , Thao LTP , Aoki Naomi , Moore Elizabeth M , Augustson Bradley M , Bapat Akshay , Blacklock Hilary , Chng Wee J , Cooke Rachel , Forsyth Cecily J , Goh Yeow‐Tee , Hamad Nada , Harrison Simon J , Ho P Joy , Hocking Jay , Kerridge Ian , Kim Jin Seok , Kim Kihyun , King Tracy , McCaughan Georgia J , Mollee Peter , Morrissey C Orla , Murphy Nick , Quach Hang , Tan Xuan Ni , Tso Allison CY , Wong Kimberly SQ , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Spencer Andrew , Wood Erica M , McQuilten Zoe K
Published: June 2024

Serious infection is common in patients with multiple myeloma due to immune deficiency from the underlying disease and/or its treatment. Immunoglobulin replacement is one approach to reduce infection risk in these patients. However, few real‐world data exist on its use in patients with myeloma. We investigated immunoglobulin use in Australia, New Zealand and Asia‐Pacific using registry data and explored its association with survival outcomes. A total of 2374 patients with a median follow‐up time of 29.5 months (interquartile range 13.3–54.3 months) were included in the analysis – 1673 from Australia, 313 Korea, 281 New Zealand and 107 Singapore. Overall, 7.1% of participants received immunoglobulin replacement within 24 months of diagnosis. Patients who received immunoglobulin replacement were likely to be younger, had lower baseline IgG levels (excluding paraprotein), were more likely to have baseline hypogammaglobulinaemia, baseline severe hypogammaglobulinaemia and abnormal baseline fluorescent in‐situ hybridisation status, receive first‐line myeloma treatment with immunomodulatory drugs or anti‐CD38 therapy and undergo upfront autologous stem cell transplant. In our patient cohort, the use of immunoglobulin was not associated with overall survival benefit at the time of last follow‐up (adjusted hazard ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.46–1.14, p = 0.16). Understanding treatment approaches in clinical practice can help support future planning and provision of immunoglobulin resources.
Hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 in the absence of succinylacetone: 4‐oxo 6‐hydroxyhepanoate (4OHHA), a putative diagnostic biomarker
Authors: Rehsi Preeya , Witek Karolina , Emmett Erin , Carling Rachel , Turner Charles , Dalton Neil , Hutchin Tim , Hadzic Nedim , Dhawan Anil , Vara Roshni
Published: June 2024

Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is a rare metabolic disease resulting in acute liver failure in early infancy, hypophosphataemic rickets, neurological crises, liver cirrhosis and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma later on in life. It is caused by the deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase which is involved in the terminal step of the catabolic pathway of tyrosine. Diagnosis is made through clinical suspicion supported by biochemical abnormalities that result from accumulation of upstream metabolites. Detection of succinylacetone (SA) in dried blood spot or urine remains pathognomonic, however it is not always detectable. Here we describe three cases of HT1 presenting with atypical biochemistry, where SA was not always detectable, highlighting the importance of an additional disease biomarker, 4‐oxo‐6‐hydroxyheptanoate.
Pitch conversion by photoresist expansion transfer for micro LED
Authors: Min Jae Sik , Lee Jae Yeop , Park Jae Suk , Cho Byoung Gu
Published: June 2024

Micro LED is an extremely small‐sized LED where each individual LED operates independently, providing high brightness, excellent contrast ratio, wide color gamut, and other outstanding visual characteristics. We have developed the transfer technology for micro LED chips using our proprietary PR (photoresist) expansion technique. This exclusive PR expansion technology, leveraging semiconductor photo processes, enables pitch conversion between micro LED chips and maintains a high level of accuracy in chip transfer at a sub‐micron scale. This innovative transfer technology allows for high‐density integration of micro LED chips, effectively reducing the cost per chip, and serving as a key driver for rapid growth in the micro LED market.
Hot corrosion Type I of novel Co‐based γ/γ′ superalloys with and without Al‐ and Cr‐diffusion coatings
Authors: König Till , Hagen Sebastian P. , Virtanen Sannakaisa , Galetz Mathias C.
Published: June 2024

Co‐based γ/γ′ superalloys are in development as candidates to replace Ni‐based superalloys in turbine engines, where they will be exposed to hot corrosion. The present study investigates the resistance to high temperature Type I hot corrosion of four alloys of the Co–Ni–Al–W system, which differed in their Co to Ni ratio and their W content. In addition, the alloys are tested not only uncoated but also with an Al and a Cr diffusion coating. The exposures were performed at 950°C with a Na2SO4 deposit of 2.5 mg/cm2 in air containing 0.1% SO2 for 100 and 300 h. The degradation was investigated by material loss measurements. Both coatings proved mostly protective for 100 h, while the uncoated samples were severely degraded. After the longer exposure time, only the Cr‐coating remained partially protective and outmatched the Al‐coating. Further, a positive influence was attributed to a higher Co to Ni ratio (1.4 vs. 0.7) and a higher W content (5 vs. 3 at%).
Structural basis of neuropeptide Y signaling through Y1 and Y2 receptors
Authors: Shen Siyuan , Deng Yue , Shen Chenglong , Chen Haidi , Cheng Lin , Wu Chao , Zhao Chang , Yang Zhiqian , Hou Hanlin , Wang Kexin , Shao Zhenhua , Deng Cheng , Ye Feng , Yan Wei
Published: June 2024

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36‐amino‐acid peptide, functions as a neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems by activating the NPY receptor subfamily. Notably, NPY analogs display varying selectivity and exert diverse physiological effects through their interactions with this receptor family. [Pro34]–NPY and [Leu31, Pro34]–NPY, mainly acting on Y1R, reportedly increases blood pressure and postsynaptically potentiates the effect of other vasoactive substances above all, while N‐terminal cleaved NPY variants in human body primary mediates angiogenesis and neurotransmitter release inhibition through Y2R. However, the recognition mechanisms of Y1R and Y2R with specific agonists remain elusive, thereby hindering subtype receptor‐selective drug development. In this study, we report three cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) structures of Gi2‐coupled Y1R and Y2R in complexes with NPY, as well as Y1R bound to a selective agonist [Leu31, Pro34]–NPY. Combined with cell‐based assays, our study not only reveals the conserved peptide‐binding mode of NPY receptors but also identifies an additional sub‐pocket that confers ligand selectivity. Moreover, our analysis of Y1R evolutionary dynamics suggests that this sub‐pocket has undergone functional adaptive evolution across different species. Collectively, our findings shed light on the molecular underpinnings of neuropeptide recognition and receptor activation, and they present a promising avenue for the design of selective drugs targeting the NPY receptor family.
A 7.2‐mW 0.5–7.5‐GHz ultra‐wideband low‐noise amplifier with 4 dB noise figure and 20 dB gain using 40 nm CMOS technology
Authors: Luo Xianhu , Xia Xinlin , Cheng Xu , Han Jiangan , Cheng Binbin , Deng Xianjin
Published: June 2024

The technology, design procedure, and measurements of an ultra‐wideband (UWB) push–pull high‐performance complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) low‐noise amplifier (LNA) are presented in this letter. While the push–pull LNA exhibits commendable direct current (DC) power consumption, its operational bandwidth is often limited by the inherent parasitic parameters of the transistors. To exploit the parasitic parameters of the transistors, a multipole‐tuning circuit that utilizes pole‐tuning inductors and parasitic capacitors of the MOS to extend the operational bandwidth is proposed. A UWB LNA is implemented using a commercial 40‐nm CMOS process, and the measurement results demonstrate a peak gain of 20.2 dB, an exceptionally wide bandwidth of 0.5–7.5 GHz, a noise figure of 4 dB, and an output power of 3.5 dBm at OP1 dB with 7.2 mW DC power consumption. The chip area of the LNA is a compact 0.26 mm2. Experimental results closely align with simulations, confirming the validity of the concept and showcasing its competitive performance.
Miniaturized wide‐band microstrip grid array antenna loaded with slow‐wave transmission line
Authors: Ren Yuhui , Wang Meng , Peng Jun , Li Ke , Wang Fuwei , Wu Handong
Published: June 2024

A miniaturized microstrip grid array antenna (MGAA) in X‐band is proposed in the paper. The antenna consists of a radiation grid array, a feed network and a metal back cavity. The 2 × 2 planar grid array is constructed by using four MGAAs as subarrays. MGAA does not require complex feeders in contrast to microstrip patch arrays. Furthermore, a curved slow‐wave transmission line (SWTL) is adopted as the long side of grid. The SWTL not only reduces the physical size of the grid while keeping its electrical size unchanged, but also improves the impedance matching and greatly broaden the bandwidth of the antenna. A fabricated prototype was measured in the microwave chamber. The results indicate that the impedance matching band of |S11| < −10 dB is from 9 to 10.5 GHz (15.4%), and the maximum gain is 19.2 dBi. Meanwhile, the projected area of the antenna is reduced by about 40% by loading the SWTL.
Evolution of fungal tuberculosis necrotizing toxin (TNT) domain‐containing enzymes reveals divergent adaptations to enhance NAD cleavage
Authors: Ferrario Eugenio , Kallio Juha Pekka , Emdadi Mahdi , Strømland Øyvind , Rack Johannes G. M. , Ziegler Mathias
Published: June 2024

Tuberculosis necrotizing toxin (TNT) is a protein domain discovered on the outer membrane of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. TNT domains have pure NAD(P) hydrolytic activity, setting them apart from other NAD‐cleaving domains such as ADP‐ribosyl cyclase and Toll/interleukin‐1 receptor homology (TIR) domains which form a wider set of products. Importantly, the Mtb TNT domain has been shown to be involved in immune evasion via depletion of the intracellular NAD pool of macrophages. Therefore, an intriguing hypothesis is that TNT domains act as “NAD killers” in host cells facilitating pathogenesis. Here, we explore the phylogenetic distribution of TNT domains and detect their presence solely in bacteria and fungi. Within fungi, we discerned six TNT clades. In addition, X‐ray crystallography and AlphaFold2 modeling unveiled clade‐specific strategies to promote homodimer stabilization of the fungal enzymes, namely, Ca2+ binding, disulfide bonds, or hydrogen bonds. We show that dimer stabilization is a requirement for NADase activity and that the group‐specific strategies affect the active site conformation, thereby modulating enzyme activity. Together, these findings reveal the evolutionary lineage of fungal TNT enzymes, corroborating the hypothesis of them being pure extracellular NAD (eNAD) cleavers, with possible involvement in microbial warfare and host immune evasion.
Interplay between protease and reverse transcriptase dimerization in a model HIV‐1 polyprotein
Authors: Chagas Brisa Caroline Alves , Zhou Xiaohong , Guerrero Michel , Ilina Tatiana V. , Ishima Rieko
Published: June 2024

The Gag‐Pol polyprotein in human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV‐1) encodes enzymes that are essential for virus replication: protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT), and integrase (IN). The mature forms of PR, RT and IN are homodimer, heterodimer and tetramer, respectively. The precise mechanism underlying the formation of dimer or tetramer is not yet understood. Here, to gain insight into the dimerization of PR and RT in the precursor, we prepared a model precursor, PR‐RT, incorporating an inactivating mutation at the PR active site, D25A, and including two residues in the p6* region, fused to a SUMO‐tag, at the N‐terminus of the PR region. We also prepared two mutants of PR‐RT containing a dimer dissociation mutation either in the PR region, PR(T26A)‐RT, or in the RT region, PR‐RT(W401A). Size exclusion chromatography showed both monomer and dimer fractions in PR‐RT and PR(T26A)‐RT, but only monomer in PR‐RT(W401A). SEC experiments of PR‐RT in the presence of protease inhibitor, darunavir, significantly enhanced the dimerization. Additionally, SEC results suggest an estimated PR‐RT dimer dissociation constant that is higher than that of the mature RT heterodimer, p66/p51, but slightly lower than the premature RT homodimer, p66/p66. Reverse transcriptase assays and RT maturation assays were performed as tools to assess the effects of the PR dimer‐interface on these functions. Our results consistently indicate that the RT dimer‐interface plays a crucial role in the dimerization in PR‐RT, whereas the PR dimer‐interface has a lesser role.
Factors associated with contraceptive use among women with epilepsy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Asrat Shiferaw Matiyas , Grentzer Jaclyn M. , Wondafrash Mekitie , Demissie Hanna , Berhe Tesfaye , Teshome Abel , Nigatu Balkachew , Tolu Lemi Belay , Sium Abraham Fessehaye
Published: June 2024

Background

Epilepsy is the most common neurologic disorder globally. Women with epilepsy (WWE) have a special need for contraception and careful pregnancy planning. This study aimed to determine the utilization of modern contraceptive methods and associated factors among WWE at neurology clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on women of reproductive age attending neurology clinics for an epilepsy diagnosis at three referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from June to December 2020. Data was collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire administered by a trained interviewer. Simple descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression were performed as appropriate.

Results

Only 29.7% of the women were using a modern contraceptive method. Contraceptive implants were the most popular method used (29.9% of contracepting women). Being married was associated with higher utilization of modern contraceptive methods [adjusted odds ratio [OR] (95%, confidence interval [CI]) 3.91 (1.80, 8.50)]. Women who were from an urban area [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.29 (0.11, 0.78)], who had never been pregnant [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.34 (0.17, 0.68)], and who had never been counseled on contraception [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.47 (0.28, 0.78)] had lower odds of modern contraceptive method utilization compared to the respective counterparts.

Conclusion

In this study, only a third of WWE were using a modern contraceptive method. Marital status, place of residence, previous history of pregnancy, and history of family planning counseling were independent predictors of modern contraceptive utilization.
Integrating eye care into primary healthcare in Nigeria: Challenges of the primary healthcare workforce
Authors: Christian Bet‐ini Nsikak , Shomuyiwa Deborah Oluwaseun , Christian Nsikak Godwin , Umoette Ntiense Raphael
Published: June 2024

Visual impairment and blindness pose a significant and growing public health threat in Nigeria. Over 1.6 million Nigerians are visually impaired or blind, with more than 80% of these cases being preventable and treatable. The risk for ocular morbidities is expected to increase due to rapid population growth, an aging population, and the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases. Despite efforts to improve eye health services, universal eye health remains elusive, with 35% of Nigerians unable to access eye care in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. Many Nigerians instead turn to traditional and alternative medicine for primary eye care (PEC), which can worsen their outcomes. This article highlights the potential of the country's PHC system to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of PEC as an integral part of PHC. The article discusses the various challenges faced by PHC workers in delivering eye care services in Nigeria, focusing on financing, training, leadership, and policies for eye care. It also provides a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at overcoming these challenges, including improved leadership and policy implementation, optimized financing, strengthened collaborations and partnerships, enhanced education and training, and effective human resource management systems. We emphasize the importance of holistic and strategic efforts to bolster the PHC workforce's capacity to provide universal eye healthcare in Nigeria, ultimately improving access to high‐quality eye care services for all.
Climate change, flooding, and HIV transmission in Africa: Potential relationships and a call for action
Authors: Oyinloye Emmanuel Abiodun , Ogunkola Isaac Olushola , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , Adewole Iwatutu Joyce , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: June 2024

The increasing effects of climate change have intensified floods globally, especially in Africa, where millions of people live in poverty and are highly vulnerable to flooding. Climate change disproportionately affects the vulnerable, who are least equipped to handle its consequences, by exacerbating their situation. One such consequence is the potential for increased human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Africa has been disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. It now faces the additional challenge of a changing climate and floods, which are capable of increasing HIV transmission in Africa through several pathways. They can force population displacement and migration, leading to the expansion of sexual networks among people living with HIV (PLWHIV). They may also create conditions conducive to the spread of other infections. Floods can cause food insecurity, which can result in various sexual behaviors that expose people to HIV infection. As global warming is linked to a decrease in African food production capacity, the effect of food insecurity on HIV may be prominent in countries where transactional sexual means is a major route of HIV transmission. Floods can also hinder the provision of HIV services, such as pre‐ and postexposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral therapy distribution, which may worsen the health outcomes of PLWHIV and promote HIV transmission, particularly in rural and remote communities. It is crucial to develop a climate‐resilient framework, including education, sustained access to HIV services, and promotion of social welfare for HIV prevention and treatment, to address the complex relationship between HIV, floods, and climate change.
Prevalence of asthma and wheeze among preschool and school‐aged children in Africa: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Rodney R. Mudau , Kuku K. Voyi , Joyce J. Shirinde
Published: June 2024

Background

In Africa, asthma and wheezing are major health issues for children. There is a dearth of prior research examining the prevalence of asthma and wheezing in both preschool and school‐aged African children. Therefore, this meta‐analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of asthma and wheezing in African infants and children aged 0 month to 8 years.

Methods

We conducted a thorough electronic search of Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Web of Science to find papers published between January 2012 and July 2023. We reviewed only research that was published in English. Independently, two review authors examined the studies, extracted the data, and evaluated the research studies. A fixed effects model and STATA 17 software were used. Using I2, heterogeneity was assessed.

Results

We considered 10 papers from Africa that examined the prevalence of asthma and/or wheezing in preschool and school‐aged children. Asthma prevalence ranged from 1.70% to 20.85% (n = 7 134 total participants), with a meta‐analysis showing an overall prevalence of 4.41% (95% CI: 3.95–4.87), with no heterogeneity (I2 < 0). The historical prevalence rate of wheezing ranged from 4.71% to 67.72% (n = 8769 total participants), with a meta‐analysis revealing an overall prevalence of 22.91% (95% CI: 22.12–23.70), with no heterogeneity (I2 < 0) and no significant differences observed between studies.

Conclusions

Asthma and wheezing are prevalent among African preschool and school‐aged children, highlighting the need for comprehensive and localized research to address this public health issue.
Compact and Stable Diamond Quantum Sensors for Wide Applications
Authors: Kainuma Yuta , Hatano Yuji , Shibata Takayuki , Sekiguchi Naota , Nakazono Akimichi , Kato Hiromitsu , Onoda Shinobu , Ohshima Takeshi , Hatano Mutsuko , Iwasaki Takayuki
Published: June 2024

This study proposes compact, highly sensitive, and stable diamond quantum sensors for a wide range of applications, including biomedical and energy electronics. For enhanced sensitivity and alignment precision within the objective field, a high‐quality, (111)‐oriented 12C‐enriched chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond, featuring a nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) axis in the (111) direction, is employed as the sensor. To increase the fluorescence collection efficiency, the laser beam is irradiated from the side surface of the CVD diamond, and fluorescence is detected using a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) lens. The floor noise level of the magnetic field signal is 44 pT/Hz0.5. An Allan deviation of 1.2 pT over 1000 s of averaging demonstrates stability. This is attributable to the integration of a balancing circuit to cancel out laser noise, alongside mechanisms to compensate for temperature fluctuations and a copper housing to shield against electromagnetic field noise.
Pulmonary endometriosis presenting as multiple nodules and pseudocavities
Authors: Liu Zixuan , Deng Xiaoli , Du Yanhong , Sun Danxiong
Published: June 2024

Pulmonary endometriosis is a rare disease of uncertain pathogenesis which generally presents with the cyclic clinical symptoms and catamenial changes noticed on computer tomography during menstruation. We report a case of a 33‐year‐old woman with recurrent hemoptysis for 1 year. The patient did not exhibit a temporal relationship between her periods and the onset of hemoptysis. A chest computed tomography scan showed multiple pseudocavities in the lower lobe of the right lung and multiple nodules in both lower lobes of the lungs. The right lower lobe wedge resection was performed. Postoperative pathological examination showed pulmonary endometriosis which is a rare cause of hemoptysis.
A Hybrid Case of Eosinophilic Folliculitis and Eosinophilic Cellulitis Associated with Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
Authors: Iatropoulou Domniki , Sprenger Cathryn , Griffiths Richard , Wijesuriya Nilukshi , Ho Bernard
Published: June 2024

Eosinophilic cellulitis or Wells syndrome encompasses distinct histopathological features but can also be associated with eosinophilic related conditions like hyper eosinophilic syndrome (HES) or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) (Churg–Strauss syndrome). We report a case of a Turkish 41-year-old female who presented in clinic with pruritus and tenderness on her chest and breasts, having received several courses of antibiotics for recurrent abscess formation. A year before she had been diagnosed with HES with multiorgan involvement that included biopsy proven eosinophilic folliculitis, and prompted further investigation including bone marrow aspiration that revealed T cell clonality. Biopsy of her rash revealed eosinophilic infiltration of the dermis with flame figures. Ongoing respiratory symptoms and a history of childhood asthma were suggestive of EGPA. This case highlights important associations that should be considered in the investigation of Wells syndrome.
The rise of inflation targeting
Authors: Binder Carola
Published: June 2024

This paper discusses the interactions between politics and economic ideas leading to the adoption of inflation targeting in the United States. In the gold standard era, farmers' vulnerability to falling prices made price‐level stabilization a salient political and social concern. Economists of the progressive era honed in on price‐level stabilization as a key to promoting prosperity and social justice. Irving Fisher, in alliance with farm interests, helped members of Congress introduce price‐level stabilization bills that, while unsuccessful, introduced the possibility that a price‐level stabilization mandate might be a viable alternative to a gold standard. In the postwar years, the Great Inflation and Volcker disinflation set the stage for the rise of inflation targeting by highlighting the benefits of credibility, transparency, and expectations management. Tensions inherent in the implementation of inflation targeting—including its position in the “rules versus discretion” debate—have become more pronounced since the post‐COVID run‐up in inflation.
Molecular detection of piroplasms in domestic donkeys in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Cui Yanyan , Cao Mengya , Yu Fuchang , Zhao Aiyun , Tao Dayong , Zhu Tingting , Zhang Zhenjie , Qi Meng
Published: June 2024

Background

Piroplasmosis is a common and prevalent tick‐borne disease that affects equids.

Objectives

To determine the infection and molecular characteristics of the piroplasms in donkeys from Xinjiang, northwestern China, we undertook a cross sectional study by collecting representative samples across several counties within the region.

Methods

A total of 344 blood samples were collected from adult domestic donkeys from 13 counties in Xinjiang. PCR was conducted to test for T. equi and B. caballi in the blood samples based on the equine merozoite antigen‐1 (Ema‐1) gene and the 48 kDa rhoptry protein (BC48) gene, respectively.

Results

Sixteen blood samples tested positive for piroplasms and the overall infection rate was 4.7% (16/344). Seven of the 13 counties were positive for piroplasms. Among the 16 piroplasm‐positive samples, 15 were singly infected with T. equi with an infection rate of 4.4% (15/344), and coinfection with T. equi and B. caballi was detected in one sample (0.3%, 1/344) from Wushi. Four T. equi sequence genotypes were identified and grouped into different branches of the evolutionary trees.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the infection rate of piroplasms is low in domestic donkeys in southern Xinjiang and that T. equi genotypes have a regional distribution.
Disseminated Sarcocystis miescheriana infection in a finisher pig in Grenada
Authors: Chikweto Alfred , Mapp‐Alexander Veronica , Cummings Kimond , Bhaiyat Muhammad I. , Alhassan Andy
Published: June 2024

Sarcocystis miescheriana infection is an important cause of carcass condemnation during meat inspection. The infection can cause morbidity and mortality in domestic pigs. In this study, an 8‐month‐old finisher pig was presented to a local abattoir for slaughter. Multiple white nodular lesions affecting the meat were observed, resulting in the condemnation of the carcass. Consequently, half of the carcass was submitted to the necropsy diagnostic laboratory in the School of Veterinary Medicine for further evaluation. Grossly, all superficial and deep muscle groups had severe multifocal macrocysts (3 mm × 2 mm × 1 mm) on the surface and extending deep into the skeletal musculature. Histopathology revealed moderate multifocal granulomatous and eosinophilic myositis with intralesional degenerated and intact parasites. Sample genomic DNA sequence analysis of the 18S RNA gene showed 100% identity to S. miescheriana in the GenBank. This is the first report of S. miescheriana in Grenada, West Indies.
Effective concentration of herbal anaesthetics Origanum vulgare L. oil and its effects on stress parameters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Bodur Türker , Oktavia Ika Shaliha , Sulmartiwi Laksmi
Published: June 2024

Background

Using anaesthetics is an important application in aquaculture especially where the fish transportation, vaccination, grading, sorting activities and many other handling operations have been conducted during the different stages of production periods in the farms or hatcheries.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oregano essential oil (OO) as an anaesthetic for Nile tilapia and to determine the optimal concentration and post‐application stress effects compared to clove oil (CO).

Methods

Nile tilapia juveniles were exposed to different concentrations of OO (20–40–60–80–100 mg L−1) and CO (50 mg L−1) for different time periods to determine the optimal concentration and exposure time. After the effective concentration of OO was determined, in the second experiment, stress parameters (glucose, plasma cortisol) were analysed after 0, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h of application. The results compared to the control group and CO results.

Results

The study found that OO which has carvacrol compound higher than 78% was an efficient anaesthetic for Nile tilapia, and the effective concentration was found to be 60 mg L−1. No significant differences were found between opercular beats in any concentration of OO and CO. Basal glucose level in blood without anaesthesia application and recorded at 39.33 mg dL−1 and significantly lower than OO and CO at first two sampling points, 0 and 2 h (p < 0.05). According to plasma cortisol level results, although CO experimental group showed secondary stress response at 12 h (17.91 ± 4.21 ng mL−1), OO and CO group cortisol levels decreased at 24 h after anaesthesia application 7.13 ± 0.14and 7.01 ± 0.54 ng mL−1, respectively, below the control group cortisol concentration (12.28 ± 1.81 ng mL−1).

Conclusions

These findings have important implications for the aquaculture industry as the use of OO as an anaesthetic could reduce the stress and mortality associated with traditional anaesthetics. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of OO as an anaesthetic agent for other fish species and to determine the optimal concentration and exposure time for different species.
Dietary composition influences sperm quality and testis damage via endoplasmic reticulum stress in lambs
Authors: Imik Aybuke , Eren Murat , Can Mazhar Burak , Ozkanlar Seckin , Omur Ali Dogan , Aydin Mehmet Akif , Sunar Serhat , Akarsu Serkan Ali
Published: June 2024

Background

The metabolic impacts of including soya meal, wheat gluten and corn gluten in the diet of male lambs could influence their reproductive performance.

Objectives

An experiment was carried out to assess the effects of corn gluten, wheat gluten and soya meal on the reproductive system of male lambs.

Methods

Twenty‐four male Morkaraman lambs, aged 9 months, were utilized in this study and were fed experimental diets for 56 days. The lambs were divided into a control group (soybean meal + safflower meal), a corn group (corn gluten) and a wheat group (wheat gluten).

Results

The serum follicle‐stimulating hormone level of the control group was significantly higher and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) level was lower than the wheat and corn gluten groups (p < 0.05). The lowest malondialdehyde level in testicular tissue was observed in the control group, whereas the highest was in the wheat gluten group (p < 0.05). The glutathione level in the control group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The corn gluten group showed the highest CHOP and IRE1 levels; the lowest Bcl‐2 levels and the highest IL‐1B and P2 × 7R levels were found in the wheat group; and the lowest TNF‐α levels were in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the study revealed that diet had a significant impact on spermatological parameters of the testis such as diameter, volume and weight (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results concluded that the inclusion of different protein sources in the diet of reproductive male lambs affects the metabolism of testicular tissue.
Approaches for Automating Cybersecurity Testing of Connected Vehicles
Authors: Marksteiner Stefan , Priller Peter , Wolf Markus
Published: June 2024

Vehicles are on the verge building highly networked and interconnected systems with each other. This requires open architectures with standardized interfaces. These interfaces provide huge surfaces for potential threats from cyber attacks. Regulators therefore demand to mitigate these risks using structured security engineering processes. Testing the effectiveness of this measures, on the other hand, is less standardized. To fill this gap, this book chapter contains an approach for structured and comprehensive cybersecurity testing of contemporary vehicular systems. It gives an overview of how to define secure systems and contains specific approaches for (semi-)automated cybersecurity testing of vehicular systems, including model-based testing and the description of an automated platform for executing tests.
Security of Wireless IoT in Smart Manufacturing: Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures
Authors: Zahra Fatima Tu , Bostanci Yavuz Selim , Soyturk Mujdat
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses modern smart manufacturing systems, the challenges in building such systems, and their vulnerabilities due to the lack of security features. The manufacturing industry has been revolutionized by the rapid growth of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Today, smart manufacturing systems are essential for the progress of Industry 4.0. The emerging smart Industry 4.0 benefits from the software and hardware components of the IoT ecosystem and creates a bridge between digital and physical environments which increases productivity, reduces costs, and provides better customer experience and satisfaction. IoT systems facilitate edge-computing, fog, and cloud systems and enable data-driven decisions with data analytics and artificial intelligence. However, integrating these promising technologies into the industry has led to new challenges by increasing the opportunities for adversaries to attack and sabotage industrial systems. Possible outcomes of such attacks can be extended from economic damage, loss of critical information, loss of production, serious injuries, and even loss of life. In this chapter, the security of manufacturing systems, their vulnerabilities, and potential types of cyber-attacks are elaborated on to provide insights into the liability of the existing approaches. Additionally, countermeasures to attacks and their limitations regarding existing and future security challenges are detailed to raise awareness regarding available technologies.
Explainable Anomaly Detection of 12-Lead ECG Signals Using Denoising Autoencoder
Authors: Hribar Rok , Torkar Drago
Published: June 2024

Anomaly detection is an important task in the field of medical diagnostics, especially when it comes to ECG signals. Anomalies in ECG signals can be indicative of various cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and other, possibly life threatening, cardiac diseases. In medicine AI-assisted anomaly detection is favorable compared to diagnoses prediction because it can identify all out-of-the-ordinary patterns and not only those that are well represented in the available data bases. Also, AI-assisted anomaly detection can help reduce the risk of medical errors due to its ability to detect subtle abnormalities that may not be easily detected by humans. However, traditional anomaly detection methods are often limited in their ability to explain why an anomaly was detected. We propose an approach to an explainable anomaly detection and denoising of 12-lead ECG signals using a denoising autoencoder. The proposed approach is based on the idea of reconstructing the original signal from a noisy version of it, and then using the reconstruction error to detect anomalies, and also pinpoint them on the ECG in a visual way. We evaluate the proposed approach on a publicly available data sets and show that it is able to detect anomalies with high accuracy and explain why they were detected. The developed framework was also implemented as a cloud-based service that enables user-friendly ECG anomaly detection with minimal software and hardware capabilities.
Professionstheoretischer Bezugsrahmen
Authors: Stadelmann Karin A.
Published: June 2024

Sich in der Debatte zu Professionalisierung bezogen auf die Soziale Arbeit zu verorten, ist – ehrlicherweise gesagt – kein einfaches Unterfangen. Denn die Diskussion, ob Soziale Arbeit eine Profession ist, wird seit Jahrzenten hartnäckig und zugleich kontrovers geführt. Professionsforschung allgemein betrachtet untersucht das Handeln und Wirken und wie dieses in vorhandene institutionelle und organisationale Strukturen eingebettet ist. Diesem Verständnis folgend werden auf die Forschungsfrage bezogenen professionstheoretische Ansätze für das Feld der Palliative Care skizziert.
Schlussbetrachtung: das Unbekannte als Orientierungshilfe im beruflichen Alltag am Lebensende
Authors: Stadelmann Karin A.
Published: June 2024

Die vorliegende Forschung setzte sich zum Ziel, die eigenen Sichtweisen von Fachpersonen der Sozialen Arbeit auf ihr Tätigsein in der Begleitung am Lebensende sichtbarer zu machen – und dabei einen wichtigen Schritt bezogen auf das praxisbedingte Verorten des professionellen Handelns zu leisten.
Lightlike conformal reduction of 6d (1, 0) theories
Authors: Gustavsson Andreas
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We study 6d (1, 0) superconformal theories. These have a natural lightlike conformal Killing vector, the Dirac current. We perform a conformal dimensional reduction along the Dirac current down to five-dimensions in such a way that we always preserve at least two real supercharges.
Incident and Load Power Relations in a Mismatched Lossless Transmission Line
Authors: Uduwawala Disala , Weerasekera Roshan
Published: June 2024

In this article, a set of equations is derived to find incident and load power explicitly in terms of load and source reflection coefficients in a lossless transmission line mismatched to both source and load impedances. A transmission line can be mismatched as the frequency varies if the source and load impedances are frequency dependent. Unlike in a scenario, where the transmission line is either matched to the source or load, the incident and load power depends on the length of the transmission line when both the source and load impedances are not matched to the line. The equations derived show that the power varies with the line length with a period of half wavelength. The maximum and minimum incident and load power with the corresponding line lengths are derived. The use of the Smith chart to find these lengths and the ratio of maximum to minimum is also described. Finally, three applications of the results including an additional version of the Friis transmission equation and the bandwidth improvement of power transfer for frequency dependent source and load impedances are presented.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic-induced surgical restrictions on operational performance: a case study at the University Hospital of Ulm
Authors: Datzmann Thomas , Dörfer Lena , Freude Gregor , Hannemann Michael , Tharmaratnam Gayathiri , Stangl Philipp , Swoboda Walter , Schafmeister Sylvia , Gebhard Florian , Kaisers Udo X. , Huber-Lang Markus
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The operating room (OR) is a high-cost and high-revenue area in a hospital comprising extremely complex process steps to treat patients. The perioperative process quality can be optimized through an efficiency-oriented central OR management based on performance indices. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic with the corresponding OR restrictions, there was a significant nation- and worldwide decline in the performance, which may have a lasting impact. Therefore, we proposed the hypothesis that COVID-19 pandemic-related OR restrictions could reduce operative performance in the long term.

Methods

A retrospective, descriptive analysis of perioperative processing times was conducted exemplarily at the University Hospital Ulm using a pre-post design, examining the corresponding second quarters of 2019 to 2022. In total, n = 18,489 operations with n = 314,313 individual time intervals were analyzed. The statistical analyses included the Kruskal–Wallis test adjusted for multiple testing, and the significance level was set at p < 0.01.

Results

The results revealed not only a significant decrease in the case volume by 31% (2020) and 23% (2021) during the COVID-19 crisis years, but also significant time delays in various process steps; e.g. the median patient’s OR occupancy time (column time) rose from 65 min (2019) to 87 min (2020) and remained elevated (72 min in 2021 and 74 min in 2022, respectively). Even in 2022, beyond the pandemic, the net anaesthesia time was permanently enhanced by 9 min per case. Furthermore, both, the incision-to-closure time and surgeon attachment time were each significantly prolonged by 7 additional minutes, and the time from the end of anaesthesia to the release of the next patient was extended by 4 min. Selected standardized index operations showed only a trend towards these changes, even with a decrease in the incision-to-closure time over time.

Conclusion

Overall, long-term changes were found in essential perioperative process times even after retraction of the COVID-19 restrictions, indicating some processual “slow down” after the Covid-19-induced “shut down”. Further analyses are needed to determine the appropriate targeted control measures to improve processing times and increase the process quality.