bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nickel-gallate metal–organic framework as an efficient antimicrobial and anticancer agent: in vitro study
Authors: El-Shahawy Ahmed. A. G. , Dief Esam M. , El-Dek S. I. , Farghali A. A. , Abo El-Ela Fatma I.
Published: June 2023

Gallic acid is a natural antioxidant present in many plants such as tea, sumac, gallnut and other plants. This naturally occurring gallic acid is known to exhibit auto-oxidation under certain conditions, generating several reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxides, hydroxyls and hydrogen peroxide radicals that plays key roles in its antimicrobial activity. Here, we demonstrate that incorporating gallic acid as a linker in Ni-based metal organic frameworks (Ni-gallate MOFs) produces mesoporous nanostructures with antimicrobial and anticancer activity. The synthesized Ni-gallate MOFs have shown antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and antifungal activity against two different strains of fungi species. Furthermore, Ni-gallate MOFs have shown a significant cytotoxic effect on rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cells, compared to the standard anticancer drug, Doxorubicin. In this study, the Ni-gallate MOF nanostructures were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method for surface area. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of gallic acid-based mesoporous framework nanostructure were tested, suggesting that Ni-gallate MOF has a dual anticancer and antimicrobial activity.
Effect of reverse Trendelenburg position and positive pressure ventilation on safe non-hypoxic apnea period in obese, a randomized-control trial
Authors: Couture Etienne J. , Carrier-Boucher Antony , Provencher Steeve , Tanoubi Issam , Marceau Simon , Bussières Jean S.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

There is an elevated incidence of hypoxemia during the airway management of the morbidly obese. We aimed to assess whether optimizing body position and ventilation during pre-oxygenation allow a longer safe non-hypoxic apnea period (SNHAP).

Methods

Fifty morbidly obese patients were recruited and randomized for this study. Patients were positioned and preoxygenated for three minutes in the ramp position associated with spontaneous breathing without additional CPAP or PEEP (RP/ZEEP group) or in the reverse Trendelenburg position associated with pressure support ventilation mode with pressure support of 8 cmH2O and an additional 10 cmH2O of PEEP while breathing spontaneously (RT/PPV group) according to randomization.

Results

The SNHAP was significantly longer in the RT/PPV group (258.2 (55.1) vs. 216.7 (42.3) seconds, p = 0.005). The RT/PPV group was also associated to a shorter time to obtain a fractional end-tidal oxygen concentration (FEtO2) of 0.90 (85.1(47.8) vs 145.3(40.8) seconds, p < 0.0001), a higher proportion of patients that reached the satisfactory FEtO2 of 0.90 (21/24, 88% vs. 13/24, 54%, p = 0.024), a higher FEtO2 during preoxygenation (0.91(0.05) vs. 0.89(0.01), p = 0.003) and a faster return to 97% oxygen saturation after ventilation resumption (69.8 (24.2) vs. 91.4 (39.2) seconds, p = 0.038).

Conclusion

In the morbidly obese population, RT/PPV, compared to RP/ZEEP, lengthens the SNHAP, decreases the time to obtain optimal preoxygenation conditions, and allows a faster resuming of secure oxygen saturation. The former combination allows a more significant margin of time for endotracheal intubation and minimizes the risk of hypoxemia in this highly vulnerable population.

Trial registration

NCT02590406, 29/10/2015.
Microwave ablation combined with vertebral augmentation under real-time temperature monitoring for the treatment of painful spinal osteogenic metastases
Authors: Fan Jing , Zhang Xusheng , Li Peishun , Wu Linlin , Yuan Qianqian , Bai Yunling , Yang Sen , Qiu Yuanyuan , Zhang Kaixian
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided microwave ablation combined with vertebral augmentation under real-time temperature monitoring in the treatment of painful osteogenic spinal metastases.

Methods

This retrospective study included 38 patients with 63 osteogenic metastatic spinal lesions treated using CT-guided microwave ablation and vertebral augmentation under real-time temperature monitoring. Visual analog scale scores, daily morphine consumption, and Oswestry Disability Index scores were used to evaluate efficacy of the treatment.

Results

Microwave ablation combined with vertebral augmentation reduced the mean visual analog scale scores from 6.40 ± 1.90 preoperatively to 3.32 ± 0.96 at 24 h, 2.24 ± 0.91 at 1 week, 1.92 ± 1.32 at 4 weeks, 1.79 ± 1.45 at 12 weeks, and 1.39 ± 1.12 at 24 weeks postoperatively (all p < 0.001). The mean preoperative daily morphine consumption was 108.95 ± 56.41 mg, which decreased to 50.13 ± 25.46 mg at 24 h, 31.18 ± 18.58 mg at 1 week, 22.50 ± 16.63 mg at 4 weeks, 21.71 ± 17.68 mg at 12 weeks, and 17.27 ± 16.82 mg at 24 weeks postoperatively (all p < 0.001). During the follow-up period, the Oswestry Disability Index scores significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Bone cement leakage occurred in 25 vertebral bodies, with an incidence of 39.7% (25/63).

Conclusions

The results indicate that microwave ablation combined with vertebral augmentation under real-time temperature monitoring is a feasible, effective, and safe treatment for painful osteoblast spinal metastases.
Two machine learning-based nomogram to predict risk and prognostic factors for liver metastasis from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a multicenter study
Authors: Li Jianbo , Huang Long , Liao Chengyu , Liu Guozhong , Tian Yifeng , Chen Shi
Published: June 2023

Background

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are one of the most common endocrine tumors, and liver metastasis (LMs) are the most common location of metastasis from PNETS; However, there is no valid nomogram to predict the diagnosis and prognosis of liver metastasis (LMs) from PNETs. Therefore, we aimed to develop a valid predictive model to aid physicians in making better clinical decisions.

Methods

We screened patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010–2016. Feature selection was performed by machine learning algorithms and then models were constructed. Two nomograms were constructed based on the feature selection algorithm to predict the prognosis and risk of LMs from PNETs. We then used the area under the curve (AUC), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot and consistency index (C-index) to evaluate the discrimination and accuracy of the nomograms. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were also used further to validate the clinical efficacy of the nomograms. In the external validation set, the same validation is performed.

Results

Of the 1998 patients screened from the SEER database with a pathological diagnosis of PNET, 343 (17.2%) had LMs at the time of diagnosis. The independent risk factors for the occurrence of LMs in PNET patients included histological grade, N stage, surgery, chemotherapy, tumor size and bone metastasis. According to Cox regression analysis, we found that histological subtype, histological grade, surgery, age, and brain metastasis were independent prognostic factors for PNET patients with LMs. Based on these factors, the two nomograms demonstrated good performance in model evaluation.

Conclusion

We developed two clinically significant predictive models to aid physicians in personalized clinical decision-makings.
Using team-based learning to optimize undergraduate family medicine clerkship training: mixed methods study
Authors: Jackson Lisa , Otaki Farah
Published: June 2023

Background

Team-Based Learning (TBL) is an established educational strategy which has become increasingly popular in the training of healthcare professionals. TBL is highly suitable for teaching Family Medicine (FM) especially that teamwork and collaborative care, in this medical discipline, are at the core of safe and effective practice. Despite the established suitability of TBL for teaching FM, there are no empirical studies that capture the students’ perception of a TBL in FM undergraduate learning experience in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA).

Objective

The overall objective of this study was to investigate the perception of students regarding a TBL in FM intervention (in Dubai, United Arab Emirates), that was designed and implemented in alignment with a constructivist learning theory.

Methods

A convergent mixed methods study design was utilized to develop a thorough understanding of the students’ perceptions. Qualitative and quantitative data were concurrently collected and independently analyzed. The output of thematic analysis was systematically merged with the quantitative descriptive and inferential findings using the iterative joint display process.

Results

The qualitative findings shed light on the students’ perception of TBL in FM, and the interplay between team cohesion and engagement with the course. As for the quantitative findings, they showed that the percentage of the total average of the Satisfaction with TBL in FM score was 88.80%. As for change in impression of FM discipline, the percentage of the total average was 83.10%. The perception of team cohesion, with a mean of agreement of 8.62(1.34), seemed to be significantly associated with the students’ perception of the team test phase component, only (P < 0.05). As for the perception of the level of engagement with the course, with a mean of agreement of 9.29(0.84), it turned out to be significantly associated with the change in impression of FM discipline (P < 0.05). Lastly, the joint display analysis showed how the quantitative and qualitative findings built upon each other, revealing how best to leverage TBL in FM trainings.

Conclusion

The current study showed that TBL embedded in a FM clinical clerkship was well-received by students. It is worth leveraging the lessons learned from the first-hand experience reported upon in the current study to optimize the utilization of TBL in FM.
Collaborative cross strain CC011/UncJ as a novel mouse model of T2-high, severe asthma
Authors: Donoghue Lauren J. , McFadden Kathryn M. , Vargas Daniel , Smith Gregory J. , Immormino Robert M. , Moran Timothy P. , Kelada Samir N. P.
Published: June 2023

Among asthmatics, there is significant heterogeneity in the clinical presentation and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, leading to the recognition of multiple disease endotypes (e.g., T2-high vs. T2-low). This heterogeneity extends to severe asthmatics, who may struggle to control symptoms even with high-dose corticosteroid treatment and other therapies. However, there are limited mouse models available to model the spectrum of severe asthma endotypes. We sought to identify a new mouse model of severe asthma by first examining responses to chronic allergen exposure among strains from the Collaborative Cross (CC) mouse genetics reference population, which contains greater genetic diversity than other inbred strain panels previously used for models of asthma. Mice from five CC strains and the often-used classical inbred strain BALB/cJ were chronically exposed to house dust mite (HDM) allergen for five weeks followed by measurements of airway inflammation. CC strain CC011/UncJ (CC011) exhibited extreme responses to HDM including high levels of airway eosinophilia, elevated lung resistance, and extensive airway wall remodeling, and even fatalities among ~ 50% of mice prior to study completion. Compared to BALB/cJ mice, CC011 mice had stronger Th2-mediated airway responses demonstrated by significantly elevated total and HDM-specific IgE and increased Th2 cytokines during tests of antigen recall, but not enhanced ILC2 activation. Airway eosinophilia in CC011 mice was completely dependent upon CD4+ T-cells. Notably, we also found that airway eosinophilia in CC011 mice was resistant to dexamethasone steroid treatment. Thus, the CC011 strain provides a new mouse model of T2-high, severe asthma driven by natural genetic variation likely acting through CD4+ T-cells. Future studies aimed at determining the genetic basis of this phenotype will provide new insights into mechanisms underlying severe asthma.
Comprehensive bronchoalveolar lavage characterization in COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Calabrese Fiorella , Lunardi Francesca , Baldasso Elisa , Pezzuto Federica , Kilitci Asuman , Olteanu Gheorghe-Emilian , Del Vecchio Claudia , Fortarezza Francesco , Boscolo Annalisa , Schiavon Marco , Vedovelli Luca , Cattelan Annamaria , Gregori Dario , Rea Federico , Navalesi Paolo
Published: June 2023

COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) is associated with high mortality rates. We still have limited knowledge of the complex alterations developing in the lung microenvironment. The goal of the present study was to comprehensively analyze the cellular components, inflammatory signature, and respiratory pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of CARDS patients (16) in comparison to those of other invasively mechanically ventilated patients (24). In CARDS patients, BAL analysis revealed: SARS-CoV-2 infection frequently associated with other respiratory pathogens, significantly higher neutrophil granulocyte percentage, remarkably low interferon-gamma expression, and high levels of interleukins (IL)-1β and IL-9. The most important predictive variables for worse outcomes were age, IL-18 expression, and BAL neutrophilia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that was able to identify, through a comprehensive analysis of BAL, several aspects relevant to the complex pathophysiology of CARDS.
Antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of telmisartan in human glioma cells
Authors: Chang Yung-Lung , Chou Chung-Hsing , Li Yao-Feng , Huang Li-Chun , Kao Ying , Hueng Dueng-Yuan , Tsai Chia-Kuang
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma is the most common primary central nervous system tumor in adults. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are broadly applied to treat hypertension. Moreover, research has revealed that ARBs have the capacity to suppress the growth of several cancer types. In this study, we assessed the effects of three ARBs with the ability to cross the blood brain barrier (telmisartan, valsartan and fimasartan) on cell proliferation in three glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines. Telmisartan markedly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of these three GBM cell lines. Microarray data analysis revealed that telmisartan regulates DNA replication, mismatch repair, and the cell cycle pathway in GBM cells. Furthermore, telmisartan induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis. The bioinformatic analysis and western blotting results provide evidence that SOX9 is a downstream target of telmisartan. Telmisartan also suppressed tumor growth in vivo in an orthotopic transplant mouse model. Therefore, telmisartan is a potential treatment for human GBM.
Deimplementation in the provision of opioid agonist treatment to achieve equity of care for people engaged in treatment: a qualitative study
Authors: Conway Anna , Marshall Alison D. , Crawford Sione , Hayllar Jeremy , Grebely Jason , Treloar Carla
Published: June 2023

Background

Deimplementation, the removal or reduction of potentially hazardous approaches to care, is key to progressing social equity in health. While the benefits of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) are well-evidenced, wide variability in the provision of treatment attenuates positive outcomes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, OAT services deimplemented aspects of provision which had long been central to treatment in Australia; supervised dosing, urine drug screening, and frequent in-person attendance for review. This analysis explored how providers considered social inequity in health of patients in the deimplementation of restrictive OAT provision during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Between August and December 2020, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 OAT providers in Australia. Codes relating to the social determinants of client retention in OAT were clustered according to how providers considered deimplementation in relation to social inequities. Normalisation Process Theory was then used to analyse the clusters in relation to how providers understood their work during the COVID-19 pandemic as responding to systemic issues that condition OAT access.

Results

We explored four overarching themes based on constructs from Normalisation Process Theory: adaptive execution, cognitive participation, normative restructuring, and sustainment. Accounts of adaptive execution demonstrated tensions between providers’ conceptions of equity and patient autonomy. Cognitive participation and normative restructuring were integral to the workability of rapid and drastic changes within the OAT services. Key transformative actors included communities of practice and “thought leaders” who had long supported deimplementation for more humane care. At this early stage of the pandemic, providers had already begun to consider how this period could inform sustainment of deimplementation. When considering a future, post-pandemic period, several providers expressed discomfort at operating with “evidence-enough” and called for narrowly defined types of data on adverse events (e.g. overdose) and expert consensus on takeaway doses.

Conclusions

The possibilities for achieving social equity in health are limited by the divergent treatment goals of providers and people receiving OAT. Sustained and equitable deimplementation of obtrusive aspects of OAT provision require co-created treatment goals, patient-centred monitoring and evaluation, and access to a supportive community of practice for providers.
Time of insemination in relation to pregnancy rates in beef cattle after oestrus detection with automated activity monitoring system
Authors: Haadem Caroline Sorknes , Holmøy Ingrid Hunter , Nødtvedt Ane , Martin Adam Dunstan
Published: June 2023

Background

The timing of artificial insemination is critical to achieve acceptable results in cattle production systems. Over the past 60 years the length and expression of oestrus in dairy cattle has altered. Recent studies have indicated the optimal timing for insemination after the commencement of oestrus may now be earlier than traditional recommendations in beef cattle, as is the case in dairy cattle. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of time from onset of oestrus [as determined by an automated activity monitoring system (AAMS)] to artificial insemination (AI) on pregnancy outcome in Norwegian beef cattle. Five commercial beef suckler herds participated in a cohort study by providing data on the time of AAMS alarm and time of AI. Blood sampling on the day of AI was performed and serum progesterone concentration measured. Pregnancy detection was performed by transrectal ultrasonography and aging of the fetus performed when necessary. A mixed logistic regression model was fitted to study the effect of time from AAMS alarm to AI on pregnancy outcome. Time categories used in the model were < 12 h, 12–24 h, and > 24 h.

Results

AI periods (n = 229) with serum progesterone concentration < 1 ng/mL were available for analysis. Overall pregnancy risk per AI for the whole study period was 65.5%, with an inter-herd variation from 10 to 91%. Median time elapsed from AAMS alarm to AI was 17.75 h. Herd affected pregnancy outcome (P = 0.001), while breed and parity status (heifer/cow) did not. The time category closer to AAMS alarm 0–12 h showed a numerically lower pregnancy risk as compared to the baseline group which had AI 12–24 h after onset of oestrus.

Conclusion

This study found no evidence to support a change in the recommended timing of AI in beef suckler cows.
Development of the consensus‐based recommendations for Podiatry care of Neuropathy In Cancer Survivors (PodNICS): a Delphi consensus study of Australian podiatrists
Authors: Dars Sindhrani , Buckley Elizabeth , Beckmann Kerri , Roder David , Banwell Helen
Published: June 2023

Background

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is the most common presenting side effect of chemotherapy. As a sensory based neuropathy, this condition can persist for a long time after cessation of chemotherapy and impact the quality of life of cancer survivors. Podiatrists in Australia have been managing people with CIPN related lower limb complications, however guidelines on management of CIPN do not exist. The aim of this study was to achieve consensus and agreement of Australian podiatrists on strategies to best manage people presenting with symptoms of CIPN.

Methods

An online three‐round modified Delphi survey of Australian podiatrists with expertise in CIPN was conducted in line with recommendations for conducting and reporting of Delphi studies (CREDES). Panellists responded to open‐ended questions in Round 1, whereupon their responses were themed into statements and analysed for existing consensus. Statements not reaching consensus were returned during Round 2 to seek agreement from responders using a five‐point Likert scale and to allow responders to make further comments. For a statement to reach consensus or agreement, 70% or more of panellists needed to make the same comment or agree or strongly agree with the same themed statement. Statements reaching 50 to 69% consensus or agreement were returned to panellists in Round 3 for them to consider their responses in the light of group outcomes.

Results

Round one resulted in 229 comments from 21 of 26 podiatrists who agreed to participate. These comments were themed into 53 statements with 11 consensus statements accepted. Round 2 resulted in 22 statements reaching agreement, and 15 new statements being generated from 18 comments made by 17 respondents. Round 3 resulted in 11 statements reaching agreement. Outcomes were developed into a set of clinical recommendations for diagnosis and management of people presenting with CIPN. These recommendations provide guidance on 1) identifying common signs and symptoms of CIPN including sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms; 2) diagnosis and assessment of CIPN including neurological, motor and dermatological assessment modalities; and 3) best clinical practice and management strategies for CIPN identified by podiatrists including both podiatry and non‐podiatry specific care.

Conclusions

This is the first study in podiatry literature to develop expert‐informed consensus‐based recommendations for clinical presentation, diagnosis and assessment and management of people with CIPN. These recommendations aim to help guide podiatrists in the consistent care of people with CIPN.
Studying the association between longitudinal mammographic density measurements and breast cancer risk: a joint modelling approach
Authors: Illipse Maya , Czene Kamila , Hall Per , Humphreys Keith
Published: June 2023

Background

Researchers have suggested that longitudinal trajectories of mammographic breast density (MD) can be used to understand changes in breast cancer (BC) risk over a woman’s lifetime. Some have suggested, based on biological arguments, that the cumulative trajectory of MD encapsulates the risk of BC across time. Others have tried to connect changes in MD to the risk of BC.

Methods

To summarize the MD–BC association, we jointly model longitudinal trajectories of MD and time to diagnosis using data from a large ($$N = 40{,}087$$N=40,087) mammography cohort of Swedish women aged 40–80 years. Five hundred eighteen women were diagnosed with BC during follow-up. We fitted three joint models (JMs) with different association structures; Cumulative, current value and slope, and current value association structures.

Results

All models showed evidence of an association between MD trajectory and BC risk ($$P < 0.001$$P<0.001for current value of MD,$$P < 0.001$$P<0.001and$$P =0.005$$P=0.005for current value and slope of MD respectively, and$$P < 0.001$$P<0.001for cumulative value of MD). Models with cumulative association structure and with current value and slope association structure had better goodness of fit than a model based only on current value. The JM with current value and slope structure suggested that a decrease in MD may be associated with an increased (instantaneous) BC risk. It is possible that this is because of increased screening sensitivity rather than being related to biology.

Conclusion

We argue that a JM with a cumulative association structure may be the most appropriate/biologically relevant model in this context.
Atrial fibrillation induced by gabapentin: a case report
Authors: Park Sung Hwan , Hunter Kristen , Berry Hugh , Martins Yuri Chaves
Published: June 2023

Background

Gabapentin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of neuropathic pain, restless leg syndrome, and partial-onset seizures. Although the most frequent side effects of gabapentin are associated with the central nervous system, gabapentin can also affect the cardiovascular system. Case reports and observational studies have showed that gabapentin can be associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation. However, all the evidence is concentrated in patients older than 65 years old with comorbidities that predispose them to the development of arrhythmias.

Case presentation

We describe a case of an African American male in his 20s that presented to our chronic pain clinic with lumbar radiculitis and developed atrial fibrillation 4 days after being started on gabapentin. Laboratory workup did not show significant abnormalities, including normal complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, toxicology screen, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography showed a patent foramen ovale with right-to-left shunt. The patient was initially treated with diltiazem for heart rate control and apixaban. Direct current cardioversion with successful conversion to sinus rhythm was performed 24 hours after admission. The patient was then discharged on apixaban and diltiazem. Apixaban was changed to low-dose aspirin 1 month after discharge.

Conclusion

With rapidly increasing usage of gabapentin for approved and off-label indications, it is important to identify unintended adverse effects of this drug as they are considered safe alternatives to opioids. New-onset atrial fibrillation could be induced by gabapentin in young individuals.
Effects of concurrent and cumulative group dynamic assessments on EFL learners’ development of reading comprehension micro-skills
Authors: Zadkhast Mahtab , Rezvani Ehsan , Lotfi Ahmad Reza
Published: June 2023

The current study set out to investigate the effects of concurrent group dynamic assessment (GDA) and cumulative GDA on Iranian EFL learners’ development of reading comprehension micro-skills. To this end, a convenience sample of 60 intermediate undergraduate EFL university students that were selected based on the results of a placement test and randomly assigned to two experimental groups participated in the study. The participants met once a week for 90-min lessons in a Reading II class over an academic semester. Each group received a concurrent or cumulative GDA mediation on reading tasks with a focus on activities involving five fundamental reading comprehension micro-skills, namely identifying the main idea, finding inferences, finding supporting details, understanding vocabulary, and finding references. A pretest/posttest procedure was used to compare the two group’s achievements. The results of t test analyses demonstrated that both GDA approaches were effective but the students in the concurrent GDA group significantly outperformed those in the cumulative GDA group in terms of micro-skills of identifying the main idea and finding inferences whereas no significant differences were observed for other micro-skills. It could be argued that in concurrent GDA since the secondary interactants expect to be called on at any moment, they are more alert and attentive to mediational exchanges, and this contributes to enriching the micro-skills of identifying the main idea and finding inferences. The findings suggest that concurrent and cumulative GDA approaches when applied to teaching reading comprehension should be viewed as complementary. The concurrent approach works better with activities that require higher-cognitive functions and top-down processes such as identifying main ideas or finding inferences. On the other hand, both approaches could be equally beneficial and interchangeably used in activities that involve lower-level bottom-up cognitive processes such as finding supporting details, understanding vocabulary, or finding references. The findings offer significant implications for classroom practice and subsequent research that are discussed.
Intracellular lipophilic network transformation induced by protease-specific endocytosis of fluorescent Au nanoclusters
Authors: Ku Minhee , Yang Jaemoon
Published: June 2023

The understanding of the endocytosis process of internalized nanomedicines through membrane biomarker is essential for the development of molecular-specific nanomedicines. In various recent reports, the metalloproteases have been identified as important markers during the metastasis of cancer cells. In particular, MT1-MMP has provoked concern due to its protease activity in the degradation of the extracellular matrix adjacent to tumors. Thus, in the current work, we have applied fluorescent Au nanoclusters which present strong resistance to chemical quenching to the investigation of MT1-MMP-mediated endocytosis. We synthesized protein-based Au nanocluster (PAuNC) and MT1-MMP-specific peptide was conjugated with PAuNC (pPAuNC) for monitoring protease-mediated endocytosis. The fluorescence capacity of pPAuNC was investigated and MT1-MMP-mediated intracellular uptake of pPAuNC was subsequently confirmed by a co-localization analysis using confocal microscopy and molecular competition test. Furthermore, we confirmed a change in the intracellular lipophilic network after an endocytosis event of pPAuNC. The identical lipophilic network change did not occur with the endocytosis of bare PAuNC. By classification of the branched network between the lipophilic organelles at the nanoscale, the image-based analysis of cell organelle networking allowed the evaluation of nanoparticle internalization and impaired cellular components after intracellular accumulation at a single-cell level. Our analyses suggest a methodology to achieve a better understanding of the mechanism by which nanoparticles enter cells.
Which STEM careers are most appealing? Examining high school students’ preferences and motivational beliefs for different STEM career choices
Authors: Rosenzweig Emily Q. , Chen Xiao-Yin
Published: June 2023

Background

Decades of research have examined what motivates students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, but STEM careers are a broad category encompassing hundreds of distinct vocations. The present study examined high school students’ relative preferences for pursuing some types of STEM careers over others and explored what motivational beliefs (defined in accordance with situated expectancy value theory) most influenced students’ relative career preferences. A secondary goal was to examine whether there were differences in any patterns as a function of students’ intersecting gender and racial/ethnic identities. A large sample of high school students (N = 526) completed an online survey during class time about their beliefs regarding fifteen different STEM career categories.

Results

Students’ career preferences could be classified into four groups: appealing, unappealing, polarizing, or overlooked. The last category was the most common. Students primarily selected reasons related to utility and attainment value in influencing their choices of most- and least-preferred careers. However, within this category, beliefs about helping others were stronger influences on choosing most-preferred careers, whereas concerns about fitting in were more influential for choosing least-preferred careers. Gender and racial/ethnic comparisons suggest differentiation in how students think about the appeal of various career paths as early as high school.

Implications

Findings shed light on how students come to perceive some STEM career paths as relatively more appealing than others, with attention to gender and racial/ethnic differences in these processes. Findings also point to specific and actionable ideas for how teachers, counselors, and administrators can target career education to cultivate students’ interest in STEM career paths, where there are particular needs.
Unified approach for evaluation of horizontal site amplification factors with special reference to history of studies on the effects of surface geology on seismic motion
Authors: Kawase Hiroshi , Nakano Kenichi , Nagashima Fumiaki , Ito Eri , Sun Jikai , Wang Ziqian
Published: June 2023

Following the 1923 Kanto earthquake in Japan, Japanese researchers noticed the strong effects of surface geology on seismic motion (ESG) and began to investigate these effects to quantify the site amplification factors (SAFs) associated with soft surface sediments. On the other side of the Pacific Ocean, ESG received limited attention until the 1985 Michoacan, Mexico earthquake revealed significant long-period amplification inside Mexico City that manifested as the source of devastating damage to high-rise buildings. Since then, seismologists and earthquake engineers have performed a lot of studies on various ESG issues worldwide. We have not yet reached common conclusions on how to quantitatively predict SAFs over a broad frequency band of engineering interest, 0.1 to 20 Hz, for moderate to strong input from different types of earthquakes in different tectonic settings. However, we found here several basic guidelines useful for successfully modeling ground motions as a common approach to ESG studies. First, in this letter, we briefly review our history of understanding ESG, which is closely related to the key settings required for reliable quantifications of SAFs, and then introduce various emerging techniques for broadband quantitative evaluations of SAFs based on the vast amount of observed ground motions primarily from dense Japanese strong-motion networks. Based on the findings of our investigation and the physical relationships behind the parameters, the authors would like to recommend that researchers on ESG and related topics would refer to the five basic guidelines proposed in the conclusions for the successful implementation of techniques to delineate SAFs in a specific region of interest, such as the use of Fourier spectra instead of response spectra. We have started applying the proposed techniques to regions outside Japan. The implementation of the statistical validation exercises will follow.

Graphical Abstract
A comprehensive look at the psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology of spinal cord injury and its progression: mechanisms and clinical opportunities
Authors: Ortega Miguel A. , Fraile-Martinez Oscar , García-Montero Cielo , Haro Sergio , Álvarez-Mon Miguel Ángel , De Leon-Oliva Diego , Gomez-Lahoz Ana M. , Monserrat Jorge , Atienza-Pérez Mar , Díaz David , Lopez-Dolado Elisa , Álvarez-Mon Melchor
Published: June 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating and disabling medical condition generally caused by a traumatic event (primary injury). This initial trauma is accompanied by a set of biological mechanisms directed to ameliorate neural damage but also exacerbate initial damage (secondary injury). The alterations that occur in the spinal cord have not only local but also systemic consequences and virtually all organs and tissues of the body incur important changes after SCI, explaining the progression and detrimental consequences related to this condition. Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology (PNIE) is a growing area of research aiming to integrate and explore the interactions among the different systems that compose the human organism, considering the mind and the body as a whole. The initial traumatic event and the consequent neurological disruption trigger immune, endocrine, and multisystem dysfunction, which in turn affect the patient’s psyche and well-being. In the present review, we will explore the most important local and systemic consequences of SCI from a PNIE perspective, defining the changes occurring in each system and how all these mechanisms are interconnected. Finally, potential clinical approaches derived from this knowledge will also be collectively presented with the aim to develop integrative therapies to maximize the clinical management of these patients.
Deformable titanium for acetabular revision surgery: a proof of concept
Authors: Magré J. , Willemsen K. , Kolken H. M. A. , Zadpoor A. A. , Vogely H. C. , van der Wal B. C. H. , Weinans H.
Published: June 2023

Custom-made triflange acetabular implants are increasingly used in complex revision surgery where supporting bone stock is diminished. In most cases these triflange cups induce stress-shielding. A new concept for the triflange is introduced that uses deformable porous titanium to redirect forces from the acetabular rim to the bone stock behind the implant and thereby reduces further stress-shielding. This concept is tested for deformability and primary stability.

Three different designs of highly porous titanium cylinders were tested under compression to determine their mechanical properties. The most promising design was used to design five acetabular implants either by incorporating a deformable layer at the back of the implant or by adding a separate generic deformable mesh behind the implant. All implants were inserted into sawbones with acetabular defects followed by a cyclic compression test of 1800N for 1000 cycles.

The design with a cell size of 4 mm and 0.2 mm strut thickness performed the best and was applied for the design of the acetabular implants. An immediate primary fixation was realized in all three implants with an incorporated deformable layer. One of the two implants with a separate deformable mesh needed fixation with screws. Cyclic tests revealed an average additional implant subsidence of 0.25 mm that occurred in the first 1000 cycles with minimal further subsidence thereafter.

It is possible to realize primary implant fixation and stability in simulated large acetabular revision surgery using a deformable titanium layer behind the cup. Additional research is needed for further implementation of such implants in the clinic.
Imaging findings in carcinomatous encephalitis secondary to malignant melanoma
Authors: Parillo Marco , Vertulli Daniele , Mallio Carlo Augusto , Quattrocchi Carlo Cosimo
Published: June 2023

Background

The case of disseminated cancer cell spreading throughout the brain is called “miliary metastases” or “carcinomatous encephalitis”, a very rare and critical condition (primarily associated with lung and breast cancer) in which there are multiple plaque with a perivascular distribution, made of punctate lesions spread in all the brain. To our knowledge this represents the fourth case of melanotic miliary brain metastases described in the literature, also associated with melanin content of the lesions that is already evident on unenhanced T1-weighted images.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old patient with history of metastatic cutaneous melanoma (BRAF V600E mutate, PD-L1 negative) in treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib after 9 years from the diagnosis developed severe cognitive-motor slowing. Contrast-enhanced brain MRI showed miliary enhancing intra-axial brain lesions involving supra- and sub-tentorial regions and also the perivascular spaces, characterized by a bright appearance on unenhanced T1-weighted images without signal hypointensity in T2*-weighted images, as for melanotic pattern. Thus, the radiological diagnosis of “carcinomatous encephalitis” was made. Neurological examination showed an alert and cooperative subject with increased reaction time in verbal and motor responses. No ocular motility disturbances were found, and there were no motor or sensory deficits in the four limbs. The finger-to-nose test was normal, and no coordination deficit was found bilaterally. Blood tests and body temperature demonstrated no signs of ongoing infection. Electroencephalography showed slow and punctate abnormalities in bilateral fronto-temporal regions, with left prevalence. Corticosteroid therapy was started during hospitalization, improving the clinical picture. The patient was then discharged after 4 days in good clinical conditions with the indication to start second-line treatment with ipilimumab and nivolumab and to perform a whole-brain irradiation.

Conclusions

Brain MRI plays a crucial role for the non-invasive diagnosis of carcinomatous encephalitis and for the differential diagnosis with other pathologies. Awareness of the existence of this disorder even in patients with melanoma is necessary to avoid diagnostic delays. Miliary brain metastases should be suspected in all melanoma patients with new neurological findings and contrast-enhanced MRI should be performed to assess the real burden of the disease.
Study on mixing behaviour of aluminium-ceramic powder having high SiC volume fractions up to 50 vol.%
Authors: Speth Marco , Riedmueller Kim Rouven , Liewald Mathias
Published: June 2023

Aluminium matrix composites (AMC) do combine a high lightweight potential with a wide range of specific mechanical or thermal properties, depending on their material composition or the content of reinforcement particles, respectively. Currently, the three main production technologies for manufacturing such AMC are powder metallurgy, semi-solid processes and casting. Here, the AMC´s reinforcement proportion that can be processed depends on the chosen manufacturing strategy and is therefore often limited to a maximum value of 30 vol. %, due to agglomeration and porosity problems. In this context, the main objective is to understand the fundamental mixing behaviour of powder mixtures for AMC green body production having reinforcement contents of up to 50 vol.% SiCp. For this purpose, powder mixtures of monomodal AlSi7Mg0.6 and different SiCp fractions were prepared with different mixing times and speeds to investigate the influence of these mixing parameters on the homogeneity of the particle distribution. Afterwards, the influence of powder size on the mixing process was investigated. The results showed that a slower mixing speed resulted in faster homogenisation as well as a larger particle size can be faster mixed. Furthermore, a regression model was developed using mixing time, speed and particle loading, to determine sufficient mixing parameters.
Strategic deep aquifer valley characterization using an integrated geophysical approach (Central Tunisia, southern Mediterranean arid province)
Authors: Meftahi Chrifa , Gabtni Hakim
Published: June 2023

The joint interpretation of geophysical data provides an increasingly important integration of information capable of characterizing our subsurface planetary resources. This paper is a demonstration of a case study situated in an extremely limited water resources region, allowing the establishment of new hydrogeologic provinces. An integrated geophysical approach has been implemented to clarify the structuring, the extension, and geometry of the Miocene aquifer system located in the Sbeïtla Basin (Central Tunisia, southern Mediterranean arid province). This significant hydrogeologic basin is connected to the Tunisian North Water Transmission System to achieve sustainable drinking water supply for the Sfax region with at least 1 million residents. The seismic, gravity, and electrical methods are used together using advanced analysis (residual-regional gravity separation, electrical resistivity tomography generation from 1D vertical electrical sounding, etc.). This specific methodology allows us to reveal a new northeast–southwest strategic deep Miocene aquifer valley segmented by northwest–southeast faulting corridors. This valley can record the maximum thickness of sandstone Miocene aquifer levels called, respectively, from deep to shallow levels G1, G2, and G3 separated by two aquitards called from deep to shallow levels A1 and A2. It can be considered as a preferential target zone to carry out new deep exploration drilling.
Regional stratigraphically discordant dolomite mapping based on a dolomitization mechanism on the Arabian carbonate shelf
Authors: Zhang Sihai
Published: June 2023

Dolomite mapping, as a first step of carbonate diagenetic modeling, is critical to understanding dolomitization mechanisms and predicting reservoir quality. Stratigraphically discordant dolomite bodies within the Upper Jurassic intervals have long been studied on the Arabian shelf. Our dolomitization mechanisms find that faults/fractures serve as migration conduits and determine dolomite distribution by controlling fluid flow. We establish an innovative approach based on the diagenetic mechanisms and comprehensive characterization of fracture systems at multiple scales to delineate dolomite in the study area. The complex fracture networks in the subsurface are categorized into macroscale, mesoscale, and microscale fractures. Macroscale fractures, i.e., faults, are much greater than the seismic wavelength and are easily observed in seismic sections due to their obvious seismic discontinuities. Mesoscale fractures are slightly greater than or equal to the seismic wavelength and are recognized using seismic attributes. Microscale fractures are significantly smaller than the seismic wavelength and are observed mainly on core samples and thin sections. The dolomite mapping workflow includes three steps: (1) calibrate the seismic response of multiscale fractures with borehole image logs and core interpretations, (2) implement multiscale fracture characterization using multiple seismic attributes, and (3) interpret dolomite bodies based on fracture characterization and log identification. The mapping results show that massive dolomite bodies are heterogeneously developed and distributed mainly in the northeastern part of the study area, with a southward decrease in dolomite content. The application demonstrates that multiscale fracture systems play critical roles in massive dolomitization, and multiscale fracture prediction provides an innovative solution to delineate complex dolomitization systems and the combination of reservoir and seal in diagenetic traps.