bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation of the supplementary motor area decreases corticospinal excitability in the motor cortex: a pilot study
Authors: Pagge Cristina , Caballero-Insaurriaga Jaime , Oliviero Antonio , Foffani Guglielmo , Ammann Claudia
Published: March 2024

Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that is portable and easy to use. Long-term, home-based treatments with tSMS of the supplementary motor area (SMA) are promising for movement disorders and other brain diseases. The aim of the present work was to investigate the potential of SMA-tSMS for reducing corticospinal excitability. We completed an open pilot study in which twenty right-handed healthy subjects (8 females; age: 31.3 ± 5.4 years) completed two 30-min sessions (at least one week apart) of SMA-tSMS. We assessed corticospinal excitability by applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the primary motor cortex, recording 30 motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from either the left or right first dorsal interosseous (FDI, ‘hotspot’ muscle) and extensor carpi radialis (ECR, ‘offspot’ muscle) in each session before and after (up to 30 min) tSMS. We observed moderate-to-extreme level of Bayesian evidence for a reduction of MEP amplitude after 30 min of tSMS over SMA compared to baseline. Thus, tSMS applied over SMA may reduce corticospinal excitability. These findings, if confirmed with double-blind, placebo-controlled experiments, support the potential of targeting the SMA for neuromodulating a large motor network in future therapeutic applications of tSMS.
Agricultural land management and rural financial development: coupling and coordinated relationship and temporal-spatial disparities in China
Authors: Gong Maogang , Xi Ruichao , Qi Yuxi , Wang Xizhe , Sun Pengsheng , Che Lingling
Published: March 2024

The integrated development of agricultural land and finance not only promotes rural financial innovation and breaks the bottleneck of agricultural financing but also facilitates agricultural land transfer and scaled operations. This leads to the advancement of the effective growth of contemporary agriculture. The reform of the 'separation of three rights' in agricultural land promotes land circulation, which, in turn, offers an institutional guarantee for the tandem development of rural finance and agricultural land management. This paper measures the comprehensive development index of agricultural land management and rural finance in 30 provinces of China from 2005 to 2020. In light of this, it calculates the degree of coupling and coordination between China's agricultural land management and rural financial development. The Dagum Gini coefficient, kernel density, and the Moran index were used to analyze regional differences and patterns of agglomeration. The study found that the degree of coupling coordination between China's agricultural land management and rural finance is increasing annually. However, there remains a significant gap in achieving high-quality coupling. Notably, the growth rate of rural financial development exceeds that of agricultural land management, and hypervariable density is a major source of regional variation. There is polarization in the coupled development of farmland management and rural finance. Provinces in the eastern and central regions tend to be located in the high–high agglomeration (H–H) in terms of the level of development of agricultural land and financial integration, while the western region tends to fall in low–low aggregation (L–L).
Exploring personalized treatment for cardiac graft rejection based on a four-archetype analysis model and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Shi Hongjie , Yuan Ming , Cai Jie , Shi Jiajun , Li Yang , Qian Qiaofeng , Dong Zhe , Pan Gaofeng , Zhu Shaoping , Wang Wei , Zhou Jianliang , Zhou Xianwu , Liu Jinping
Published: March 2024

Heart transplantation is the gold standard for treating patients with advanced heart failure. Although improvements in immunosuppressive therapies have significantly reduced the frequency of cardiac graft rejection, the incidences of T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection remain almost unchanged. A four-archetype analysis (4AA) model, developed by Philip F. Halloran, illustrated this problem well. It provided a new dimension to improve the accuracy of diagnoses and an independent system for recalibrating the histology guidelines. However, this model was based on the invasive method of endocardial biopsy, which undoubtedly increased the postoperative risk of heart transplant patients. Currently, little is known regarding the associated genes and specific functions of the different phenotypes. We performed bioinformatics analysis (using machine-learning methods and the WGCNA algorithm) to screen for hub-specific genes related to different phenotypes, based Gene Expression Omnibus accession number GSE124897. More immune cell infiltration was observed with the ABMR, TCMR, and injury phenotypes than with the stable phenotype. Hub-specific genes for each of the four archetypes were verified successfully using an external test set (accession number GSE2596). Logistic-regression models based on TCMR-specific hub genes and common hub genes were constructed with accurate diagnostic utility (area under the curve > 0.95). RELA, NFKB1, and SOX14 were identified as transcription factors important for TCMR/injury phenotypes and common genes, respectively. Additionally, 11 Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs were chosen from the DrugBank Database for each four-archetype model. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be a promising new option for transplant rejection treatment. KRAS signaling in cardiac transplant rejection is worth further investigation. Our results showed that heart transplant rejection subtypes can be accurately diagnosed by detecting expression of the corresponding specific genes, thereby enabling precise treatment or medication.
Galectin 7 leads to a relative reduction in CD4+ T cells, mediated by PD-1
Authors: Wu Guojin , Deng Wei , Chen Hsin-Yi , Cho Hye-Jeong , Kim Jaehyup
Published: March 2024

The role of glycan-binding proteins as an activator of immune regulatory receptors has gained attention recently. We report that galectin 7 reduced CD4+ T cell percentage in both in vitro culture and mouse tumor models. Immunohistochemical staining of esophageal cancer patient samples showed a lower percentage of CD4+ cells in the galectin 7 high area. The lack of CD4+ T cell depletion by galectin 7 in PD-1 knockout mice supports the role of PD-1 in mediating the effects of galectin 7. The binding assays demonstrate that galectin 7 binds to the N-glycosylation of PD-1 on N74 and N116 sites and leads to the recruitment of SHP-2. NFAT suppressive activity of galectin 7 was abrogated upon overexpression of the dominant negative SHP-2 mutant or inhibition of PD-1 by siRNA. Glycosylation of PD-1 has been reported to play a critical role in surface expression, stability, and interaction with its ligand PD-L1. This report further expands the significance of PD-1 glycosylation and suggests that galectin 7, a glycan-binding protein, interacts with the immune regulatory receptor PD-1 through glycosylation recognition.
Troponin T is elevated in a relevant proportion of patients with 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Lapp Hanna Sophie , Freigang Maren , Friese Johannes , Bernsen Sarah , Tüngler Victoria , von der Hagen Maja , Weydt Patrick , Günther René
Published: March 2024

Troponin T concentration (TNT) is commonly considered a marker of myocardial damage. However, elevated concentrations have been demonstrated in numerous neuromuscular disorders, pointing to the skeletal muscle as a possible extracardiac origin. The aim of this study was to determine disease-related changes of TNT in 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and to screen for its biomarker potential in SMA. We therefore included 48 pediatric and 45 adult SMA patients in this retrospective cross-sequential observational study. Fluid muscle integrity and cardiac markers were analyzed in the serum of treatment-naïve patients and subsequently under disease-modifying therapies. We found a TNT elevation in 61% of SMA patients but no elevation of the cardiospecific isoform Troponin I (TNI). TNT elevation was more pronounced in children and particularly infants with aggressive phenotypes. In adults, TNT correlated to muscle destruction and decreased under therapy only in the subgroup with elevated TNT at baseline. In conclusion, TNT was elevated in a relevant proportion of patients with SMA with emphasis in infants and more aggressive phenotypes. Normal TNI levels support a likely extracardiac origin. Although its stand-alone biomarker potential seems to be limited, exploring TNT in SMA underlines the investigation of skeletal muscle integrity markers.
MiR-181a protects the heart against myocardial infarction by regulating mitochondrial fission via targeting programmed cell death protein 4
Authors: Zhu Jianbing , Wang Qian , Zheng Zeqi , Ma Leilei , Guo Junjie , Shi Hongtao , Ying Ru , Gao Beilei , Chen Shanshan , Yu Siyang , Yuan Bin , Peng Xiaoping , Ge Junbo
Published: March 2024

Worldwide, myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of death and disability-adjusted life years lost. Recent researches explored new methods of detecting biomarkers that can predict the risk of developing myocardial infarction, which includes identifying genetic markers associated with increased risk. We induced myocardial infarction in mice by occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery and performed TTC staining to assess cell death. Next, we performed ChIP assays to measure the enrichment of histone modifications at the promoter regions of key genes involved in mitochondrial fission. We used qPCR and western blot to measure expression levels of relative apoptotic indicators. We report that miR-181a inhibits myocardial ischemia-induced apoptosis and preserves left ventricular function after MI. We show that programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) is the target gene involved in miR-181a-mediated anti-ischemic injury, which enhanced BID recruitment to the mitochondria. In addition, we discovered that p53 inhibits the expression of miR-181a via transcriptional regulation. Here, we discovered for the first time a mitochondrial fission and apoptosis pathway which is controlled by miR-181a and involves PDCD4 and BID. This pathway may be controlled by p53 transcriptionally, and we presume that miR-181a may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic and preventive targets for ischemic heart diseases.
In-depth analysis of Klebsiella aerogenes resistome, virulome and plasmidome worldwide
Authors: Morgado Sergio , Fonseca Érica , Freitas Fernanda , Caldart Raquel , Vicente Ana Carolina
Published: March 2024

Klebsiella aerogenes is an emergent pathogen associated with outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant strains. To date, studies focusing on K. aerogenes have been small-scale and/or geographically restricted. Here, we analyzed the epidemiology, resistome, virulome, and plasmidome of this species based on 561 genomes, spanning all continents. Furthermore, we sequenced four new strains from Brazil (mostly from the Amazon region). Dozens of STs occur worldwide, but the pandemic clones ST93 and ST4 have prevailed in several countries. Almost all genomes were clinical, however, most of them did not carry ESBL or carbapenemases, instead, they carried chromosomal alterations (omp36, ampD, ampG, ampR) associated with resistance to β-lactams. Integrons were also identified, presenting gene cassettes not yet reported in this species (blaIMP, blaVIM, blaGES). Considering the virulence loci, the yersiniabactin and colibactin operons were found in the ICEKp10 element, which is disseminated in genomes of several STs, as well as an incomplete salmochelin cluster. In contrast, the aerobactin hypervirulence trait was observed only in one ST432 genome. Plasmids were common, mainly from the ColRNAI replicon, with some carrying resistance genes (mcr, blaTEM, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaKPC, blaVIM) and virulence genes (EAST1, senB). Interestingly, 172 genomes of different STs presented putative plasmids containing the colicin gene.
Real-world evidence of constipation and laxative use in the Korean population with chronic kidney disease from a common data model
Authors: Kim Kipyo , Kim Ji-Eun , Kim Jae Ho , Ahn Seong Hee , Jung Chai Young , Hwang Seun Deuk , Lee Seoung Woo , Song Joon Ho
Published: March 2024

Constipation is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, our understanding of its epidemiology and management in CKD is limited. We aimed to explore real-world data on constipation and laxative use in patients with CKD in a nationwide population-based cohort from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment-National Patient Sample database. This study analyzed retrospective health claims data in Korea from 2012 to 2017 that were transformed into the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model. The pooled proportion of constipation diagnoses was 30.5% in all patients with CKD and 15.9%, 16.5%, 17.4%, 29.9%, and 43.3% in patients with CKD stages 1–5, respectively, suggesting a higher prevalence in advanced CKD. Patients receiving peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis had the highest prevalence of constipation, while transplant recipients showed a prevalence comparable to that of patients with early CKD. Patients with CKD had a significantly higher risk of constipation than age- and sex-matched non-CKD individuals (range of odds ratio [OR]:1.66–1.90). Laxative prescribing patterns differed by CKD severity. Osmotic agents were prescribed in more than half of patients with advanced CKD, while magnesium salts and bulking agents were prescribed less frequently. The CKD patients with constipation were more likely to be prescribed constipation-inducing medications, including antipsychotic and neurological medications. Our findings provide real-world constipation and laxative prescription status in the Korean CKD population, revealing a significantly higher risk of constipation and different laxative prescribing patterns in patients with CKD.
Study on the affinity sites of cadmium's binding to ligands by thermodynamics and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Yu Jinsong , Huang Xu , Wu Xiuxiu , Cao Hui , Yuan Min , Ye Tai , Xu Fei
Published: March 2024

According to the experimental parameters for the interaction of Cd(ii) with ligands, the binding sites of Cys and GSH were –SH, –NH2 and –COOH, and the thermodynamic behaviour of Cd(ii) with Cys/GSH in boric acid and HEPES buffers was different, exothermic in HEPES but endothermic in boric acid.
Exploring the electronic and steric effects on the dimerization of intramolecular frustrated Lewis pairs: a comparison between aminoboranes and aminoalanes
Authors: Barrales-Martínez César , Illanes-Solis Claudio , Durán Rocío , Caballero Julio
Published: March 2024

The dimerization of intramolecular aminoborane and aminoalane frustrated Lewis pairs was investigated using density functional theory.
Comment on “Detection of exposed phosgene in household bleach: development of a selective and cost-effective sensing tool” by S. Saha and P. Sahoo, Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2023, 25, 1144
Authors: Plehiers Patrick M.
Published: March 2024

In the absence of an identified source of carbon, the reported formation of phosgene from bleach powder is questioned. Interferences and confounding effects other than those investigated by the authors may have led to artifactual results.
First-principles study on a new chloride solid lithium-ion conductor material with high ionic conductivity
Authors: Fu Xiao , Wang Yuqi , Xu Jing , Yang Qifan , Mao Huican , Xiao Ruijuan , Li Hong
Published: March 2024

Through the replacement-screening strategy, a high ionic conductivity solid electrolyte material LiSbCl6 was discovered, and its transport mechanism was investigated in comparison with NaSbCl6 by first-principles calculations.
Near-infrared-driven upconversion nanoparticles with photocatalysts through water-splitting towards cancer treatment
Authors: Dash Pranjyan , Panda Pradeep Kumar , Su Chaochin , Lin Yu-Chien , Sakthivel Rajalakshmi , Chen Sung-Lung , Chung Ren-Jei
Published: March 2024

NIR-driven UCNPs with photocatalysts can absorb UV/vis light via water splitting. Water splitting enables in situ H2, O2, and OH˙ generation under a light source. The nanocomposites can enhance therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
Supramolecular self-assembled gold nanoparticle clusters for synergistic photothermal-chemo tumor therapy
Authors: Wei Ping , Li Ying , Wu Yaling , Zhang Yirang , Xiang Yanan , Chen Jingxiao
Published: March 2024

A facile supramolecular self-assembly strategy to construct gold nanoparticle clusters as a synergistic photothermal-chemo theranostic agent.
Lipoic acid-mediated oral drug delivery system utilizing changes on cell surface thiol expression for the treatment of diabetes and inflammatory diseases
Authors: Wu Licheng , Xing Liyun , Wu Ruinan , Fan Xiaoxing , Ni Mingjie , Xiao Xin , Zhou Zhou , Li Lian , Wen Jingyuan , Huang Yuan
Published: March 2024

In this study, changes in the level of thiol expression on the cell surface were utilized in both healthy and diseased states. Oral nano-drug delivery system mediated by lipoic acid can be used to treat diabetes and inflammatory diseases.
Solvation effect enabled visualized discrimination of multiple metal ions
Authors: Cheng Yang , Liu Yuan , Li Jiguang , Li Yudong , Lei Da , Li Dezhong , Dou Xincun
Published: March 2024

Highly efficient detection of environmental residual potentially toxic species is of concern worldwide as their presence in an excessive amount would greatly endanger the health of human beings as well as environmental sustainability.
Impacts of cationic lipid–DNA complexes on immune cells and hematopoietic cells in vivo
Authors: Cong Xiuxiu , Tan Huizhu , Lv Yue , Mao Kuirong , Xin Yanbao , Wang Jialiang , Meng Xiandi , Guan Meng , Wang Haorui , Yang Yong-Guang , Sun Tianmeng
Published: March 2024

The cationic lipid/DNA complex significantly affects the immune and hematopoietic systems in vivo, causing leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, hematopoietic stress, and altering bone marrow cell populations by increasing long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSC) and reducing progenitor cells.
Construction of secondary and tertiary chiral structures in side-chain azobenzene polymers with flexible main chains
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Zhao Jinyan , Ma Yafei , Zhao Xi , Shi Shengyu , Li Shi , Song Qingping , Cheng Xiaoxiao , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2024

The effects of chiral stereocenter distance, side chain steric hindrance, and polymer liquid crystallinity on the construction of chiral structure in side-chain azobenzene polymers with flexible main chains are investigated.
N-heterocyclic carbene-stabilized Cu9 clusters with combined thermally activated delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence
Authors: Zhang Lin-Mei , Xie Mo , Wei Hui-Zhi , Yuan Shang-Fu , Li Dong-Sheng , Wu Tao
Published: March 2024

Two NHC-stabilized Cu9 clusters showcase both TADF and direct phosphorescence in thermal equilibrium. The combined harvesting mechanism arises from the simultaneous presence of a small ΔE(S1 − T1) gap and relatively strong spin–orbit coupling.
An eight-membered ring formed by the Scholl reaction of o-quateraryls
Authors: Yang Xinhe , Gao Man , Chen Han , Gong Qi , Miao Qian
Published: March 2024

The Scholl reaction of o-quateraryls demonstrates regioselectivity, forming an eight-membered ring when the terminal aryl groups are significantly more electron-rich than the internal arylene groups, yielding tetraphenylene derivatives.
Antimicrobial and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory flavonoid glycosides from the plant Mussaenda recurvata: in vitro and in silico approaches
Authors: Ngoc Mai Tran Thi , Minh Phan Nhat , Phat Nguyen Tan , Duong Thuc Huy , Minh An Tran Nguyen , Dang Van Son , Van Hue Nguyen , Tri Mai Dinh
Published: March 2024

Seven flavonoid glycosides were isolated from the aerial portions of Mussaenda recurvata during a phytochemical analysis.
Structural, morphological, electrical, and dielectric properties of Na2Cu5(Si2O7)2 for ASSIBs
Authors: Ben Bechir Mohamed , Akermi Mehdi
Published: March 2024

Solid inorganic electrolyte materials are fundamental components for constructing all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries.
Tunable fluorescent probes for detecting aldehydes in living systems
Authors: Wills Rachel , Shirke Rajendra , Hrncir Hannah , Talbott John M. , Sad Kirti , Spangle Jennifer M. , Gracz Adam D. , Raj Monika
Published: March 2024

Introducing 4-amino-3-thiophenol BODIPY “turn on” probe tunable to NIR wavelengths for monitoring aldehydes in tissues and living organoids by forming dihydrobenzothiazole products with aldehydes, exhibiting a remarkable fluorescence increase.
Carbon-based double-metal-site catalysts: advances in synthesis and energy applications
Authors: Wang Liping , Wei Zihao , Sun Zhiyi , Zhu Linlin , Gao Yan , Chen Zhuo , Li Shenghua , Chen Wenxing
Published: March 2024

Dual-metal site catalysts embedded in a carbon matrix (referred to as DMSCs) are gaining significant interest in sustainable energy research.
Multi-functional thermal management for efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Yongsong , He Zhen , Xiong Jian , Zhan Shiping , Liu Fu , Su Meng , Wang Dongjie , Huang Yu , Liao Qiaogan , Lu Jiangrong , Zhang Zheling , Yuan Changlai , Wang Jiang , Dai Qilin , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2024

A multi-functional thermal management strategy to tackle the thermal-induced self-degradation and recombination loss issues of inverted perovskite solar cells.
Synergistic applications of cyclodextrin-based systems and metal–organic frameworks in transdermal drug delivery for skin cancer therapy
Authors: Scattolin Thomas , Tonon Giovanni , Botter Eleonora , Canale Viviana Claudia , Hasanzadeh Mahdi , Cuscela Denise Maria , Buschini Annamaria , Zarepour Atefeh , Khosravi Arezoo , Cordani Marco , Rizzolio Flavio , Zarrabi Ali
Published: March 2024

This review article explores the innovative field of eco-friendly cyclodextrin-based coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for transdermal drug delivery in the case of skin cancer therapy.
Enhanced photoelectric performance in Cu–Bi double halide perovskite single crystals
Authors: Wu Shuang , Li Wen-Guang , Huang Yu-Hua , Wang Xu-Dong , Kuang Dai-Bin
Published: March 2024

The low-dimensional structures of Bi-based perovskites severely restrict their optoelectronic performances. Here, a Cu–Bi double perovskite single crystal exhibits enhanced optical absorption, increased carrier mobility, and inhibition of defect recombination compared to Bi-only perovskite.
Carbon quantum dots capped with metal ions for efficient optoelectronic applications
Authors: Han Yuanyuan , Li Weihua , Lin Jishuai , Zhao Haiguang , Wang Xiaohan , Zhang Yuanming
Published: March 2024

By controlling the addition of different types of divalent (e.g. Mn and Sr) or trivalent (e.g. Al, Ga and In) metal ions, we synthesized fluorescent C-dots with single or double emissions using a simple heating approach, and successfully applied them in optical and electrical applications.
Insurance Coverage for Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication Services: An In-Depth Analysis in a Midwestern U.S. State
Authors: Dubey Ishita , Stryker Shanna D. , Madzia Jules L. , Pickle Sarah , Dion Gregory R. , McKenna Victoria S.
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to explore the gap between the need for gender-affirming voice and communication services (GAVCS) and insurance coverage within one state.

Method:

An electronic, cross-sectional survey of transgender/gender-diverse (TGD) adults assessed the incidence of insurance and cost barriers to GAVCS. Then, policies from 22 major insurers were reviewed using a web-based search and telephone inquiries. Finally, a tool was developed for clinicians to share available coverage for GAVCS by insurer.

Results:

Over half (53%) of 115 respondents reported vocal incongruence, but only 19.1% had pursued GAVCS. Of those who had not, 57% reported cost and/or insurance coverage were barriers (most of whom were commercially insured). Less than half of major Ohio insurance plans mentioned GAVCS coverage, and of those who did, less than half would consider covering it on a case-by-case basis. Creation of a tool that explained coverage across insurance companies was helpful, but challenging and labor-intensive.

Conclusions:

TGD individuals often experience a mismatch between their gender identity and societal perceptions of their voice, which can worsen dysphoria and compromise safety. GAVCS align voice with gender identity but are inconsistently covered by health insurance and can be costly, particularly for individuals who face socioeconomic marginalization. Inconsistent transparency in communicating coverage criteria further exacerbates access to GAVCS. Poor insurance coverage of GAVCS is an important barrier to accessing this evidence-based care, and more transparency and consistency in coverage is critical.
Acute and chronic effect of resistance training on pelvic floor muscle morphology and function in older women: a clinical trial
Authors: Menezes Enaiane Cristina , Maria Porto Rafaela , Parcias do Rosário Iwersen Barbie , Fank Felipe , da Silva Pereira Franciele , Zarpellon Mazo Giovana
Published: March 2024

We aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance training with and without pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction on pelvic floor morphology and muscle function in older women. Seventeen older women without pelvic floor disorders participated in this clinical feasibility trial. The women were divided into three groups: resistance training without PFM contraction (RT); resistance training with simultaneous PFM contraction (RT+PFMC); and control. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and the endurance of PFM contraction were measured by perineometer, and bladder neck angle and Hiatal area by translabial ultrasound. As an acute effect, MVC increased in the RT group (effect size r = −0.51). After 12 weeks, worsening was observed in the duration of contraction in RT (effect size r = −0.55) and RT+PFMC (effect size r = −0.52). Bladder neck angle improved in the RT+PFMC group (effect size r = −0.51). Resistance training acutely improves MVC and chronically worsens the duration of contraction. Resistance training with simultaneous PFM contraction improves the bladder neck angle after 12 weeks.
Intensive Care Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism: An Update Based on the Revised AWMF S2k Guideline
Authors: Janssens Uwe
Published: March 2024

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a significant cause of morbidity and requires prompt diagnosis and management. The prognosis of affected patients depends on the clinical severity. Therefore, risk stratification is imperative for therapeutic decision-making. Patients with high-risk PE need intensive care. These include patients who have successfully survived resuscitation, with obstructive shock or persistent haemodynamic instability. Bedside diagnostics by means of sonographic procedures are of outstanding importance in this high-risk population. In addition to the treatment of hypoxaemia with noninvasive and invasive techniques, the focus is on drug-based haemodynamic stabilisation and usually requires the elimination or reduction of pulmonary vascular thrombotic obstruction by thrombolysis. In the event of a contraindication to thrombolysis or failure of thrombolysis, various catheter-based procedures for thrombus extraction and local thrombolysis are available today and represent an increasing alternative to surgical embolectomy. Mechanical circulatory support systems can bridge the gap between circulatory arrest or refractory shock and definitive stabilisation but are reserved for centres with the appropriate expertise. Therapeutic strategies for patients with intermediate- to high-risk PE in terms of reduced-dose thrombolytic therapy or catheter-based procedures need to be further evaluated in prospective clinical trials.
Inhalativer Konsum in Drogenkonsumräumen als wichtiges Element von
Harm Reduction
Authors: Grabski Meryem , Stöver Heino , Michels Ingo Ilja , Förster Stefan
Published: March 2024

Ziel der Studie Während die schadensminimierende Wirkung von
Drogenkonsumräumen (DKR) bei injizierendem Drogengebrauch gut belegt ist, gibt
es momentan wenige Nachweise über die schadensminimierende Wirkung bei
nicht-injizierendem Drogengebrauch in DKR. Dies ist aber aktuell von großer
Wichtigkeit: zum einen bringt die Alterung der DKR-Population mit sich, dass
viele Konsument*innen wegen ihrer durch chronischen Konsum von nicht regulierten
Drogen geschädigten Venen nicht mehr intravenös Nutzen können. Zum anderen wird
europaweit und auch in Deutschland ein Anstieg vom Konsum gerauchter
Stimulanzien, wie Crack, beobachtet. Generell gilt der nicht- injizierende
Konsum als risikoärmer, aber dies ist im Kontext von DKR bis jetzt nicht
untersucht worden. Seit 2011 wird der Konsum von Substanzen in den
Inhalationsräumen der vier DKR in Frankfurt am Main systematisch erfasst. Durch
sein Volumen und die Länge der systematischen Erfassung ist dieser Datensatz
besonders geeignet, die Entwicklungen des nicht- injizierenden Konsums in DKR
und die schadensminimierende Wirkung dieser Konsumform zu untersuchen.

Methodik Wir untersuchen die Nutzung von Inhalationsplätzen und die
Nutzung von nicht -injizierend und injizierend konsumierter Substanzen. Zudem
werden Notfalldaten zu injizierendem und nicht- injizierendem Gebrauch
verglichen.

Ergebnisse Inhalationsplätze werden insgesamt viel und vermehrt genutzt.
Nicht- injizierend werden vor allen Dingen Heroin und Crack konsumiert. Heroin
ist nach einem sprunghaften Anstieg ab 2015 die am meisten nicht-injizierend
genutzte Substanz. Den stärksten Anstieg von nicht-injizierend genutzten
Substanzen in den letzten zwei Jahren hatte Crack. Der injizierende Gebrauch
nimmt insgesamt ab, es ist aber noch die bei weitem häufigste Konsumform.
Notfalldaten zeigen, dass die Nutzung von nicht- injizierenden Methoden zur
Drogeneinnahme im Vergleich zu injizierenden Methoden in Verbindung mit deutlich
weniger Notfällen steht. Dies ist auch nach statistischer Anpassung für die
Häufigkeit der Konsumform der Fall.

Schlussfolgerung Die Bereitstellung von Inhalationsplätzen bietet die
Möglichkeit zum weniger riskanten Konsum von gerauchten Substanzen und kann den
Umstieg vom injizierenden zum weniger riskanten inhalativen oder intranasalen
Konsum erleichtern. Sollte der Konsum von Drogen wie Crack weiter ansteigen,
könnte die gezielte Ausrichtung von DKR auf die Bedarfe von Konsument*innen eine
der wichtigsten gesunderhaltenden Maßnahmen sein.
Structural factors influencing the clinical performance of 0.025-inch guidewires for pancreatobiliary endoscopy: An experimental study
Authors: Koga Takehiko , Tsuchiya Naoaki , Ishida Yusuke , Kitaguchi Takanori , Matsumoto Keisuke , Fukuyama Makoto , Kojima Satoki , Kojima Norihiro , Hirai Fumihito
Published: March 2024

Background and study aims To develop a pancreatobiliary endoscopic guidewire with good clinical performance, an understanding of its structure is necessary. This study aimed to investigate the structural factors influencing the clinical performance of pancreatobiliary endoscopic guidewires.

Methods Eight types of 0.025-inch guidewires were evaluated. The following structural properties were measured: tip length, tip deflection height, tip weight (TW), ratio of tip core weight to TW, shaft coating type (flat or uneven), outer diameter, and core wire diameter (CWD). Four performance tests were conducted to evaluate shaft stiffness as bending force (BF), shaft lubricity as friction force (FF), torque response as torque response rate (TRR), and seeking ability as total insertion success (TIS) in a technical test using a 3D bile duct model. The correlation coefficients of each variable were analyzed.

Results The BF and CWDs were strongly correlated, as well as the FF and CWDs and BF. Among the guidewires with similar CWDs, the guidewires with uneven coating had significantly lower FF than those with flat coating. The TRR was strongly correlated with the CWDs; furthermore, guidewires with lower FF had better TRR. TIS was strongly correlated with the TRR, TWs, and ratio of the tip core weight to TW.

Conclusions CWD affects shaft stiffness; CWD and coating type affect shaft lubricity and torque response. Because TRR and TW are correlated with seeking ability, an appropriate combination of core wire thickness, TW, and coating design is required to develop a guidewire with good seeking ability.
Quantification of interstitial cells of Cajal and fibrosis during gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy and its association with clinical outcomes
Authors: Yang Dennis , Hasan Muhammad Khalid , Bani Fawwaz BahaAldeen , Farooq Aimen , Zhang Yiyang , Khan Hafiz M , Brar Tony S , Singh Sanmeet , Viana Artur , Singh Gurdeep , Kadkhodayan Kambiz , Arain Mustafa A , Cosgrove Natalie , Jain Deepanshu , Inayat Irteza , Singh Charanjeet
Published: March 2024

Background and study aims Alterations to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and collagen fibrosis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroparesis. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of pyloric muscle sampling during gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) and the association between pyloric ICC density and degree of fibrosis with clinical outcomes.

Patients and methods This was a single-center prospective study
of gastroparetic patients who underwent G-POEM and intraprocedural pyloric muscle biopsies
between January 2022 and April 2023. ICC count was estimated using CD117 stain and trichome
for collagen fibrosis. Clinical response to G-POEM was defined as an improvement of ≥ 1 point
on the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index.

Results Fifty-six patients (median age 60 years, 71.4% women)
underwent G-POEM (100% technical success; 71.4% clinical response). ICC depletion (<
10/high-power field) and fibrosis were encountered in 70.4% and 75% of the cases,
respectively. There was no difference in mean ICC count between G-POEM responders vs.
non-responders (7±3.6 vs. 7.7±3.3; P= 0.9). There was no
association between ICC density or degree of fibrosis with the etiology of gastroparesis,
duration of symptoms, gastric emptying rate, or pyloric impedance planimetry. Patients who did
not respond to G-POEM had a significantly higher degree of moderate/severe fibrosis when
compared with those who responded (81.3% vs. 25%; P =
0.0002).

Conclusions Pyloric muscle biopsies during G-POEM was feasible and safe. ICC depletion and pyloric muscle fibrosis are common in gastroparetic patients. The degree of fibrosis may be related to pyloric dysfunction and clinical response to G-POEM. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results.
SFM Fetal Therapy Practice Guidelines: Fetal Interstitial Laser
Authors: Sharma K. Aparna , KV Seneesh , Chawla Latika , Rana Anubhuti
Published: March 2024

Fetal laser therapy was first used in complicated monochorionic pregnancies such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome or twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence. There are some other less common indications such as amniotic band syndrome, chorioangiomas, lower urinary tract obstructions, sacrococcygeal teratomas, and fetal thoracic masses. These practice guidelines discuss the indications, contraindications, and risks of the procedure along with information for patients and draft consent form.
Delayed Commissuroplasty Increases Interincisal Distance in Buccogingival Cancer Patients Treated with Free Flap Reconstruction of the Oral Commissure
Authors: Hung Shao Yu , Hanba Curtis , Chang Tommy Nai-Jen , Chen Yan-Lin , Lu Johnny Chuieng-Yi
Published: March 2024

Background Oral cavity cancers requiring excision of the oral commissure and free flap reconstruction often requires commissuroplasty to manage oral incontinence. We aimed to evaluate the implications of primary versus delayed commissuroplasty on drooling, and interincisal distance outcomes in this cohort.

Methods A retrospective query of head and neck cancer patients operated by a single surgeon from 2017 to 2020 was performed. Patients were included if they underwent free flap reconstruction of the oral commissure, had an immediate or delayed commissuroplasty, and had 2 years of follow-up data including Thomas-Stonell and Greenberg drooling rating scales and interincisal distance measurements.

Results Thirty-five patients were included in the review. Twelve patients received immediate commissuroplasty and 23 patients had delayed commissuroplasty. Interincisal distance was similar at baseline, although significantly varied between immediate and delayed commissuroplasty groups at 1 month and 2 years postoperative. Drooling scores were significantly elevated in the group treated with delayed commissuroplasty, but eventually normalized after staged surgery and follow-up. Patients treated with adjunct radiation therapy had lower interincisal distance than patients who did not have radiation.

Conclusion Delayed commissuroplasty increased interincisal distance and normalize drooling in patients who required full-thickness excision of the buccal mucosa and oral commissure and free tissue reconstruction. The presented data can help to educate patients on expected postoperative outcomes and likely advocates for a second-stage procedure after completion of adjunct radiotherapy to achieve optimal commissural placement and oral competence.
Chinese university faculty supervisors’ academic identity construction in online profiles
Authors: Zhou-min Yuan , Hao Wang , Li Yang
Published: March 2024

Faculty supervisor profiles on the graduate school webpages of universities offer an explicit assertion of self-representation regarding the author’s academic identity, from which potential graduates can gain official information about their future faculty supervisors. Though scholars’ identity construction on blogs or homepages has drawn sufficient attention, supervisors’ identity construction on graduate school webpages across authors’ status, gender, and disciplines in the Chinese context has not been sufficient. Based on the analysis of moves and processes, this study explores academic identity construction across authors’ status, gender, and disciplines. Professor/Ph.D. faculty supervisors (PPSs) generally tend to use more moves than associate professors/master supervisors (APMs); different relational and material processes are used most frequently for scholars of different statuses. For gender, male academics use more words than females for move and process items. For disciplinary differences, art scholars pay close attention to education, achievement and community service, presenting more relational processes, while history and telecommunications scholars concentrate on their research directions and main publications. The results are further discussed with reference to status advantage, women’s dilemma, and disciplinary culture in the Chinese academic community.
How mosquitoes hover after tripling their bodyweight with blood
Authors: Shapiro Maura
Published: March 2024

Mosquitoes increase stroke amplitude to carry extra weight after feeding.
Carrier-doping-driven insulator-metal transition in disordered materials for memristive switching with high uniformity
Authors: Chang Ke , Wang Renzhi , Zhao Xinhui , Dong Anhua , Bao Peng , Zhao Zhuyikang , Wang Hui
Published: March 2024

Attaining highly uniform operations in a disordered system presents a persistent challenge. The utilization of ion migration in amorphous materials to trigger the resistive switching process of the material usually results in inferior uniformity of the memristive device. Here, we demonstrate that the resistive switching behavior can be activated through carrier doping in the disorder system, and highly ordered resistance modulation is achieved in Ag-doped albumen. By manipulating the doping level of the carrier, the localization of the free electron wavefunction can be tuned, leading to multi-level variations in resistance. This memristive switching behavior is in all electronic and displays excellent switching uniformity, holding great potential for applications in high-density memories and neuromorphic computing chips.
The effect of intrinsic magnetic order on electrochemical water splitting
Authors: van der Minne Emma , Korol Lucas , Krakers Lidewij M. A. , Verhage Michael , Rosário Carlos M. M. , Roskamp Thijs J. , Spiteri Raymond J. , Biz Chiara , Fianchini Mauro , Boukamp Bernard A. , Rijnders Guus , Flipse Kees , Gracia Jose , Mul Guido , Hilgenkamp Hans , Green Robert J. , Koster Gertjan , Baeumer Christoph
Published: March 2024

To reach a long term viable green hydrogen economy, rational design of active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts is critical. An important hurdle in this reaction originates from the fact that the reactants are singlet molecules, whereas the oxygen molecule has a triplet ground state with parallel spin alignment, implying that magnetic order in the catalyst is essential. Accordingly, multiple experimentalists reported a positive effect of external magnetic fields on OER activity of ferromagnetic catalysts. However, it remains a challenge to investigate the influence of the intrinsic magnetic order on catalytic activity. Here, we tuned the intrinsic magnetic order of epitaxial La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 thin film model catalysts from ferro- to paramagnetic by changing the temperature in situ during water electrolysis. Using this strategy, we show that ferromagnetic ordering below the Curie temperature enhances OER activity. Moreover, we show a slight current density enhancement upon application of an external magnetic field and find that the dependence of magnetic field direction correlates with the magnetic anisotropy in the catalyst film. Our work, thus, suggests that both the intrinsic magnetic order in La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 films and magnetic domain alignment increase their catalytic activity. We observe no long-range magnetic order at the catalytic surface, implying that the OER enhancement is connected to the magnetic order of the bulk catalyst. Combining the effects found with existing literature, we propose a unifying picture for the spin-polarized enhancement in magnetic oxide catalysts.
Differential roles of normal and lung cancer-associated fibroblasts in microvascular network formation
Authors: Natesh Naveen R. , Mogha Pankaj , Chen Alan , Antonia Scott J. , Varghese Shyni
Published: March 2024

Perfusable microvascular networks offer promising three-dimensional in vitro models to study normal and compromised vascular tissues as well as phenomena such as cancer cell metastasis. Engineering of these microvascular networks generally involves the use of endothelial cells stabilized by fibroblasts to generate robust and stable vasculature. However, fibroblasts are highly heterogenous and may contribute variably to the microvascular structure. Here, we study the effect of normal and cancer-associated lung fibroblasts on the formation and function of perfusable microvascular networks. We examine the influence of cancer-associated fibroblasts on microvascular networks when cultured in direct (juxtacrine) and indirect (paracrine) contacts with endothelial cells, discovering a generative inhibition of microvasculature in juxtacrine co-cultures and a functional inhibition in paracrine co-cultures. Furthermore, we probed the secreted factors differential between cancer-associated fibroblasts and normal human lung fibroblasts, identifying several cytokines putatively influencing the resulting microvasculature morphology and functionality. These findings suggest the potential contribution of cancer-associated fibroblasts in aberrant microvasculature associated with tumors and the plausible application of such in vitro platforms in identifying new therapeutic targets and/or agents that can prevent formation of aberrant vascular structures.
Cavity tuning and beam commissioning of the radio-frequency quadrupole linac for a transportable neutron source
Authors: Li H. P. , Wang F. Y. , Su H. Q. , Liu C. , Pan W. L. , Kong G. Q. , Chen Y. Q. , Yang K. S. , Wang Z. Y. , Wang S.
Published: March 2024

A transportable, compact, accelerator-based neutron source is under development at Xi’an Jiaotong University. At the heart of the linear accelerator is a radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) unit that has been designed to accelerate a proton beam from 30 keV to 2.5 MeV with a peak current of 12 mA and a duty factor of 3%. Recently, the manufacturing of the RFQ cavity has been completed. Cavity tuning, including field unevenness, resonant frequency, and rf coupling coefficient, was carried out after finishing brazing and assembly. The quadrupole perturbative component was controlled within ±2.0%, and the two dipole components were about ±2.5%. The value of the intrinsic Q was 9609, 89% of that of the theoretical simulation. We have completed the installation of the RFQ experimental setup and performed beam commissioning experiments. The output beam current reached 10.6 mA with a transmission efficiency of 93.8%.
NO2 gas response and recovery properties of ambipolar CNT-FETs with various CNT/CNT junctions
Authors: Inaba Masafumi , Yagi Kaito , Asano Naoki , Omachi Haruka , Nakano Michihiko , Suehiro Junya
Published: March 2024

Gas sensors based on ambipolar carbon nanotube (CNT) field-effect transistors with various amounts of CNTs were fabricated by dielectrophoretic assembly. The nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas response and recovery properties of the transistors were measured to investigate the effect of CNT amount on gas response. For the device with a small amount of CNTs, responses from the CNT bulk and CNT/electrode contacts were observed. For devices with a large amount of CNTs, in which a network-like structure of CNTs was observed near the electrodes, an increased current in both electron and hole conduction regions was observed compared with that for the device with a small amount of CNTs. The increased current in the electron conduction region rapidly decreased during recovery. This response is consistent with that of CNT/CNT X-type contacts, which have a high resistance before NO2 adsorption. Equivalent circuits of CNT channels with CNT/CNT contacts were developed, allowing the transistor behavior to be qualitatively discussed. Evaluation of time constants revealed that CNT/electrode contacts and CNT/CNT X-type contacts exhibited high NO2 adsorption and desorption rates, respectively.
Mimicking angiogenic microenvironment of alveolar soft-part sarcoma in a microfluidic coculture vasculature chip
Authors: Chuaychob Surachada , Lyu Ruyin , Tanaka Miwa , Haginiwa Ayumi , Kitada Atsuya , Nakamura Takuro , Yokokawa Ryuji
Published: March 2024

Alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS) is a slow-growing soft tissue sarcoma with high mortality rates that affects adolescents and young adults. ASPS resists conventional chemotherapy; thus, decades of research have elucidated pathogenic mechanisms driving the disease, particularly its angiogenic capacities. Integrated blood vessels that are rich in pericytes (PCs) and metastatic potential are distinctive of ASPS. To mimic ASPS angiogenic microenvironment, a microfluidic coculture vasculature chip has been developed as a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid composed of mouse ASPS, a layer of PCs, and endothelial cells (ECs). This ASPS-on-a-chip provided functional and morphological similarity as the in vivo mouse model to elucidate the cellular crosstalk within the tumor vasculature before metastasis. We successfully reproduce ASPS spheroid and leaky vessels representing the unique tumor vasculature to assess effective drug delivery into the core of a solid tumor. Furthermore, this ASPS angiogenesis model enabled us to investigate the role of proteins in the intracellular trafficking of bioactive signals from ASPS to PCs and ECs during angiogenesis, including Rab27a and Sytl2. The results can help to develop drugs targeting the crosstalk between ASPS and the adjacent cells in the tumoral microenvironment.