bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) seed‐based diet on rats: A comprehensive evaluation of hemogram, biochemistry, and histopathology
Authors: Craine Evan B. , Makav Mustafa , Dağ Serpil , Yıldız Ayfer , Eroğlu Hüseyin Avni , Kuru Buket Boğa , Bektaşoğlu Fikret , Barriball Spencer , Schlautman Brandon , Şakiroğlu Muhammet
Published: June 2024

Sainfoin species (Onobrychis spp.) have been employed for centuries as an essential forage for ruminant animals, both for grazing and as hay. The seeds produced by sainfoin have also been investigated as an animal feed source and were indicated to be a particularly protein‐rich supplement for monogastric animals. This study explores the effects of two sainfoin seed inclusion rates in rat diets compared to a control diet, focusing on blood biochemical parameters and a comprehensive histopathological evaluation of multiple organ systems. Thus, we provide a novel contribution to the body of evidence investigating sainfoin seeds as a protein supplement in monogastric animal diets. In this 21‐day experiment, seven rats each were assigned to the control group, a 5% sainfoin seed group, and a 10% sainfoin seed group. The control group received standard feed and water; the second group received feed with 5% sainfoin seeds; and the third group received feed with 10% sainfoin seeds. At the experiment's end, necropsies and evaluations were conducted. Histopathological exams revealed normal organ structures in all 21 samples, regardless of the group. Blood analysis showed statistically significant decreases in creatine, ALT, P, Ca, and Mg levels in the sainfoin seed groups compared to the control group, with most values nearing reference levels, suggesting potential benefits. Notably, no adverse effects were observed when sainfoin seeds were included at 5% and 10% in the rat feed. These findings contribute to a growing body of research investigating the inclusion of sainfoin seeds in monogastric animal diets, which is a foundational component of assessing sainfoin's potential as a novel pulse crop for human consumption.
Spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders in neurology outpatient department: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rayamajhi Aadesh , Agrawal Saurav , Acharya Sabin , Karki Susmin , Ojha Rajeev
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are a growing global health concern with a rise in prevalence with the aging population, leading to increased healthcare utilization and costs. Understanding its prevalence is crucial for effective diagnostics and resource allocation, especially in developing nations with limited resources. This study aims to explore the frequency and types of NDDs, while also collecting demographic, clinical, and neuro‐radiological data from patients with NDDs attending a tertiary care hospital in Nepal.

Methods

This was a single‐center based cross‐sectional descriptive study conducted at a Neurology outpatient department in a tertiary level hospital in Nepal in which patients aged 18 and above diagnosed with NDDs (May 2023–July 2023) were included. Data were collected and analyzed in SPSS Inc. This study has been presented by the STROBES guidelines.

Results

The mean age of the 71 patients included in the study was 65.6 ± 13.3 years. Parkinsonian disorder (n = 41, 57.7%) was the most common NDD diagnosed. Patients belonging to the age group 60–79 years represented 62% of all outpatient visits. Tremors of the upper extremity and impairment of memory were the most commonly encountered first symptoms at onset. Predominant cognitive changes in our study were memory impairment and mood changes. Extrapyramidal features such as gait disturbance, resting tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia were present. More than half of the patients had age‐related cerebral atrophy on neuroimaging followed by chronic small vessel ischemic changes.

Conclusion

Diagnosing NDDs poses challenges, and our study underscores Parkinsonian disorder, specifically Parkinson's disease, as the prevailing neurodegenerative condition in our population. Emphasizing its prevalence among the elderly, particularly with tremors as the primary presenting symptom, highlights the necessity for targeted interventions in this demographic.
High‐throughput combinatorial approach expedites the synthesis of a lead‐free relaxor ferroelectric system
Authors: Zhang Di , Harmon Katherine J. , Zachman Michael J. , Lu Ping , Kim Doyun , Zhang Zhan , Cucciniello Nicholas , Markland Reid , Ssennyimba Ken William , Zhou Hua , Cao Yue , Brahlek Matthew , Zheng Hao , Schneider Matthew M. , Mazza Alessandro R. , Hughes Zach , Somodi Chase , Freiman Benjamin , Pooley Sarah , Kunwar Sundar , Roy Pinku , Tu Qing , McCabe Rodney J. , Chen Aiping
Published: June 2024

Developing novel lead‐free ferroelectric materials is crucial for next‐generation microelectronic technologies that are energy efficient and environment friendly. However, materials discovery and property optimization are typically time‐consuming due to the limited throughput of traditional synthesis methods. In this work, we use a high‐throughput combinatorial synthesis approach to fabricate lead‐free ferroelectric superlattices and solid solutions of (Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BCT) and Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 (BZT) phases with continuous variation of composition and layer thickness. High‐resolution x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) demonstrate high film quality and well‐controlled compositional gradients. Ferroelectric and dielectric property measurements identify the “optimal property point” achieved at the composition of 48BZT–52BCT. Displacement vector maps reveal that ferroelectric domain sizes are tunable by varying {BCT–BZT}N superlattice geometry. This high‐throughput synthesis approach can be applied to many other material systems to expedite new materials discovery and properties optimization, allowing for the exploration of a large area of phase space within a single growth.

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Antibody–Antibiotic Conjugates: A Comprehensive Review on Their Therapeutic Potentials Against BacterialInfections
Authors: Darbandi Atieh , Abdi Milad , Dashtbin Shirin , Yaghoubi Sajad , Sholeh Mohammad , Kouhsari Ebrahim , Darbandi Talieh , Ghanavati Roya , Taheri Behrouz
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Antibodies are significant agents in the immune system and have proven to be effective in treating bacterial infections. With the advancement of antibody engineering in recent decades, antibody therapy has evolved widely.

Aim

This review aimed to investigate a new method as a therapeutic platform for the treatment of bacterial infections and explore the novel features of this method in conferring pathogen specificity to broad‐spectrum antibiotics.

Material and Methods

A literature review was conducted addressing the following topics about antibody–antibiotic conjugates (AACs): (1) structure and mechanism of action; (2) clinical effectiveness; (3) advantages and disadvantages.

Result

Antibody conjugates are designed to build upon the progress made in the development of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of diseases. Despite the growing emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria worldwide, novel antimicrobials have not been sufficiently expanded to combat the global crisis of antibiotic resistance. A recently developed strategy for the treatment of infectious diseases is the use of AACs, which are specifically activated only in host cells.

Conclusion

A novel therapeutic AAC employs an antibody to deliver the antibiotic to the bacteria. The AACs can release potent antibacterial components that unconjugated forms may not exhibit with an appropriate therapeutic index. This review highlights how this science has guided the design principles of an impressive AAC and discusses how the AAC model promises to enhance the antibiotic effect against bacterial infections.
Single‐extracellular vesicle (EV) analyses validate the use of L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1CAM) as a reliable biomarker of neuron‐derived EVs
Authors: Nogueras‐Ortiz Carlos J , Eren Erden , Yao Pamela , Calzada Elizabeth , Dunn Christopher , Volpert Olga , Delgado‐Peraza Francheska , Mustapic Maja , Lyashkov Alexey , Rubio F Javier , Vreones Michael , Cheng Lesley , You Yang , Hill Andrew F , Ikezu Tsuneya , Eitan Erez , Goetzl Edward J , Kapogiannis Dimitrios
Published: June 2024

Isolation of neuron‐derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) with L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1CAM)‐specific antibodies has been widely used to identify blood biomarkers of CNS disorders. However, full methodological validation requires demonstration of L1CAM in individual NDEVs and lower levels or absence of L1CAM in individual EVs from other cells. Here, we used multiple single‐EV techniques to establish the neuronal origin and determine the abundance of L1CAM‐positive EVs in human blood. L1CAM epitopes of the ectodomain are shown to be co‐expressed on single‐EVs with the neuronal proteins β‐III‐tubulin, GAP43, and VAMP2, the levels of which increase in parallel with the enrichment of L1CAM‐positive EVs. Levels of L1CAM‐positive EVs carrying the neuronal proteins VAMP2 and β‐III‐tubulin range from 30% to 63%, in contrast to 0.8%–3.9% of L1CAM‐negative EVs. Plasma fluid‐phase L1CAM does not bind to single‐EVs. Our findings support the use of L1CAM as a target for isolating plasma NDEVs and leveraging their cargo to identify biomarkers reflecting neuronal function.
Hardware and software solutions for implementing nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano‐DESI) sources on commercial mass spectrometers
Authors: Jiang Li‐Xue , Hilger Ryan T. , Laskin Julia
Published: June 2024

Nanospray desorption electrospray ionization (nano‐DESI) is an ambient ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) approach that enables spatial mapping of biological and environmental samples with high spatial resolution and throughput. Because nano‐DESI has not yet been commercialized, researchers develop their own sources and interface them with different commercial mass spectrometers. Previously, several protocols focusing on the fabrication of nano‐DESI probes have been reported. In this tutorial, we discuss different hardware requirements for coupling the nano‐DESI source to commercial mass spectrometers, such as the safety interlock, inlet extension, and contact closure. In addition, we describe the structure of our custom software for controlling the nano‐DESI MSI platform and provide detailed instructions for its usage. With this tutorial, interested researchers should be able to implement nano‐DESI experiments in their labs.
Maximizing daily rainfall prediction accuracy with maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform‐based machine learning models
Authors: Küllahcı Kübra , Altunkaynak Abdüsselam
Published: June 2024

Rainfall is an important phenomenon for various aspects of human life and the environment. Accurate prediction of rainfall is crucial for a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, water resources management, energy production, disaster management and many more. The ability to predict rainfall in an accurate fashion enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, water scarcity and other issues related to rainfall. In addition, advances in rainfall prediction technologies have the potential to contribute to sustainable water management and the preservation of water resources by providing the necessary information for decision‐makers to plan and implement effective water management strategies. Hence, it is important to continuously improve the accuracy of rainfall prediction. In this paper, the integration of the maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) and machine learning algorithms for daily rainfall prediction is proposed. The main objective of this study is to investigate the potential of combining MODWT with various machine‐learning algorithms to increase the accuracy of rainfall prediction and extend the forecast time horizon to 3 days. In addition, the performances of the proposed hybrid models are contrasted with the models hybridized with commonly used discrete wavelet transform (DWT) algorithms in the literature. For this, daily rainfall raw data from three rainfall observation stations located in Turkey are used. The results show that the proposed hybrid MODWT models can effectively improve the accuracy of precipitation forecasting, based on model evaluation measures such as mean square error (MSE) and Nash‐Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (CE). Accordingly, it can be concluded that the integration of MODWT and machine learning algorithms have the potential to revolutionize the field of daily rainfall prediction.
Generalized weighted permutation entropy analysis of SPEI index in Serbia as a proxy of corn production
Authors: Stosic Borko , Djurdjević Vladimir , Tošić Milica , Lazić Irida , Tošić Ivana , Stosic Tatijana
Published: June 2024

In this work we analyse yearly standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index for accumulation timescale of 6 months (SPEI‐6) for August which has been identified as a strong proxy for corn production in Serbia. By applying recently proposed method generalized weighted permutation entropy (GWPE), which provides the information about predictability of large/small fluctuations in nonstationary time series, on SPEI index calculated from high‐resolution gridded dataset for the period 1951–2022, we found that the small fluctuation sequences of consecutive 4‐year SPEI values are the most predictable (indicated by lowest entropy values). The order of large fluctuation sequences is less predictable, while the order of sequences considering all magnitudes of fluctuations are the least predictable (indicated by highest entropy values). We also analysed 4‐month SPEI‐6 sequences for May, June, July and August (during the growing season of corn) along the years under study and found that they display lower GWPE values and thus are more predictable than yearly SPEI‐6 August sequences (small fluctuations displaying lower entropy values than large fluctuations). Regarding spatial distributions, in both cases SPEI‐6 sequences show similar pattern for large fluctuations: higher predictability (lower entropy values) in northern and eastern part of Serbia and lower predictability (higher entropy values) in southern and western part. For small fluctuations spatial distribution of GWPE values indicates that yearly SPEI‐6 August series are more predictable in the western part of the country while May to August monthly SPEI‐6 sequences are more predictable in the eastern part.
Determination of physicochemical parameters of (bio)molecules and (bio)particles by capillary electromigration methods
Authors: Štěpánová Sille , Kašička Václav
Published: June 2024

The review provides an overview of recent developments and applications of capillary electromigration (CE) methods for the determination of important physicochemical parameters of various (bio)molecules and (bio)particles. These parameters include actual and limiting (absolute) ionic mobilities, effective electrophoretic mobilities, effective charges, isoelectric points, electrokinetic potentials, hydrodynamic radii, diffusion coefficients, relative molecular masses, acidity (ionization) constants, binding constants and stoichiometry of (bio)molecular complexes, changes of Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy and rate constants of chemical reactions and interactions, retention factors and partition and distribution coefficients. For the determination of these parameters, the following CE methods are employed: zone electrophoresis in a free solution or in sieving media, isotachophoresis, isoelectric focusing, affinity electrophoresis, electrokinetic chromatography, and electrochromatography. In the individual sections, the procedures for the determination of the above parameters by the particular CE methods are described.
Three‐Dimensional Transperineal Ultrasound Assessment of the Anal Sphincter Immediately After Vaginal Birth
Authors: Cattani Laura , Packet Bram , Samešova Adela , Williams Helena , Van Schoubroeck Dominique , Deprest Jan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To assess the feasibility of acquiring adequate transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) volumes of the anal sphincter (AS) immediately after vaginal birth, the reproducibility of its measurements, and detecting defects therein.

Methods

Secondary analysis of TPUS volumes of the AS, acquired immediately after vaginal birth with a transversely oriented convex probe. Two independent experts ranked off‐line image quality as “inadequate,” “adequate,” or “ideal” using the Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Image Quality scale. On “adequate” and “ideal” quality volumes, the length of the external AS at 6 and 12 o'clock, and the volume of the external and internal AS were measured. Additionally, volumes were screened for AS defects on tomographic ultrasound imaging. Subsequently, we rated the intra‐ and interrater agreement on those findings.

Results

Of 183 volumes, 162 were considered “adequate” or of “ideal” quality (88.5%). Reasons for “inadequacy” were shadow artifacts (16/21), poor resolution (3/21), incomplete acquisition (1/21), or aberrant AS morphology (1/21). The intrarater reliability of two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) measurements was excellent, whereas interrater reliability was fair to good for 2D measurements and good for 3D measurements. In those tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI) sequences including AS defects, the intra‐ and interrater reliability of the defect measurement were excellent [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.92 (0.80–0.94)] and moderate [ICC = 0.72 (0.63–0.79)]. In this cohort, there were only few (4/48; 8.3%) AS defects. However, grading them was poorly reproducible between experts.

Conclusion

TPUS of the AS immediately after vaginal birth yields adequate image quality and allows for reproducible measurements. In the few patients with AS defects, there was good agreement on the presence, but it was poor for the extent of defects.
A theoretical study of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and local environment in copper(II) complexes with different imidazole and chlorido ligands
Authors: Hu Jun‐Shan , Wang Xin‐Xin , Li Si‐Qi , Li Jia‐Man , Ding Chang‐Chun
Published: June 2024

Copper(II) chloride anionic coordination complexes with different imidazole‐derived ligands due to the potential cytotoxic activity play the important role in protein. By investigating the experimental electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectra of [CuCl(C6H10N2)4]Cl, [CuCl(C6H10N2)4]Cl, [CuCl2(C4H6N2)4], and [Cu2Cl2(C5H8N2)6]Cl2·2H2O, the local structure of the corresponding Cu2+ centers and the role of different ligands are obtained. Based on the well‐agreed EPR parameters and the d‐d transitions (10Dq), the four Cu2+ centers show tetragonal and orthorhombic distortion, corresponding to the different anisotropies of EPR signals. In addition, the general rules of governing the impact of methanol in imidazolylalkyl derivatives are also discussed, especially the influence on the local environment (symmetry, distortion, covalency, and crystal field) of above four copper(II) chloride anionic coordination complexes. Therefore, the obtained results in this study will be beneficial to provide a theoretical basis for the experimental design of desired copper‐containing imidazolyl alkyl derivatives.
Recyclable multiscale composite structural supercapacitor
Authors: Kazari Hanie , Farkhondehnia Mohammad , Maric Milan , Hubert Pascal
Published: June 2024

This study presents a proof‐of‐concept for a fully recyclable and sustainable composite structural supercapacitor. The fabricated device shows promising energy storage capabilities and mechanical strength. Generally, structural supercapacitors capacitance is considerably lower than non‐load‐bearing mono‐functional supercapacitors and are made via thermoset polymer electrolyte. Here, the device is fabricated using an optimized solid electrolyte composition of carbon aerogel modified carbon fibers, fumed silica, lithium salt, and a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The supercapacitor exhibits a high capacitance of 5225 mFg−1 (193 mFcm−2) at 1 mVs−1 scan rate and a large voltage window of 4 V. A simple dissolution/reprecipitation method is used to demonstrate the recycling feasibility, with minimal mechanical degradation (<10%) in the polymer matrix and no chemical structure changes in the electrolyte. This work establishes a promising ecologically‐sound structural energy storage technology with favorable performance compared to prior studies.

Highlights

A proof‐of‐concept fully recyclable composite structural supercapacitor is made.

Thermoplastic‐based robust polymer electrolytes are fabricated.

Recycling via dissolution and re‐precipitation of components is demonstrated.

Comparison to prior structural supercapacitors shows favorable performance.
Feasibility of performing the 3‐minute step test with remote supervision in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: A comparative study
Authors: Vendrusculo Fernanda Maria , da Costa Gisele Apolinário , Bagatini Maria Amélia , Lemes Brenda Maria Henrique Maia , Faria Carolina Aguiar , de Oliveira Larissa Carvalhaes , Aquino Evanirso da Silva , Donadio Márcio Vinícius Fagundes
Published: June 2024

Importance

The 3‐min step test is a simple option to monitor submaximal exercise capacity, although its use via remote video monitoring has not been investigated in children with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Objective

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of performing the 3‐min step test with remote supervision.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study including CF patients (6–18 years) from two CF services were performed. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and lung function data were collected and two 3‐min step tests were performed: (i) in‐person supervision, and (ii) remotely supervised by video monitoring. Before and after the tests, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and the Borg score for dyspnea and lower limb fatigue were monitored.

Results

Twenty‐three patients (10.7 ± 3.7 years) with a mean FEV1 of 89.5% ± 23.2% were included. There were no significant differences between tests, with mean differences (95% confidence intervals) in final HR of –3.3 (–8.9, 2.4), change in HR of –1.9 (–6.1, 2.1), final SpO2 of 0.3 (–0.4, 1.0), and final dyspnea of 0.1 (–0.8, 0.9). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.852 (final HR), 0.762 (final SpO2), and 0.775 (final lower limb fatigue). Significant and moderate correlations were found between tests for final HR (r = 0.75), change in HR (r = 0.61), and final SpO2 (r = 0.61). The Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference in final SpO2 between tests of 0.3% (limit of agreement –3.0%, 3.5%).

Interpretation

Physiological responses between tests were similar, indicating it was feasible to perform the 3‐min step test with remote supervision in CF children.
Is insecticide resistance a factor contributing to the increasing problems with Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Brazil?
Authors: Machado Eduardo Perkovski , Souza Emily Vieira , Dias Gabriel Silva , Sacilotto Matheus Gerage , Omoto Celso
Published: June 2024

Background

The corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis, is an important pest in Brazil. While chemical control has traditionally been the cornerstone for managing this pest, field control failures have been reported for some insecticides. To understand if these failures are due to resistance, we evaluated the susceptibility of 11 field‐collected populations of D. maidis to major insecticides during the 2021–2022 crop seasons in Brazil using concentration‐mortality bioassays. Additionally, we employed diagnostic concentration bioassays and foliar sprays at label‐recommended rates in 8–10 populations collected during the 2022–2023 crop seasons.

Results

High susceptibility to methomyl, carbosulfan and acephate was observed on concentration‐mortality bioassays across all populations tested with resistance ratio (RR) based on LC50 <10‐fold, except for one population from Bahia State that exhibited reduced susceptibility to methomyl (RR = 17.5). On the other hand, all populations exhibited reduced susceptibility to bifenthrin, acetamiprid, and imidacloprid, with RR ranging from 90 to 2000‐fold. This reduced susceptibility to neonicotinoid and pyrethroid insecticides was further confirmed at diagnostic concentrations based on LC99 of the susceptible strain, with survival rates >20% and in foliar sprays with mortality rates <80%. Most populations exposed to acephate and carbosulfan exhibited low survival rates at diagnostic concentrations (<5%) and high mortality rates in foliar sprays (>80%).

Conclusions

The reduced susceptibility to pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides likely explain the field failures in controlling D. maidis populations in Brazil. This study represents the first large‐scale susceptibility monitoring of D. maidis to insecticides, and the results will contribute to decision‐making regarding the management of this pest. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
BF2 complexes of pyridyl‐isoindoline‐1‐ones as an efficient corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl and the application for surgical instruments anticorrosion
Authors: Liu Mei , Chen Weiqiang
Published: June 2024

In this study, BF2 complexes of pyridyl‐isoindoline‐1‐ones (BPIO) has been firstly designed and investigated as an excellent corrosion inhibitor for the mild steel in 1 M HCl. The corrosion protection properties of BPIO were studied by using a series of experiments. The results indicated BPIO has excellent inhibition performance, and inhibition efficiency of BPIO reached up to 96.6%. The effects of immersion temperature and time were investigated by weight loss experiments to evaluate the stability of adsorbed BPIO film in protecting steel surface. Based on potentiodynamic polarization studies, BPIO acted as one mixed‐type corrosion inhibitor with predominant anodic effectiveness, and its adsorption on the mild steel follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The values of ΔGads suggested the adsorption of BPIO on the mild steel surface was through a combination of chemisorption and physisorption. The adsorption of BPIO molecules on the steel surface was further identified by the techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to optimize the BPIO molecular structure and investigate the inhibitive properties on the theoretical level, which agreed well with the experimental results. Besides, BPIO has been used for the development of water soluble metal antirusting agent.
Potential relationship between cytomegalovirus and immunosenescence: Evidence from observational studies
Authors: Gadoth Adva , Ourfalian Kevork , Basnet Sandeep , Kunzweiler Colin , Bohn Rhonda L. , Fülöp Tamas , Diaz‐Decaro John
Published: June 2024

Immunosenescence (IS) occurs as a natural outcome of ageing and may be described as a decline in immune system flexibility and adaptability to sufficiently respond to new, foreign antigens. Potential factors that may precipitate IS include persistent herpesvirus infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV). Here, we conducted a review of the literature evaluating the potential association between CMV and IS. Twenty‐seven epidemiologic studies that included direct comparisons between CMV‐seropositive and CMV‐seronegative immunocompetent individuals were analysed. The majority of these studies (n = 20) were conducted in European populations. The strength of evidence supporting a relationship between CMV, and various IS‐associated immunologic endpoints was assessed. T‐cell population restructuring was the most prominently studied endpoint, described in 21 studies, most of which reported a relationship between CMV and reduced CD4:CD8 T‐cell ratio or modified CD8+ T‐cell levels. Telomere length (n = 4) and inflammageing (n = 3) were less frequently described in the primary literature, and the association of these endpoints with CMV and IS was less pronounced. An emergent trend from our review is the potential effect modification of the CMV‐IS relationship with both sex and age, indicating the importance of considering various effector variables when evaluating associations between CMV and IS. Our analysis revealed plausible mechanisms that may underlie the larger epidemiologic trends seen in the literature that support the indirect effect of CMV on IS. Future studies are needed to clarify CMV‐associated and IS‐associated immunologic endpoints, as well as in more diverse global and immunocompromised populations.
Adaptive neural network control for a class of stochastic nonholonomic systems with both full‐state constraints and full‐input saturation
Authors: Du Qinghui , Ma Weijun
Published: June 2024

This article presents an adaptive control algorithm for stochastic nonholonomic systems subject to state constraints and input saturation simultaneously. We give a state‐input scaling transformation and a novel auxiliary variable to transform the stochastic nonholonomic system into a new one to make it easier to design the controller, and adopt a switching strategy to eliminate the phenomenon of uncontrollability. By introducing a barrier Lyapunov function and defining a suitable adaptive parameter, we construct a novel adaptive neural network controller with only one adaptive law, which can alleviate computation burden. The presented controller not only overcomes the effects of both full‐state constraints and full‐input saturation on system performance, but also ensures that all states of the closed‐loop are semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded in probability. Additionally, all state variables are restricted to the predefined compact sets. Finally, an example is used to validate the efficacy of the established controller.
Optical Laser Tweezer‐Directed Single Particle Solvatochromism of Conjugated Polydiacetylene
Authors: Shin Seung Soo , Kim Dong Yun , Bae Kwangmin , Kang Hyemin , Ha So Jung , Patil Aditya , Kim Jong‐Man , Park Bum Jun
Published: June 2024

Solvatochromism plays a pivotal role in various scientific and technological fields including those that explore molecular interactions, sensing technologies, and organic electronics. Notably, despite their ease of manipulation, direct visualization, and potential for single particle‐based sensing, micro‐sized solid particles have been the focus of a surprisingly low number of solvatochromism investigations. In this study, polydiacetylene (PDA) particles are synthesized and their solvatochromism is investigated at the single particle level using optical laser tweezers‐based methods. The findings reveal that unpolymerized monomers within PDA particles at the water/n‐decane interface undergo dissolution in the n‐decane phase to form internal voids in the particles. This phenomenon leads to structural deformation of the PDA which triggers a solvatochromic response. Studies that integrate this phenomenon with established particle‐based methodologies should provide deeper insights into diverse chromism behaviors and potential applications of solvatochromic materials.
Discrete prognostic implication of sarcopenia according to nutritional status in surgically treated patients with hypopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Go Jun Yong , Lee Yoon Se , Choi Young Jun , Kim Min Ji , Kwon Min Su , Jung Young Ho , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl
Published: June 2024

Background

Nutritional status and sarcopenia affects the prognosis of head and neck cancers including hypopharyngeal cancer. Hypopharyngeal cancer patients tend to exhibit sarcopenia, which is associated with poor treatment outcomes. This study aims to determine the correlation between nutritional status and sarcopenia, and their prognostic role in surgically treated hypopharyngeal cancer.

Materials and Methods

Patients who had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma originating from the hypopharynx and underwent surgery between January 2009 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. The median neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) of the cohort were considered the cut‐off values. Sarcopenia was evaluated by measuring skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra. Clinical and serological factors predictive of survival outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Patients with high PNI showed better 5‐year Overall survival (OS) (52.8% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.001) and disease‐free survival (DFS) (59.6% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.033) than those with low PNI. Likewise, patients with low SMI showed worse 5‐year OS (25.0% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.002) and DFS (42.4% vs. 68.7%, p = 0.034) than patients with high SMI. Among the patients with high PNI, those with sarcopenia displayed significantly worse OS than those with high SMI (78.0% vs. 34.4%, p = 0.049). High PNI with high SMI presented better overall (p = 0.010) and DFS (p = 0.055) than any other group.

Conclusions

Both sarcopenia and PNI were associated with the prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer. Considering that PNI and sarcopenia indicate the nutritional status, nutritional status may be a significant risk factor. Therefore, nutritional support that ameliorates sarcopenia may improve survival outcomes in surgically treated patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.
Neutrino zeromodes on electroweak strings in light of topological insulators
Authors: Eto Minoru , Hamada Yu , Jinno Ryusuke , Nitta Muneto , Yamada Masatoshi
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We examine neutrino zeromode solutions on the electroweak Z-string and their effect on the stability of the string in the standard model and its extensions. We propose using topological invariants constructed from the momentum (and real) space topology of Green’s functions, often used for investigating edge modes in condensed matter physics. We analyze the standard model and then examine type-I and type-II extensions of the neutrino sector as well as their hybrid. Based on this analysis, we also comment on proposals in the literature to stabilize the Z-string.
Composite 2-Higgs doublet model: strong effects on Higgs pair production
Authors: De Curtis Stefania , Rose Luigi Delle , Egle Felix , Moretti Stefano , Mühlleitner Margarete , Sakurai Kodai
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We show how effects of compositeness emerging in a Composite 2-Higgs Doublet Model can enter Standard Model (SM)-like Higgs boson pair production at the Large Hadron Collider in both resonant and non-resonant mode. Such effects can arise from modified trilinear Higgs self-couplings and top-Yukawa couplings, as well as from loops of new heavy quarks and additional quartic Higgs-fermion interactions. In the resonant case, significant distortions of the Breit-Wigner shape of a new scalar state decaying into the two SM-like Higgs states may occur due to interference effects amongst not only the SM-like diagrams but also those involving the new heavy quarks. In the non-resonant case, a modification of the underlying line-shape and a local maximum at twice a new heavy quark mass appear simultaneously. We quantify these effects by taking into account the relevant theoretical and latest experimental bounds.
Tensionless strings in a Kalb-Ramond background
Authors: Banerjee Aritra , Chatterjee Ritankar , Pandit Priyadarshini
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We investigate tensionless (or null) bosonic string theory with a Kalb-Ramond background turned on. In analogy with the tensile case, we find that the Kalb-Ramond field has a non-trivial effect on the spectrum only when the theory is compactified on an (S1)⊗d background with d ≥ 2. We discuss the effect of this background field on the tensionless spectrum constructed on three known consistent null string vacua. We elucidate further on the intriguing fate of duality symmetries in these classes of string theories when the background field is turned on.
A Representation Theorem for Archimedean Riesz Spaces
Authors: Wickstead A. W.
Published: June 2024

In previous works, Buskes and the author have made use of representations of Archimedean Riesz spaces in terms of real-valued continuous functions defined on dense open subsets of a topological space in studying tensor products. These representations may be obtained from the Ogasawara–Maeda representation by means of restriction to the set on which representing functions are real-valued, rather than infinite. In this note, we show how to obtain such a representation as a simple consequence of the Krein–Kakutani representation of an order unit space. We conclude by studying the representation of Riesz homomorphisms in this setting.
Pólya-type estimates for the first Robin eigenvalue of elliptic operators
Authors: Della Pietra Francesco
Published: June 2024

The aim of this paper is to obtain optimal estimates for the first Robin eigenvalue of the anisotropic p-Laplace operator, namely: $$\begin{aligned} \lambda _F(\beta ,\Omega )= \min _{\psi \in W^{1,p}(\Omega ){\setminus }\{0\} } \frac{\displaystyle \int _\Omega F(\nabla \psi )^p dx +\beta \int _{\partial \Omega }|\psi |^p F(\nu _{\Omega }) d{\mathcal {H}}^{N-1} }{\displaystyle \int _\Omega |\psi |^p dx}, \end{aligned}$$

λ
F

(
β
,
Ω
)

=

min

ψ
∈

W

1
,
p

(
Ω
)

\

{
0
}

∫
Ω

F

(
∇
ψ
)

p

d
x
+
β

∫

∂
Ω

|
ψ
|

p

F

(

ν
Ω

)

d

H

N
-
1

∫
Ω

|
ψ
|

p

d
x

,

where $$p\in ]1,+\infty [,$$

p
∈
]
1
,
+
∞
[
,

$$\Omega $$
Ω
is a bounded, convex domain in $${\mathbb {R}}^{N},$$

R

N

,

$$\nu _{\Omega }$$

ν
Ω

is its Euclidean outward normal, $$\beta $$
β
is a real number, and F is a sufficiently smooth norm on $${\mathbb {R}}^{N}.$$

R

N

.

We show an upper bound for $$\lambda _{F}(\beta ,\Omega )$$

λ
F

(
β
,
Ω
)

in terms of the first eigenvalue of a one-dimensional nonlinear problem, which depends on $$\beta $$
β
and on the volume and the anisotropic perimeter of $$\Omega ,$$

Ω
,

in the spirit of the classical estimates of Pólya (J Indian Math Soc (NS) 24:413–419, 1961) for the Euclidean Dirichlet Laplacian. We will also provide a lower bound for the torsional rigidity $$\begin{aligned} \tau _p(\beta ,\Omega )^{p-1} = \max _{\begin{array}{c} \psi \in W^{1,p}(\Omega ){\setminus }\{0\} \end{array}} \dfrac{\left( \displaystyle \int _\Omega |\psi | \, dx\right) ^p}{\displaystyle \int _\Omega F(\nabla \psi )^p dx+\beta \int _{\partial \Omega }|\psi |^p F(\nu _{\Omega }) d{\mathcal {H}}^{N-1} } \end{aligned}$$

τ
p

(
β
,
Ω
)

p
-
1

=

max

ψ
∈

W

1
,
p

(
Ω
)

\

{
0
}

∫
Ω

|
ψ
|

d
x

p

∫
Ω

F

(
∇
ψ
)

p

d
x
+
β

∫

∂
Ω

|
ψ
|

p

F

(

ν
Ω

)

d

H

N
-
1

when $$\beta >0.$$

β
>
0
.

The obtained results are new also in the case of the classical Euclidean Laplacian.
Laparoscopic Sigmoid Vaginoplasty for the Treatment of Mayer–Rokitansky–Kuster–Hauser Syndrome in a Single Center: 20 years’ Experience
Authors: Yang Lu , Xu Guanghua , Tao Kaixiong , Lv Gang , Wang Zehua
Published: June 2024

Introduction and hypothesis

We investigate the feasibility, safety, and clinical therapeutic effect of laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty in women with Mayer–Rokitansky–Kuster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case review cohort study of 56 patients with MRKHs undergoing laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty in Wuhan Union Hospital between 2000 and 2020, and all patients were followed up.

Results

The median operating time was 165 min (120–420 min). The median hospital stay was 10 days (rang 7–15 days). A functional neovagina was created 11–15 cm in length and two fingers in breadth in all patients. No introitus stenosis was observed. No intra- or post-operative complications occurred. Two patients were lost to follow-up after 3 months of outpatient visits. Six patients had no intercourse and were required to wear a vaginal mold occasionally. None of the patients had complained of local irritation or dyspareunia. Patients who had post-surgery sexual intercourse were satisfied with their sexual life and the mean total Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score was 25.17 ± 0.63. The cosmetic results were excellent.

Conclusions

The laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty can achieve the goal of making a functional neovagina. The main advantage of this surgical technique is that it is minimally invasive and that there are fewer complications post-operation. It is an acceptable procedure for patients with MRKH syndrome.
The usefulness of super-selective arterial spin labeling for postoperative evaluation of pediatric moyamoya disease: technical note
Authors: Yoshikane Tsutomu , Hayashi Kentaro , Obara Makoto , Katsube Takeshi , Asou Hiroya
Published: June 2024

Moyamoya disease is characterized by progressive internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery is effective, particularly in pediatric patients; imaging plays a crucial role in evaluating intracranial perfusion pre- and post-surgery. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a magnetic resonance technique employed for noninvasive, whole-brain perfusion assessment by magnetically labeling inflowing blood. However, ASL cannot evaluate the territories and development of each vessel perfusion compared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Recently, super-selective ASL (SS-ASL) has been developed, performing pinpoint labeling on a specific artery at a time, and offering a tomographic view that distinctly displays blood supply areas for each vessel. Unlike DSA, SS-ASL is noninvasive and can be repeatedly performed in pediatric patients. In conclusion, SS-ASL is useful for evaluating bypass development over time and understanding the pathophysiology of pediatric moyamoya disease.
The PLET (Portable Laparoscopic Endo-Trainer) study: a randomized controlled trial of home- versus hospital-based surgical training
Authors: Kuemmerli Christoph , Linke Katja , Daume Diana , Germann Nicolas , Peterli Ralph , Müller-Stich Beat , Klasen Jennifer M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of training with a personal, portable laparoscopic endo-trainer (PLET) on residents’ laparoscopic skills.

Methods

The study took place at a tertiary-care academic university hospital in Switzerland. All participants were randomized to either a home- or hospital-based PLET training group, and surgical skill performance was assessed using five laparoscopic exercises. 24 surgical residents, 13 females and 11 males, were enrolled at any training stage. Nine residents completed the assessments. Endpoints consisted of subjective and objective assessment ratings as well as exercise time and qualitative data up to 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the difference in exercise time and secondary outcomes included performance scores as well as qualitative data.

Results

The hospital-based training group performed exercises number 1, 3 and 4 faster at 12 weeks than at baseline (p = .003, < 0.001 and 0.024). Surgical skill performance was not statistically significantly different in any of the endpoints between the hospital- and home-based training groups at 12 weeks. Both the subjective and objective assessment ratings significantly improved in the hospital-based training group between baseline and 12 weeks (p = .006 and 0.003, respectively). There was no statistically significant improvement in exercise time as well as subjective and objective assessment ratings over time in the home-based training group. The qualitative data suggested that participants who were randomized to the hospital-based training group wished to have the PLET at home and vice versa. Several participants across groups lacked motivation because of their workload or time constraints, though most believed the COVID-19 pandemic had no influence on their motivation or the time they had for training.

Conclusion

The PLET enhances laparoscopic surgical skills over time in a hospital-based training setting. In order to understand and optimize motivational factors, further research is needed.

Trial registration

This trial was retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06301230).
COMMD10 inhibited DNA damage to promote the progression of gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Mao Xiaocheng , Zhu Chao , liu Hongfei , Fang Yangyang , Fu Tianmei , Fan Linwei , Liu Mengwei , Xiong Ziqing , Tang Hong , Hu Piaoping , Le Aiping
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The copper metabolism MURR1 domain 10 (COMMD10) plays a role in a variety of tumors. Here, we investigated its role in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

Online prediction tools, quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the expression of COMMD10 in GC. The effect of COMMD10 knockdown was investigated in the GC cell lines and in in vivo xenograft tumor experiments. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to explore the relationships between COMMD10 and DNA damage.

Results

The expression of COMMD10 was upregulated in GC compared to that in para-cancerous tissue and correlated with a higher clinical TNM stage (P = 0.044) and tumor size (P = 0.0366). High COMMD10 expression predicted poor prognosis in GC. Knockdown of COMMD10 resulted in the suppression of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, accompanied by cell cycle arrest and an elevation in apoptosis rate. Moreover, the protein expression of COMMD10 was decreased in cisplatin-induced DNA-damaged GC cells. Suppression of COMMD10 impeded DNA damage repair, intensified DNA damage, and activated ATM–p53 signaling pathway in GC. Conversely, restoration of COMMD10 levels suppressed DNA damage and activation of the ATM-p53 signaling cascade. Additionally, knockdown of COMMD10 significantly restrained the growth of GC xenograft tumors while inhibiting DNA repair, augmenting DNA damage, and activating the ATM–p53 signaling pathway in xenograft tumor tissue.

Conclusion

COMMD10 is involved in DNA damage repair and maintains genomic stability in GC; knockdown of COMMD10 impedes the development of GC by exacerbating DNA damage, suggesting that COMMD10 may be new target for GC therapy.
The Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Screening Test for Patients and Professionals: Validation in Cognitive Impairment and in Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Mata Sara , Blánquez Blas , Serrano Francisca
Published: June 2024

Dysphagia is a symptom that appears with high prevalence in persons diagnosed with dementia, intellectual disability, or severe mental illness. Risk of aspiration pneumonia or even death is very high in these populations. However, screening for dysphagia risk in these patients is complicated by the fact that most of them suffer from cognitive impairments and behavioral manifestations that hinder the assessment process using the existing screening tests. The aim of this study was to validate the Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Screening Test for Patients and Professionals, in patients with cognitive impairment (dementia/intellectual disability) or with severe mental illness (schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder). For this purpose, 148 institutionalized patients were evaluated by professionals responsible for their food intake. The Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Screening Test for Patients and Professionals was used to assess its validity in screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with cognitive impairments and in patients with severe mental illness. Also, the Eating Assessment Tool-10 and the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire were used for convergent reliability procedures. Four comparison groups were established: patients with cognitive impairment with and without oropharyngeal dysphagia, and patients with severe mental illness with and without oropharyngeal dysphagia. Results from the Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Screening Test for Patients and Professionals adequately distinguished between groups with and without dysphagia, in addition to presenting adequate levels of convergent validity and reliability. These results were obtained from other-reports (professionals responsible for patients’ food intake), using a simple, quickly applied test that does not require the use of food in patients with an altered cognitive state or with severe mental illness. With this study we expand the validity of the Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Screening Test for Patients and Professionals in populations with severe cognitive deficits and mental illness in which there is a great deficiency of oropharyngeal dysphagia screening instruments.