bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatoprotective effect of Holothuria leucospilota methanolic extract on dimethyl nitrosamine–induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Dejan Fatemeh , Daneshi Amineh , Aslani Javad Rajabi , Ahmadi Nasrollah , Roozbahani Narges Eskandari , Rahmanian Elaham , Behmanesh Reza , Gheisari Hamid Reza
Published: July 2024

Background

Complementary medicine is an interesting field for extracting bioactive compounds from various plant and animal sources. The hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of a species of sea cucumber called Holothuria leucospilota in an animal model of liver cancer caused by dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN) was studied.

Methods

Wistar female rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 12): control (intact), positive control (received 1% DMN [10 mg/kg/week, intraperitoneally] for 12 weeks), and three treatment groups (received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day H. leucospilota extract orally for 12 weeks along with intraperitoneal administration of 1% DMN [10 mg/kg/week]). In all groups, ultrasound was performed on the liver every week to check its density. Blood sampling and liver isolation were performed on three occasions, at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, to check liver enzymes and the histopathological condition of the liver tissue (every week, four animals from each group were randomly selected).

Results

Liver density changes were evident from the eighth week onward in the positive control group. Histopathological results indicated pathologic changes in the positive control group after 4 weeks. The increase in liver enzymes in the positive control group was significantly different from that in the treatment and control groups.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the hepatoprotective effect of H. leucospilota on DMN‐induced liver damage in rats using biochemical and histological parameters and ultrasonography. More additional research (in silico or in vitro) is needed to find the exact mechanism and the main biological compound in H. leucospilota.
Highly Anisotropic Pd2Lab2Lcc2 and Pd2Lab2Lcd2 Type Cages by Heteromeric Completive Self‐Sorting
Authors: Parbin Minaz , Sivalingam Vellaiyadevan , Chand Dillip Kumar
Published: July 2024

Pd(II)‐based low‐symmetry coordination cages possessing anisotropic cavities are of great interest. The common strategies employed to achieve such cages utilize either more than one type of symmetrical ligands (e.g., Laa, Lbb etc.) or only one type of unsymmetrical ligand (e.g., Lab). To significantly enhance the anisotropy, we have designed two unsymmetrical bidentate ligands i.e., Lab and Lcd, aiming at a low‐symmetry Pd2Lab2Lcd2‐type cage. It was accomplished by high‐fidelity integrative self‐sorting of two different low‐symmetry cages having Pd2Lab4 and Pd4Lcd8‐type architectures (homoleptic complexes of the designed ligands). Structural constraints and geometry complementarity in the ligand design drive the non‐statistical exclusive self‐assembly of the Pd2Lab2Lcd2‐type cage. By taking advantage of the complemental geometries between ligands, a low‐symmetry Pd2Lab2Lcc2‐type cage was also obtained. Heteromeric completive self‐sorting of three homoleptic assemblies (Pd2Lab4, Pd4Lcc8 and Pd4Lcd8‐type cages) into an exclusive mixture of Pd2Lab2Lcd2 and Pd2Lab2Lcc2‐type mixed ligated assemblies was demonstrated through cage‐to‐cage transformations.
Electrophilic C(sp2)−H Cyanation with Inorganic Cyanate (OCN−) by PIII/PV=O‐Catalyzed Phase Transfer Activation
Authors: Hu Shicheng , Radosevich Alexander T.
Published: July 2024

An organophosphorus ‐catalyzed method for the direct electrophilic cyanation of C(sp2)−H nucleophiles with sodium cyanate (NaOCN) is reported. The catalytic deoxyfunctionalization of the OCN− anion is enabled by the use of a small‐ring phosphacyclic (phosphetane) catalyst in combination with a terminal hydrosilane O‐atom acceptor and a malonate‐derived bromenium donor. In situ spectroscopy under single‐turnover conditions demonstrate that insoluble inorganic cyanate anion is activated by bromide displacement on a bromophosphonium catalytic intermediate to give a reactive N‐bound isocyanatophosphonium ion, which delivers electrophilic “CN+” equivalents to nucleophilic (hetero)arenes and alkenes with loss of a phosphine oxide. These results demonstrate the feasibility of deoxyfunctionalization of insoluble inorganic salts by PIII/PV=O catalyzed phase transfer activation.
Recent advances in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of sepsis‐associated encephalopathy
Authors: Wang Rui , Bi Wanda , Huang Siyuan , Han Qiuju , Deng Jin , Wang Zhen , Zeng Ling , Jiang Jianxin
Published: July 2024

Sepsis is a life‐threatening organ dysfunction syndrome caused by the host's dysregulated response to infection. The leading causes of death in critically ill patients are sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE), respiratory dysfunction, circulatory dysfunction, and other multi‐organ dysfunctions. SAE is among the most common serious complications of sepsis and is associated with a poor prognosis and long‐term cognitive dysfunction. Its clinical manifestations vary, and there are still no unified diagnostic criteria. The incidence of SAE varies from 9% to 71% in critically ill patients due to therapeutic interventions such as sedation, mechanical ventilation, and muscle relaxants. Advances in medical technology have significantly increased the survival rate of patients with sepsis, but up to 21% now experience long‐term sequelae or cognitive impairment. The lack of specific early diagnostic and treatment methods leads to increased SAE‐associated mortality and complications in patients, which also impose heavy economic burdens. This article reviews the pathogenesis and diagnostic methods of SAE and progress in its treatment, aiming to reduce the mortality and hospitalization lengths of patients with SAE and improve their survival rate and quality of life through early detection, diagnosis, and effective treatment.
Molecular mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy: A narrative review
Authors: Sun Tian , Guo Yina , Su Yanting , Shan Shigang , Qian Wenbin , Zhang Feixue , Li Mengxi , Zhang Zhenwang
Published: July 2024

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the predominant secondary nephropathy resulting in global end‐stage renal disease. It is attracting significant attention in both domestic and international research due to its widespread occurrence, fast advancement, and limited choices for prevention and treatment. The pathophysiology of this condition is intricate and involves multiple molecular and cellular pathways at various levels. This article provides a concise overview of the molecular processes involved in the development of DN. It discusses various factors, such as signaling pathways, cytokines, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, cellular damage, autophagy, and epigenetics. The aim is to offer clinicians a valuable reference for DN's diagnosis, treatment, and intervention.
Former landfills as environmental liabilities in central Chile: Evidence from a pilot study in Lepanto
Authors: Saa Jennifer , Valdivia María José , Ruiz Joaquín , Manzano Carlos A.
Published: July 2024

The former Lepanto landfill in the Santiago Metropolitan Region in Central Chile ceased operations in 2002 after 24 years. Currently, a biogas recovery center operates on this site. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the atmospheric concentrations of two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, i.e., phenanthrene and fluoranthene) at three points downwind from the former Lepanto landfill using passive air samplers and polyurethane foam disks to provide 3‐month average concentrations of contaminants during winter months. The results showed concentrations ranging between 2 and 65 ng m−3 and decreasing with distance from the former landfill. Given that the distance to other potential sources was similar in all sampling sites, the evidence found suggested that the former Lepanto landfill may contribute to the local PAH inventory. Thus, we suggest that former landfills are potential candidates for long‐term monitoring as they can represent a less‐known environmental liability for residents. Additionally, we provide insights on how the Chilean environmental protection system can establish reclamation steps for their management after closure.
Environmental DNA for monitoring the impact of offshore wind farms on fish and invertebrate community structures
Authors: Cornelis Isolde , De Backer Annelies , Maes Sara , Vanhollebeke Joran , Brys Rein , Ruttink Tom , Hostens Kris , Derycke Sofie
Published: July 2024

To reach the renewable energy targets set by the European Commission, a tenfold expansion of the installed offshore wind farms is needed. Since the construction of offshore wind farms may affect local soft‐sediment fauna, an efficient monitoring technique is needed to monitor the potential effects on the marine ecosystem. Here, we assess whether eDNA metabarcoding is a suitable alternative to monitor fish and epibenthos biodiversity in these difficult to access marine habitats. Water sampling and trawl surveys were conducted in parallel in 12 coastal and 18 offshore sites, the latter located inside and outside two offshore wind farms in the Belgian part of the North Sea. 12S eDNA metabarcoding retrieved 85.7% of the fish species caught in the beam trawls, whereas the COI eDNA metabarcoding only identified 31.4% of the epibenthic invertebrate species. Furthermore, the 12S marker resulted in an additional detection of 26 unique fish species, whereas the COI marker detected an additional 90 invertebrate species. Spatial patterns in alpha diversity recovered with eDNA metabarcoding were not significantly different from those observed with morphological determination. Significant differences were found in fish and invertebrate community structures between the coastal, transition and offshore zones as well as on the smaller wind farm scales, which agreed with the morphological beam trawl data. Indicator species found with morphological beam trawl monitoring for each of the three zones (coastal, transition, offshore) were also detected with 12S eDNA metabarcoding, and the latter method detected an additional 31 indicator species. Our findings show the need for adequate quality control of the obtained species lists and reveal that 12S eDNA metabarcoding analyses offers a useful survey tool for the monitoring of fish communities in offshore wind farms, but the used COI assay did not adequately capture the epibenthic communities as observed with beam trawl data.
Flavonoid profiling of Plumula nelumbinis and evaluation of their anti‐inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Wu Weijie , Liu Ruiling , Niu Ben , Chen Huizhi , Shentu Xuping , Gao Haiyan , Chen Hangjun
Published: July 2024

The lotus seed embryo, known as “Plumula nelumbinis,” holds significance in Chinese culture as a traditional medicinal and edible herb rich in beneficial bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols. Using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry, we meticulously analyzed the total flavonoids in Plumula nelumbinis (PNF) sourced from Hangzhou's West Lake. Our investigation preliminarily identified 29 flavonoid compounds, including 21 flavonoid O‐glycosides, five flavonoid C‐glycosides, and three aglycones, through comparisons with standards and literature references. Subsequent cellular anti‐inflammatory experiments using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW264.7 cells demonstrated that treatment with 300 μg/mL of lotus seed flavonoids significantly reduced inflammatory factors' production, such as nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin‐6, and interleukin‐1β. Additionally, PNF effectively lowered intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, mitigated LPS‐induced cell apoptosis, and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 protein, collectively suppressing the NF‐κB p65 inflammatory pathway and demonstrating potent anti‐inflammatory properties. Crucially, the observed gene expression patterns of inflammatory factors aligned with their respective protein secretion levels. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of lotus seed flavonoids' anti‐inflammatory potential, highlighting their significance in potential therapeutic applications and laying the groundwork for future advancements in related functional foods.
Effects of endogenous testosterone on oscillatory activity during verbal working memory in youth
Authors: Killanin Abraham D. , Ward Thomas W. , Embury Christine M. , Calhoun Vince D. , Wang Yu‐Ping , Stephen Julia M. , Picci Giorgia , Heinrichs‐Graham Elizabeth , Wilson Tony W.
Published: July 2024

Testosterone levels sharply rise during the transition from childhood to adolescence and these changes are known to be associated with changes in human brain structure. During this same developmental window, there are also robust changes in the neural oscillatory dynamics serving verbal working memory processing. Surprisingly, whereas many studies have investigated the effects of chronological age on the neural oscillations supporting verbal working memory, none have probed the impact of endogenous testosterone levels during this developmental period. Using a sample of 89 youth aged 6–14 years‐old, we collected salivary testosterone samples and recorded magnetoencephalography during a modified Sternberg verbal working memory task. Significant oscillatory responses were identified and imaged using a beamforming approach and the resulting maps were subjected to whole‐brain ANCOVAs examining the effects of testosterone and sex, controlling for age, during verbal working memory encoding and maintenance. Our primary results indicated robust testosterone‐related effects in theta (4–7 Hz) and alpha (8–14 Hz) oscillatory activity, controlling for age. During encoding, females exhibited weaker theta oscillations than males in right cerebellar cortices and stronger alpha oscillations in left temporal cortices. During maintenance, youth with greater testosterone exhibited weaker alpha oscillations in right parahippocampal and cerebellar cortices, as well as regions across the left‐lateralized language network. These results extend the existing literature on the development of verbal working memory processing by showing region and sex‐specific effects of testosterone, and are the first results to link endogenous testosterone levels to the neural oscillatory activity serving verbal working memory, above and beyond the effects of chronological age.
Art on the skin, lifesaving within: Exploring the role of tattoo artists in suicide prevention
Authors: Kohlbeck Sara A. , Kant Jacey M. , Glassford Rachel , Monroe Tricia
Published: July 2024

Different populations experience suicide at different rates. Some studies have found an increased risk of suicide among individuals with tattoos. Studies indicate a higher prevalence of mental health disorders among individuals with one or more tattoos. These findings signal a need to explore suicide prevention in tattoo shops. The aim of this project is to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and interest of providing education on suicide prevention among tattoo artists. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey with tattoo artists. Survey items assessed artists' experiences with clients expressing mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, their comfort level assisting clients, and general perceptions around suicide and stigma. Seventy‐nine surveys were collected. Most artists reported that they have had at least one situation in which a client mentioned something that made them concerned about that client's mental health. Most respondents reported that a client has expressed suicidal thoughts to them at least once. Our study demonstrated that tattoo artists encounter clients who express mental health challenges as well as suicidal ideation, underscoring the potential role for tattoo artists in supporting individuals at risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
P7C3 ameliorates barium chloride‐induced skeletal muscle injury activating transcriptomic and epigenetic modulation of myogenic regulatory factors
Authors: Kim Joung W. , Manickam Ravikumar , Sinha Puja , Xuan Wanling , Huang Jian , Awad Kamal , Brotto Marco , Tipparaju Srinivas M.
Published: July 2024

Skeletal muscle injury affects the quality of life in many pathologies, including volumetric muscle loss, contusion injury, and aging. We hypothesized that the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) activator P7C3 improves muscle repair following injury. In the present study, we tested the effect of P7C3 (1‐anilino‐3‐(3,6‐dibromocarbazol‐9‐yl) propan‐2‐ol) on chemically induced muscle injury. Muscle injury was induced by injecting 50 µL 1.2% barium chloride (BaCl2) into the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle in C57Bl/6J wild‐type male mice. Mice were then treated with either 10 mg/kg body weight of P7C3 or Vehicle intraperitoneally for 7 days and assessed for histological, biochemical, and molecular changes. In the present study, we show that the acute BaCl2‐induced TA muscle injury was robust and the P7C3‐treated mice displayed a significant increase in the total number of myonuclei and blood vessels, and decreased serum CK activity compared with vehicle‐treated mice. The specificity of P7C3 was evaluated using Nampt+/− mice, which did not display any significant difference in muscle repair capacity among treated groups. RNA‐sequencing analysis of the injured TA muscles displayed 368 and 212 genes to be exclusively expressed in P7C3 and Veh‐treated mice, respectively. There was an increase in the expression of genes involved in cellular processes, inflammatory response, angiogenesis, and muscle development in P7C3 versus Veh‐treated mice. Conversely, there is a decrease in muscle structure and function, myeloid cell differentiation, glutathione, and oxidation–reduction, drug metabolism, and circadian rhythm signaling pathways. Chromatin immunoprecipitation‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and reverse transcription‐qPCR analyses identified increased Pax7, Myf5, MyoD, and Myogenin expression in P7C3‐treated mice. Increased histone lysine (H3K) methylation and acetylation were observed in P7C3‐treated mice, with significant upregulation in inflammatory markers. Moreover, P7C3 treatment significantly increased the myotube fusion index in the BaCl2‐injured human skeletal muscle in vitro. P7C3 also inhibited the lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response and mitochondrial membrane potential of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Overall, we demonstrate that P7C3 activates muscle stem cells and enhances muscle injury repair with increased angiogenesis.
Genetic variations and clinical features associated with burning sensation due to topical tacrolimus in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lee Ju Yeong , Kang Hyun , Kim Eunjung , Noh Shinae , Lee Hyeyoung , Choi Eung Ho
Published: July 2024

Background

Topical tacrolimus has been used as one of the treatment options for atopic dermatitis (AD). A burning sensation is the most common side effect of topical tacrolimus.

Objectives

This study was designed to identify genetic variations and clinical features to predict burning sensation by topical tacrolimus in patients with AD.

Methods

Patients with AD who had applied topical tacrolimus were classified according to the presence of a burning sensation. We compared the patients' demographics and blood test results, including serum eosinophil, serum immunoglobulin E and multiple allergen simultaneous test. Furthermore, the frequency of variations in barrier‐ (KLK7, FLG 3321delA, FLG K4022X, SPINK5 1156, SPINK5 1188, SPINK5 2475) and immune response‐ (DEFB1, KDR, CDKAL1, IL‐5RA, IL‐9, IL‐12RB1, IL‐12RB2, IL‐17RA) related genes was compared between two groups by reverse blot hybridization assay of the buccal mucosa.

Results

Among 206 patients with AD using topical tacrolimus, 34 (16.5%) complained of a burning sensation. The burning sensation was associated with severe AD and a family history of atopic disease. Furthermore, with statistical significance, a heterozygous mutation in the filaggrin gene (FLG K4022X) was more frequent in AD patients with a burning sensation due to topical tacrolimus. However, no other significant genetic differences were observed between them.

Conclusions

A burning sensation caused by topical tacrolimus can be expected in AD patients with severe symptoms, a family history of atopy and a genetic variation such as FLG K4022X.
The efficiency of different mulch types and dose applications on runoff, soil, and nutrient losses under simulated rainfall
Authors: Yaşar Korkanç Selma , Şahin Halil
Published: July 2024

Mulching is one of the best management practices used in soil and water conservation studies. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of different mulch types and doses on runoff coefficient (Rc), soil loss (Er), sediment concentration (Sc), time to ponding (tp), runoff generation time (tr), percolated (pw) and retained (rw) water and total losses of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−), ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4+), total nitrogen (TN), phosphate‐phosphorus (PO43−), and total organic carbon (TOC) under simulated rainfall in the laboratory. Three different mulch materials (dry weed, peanut hay, and wheat straw) were applied at four different doses (0, 2, 4, and 6 t/ha) on the experimental plots. A simulated rainfall intensity of 97 mm/s was applied for an hour. All mulch types and doses reduced Rc, and the most effective reduction was found in 2 t/ha dry weed mulch applied plots. The most effective application for reducing soil loss was 6 t/ha peanut hay mulch. The most effective application for delaying the ponding time and runoff generation time was the 4 t/ha application of wheat straw mulch. The highest pw and rw were found in 6 t/ha and 4 t/ha doses of dry weed mulch applications, respectively. The most effective application for reducing NH4+ losses was found in 4 t/ha wheat straw application plots. The most effective mulch type and dose for reducing NO3− loss was 6 t/ha of dry weed mulch. The lowest TN loss was found in the plots where 6 t/ha of peanut hay mulch was applied. In terms of PO43− losses, the lowest loss was in 6 t/ha of dry weed mulch plots. The lowest TOC loss was at 4 t/ha of straw mulch applications. Mulching can be a good natural‐based solution for reducing soil, water, and nutrient loss. However, different mulch types and doses should be tested for different environmental conditions to determine the most cost‐effective mulch type and dose.
One Big Happy Family
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: July 2024

When it comes to union avoidance, the strategies and tactics an employer needs to pursue can seem endless. Many times, the approaches are focused on money—competitive wages and benefits, for example. At other times, employers focus on less financially costly methods, such as union‐free handbook provisions, employee morale initiatives, and progressive discipline rules. All these approaches hold value and, indeed, can be particularly successful when seeking to maintain union‐free status.
A Clustering Study of Sociodemographic Data, Dietary Patterns, and Gut Microbiota in Healthy and Breast Cancer Women Participating in the MICROMA Study
Authors: Ruiz‐Marín Carmen María , Isabel Álvarez‐Mercado Ana , Plaza‐Díaz Julio , Rodríguez‐Lara Avilene , Gallart‐Aragón Tania , Sánchez‐Barrón María Teresa , Lartategui Saturnino de Reyes , Alcaide‐Lucena Miriam , Fernández Mariana F. , Fontana Luis
Published: July 2024

Scope

This work is part of the clinical study NCT03885648 registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, aimed at studying the relationship among breast cancer, microbiota, and exposure to environmental pollutants. As a first step, we characterized and evaluated risk factors of the participants.

Methods and results

A case–control study was designed with breast cancer (cases, n = 122) and healthy women (controls, n = 56) recruited in two hospitals of Andalusia (Southern Spain). Participants answered questionnaires of Mediterranean diet adherence and food frequency. Data were collected from medical histories and microbiota was analyzed on stool samples. Most cases (78.2%) were diagnosed as stages I and II. Cases had higher age, body mass index (BMI), glucose, cholesterol, and potassium values than controls. Cases exhibited higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and their food consumption was closer to that dietary pattern. A hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio was the most relevant variable in women with breast cancer, which was higher in this group compared with controls.

Conclusion

Although cases exhibited higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared with controls, they presented features and microbiota alterations typical of the metabolic syndrome, probably due to their higher BMI and reflecting changes in their lifestyle around the time of diagnosis.
A data‐driven intravoxel mean diffusivities distribution approach for molecular classifications and MIB‐1 prediction of gliomas
Authors: Xu Junqi , Sheng Yaru , Li Hao , Yang Zidong , Ren Yan , Wang He
Published: July 2024

Background

Measuring non‐parametric intravoxel mean diffusivity distributions (MDDs) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive method for detecting intracellular diffusivity changes during physiological alterations. Histological and molecular glioma classifications are essential for prognosis and treatment, with distinct water diffusion dynamics among subtypes.

Purpose

We developed a data‐driven approach using a fully connected network (FCN) to enhance the speed and stability of calculating MDDs across varying SNRs, enable tumor microstructural mapping, and test its reliability in identifying MIB‐1 labeling index (LI) levels and molecular status of gliomas.

Methods

An FCN was trained to learn the mapping between the simulated diffusion decay curves and the ground truth MDDs. We performed 5 000 000 simulation curves with various diffusivity components and random SNR . Eighty percent of simulation curves were used for the FCN training, 10% for validation, and the others were external tests for the FCN performance evaluation. In vivo data were collected to evaluate its clinical reliability. One hundred one patients (44 years 14, 67 men) with gliomas and six healthy controls underwent a 3.0 T MRI examination with a spin echo–echo planar imaging (SE‐EPI) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) sequence. The trained FCN was employed to calculate MDDs of each brain voxel by voxel. We used the Fuzzy C‐means algorithm to cluster the MDDs of tumor voxels, facilitating the characterization of distinct glioma tissues. Quantitative assessments were conducted through sectional integrals of the MDDs, demarcated by six bands to derive signal fractions () and diffusivities of the maximum peaks (). Cosine similarity scores (CSS) were used for MDD similarity. ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U test were used for difference analysis. Logistic regression and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) were used for classification evaluation.

Results

The simulation results showed that the FCN‐based MDD approach (FCN‐MDD) achieved higher CSS than non‐negative least squares‐based MDD (NNLS‐MDD). For in vivo data, the spectra of ET and NET obtained by FCN‐MDD are more distinguishable than NNLS‐MDD. Fraction maps delineate the characteristics of different tumor tissues (enhancing and non‐enhancing tumor, edema, and necrosis). showed a positive and negative correlation with MIB‐1 respectively (, all ). The AUC of for predicting MIB‐1 LI levels was 0.900 (95% CI, 0.826–0.974), versus 0.781 (0.677–0.886) of ADC. The highest AUC of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status, assessed by a logistic regression model () was 0.873 (95% CI, 0.802–0.944).

Conclusion

The proposed FCN‐MDD method was more robust to variations in SNR and less reliant on empirically set regularization values than the NNLS‐MDD method. FCN‐MDD also enabled qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the composition of gliomas.
Effect of Aging on Long‐Term Functional Outcomes After Open Partial Laryngectomy
Authors: Cantaffa Carla , Donvito Sara , Manto Alfredo L. , Serafini Edoardo , Caffagni Rebecca , Luppi Maria P. , Tonelli Roberto , Daniele Marchioni , Francesco Mattioli
Published: July 2024

Objective

Open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHLs) represent a comparable alternative to total laryngectomy and nonsurgical protocols in selected cases. While short‐term functional outcomes of OPHLs have been widely investigated, few have focused on the effect of aging on residual laryngeal structures.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care academic center.

Methods

Patients who underwent OPHLs after at least 1 year follow‐up and optimal functional rehabilitation were included in the study.

Swallowing function was assessed according to PAS (Penetration aspiration scale) and Pooling scores. Spectrogram analysis of voice was conducted according to Yanagihara classification and acoustic parameters were also recorded. Subjective questionnaire data about phonation and swallowing were also recorded. Data obtained were compared among patients according to age at time of surgery, evaluation and duration of follow‐up.

Results

Ninety‐seven patients were enrolled with a mean age at surgery and evaluation of 63 and 70 years old, respectively. Median follow‐up length was 5 years. OPHL type II was mostly performed. No significant correlation was observed between most of the analyzed variables and patient's age at the time of surgery and at the time of evaluation. Some acoustic parameters were negatively correlated with follow‐up length, while Jitter, NHR (Noise‐Harmonic Ratio), and Global grade and Roughness were significantly higher in patients >65 years old.

Conclusion

Patients who complete rehabilitation reach equally good results as their younger peers with stability over time. Finally, the effects of aging on residual larynx are of minor entity compared to the nonoperated patients.

Level of Evidence

Level IV‐retrospective cohort study.
Ein fraktaler Zufall der Evolution
Authors: Schuller Jan M. , Hochberg Georg K.A.
Published: July 2024

Ein kürzlich entdecktes mikrobielles Enzym bildet erstaunlicherweise regelmäßige Sierpinski‐Fraktale, die spontan in Lösung entstehen. Diese Struktur hat keine erkennbare Funktion in der Zelle, aber ihre Entstehung durch eine historische Mutation könnte ein zufälliges Nebenprodukt der Evolution sein.
Die Rätsel der Saturnringe
Authors: Köhler Ulrich , Denk Tilmann
Published: July 2024

Wie die Ringe des Saturn beschaffen und wie sie entstanden sind, war 1974 noch nicht so recht bekannt. Raumsonden änderten dies. Trotzdem wissen wir längst nicht alles.
Geblieben sind bunte Fotos
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: July 2024

Für sein frühes Verfahren, Farbfotos zu erzeugen, wurde er preisgekrönt. Heute allerdings sind er und seine Erfindung fast vergessen.
Treatment and management of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH): A global cross‐sectional scientific survey (CLARITY)
Authors: Skoro‐Sajer Nika , Sheares Karen , Forfia Paul , Heresi Gustavo A. , Jevnikar Mitja , Kopeć Grzegorz , Moiseeva Olga , Terra‐Filho Mario , Whitford Helen , Zhai Zhenguo , Beaudet Amélie , Gressin Virginie , Meijer Catherina , Tan Yan Zhi , Abe Kohtaro
Published: July 2024

Advances in the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) over the past decade changed the disease landscape, yet global insight on clinical practices remains limited. The CTEPH global cross‐sectional scientific survey (CLARITY) aimed to gather information on the current diagnosis, treatment, and management of CTEPH and to identify unmet medical needs. This paper focuses on the treatment and management of CTEPH patients. The survey was circulated to hospital‐based medical specialists through Scientific Societies and other medical organizations from September 2021 to May 2022. The majority of the 212 respondents involved in the treatment of CTEPH were from centers performing up to 50 pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) and/or balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) procedures per year. Variation was observed in the reported proportion of patients deemed eligible for PEA/BPA, as well as those that underwent the procedures, including multimodal treatment and subsequent follow‐up practices. Prescription of pulmonary arterial hypertension‐specific therapy was reported for a variable proportion of patients in the preoperative setting and in most nonoperable patients. Reported use of vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants was similar (86% vs. 82%) but driven by different factors. This study presents heterogeneity in treatment approaches for CTEPH, which may be attributed to center‐specific experience and region‐specific barriers to care, highlighting the need for new clinical and cohort studies, comprehensive clinical guidelines, and continued education.
Reproductive potential and implant loss in female hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) previously contracepted with melengestrol acetate contraceptive implants at AZA institutions
Authors: McDonald Monica M. , Agnew Mary K. , Asa Cheryl S. , Simms Brandon , Wiley Jodi N. , Powell David M.
Published: July 2024

Melengestrol acetate (MGA) implants are a progestin‐based reversible contraceptive used to manage fertility in animals. MGA implants are recommended for replacement every 2 years; however, reproduction may be suppressed longer if implants are not removed. In this study, we investigated whether the probability of reproducing (pR) differed among nonimplanted females, females with MGA implants removed, and females whose implants were not removed. In addition, since implant loss in hamadryas baboons is a concern, we explored whether female age, institution, implant placement year, implant location, or implant placement type (intramuscular vs. subcutaneous) differed for females whose implants were lost compared to those that were not. The pR differed significantly across all three treatment conditions with the nonimplanted group having the highest pR. The pR plateaued at 63% after 40 months for the implant‐removed group compared to 96% after 84 months in the nonimplanted group. There was no reproduction after contraception if implants were not removed (7.83–45.53 months). In the nonimplanted group, pR was significantly higher for older and parous females. In terms of implant loss, we found that implant placement type was significantly associated with implant loss, such that there were fewer losses when implants were placed intramuscularly (IM) as compared to subcutaneously. Our results suggest that placing MGA implants IM is likely to reduce loss. When loss is prevented, MGA implants are an effective form of contraception and are reliably reversibly in most individuals when removed. However, if not removed, they can prevent reproduction longer than 2 years.
The Position of the Public Prosecutor’s Office – The Need for European Standards on Internal/External Independence
Authors: Delgado Dolores
Published: July 2024

It is a pleasure to be with you today in this incomparable setting in the city of Lisbon, which the Law Faculty of the Catholic School of Law offers us.
Independence of the Prosecution System
Authors: Carvalho Adão
Published: July 2024

Today, discussing and reflecting on the rule of law is not just an occasional issue, but an urgency in Europe and within the European Union itself.
Protecting Judicial Independence by Strengthening Public Confidence in the Judiciary
Authors: Viganò Francesco
Published: July 2024

Protection of judicial independence has become a matter of great concern for the European legal space in recent years, and both European courts have intensively been addressing the topic in their judgments. Indeed, judicial independence lies at the very core of the rule of law, which is a cornerstone of both the Council of Europe and the EU, as Article 3 of the Statute of the CoE and Article 2 of the TEU make clear. At the same time – despite any recent claim to the contrary – the rule of law and judicial independence itself are an essential part of the shared constitutional identity of all the States that have freely adhered to these two international organisations.
The Rule of Law Crisis in Europe: What’s Next?
Authors: Martins Patrícia Fragoso
Published: July 2024

The so-called “rule of law crisis” we are facing nowadays in Europe is almost certainly the most complex and profound one the European Union (EU) has faced since the Communities were initially founded. There are several reasons that may justify this statement. I will mention the two that I find the most prominent.
Uniform Substitution for Differential Refinement Logic
Authors: Prebet Enguerrand , Platzer André
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces a uniform substitution calculus for differential refinement logic . The logic extends the differential dynamic logic such that one can simultaneously reason about properties of and relations between hybrid systems. Refinements are useful e.g. for simplifying proofs by relating a concrete hybrid system to an abstract one from which the property can be proved more easily. Uniform substitution is the key to parsimonious prover microkernels. It enables the verbatim use of single axiom formulas instead of axiom schemata with soundness-critical side conditions scattered across the proof calculus. The uniform substitution rule can then be used to instantiate all axioms soundly. Access to differential variables in enables more control over the notion of refinement, which is shown to be decidable on a fragment of hybrid programs.
Deciphering the Belle II data on $$ B\to K\nu \overline{\nu} $$ decay in the (dark) SMEFT with minimal flavour violation
Authors: Hou Biao-Feng , Li Xin-Qiang , Shen Meng , Yang Ya-Dong , Yuan Xing-Bo
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Recently, the Belle II collaboration announced the first measurement of the branching ratio $$ \mathcal{B}\left({B}^{+}\to {K}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu}\right) $$
B

B
+

→

K
+

ν

ν
¯

, which is found to be about 2.7σ higher than the Standard Model (SM) prediction. We decipher the data with two new physics scenarios: the underlying quark-level $$ b\to s\nu \overline{\nu} $$
b
→
sν

ν
¯

transition is, besides the SM contribution, further affected by heavy new mediators that are much heavier than the electroweak scale, or amended by an additional decay channel with undetected light final states like dark matter or axion-like particles. These two scenarios can be most conveniently analyzed in the SM effective field theory (SMEFT) and the dark SMEFT (DSMEFT) framework, respectively. We consider the flavour structures of the resulting effective operators to be either generic or satisfy the minimal flavour violation (MFV) hypothesis, both for the quark and lepton sectors. In the first scenario, once the MFV assumption is made, only one SM-like low-energy effective operator induced by the SMEFT dimension-six operators can account for the Belle II excess, whose parameter space is, however, excluded by the Belle upper bound of the branching ratio $$ \mathcal{B}\left({B}^0\to {K}^{\ast 0}\nu \overline{\nu}\right) $$
B

B
0

→

K

∗
0

ν

ν
¯

. In the second scenario, it is found that the Belle II excess can be accommodated by 22 of the DSMEFT operators involving one or two scalar, fermionic, or vector dark matters as well as axion-like particles. These operators also receive dominant constraints from the B0 → K*0 + inv and Bs → inv decays. Once the MFV hypothesis is assumed, the number of viable operators is reduced to 14, and the B+ → π+ + inv and K+ → π+ + inv decays start to put further constraints on them. Within the parameter space allowed by all the current experimental data, the q2 distributions of the B → K(*) + inv decays are then studied for each viable operator. We find that the resulting prediction of the operator $$ {\mathcal{Q}}_{q\chi}=\left({\overline{q}}_p{\gamma}_{\mu }{q}_r\right)\left(\overline{\chi}{\gamma}^{\mu}\chi \right) $$

Q
qχ

=

q
¯

p

γ
μ

q
r

χ
¯

γ
μ

χ

with a fermionic dark matter mass mχ ≈ 700 MeV can closely match the Belle II event distribution in the bins 2 ≤ q2 ≤ 7 GeV2. In addition, we, for the first time, calculate systematically the longitudinal polarization fraction FL of K* in the B → K* + inv decays within the DLEFT. By combining the decay spectra and FL, almost all the DSMEFT operators are found to be distinguishable from each other. Finally, the future prospects at Belle II, CEPC and FCC-ee are also discussed for some of these FCNC processes.
Spectral Convergence of the Dirac Operator on Typical Hyperbolic Surfaces of High Genus
Authors: Monk Laura , Stan Rareş
Published: July 2024

In this article, we study the Dirac spectrum of typical hyperbolic surfaces of finite area, equipped with a nontrivial spin structure (so that the Dirac spectrum is discrete). For random Weil–Petersson surfaces of large genus g with

$$o(\sqrt{g})$$

o
(

g

)

cusps, we prove convergence of the spectral density to the spectral density of the hyperbolic plane, with quantitative error estimates. This result implies upper bounds on spectral counting functions and multiplicities, as well as a uniform Weyl law, true for typical hyperbolic surfaces equipped with any nontrivial spin structure.
Application of Friction Riveting technique for the assembly of electronic components on printed circuit boards (PCB)
Authors: Rodrigues Camila F. , Boas Maria C. Vilas , Blaga Lucian , Bartz Olaf , Klusemann Benjamin
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on the effects of reducing the diameter of rivets used in Friction Riveting due to the need for downscaling when joining assemblies on a smaller scale. The Friction Riveting process has shown promising feasibility for a variety of material combinations and applications in the transportation industry. Recent research has explored the potential application of this technique in electronics, specifically for the assembly of printed circuit boards (PCBs), using AA-2024-T351 rivets on thin glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy substrates (FR4). The joint formation of joints produced with PCBs was investigated in terms of process temperature evolution, microstructural changes, and mechanical properties. Joints were obtained at process temperatures ranging from 285 ºC to 368 ºC. The use of 4 mm rivets resulted in extensive delamination, weak joint mechanisms, and cracking, impaired by the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials involved. Reducing the rivet diameter to 3 mm significantly improved joint quality. A further reduction to 2.5 mm minimized delamination but led to insufficient anchorage and cracking. Joints produced with a 3 mm rivet diameter achieved the highest ultimate tensile force of 276 N. This study sets the foundation for applying the Friction Riveting process to practical PCB assemblies, demonstrating that optimizing the process parameters to the diameter-to-thickness ratio can balance sufficient rivet anchoring, minimize delamination, and reduce cracking.
Integer Optimal Control with Fractional Perimeter Regularization
Authors: Antil Harbir , Manns Paul
Published: July 2024

Motivated by many applications, optimal control problems with integer controls have recently received a significant attention. Some state-of-the-art work uses perimeter-regularization to derive stationarity conditions and trust-region algorithms. However, the discretization is difficult in this case because the perimeter is concentrated on a set of dimension$$d - 1$$d-1for a domain of dimensiond. This article proposes a potential way to overcome this challenge by using the fractional nonlocal perimeter with fractional exponent$$0<\alpha <1$$0<α<1. In this way, the boundary integrals in the perimeter regularization are replaced by volume integrals. Besides establishing some non-trivial properties associated with this perimeter, a$$\Gamma $$Γ-convergence result is derived. This result establishes convergence of minimizers of fractional perimeter-regularized problem, to the standard one, as the exponent$$\alpha $$αtends to 1. In addition, the stationarity results are derived and algorithmic convergence analysis is carried out for$$\alpha \in (0.5,1)$$α∈(0.5,1)under an additional assumption on the gradient of the reduced objective. The theoretical results are supplemented by a preliminary computational experiment. We observe that the isotropy of the total variation may be approximated by means of the fractional perimeter functional.
In vivo cloning of PCR product via site-specific recombination in Escherichia coli
Authors: Aliakbari Moein , Karkhane Ali Asghar
Published: July 2024

Over the past years, several methods have been developed for gene cloning. Choosing a cloning strategy depends on various factors, among which simplicity and affordability have always been considered. The aim of this study, on the one hand, is to simplify gene cloning by skipping in vitro assembly reactions and, on the other hand, to reduce costs by eliminating relatively expensive materials. We investigated a cloning system using Escherichia coli harboring two plasmids, pLP-AmpR and pScissors-CmR. The pLP-AmpR contains a landing pad (LP) consisting of two genes (λ int and λ gam) that allow the replacement of the transformed linear DNA using site-specific recombination. After the replacement process, the inducible expressing SpCas9 and specific sgRNA from the pScissors-CmR (CRISPR/Cas9) vector leads to the removal of non-recombinant pLP-AmpR plasmids. The function of LP was explored by directly transforming PCR products. The pScissors-CmR plasmid was evaluated for curing three vectors, including the origins of pBR322, p15A, and pSC101. Replacing LP with a PCR product and fast-eradicating pSC101 origin-containing vectors was successful. Recombinant colonies were confirmed following gene replacement and plasmid curing processes. The results made us optimistic that this strategy may potentially be a simple and inexpensive cloning method.

Key points

•The in vivo cloning was performed by replacing the target gene with the landing pad.

•Fast eradication of non-recombinant plasmids was possible by adapting key vectors.

•This strategy is not dependent on in vitro assembly reactions and expensive materials.
The impact of obesity surgery on newborn anthropometrics in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Huke Camilla Johannesen , Romsaas Therese , Vanky Eszter , Huse Karoline , Ødegård Rønnaug , Nymo Siren , Hoff Dag Arne Lihaug , Sandvik Jorunn
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Obesity surgery and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are both associated with increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction. We investigated whether offspring of mothers with PCOS who underwent obesity surgery had an increased risk of deviating birth anthropometrics compared to offspring of mothers without PCOS.

Methods

In this observational study, data from two study databases (BAROBS and PregMet2) were supplemented with data from patient’s records from secondary and tertiary hospitals. In total, 162 offspring born to mothers with PCOS (n = 48) and without PCOS (n = 114) were included. Forty-nine offspring were born prior to, and 113 after obesity surgery.

Results

Mean ± SD birthweight (BW), birth length (BL), and head circumference (HC) before and after surgery for offspring born to mothers with PCOS were 3987 ± 495 g vs 3396 ± 526 g (P = 0.001), 52.2 ± 1.6 cm vs 50.1 ± 2.2 cm (P = 0.010), and 36.3 ± 1.97 cm vs 35.3 ± 1.66 cm (P = 0.183), respectively. In the non-PCOS group BW, BL and HC before and after were 3859 ± 603 g vs 3490 ± 538 g (P = 0.001), 51.3 ± 2.0 cm vs 49.9 ± 2.5 cm (P = 0.013), and 36.4 ± 2.0 cm vs 35.3 ± 1.8 cm (P = 0.016), respectively. Post-surgery, we found no difference in z-score BW, (∆–0.08, P = 0.677), BL (∆0.21, P = 0.184), and HC (∆0.14, P = 0.476) between children of PCOS and non-PCOS mothers.

Comclusion

Babies born after obesity surgery were smaller and shorter in both the PCOS and non-PCOS group. Post-surgery anthropometrics were similar in babies born to mothers with and without PCOS.