bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of prostate cancer bone metastasis related genes and potential therapy targets by bioinformatics and in vitro experiments
Authors: Jiang Haiyang , Liu Mingcheng , Deng Yingfei , Zhang Chongjian , Dai Longguo , Zhu Bingyu , Ou Yitian , Zhu Yong , Hu Chen , Yang Libo , Li Jun , Bai Yu , Yang Delin
Published: August 2024

The aetiology of bone metastasis in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. This study aims to identify hub genes involved in this process. We utilized machine learning, GO, KEGG, GSEA, Single‐cell analysis, ROC methods to identify hub genes for bone metastasis in PCa using the TCGA and GEO databases. Potential drugs targeting these genes were identified. We validated these results using 16 specimens from patients with PCa and analysed the relationship between the hub genes and clinical features. The impact of APOC1 on PCa was assessed through in vitro experiments. Seven hub genes with AUC values of 0.727–0.926 were identified. APOC1, CFH, NUSAP1 and LGALS1 were highly expressed in bone metastasis tissues, while NR4A2, ADRB2 and ZNF331 exhibited an opposite trend. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed these results. The oxidative phosphorylation pathway was significantly enriched by the identified genes. Aflatoxin B1, benzo(a)pyrene, cyclosporine were identified as potential drugs. APOC1 expression was correlated with clinical features of PCa metastasis. Silencing APOC1 significantly inhibited PCa cell proliferation, clonality, and migration in vitro. This study identified 7 hub genes that potentially facilitate bone metastasis in PCa through mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming. APOC1 emerged as a promising therapeutic target and prognostic marker for PCa with bone metastasis.
p27 specifically decreases in squamous carcinoma, and mediates NNK‐induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Peng Minggang , Meng Hao , Wang Jingjing , Guo Mengxin , Li Tengda , Qian Xiaohui , Chen Ruifan , Jin Honglei , Huang Chuanshu
Published: August 2024

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths, with cigarette smoking being the most critical factor, linked to nearly 90% of lung cancer cases. NNK, a highly carcinogenic nitrosamine found in tobacco, is implicated in the lung cancer‐causing effects of cigarette smoke. Although NNK is known to mutate or activate certain oncogenes, its potential interaction with p27 in modulating these carcinogenic effects is currently unexplored. Recent studies have identified specific downregulation of p27 in human squamous cell carcinoma, in contrast to adenocarcinoma. Additionally, exposure to NNK significantly suppresses p27 expression in human bronchial epithelial cells. Subsequent studies indicates that the downregulation of p27 is pivotal in NNK‐induced cell transformation. Mechanistic investigations have shown that reduced p27 expression leads to increased level of ITCH, which facilitates the degradation of Jun B protein. This degradation in turn, augments miR‐494 expression and its direct regulation of JAK1 mRNA stability and protein expression, ultimately activating STAT3 and driving cell transformation. In summary, our findings reveal that: (1) the downregulation of p27 increases Jun B expression by upregulating Jun B E3 ligase ITCH, which then boosts miR‐494 transcription; (2) Elevated miR‐494 directly binds to 3′‐UTR of JAK1 mRNA, enhancing its stability and protein expression; and (3) The JAK1/STAT3 pathway is a downstream effector of p27, mediating the oncogenic effect of NNK in lung cancer. These findings provide significant insight into understanding the participation of mechanisms underlying p27 inhibition of NNK induced lung squamous cell carcinogenic effect.
Relationship between perceived social support and stoma self‐efficacy in permanent colostomy patients: A correlational study
Authors: Aker Fatma Zehra , Karazeybek Ebru
Published: August 2024

Aim

In the context of adjusting to life with a permanent colostomy, this study explored how perceived social support from family, friends and others influences patients' self‐efficacy in managing their stoma and engaging with their social lives.

Methods

The study employed a descriptive, correlational design to investigate the relationship between social support and self‐efficacy in 94 colostomy patients between April 2021 and August 2022. Participants completed the Descriptive Characteristics Form, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and stoma self‐efficacy scale (SSES). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, and one‐way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post‐hoc test examined group differences. Pearson correlation assessed the relationship between age, social support and self‐efficacy, while multiple linear regression identified factors independently associated with self‐efficacy level.

Results

The participants had a mean age of 56.9 ± 14.34 years, and 37.2% had been suffering from stoma complications for a duration ranging from 13 months to 5 years. The mean total score on the MSPSS was 64.3 ± 13.5, whereas the mean total score on the SSES stood at 71.22 ± 20.21. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.419, p < 0.001) was observed between the total scores from the MSPSS and SSES. The increase in the total score on the MSPSS was a significant predictor (β = 0.293, p = 0.001) of the level of stoma self‐efficacy, explaining 48.9% of the variance.

Conclusion

Stronger perceived social support was linked to higher stoma self‐efficacy in permanent colostomy patients.
Integrated design and optimization of a conceptual double drum dryer for drying of wheat flour slurry: Experimental validation and computational analysis
Authors: Billah Mir Tuhin , Hossain Md Akram , Zannat Noor E , Roy Joysree , Sarker Md. Sazzat Hossain
Published: August 2024

This study presents a novel conceptual laboratory‐scale double drum dryer (LDD) optimized for the efficient drying of wheat flour slurry into flakes. The research stems from the need to address the complexities of previous methodologies, lack of studies on industrial‐sized dryers, and high cost. The methodology involved designing dryer components, transmission system, creating engineering drawings, and simulating LDD with varied operating parameters. Verification was done using industrial double drum dryer (IGD) data and MATLAB simulations. Parameters were explored including temperature (120–140°C), drum dimension (0.1–0.7 m), and film thickness (0.3–0.6 mm). The design closely matched real‐world performance metrics with mean relative deviations of 2.67%, 3.30%, 10.12% for drum speed, water content, and throughput respectively. The predictive model outperformed the IGD, achieving a 9.13% increase in throughput. Optimal LDD parameters were identified 0.7 m length, 0.2 m diameter, 0.3 mm film thickness, 40% slurry TSS, 120°C temperature, and 4.47 rpm rotational speed, resulting in 3.00% water content and 132.78 kgh−1 throughput offering valuable insights for similar applications in the food industries.

Practical applications

The research on the novel laboratory‐scale double drum dryer for drying wheat flour‐based slurry holds significant practical implications in the food industry. Firstly, the optimized design and simulation‐based approach offer a cost‐effective and efficient solution for small‐scale food processing businesses aiming to produce wheat flour flakes. By identifying optimal drying parameters, including temperature, drum dimensions, and film thickness, the research enables precise control over the drying process, leading to enhanced product quality and throughput. Moreover, the close agreement between simulation results and industrial observations validates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, instilling confidence in its practical applicability. The development of a prototype based on these findings facilitates the adoption of this technology by small‐scale enterprises, empowering them to improve their production processes and competitiveness. Overall, this research contributes to advancing drying technology in the food industry, offering tangible benefits in terms of product quality, efficiency, and operational cost reduction.
Enhancing bioactive compounds retention in pomegranate juice powder through foam mat drying
Authors: Gaikwad Nilesh N. , Kadam Anuja A. , Giri Namrata A. , Suryavanshi Swati K. , Marathe Rajiv A.
Published: August 2024

The effect of addition of whey protein isolate (WPI; 0%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%) and carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC; 0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 0.75%) was studied for its foaming properties and stability in pomegranate juice (PJ). High‐quality powders can be produced from fruit juices and heat‐sensitive food items using foam mat drying (FMD). The PJ foam with 10% WPI, a foaming agent, and 0.25% CMC, a stabilizer had high foam expansion (FE) (455.28%) and low foam density (FD) (0.2030 g/cc) and foam drainage volume (FDV) (20.10 mL). The PJ foam was subjected to different drying temperatures (50, 60 and 70°C) and thickness (3 and 6 mm). The drying temperature of 60°C and foam thickness of 3 mm were found to be the acceptable drying conditions based on drying time (180 min) and retention of bioactive compounds. At optimum drying conditions, the retention of phenols, anthocyanin, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant capacity was 97.86%, 83.90%, 77.29%, and 87.11%, respectively. The sensory evaluation of the reconstituted foam mat dried pomegranate juice powder (FPJP) showed lower overall acceptability scores than fresh juice (FJ), but the overall acceptability of the powder dried at optimum drying conditions was within liking limits (>6). FPJP has an amorphous nature with a particle size of 3564 nm and a porous and irregular structure. Bioactive compounds in FPJP were studied after 8 months of storage, with higher retention of bioactive compounds in refrigerated conditions.

Practical application

The studies revealed that foam mat drying is suitable for the pomegranate juice which has high moisture and sugar content. It requires shorter drying time of 180 min. for drying up to moisture content of 4% (db). The foam mat dried juice powder obtained at optimum drying conditions has retained higher bioactive compounds and has higher sensorial acceptability when compared with the other treatment combinations. This drying process requires low initial investment and can easily be scaled up to the commercial level thus making it profitable business venture. Further, higher storage stability up to 8 months, low volume and consequent low transport cost improves the technical and financial viability of the process in industrial application. The Foam mat dried pomegranate juice developed can be used in many food products such as reconstituted beverages, ice creams, confectioneries, etc.
Transdermal characteristic study of bovine sialoglycoproteins with anti‐skin aging and accelerating skin wound healing
Authors: Cheng Hongwei , Li Xiangbo , Du Jiabao , Dang Liuyi , Wang Shiyi , Ding Li , Zhang Fan , Sun Shisheng , Li Zheng
Published: August 2024

Background

Sialoglycoproteins play important roles in various biological processes, including cell adhesion, immune response, and cell signaling. Our previous studies indicated that the bovine sialoglycoproteins could be developed as a reagent against skin aging and as a new candidate for accelerating skin wound healing as well as inhibiting scar formation. However, transdermal characteristic of the bovine sialoglycoproteins is still unknown.

Aims

This study investigated the transdermal permeation of the bovine sialoglycoproteins through porcine skin using the Franz diffusion cell method.

Results

Our study showed that the bovine sialoglycoproteins could penetrate through the porcine skin with a linear permeation pattern described by the regression equation N% = 11.49 t‐3.858, with a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9903). The histochemical results demonstrated the widespread distribution of the bovine sialoglycoproteins between the epidermal and dermal layers, which suggesting parts of the bovine sialoglycoproteins had ability to traverse the epidermal barrier. The results of the lectin microarrays indicated highly enriched glycopatterns on the bovine sialoglycoproteins, which also appeared in permeated porcine skin. The LC‐MS/MS analysis further showed that the bovine sialoglycoproteins were composed of approximately 100 proteins with molecular weight ranging from 748.4 kDa to 10 kDa, and there were 23 specific bovine sialoglycoproteins with molecular weight ranging from 69.2 kDa to 10 kDa to be characterized in permeated porcine skin.

Conclusions

Parts of the bovine sialoglycoproteins with molecular weight less than 69.2 kDa had ability to traverse the epidermal barrier. Understanding the permeation characteristics of the bovine sialoglycoproteins for developing innovative formulations with therapeutic benefits, contributing to advancements in cosmetic and dermatological fields.
A time‐motion study on impact of spatial separation for empiric airborne precautions in emergency department length of stay
Authors: Zambri Siti Nur Aliyah , Poh Khadijah , Noor Azhar Abdul Muhaimin , Mohd Kamil Muhammad Khidir , Md Yusuf Mohd Hafyzuddin , Selamat Muhamad Akmal , Muhammad Yusuf Salmawati , Hairudin Nurin Atheera , Mohamed Shafri Nurin Imanina , Sa'ari Nurul Asyikin , Syukri Azhar Muhammad , Azizah Ariffin Mohammad Aizuddin
Published: August 2024

Aims

To evaluate the impact of spatial separation on patient flow in the emergency department.

Design

This was a retrospective, time‐and‐motion analysis conducted from 15 to 22 August, 2022 at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During this duration, spatial separation was implemented in critical and semi‐critical zones to separate patients with symptoms of respiratory infections into respiratory area, and patients without into non‐respiratory area. This study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Methods

Patients triaged to critical and semi‐critical zones were included in this study. Timestamps of patient processes in emergency department until patient departure were documented.

Results

The emergency department length‐of‐stay was longer in respiratory area compared to non‐respiratory area; 527 min (381–698) versus 390 min (285–595) in critical zone and 477 min (312–739) versus 393 min (264–595) in semi‐critical zone. In critical zone, time intervals of critical flow processes and compliance to hospital benchmarks were similar in both areas. More patients in respiratory area were managed within the arrival‐to‐contact ≤30 min benchmark and more patients in non‐respiratory area had emergency department length‐of‐stay ≤8 h.

Conclusions

The implementation of spatial separation in infection control should address decision‐to‐departure delays to minimise emergency department length of stay.

Impact

The study evaluated the impact of spatial separation on patient flow in the emergency department.

Emergency department length‐of‐stay was significantly prolonged in the respiratory area.

Hospital administrators and policymakers can optimise infection control protocols measures in emergency departments, balancing infection control measures with efficient patient care delivery.

Reporting Method

STROBE guidelines.

No Patient or Public Contribution

None.

Trial and Protocol Registration

The study obtained ethics approval from the institution's Medical Ethics Committee (MREC ID NO: 20221113–11727).

Statistical Analysis

The author has checked and make sure our submission has conformed to the Journal's statistical guideline. There is a statistician on the author team (Noor Azhar).
Toward a linguistic anthropological approach to listening: An ear with power and the policing of “active listening” volunteers in Japan
Authors: Berman Michael
Published: August 2024

This article develops the concept of an ear with power. An ear with power works through listeners who can, by listening, alter people's speech and other actions. It does so in ways that suit the institutions on whose behalf the listener acts. Unlike approaches focused on the effects of listening in interactions, an ear with power is a triadic relation in process, requires listening to listeners, and shows how absent listeners affect social relations. The article traces the implications of a complaint filed against Buddhist “active listening” volunteers in Japan after the 2011 disasters. Despite not using “Buddhist language” while volunteering, they were reported for “religious‐sounding speech,” which led to the temporary hiatus of their volunteer activities. Analyzing the distributed listening that led to that censure, this article demonstrates how linguistic anthropology might reframe critical analyses of power and governance, which have tended to rely on vision and speech. More specifically, it considers the ramifications of acts of listening that precede the speech that they are imagined to follow, the process whereby listeners come to hear themselves through the ear of another, and the ways that policing listening can alienate listening from listeners.
Influence of denture‐bearing conditions on masticatory function and patient‐reported outcomes measures
Authors: Girundi Francisco Mauro da Silva , Girundi Ana Luíza Gonçalves , Ribeiro Michele Costa de Oliveira , Machado Raissa Micaella Marcelo , Gonçalves Thais Marques Simek Vega , Del Bel Cury Altair Antoninha , da Silva Wander José
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To investigate the influence of different denture‐bearing conditions on the masticatory function and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) of complete denture wearers.

Methods

Sixty edentulous patients were selected and allocated into two groups according to the American College of Prosthodontics' (ACP) classification: non‐atrophic (NAT) (Classes I and II) (n = 24) and atrophic (AT) (Classes III and IV) (n = 36). All patients received new complete dentures (CDs). The objective variables (masticatory performance and swallowing threshold) were assessed as well as the PROMs (oral health‐related quality of life (OHIP‐EDENT), patient satisfaction) and quality of the prosthesis, at baseline (using the old CD) and after 4 months new prostheses use. Data were analyzed by Mann–Whitney test followed by the Generalized Equations Estimation (GEE), linear regression and Chi‐square test.

Results

Higher masticatory performance was observed in the NAT group (p < .05) for both time points, baseline and after 4 months. However, compared to baseline, both groups showed significant masticatory improvement after 4 months (p < .05). Satisfaction and overall quality of life improved after 4 months with no difference between groups (p > .05). Regarding the quality of the CD, baseline results were significantly (p < .05) lower in the AT group, but after 4 months, no significant differences were found between groups and in intragroup analysis (p > .05).

Conclusions

The denture‐bearing conditions seems to impact masticatory function, but the PROMs are barely affected.
Syndecan‐4 inhibition attenuates cartilage degeneration in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Chen Xiaohua , He Feng , Zhang Hongyun , Ma Yuanjun , Yu Jia , Qin Han , Wu Fan , Wang Zhuo , Zhan Ying , Zhang Jing , Lu Lei , Zhang Mian , Yu Shibin
Published: August 2024

Background

Syndecan 4 (SDC4), a type I transmembrane proteoglycan, serves as a critical link between chondrocytes and the extracellular matrix.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the role of SDC4 in cartilage degeneration of temporomandibular joint osteoathritis (TMJOA).

Methods

Condylar chondrocytes were stimulated with varying concentrations of recombinant rat interleukin‐1β (rrIL‐1β) and SDC4 small interfering RNA (si‐SDC4). Anti‐SDC4 ectodomain‐specific antibodies or IgG were intra‐articularly administrated in a TMJOA model rats. SDC4 conditional knockout (SDC4‐cKO) and Sdc4flox/flox mice were induced TMJOA. Cartilage degeneration was assessed using haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and safranin O (SO) staining. Protein levels of SDC4, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS5), tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), type II collagen (Col‐II), aggrecan (ACAN), cleaved caspase 3 (CASP3), Ki67 and related pathways in condylar cartilage were evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining or western blot assays.

Results

SDC4 expression was evidently increased in MIA‐model animals compared to control groups. rrIL‐1β stimulation increased the expression of SDC4, MMP3 and ADAMTS5 expression in chondrocytes, while decreasing the expression of Col‐II. These effects were reversed by si‐SDC4 in vitro. In vivo, SDC4 blockade reduced the death of chondrocytes and the loss of cartilage matrix, which was evidenced by increased expression of Col‐II and ACAN, and a decrease in SDC4, MMP13 and cleaved‐CASP3‐positive cells. Furthermore, the protein levels of ACAN and Ki67 were elevated, and the ERK1/2 and P38 signalling pathways were activated following SDC4 inhibition.

Conclusions

SDC4 inhibition significantly ameliorates condylar cartilage degeneration, which was mediated, at least partly, through P38 and ERK1/2 signalling. Inhibition of SDC4 may be of great value for the treatment of TMJOA.
Self‐location in perceptual experience: A top‐down account
Authors: Fernandez Velasco Pablo
Published: August 2024

Perceptual experience is self‐locating. This claim aligns with our intuitions and is the dominant view in philosophy. To defend the claim, some philosophers have advanced perspectival accounts and others have advanced agentive accounts. Here, I explore tensions between the two accounts and propose a novel, integrative account: the top‐down view, which defends that visual experience is self‐locating in virtue of cognitive maps that modulate visual processing in a top‐down fashion. I assess recent neuroscientific evidence of spatial modulation in the visual cortex and show how it turns existing notions of self‐location upside‐down, shifting the focus from bottom‐up to top‐down processes.
N‐acyl homoserine lactone cell–cell diffusible signalling in the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex
Authors: Li Peng , Bez Cristina , Zhang Yong , Deng Yinyue , Venturi Vittorio
Published: August 2024

Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) includes soilborne bacterial plant pathogens with worldwide distribution and wide host ranges. Virulence factors are regulated via four hierarchically organized cell–cell contact independent quorum‐sensing (QS) signalling systems: the Phc, which uses as signals (R)‐methyl 3‐hydroxypalmitate [(R)‐3‐OH PAME] or (R)‐methyl 3‐hydroxymyristate [(R)‐3‐OH MAME], the N‐acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)‐dependent RasI/R and SolI/R systems, and the recently identified anthranilic acid‐dependent system. The unique Phc QS system has been extensively studied; however, the role of the two AHL QS systems has only recently been addressed. In this microreview, we present and discuss current data of the SolI/R and RasI/R QS systems in the RSSC. We also present the distribution and frequency of these AHL QS systems in the RSSC, discuss possible ecological roles and evolutive implications. The complex QS hierarchical networks emphasizes the crucial role of cell–cell signalling in the virulence of the RSSC.
Seeking inclusion while navigating exclusion: Theorizing the experiences of disabled nursing faculty in academe
Authors: Hassouneh Dena , Mood Laura , Birnley Kendra , Kualaau Andrew , Garcia Ellen
Published: August 2024

Despite repeated calls for equity, diversity, and inclusion in nursing education and the significance of disability for the vocation of nursing, the voices and experiences of nursing faculty with disabilities are largely absent from our literature. In this paper, we present a critical grounded theory of the experiences of disabled nursing faculty in academe to begin to amend this gap. Using critical disability studies as a sensitizing framework and building on prior work on racism and other systems of oppression in nursing, we theorize that nursing academe is a normalized space produced by White, able‐mindbodied, and cis‐heteropatriarchal discourses that regulate the boundaries of inclusion via exclusionary social norms. Further, we describe the operations of normalcy in nursing academe, discuss implications for education and health care, and consider avenues for change.
Climatic variation allows montane willows to escape an adaptive trade‐off
Authors: Rosenblad Kyle C. , Ackerly David D.
Published: August 2024

Adaptive responses to climate change, based on heritable variation in stress tolerance, may be important for plant population persistence. It is unclear which populations will mount the strongest future adaptive responses. It may be fruitful to identify populations that have escaped trade‐offs among performance traits, which can hinder adaptation. Barring strong genetic constraints, the extent of trade‐offs may depend on spatial relationships among climate variables shaping different traits.

Here, we test for climate‐driven ecotypic variation and trade‐offs among drought and freezing sensitivity, and growth, for Lemmon's willow (Salix lemmonii) in a common garden study of 90 genotypes from 38 sites in the Sierra Nevada, USA.

Salix lemmonii exhibits ecotypic variation in leaf turgor loss point, a measure of drought sensitivity, from −0.95 to −0.74 MPa along a gradient of spring snowpack. We also find variation in spring freezing sensitivity with minimum May temperature. However, we find no trade‐off, as the climatic gradients shaping these traits are spatially uncorrelated in our study region, despite being negatively correlated across the Sierra Nevada.

Species may escape adaptive trade‐offs in geographic regions where climate variables are spatially decoupled. These regions may represent valuable reservoirs of heritable adaptive phenotypic variation.
Biomechanical Effects of Different Prosthesis Types and Fixation Ranges in Multisegmental Total En Bloc Spondylectomy: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Xu Hanpeng , Ke Wencan , Zhang Dongzhe , Miao Jun , Wang Bingjin , Yang Cao
Published: August 2024

Objective

Multi‐segmental total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) gradually became more commonly used by clinicians. However, the choice of surgical strategy is unclear. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical performance of different prosthesis types and fixation ranges in multisegmental TES.

Methods

In this study, a validated finite element model of T12–L2 post‐spondylectomy operations were carried out. The prostheses of these models used either 3D‐printed artificial vertebrae or titanium mesh cages. The fixed range was two or three segment levels. Range of motion, stress distribution of the endplate and internal fixation system, intervertebral disc pressure, and facet joint surface force of four postoperative models and intact model in flexion and extension, as well as lateral bending and rotation were analyzed and compared.

Results

The type of prosthesis used in the anterior column reconstruction mainly affected the stress of the adjacent endplate and the prosthesis itself. The posterior fixation range had a greater influence on the overall range of motion (ROM), the ROM of the adjacent segment, the stress of the screw‐rod system, and adjacent facet joint surface force. For the model of the same prosthesis, the increase of fixed length resulted in an obvious reduction of ROM. The maximal decrease was 70.23% during extension, and the minimal decrease was 30.19% during rotation.

Conclusion

In three‐segment TES, the surgical strategy of using 3D‐printed artificial prosthesis for anterior column support and pedicle screws for posterior fixation at both two upper and lower levels respectively can reduce the stress on internal fixation system, endplates, and adjacent intervertebral discs, resulting in a reduced risk of internal fixation failure, and ASD development.
Celiac plexus block: A diagnostic tool for neurogenic median arcuate ligament syndrome
Authors: Bower Kathryn S. , McCarthy Chloe C. , Vyasa Parth , Nagarsheth Khanjan , Desai Mehul J.
Published: August 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of outpatient celiac plexus block on acute pain reduction in patients with suspected median arcuate ligament syndrome.

Methods

This is an Institutional Review Board approved, retrospective chart review. Data were collected and analyzed from patients who received celiac plexus blocks from November 1, 2021 through April 6, 2023. The primary outcome was pain reduction, determined by the change in numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) from pre‐procedure to post‐procedure. Additional data collected include patient demographics, comorbidities, preoperative symptoms and duration of symptoms.

Results

There were 33 patients identified in this study. Thirty‐one patients were included in the data analysis. The median age of the cohort was 29 years, and the median BMI was 20.4. 94% of the cohort was female. These patients were referred as part of an evaluation for symptomatic vascular compression disorders. For many patients, positive response to celiac plexus block was used as an indication to proceed with surgical MALS resection. We provide a diagnostic algorithm for MALs. All patients endorsed preoperative symptoms. Patients experienced a median pain reduction of −4 from baseline to immediately post‐procedure.

Conclusions

Celiac plexus blocks continue to be a tool for ruling out neurogenic median arcuate ligament syndrome in patients who have undergone extensive previous imaging and assessments for vascular compression disorders. Our data suggest that patients with suspected MALS may experience substantial immediate pain relief from temporary blocks of the celiac ganglion as guided by fluoroscopy in an outpatient setting.
Molecular mechanisms underlying natural deficient and ultraviolet‐induced accumulation of anthocyanin in the peel of ‘Jinxiu’ peach
Authors: Liang Ling , Zhu Jiazhen , Huang Dan , Ai Shaojie , Xue Lei , Yin Xueren , Lin‐Wang Kui , Allan Andrew , Chen Kunsong , Xu Changjie
Published: August 2024

Peach varieties that differ in red coloration due to varied anthocyanin accumulation result from transcriptional regulation by PpMYB10s, a group of specific R2R3 MYBs. Here we investigated the mechanisms driving a lack of anthocyanin in yellow‐skinned ‘Jinxiu’ peach peel, as well as accumulation induced by UV irradiance. It was found that PpMYB10.1, PpMYB10.2 and PpMYB10.3 were positive regulators of anthocyanin accumulation, but the stimulation by PpMYB10.2 was weak. Low expression of PpMYB10.1 causes natural anthocyanin deficiency in ‘Jinxiu’ peel. However, the promoter sequences of PpMYB10.1 were identical in ‘Jinxiu’ and a naturally red‐coloured peach ‘Hujingmilu’. Therefore, potential negative regulator(s) upstream of PpMYB10.1 were explored. A novel R2R3‐MYB repressor termed PpMYB80 was identified through comparative transcriptomic analysis and then functionally confirmed via transiently overexpressing and silencing in peach fruit, as well as transformation in tobacco. PpMYB80 directly binds to the promoter of PpMYB10.1 and inhibits its expression, but does not affect PpMYB10.3. In UV‐exposed ‘Jinxiu’ fruit, expression of PpMYB10.3 was upregulated, while PpMYB10.1 remained low and PpMYB80 enhanced, which results in accumulation of anthocyanin in peel. This study revealed a transcriptional cascade involving PpMYB activators and repressors in regulating basal and UV‐induced anthocyanin accumulation in peach peel.
Corporations and the cost of living crisis: Corporate involvement in UK food charity
Authors: Lambie‐Mumford Hannah , Kennedy Kelli
Published: August 2024

As a range of actors respond to poverty in the cost of living crisis, this paper addresses a long‐standing blind spot in social policy analysis by examining the role that corporations are playing in voluntary responses in the UK. To do this the paper introduces theories of corporate power to extend approaches to researching mixed economies of welfare, which have traditionally looked at the role of commercial entities principally in terms of their role alongside other actors in the welfare state. Building on existing food charity research, which has explored the dynamics and implications of corporate‐food charity relationships, this paper applies theories of corporate power to an analysis of the food charity related activities of the top 20 leading food retailers and casual dining brands in the UK. The analysis reveals how UK corporations exercised instrumental, structural and discursive forms of power to influence policy, set agendas and norms within food and charity systems and frame issues of food charity and hunger. The paper illustrates how a corporate power framework can add important layers to social policy analyses of mixed economies of welfare, by introducing a focus not just on operational aspects of corporate involvement, but also on the impact these corporations might be having on policy, how they are shaping the structure of welfare and the drivers of poverty through agenda setting in their markets, and the ways in which corporations influence public perceptions of social policy issues and how best to respond to them.
Peripheral and central pathogenesis of postherpetic neuralgia
Authors: Liu Qiuping , Han Jingxian , Zhang Xuezhu
Published: August 2024

Background

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a classic chronic condition with multiple signs of peripheral and central neuropathy. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of PHN is not well defined, limiting clinical treatment and disease management.

Objective

To describe the peripheral and central pathological axes of PHN, including peripheral nerve injury, inflammation induction, central nervous system sensitization, and brain functional and structural network activity.

Methods

A bibliographic survey was carried out, selecting relevant articles that evaluated the characterization of the pathogenesis of PHN, including peripheral and central pathological axes.

Results

Currently, due to the complexity of the pathophysiological mechanisms of PHN and the incomplete understanding of the exact mechanism of neuralgia.

Conclusion

It is essential to conduct in‐depth research to clarify the origins of PHN pathogenesis and explore effective and comprehensive therapies for PHN.
Delayed transforaminal brain herniation in a cat following bromethalin intoxication
Authors: Matula Erica , Mastrocco Alicia , Prittie Jennifer , Donovan Taryn
Published: August 2024

Objective

To report a case of delayed death after initial successful treatment of severe bromethalin intoxication in a cat.

Case Summary

A 2‐year‐old neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented as a referral for bromethalin toxicosis and progressive neurological decline. At the time of referral, the cat was nonambulatory tetraparetic with minimal motor function in all 4 limbs and exhibited a dull mentation. Within the first 4 hours of hospitalization, the cat's neurological status continued to rapidly decline, and osmotherapy, corticosteroids, and intralipids were administered. The treatment regimen also included levetiracetam, thiamine, cholestyramine, vitamin E, and gingko biloba. Six days after bromethalin ingestion, the cat displayed marked neurological improvement with near normal mentation and mild tetraparesis and was discharged. The cat continued to do well at home with improving neurological status and function. Nine days after discharge, the cat was presented dead on arrival. Postmortem examination revealed transforaminal brain herniation secondary to spongy degeneration of the white matter and increased intracranial pressure as the cause of death.

New Information Provided

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a cat that suffered delayed death despite initial neurological improvement after being treated for severe bromethalin toxicosis.
Dynamical Systems Characterization and Reduced Order Modeling of Thermoacoustics in a Lean Direct Injection Hydrogen Combustor
Authors: Kumar Ankit D. , Ezenwajiaku Chinonso , Balachandran Ramanarayanan , Ducci Andrea , Talibi Midhat , Massey James C. , Swaminathan Nedunchezhian
Published: August 2024

Hydrogen is a promising zero-carbon fuel for decarbonized energy and transportation sectors. While carbon emission is not a concern for hydrogen combustion, its higher adiabatic flame temperature poses challenges of mitigating thermal NOx emissions. The wide flammability limits of hydrogen allow a fuel-lean operation, which can reduce NOx emissions. However, lean operation makes the combustion chamber susceptible to thermoacoustic oscillations. In this study, the thermoacoustic instabilities of partially premixed hydrogen flames in a lean direct injection (LDI) multicluster combustor are characterized using dynamical systems theory. The combustor was operated at a range of bulk velocities (30–90 m/s) and equivalence ratios (0.2–0.6), and time-resolved pressure oscillations and integrated OH* chemiluminescence measurements were taken. The thermoacoustic system reveals a variety of dynamical states in pressure such as period-1 limit cycle oscillation (LCO) with a single characteristic frequency, period-2 LCO with two characteristic frequencies, intermittent, quasi-periodic, and chaotic states as either bulk velocity or equivalence ratio is varied. At a bulk velocity of 30 m/s, as the equivalence ratio is gradually decreased from 0.6 to 0.2, the dynamical behavior follows a sequence from an intermittent state to a period-1 LCO, then to a quasi-periodic state, and eventually reaches a chaotic state. As the equivalence ratio is decreased for a bulk velocity of 60 m/s, the pressure oscillations evolve from a period-2 LCO to quasi-periodic state before flame blows off. The emergence of period-2 and quasi-periodic states indicate the presence of strong nonlinear interactions among the cavity acoustic modes. These modes and their spatial behavior are investigated using a reduced order model which solves the three-dimensional (3D) inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation with an n–tau flame model. The analyses show that the period-2 and quasi-periodic states can arise due to the interaction between the plenum and combustion chamber modes indicating that hydrogen flames may excite a wide range of cavity acoustic modes.
An Aero-Engine Disk Sizing and Weight Estimation Approach With Improved Temperature Profiles
Authors: Zaimis Ioannis , Carpentari Elias , Begiebing Tim , Gümmer Volker
Published: August 2024

During the predesign phase of an aero-engine, interdisciplinary parametric studies are crucial for identifying an optimum engine. As innovative engine concepts emerge, it is essential to study trends aiming to minimize climate impact and one of its key contributors, fuel burn. The comparatively heavy disks, subjected to high thermal and mechanical loads, are central to this analysis due to their high impact on the overall module mass. This paper proposes an approach to achieve a first lightweight mechanical design of disks in the predesign phase. Based on a performance and aerodynamic baseline, the design space and physical boundary conditions are set. First, an initial mass-optimized disk is derived using simplified temperature profiles and stress calculations under the mechanical design point conditions. Subsequently, all the module disks are considered, and an estimation for each bore temperature is achieved through a novel loop over the entire module and all available operating points (OPs). By evaluating the temperature and stress profiles across various operating conditions, the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) life of each disk can be studied. As part of a highly modular engine predesign framework, this method allows for zooming capabilities of single disk calculations by prescribing individual boundary conditions. The proposed approach already yields an initial assessment of the rotors within a short runtime, facilitating simple iterations with the succeeding design phases due to method and tool commonalities. While the primary focus of this work is on compressor design, the principles presented are adaptable and expandable to turbine disk applications as well.
A Dataset Generation Framework for Symmetry-Induced Mechanical Metamaterials
Authors: Abu-Mualla Mohammad , Huang Jida
Published: August 2024

The surge in machine learning research and recent advancements in 3D printing technologies have significantly enriched materials science and engineering, particularly in the domain of mechanical metamaterials, which commonly consist of periodic truss materials. Despite the extensive exploration of their tailorable properties, truss-based metamaterial design has predominantly adhered to cubic and orthotropic unit cells, a limitation arising from the conventional design method, where the type of symmetry related to the designed truss-based material is determined after the design process is done. To overcome this issue, this work introduces a groundbreaking 3D truss material designing framework that departs from this constraint by employing six distinctive material symmetries (cubic, hexagonal, tetragonal, orthotropic, trigonal, and monoclinic) within the design process. This innovative approach represents a versatile paradigm shift compared to previous design approaches. Furthermore, we are able to integrate anisotropy into the design framework, thus enhancing the property space exploration capability of the proposed design framework. Probing the property space of unit cells using our design framework demonstrates its capacity to achieve a diverse range of mechanical properties. The analysis of the generated samples shows that they can surpass the most extensive datasets available in the literature in regions where directional elastic properties are not linked by structural symmetry. The proposed method facilitates the generation of a truss dataset, which can be represented in a trainable format suitable for machine learning and data-driven approaches. This advancement paves the way for the development of robust inverse design tools for truss materials, marking a significant contribution to the mechanical metamaterial community.
A Global Feature Reused Network for Defect Detection in Steel Images
Authors: Yang Chengli , Wang Qingqing , Liu Zhanqiang , Cheng Yanhai
Published: August 2024

Accurate detection of surface defects for steel is essential to improve surface quality and service life. Deep learning (DL) used in steel surface defect detection can solve the problems of low efficiency and poor accuracy of traditional manual detection. The classic YOLOv5 as a DL method is used to accomplish defect detection tasks without attention mechanisms, resulting in a loss of global information. Besides, it is difficult to complete complex network detection tasks with low-configuration hardware, especially for surface defects with complex defect types and variable defect sizes. To solve these issues, this paper introduces an improved global feature reuse and hardware-aware YOLOv5 by using BoTNet, RepGhost, and EfficientRep model (BGE-YOLOv5). The multi-head self-attention layer is used to obtain global information and only part of the convolutional layers is replaced to avoid the excessive computational cost. The RepGhost model is introduced to extract the remaining feature information for feature reuse. EfficientRep is used to replace the original structure to achieve hardware-aware and to balance the detection veracity and efficiency. The distance IOU is replaced by SCYLLA-IOU to accelerate the iteration and improve stability. The results of the framework on the surface defect database (NEU-DET) show that BGE-YOLOv5 achieves a mean average precision of 79.5%, which is 10.3% greater than the baseline. The proposed BGE-YOLOv5 has a better performance in steel surface defect detection.
The Variable Stiffness Treadmill 2: Development and Validation of a Unique Tool to Investigate Locomotion on Compliant Terrains
Authors: Chambers Vaughn , Hobbs Bradley , Gaither William , Thé Zachary , Zhou Anthony , Karakasis Chrysostomos , Artemiadis Panagiotis
Published: August 2024

Understanding legged locomotion in various environments is valuable for many fields, including robotics, biomechanics, rehabilitation, and motor control. Specifically, investigating legged locomotion in compliant terrains has recently been gaining interest for the robust control of legged robots over natural environments. At the same time, the importance of ground compliance has also been highlighted in poststroke gait rehabilitation. Currently, there are not many ways to investigate walking surfaces of varying stiffness. This article introduces the variable stiffness treadmill (VST) 2, an improvement of the first version of the VST, which was the first treadmill able to vary belt stiffness. In contrast to the VST 1, the device presented in this paper (VST 2) can reduce the stiffness of both belts independently, by generating vertical deflection instead of angular, while increasing the walking surface area from 0.20m2 to 0.74m2. In addition, both treadmill belts are now driven independently, while high-spatial-resolution force sensors under each belt allow for measurement of ground reaction forces and center of pressure. Through validation experiments, the VST 2 displays high accuracy and precision. The VST 2 has a stiffness range of 13kN/m to 1.5MN/m, error of less than 1%, and standard deviations of less than 2.2kN/m, demonstrating its ability to simulate low-stiffness environments reliably. The VST 2 constitutes a drastic improvement of the VST platform, a one-of-its-kind system that can improve our understanding of human and robotic gait while creating new avenues of research on biped locomotion, athletic training, and rehabilitation of gait after injury or disease.
A fast algorithm for the two-dimensional Helmholtz transmission problem with large multiple scattering configurations
Authors: Ganesh M. , Hawkins Stuart C.
Published: August 2024

We develop an efficient three-stage algorithm for simulating multiple acoustic scattering by two-dimensional configurations comprising large numbers of penetrable scatterers. Our approach is based on a boundary integral equation reformulation of the Helmholtz transmission partial differential equation, and a reduction of the boundary integral system for computationally efficient evaluation of wave interactions between scatterers. A key ingredient of our algorithm is to represent the interactions between scatterers using expansions of cylindrical wavefunctions. For large numbers of scatterers, this approach facilitates the application of the fast multipole method, leading to linear complexity of the algorithm with respect to the number of scatterers. Numerical results demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithm for configurations containing a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of individual scatterers.
Genome sequences of human anelloviruses in the
Lamedtorquevirus
,
Memtorquevirus
, and
Samektorquevirus
genera identified from the female genital tract
Authors: Do Eric D. , Holland Steven C. , Kaelin Emily A. , Mitchell Caroline , Soria Jaime , La Rosa Alberto , Ticona Eduardo , Coombs Robert W. , Frenkel Lisa M. , Bull Marta E. , Lim Efrem S.
Published: August 2024

We identified and characterized seven anellovirus genome sequences in the female genital tract through virome metagenomic sequencing of cervicovaginal lavage specimens from women living with HIV in Peru. Phylogenetic and genomic analyses indicate that they belong to three newly proposed
Lamedtorquevirus
,
Memtorquevirus
, and
Samektorquevirus
genera in the
Anelloviridae
family.