bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Cleft Lip and Palate Associated with Seckel Syndrome
Authors: Murthy Jyotsna , Seshadri Krishna G. , Ramanan Padmasani Venkat , Rajamani Arvind , Hussain Altaf
Published: June 2004

Objective

We report an unusual association of complete cleft of the primary and secondary palate with Seckel syndrome. Seckel syndrome is a very rare syndrome, with only 60 reported cases in the medical literature. It is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by birdlike face, intrauterine growth retardation, dwarfism, and microcephaly. This young child of 5 years had a successful cleft lip repair under general anesthesia. The main features of the syndrome and the technical problems of anesthesia and surgery are discussed.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Maxillary Dental Casts Using Fourier Transform Profilometry: Precision and Reliability of the Measurement
Authors: Trefný Pavel , Šmahel Zbynek , Formánek Pavel , Peterka Miroslav
Published: June 2004

Objective

Fourier transform profilometry was used for the three-dimensional measurement of maxillary dental casts to analyze the size and shape of the palate. The objective of this study was to test the accuracy of the measuring system and determine the precision and reliability of the measurement

Methods

Images of dental casts were analyzed using newly developed measuring software. Based on five landmarks located on the alveolar ridge, the measuring software constructed 10 transversal sections of the palate. In each section profile, the width, area, and 23 height variables were assessed.

Subjects

Maxillary dental stone casts of 25 healthy girls, 14.1 to 15.3 years of age, were studied.

Results

The technical error of measurement exceeded 5% of the size of the measurement only in variables with means less than approximately 3 mm. In fact, such small absolute dimensions were exhibited only by the palate height in anterior profile 2 and the palate height at the margins of other profiles. Reliability of the measurements was found to be very high for the width and area of the profiles. For height measurements, the coefficient of reliability was slightly lower at the profile margins than near the midline. Nevertheless, only three height variables showed a coefficient of reliability lower than 0.90. The coefficients of reliability of other height measurements of profiles 3 through 10 were only sporadically lower than 0.97.

Conclusion

With regard to the accuracy of the measuring system as well as the precision and reliability of the measurement, this method proved to be a suitable tool for studying palatal morphology.
Submucous Cleft Palate: A Grading System and Review of 40 Consecutive Submucous Cleft Palate Repairs
Authors: Sommerlad Brian C. , Fenn Christopher , Harland Kim , Sell Debbie , Birch Malcolm J. , Dave Rupa , Lees Melissa , Barnett Adrian
Published: June 2004

Objective

This study was designed to determine whether velar surgery was worthwhile for submucous cleft palate (SMCP) and evaluate whether results were dependent on the degree of the anatomical abnormality.

Design

A prospective study of a consecutive series of patients fulfilling the entry criteria, assessed blindly from records arranged randomly.

Patients

Fifty-eight patients diagnosed with SMCP and operated on by a single surgeon between June 1991 and April 1997 were reviewed. Forty patients fulfilled the entry criteria. Minimum follow-up was 6 years.

Interventions

Radical reconstruction of the soft palate musculature was performed by one surgeon using the operating microscope. A scoring system was devised for grading the anatomical severity of submucous cleft (SMCP score).

Main Outcome Measures

Postoperative hypernasality and nasal emission scores and the degrees of improvement were considered the primary outcome measures, and the degree of velopharyngeal closure was also assessed.

Results

There were highly significant improvements in hypernasality, nasal emission, and velopharyngeal closure. A preoperative gap size of more than 13 mm was associated with less satisfactory outcomes, but gap size was not predictive of improvement. Severity of the SMCP did not correlate with the degree of preoperative speech abnormality but was a significant predictor of outcome of surgery, with the less severe (total SMCP score of 0 to 3) having less satisfactory end results and lesser degrees of improvement. Patients with less abnormal muscle anatomy had lesser degrees of improvement.

Conclusion

Repair of the muscle abnormality in SMCP is recommended as the first line of treatment in most cases.
Craniofacial Morphology in an Unusual Case with Nasal Aplasia Studied by Roentgencephalometry and Three-Dimensional CT Scanning
Authors: Kitai Noriyuki , Iguchi Yoshitaka , Takashima Mariko , Murakami Shumei , Kreiborg Sven , Kamiji Takashi , Takada Kenji
Published: June 2004

Objective

To examine the three-dimensional morphology of internal structures of the craniofacial region and present the orthodontic problems in an unusual case with nasal aplasia.

Patient

The patient was an 11.5-year-old boy with aplasia of the nose and nasal cavity with extremely constricted nasopharyngeal airway. He did not have mental or somatic retardation. The patient had dacryostenosis. The morphology of the craniofacial structures was characterized by absence of septal structures, including cribriform plate, perpendicular plate of ethmoid bone, vomer, and septal cartilage; bony hypotelorism; midface hypoplasia; short and retrognathic maxilla with Class III jaw relationship; average mandibular plane angle; high arched palate; severe anterior open bite with bilateral posterior crossbites; and dental anomalies (agenesis of four maxillary permanent teeth, microdontia, taurodontism, and short roots). Thus, the patient had characteristic dentofacial phenotype, which might be caused by a combination of the primary anomaly and the functional disturbances secondary to the nasal obstruction.
Birth Prevalence of Cleft Lip and Palate in Sucre, Bolivia
Authors: McLeod Niall M. H. , Urioste Marcelo L. Arana , Saeed Nadeem R.
Published: June 2004

Objective

To determine the birth prevalence of cleft lip and palate (CL ± P) in the municipality of Sucre, Bolivia. To ascertain whether the birth prevalence in this region differs significantly from birth prevalence reported in similar populations and other racial groups.

Results

Twenty-eight clefts were identified among 22,746 live births between the years 1995 and 2001 in three maternity hospitals in the city. The total birth prevalence of CL ± P was 1.23/1000 live births per year. There were 12 clefts of the lip alone (birth prevalence 0.53/1000 per year), 15 cleft lip and palate (0.66/1000 per year), and one cleft palate only (0.04/1000 per year).

Conclusions

The birth prevalence was not significantly different from birth prevalence published previously in South American populations, although it is lower than previously published data from Bolivia. The birth prevalence of CL ± P in this South American population was similar to published data in white subjects and between those found in black and oriental groups. The sex ratio and birth prevalence of simultaneous congenital malformations also did not differ from previously published figures.
Cleft Palate Repair in Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita: Minimizing the Risk of Cervical Cord Compression
Authors: Tofield Christopher E. , Mackinnon Craig A.
Published: June 2004

Objective

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) is a rare, inheritable condition that can include dwarfism, cleft palate, and C1–2 instability. When repairing a cleft palate in a patient with SEDC, there is a significant risk of cord compression at the C1–2 level because of neck hyperextension required for the operation. This reports presents a patient with SEDC who underwent surgery for a cleft palate, using a Ferno vacuum splint to immobilize the spine.

Intervention

The patient underwent general anesthesia. Good access was gained to the palate, and it was repaired without any complications. Particular attention was paid to maintaining the neck in a neutral position.

Conclusions

The described technique provides the patient with the safest possible situation during anesthesia for cleft palate repair.
Longitudinal Craniofacial Growth Patterns in Patients with Orofacial Clefts: Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Singh G. D. , Rivera-Robles Jasmin , de Jesus-Vinas Jaime
Published: June 2004

Objective

To demonstrate craniofacial developmental patterns in repaired cleft lip and cleft palate (CLP).

Design

Retrospective, longitudinal.

Setting

Center for Craniofacial Disorders, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Sample

Males aged 9 to 17 years: 13 noncleft (NC) Class I occlusion (NCC1); 13 NC Class III malocclusion (NCC3); 12 CLP Class I occlusion (CLPC1); and 15 CLP Class III malocclusion (CLPC3).

Main Outcome Measures

Form changes (ages 10, 13, and 16 years), using finite-element scaling analysis.

Results

NCC1, 10 to 13 interval: 30% size increase in upper midface (p < .05), mental region (p < .01), mandibular body (p < .05); 13 to 16 interval: 10% to 35% size increase in bimaxillary region and ramus (p < .01). NCC3, 10 to 13 interval: 10% to 40% size increase in posterior cranial base, upper midface, and mandible (p < .05); 13 to 16 interval: 10% to 30% size increase in bimaxillary region (p < .01), especially ramus. CLPC1, 10 to 13 interval: 10% to 15% size increase in posterior cranial base (p < .01), midface (p < .05), and mandibular ramus (p < .05); 13 to 16 interval: 8% to 20% size increase in upper midface (p < .01), lower midface (p < .05), and mandible (p < .05). CLPC3, 10 to 13 interval: no significant changes; 13 to 16 interval: upper midface and cranial base show nonsignificant size decreases, but ramus showed size increase.

Conclusions

Noncleft and CLP Class 1 occlusion groups show similar craniofacial growth patterns. Noncleft Class III groups show excessive cranial and mandibular growth. Class III malocclusion in CLP patients is associated with clinically deficient craniomaxillary growth. Growth guidance may be indicated in children with CLP with unfavorable craniofacial growth patterns.
Reasons for Late Presentation of Cleft Deformity in Nepal
Authors: Schwarz Richard , Bhai Khadka Sanu
Published: June 2004

Objective

To determine the causes of late presentation of patients with cleft lip and palate in Nepal.

Design

Cross-sectional survey using interviews of patients’ parents.

Setting

The study was carried out between April 1999 and September 1999 in Western Regional Hospital (WRH), Pokhara, Nepal, a secondary care center.

Patients

All patients with cleft lip and palate coming to WRH outpatient department or coming for surgery were included in the study. Those without parents were excluded. A total of 53 patients were included.

Results

Forty-two (79%) presented after 3 months. The most common reasons were lack of knowledge of availability of repair (31%), lack of accessibility of care (29%), and lack of finances (24%).

Conclusions

In Nepal, the majority of patients with cleft present late, mainly because of a lack of awareness of cleft services, the remoteness of available services, or a lack of finances. These obstacles can be largely surmounted through itinerant services.
Topology-Optimized Splints vs Casts for Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Ma Honghong , Ruan Beite , Li Jian , Zhang Jiahui , Wu Changgui , Tian Hao , Zhao Yichen , Feng Debing , Yan Wei , Xi Xiaobing
Published: February 2024

Importance

To date, there is currently no evidence-based medical support for the efficacy of topology-optimized splints in treating distal radius fractures.

Objective

To assess the clinical efficacy and complication rates of topology-optimized splints in the treatment of distal radius fractures after closed manual reduction.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This 12-week, multicenter, open-label, analyst-blinded randomized clinical trial (comprising a 6-week intervention followed by a 6-week observational phase) was carried out from December 3, 2021, to March 10, 2023, among 110 participants with distal radius fractures. Statistical analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis between June 3 and 30, 2023.

Intervention

Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the intervention group received topology-optimized splint immobilization and the control group received cast immobilization after closed manual reduction for 6weeks. After this period, immobilization was removed, and wrist rehabilitation activities commenced.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the Gartland-Werley (G-W) wrist score at 6 weeks (where higher scores indicate more severe wrist dysfunction). Secondary outcomes encompassed radiographic parameters, visual analog scale scores, swelling degree grade, complication rates, and 3 dimensions of G-W wrist scores.

Results

A total of 110 patients (mean [SD] age, 64.1 [12.7] years; 89 women [81%]) enrolled in the clinical trial, and complete outcome measurements were obtained for 101 patients (92%). Median G-W scores at 6 weeks were 15 (IQR, 13-18) for the splint group and 17 (IQR, 13-18) for the cast group (mean difference, −2.0 [95% CI, −3.4 to −0.6]; P = .03), indicating a statistically significant advantage for the splint group. At 12 weeks, no clinically significant differences in G-W scores between the 2 groups were observed. Complication rates, including shoulder-elbow pain and dysfunction and skin irritation, were less common in the splint group (shoulder-elbow pain and dysfunction: risk ratio, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.08-0.93]; P = .03; skin irritation: risk ratio, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.10-0.89]; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings of this randomized clinical trial suggest that patients with distal radius fractures that were managed with topology-optimized splints had better wrist functional outcomes and fewer complications at 6 weeks compared with those who received casting, with no difference at week 12. Therefore, topology-optimized splints with improved performance have the potential to be an advisable approach in the management of distal radius fractures.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000036480
Mdm2‐mediated ubiquitination of PKCβII is responsible for insulin‐induced heterologous desensitization of dopamine D3 receptor
Authors: Zeng Xingyue , Wu ChengYan , Cao Yongkai , Li Huijun , Zhang Xiaohan
Published: February 2024

The insulin and dopaminergic systems in the brain are associated with schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease with respect to etiology and treatment. The present study investigated the crosstalk between the insulin receptor (IR) and dopamine receptor and found that insulin stimulation selectively inhibits signaling of D3R in a PKCβII‐dependent manner. Upon insulin stimulation, E3 ligase enzyme Mdm2 moves out of the nucleus to ubiquitinate PKCβII. Subsequently, ubiquitinated PKCβII translocates to the cell membrane and interacts with D3R in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner at S229/257, resulting in the attenuation of D3R signaling and initiating clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and downregulation. Considering that both IR and D3R are closely related to some neuropsychosis, this study could provide new molecular insight into the etiology of the disorder.
Analysis of respiratory‐induced motion trajectories of individual liver segments in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kato Takahiro , Takemasa Kimihiro , Ikeda Tomohiro , Sakagami Hisanori , Kato Ryohei , Narita Yuki , Oyama Sho , Komori Shinya , Yamaguchi Hisashi , Murakami Masao
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To analyze the respiratory‐induced motion trajectories of each liver segment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to derive a more accurate internal margin and optimize treatment protocol selection.

Materials and Methods

Ten‐phase‐gated four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scans of 14 patients with HCC were analyzed. For each patient, eight representative regions of interest (ROI) were delineated on each liver segment in all 10 phases. The coordinates of the center of gravity of each ROI were obtained for each phase, and then the respiratory motion in the left–right (LR), anteroposterior (AP), and craniocaudal (CC) directions was analyzed. Two sets of motion in each direction were also compared in terms of only two extreme phases and all 10 phases.

Results

Motion of less than 5 mm was detected in 12 (86%) and 10 patients (71%) in the LR and AP directions, respectively, while none in the CC direction. Motion was largest in the CC direction with a maximal value of 19.5 mm, with significant differences between liver segment 7 (S7) and other segments: S1 (p < 0.036), S2 (p < 0.041), S3 (p < 0.016), S4 (p < 0.041), and S5 (p < 0.027). Of the 112 segments, hysteresis >1 mm was observed in 4 (4%), 2 (2%), and 15 (13%) in the LR, AP, and CC directions, respectively, with a maximal value of 5.0 mm in the CC direction.

Conclusion

A significant amount of respiratory motion was detected in the CC direction, especially in S7, and S8. Despite the small effect of hysteresis, it can be observed specifically in the right lobe. Therefore, caution is required when using 4DCT to determine IM using only end‐inspiration and end‐expiration. Understanding the respiratory motion in individual liver segments can be helpful when selecting an appropriate treatment protocol.
Fatigue predicts quality of life after leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1‐antibody encephalitis
Authors: Binks Sophie N. M. , Veldsman Michele , Handel Adam E. , Jacob Saiju , Maddison Paul , Coebergh Jan , Michael Sophia , Ramanathan Sudarshini , Easton Ava , Nissen Mette Scheller , Leite Maria Isabel , Okai David , Blaabjerg Morten , Husain Masud , Irani Sarosh R.
Published: February 2024

Patient‐reported quality‐of‐life (QoL) and carer impacts are not reported after leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1‐antibody encephalitis (LGI1‐Ab‐E). From 60 patients, 85% (51 out of 60) showed one abnormal score across QoL assessments and 11 multimodal validated questionnaires. Compared to the premorbid state, QoL significantly deteriorated (p < 0.001) and, at a median of 41 months, fatigue was its most important predictor (p = 0.025). In total, 51% (26 out of 51) of carers reported significant burden. An abbreviated five‐item battery explained most variance in QoL. Wide‐ranging impacts post‐LGI1‐Ab‐E include decreased QoL and high caregiver strain. We identify a rapid method to capture QoL in routine clinic or clinical trial settings.
Study on the High Temperature Tensile Properties and Strengthening Mechanism of Nitrogen Containing Nickel‐Based Deposited Metals
Authors: Dai Zhiyong , Su Yunhai , Wang Yingdi , Yang Taisen , Liang Xuewei
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the tensile properties and strengthening mechanism of nitrogen‐containing nickel‐based flux cored welding wire deposited metal from room temperature to 900 °C. The results showed that the high‐temperature strength of the deposited metal increased with the addition of Tungsten and Nitrogen. When the temperature reaches 700 °C, M23C6 carbides begin to decompose. The alloying elements dissolve back into the matrix, and the solid solution strengthening effect minimizes the plasticity of the alloy. More carbonitrides are precipitated within the crystal with temperature. During high‐temperature deformation, carbonitrides fractures at the interface with the substrate due to difficulty in coordinating deformation. Therefore, the crack source formed greatly reduces the strength of the material. In addition, the stacking faults present in the low‐temperature zone have a significant impact on the work hardening of materials. The main deformation mechanism is the unit dislocation a/2 < 110> cutting precipitation phase. It can be observed that the dislocation cutting precipitation mechanism system has transformed into a dislocation bypassing precipitation mechanism system at intermediate. Finally, the anomalous yield strength (YS) and intermediate temperature brittleness phenomenon are reasonably explained. The main deformation mechanism gradually transforms into dislocation slip and climbing with temperature.
hBN‐Encapsulated Graphene Coupled to a Plasmonic Metasurface via 1D Electrodes for Photodetection Applications
Authors: Frydendahl Christian , Indukuri Sita Rama Krishna Chaitanya , Devidas Taget Raghavendran , Han Zhengli , Mazurski Noa , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Steinberg Hadar , Levy Uriel
Published: February 2024

It is shown here how encapsulated graphene devices can be laterally coupled to plasmonic metasurfaces via 1D edge contacts, preserving the high mobility of encapsulated graphene while enhancing optical coupling. The device is used for photodetection applications where high responsivities in the range of 100 A W−1 for most of the visible spectrum are reported. The device exhibits a photogating effect which is attributed to defect states in the encapsulating hBN layers. The results highlight a new configuration to couple graphene with plasmonic structures and points to a new type of device based on defect states and graphene's excellent transport properties to achieve photodetectors with ultrahigh responsivities.
Parallel Diffractive Multi‐Beam Pulsed‐Laser Ablation in Liquids Toward Cost‐Effective Gram Per Hour Nanoparticle Productivity
Authors: Khairani Inna Y. , Spellauge Maximilian , Riahi Farbod , Huber Heinz P. , Gökce Bilal , Doñate‐Buendía Carlos
Published: February 2024

Nanoparticles (NPs) generated by pulsed‐laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) have benefited many key applications due to their versatility, enlarged surface area, and high purity. However, scaling up NPs production represents one of the main requisites to commercialize this technology. The established upscaling strategy demands high power and repetition rate laser source with fast scanning systems, which are not widely available and costly. Herein, a cost‐effective alternative is proposed, the addition of static diffractive optical elements to achieve parallel processing through the multi‐beam PLAL (MB‐PLAL). In MB‐PLAL, the optimum repetition rate is reduced to compensate laser energy splitting, hence achieving a higher interpulse distance, reducing pulse shielding, and increasing NPs productivity. MB‐PLAL with 11 beams reached a factor 4 productivity increase for iron–nickel alloy (Fe50Ni50) NPs compared to the single‐beam setup (0.4–1.6 g h−1), and a factor 3 increase for gold (Au) NPs (0.32–0.94 g h−1). The scalability of the proposed MB‐PLAL technique setup is confirmed by Au and Fe50Ni50 NPs productivity experiments using 1, 6, and 11 beams, showing a linear increase in productivity.
Synergistic Effect of Anodic Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Interfaces for Long Cycle Life Aqueous Aluminum–Zinc Hybrid Ion Batteries
Authors: Lu Cheng , Wang Zhilong , Gao Jing , Li Jinjin , Wei Liangming
Published: February 2024

Aqueous aluminum ion batteries (AAIBs) have drawn considerable attention due to their intrinsic safety, cost‐effectiveness, eco‐friendliness, and high theoretical capacity of aluminum. Currently, suitable anode materials are crucial for the development of high‐performance AAIBs. For the first time, a hydrophilic (ZnCr2O4) and hydrophobic (PVDF) layer modified zinc anode paired with an aluminum‐based aqueous electrolyte to construct a high‐performance aluminum–zinc hybrid ion battery. The Hydrophilic ZnCr2O4 layer of anode endows the battery with low polarization by boosting the pre‐desolvation and deposition kinetics of aluminum/zinc ions. Meanwhile, the hydrophobic PVDF layer suppresses water‐induced corrosion of the anode. The synergistic effect of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers of the anode stimulates the battery to exhibit unprecedented cycle life (> 6000 cycles) and considerable discharge capacity (280 mAh g−1), compared to the batteries proposed in previous works paired with aluminum alloy anodes and aluminum‐based aqueous electrolytes. This novel anode provides powerful backing for the development of long‐life and high‐capacity aqueous polyvalent ion batteries due to its low cost and simple fabrication process.
The Impact of Semi‐Transparent Solar Panels on Tomato and Broccoli Growth
Authors: Lopez‐Zaplana Alvaro , Yepes‐Molina Lucia , Garcia‐Ibañez Paula , Garcia‐Hernandez Juan P. , Carvajal Micaela
Published: February 2024

The emergence of semi‐transparent solar panels offers opportunities for their application in greenhouses where the radiation is a critical issue. The light passing through these panels is often affected, leading to a decrease in certain wavelengths that could potentially impact plant growth and quality. To address this concern, this study is performed to investigate the growth and yield of tomato and broccoli plants cultivated under semi‐transparent photovoltaic solar panels compared to those grown under conventional greenhouse plastic. Their physiological and metabolic changes are also examined. A decrease in the yellow/green spectrum after installation of the solar panels is observed. In both plants, slight alterations are observed by solar panels, enhancing even the height of plants and fruit yield in case of tomato. However, both plants showed changes related to their photosynthetic activity and some metabolite concentration. Specifically, there are significant reductions in An (photosynthetic rate) and lower levels of trigonelline in plants grown under solar panels. These reductions may be attributed to the different radiation conditions experienced by the plants, which do not appear to directly impact plant growth. The obtained results highlight the promising potential of solar panel‐integrated greenhouses that optimize economic and energy benefits while maintaining product quality.
The oxidation of d‐galactose into mucic acid (galactaric acid): experimental and computational insights towards a bio‐based platform chemical
Authors: Pasquale Andrea , Chiacchio Maria Assunta , Acciaretti Federico , Della Pergola Roberto , Legnani Laura , Cipolla Laura
Published: February 2024

Aldaric acids are becoming valuable platform chemicals in bioeconomy and circular economy approaches. Among them, mucic acid (meso‐galactaric acid) is gaining industrial attention as a bio‐based precursor of adipic acid found in polyamides, and of 2,5‐furan dicarboxylic acid, a valuable substitute for terephthalic acid in polyesters. A combination of detailed experimental protocols and conditions with DFT computational calculations for the synthesis of mucic acid from galactose are herein described. The product is obtained by reaction with diluted aqueous nitric acid as the oxidizing agent and the reaction medium. Optimized reaction conditions require 5 M nitric acid, 95 °C, galactose/HNO3 molar ratio 1 : 9, 100 g/L galactose concentration in the reaction medium. Computational calculations suggest that the oxidation mechanism may involve a contextual oxygen protonation and nitrate nucleophilic attack, leading to the oxidized product. The proposed mechanism requires a stoichiometry of 6 moles of nitric acid per galactose mole, albeit both experimental and computational data evidence that proton excess may be necessary to start the reaction. The reported study gives useful insights for the production of galactaric acid.
Nano boron nitride laminated poly(ethyl methacrylate)/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films imprinted with silver nanoparticles as gas barrier and bacteria resistant packaging materials
Authors: Behera Jayaprakash , Patra Swapnita , Nazrul Shaikh , Sharma Satendra Kumar , Kumar Deepak , Verma Mahendra Kumar , Katare Anil Kumar , Swain Sarat K.
Published: February 2024

Herein, nano boron nitride (BN) laminated poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite films are fabricated by using a simple in situ polymerization technique with incorporation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Structural investigations of PEMA/PVA/Ag@BN nanocomposite thin films are carried out by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction analysis, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry. The change in morphology of PEMA/PVA matrix due to the reinforcement of BN platelets are identified by electron microscopic studies. The unique tortuous paths are achieved by the dispersion of BN platelets by which gas penetration is restricted with enhancing the barrier properties of the material by 6.5 folds at 5 wt% BN content as compared with neat PEMA/PVA. Acid and alkali resistant along with biodegradability behavior of as‐synthesized nanocomposites are studied. From limiting oxygen index (LOI) results, it is found that the prepared materials are fire retardant in nature owing to effective reinforcement of BN layers. Antibacterial activities of PEMA/PVA/Ag@BN nanocomposite are studied by Xanthomonas citri or axonopodis pv. Citri, Escherichia coli, and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae because of Ag NPs reinforcement. The substantial improvements in gas barrier, fire retardant, and antibacterial properties enable the materials for packaging application.
The Ushnus in the astronomy of the Inca culture
Authors: Gamarra Milton Rojas , Estrázulas Mônica Baptista Pereira , Gullberg Steven R. , Zen Vasconcellos César A.
Published: February 2024

Inferences are made about the relationship that existed between the Ushnus, pyramid‐shaped, terraced structures used by the Incas in the most important ceremonies of the Tawantinsuyo, and Inka Astronomy. We draw attention to Ayni, Kawsaypacha, Duality, and Tinkuy principles, multidimensional codes of conduct and wisdom that are at the root of the Andean cosmovision and on their perception of the world and the Cosmos. These principles, examined as postulates, allow to elaborate axiomatic propositions to identify the Ushnus with ancient Astronomy practices. In a complementary statement, starting from a bi‐conditional proposition, we may infer through reciprocal corollaries that the Inka earliest roots to a holistic learning and educational ambient in the Tawantinsuyo was not elitist, instead it was based on a epistemological construct that differs from the corresponding Western educational ambients. An epistemological and cognitive approach allows to identify an ancient elaborate process of knowledge construction, based on the four fundamental principles, corresponding to different levels of assimilation and comprehension. As a complementary aspect, we identify some of the most preserved Ushnus of the Inka “Empire.” Then we complement this contribution with a broader interpretation for the Ushnus.
Astrophysical approach to search for heavy neutrino decay
Authors: Sinitsyna Vera G. , Sinitsyna Vera Y.
Published: February 2024

Cosmic rays are a very valuable tool of multi‐messenger astrophysics, as they provide a very different picture of the sky. During the past decades, a large number of active astrophysical objects in our Galaxy and beyond have been discovered through the detection of gamma‐rays with Cherenkov telescopes. Cosmic rays, neutrinos have been successfully supplementing the astronomical view. Also, cosmic rays may offer to investigation of the elementary particle properties. Neutrino telescope detects the Cherenkov radiation generated in water or ice by the passage of relativistic charged particles produced by neutrino collisions with nucleons in the detector volume. Some alternative approaches have been proposed. One of them is using earth matter or mountains as a target volume for the conversion of neutrinos to leptons which then initiate extensive air showers (EAS) in the atmosphere, then showers can be detected by the Cherenkov telescope. Investigations with SHALON Cherenkov telescope have included observations of EAS from the sub‐horizontal direction . Five EAS of ∼10 TeV energies were detected with SHALON from the sub‐horizontal directions in the conditions with the zero expected number of showers. These events may be caused by the decay of a long‐lived penetrating particle entering the atmosphere from the ground and decaying in front of the telescope. As a possible explanation, two scenarios with an unstable neutrino of mass GeV and m is discussed. Remarkably, one of these models has been proposed to explain an excess of electron‐like neutrino events at MiniBooNE.
α‐Silylated Diazoalkynes: New Tools for Bioconjugation of Proteins
Authors: Zhao Tuan , Sachon Emmanuelle , Micouin Laurent , Piccardi Riccardo
Published: February 2024

α‐Silylated diazoalkynes are stabilized diazo compounds that can selectively react with carboxylic residues in buffered aqueous media. In‐situ fluoride induced desilylation increases this reactivity, leading to a very fast reaction. Application to the selective functionalization of RNase A, followed by post‐functionalization using click chemistry, is described. These new reagents expand the toolbox for native protein modification at carboxylic residues.
Naturalistic symptom trajectories of atypical anorexia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa in a prospective cohort study of United States college students
Authors: Hagan Kelsey E. , Johnson Adanya , Venables Kira , Makara Amanda ,   The Spit for Science Working Group, Haynos Ann F.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Research on the natural course of symptoms of atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) relative to AN and bulimia nervosa (BN) is limited yet needed to inform nosology and improve understanding of atypical AN. This study aimed to 1) characterize trajectories of eating disorder and internalizing (anxiety, depression) symptoms in college students with and without a history of atypical AN, AN, and BN; and 2) compare sex and race/ethnicity distributions across groups.

Method

United States college students who participated in Spit for Science™, a prospective cohort study, were classified as having a history of atypical AN (n = 125), AN (n = 160), BN (n = 617), or as non‐eating‐disorder controls (NCs, n = 5876). Generalized and linear mixed‐effects models assessed group differences in eating and internalizing symptom trajectories, and logistic regression compared groups on sex and race/ethnicity distributions.

Results

Atypical AN participants demonstrated elevated eating disorder and internalizing symptoms compared to NCs during college, but less severe symptoms than AN and BN participants. Although all eating disorder groups showed signs of improvement in fasting and driven exercise, purging and depression remained elevated. Atypical AN participants showed increasing anxiety and stable binge‐eating trajectories compared to AN and/or BN participants. The atypical AN group comprised significantly more people of color than the AN group.

Discussion

Findings underscore that atypical AN is a severe psychiatric disorder. As atypical AN may present as less severe than AN and BN and disproportionately affects people of color, clinicians should be mindful of biases that could delay diagnosis and care.

Public Significance

College students with histories of atypical AN, AN, and BN demonstrated improvements in fasting and driven exercise and stable purging and depression levels. Atypical AN students showed worsening anxiety and stable binge‐eating trajectories compared to favorable changes among AN and BN students. A higher percentage of atypical AN (vs. AN) students were people of color. Findings may improve the detection of atypical AN in college students.
Penalized distributed lag interaction model: Air pollution, birth weight, and neighborhood vulnerability
Authors: Demateis Danielle , Keller Kayleigh P. , Rojas‐Rueda David , Kioumourtzoglou Marianthi‐Anna , Wilson Ander
Published: February 2024

Maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy has a substantial public health impact. Epidemiological evidence supports an association between maternal exposure to air pollution and low birth weight. A popular method to estimate this association while identifying windows of susceptibility is a distributed lag model (DLM), which regresses an outcome onto exposure history observed at multiple time points. However, the standard DLM framework does not allow for modification of the association between repeated measures of exposure and the outcome. We propose a distributed lag interaction model that allows modification of the exposure‐time‐response associations across individuals by including an interaction between a continuous modifying variable and the exposure history. Our model framework is an extension of a standard DLM that uses a cross‐basis, or bi‐dimensional function space, to simultaneously describe both the modification of the exposure‐response relationship and the temporal structure of the exposure data. Through simulations, we showed that our model with penalization out‐performs a standard DLM when the true exposure‐time‐response associations vary by a continuous variable. Using a Colorado, USA birth cohort, we estimated the association between birth weight and ambient fine particulate matter air pollution modified by an area‐level metric of health and social adversities from Colorado EnviroScreen.
Advancing RCCI engine performance via optimal acetylene premix ratios and advanced diesel injection timing: An experimental investigation
Authors: Deb Parthasarathi , Paul Abhishek
Published: February 2024

Reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) stands out as an innovative combustion strategy, effectively reconciling stringent emission regulations with precise combustion management and optimal engine performance. In this research, the influence of injection timing of diesel, acting as highly reactive fuel (HRF), alongside variable premix ratios of acetylene, a low reactive fuel (LRF), operating within the RCCI framework has been investigated. In a first‐of‐its‐kind attempt, with a thorough experimental design, the present investigation encompasses a progressive advancement of HRF injection timing, extending up to 110° CA bTDC with 20° CA increments, coupled with LRF integration at premix ratios of up to 70%. Optimal operational conditions materialize at an HRF injection timing advancement of 90° CA bTDC, complemented by a 40% LRF contribution. This configuration yields substantial gains, including a 28.2% upsurge in the cylinder pressure and an 18.6% elevation in the cylinder temperature compared to conventional diesel (CDC) operations. Additionally, the combustion process exhibits an advanced start of combustion (SoC) relative to the CDC baseline, with an 8.53% decline in heat release rate, at 40% LRF enrichment. Under optimal circumstances, moderate hydrocarbon (HC) emissions are noted, while smoke emissions experience a noteworthy reduction of 55.9%, all the while upholding overall output performance. A remarkable 69.8% peak increase in brake thermal efficiency is attained, underscoring the merits of judiciously advancing HRF injection timing and extending LRF utilization within the RCCI paradigm. Thus, the study underscores the synergistic potential between augmented HRF injection timing and controlled LRF integration, offering a promising avenue for elevating the RCCI approach.
D‐tryptophan, an eco‐friendly natural, safe, and healthy compound with antimicrobial activity against food‐borne pathogens: A systematic review
Authors: Moghimani Minoo , Noori Seyyed Mohammad Ali , Afshari Asma , Hashemi Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Recently, the use of D‐amino acids as food preservatives has attracted considerable attention because these natural compounds do not have adverse effects on human health. In addition, D‐amino acids such as D‐tryptophan can reduce the harmful effects of other treatments. For instance, the use of D‐tryptophan in food reduces the requirement for high temperatures and their damaging effects on nutrients such as proteins and vitamins. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of D‐tryptophan on food‐borne pathogens in vitro and in food models. To identify related studies, scientific digital databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched from January 2000 to February 2023. The results of the studies showed that when D‐tryptophan was used with other stresses such as using different salt concentrations, refrigeration, or high temperatures, it showed significant antimicrobial effects on Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative food‐borne pathogens, and antibiofilm impacts were also observed with D‐tryptophan. Since studies have shown that the antimicrobial activity of D‐tryptophan depends on several factors, including the pathogen strain, the type of stress, and the concentration of D‐tryptophan, and every article has focused on one of these factors, there is a need for a systematic review that summarizes and concludes the effect of all these factors on the antimicrobial activity of D‐tryptophan against food‐borne pathogens.
Topographic metabolism‐function relationships in Alzheimer's disease: A simultaneous PET/MRI study
Authors: Li Wenli , Zhang Miao , Huang Ruodong , Hu Jialin , Wang Lijun , Ye Guanyu , Meng Hongping , Lin Xiaozhu , Liu Jun , Li Biao , Zhang Yaoyu , Li Yao
Published: February 2024

Disruptions of neural metabolism and function occur in parallel during Alzheimer's disease (AD). While many studies have shown diverse metabolic‐functional relationships in specific brain regions, much less is known about how large‐scale network‐level functional activity is associated with the topology of metabolism in AD. In this study, we took the advantages of simultaneous PET/MRI and multivariate analyses to investigate the associations between AD‐related stereotypical spatial patterns (topographies) of glucose metabolism, measured by fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and functional connectivity, measured by resting‐state functional MRI. A total of 101 participants, including 37 patients with AD, 25 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 39 cognitively normal controls, underwent PET/MRI scans and cognitive assessments. Three pairs of distinct but optimally correlated metabolic and functional topographies were identified, encompassing large‐scale networks including the default‐mode, executive and control, salience, attention, and subcortical networks. Importantly, the metabolic‐functional associations were not only limited to one‐to‐one‐corresponding regions, but also occur in remote and non‐overlapping regions. Furthermore, both glucose metabolism and functional connectivity, as well as their linkages, exhibited various degrees of disruptions in patients with MCI and AD, and were correlated with cognitive decline. In conclusion, our results support distributed and heterogeneous topographic associations between metabolism and function, which are jeopardized by AD. Findings of this study may deepen our understanding of the pathological mechanism of AD through the perspectives of both local energy efficiency and long‐term interactions between synaptic disruption and functional disconnection contributing to the clinical symptomatology in AD.
Investigating the synergistic effects of hormone replacement therapy, apolipoprotein E and age on brain health in the UK Biobank
Authors: Ambikairajah Ananthan , Khondoker Mizanur , Morris Edward , de Lange Ann‐Marie G. , Saleh Rasha N. M. , Minihane Anne Marie , Hornberger Michael
Published: February 2024

Global prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease has a strong sex bias, with women representing approximately two‐thirds of the patients. Yet, the role of sex‐specific risk factors during midlife, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and their interaction with other major risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease, such as apolipoprotein E (APOE)‐e4 genotype and age, on brain health remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between HRT (i.e., use, age of initiation and duration of use) and brain health (i.e., cognition and regional brain volumes). We then consider the multiplicative effects of HRT and APOE status (i.e., e2/e2, e2/e3, e3/e3, e3/e4 and e4/e4) via a two‐way interaction and subsequently age of participants via a three‐way interaction. Women from the UK Biobank with no self‐reported neurological conditions were included (N = 207,595 women, mean age = 56.25 years, standard deviation = 8.01 years). Generalised linear regression models were computed to quantify the cross‐sectional association between HRT and brain health, while controlling for APOE status, age, time since attending centre for completing brain health measure, surgical menopause status, smoking history, body mass index, education, physical activity, alcohol use, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, vascular/heart problems and diabetes diagnosed by doctor. Analyses of structural brain regions further controlled for scanner site. All brain volumes were normalised for head size. Two‐way interactions between HRT and APOE status were modelled, in addition to three‐way interactions including age. Results showed that women with the e4/e4 genotype who have used HRT had 1.82% lower hippocampal, 2.4% lower parahippocampal and 1.24% lower thalamus volumes than those with the e3/e3 genotype who had never used HRT. However, this interaction was not detected for measures of cognition. No clinically meaningful three‐way interaction between APOE, HRT and age was detected when interpreted relative to the scales of the cognitive measures used and normative models of ageing for brain volumes in this sample. Differences in hippocampal volume between women with the e4/e4 genotype who have used HRT and those with the e3/e3 genotype who had never used HRT are equivalent to approximately 1–2 years of hippocampal atrophy observed in typical health ageing trajectories in midlife (i.e., 0.98%–1.41% per year). Effect sizes were consistent within APOE e4/e4 group post hoc sensitivity analyses, suggesting observed effects were not solely driven by APOE status and may, in part, be attributed to HRT use. Although, the design of this study means we cannot exclude the possibility that women who have used HRT may have a predisposition for poorer brain health.
Agmatine ameliorates valproic acid‐induced depletion of parvalbumin‐positive neuron
Authors: Khoram‐Abadi Khadijeh Mirzaee , Basiri Mohsen , Nemati Mozhdeh , Nozari Masoumeh
Published: February 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a widespread neurodevelopmental disorder with unknown etiology. Dysfunction of several brain areas including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and cerebellum is involved in cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with ASD. Several studies have reported a reduction in the number of parvalbumin‐immunoreactive (PV+) neurons in brain areas of ASD patients and animal models such as a shank mutant mouse model and rodents receiving fetal valproic acid (VPA) administration. Developing therapeutic interventions that restore PV interneurons can be the future therapeutic approach to ASD. The present study examined the possible effect of agmatine (AG), an endogenous NMDA antagonist, on the number of PV+ neurons in a VPA animal model of autism. The therapeutic effects of AG in ameliorating ASD‐like behaviors were previously reported in VPA rats. AG was gavaged at dosages of 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mg/kg from gestational day (GD) 6.5 to 18.5, and the number of PV interneurons was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in the 1‐month‐old rats. Prenatal VPA (GD 12.5) or AG led to a decrease of PV neurons in the PFC, Cornu ammonia (CA1), and molecular layers (MLs) of the cerebellum. However, exposure to AG restored the PV population induced by VPA. AG may modify underlying neuronal mechanisms resulting in the increased survival or restoration of the PV population.