bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying edema in skin tissue in children after cardiac surgery: the QuEST study
Authors: Gelbart Ben , Kapalavai Sudeep Kumar , Marchesini Vanessa , Veysey Andrea , Serratore Alyssa , Appleyard Jessica , Bellomo Rinaldo , Butt Warwick , Duke Trevor
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To investigate the validity of a 19-point clinical edema score (CES) and mid-limb circumferences for quantifying edema.

Methods

A prospective exploratory study was performed in mechanically ventilated children after cardiac surgery in a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Body weight, a CES, and mid-limb circumferences were performed at baseline and two consecutive 24-h intervals.

Results

We studied fifty-nine children with a median age of 8.0 days [IQR; 1.0, 14.0]. Body weight and edema measurements were performed at enrolment (baseline) and two subsequent 24-h time points. Between baseline and 24 h, the median change in body weight was −33g [IQR; −146, 106], and between 24 and 48 h, −97g [IQR; −241, −28]. Changes in the CES and leg circumference, but not arm circumference, were significantly associated with small changes in body weight. In a multivariable linear, mixed effects model, accounting for repeated measures within children and baseline values, there was statistically significant evidence that every point increase in CES was associated with an increase of 12.6 g [95%CI; 3.6–21.5] in body weight. Similarly, a 1-cm increase in leg circumference was associated with an increase in body weight of 46.7 g [95%CI; 3.5–89.9]. However, there was no statistically significant association between arm circumference and body weight.

Conclusions

In children after cardiac surgery, a CES and leg circumference, but not arm circumference, may be a valid measure of fluid accumulation. Larger studies in broader populations of critically ill children are warranted.
LUMINOSITY, SPIRIT, AND THE ROLE OF CLAPPER-BELLS IN THE FORMATION OF A CHINESE METALLURGICAL TRADITION
Authors: Allan Sarah , Han Ding
Published: March 2024

This article explores the manner in which the Eurasian metallurgical tradition was transformed into an indigenous tradition on the Chinese Central Plains. It argues that the association of luminosity with the divine has a cognitive foundation, which accounts for the use translucent stones and shiny metals, including copper, bronze, silver, and gold as mediums for religious artifacts throughout the world. In China, this association was the primary impetus for the development of an indigenous metallurgy based on a piece-mold and coring technology. Although the technology ultimately concentrated on the production of ritual vessels, it was first developed at Yanshi Erlitou 偃師二里頭 for the production of clapper-bells (ling 鈴), which had similar round hollow bodies.

We further explore the history of clapper-bells, arguing that they were a development of a Central Plains tradition dating back to the Yangshao 仰韶 period (5000–3000 b.c.e.). We argue that their religious significance at Erlitou lay in the previously unheard sound produced when the two luminous substances, jade and bronze, struck against one another. Thus, religious interlocutors at Erlitou used them to contact the ancestral spirits. Later, in the Yinxu 殷墟 period of the Shang Dynasty (ca. 1300–1050 b.c.e.), bronze clapper-bells were worn by dogs buried in tombs. We propose that their role there was a development of the earlier one; that is, they were used to contact the occupant's ancestral spirits as he was guided by the dog in the underworld.
The Constitutive Power of Public Debate
Authors: Lambek Simon
Published: March 2024

Public debates structure election cycles, feature in news media, and are privileged as a form of academic exchange. Yet, public debate is poorly understood from the perspective of political theory. While theorists often talk about “public debate,” they usually mean diffuse discussion on a topic in the public sphere. This article considers how literal public debates—multisided, publicly accessible and publicly oriented performances of reason-giving—may be normatively distinct from other forms of rhetoric. Drawing on the “constructivist turn” in the scholarship on representation and the philosophy of Gadamer, I offer a hermeneutical approach for assessing public debates. I argue that public debates do not merely provide a platform for opinions to be broadcast, they also purport to provide a representative spectrum of opinions. In so doing, they help to construct the borders of the public sphere itself. I conclude by considering the significance of protest to public debate.
Alternative spaces of encounter: Characterological metadiscourses and ‘joint voice’ in Finnish multi-ethnic inclusive theater
Authors: Visakko Tomi
Published: March 2024

This article explores the characterological metadiscourses through which characters, or figures of personhood, become modeled, evaluated, and enacted during a multi-ethnic, community-inclusive theater project that aims to make the group's ‘joint voice’ heard on stage and in society. Based on ethnographic data and discourse-analytical methods, the article examines two modes of characterological metadiscourse that contribute to the construction of an ‘alternative’ discursive space that allows the group to reflect on and to experiment with everyday social interactions. First, the article analyzes writing and conversation tasks that deal with experiences of ethnicization and inequality. Second, the article analyzes exercises in acting techniques, in which the focus turns to universal characterological dimensions, enabling each participant to participate in the joint voice as an equal performer. The analyses illuminate a local strategy of managing multi-ethnic relations and committing to ideals of solidarity and egalitarianism with the purpose of collective social action. (Voice, entextualization, interdiscursivity, ethnicity, raciolinguistics, theater)*
Family risk, parental cortisol contagion, and parenting: A process-oriented approach to spillover
Authors: Li Zhi , Sturge-Apple Melissa L. , Swerbenski Hannah G. , Liu Siwei , Davies Patrick T.
Published: March 2024

This multi-method longitudinal study sought to investigate linkage in parental neuroendocrine functioning – indicated by cortisol – over two measurement occasions. In addition, we examined how parental cortisol linkage may operate as an intermediate factor in the cascade of contextual risks and parenting. Participants were 235 families with a young child (Mage = 33.56, 36.00 years for mothers and fathers respectively), who were followed for two annual measurement occasions. Parental cortisol linkage was measured around a laboratory conflict discussion task at both measurement occasions (i.e., pre-discussion, 20- and 40-minute post-discussion for each measurement occasion). Maternal and paternal parenting behavior was observed during a parent-child discipline discussion task. Findings indicated similar levels of cortisol linkage between parents over the two measurement occasions. Furthermore, cortisol linkage between parents operated as an intermediate factor between contextual risks and more compromised parenting behavior. That is, greater contextual risks, indicated by greater neighborhood risk and interparental conflict, were linked to greater cortisol linkage between parents over time, which was in turn linked to greater authoritarian parenting during parent-child interaction. Findings highlighted the importance of understanding physiological-linkage processes with respect to the impact of contextual risks on family functioning and may have crucial implications for clinical work.
Exploring adolescents’ experiences of talking about race, ethnicity and culture during dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): a qualitative study using thematic analysis
Authors: Lei Jiedi , Watkins-Muleba Bec , Sobogun Ireoluwa , Dixey Rebecca , Bagnall Holly , Camp Jake
Published: March 2024

Although anti-racist adaptations to dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) are emerging, little qualitative research exists exploring adolescents’ perspectives on therapists’ approach, cultural competency and humility regarding ethnicity, race and culture (ERC) within DBT. This study explored diverse adolescents’ experiences of talking about ERC during all aspects of DBT treatment. Ten adolescents from diverse ERC backgrounds who attended DBT at a National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (UK) completed semi-structured individual interviews that were transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, adopting a critical realist approach. Five over-arching themes were developed from the data. Theme 1 captures the power for explicit ERC-related conversations to facilitate change, as they are frequently overlooked in therapy. Theme 2 discusses factors that facilitate or inhibit ERC-related discussions. Theme 3 captures the difficult ‘double bind’ that adolescents find themselves in: not wanting to be a spokesperson for ERC issues whilst hoping for their therapist to facilitate/model ERC-related discussions. Theme 4 explores how adolescents navigated their identity in relation to ERC, their wider systemic context, and experiences of ERC-related trauma. Theme 5 explored therapeutic alliance, and how therapists might encourage DBT skills use with greater ERC sensitivity, emphasising validation. Using a bottom-up approach, we show a clear mandate from diverse adolescents for (White) clinicians to proactively create the space and safety required for ERC-related discussions. We emphasise the importance of anti-racist praxis including cultural humility, multi-cultural competencies, and validation of ERC-related difficult experiences within a wider systemic context.

Key learning aims

(1)

A recent publication by Pierson et al. (2022) has raised the importance for White DBT therapists to adopt an anti-racist position and actively reflect on how a lack of anti-racist stance can form therapist treatment-interfering behaviours.

(2)

The current study explores the views of adolescents from diverse ethnic, racial and cultural (ERC) backgrounds on how ERC issues are being brought into DBT.

(3)

Adopting a bottom-up approach, we identify key themes from adolescents’ perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to talking about ERC in the therapy room, why such discussions are important in supporting adolescents to navigate their own identity in therapy, and recommendations for clinicians to consider on ways of increasing and enhancing such conversations in the clinical setting.
Measuring and Modeling Methane Emissions in Wetlands
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: March 2024

Scientists zero in on a Delaware salt marsh to study what shapes methane emissions in wetland environments.
High-performance terahertz modulators induced by substrate field in Te-based all-2D heterojunctions
Authors: Zhang Pujing , Liang Qihang , Zhou Qingli , Chen Jinyu , Li Menglei , Deng Yuwang , Liang Wanlin , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Ge Chen , Jin Kui-juan , Zhang Cunlin , Yang Guozhen
Published: March 2024

High-performance active terahertz modulators as the indispensable core components are of great importance for the next generation communication technology. However, they currently suffer from the tradeoff between modulation depth and speed. Here, we introduce two-dimensional (2D) tellurium (Te) nanofilms with the unique structure as a new class of optically controlled terahertz modulators and demonstrate their integrated heterojunctions can successfully improve the device performances to the optimal and applicable levels among the existing all-2D broadband modulators. Further photoresponse measurements confirm the significant impact of the stacking order. We first clarify the direction of the substrate-induced electric field through first-principles calculations and uncover the unusual interaction mechanism in the photoexcited carrier dynamics associated with the charge transfer and interlayer exciton recombination. This advances the fundamental and applicative research of Te nanomaterials in high-performance terahertz optoelectronics.
Global, regional, and national burden of type 1 diabetes in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Gong Boshen , Yang Wanyu , Xing Yumin , Lai Yaxin , Shan Zhongyan
Published: March 2024

Background

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence in adolescents varies widely, but has increased globally in recent years. This study reports T1D burden among adolescents and young adults aged 10–24-year-old age group at global, regional, and national levels.

Methods

Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we described the burden of T1D in the 10–24-year-old age group. We further analyzed these trends by age, sex, and the Social Development Index. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess temporal trends.

Results

T1D incidence among adolescents and young adults increased from 7·78 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 5·27–10·60) in 1990 to 11·07 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 7·42–15·34) in 2019. T1D mortality increased from 5701·19 (95% UI, 4642·70–6444·08) in 1990 to 6,123·04 (95% UI, 5321·82–6887·08) in 2019, representing a 7·40% increase in mortality. The European region had the highest T1D incidence in 2019. Middle-SDI countries exhibited the largest increase in T1D incidence between 1990 and 2019.

Conclusion

T1D is a growing health concern globally, and T1D burden more heavily affects countries with low SDI. Specific measures and effective collaboration among countries with different SDIs are required to improve diabetes care in adolescents.

Impact

We assessed trends in T1D incidence and burden among youth in the 10–24-year-old age group by evaluating data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Our results demonstrated that global T1D incidence in this age group increased over the past 30 years, with the European region having the highest T1D incidence.

Specific measures and effective collaboration among countries with different SDIs are required to improve diabetes care in adolescents.
Lin28 affects the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells by directly inhibiting let-7b maturation
Authors: Yan Liu , Sun Jing , Wang Yushan , Liu Xinxin , Hu Jiayi , Sun Mengxin , Suo Xi , Duan Rongquan , Yuan Changyong
Published: March 2024

Objective

Activation of Lin28 gene under certain conditions promotes tissue damage repair. However, it remains unknown whether conditional expression of Lin28 facilitates the recovery of damaged pulp tissue. In the study, we focus on exploring the effects and possible regulatory mechanisms of Lin28 on the proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).

Materials and methods

We adopted techniques such as the ethynyl-2ʹ-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay, RNA-protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis, and luciferase assays to study the regulation of hDPSCs by Lin28. Furthermore, gain-of-function and loss-of-function analyses were also used in explored factors regulating hDPSCs activation.

Results

The results show that Lin28 inhibited osteogenic differentiation by directly targets pre-let-7b. Through bioinformatics sequencing and dual luciferase experiments we learned that let-7b directly targets the IGF2BP2 3’UTR. Silencing of IGF2BP2 showed a similar biological effect as overexpression of let-7b. Overexpression of IGF2BP2 counteracted the differentiation-promoting effects produced by let-7b overexpression.

Discussion/conclusions

In conclusion, the RNA-binding protein Lin28 regulates osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs by inhibiting let-7 miRNA maturation. And mature let-7b directly regulated the expression of IGF2BP2 by targeting the 3’UTR region of IGF2BP2 mRNA thus further inhibiting the differentiation of hDPSCs.
Brain regulates weight bearing bone through PGE2 skeletal interoception: implication of ankle osteoarthritis and pain
Authors: Gao Feng , Hu Qimiao , Chen Wenwei , Li Jilong , Qi Cheng , Yan Yiwen , Qian Cheng , Wan Mei , Ficke James , Zheng Junying , Cao Xu
Published: March 2024

Bone is a mechanosensitive tissue and undergoes constant remodeling to adapt to the mechanical loading environment. However, it is unclear whether the signals of bone cells in response to mechanical stress are processed and interpreted in the brain. In this study, we found that the hypothalamus of the brain regulates bone remodeling and structure by perceiving bone prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration in response to mechanical loading. Bone PGE2 levels are in proportion to their weight bearing. When weight bearing changes in the tail-suspension mice, the PGE2 concentrations in bones change in line with their weight bearing changes. Deletion of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) in the osteoblast lineage cells or knockout of receptor 4 (EP4) in sensory nerve blunts bone formation in response to mechanical loading. Moreover, knockout of TrkA in sensory nerve also significantly reduces mechanical load-induced bone formation. Moreover, mechanical loading induces cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) to inhibit sympathetic tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) for osteogenesis. Finally, we show that elevated PGE2 is associated with ankle osteoarthritis (AOA) and pain. Together, our data demonstrate that in response to mechanical loading, skeletal interoception occurs in the form of hypothalamic processing of PGE2-driven peripheral signaling to maintain physiologic bone homeostasis, while chronically elevated PGE2 can be sensed as pain during AOA and implication of potential treatment.
Hybrid-order topological superconductivity in a topological metal 1T’-MoTe2
Authors: Huang Sheng-Jie , Park Kyungwha , Hsu Yi-Ting
Published: March 2024

One key challenge in the field of topological superconductivity (Tsc) has been the rareness of material realization. This is true not only for the first-order Tsc featuring Majorana surface modes, but also for the higher-order Tsc, which host Majorana hinge and corner modes. Here, we propose a four-step strategy that mathematically derives comprehensive guiding principles for the search and design for materials of general higher-order Tsc phases. Specifically, such recipes consist of conditions on the normal state and pairing symmetry that can lead to a given higher-order Tsc state. We demonstrate this strategy by obtaining recipes for achieving three-dimensional higher-order Tsc phases protected by the inversion symmetry. Following our recipe, we predict that the observed superconductivity in centrosymmetric MoTe2 is a hyrbid-order Tsc candidate, which features both surface and corner modes. Our proposed strategy enables systematic materials search and design for higher-order Tsc, which can mobilize the experimental efforts and accelerate the material discovery for higher-order Tsc phases.
Population coding of strategic variables during foraging in freely moving macaques
Authors: Shahidi Neda , Franch Melissa , Parajuli Arun , Schrater Paul , Wright Anthony , Pitkow Xaq , Dragoi Valentin
Published: March 2024

Until now, it has been difficult to examine the neural bases of foraging in naturalistic environments because previous approaches have relied on restrained animals performing trial-based foraging tasks. Here we allowed unrestrained monkeys to freely interact with concurrent reward options while we wirelessly recorded population activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The animals decided when and where to forage based on whether their prediction of reward was fulfilled or violated. This prediction was not solely based on a history of reward delivery, but also on the understanding that waiting longer improves the chance of reward. The task variables were continuously represented in a subspace of the high-dimensional population activity, and this compressed representation predicted the animal’s subsequent choices better than the true task variables and as well as the raw neural activity. Our results indicate that monkeys’ foraging strategies are based on a cortical model of reward dynamics as animals freely explore their environment.
Quantification of myocardial scar of different etiology using dark- and bright-blood late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Jada Lamis , Holtackers Robert J. , Martens Bibi , Nies Hedwig M. J. M. , Van De Heyning Caroline M. , Botnar Rene M. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Ismail Tevfik F. , Razavi Reza , Chiribiri Amedeo
Published: March 2024

Dark-blood late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) has been shown to improve the visualization and quantification of areas of ischemic scar compared to standard bright-blood LGE. Recently, the performance of various semi-automated quantification methods has been evaluated for the assessment of infarct size using both dark-blood LGE and conventional bright-blood LGE with histopathology as a reference standard. However, the impact of this sequence on different quantification strategies in vivo remains uncertain. In this study, various semi-automated scar quantification methods were evaluated for a range of different ischemic and non-ischemic pathologies encountered in clinical practice. A total of 62 patients referred for clinical cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) were retrospectively included. All patients had a confirmed diagnosis of either ischemic heart disease (IHD; n = 21), dilated/non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM; n = 21), or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM; n = 20) and underwent CMR on a 1.5 T scanner including both bright- and dark-blood LGE using a standard PSIR sequence. Both methods used identical sequence settings as per clinical protocol, apart from the inversion time parameter, which was set differently. All short-axis LGE images with scar were manually segmented for epicardial and endocardial borders. The extent of LGE was then measured visually by manual signal thresholding, and semi-automatically by signal thresholding using the standard deviation (SD) and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) methods. For all quantification methods in the IHD group, except the 6 SD method, dark-blood LGE detected significantly more enhancement compared to bright-blood LGE (p < 0.05 for all methods). For both bright-blood and dark-blood LGE, the 6 SD method correlated best with manual thresholding (16.9% vs. 17.1% and 20.1% vs. 20.4%, respectively). For the NICM group, no significant differences between LGE methods were found. For bright-blood LGE, the 5 SD method agreed best with manual thresholding (9.3% vs. 11.0%), while for dark-blood LGE the 4 SD method agreed best (12.6% vs. 11.5%). Similarly, for the HCM group no significant differences between LGE methods were found. For bright-blood LGE, the 6 SD method agreed best with manual thresholding (10.9% vs. 12.2%), while for dark-blood LGE the 5 SD method agreed best (13.2% vs. 11.5%). Semi-automated LGE quantification using dark-blood LGE images is feasible in both patients with ischemic and non-ischemic scar patterns. Given the advantage in detecting scar in patients with ischemic heart disease and no disadvantage in patients with non-ischemic scar, dark-blood LGE can be readily and widely adopted into clinical practice without compromising on quantification.
Gut dysbiosis is linked to metabolic syndrome in obese Egyptian women: potential treatment by probiotics and high fiber diets regimen
Authors: Hassan Nayera E. , El-Masry Sahar A. , El Shebini Salwa M. , Ahmed Nihad H. , Mohamed T Fouad , Mostafa Mohammed I. , Afify Mahmoud A. S. , Kamal Ayat N. , Badie Mai M. , Hashish Adel , Alian Khadija
Published: March 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a cluster of glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and central obesity with insulin resistance. The role of gut microbiota in metabolic disorders is increasingly considered. To investigate the effects of probiotic supplements and hypocaloric high fiber regimen on MetS in obese Egyptian women. A longitudinal follow-up intervention study included 58 obese Egyptian women, with a mean age of 41.62 ± 10.70 years. They were grouped according to the criteria of MetS into 2 groups; 23 obese women with MetS and 35 ones without MetS. They followed a hypocaloric high fiber regimen weight loss program, light physical exercise, and received a probiotic supplement daily for 3 months. For each participating woman, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, basal metabolic rate (BMR), dietary recalls, laboratory investigations, and microbiota analysis were acquired before and after 3 months of follow-up. After intervention by the probiotic and hypocaloric high fiber regimen and light exercise, reduction ranged from numerical to significant difference in the anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and BMR was reported. All the biochemical parameters characterized by MetS decreased significantly at p ≤ 0.05–0.01. Before the intervention, results revealed abundant of Bacteroidetes bacteria over Firmicutes with a low Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. After the intervention, Log Lactobacillus, Log Bifidobacteria, and Log Bacteroidetes increased significantly in both groups, while Log Firmicutes and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio revealed a significant decrease. In conclusion, this study’s results highlight a positive trend of probiotics supplementation with hypocaloric high-fiber diets in amelioration of the criteria of the Mets in obese Egyptian women.
Schober test is not a valid assessment tool for lumbar mobility
Authors: Taheri Nima , Becker Luis , Reitmaier Sandra , Muellner Maximilian , Schömig Friederike , Pumberger Matthias , Schmidt Hendrik
Published: March 2024

The Schober test is considered reliable in evaluating lumbar mobility and its impairment. Especially in patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP) identification of functional restriction is important. We aimed to investigate whether the 5 cm Schober cut-off provides a valid distinction between unrestricted and restricted mobility in participants with and without cLBP (18–65 years). cLBP is defined as LBP persisting for ≥ 12 weeks. We analyzed agreement between the Schober test with two measurement devices (Epionics SPINE®; Idiag M360®) and the influence of lumbar lordosis (LL) on their agreement. Also, the sensitivity and specificity of the Schober test was evaluated. For 187 participants (49.6%) Epionics SPINE® RoF and Schober test matched (either ≥ 5 cm; > 40.8° RoF or ≤ 5 cm; < 40.8° RoF), for 190 participants (50.4%) the two measurements did not. Idiag M360® RoF of 190 participants (50.4%) showed corresponding results (either ≥ 5 cm; > 46.0° RoF or ≤ 5 cm; < 46.0° RoF). Non-agreement was seen in 187 participants (49.6%). LL differed significantly in the Epionics SPINE® cohort (p < 0.001). Regarding the Epionics SPINE® cohort, Schober test showed a sensitivity of 79.6% with a specificity of 36.1%. For the Idiag M360® cohort, Schober test showed a sensitivity of 68.2% and a specificity of 46.6%. Our results do not establish a consistent matching between Schober test and the device measurements. Therefore, Schober test may not be valid to predict impairment of lumbar mobility. We recommend Schober test as an add-on in monitoring of an individual relative to its case.
A rational study of transduction mechanisms of different materials for all solid contact-ISEs
Authors: Hashem Heba M. , Abdallah A. B.
Published: March 2024

The new era of solid contact ion selective electrodes (SC-ISEs) miniaturized design has received an extensive amount of concern. Because it eliminated the requirement for ongoing internal solution composition optimization and created a two-phase system with stronger detection limitations. Herein, the determination of venlafaxine HCl is based on a comparison study between different ion- to electron transduction materials (such as; multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), polyaniline (PANi), and ferrocene) and illustrating their mechanisms in their applied sensors. Their different electrochemical features (such as bulk resistance (Rb**), double-layer capacitance (Cdl), geometric capacitance (Cg), and specific capacitance (Cp)) were evaluated and discussed by using the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Chronopotentiometry (CP), and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) experiments. The results indicated that each transducer's influence on the proposed sensor's electrochemical characteristics is determined by their unique chemical and physical properties. The electrochemical features vary for different solid contact materials used in transduction mechanisms. The results confirm that the MWCNT sensor revealed the best electrochemical behavior with the potentiometric response of a near-Nernestian slope of 56.1 ± 0.8 mV/decade with detection limits of 3.8 × 10−6 mol/L (r2 = 0.999) and a low potential drift (∆E/∆t) of 34.6 µV/s. Also, the selectivity study was performed in the presence of different interfering species either in single or complex matrices. This demonstrates excellent selectivity, stability, conductivity, and reliability as a VEN-TPB ion pair sensor for accurately measuring VEN in its various formulations. The proposed method was compared to HPLC reported technique and confirmed no significant difference between them. So, the proposed sensors fulfill their solutions' demand features for VEN appraisal.
Analyzing the spatial motion of a rigid body subjected to constant body-fixed torques and gyrostatic moment
Authors: Amer T. S. , El-Kafly H. F. , Elneklawy A. H. , Galal A. A.
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to explore the rotatory spatial motion of an asymmetric rigid body (RB) under constant body-fixed torques and a nonzero first component gyrostatic moment vector (GM). Euler's equations of motion are used to derive a set of dimensionless equations of motion, which are then proposed for the stability analysis of equilibrium points. Specifically, this study develops 3D phase space trajectories for three distinct scenarios; two of them are applied constant torques that are directed on the minor and major axes, while the third one is the action of applied constant torque on the body’s middle axis. Novel analytical and simulation results for both scenarios of constant torque applied along the minor and middle axes are provided in the context of separatrix surfaces, equilibrium manifolds, periodic or non-periodic solutions, and periodic solutions’ extreme. Concerning the scenario of a directed torque on the major axis, a numerical solution for the problem is presented in addition to a simulation of the graphed results for the angular velocities' trajectories in various regions. Moreover, the influence of GM is examined for each case and a full modeling for the body's stability has been present. The exceptional impact of these results is evident in the development and assessment of systems involving asymmetric RBs, such as satellites and spacecraft. It may serve as a motivating factor to explore different angles within the GM in similar cases, thereby influencing various industries, including engineering and astrophysics applications.
MicroRNA expression profiling of urine exosomes in children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Torii Yuka , Suzuki Takako , Fukuda Yuto , Haruta Kazunori , Yamaguchi Makoto , Horiba Kazuhiro , Kawada Jun-ichi , Ito Yoshinori
Published: March 2024

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection can damage the central nervous system in infants; however, its prognosis cannot be predicted from clinical evaluations at the time of birth. Urinary exosomes can be used to analyze neuronal damage in neuronal diseases. To investigate the extent of neuronal damage in patients with cCMV, exosomal miRNA expression in the urine was investigated in cCMV-infected infants and controls. Microarray analysis of miRNA was performed in a cohort of 30 infants, including 11 symptomatic cCMV (ScCMV), 7 asymptomatic cCMV (AScCMV), and one late-onset ScCMV cases, and 11 healthy controls (HC). Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed the distinct expression profile of ScCMV. The patient with late-onset ScCMV was grouped into the ScCMV cluster. Pathway enrichment analysis of the target mRNAs differed significantly between the ScCMV and HC groups; this analysis also revealed that pathways related to brain development were linked to upregulated pathways. Six miRNAs that significantly different between groups (ScCMV vs. HC and ScCMV vs. AScCMV) were selected for digital PCR in another cohort for further validation. Although these six miRNAs seemed insufficient for predicting ScCMV, expression profiles of urine exosomal miRNAs can reveal neurological damage in patients with ScCMV compared to those with AcCMV or healthy infants.
Patient experiences and perceived value of genetic testing in inherited retinal diseases: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Britten-Jones Alexis Ceecee , Schultz Joshua , Mack Heather G. , Kearns Lisa S. , Huq Aamira J. , Ruddle Jonathan B. , Mackey David A. , Hewitt Alex W. , Edwards Thomas L. , Ayton Lauren N.
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated patient experiences with genetic testing for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and the association between underlying knowledge, testing outcomes, and the perceived value of the results. An online survey was distributed to adults with IRDs and parents/guardians of dependents with IRDs who had had genetic testing. Data included details of genetic testing, pre- and post- test perceptions, Decision Regret Scale, perceived value of results, and knowledge of gene therapy. Of 135 responses (85% from adults with IRDs), genetic testing was primarily conducted at no charge through public hospitals (49%) or in a research setting (30%). Key motivations for genetic testing were to confirm IRD diagnosis and to contribute towards research. Those who had received a genetic diagnosis (odds ratio: 6.71; p < 0.001) and those self-reported to have good knowledge of gene therapy (odds ratio: 2.69; p = 0.018) were more likely to have gained confidence in managing their clinical care. For over 80% of respondents, knowing the causative gene empowered them to learn more about their IRD and explore opportunities regarding clinical trials. Key genetic counselling information needs include resources for family communications, structured information provision, and ongoing genetic support, particularly in the context of emerging ocular therapies, to enhance consistency in information uptake.
Clinical significance of signal shadowing during intraoperative optical coherence tomography-assisted vitreoretinal surgery
Authors: Carlos Reyna Erick , Öztek Melisa , Petrovski Goran , Binder Susanne , Stieger Knut , Lytvynchuk Lyubomyr
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to analyze the clinical significance of signal shadowing during intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT)-assisted vitreoretinal surgery caused by vitreoretinal instruments, tissue dyes, and vitreous substitutes, and to objectively quantify its impact on iOCT imaging. This is a retrospective observational study of postoperative image analysis from one hundred seventeen (117) patients who underwent iOCT-assisted vitrectomy. The image data were divided into three groups: vitreoretinal instruments, tissue dyes, and vitreous substitutes. The data was then processed using graphic software to measure the grade of picture quality distortion and compared to paired image controls without clinically perceptive interference, then analyzed statistically. The intraocular portion of all studied vitreoretinal instruments caused a high average gray level interference compared to controls ranging from 32 to 68% reduction, obscuring the area of interest significantly. The tips of the instruments produced low-grade shadowing, allowing the underlying tissue to be distinguished. The analyzed dyes demonstrated a wide interference range: ICG (− 75.12%), and triamcinolone (− 26.13%) showed dose-dependent high shadowing, while VITREODYNE™ (49.3%) and brilliant blue G (14.06%) exhibited no perceived distortions whilst increasing average gray levels. All analyzed vitreous substitutes (air, SF6, C3F8, PFCL, and silicone oil) showed an insignificant shadowing effect on iOCT. Certain dyes and vitreous substitutes produce a negligible shadowing effect compared to controls and other dyes, providing an advantage during real-time iOCT imaging. All analyzed vitreoretinal instruments showed a significant interference that should prompt the development of new imaging techniques or the implementation of materials with low-grade interference to overcome a clinically relevant shadowing effect on iOCT, maximizing the technology’s visual accuracy and surgical diagnostic aid proficiency.
Differential functional organization of amygdala-medial prefrontal cortex networks in macaque and human
Authors: Giacometti Camille , Autran-Clavagnier Delphine , Dureux Audrey , Viñales Laura , Lamberton Franck , Procyk Emmanuel , Wilson Charles R. E. , Amiez Céline , Hadj-Bouziane Fadila
Published: March 2024

Over the course of evolution, the amygdala (AMG) and medial frontal cortex (mPFC) network, involved in behavioral adaptation, underwent structural changes in the old-world monkey and human lineages. Yet, whether and how the functional organization of this network differs remains poorly understood. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imagery, we show that the functional connectivity (FC) between AMG nuclei and mPFC regions differs between humans and awake macaques. In humans, the AMG-mPFC FC displays U-shaped pattern along the corpus callosum: a positive FC with the ventromedial prefrontal (vmPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a negative FC with the anterior mid-cingulate cortex (MCC), and a positive FC with the posterior MCC. Conversely, in macaques, the negative FC shifted more ventrally at the junction between the vmPFC and the ACC. The functional organization divergence of AMG-mPFC network between humans and macaques might help understanding behavioral adaptation abilities differences in their respective socio-ecological niches.
Hippocampal subfield plasticity is associated with improved spatial memory
Authors: Boecker Henning , Daamen Marcel , Kunz Lukas , Geiß Melanie , Müller Moritz , Neuss Thomas , Henschel Leonie , Stirnberg Rüdiger , Upadhyay Neeraj , Scheef Lukas , Martin Jason A. , Stöcker Tony , Radbruch Alexander , Attenberger Ulrike , Axmacher Nikolai , Maurer Angelika
Published: March 2024

Physical exercise studies are generally underrepresented in young adulthood. Seventeen subjects were randomized into an intervention group (24.2 ± 3.9 years; 3 trainings/week) and 10 subjects into a passive control group (23.7 ± 4.2 years), over a duration of 6 months. Every two months, performance diagnostics, computerized spatial memory tests, and 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging were conducted. Here we find that the intervention group, compared to controls, showed increased cardiorespiratory fitness, spatial memory performance and subregional hippocampal volumes over time. Time-by-condition interactions occurred in right cornu ammonis 4 body and (trend only) dentate gyrus, left hippocampal tail and left subiculum. Increases in spatial memory performance correlated with hippocampal body volume changes and, subregionally, with left subicular volume changes. In conclusion, findings support earlier reports of exercise-induced subregional hippocampal volume changes. Such exercise-related plasticity may not only be of interest for young adults with clinical disorders of hippocampal function, but also for sedentary normal cohorts.
EVATOM: an optical, label-free, machine learning assisted embryo health assessment tool
Authors: Goswami Neha , Winston Nicola , Choi Wonho , Lai Nastasia Z. E. , Arcanjo Rachel B. , Chen Xi , Sobh Nahil , Nowak Romana A. , Anastasio Mark A. , Popescu Gabriel
Published: March 2024

The combination of a good quality embryo and proper maternal health factors promise higher chances of a successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure leading to clinical pregnancy and live birth. Of these two factors, selection of a good embryo is a controllable aspect. The current gold standard in clinical practice is visual assessment of an embryo based on its morphological appearance by trained embryologists. More recently, machine learning has been incorporated into embryo selection “packages”. Here, we report EVATOM: a machine-learning assisted embryo health assessment tool utilizing an optical quantitative phase imaging technique called artificial confocal microscopy (ACM). We present a label-free nucleus detection method with, to the best of our knowledge, novel quantitative embryo health biomarkers. Two viability assessment models are presented for grading embryos into two classes: healthy/intermediate (H/I) or sick (S) class. The models achieve a weighted F1 score of 1.0 and 0.99 respectively on the in-distribution test set of 72 fixed embryos and a weighted F1 score of 0.9 and 0.95 respectively on the out-of-distribution test dataset of 19 time-instances from 8 live embryos.
Revealing mitf functions and visualizing allografted tumor metastasis in colorless and immunodeficient Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Ran Rensen , Li Lanxin , Xu Tingting , Huang Jixuan , He Huanhuan , Chen Yonglong
Published: March 2024

Transparent immunodeficient animal models not only enhance in vivo imaging investigations of visceral organ development but also facilitate in vivo tracking of transplanted tumor cells. However, at present, transparent and immunodeficient animal models are confined to zebrafish, presenting substantial challenges for real-time, in vivo imaging studies addressing specific biological inquiries. Here, we employed a mitf−/−/prkdc−/−/il2rg−/− triple-knockout strategy to establish a colorless and immunodeficient amphibian model of Xenopus tropicalis. By disrupting the mitf gene, we observed the loss of melanophores, xanthophores, and granular glands in Xenopus tropicalis. Through the endogenous mitf promoter to drive BRAFV600E expression, we confirmed mitf expression in melanophores, xanthophores and granular glands. Moreover, the reconstruction of the disrupted site effectively reinstated melanophores, xanthophores, and granular glands, further highlighting the crucial role of mitf as a regulator in their development. By crossing mitf−/− frogs with prkdc−/−/il2rg−/− frogs, we generated a mitf−/−/prkdc−/−/il2rg−/−Xenopus tropicalis line, providing a colorless and immunodeficient amphibian model. Utilizing this model, we successfully observed intravital metastases of allotransplanted xanthophoromas and migrations of allotransplanted melanomas. Overall, colorless and immunodeficient Xenopus tropicalis holds great promise as a valuable platform for tumorous and developmental biology research.
Founder pathogenic variants in colorectal neoplasia susceptibility genes in Ashkenazi Jews undergoing colonoscopy
Authors: Matis Thibaut , Domecq Celine , Hamel Nancy , Castellsagué Ester , Lopez-Doriga Adriana , Marotta Stephen , Zauber Peter , Foulkes William D.
Published: March 2024

Background

Colorectal neoplasia is one of the most common tumors affecting Western populations.

Methods

In this study we used a custom amplicon sequencing platform and an in-house bioinformatic pipeline to study constitutional DNA from two different case series of Ashkenazi Jews undergoing colonoscopy (n = 765). The first series all had pathologically confirmed colorectal adenomas and/or carcinoma. The second series consisted of persons who had undergone a colonoscopy within the five years prior to ascertainment, regardless of findings. Ninety-one percent of all patients were asymptomatic at the time of colonoscopy.

Results

In the first group (n = 438), we identified 65 founder variants (56 in APC, 2 in GREM1, 3 in MSH2 and 4 in BLM). In the second group (n = 327), the findings were 30, nothing, 1 and 1, respectively, as well as 2 MSH6 variants.

Conclusions

Overall, we found that 10 to 15% of Ashkenazi Jewish persons undergoing colonoscopy harbor variants of interest in colorectal and/or polyposis predisposition. This includes pathogenic variants in MSH6, which is associated with colorectal cancer but not with polyposis. We identified no pathogenic variants in more recently discovered polyposis predisposition genes (POLE, POLD1 or NTHL1), rendering the presence of such founder variants rare.
Photoinduced arylation or alkylation of 1,2,4-triazine-3,5(2H,4H)-diones with hydrazines
Authors: Pan Youlu , Zhu Yingchen , Li Shuangshuang , Li Gangjian , Ma Zhen , Qian Yong , Huang Wenhai
Published: March 2024

An innovative and eco-friendly method has been developed for synthesizing 6-arylated or 6-alkylated 1,2,4-triazine-3,5(2H,4H)-diones, utilizing a photoinduced cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction with hydrazines.
Heteroatom-doped hierarchically porous thick bulk carbon derived from a Pleurotus eryngii/lignin composite: a free-standing and high mass loading electrode for high-energy-density storage
Authors: Yang Weisheng , Wang Danning , Feng Shu , He Shuijian , Xiao Huining , Dai Hongqi , Han Jingquan
Published: March 2024

It is critical to prepare self-supported carbonaceous electrode materials that enable high-mass loading and efficient ion/electron transport through a simple and sustainable method.
A flexible multimodal pulse sensor for wearable continuous blood pressure monitoring
Authors: Tian Shuo , Wang Liangqi , Zhu Rong
Published: March 2024

We propose a brand-new pressure sensing principle of human-skin’s piezo-thermic transduction, and develop a multisensory pulse sensor, thereby offering a human-skin transducer concept for wearable blood pressure monitoring with generalizability.
A resistant and stable HKUST@MC composite for highly efficient gas adsorptive desulfurization
Authors: Silva Flávia H. , Flores Leonã S. , da Silva Aline F. M. , Ronconi Célia M. , Leitão Alexandre A. , Corrêa Charlane C.
Published: March 2024

A novel HKUST-1 shaped composite with improved mechanical and water resistance produced by a technically feasible and cost-effective method preserving the pristine MOF porosity.
Four new isocoumarins from Cajanus cajan
Authors: Yao Liyuan , Jumai Aikebaier , Huang Xiaobao , Lin Tingting , Tao Zhengguo , Qiu Sheng-Xiang
Published: March 2024

Four novel new isocoumarins, cajanolactone B, C, D1 and D2 (1–4), were isolated from ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Cajanus cajan.
In situ construction of an ultra-thin and flexible polymer electrolyte for stable all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries
Authors: Gao Shilun , Ma Mengxiang , Zhang Youjia , Li Lin , Zhu Shuangshuang , He Yayue , Yang Dandan , Yang Huabin , Cao Peng-Fei
Published: March 2024

By integrating polyethylene fiber and a rationally designed, in situ formed polymer network, an ultra-thin, flexible and high mechanical robustness solid polymer electrolyte with a thickness of ≈5 μm is constructed.
Carbon–metal complex as a functional material that governs the efficient conversion of Li2CO3 to LiOH·H2O
Authors: Hong Sehwa , Kim Si-Wan , Bae Songeui , Kim Minsun , Kang Jun
Published: March 2024

Carbon materials containing tungsten carbide lower the energy required to convert lithium carbonate to lithium hydroxide.
Trehalose-polyamine/DNA nanocomplexes: impact of vector architecture on cell and organ transfection selectivity
Authors: Ortega-Caballero Fernando , Santana-Armas María L. , Tros de Ilarduya Conchita , Di Giorgio Christophe , Tripier Raphäel , Le Bris Nathalie , Ollier Cedric , Ortiz Mellet Carmen , García Fernández José M. , Jiménez Blanco José L. , Méndez-Ardoy Alejandro
Published: March 2024

A novel family of precision-engineered gene vectors with well-defined structures built on trehalose and trehalose-based macrocycles (cyclotrehalans) comprising linear or cyclic polyamine heads have been synthesized by click chemistry reactions.
Advances in disilylation reactions to access cis/trans-1,2-disilylated and gem-disilylated alkenes
Authors: Geng Shasha , Pu Yu , Wang Siyu , Ji Yanru , Feng Zhang
Published: March 2024

Organosilane compounds are widely used in both organic synthesis and materials science.