bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protection of navy-bean bioactive peptides within nanoliposomes: morphological, structural and biological changes
Authors: Namdar Nazila Zeynali , Roufegarinejad Leila , Alizadeh Ainaz , Asefi Narmela , Jafari Seid Mahdi , Sarabandi Khashayar
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to produce bioactive peptides from navy-bean protein with alcalase and pepsin enzymes (30–300 min) and to load them into a nanoliposome system to stabilize and improve their bioavailability. The degree of hydrolysis and biological activities (scavenging of DPPH, OH, and ABTS free radicals, reducing power, and chelating metal ions) of navy-bean protein were affected by the type of enzyme and hydrolysis time. The average particle size (83–116 nm), PDI (0.23–0.39), zeta potential (− 13 to − 20 mV), and encapsulation efficiency (80–91%) of nanoliposomes were influenced by the type and charge of peptides. The storage temperature and the type of loaded peptide greatly affected the physical stability of nanocarriers and maintaining EE during storage. The FTIR results suggested the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the secondary structures of protein and the effective placement of peptides inside polar-regions and the phospholipid monolayer membrane. SEM images showed relatively uniform-sized particles with irregular structures, which confirmed the results of DLS. The antioxidant activity of primary peptides affected the free radical scavenging of loaded nanoliposomes. Liposomes loaded with navy-bean peptides can be used as a health-giving formula in enriching all kinds of drinks, desserts, confectionery products, etc.

Graphical Abstract
A simulation study of the system characteristics for a long axial FOV PET design based on monolithic BGO flat panels compared with a pixelated LSO cylindrical design
Authors: Dadgar Meysam , Maebe Jens , Abi Akl Maya , Vervenne Boris , Vandenberghe Stefaan
Published: December 2023

Background

Although a new generation of tomographs with a longer axial field-of-view called total-body PET have been developed, they are not widely utilized due to their high cost compared to conventional scanners. The newly designed walk-through total-body PET scanner is introduced as a high-throughput and cost-efficient alternative to total-body PET scanners, by making use of a flat panel geometry and lower cost, depth-of-interaction capable, monolithic BGO detectors. The main aim of the presented study is to evaluate through Monte Carlo simulation the system characteristics of the walk-through total-body PET scanner by comparing it with a Quadra-like total-body PET of similar attributes to the Siemens Biograph Vision Quadra.

Methods

The walk-through total-body PET is comprised of two flat detector panels, spaced 50 cm apart. Each panel, 70 $$\times$$
×
106 cm$$^2$$

2

in size, consists of 280 BGO-based monolithic detectors. The Quadra-like TB-PET has been simulated based on the characteristics of the Biograph Vision Quadra, one of the most common total-body PET scanners with 106 cm of axial field-of-view, which is constructed with pixelated LSO scintillation crystals. The spatial resolution, sensitivity, count rate performance, scatter fractions, and image quality of both scanners are simulated in the GATE simulation toolkit for comparison.

Results

Due to the DOI-capable detectors used in the walk-through total-body PET, the values of the spatial resolution of this scanner were all below 2 mm along directions parallel to the panels, and reached a maximum of 3.36 mm in the direction perpendicular to the panels. This resolution is a large improvement compared to the values of the Quadra-like TB-PET. The walk-through total-body PET uses its maximum sensitivity (154 cps/kBq) for data acquisition and image reconstruction.

Conclusion

Based on the combination of very good spatial resolution and high sensitivity of the walk-through total-body PET, along with a 2.2 times lower scintillation crystal volume and 1.8 times lower SiPM surface, this scanner can be a very cost-efficient alternative for total-body PET scanners in cases where concomitant CT is not required.
Living donor liver transplantation for a patient with acute liver failure following thyroid storm: a case report
Authors: Nagakawa Kantoku , Soyama Akihiko , Hara Takanobu , Matsushima Hajime , Imamura Hajime , Tanaka Takayuki , Morita Michi , Kuba Sakaya , Adachi Tomohiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Akazawa Satoru , Horie Ichiro , Sekino Motohiro , Hara Tetsuya , Okano Shinji , Nakao Kazuhiko , Eguchi Susumu
Published: December 2023

Background

Thyroid storm can be complicated by liver dysfunction, which may occasionally progress to acute liver failure. We herein report a case of acute liver failure following thyroid storm that was treated with living donor liver transplantation after resuscitation from cardiopulmonary arrest.

Case report

The patient was a woman in her 40 s who had been diagnosed with an abnormal thyroid function. She suffered from fatigue and vomiting, and was found to have consciousness disorder, a fever, and tachycardia with a neck mass. She was diagnosed with thyroid storm and was referred to our hospital. After arrival, she went into cardiopulmonary arrest and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated. In addition to treatment for thyroid storm with antithyroid drugs, steroids, and plasma exchange, extracorporeal life support was required for 5 days. However, despite improvements in her thyroid function, her liver function deteriorated. We planned living donor liver transplantation for acute liver failure after ensuring the recovery and control of the thyroid function following total thyroidectomy. The donor was her husband who donated the right lobe of his liver. Although she experienced acute cellular rejection after surgery, and other complications—including intra-abdominal hemorrhaging and ischemic changes in the intestine—her liver function and general condition gradually improved. One year after living donor liver transplantation, the patient was in a good condition with a normal liver function.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of living donor liver transplantation in a patient with acute liver failure following thyroid storm. Liver transplantation should be recognized as an effective treatment for acute liver failure following thyroid storm.
A case of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with markedly elevated CA15-3 levels requiring 2 years of diagnosis
Authors: Fujimoto Mutsumi , Kobayashi Yoshie , Kuraoka Kazuya , Yoshiyama Tomoyuki , Shigematu Hideo
Published: December 2023

Background

CA15-3 is often elevated in breast cancer recurrence and rarely in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We report a case of DCIS with elevated CA15-3 levels, which was diagnosed after over 2 years of follow-up.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old woman presented with a left-sided breast mass and pain. Redness, swelling, and induration were observed in the left breast. Ultrasonography revealed a non-mass lesion in the left 3 o'clock position, skin thickening, and axillary lymphadenopathy. Serum CA15-3 levels were markedly high at 640 U/mL, suggesting inflammatory breast cancer. However, biopsies showed no malignancy. We diagnosed chronic mastitis with elevated CA15-3 levels and followed up with magnetic resonance imaging and a biopsy, as needed. Finally, DCIS was diagnosed 27 months after the first visit. She underwent a left mastectomy and a sentinel lymph node biopsy; DCIS had spread 6.5 cm and was immunohistochemically positive for CA15-3. No metastasis was found in the lymph nodes, but incidental Hodgkin lymphoma was observed. Postoperative normalization of CA15-3 levels indicated that she had DCIS with elevated CA15-3 levels. The patient underwent chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma postoperatively, and there was no evidence of recurrence 1 year after surgery.

Conclusion

High CA15-3 levels can also be observed in DCIS, indicating that CA15-3 should not be used solely in breast cancer staging.
Reversible median nerve neuropathy and local muscle irritation resulting from blind removal attempts of etonogestrel contraceptive implant: a case report
Authors: Fungtammasan Siraphat , Sinthuchai Natchanika , Pataradool Kawee , Jaisamrarn Unnop , Santibenchakul Somsook
Published: December 2023

Nexplanon is an etonogestrel contraceptive implant that comes with an applicator, making it easier to insert and remove. Complications related to insertion and removal procedures, such as neural-vascular injuries, are rare. We describe a case of reversible median nerve neuropathy and local muscle irritation resulting from blind removal attempts of an iatrogenically migrated implant. The patient presented with an unusual pain at the surgical site along with abnormal sensations and numbness in her left hand that worsened after blind attempts to remove the implant. Radiographs revealed that the rod was 3 cm from her insertion scar and deeply embedded in her left arm. The patient then underwent left arm exploration and implant removal under fluoroscopic guidance by an orthopedic surgeon. The rod was placed intramuscularly, adjacent to the median nerve under the basilic vein. The abnormal sensations and numbness in her left hand could be attributed to median nerve involvement, while the atypical pain at the surgical site could be a result of local irritation from the intramuscularly migrated implant from attempts at removal. The symptoms gradually resolved after surgery. This indicates that patients with impalpable contraceptive implants should be referred for implant removal by specialists familiar with the procedure to prevent further deterioration of adjacent structures from iatrogenic implant migration.
Effect of castration timing and weaning strategy on the taxonomic and functional profile of ruminal bacteria and archaea of beef calves
Authors: Diaz Gerardo R. , Gaire Tara N. , Ferm Peter , Case Lacey , Caixeta Luciano S. , Goldsmith Timothy J. , Armstrong Joe , Noyes Noelle R.
Published: December 2023

Background

Beef cattle experience several management challenges across their lifecycle. Castration and weaning, two major interventions in the early life of beef cattle, can have a substantial impact on animal performance. Despite the key role of the rumen microbiome on productive traits of beef cattle, the effect of castration timing and weaning strategy on this microbial community has not been formally described. We assessed the effect of four castration time windows (at birth, turnout, pre-weaning and weaning) and two weaning strategies (fence-line and truck transportation) on the rumen microbiome in a randomized controlled study with 32 male calves across 3 collection days (i.e., time points). Ruminal fluid samples were submitted to shotgun metagenomic sequencing and changes in the taxonomic (microbiota) and functional profile (metagenome) of the rumen microbiome were described.

Results

Using a comprehensive yet stringent taxonomic classification approach, we identified 10,238 unique taxa classified under 40 bacterial and 7 archaeal phyla across all samples. Castration timing had a limited long-term impact on the rumen microbiota and was not associated with changes in alpha and beta diversity. The interaction of collection day and weaning strategy was associated with changes in the rumen microbiota, which experienced a significant decrease in alpha diversity and shifts in beta diversity within 48 h post-weaning, especially in calves abruptly weaned by truck transportation. Calves weaned using a fence-line weaning strategy had lower relative abundance of Bacteroides, Lachnospira, Fibrobacter and Ruminococcus genera compared to calves weaned by truck transportation. Some genes involved in the hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis pathway (fwdB and fwdF) had higher relative abundance in fence-line-weaned calves post-weaning. The antimicrobial resistance gene tetW consistently represented more than 50% of the resistome across time, weaning and castration groups, without significant changes in relative abundance.

Conclusions

Within the context of this study, castration timing had limited long-term effects on the rumen microbiota, while weaning strategy had short-term effects on the rumen microbiota and methane-associated metagenome, but not on the rumen resistome.
Relationship of sagittal thoracic postural and inlet parameters with nontraumatic neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rani Babina , Paul Abhijit
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Neck pain (NP) is associated with substantial disability as well as economic and psychological distress. T1 slope (T1S) and thoracic inlet angle (TIA) reflect cervical sagittal imbalance, which can have clinical/surgical implications. Evidence of the relationship between the sagittal thoracic posture and inlet parameters and pain and functional status is inconclusive. This review aimed to determine whether these parameters differ between NP and pain-free subjects and to critically appraise their correlation with NP measures.

Methods

The review consists of 15 studies that evaluated thoracic postural and/or inlet parameters on adult NP patients, after a comprehensive literature search from EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Statistical heterogeneity, mean pooled difference (MPD), and effect size were calculated to establish a relationship among studies and to assess the correlation of thoracic postural and inlet parameters with NP measures, positional variation, and NP predictors. Sensitivity analysis was performed in case of high between-studies heterogeneity. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Certainty of evidence was graded using GRADE approach.

Results

Only TIA had a significant MPD of 2.12 (0.48, 3.75). The other measures, namely T1S, neck tilt (NT), high thoracic angle, and thoracic kyphosis angle, were not different between NP and asymptomatic subjects. NP population had a 3.14° higher TIA, 4.12° higher NT, and 2.26° lower T1S in lying position (relative to upright). Only thoracic kyphosis and T1S predicted the presence of NP. Very low to low certainty of evidence exists for most of the outcome measures assessed.

Conclusion

Limited evidence is available for the association between the sagittal thoracic postural and inlet parameters in nontraumatic cervical dysfunction. Test-position differences reflect marginally lower T1S, and higher TIA, NT in lying than the upright. The existing evidence is insufficient to prove a minor, if any, association of thoracic posture with NP.
Test-retest reliability of dichotic listening test in younger adults with normal hearing
Authors: Ramachandran Sundaresan , Kumaar Bhuvaneswari , Karupaiah Kamalakannan , Rajan Remitha , Kodilingam Andal , Manoj Akshaya , Prabhu Prashanth
Published: December 2023

Background

Dichotic listening refers to simultaneously stimulating both ears but with two different stimuli. Dichotic listening tasks were used in the audiological test battery to assess auditory processing abilities in children and adults. Studies have reported the dichotic consonant-vowel syllable test’s test-retest reliability in different attentional manipulation conditions. The objectives are to measure the intra- and inter-test reliability of dichotic consonant vowel tests in young, healthy individuals.

Methods

Sixty participants aged 18–28 with normal hearing sensitivity were recruited for the study. To measure the intra- and inter-test reliability, the dichotic consonant-vowel test was conducted within and between days. The single correct and double correct scores were calculated.

Results

The analysis of the study showed good test-retest reliability for the single correct and double correct scores of the dichotic consonant-vowel test based on Cronbach’s alpha values and Friedman’s tests.

Conclusion

This study’s findings indicate that the dichotic test is a stable measure that can be clinically used for evaluation and can be used for research studies.
Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes After Stand-Alone Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Symptomatic L5-S1 Retrolisthesis
Authors: Cho Steve S. , Farber S. Harrison , DiDomenico Joseph D. , Teng Clare W. , Park Marian T. , Chang Steve W. , Snyder Laura A. , Mirzadeh Zaman , Uribe Juan S. , Turner Jay D.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis is associated with significant pain and disability. The literature on the treatment options and clinical outcomes for lumbar anterolisthesis is robust, but very few reports specifically evaluate lumbar retrolisthesis. This study investigated surgical outcomes for symptomatic L5–S1 retrolisthesis treated with stand-alone L5–S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).

METHODS:

All patients with symptomatic L5–S1 retrolisthesis treated with stand-alone L5–S1 ALIF at a single institution over a 7-year period were identified. Exhaustive nonoperative management had failed for all patients. Patients with previous lumbar fusion were excluded. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic images and patient-reported outcome measures for 20 patients (14 males and 6 females; mean [SD] age, 50.3 [13.7] years) were analyzed.

RESULTS:

The mean (SD) follow-up was 43.0 (23.7) months (range, 12.1-102.5 months). Patients experienced postoperative improvements in L5–S1 retrolisthesis (P = .048), L5–S1 disk height and angle (P < .001), L5 foraminal height (P < .001), L5–S1 lordosis (P < .001), and lumbar lordosis (P = .01). There were no significant changes in spinopelvic parameters. At the most recent follow-up, minimal clinically important differences in Oswestry Disability Index score, 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36), and numerical rating scale score for leg pain were achieved in 11 of 20 (55%), 7 of 14 (50%), and 7 of 13 (54%) patients, respectively. All patients demonstrated fusion with no graft subsidence at up to 32 months. No patient experienced intraoperative complications, was readmitted, or required a subsequent posterior decompression or fusion because of refractory symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

In our cohort, stand-alone L5–S1 ALIF was associated with radiographic and clinical improvement in patients with symptomatic L5–S1 retrolisthesis.
Flow Diversion for the Treatment of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Aneurysms: A Novel Classification of Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Origin
Authors: Sathya Anvitha , Enriquez-Marulanda Alejandro , Young Michael , Shutran Max , Taussky Phillip , Ogilvy Christopher S.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Flow diversion (FD) for posterior circulation aneurysms, such as proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms, remains “off-label” and controversial. Although there are reports of using FD in the vertebral artery (VA) to treat PICA aneurysms, the differences between structural PICA-origin variants have not been explored. We analyzed PICA aneurysms treated with FD, assessed radiographic and clinical outcomes, and presented a novel classification of the PICA origin in relationship to aneurysm anatomy.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective study of prospective data for intracranial aneurysms treated with FD at a major academic institution from 2013 to 2022. Proximal PICA aneurysms that underwent FD placement in the V4 segment of the vertebral artery were included for analysis. A literature review was performed on PubMed to evaluate previously published cases. The PICA origin was characterized by 4 distinct subtypes. Type 1 describes the PICA originating adjacent/separate to the aneurysm neck, Type 2 with the PICA originating from the aneurysm neck, Type 3 with the PICA originating from the aneurysm dome, and Type 4 (True PICA aneurysm) with the aneurysm located proximally on PICA, distal to the PICA-VA junction.

RESULTS:

Thirteen proximal PICA aneurysms were identified and included in the analysis. Patients were primarily female (76.9%), with a median age of 62 years. The aneurysm median maximum diameter was 5.8 mm. From the total sample (institutional and literature review cases), type 1 had a 100% complete and near-complete occlusion rate, type 2 had 75.0%, type 3 had 88.9%, and type 4 had 75%. The overall complete and near-complete occlusion rate was 83.3% (20/24).

CONCLUSION:

FD in the V4 VA segment is an effective way to treat proximal PICA aneurysms. Exploring the relationship between PICA origin is a helpful method in predicting occlusion rates for proximal PICA aneurysms and may lead to improved treatment considerations.
The H2Bub1-deposition complex is required for human and mouse cardiogenesis
Authors: Barish Syndi , Berg Kathryn , Drozd Jeffrey , Berglund-Brown Isabella , Khizir Labeeqa , Wasson Lauren K. , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman Jonathan G. , Chen Sidi , Brueckner Martina
Published: December 2023

De novo variants affecting monoubiquitylation of histone H2B (H2Bub1) are enriched in human congenital heart disease. H2Bub1 is required in stem cell differentiation, cilia function, post-natal cardiomyocyte maturation and transcriptional elongation. However, how H2Bub1 affects cardiogenesis is unknown. We show that the H2Bub1-deposition complex (RNF20-RNF40-UBE2B) is required for mouse cardiogenesis and for differentiation of human iPSCs into cardiomyocytes. Mice with cardiac-specific Rnf20 deletion are embryonic lethal and have abnormal myocardium. We then analyzed H2Bub1 marks during differentiation of human iPSCs into cardiomyocytes. H2Bub1 is erased from most genes at the transition from cardiac mesoderm to cardiac progenitor cells but is preserved on a subset of long cardiac-specific genes. When H2Bub1 is reduced in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, long cardiac-specific genes have fewer full-length transcripts. This correlates with H2Bub1 accumulation near the center of these genes. H2Bub1 accumulation near the center of tissue-specific genes was also observed in embryonic fibroblasts and fetal osteoblasts. In summary, we show that normal H2Bub1 distribution is required for cardiogenesis and cardiomyocyte differentiation, and suggest that H2Bub1 regulates tissue-specific gene expression by increasing the amount of full-length transcripts.
Membrane transporters in cell physiology, cancer metabolism and drug response
Authors: Alam Sara , Doherty Emily , Ortega-Prieto Paula , Arizanova Julia , Fets Louise
Published: December 2023

By controlling the passage of small molecules across lipid bilayers, membrane transporters influence not only the uptake and efflux of nutrients, but also the metabolic state of the cell. With more than 450 members, the Solute Carriers (SLCs) are the largest transporter super-family, clustering into families with different substrate specificities and regulatory properties. Cells of different types are, therefore, able to tailor their transporter expression signatures depending on their metabolic requirements, and the physiological importance of these proteins is illustrated by their mis-regulation in a number of disease states. In cancer, transporter expression is heterogeneous, and the SLC family has been shown to facilitate the accumulation of biomass, influence redox homeostasis, and also mediate metabolic crosstalk with other cell types within the tumour microenvironment. This Review explores the roles of membrane transporters in physiological and malignant settings, and how these roles can affect drug response, through either indirect modulation of sensitivity or the direct transport of small-molecule therapeutic compounds into cells.
Bialgebras, the Yang–Baxter equation and Manin triples for mock-Lie algebras
Authors: Chtioui Taoufik , Benali Karima , Hajjaji Atef , Mabrouk Sami
Published: December 2023

The aim of this paper is to introduce the notion of a mock-Lie bialgebra which is equivalent to a Manin triple of mock-Lie algebras. The study of a special case called coboundary mock-Lie bialgebra leads to introducing the mock-Lie Yang–Baxter equation on a mock-Lie algebra which is an analogue of the classical Yang–Baxter equation on a Lie algebra. Note that a skew-symmetric solution of mock-Lie Yang–Baxter equation gives a mock-Lie bialgebra. Finally, O-operators are studied to construct a skew-symmetric solution of a mock-Lie Yang–Baxter equation.
Enhancing Automotive Part Quality in SMEs through DMAIC Implementation: A Case Study in Indonesian Automotive Manufacturing
Authors: Sumasto Fredy , Arliananda Deanisa Amara , Imansuri Febriza , Aisyah Siti , Purwojatmiko B. Handoko
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to reduce defects and improve the quality of automotive parts at SMEs by implementing the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) stage of Six Sigma.
Methodology/Approach: The application of the DMAIC method was carried out in an automotive component manufacturing company in Indonesia that produces Stay B Muffler Protector HC21 as a research object. The cause of the high number of product defects is known at the define stage. In the measure stage, details from field data are collected and sigma levels are determined.
Findings: The results of the improvement actions taken have an impact on the DPMO value and an increase in the sigma level. DPMO value decreased by 19,891 from 22,230 to 2,339. Meanwhile, the sigma level increased by 0.82 from 3.51 to 4.33. To control the sigma level, it is proposed that improvement be carried out by making work instructions for the use of spot welding tools so that it can be standardized, controlled continuously, and make continuous improvements.
Research Limitation/implication: Limitations of this study may include limitations in covering all aspects of production or other factors that may affect product quality.
Originality/Value of paper: The originality of this paper lies in the application of the DMAIC method of Six Sigma in the context of automotive manufacturing SMEs in Indonesia.
Optimisation of Multiple Response Processes Using Different Modeling Techniques
Authors: Maciel Gomes Fabrício , Imamura Célia Sayuri , De Souza Sampaio Nilo Antonio , Monteiro Pereira Félix , De Souza Andrade Herlandi , Borges Silva Messias
Published: December 2023

Purpose:  This article aims to compare the impact on process optimisation with multiple responses of two different mathematical modelling methods: Ordinary Least Squares Method (OLS) and Symbolic Regression Method (SR).
Methodology/Approach:  Data from the literature were selected from the design of experiments for a process with multiple responses. Using these data, models were obtained that represented each response as a function of independent variables using the OLS and SR techniques. Then, the Desirability method was applied together with the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) in order to obtain the process adjustment that would lead to the optimisation of the responses.
Findings:  The findings illustrate that the SR modelling technique yields models with superior predictive capabilities when contrasted with the OLS technique. Throughout the optimisation process, it becomes evident that the adjustments in the process diverge, even though the desirability function's value exhibits negligible variation.
Research Limitation/implication: This research considered only an SR algorithm and a process with two dependent variables and two independent variables.
Originality/Value of paper: No works were found in the literature that reported the use of the Age-Layered Population Structure (ALPS) algorithm in modelling processes that contain multiple responses. Furthermore, no comparison of this method with the OLS method was available.
Category: Research paper.
Malposition is main cause of failure of Oxford mobile-bearing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Sang Weilin , Qiu Hongjiu , Xu Ying , Pan Yuqin , Ma Jinzhong , Zhu Libo
Published: December 2023

Aims

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is the preferred treatment for anterior medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) owing to the rapid postoperative recovery. However, the risk factors for UKA failure remain controversial.

Methods

The clinical data of Oxford mobile-bearing UKAs performed between 2011 and 2017 with a minimum follow-up of five years were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, surgical, and follow-up data were collected. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the risk factors that contribute to UKA failure. Kaplan-Meier survival was used to compare the effect of the prosthesis position on UKA survival.

Results

A total of 407 patients who underwent UKA were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 61.8 years, and the mean follow-up period of the patients was 91.7 months. The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) preoperatively and at the last follow-up were 64.2 and 89.7, respectively (p = 0.001). Overall, 28 patients (6.9%) with UKA underwent revision due to prosthesis loosening (16 patients), dislocation (eight patients), and persistent pain (four patients). Cox proportional hazards model analysis identified malposition of the prostheses as a high-risk factor for UKA failure (p = 0.007). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the five-year survival rate of the group with malposition was 85.1%, which was significantly lower than that of the group with normal position (96.2%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

UKA constitutes an effective method for treating anteromedial knee OA, with an excellent five-year survival rate. Aseptic loosening caused by prosthesis malposition was identified as the main cause of UKA failure. Surgeons should pay close attention to prevent the potential occurrence of this problem.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(12):914–922.
CONCEPÇÃO DE FORMAÇÃO HUMANA PRESENTE NAS AULAS DE EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA ESCOLAR NO MUNICÍPIO DE FEIRA DE SANTANA- BAHIA
Authors: Silva de Almeida Matheus , Araújo Silva Welington
Published: December 2023

Este estudo trata-se de uma investigação acerca do processo de formação humana nas aulas de educação física escolar. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo geral compreender a concepção de formação humana que está presente na educação física escolar do município de Feira de Santana- Bahia. Esse trabalho caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa de campo, de caráter exploratório e de abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de diferentes instrumentos, a saber: observação assistemática, entrevista semiestruturada, análise documental, que foram analisados através do método de análise hermenêutico-dialético de Minayo. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma escola estadual do município de Feira de Santana– BA. Os participantes da pesquisa foram os 2 (dois) professores de Educação Física, ambos atuantes na escola, e na educação básica (rede pública estadual de ensino da cidade de Feira de Santana). Os docentes participantes da pesquisa embora comprometido com sua prática pedagógica na escola, apresentam fragilidades no que tange a concepção de formação humana presentes nas aulas de educação física, dessa forma, é preciso refletir sobre qual função social do componente (Educação Física) vem ocupando na escola.
Always Being With Her Practitioners: A Study of the Diversified Devotional Practices of the Cult of Zhunti 準提 in Late Imperial China (1368–1911)
Authors: Lei Tianyu
Published: December 2023

Abstract: As one of the most venerated Buddhist deities in late imperial China, the core of the cult of the goddess Zhunti lies in the diversity of its devotional practices. Nevertheless, influenced by a problematic methodology, previous studies on this topic highly relied on the prescriptive materials and attached too much importance to the elite practitioners, thus presenting an incomplete picture of the actual situation. Therefore, this article divides the devotional practices of the Zhunti cult into full-fledged liturgies and separately performed devotional practices, and takes advantage of both the descriptive and prescriptive sources to reveal how real historical actors (elites/non-elites, men/women) drew on religious culture to suit their own religious exploration.
Elusive Allusions: Shirley Jackson’s Gothic Intertextuality
Authors: Banks Emily
Published: December 2023

Abstract: This article analyzes Shirley Jackson’s use of allusions in The Haunting of Hill House and Hangsaman . Drawing from Nicholas Royle’s work on the Freudian uncanny in relation to literature and pedagogy, it argues that, in both novels, allusions draw readers with literary knowledge into the protagonist’s psychological experience and ultimately comment on literary studies as an inherently gothic practice. In Hill House , a connected web of allusions to Charles Perrault’s “Bluebeard,” Oscar Wilde’s “The Canterville Ghost,” and Samuel Richardson’s Pamela works to convey the house’s telepathic power while simultaneously inviting us to feel, along with Eleanor, a proud possessiveness if we are (or think we are) able to discern the allusions’ significance for the novel. In this way, Jackson puts her well-read readers in the place of gothic protagonist; we believe we have a special ability to unearth the novel’s secrets but must ultimately wonder whether we, like Eleanor, are the ones who have been consumed. In Hangsaman , allusions to Pamela , Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland , Through the Looking-Glass , the 1908 pornographic novel The Way of a Man with a Maid , and "The Waste Land," as well as the Tarot and Tony Sarg’s marionettes, lead readers through a disorienting maze of clues and connections that replicates its protagonist’s disconnection from reality during her first year of college. In both novels, Jackson cultivates an uncanny reading experience through uncertain recollections, telepathic communications, and surprising correspondences. She illuminates both the allure and danger of literature’s enchanting power, revealing the intrinsically gothic nature of our engagements with the literary tradition.
Discovering the Quinkans: Adventures of a Young Geographer, Long Ago, in a Place Far Away
Authors: Sumner Ray
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: This paper is a recollection of and reflection on student participation in an expedition to discover and record a vast but previously unrecognized collection of Indigenous cave art created by ancient peoples in an extremely remote location in North Queensland. Now known as Quinkan Country, it was inscribed into the Australian National Heritage List in November 2018.
Conceiving of Purity: The Literary Immaculism of María de Zayas's Desengaños Amorosos
Authors: Sheeran Amy
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: The Virgin Mary is a central figure in María de Zayas's Desengaños amorosos (1647) but has not yet been analyzed through the lens of the Immaculate Conception, in spite of Zayas's own immaculist leanings. Indeed, despite its extraordinary and unique popularity in early modern Spain, the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception has received little scholarly attention outside of theological considerations. Recent scholarship has begun to suggest its broader social implications, including its connection to the contemporary discourse of blood purity. The Desengaños articulate and explore this intersection by pairing the intervention of the Immaculate Virgin with anxieties over women's role in maintaining genealogical purity. In this article, I analyze the third, eighth, and ninth tales of the collection, as well as the frame narrative, to argue that Zayas proposes Mary's immaculacy as a counterweight to the perception of women's indelible impurity in the context of limpieza de sangre . Through immaculist language and imagery, and drawing on the early modern obsession with honor, Zayas reimagines a disordered society that viewed women as fallen and corruptible by proposing a uniquely feminine source of genealogical purity.
AI/ML-as-a-Service for optical network automation: use cases and challenges [Invited]
Authors: Natalino Carlos , Panahi Ashkan , Mohammadiha Nasser , Monti Paolo
Published: December 2023

In recent years, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) has played a significant role in automating optical networks. Despite this, the methods for creating, deploying, and monitoring AI/ML models still rely heavily on human intervention and trial-and-error. AI/ML-as-a-Service aims at automating the processes associated with AI/ML models, reducing the need for human intervention and thus facilitating the widespread adoption of AI/ML models. In this paper, we introduce the concept of AI/ML-as-a-Service in the context of optical network automation and propose an architecture for realizing this concept. We provide details of a reference implementation that focuses on the model creation stage. The reference implementation is tested using two use cases related to the quality-of-transmission (QoT) estimation of optical channels. We demonstrate that models created through AI/ML-as-a-Service are able to achieve similar performance as manually tuned models while drastically reducing the need for human involvement. Finally, we discuss future challenges and opportunities for applying AI/ML-as-a-Service in optical network automation.
High-power tunable Raman soliton generation in large core diameter passive fibers via a precise fundamental-mode matching technique
Authors: Yang Linjing , Wang Xuan , Yao Chuanfei , Xu Zipeng , Ren Guochuan , Li Kaihang , Li Pingxue
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate tunable high-power, high-energy Raman solitons with the range of 1.9-2.3 µm in large mode area (LMA) fibers and an optimized fundamental-mode matching technique for coupling LMA silica fibers. Finally, we obtained Raman solitons with a maximum output power of 5.8 W and a maximum pulse energy of 105 nJ in a LMA passive fiber with 32 µm core diameter, the tuning range of Raman soliton is 1.96-2.35 µm. In addition, we obtained Raman solitons with a maximum output power of 7.3 W and a maximum pulse energy of 126 nJ in a LMA passive fiber with 48 µm core diameter, the tuning range of Raman soliton is 1.96-2.27 µm. The output power of 7.3 W is the highest Raman soliton power currently available in silica fibers, and the result fills a gap in the generation of both high-power and high-energy Raman solitons in a LMA silica fiber.
Anisotropic medium sensing controlled by bound states in the continuum in polarization-independent metasurfaces
Authors: Gao Jing-Yi , Liu Jin , Yang Hai-Ma , Liu Hai-Shan , Zeng Guohui , Huang Bo
Published: December 2023

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) with infinite quality factor (Q-factor) and significant field enhancement pave the way for realizing highly sensitive optical sensors with enhanced light-matter interactions on the nanoscale. However, current optical sensing methods are difficult to discriminate between isotropic and anisotropic media from resonance spectral lines, resulting in optical sensing methods still being limited to isotropic media. In this work, we demonstrate that BICs can be realized by modulating the period of structural units to convert BICs to QBICs without changing their space group symmetry, and propose a polarization-independent metasurfaces-based realization of highly sensitive refractive index sensors for isotropic and anisotropic media as well as discrimination. We propose a metasurface of tetrameric silicon nanoboxes with C4 symmetry as structural units to achieve the conversion of BICs to QBICs by modulating the period of structural units without changing the geometry of the structure. Two QBICs modes dominated by electric toroidal dipole and magnetic toroidal dipole are identified by multipolar decomposition and electromagnetic distribution calculations. Meanwhile, we realize the refractive index detection and resolution of isotropic and anisotropic media based on polarization-independent metasurfaces combined with isotropic and anisotropic media layers. Our work provides what we believe to be a new method for realizing the fast resolution and refractive index optical sensing of isotropic and anisotropic media, and offers new ideas for the design and application of polarization-independent metasurfaces.
Enhanced trapping properties induced by strong LSPR-exciton coupling in plasmonic tweezers
Authors: Jia Pengxue , Shi Hongyan , Liu Ran , Yan Xiaoya , Sun Xiudong
Published: December 2023

Plasmonic tweezers break the diffraction limit and enable trap the deep-subwavelength particles. However, the innate scattering properties and the photothermal effect of metal nanoparticles pose challenges to their effective trapping and the non-damaging trapping of biomolecules. In this study, we investigate the enhanced trapping properties induced by strong coupling between localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) and excitons in plasmonic tweezers. The LSPR-exciton strong coupling exhibits an anticrossing behavior in dispersion curves with a markable Rabi splitting of 196 meV. Plasmonic trapping forces on excitons experience a significant increase within this strong coupling system due to higher longitudinal enhancement of electric field enhancement, which enables efficient particle trapping using lower laser power and minimizes ohmic heat generation. Moreover, leveraging strong coupling effects allows the successful trapping of a 50 nm Au particle coated with J-aggregates, overcoming previous limitations associated with scattering characteristics and smaller size that hindered effective metal nanoparticle manipulation. These findings open up new possibilities for the nondestructive trapping of biomolecules and metal nanoparticles across various applications.
Three-dimensional imaging in reflection phase microscopy with minimal axial scanning
Authors: Kang Yong Guk , Park Kwanjun , Hyeon Min Gyu , Yang Taeseok Daniel , Choi Youngwoon
Published: December 2023

Reflection phase microscopy is a valuable tool for acquiring three-dimensional (3D) images of objects due to its capability of optical sectioning. The conventional method of constructing a 3D map is capturing 2D images at each depth with a mechanical scanning finer than the optical sectioning. This not only compromises sample stability but also slows down the acquisition process, imposing limitations on its practical applications. In this study, we utilized a reflection phase microscope to acquire 2D images at depth locations significantly spaced apart, far beyond the range of optical sectioning. By employing a numerical propagation, we successfully filled the information gap between the acquisition layers, and then constructed complete 3D maps of objects with substantially reduced number of axial scans. Our experimental results also demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach in enhancing imaging speed while maintaining the accuracy of the reconstructed 3D structures. This technique has the potential to improve the applicability of reflection phase microscopy in diverse fields such as bioimaging and material science.
Can antibody conjugated nanomicelles alter the prospect of antibody targeted therapy against schistosomiasis mansoni?
Authors: Amer Eglal I. , Allam Sonia R. , Hassan Aceel Y. , El-Fakharany Esmail M. , Agwa Mona M. , Khattab Sherine N. , Sheta Eman , El-Faham Marwa H.
Published: December 2023

Background

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)-mediated activation of the schistosome tegument-associated sphingomyelinase and consequent disruption of the outer membrane might allow host antibodies to access the apical membrane antigens. Here, we investigated a novel approach to enhance specific antibody delivery to concealed surface membrane antigens of Schistosoma mansoni utilising antibody-conjugated-CLA nanomicelle technology.

Methodology/Principal findings

We invented and characterised an amphiphilic CLA-loaded whey protein co-polymer (CLA-W) as an IV injectable protein nanocarrier. Rabbit anti-Schistosoma mansoni infection (anti-SmI) and anti-Schistosoma mansoni alkaline phosphatase specific IgG antibodies were purified from rabbit sera and conjugated to the surface of CLA-W co-polymer to form antibody-conjugated-CLA-W nanomicelles (Ab-CLA-W). We investigated the schistosomicidal effects of CLA-W and Ab-CLA-W in a mouse model of Schistosoma mansoni against early and late stages of infection. Results showed that conjugation of nanomicelles with antibodies, namely anti-SmI, significantly enhanced the micelles’ schistosomicidal and anti-pathology activities at both the schistosomula and adult worm stages of the infection resulting in 64.6%-89.9% reductions in worm number; 72.5–94% and 66.4–85.2% reductions in hepatic eggs and granulomas, respectively. Treatment induced overall improvement in liver histopathology, reducing granuloma size and fibrosis and significantly affecting egg viability. Indirect immunofluorescence confirmed CLA-W-mediated antigen exposure on the worm surface. Electron microscopy revealed extensive ultrastructural damage in worm tegument induced by anti-SmI-CLA-W.

Conclusion/Significance

The novel antibody-targeted nano-sized CLA delivery system offers great promise for treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infection and control of its transmission. Our in vivo observations confirm an immune-mediated enhanced effect of the schistosomicidal action of CLA and hints at the prospect of nanotechnology-based immunotherapy, not only for schistosomiasis, but also for other parasitic infections in which chemotherapy has been shown to be immune-dependent. The results propose that the immunodominant reactivity of the anti-SmI serum, Schistosoma mansoni fructose biphosphate aldolase, SmFBPA, merits serious attention as a therapeutic and vaccine candidate.
Comparison of insect and human cytochrome b561 proteins: Insights into candidate ferric reductases in insects
Authors: Holst Jessica D. , Murphy Laura G. , Gorman Maureen J. , Ragan Emily J.
Published: December 2023

Cytochrome b561 (cytb561) proteins comprise a family of transmembrane oxidoreductases that transfer single electrons across a membrane. Most eukaryotic species, including insects, possess multiple cytb561 homologs. To learn more about this protein family in insects, we carried out a bioinformatics-based investigation of cytb561 family members from nine species representing eight insect orders. We performed a phylogenetic analysis to classify insect cytb561 ortholog groups. We then conducted sequence analyses and analyzed protein models to predict structural elements that may impact the biological functions and localization of these proteins, with a focus on possible ferric reductase activity. Our study revealed three ortholog groups, designated CG1275, Nemy, and CG8399, and a fourth group of less-conserved genes. We found that CG1275 and Nemy proteins are similar to a human ferric reductase, duodenal cytochrome b561 (Dcytb), and have many conserved amino acid residues that function in substrate binding in Dcytb. Notably, CG1275 and Nemy proteins contain a conserved histidine and other residues that play a role in ferric ion reduction by Dcytb. Nemy proteins were distinguished by a novel cysteine-rich cytoplasmic loop sequence. CG8399 orthologs are similar to a putative ferric reductase in humans, stromal cell-derived receptor 2. Like other members of the CYBDOM class of cytb561 proteins, these proteins contain reeler, DOMON, and cytb561 domains. Drosophila melanogaster CG8399 is the only insect cytb561 with known ferric reductase activity. Our investigation of the DOMON domain in CG8399 proteins revealed a probable heme-binding site and a possible site for ferric reduction. The fourth group includes a subgroup of proteins with a conserved “KXXXXKXH” non-cytoplasmic loop motif that may be a substrate binding site and is present in a potential ferric reductase, human tumor suppressor cytochrome b561. This study provides a foundation for future investigations of the biological functions of cytb561 genes in insects.