bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Dot‐Doped Optical Fibers
Authors: Zhu Zixuan , Sun Siqi , Chai Xiaomei , Gao Jianqiao , Lu Min , Wu Zhennan , Gao Yanbo , Feng Ting , Bai Xue , Zhang Yu , Yan Fengping , Yu William W. , Ke Changjun
Published: May 2024

Gain medium‐doped active optical fibers for optical amplification and long‐range transmission have triggered a lot of researches. Traditional rare‐earth ion‐doped active fibers have non‐adjustable emissions, narrow band luminescence, limited gain enhancement, and other challenges. The unique optical properties of quantum dots (QDs) can further improve the doped optical fibers in the light amplification capacity, temperature sensitivity and to gain a broad‐spectrum coverage and lower laser threshold and other superiorities. However, there are few systematic discussions on the development of the technologies and applications of those QD‐doped optical fibers. In this review, the optical properties, temperature characteristics and optical amplification mechanisms of QD‐doped optical fibers are outlined. Then, the preparation technologies and the applications of QD‐doped optical fibers are highlighted. Additionally, the existing challenges and future development prospects of QD‐doped optical fibers are discussed.
Unravelling Competitive Interactions between Polymer Side Chains and End Groups with β‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Ziegler Katharina , Post Yorick , Gröschel André H. , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: May 2024

This study investigates unexpected competitive host–guest interactions of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), which can occur with polymers in aqueous solution, using the examples of the two polymers poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) and poly(glycerol mono methacrylate). Systematic structural modifications of the polymer provide insight into the host–guest interaction with β‐CD and the competition between side chains and end groups such as hydrophobic end groups remaining from reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization or intentionally implemented molecular recognition units such as arylazopyrazole photoswitches.
Fabrication of Shape Memory Polymer Endovascular Thrombectomy Device for Treating Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kuram Emel , Karadeli Hasan Hüseyin
Published: May 2024

Stroke is the second result for death and ischemic stroke constitutes most of all stroke cases. Ischemic stroke takes place when blood clot or embolus blocks cerebral vessel and interrupts blood flow, which often leads to brain damage, permanent disability, or death. There is a 4.5‐h (golden hour) treatment window to restore blood flow prior to permanent neurological impairment results. Current stroke treatments consist mechanical system or thrombolytic drug therapy to disrupt or dissolve thrombus. Promising method for stroke treatment is mechanical retrieving of thrombi employing device deployed endovascularly. Advent of smart materials has led to research fabrication of several minimally invasive endovascular devices that take advantage of new materials capabilities. One of these capabilities is shape memory, is capability of material to store temporary form, then activate to primary shape as subjected to stimuli. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are employed as good materials for thrombectomy device fabrication. Therefore, current review presents thrombectomy device development and fabrication with SMPs. Design, performance, limitations, and in vitro or in vivo clinical results of SMP‐based thrombectomy devices are identified. Review also sheds light on SMP's future outlook and recommendations for thrombectomy device application, opening a new era for advanced materials in materials science.
Engineering peptide drug therapeutics through chemical conjugation and implication in clinics
Authors: Rizvi Syed Faheem Askari , Zhang Haixia , Fang Quan
Published: May 2024

The development of peptide drugs has made tremendous progress in the past few decades because of the advancements in modification chemistry and analytical technologies. The novel‐designed peptide drugs have been modified through various biochemical methods with improved diagnostic, therapeutic, and drug‐delivery strategies. Researchers found it a helping hand to overcome the inherent limitations of peptides and bring continued advancements in their applications. Furthermore, the emergence of peptide‐drug conjugates (PDCs)—utilizes target‐oriented peptide moieties as a vehicle for cytotoxic payloads via conjugation with cleavable chemical agents, resulting in the key foundation of the new era of targeted peptide drugs. This review summarizes the various classifications of peptide drugs, suitable chemical modification strategies to improve the ADME (adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) features of peptide drugs, and recent (2015–early 2024) progress/achievements in peptide‐based drug delivery systems as well as their fruitful implication in preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, we also summarized the brief description of other types of PDCs, including peptide‐MOF conjugates and peptide‐UCNP conjugates. The principal aim is to provide scattered and diversified knowledge in one place and to help researchers understand the pinching knots in the science of PDC development and progress toward a bright future of novel peptide drugs.
Detecting clear‐sky periods from photovoltaic power measurements
Authors: Wandji Nyamsi William , Lindfors Anders
Published: May 2024

A method for detecting clear‐sky periods from photovoltaic (PV) power measurements is presented and validated. It uses five tests dealing with parameters characterizing the connections between the measured PV power and the corresponding clear‐sky power. To estimate clear‐sky PV power, a PV model has been designed using as inputs downwelling shortwave irradiance and its direct and diffuse components received at ground level under clear‐sky conditions as well as reflectivity of the Earth's surface and extraterrestrial irradiance, altogether provided by the McClear service. In addition to McClear products, the PV model requires wind speed and temperature as inputs taken from ECMWF twentieth century reanalysis ERA5 products. The performance of the proposed method has been assessed and validated by visual inspection and compared to two well‐known algorithms identifying clear‐sky periods with broadband global and diffuse irradiance measurements on a horizontal surface. The assessment was carried out at two stations located in Finland offering collocated 1‐min PV power and broadband irradiance measurements. Overall, total agreement ranges between 84% and 97% (depending on the season) in discriminating clear‐sky and cloudy periods with respect to the two well‐known algorithms serving as reference. The disagreement fluctuating between 6% and 15%, depending on the season, primarily occurs while the PV module temperature is adequately high and/or when the sun is close to the horizon with many more interactions between the radiation, the atmosphere and the ground surface.
Milk Fat Globule Proteins Are Relevant Bovine Milk Allergens in Patients with α‐Gal Syndrome
Authors: Aiuto Beatrice , Cirrincione Simona , Giuffrida Maria Gabriella , Cavallarin Laura , Portesi Chiara , Rossi Andrea Mario , Borreani Giorgio , Rolla Giovanni , Geuna Massimo , Nicola Stefania , Quinternetto Anna , Alessi Lucrezia , Saracco Elena , Brussino Luisa , Lamberti Cristina
Published: May 2024

Alpha‐gal syndrome (AGS) is a mammalian meat allergy associated with tick bites and specific IgE to the oligosaccharide galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose (α‐gal). Recent studies have shown that 10–20% of AGS patients also react to the dairy proteins. Considering the already described role of the meat lipid fraction in AGS manifestations, the aim of this work has been to investigate whether the milk fat globule proteins (MFGPs) could be involved in AGS.

The MFGPs are extracted and their recognition by the IgE of AGS patients is proved through immunoblotting experiments. The identification of the immunoreactive proteins by LC‐HRMS analysis allows to demonstrate for the first time that butyrophillin, lactadherin, and xanthine oxidase (XO) are α‐gal glycosylated. The role of xanthine oxidase seems to be prevalent since it is highly recognized by both the anti‐α‐gal antibody and AGS patient sera.

The results obtained in this study provide novel insights in the characterization of α‐Gal carrying glycoproteins in bovine milk, supporting the possibility that milk, especially in its whole form, may give reactions in AGS patients. Although additional factors are probably associated with the clinical manifestations, the avoidance of milk and milk products should be considered in individuals with AGS showing symptoms related to milk consumption.
Prenatal High‐Sucrose Diet Induced Vascular Dysfunction of Renal Interlobar Arteries in the Offspring via PPARγ‐RXRg‐ROS/Akt Signaling
Authors: Feng Xueqin , Liu Xinying , Wang Fuling , Zhang Xiaoyun , Zhu Liangxi , Shu Hua , Wang Chunxia , Duan Liting , Wang Haixia , Ren Qinggui , Dong Fangxiang , Zhang Ziteng , Man Dongmei , Qu Miaomiao
Published: May 2024

Scope

Prenatal nutrition imbalance correlates with developmental origin of cardiovascular diseases; however whether maternal high‐sucrose diet (HS) during pregnancy causes vascular damage in renal interlobar arteries (RIA) from offspring still keeps unclear.

Methods and results

Pregnant rats are fed with normal drinking water or 20% high‐sucrose solution during the whole gestational period. Swollen mitochondria and distributed myofilaments are observed in vascular smooth muscle cells of RIA exposed to prenatal HS. Maternal HS increases phenylephrine (PE)‐induced vasoconstriction in the RIA from adult offspring. NG‐Nitro‐l‐arginine (L‐Name) causes obvious vascular tension in response to PE in offspring from control group, not in HS. RNA‐Seq of RIA is performed to reveal that the gene retinoid X receptor g (RXRg) is significantly decreased in the HS group, which could affect vascular function via interacting with PPARγ pathway. By preincubation of RIA with apocynin (NADPH inhibitor) or capivasertib (Akt inhibitor), the results indicate that ROS and Akt are the vital important factors to affect the vascular function of RIA exposure to prenatal HS.

Conclusion

Maternal HS during the pregnancy increases PE‐mediated vasoconstriction of RIA from adult offspring, which is mainly related to the enhanced Akt and ROS regulated by the weakened PPARγ‐RXRg.
S‐Methyl Cysteine Sulfoxide Does Not Ameliorate Weight Gain or Hyperlipidemia in Mice Fed a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Hill Caroline R. , Shafaei Armaghan , Matthews Vance B. , Ward Natalie C. , Croft Kevin D. , Lewis Joshua R. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Balmer Lois , Blekkenhorst Lauren C.
Published: May 2024

Scope

Higher intake of cruciferous and allium vegetables is associated with lower cardiometabolic risk. Little research has investigated the cardiometabolic effects of S‐methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO), found abundant in these vegetables. This study hypothesizes that SMCSO will blunt development of metabolic syndrome features in mice fed high‐fat feed.

Methods and results

Fifty C57BL/6 male mice are randomly assigned to standard‐chow, high‐fat, or high‐fat supplemented with low‐SMCSO (43 mg kg−1 body weight [BW] day−1), medium‐SMCSO (153 mg kg−1 BW day−1), or high‐SMCSO (256 mg kg−1 BW day−1) for 12‐weeks. High‐fat with SMCSO did not prevent diet‐induced obesity, glucose intolerance, or hypercholesterolemia. Mice fed high‐fat with SMCSO has higher hepatic lipids than mice fed standard‐chow or high‐fat alone. Urinary SMCSO increases at 6‐ and 12‐weeks in the low‐SMCSO group, before reducing 46% and 28% in the medium‐ and high‐SMCSO groups, respectively, at 12‐weeks, suggesting possible tissue saturation. Interestingly, two SMCSO‐fed groups consume significantly more feed, without significant weight gain. Due to limitations in measuring consumed feed, caution should be taken interpreting these results.

Conclusion

SMCSO (43–256 mg kg−1 BW day−1) does not ameliorate metabolic syndrome features in high‐fat fed mice. Substantial knowledge gaps remain. Further studies should administer SMCSO separately (i.e., gavage), with metabolic studies exploring tissue levels to better understand its physiological action.
Large‐wavelength Gaussian deconvolution phase‐contrast computed tomography for THz continuous wave (0.11 THz)
Authors: Cha Xingzeng , An Hongyu , Li En , Lai Dakun
Published: May 2024

This letter was to present an attempt of large‐wavelength Gaussian deconvolution phase‐contrast computed tomography (LW‐GD‐PCCT) for promotion of image quality reconstructed in low‐frequency band of terahertz (THz) spectrum at 0.11 THz. The interaction between the imaging samples and the THz Gaussian beam were formulated firstly in this paper, where the unwrapped phase was extracted specifically to portray the spatial structure distribution of the samples. Additionally, a Gaussian deconvolution was employed for the further reduction of spatial distortions. Moreover, an image reconstruction was carried out with the obtained phase sinograms based on phase‐used inverse Radon transform from the different positions on the sample. For an experimental assessment of the concept of LW‐GD‐PCCT, a single ellipsoid reflector‐based THz Gaussian beam generating system was established and samples such as polystyrene (PS) foam cuboid (Sample 1), and cylinder (Sample 2) with hollow defects (air holes and triangles) were prepared carefully in this work. To experimentally evaluate the performance of the contributing to the structural imaging over soft samples. Two‐dimensional topographies of each sample were reconstructed successfully, and the obtained cross root‐mean‐square error (cross‐RMSE), cross peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (cross‐PSNR), and cross structural similarity (cross‐SSIM) were 151.6451, 26.3225, and 0.9616 for Sample 1 with a high dose of 180 projections respectively, as well as 30.3242, 33.3129, and 0.9711 for Sample 2 with a low dose of 36 projections, respectively. The obtained imaging indicators of this work showed a superiority of imaging quality over those of recent works. Furthermore, the investigation of the bearing capacity has shown promise in enhancing image quality even in low‐dose conditions. The presented results suggest that the unwrapped phase combining with Gaussian deconvolution in low‐frequency band of THz imaging would be useful to improve the reconstructed image quality, potential to highly feasible non‐destructive testing of polymer foam via large wavelength.
Analysis of antenna arrays using equivalent sources for increase in computational efficiency for 5G and beyond
Authors: Aakash  , Bhattacharya Sudeb , Jaiswal Rahul Kumar , Srivastava Kumar Vaibhav
Published: May 2024

The use of equivalent sources for the analysis of antenna arrays for high computational efficiency has been proposed. A single antenna element has been designed, and the fields have been saved on an enclosed geometry. The surface equivalence principle has been utilized to calculate the far‐field patterns from the fields saved on the enclosed geometry which has been termed as Huygens' box (HB). The antenna element has been used to design , , , and array and the far‐fields have been calculated. For linear arrays of HBs far‐field patterns and computation time have been compared with that of the actual antenna array. As the number of elements increases from 4 to 16, the computation time has been found to reduce from to . Further, the computation time has been found to reduce by and for and configurations, respectively. The method is suitable for analysis of complex geometry of antennas used in 5G technology and beyond.
B0‐insensitive image navigators for prospective motion‐corrected MRS with localized second‐order shimming
Authors: Adanyeguh Isaac M. , Park Young Woo , Henry Pierre‐Gilles , Deelchand Dinesh K.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Localized shimming in single‐voxel MRS often results in large B0 inhomogeneity outside the volume‐of‐interest. This causes unacceptable degradation in motion navigator images. Switching back and forth between whole‐brain shim and localized shim is possible for linear shims, but not for higher‐order shims. Here we propose motion navigators largely insensitive to B0 inhomogeneity for prospective motion‐corrected MRS with localized higher‐order shimming.

Methods

A recent fast high‐resolution motion navigator based on spiral‐in/out k‐space trajectories and multislice‐to‐volume registration was modified by splitting the readout into multiple shot interleaves which shortened the echo time and reduced the effect of B0 inhomogeneity. The performance of motion correction was assessed in healthy subjects in the prefrontal cortex using a sLASER sequence at 3T (N = 5) and 7T (N = 5).

Results

With multiple spatial interleaves, excellent quality navigator images were acquired in the whole brain in spite of large B0 inhomogeneity outside the MRS voxel. The total duration of the navigator in sLASER remained relatively short even with multiple shots (3T: 10 spatial interleaves 94 ms per slice; 7T: 15 spatial interleaves 103 ms per slice). Prospective motion correction using the multi‐shot navigators yielded comparable spectral quality (water linewidth and metabolite SNR) with and without subject motion.

Conclusion

B0‐insensitive motion navigators enable prospective motion correction for MRS with all first‐ and second‐order shims adjusted in the MRS voxel, providing optimal spectral linewidth.
Exercise‐based physiotherapeutic interventions in frailty syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Silva Laize Gabriele de Castro , da Silva Silvia Lanziotti Azevedo , Freire Júlio César Guimarães , Nascimento Emanoel dos Santos , de Andrade Palloma Rodrigues , Pereira Daniele Sirineu , Brito Geraldo Eduardo Guedes
Published: May 2024

Objective

To identify the effect of exercise interventions on physical frailty in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

Relevant articles were searched in MEDLINE, LILACS, Scielo, Embase, and PEDro in November 2022, based on a protocol registered in PROSPERO and according to items prescribed in Report for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses, using Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) and free terms for search strategy, with no language restrictions. The studies were considered if they had been published between January 2010 and November 2022, and were randomized clinical trials in which pre‐frail and frail older community‐dwelling adults had undergone exercise‐based physical therapy.

Results

The systematic review found 5360 citations; after screening, abstract, and full‐text screening for eligibility, seven studies were included, involving 1304 participants overall. The exercise modalities differed substantially between studies. The meta‐analysis identified a statistically significant difference in frailty between older adults who exercised compared with those who exercised with no or minimal intervention. No heterogeneity between articles was observed, and the risk of bias was considered low according to funnel plot visual inspection.

Conclusions

The results of this review suggest that physical therapy programs are effective in decreasing levels of physical frailty in community‐dwelling older adults.
The additional value of 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT SUVmax in predicting ISUP GG ≥ 2 and ISUP GG ≥ 3 prostate cancer in biopsy
Authors: Heetman Joris G. , Paulino Pereira Leonor J. , Kelder Johannes C. , Soeterik Timo F. W. , Wever Lieke , Lavalaye Jules , van der Hoeven Erik J. R. J. , Lam Marnix G. E. H. , van Melick Harm H. E. , van den Bergh Roderick C. N.
Published: May 2024

Background

Prebiopsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) increases the detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Prostate‐specific membrane antigen‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the prostate may offer additional value in predicting the likelihood of csPCa in biopsy.

Methods

A single‐center cohort study involving patients with biopsy‐proven PCa who underwent both MRI and PSMA PET/CT between 2020 and 2021. Logistic regression models were developed for International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Grade Group (GG) ≥ 2 and GG ≥ 3 using noninvasive prebiopsy parameters: age, (log‐)prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) density, PI‐RADS 5 lesion presence, extraprostatic extension (EPE) on MRI, and SUVmax of the prostate. Models with and without SUVmax were compared using Likelihood ratio tests and area under the curve (AUC). DeLong's test was used to compare the AUCs.

Results

The study included 386 patients, with 262 (68%) having ISUP GG ≥ 2 and 180 (47%) having ISUP GG ≥ 3. Including SUVmax significantly improved both models' goodness of fit (p < 0.001). The GG ≥ 2 model had a higher AUC with SUVmax 89.16% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86.06%–92.26%) than without 87.34% (95% CI: 83.93%–90.76%) (p = 0.026). Similarly, the GG ≥ 3 model had a higher AUC with SUVmax 82.51% (95% CI: 78.41%–86.6%) than without 79.33% (95% CI: 74.84%–83.83%) (p = 0.003). The SUVmax inclusion improved the GG ≥ 3 model's calibration at higher probabilities.

Conclusion

SUVmax of the prostate on PSMA PET/CT potentially improves diagnostic accuracy in predicting the likelihood of csPCa in prostate biopsy.
Digital financial inclusion, financial stability, and sustainable development: Evidence from a quantile‐on‐quantile regression and wavelet coherence
Authors: Oanh Tran Thi Kim , Dinh Le Quoc
Published: May 2024

The current research examines the influence of digital financial inclusion (DFI) and financial stability (FS) on sustainable development in Vietnam through a dataset spanning during 2004–2022. Non‐parametric methods, such as quantile regression, Granger tests in different quantiles, and wavelet analysis were employed to elucidate the effect of different quantiles of FS and DFI on various quantiles of sustainable development. Our primary contribution lies in integrating three research domains to examine the relationships among all three factors simultaneously, all within the framework of one of the biggest developing economies. Our findings exhibit the strongly positive influence of FS and DFI on sustainable development in Vietnam across various quantiles and frequencies. This suggests that FS and DFI support the transition of country toward sustainable development.
Abrocitinib May Improve Itch and Quality of Life in Patients with Itch-Dominant Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Silverberg Jonathan I. , Thyssen Jacob P. , Lazariciu Irina , Myers Daniela E. , Güler Erman , Chovatiya Raj
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) exhibit heterogeneous clinical phenotypes, reflecting different combinations of itch and lesional severity. AD with severe itch but clear-moderate lesions, also known as itch-dominant AD, is a common clinical phenotype.

Objectives

To evaluate abrocitinib efficacy in patients with moderate-to-severe AD who have itch-dominant AD.

Methods

This post hoc analysis includes pooled data from clinical trials of patients with moderate-to-severe AD receiving abrocitinib (100 or 200 mg) as monotherapy (phase 2b; phase 3 JADE MONO-1 and JADE MONO-2) or in combination with topical therapy (phase 3 JADE COMPARE). Data from the ongoing long-term JADE EXTEND trial (data cutoff April 2020) were also evaluated. Itch-dominant AD was defined as baseline Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS) score of 7−10 and Investigator’s Global Assessment of 0−3 or Eczema Area and Severity Index of 0‒21. Assessments included a ≥4-point improvement in PP-NRS (PP-NRS4), PP-NRS score of 0 (no itch) or 1 (little itch) in patients with PP-NRS score ≥2 at baseline, ≥4-point improvement from baseline in Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM-4), Patient Global Assessment (PtGA) of clear or almost clear, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 0 or 1 (no impact or little impact of AD on quality of life [QoL]).

Results

In the pooled monotherapy trials, 37% of patients had itch-dominant AD at baseline. As early as Week 2, more patients with itch-dominant AD achieved PP-NRS4 with abrocitinib 100 mg (35%) and abrocitinib 200 mg (57%) versus placebo (7%); 6% and 22% versus 0%, respectively, achieved PP-NRS 0/1. More patients achieved a PtGA of clear/almost clear at Week 12 with abrocitinib 100 mg (28%) and abrocitinib 200 mg (45%) than placebo (9%). Additionally, abrocitinib led to clinically meaningful improvements in POEM and DLQI. Most patients with itch-dominant AD experienced itch improvement over time with abrocitinib monotherapy or with concomitant topical therapy; 86%–87% and 62%–67% of patients had no itch-moderate itch and clear-moderate lesions by weeks 24 and 48, respectively.

Conclusions

Abrocitinib is highly efficacious in patients with itch-dominant AD, demonstrating rapid, deep, and sustained improvements in itch and clinically meaningful improvements in patients’ QoL.

Trial Registration Numbers

NCT02780167; NCT03349060; NCT03575871; NCT03720470; NCT03422822.
Ferrochrome Production in a Submerged Electric Arc Furnace: Fundamental Analysis Based upon the FactSage‐Macro Program Approach
Authors: Singha Prasenjit , Das Swagat , Kundu Souvik , Majumdar Koushik , Singh Awanindra , Paliwal Manas
Published: May 2024

Around 80% of the FeCr produced worldwide is utilized in stainless steelmaking. Thus, the growth of the stainless‐steel industry is directly related to FeCr production. Although the FeCr production in submerged arc furnace (SAF) is fairly stabilized, new challenges have emerged in the furnace operation due to the depletion of lumpy ores, high SiO2 content, and lower Cr/Fe ratio in the low‐grade ores. In this regard, the addition of various fluxes such as quartz, magnesite, and bauxite are considered to improve the Cr recovery in SAF operation, particularly in the context of low‐grade ores. In this study, thermodynamic calculations are performed to discuss the effect of various additives (MgO in magnesite, Al2O3 as bauxite, and SiO2 in quartz form) on Cr recovery and slag formation temperature. In addition, a comprehensive thermodynamic‐based process model has been developed for FeCr operation that captures the most important thermochemical reactions. The modeling results are compared with the plant data, and suitable modifications in the slag compositions are made to maximize Cr recovery. Moreover, new plant trials are performed with modified slag composition, and its effect on Cr recovery is also discussed.
Assessment of glial fibrillary acidic protein and anti‐glial fibrillary acidic protein autoantibody concentrations and necrotising meningoencephalitis risk genotype in dogs with pug dog myelopathy
Authors: Rohdin Cecilia , Ljungvall Ingrid , Jäderlund Karin Hultin , Svensson Anna , Lindblad‐Toh Kerstin , Häggström Jens
Published: May 2024

Background

Pugs commonly present with thoracolumbar myelopathy, also known as pug dog myelopathy (PDM), which is clinically characterised by progressive signs involving the pelvic limbs, no apparent signs of pain and, often, incontinence. In addition to meningeal fibrosis and focal spinal cord destruction, histopathology has confirmed lymphohistiocytic infiltrates in the central nervous system (CNS) in a considerable number of pugs with PDM. Lymphohistiocytic CNS inflammation also characterises necrotising meningoencephalitis (NME) in pugs. This study aimed to investigate the potential contribution of an immunological aetiology to the development of PDM.

Methods

The concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in serum and CSF and of anti‐GFAP autoantibodies in CSF were measured with an ELISA. In addition, a commercial test was used for genetic characterisation of the dog leukocyte antigen class II haplotype, which is associated with NME susceptibility.

Results

This study included 87 dogs: 52 PDM pugs, 14 control pugs, four NME pugs and 17 dogs of breeds other than pugs that were investigated for neurological disease (neuro controls). Anti‐GFAP autoantibodies were present in 15 of 19 (79%) of the PDM pugs tested versus six of 16 (38%) of the neuro controls tested (p = 0.018). All 18 PDM pugs evaluated had detectable CSF GFAP. Serum GFAP was detected in two of three (67%) of the NME pugs and in two of 11 (18%) of the control pugs but not in any of the 40 tested PDM pugs. Male pugs heterozygous for the NME risk haplotype had an earlier onset of clinical signs (70 months) compared to male pugs without the risk haplotype (78 months) (p = 0.036).

Limitations

The study was limited by the lack of healthy dogs of breeds other than pugs and the small numbers of control pugs and pugs with NME.

Conclusions

The high proportion of PDM pugs with anti‐GFAP autoantibodies and high CSF GFAP concentrations provide support for a potential immunological contribution to the development of PDM.
Hypercalcaemia in a dog with hypothyroidism
Authors: Brandeker Erika , Scuka Amanda , Öberg Josefine
Published: May 2024

A 5‐year‐old, entire, female Greenland dog was presented with polyuria and polydipsia. A mildly increased circulating concentration of ionised calcium, mild non‐regenerative anaemia, mild hypercholesterolemia and mild increases in liver enzyme activity were detected. Parathyroid hormone, plasma parathyroid hormone‐related protein and vitamin D were analysed in a blood sample, with all results below the lower limit of the reference range. Further investigation with abdominal ultrasonography, fine‐needle aspiration for cytology of the liver and spleen, thoracic radiography, adrenocorticotropic hormone‐stimulation and serum protein electrophoresis could not detect any disease. During the next months, the dog developed coat changes that clinically corresponded to an endocrinopathy. Analysis of thyroxine and thyroid‐stimulating hormone was performed. Thyroxine was less than 6 nmol/L and thyroid‐stimulating hormone was 1.5 µg/L, which indicated primary hypothyroidism. Treatment with l‐thyroxine resulted in normalisation of the hypercalcaemia. Moreover, the polyuria and alopecia resolved.
Type I congenital elbow luxation treated by radial head ostectomy in four dogs (2019–2021)
Authors: Bondonny Laura , Belmudes Audrey , Rivier Pablo
Published: May 2024

Four dogs with a median age of 5 months (4–8 months) were presented with type I congenital elbow luxation. Two dogs were bilaterally affected. All dogs had severe lameness and limited range of motion of the affected elbow. All were treated by radial head ostectomy. Mid‐term results were assessed by clinical and radiographic or computed tomography follow‐up in three dogs and using a validated owner questionnaire, the canine brief pain inventory (CBPI), in all dogs. Long‐term follow‐up was continued using the same questionnaire over a median time of 40.5 months. Follow‐up computed tomography or radiographs showed persistent humeroulnar incongruency and bone proliferation proximal to the ostectomy site. All owners reported rare episodes of mild lameness and a decreased CBPI score. This therapeutic option provided satisfactory mid‐ and long‐term outcomes. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral radial head ostectomy in dogs with type I congenital elbow luxation.
Subhomogeneous Operator Systems and Classification of Operator Systems Generated by $$\Lambda $$-Commuting Unitaries
Authors: Kiri Ran
Published: May 2024

A unital $$C^*$$

C
∗

-algebra is called N-subhomogeneous if its irreducible representations are finite dimensional with dimension at most N. We extend this notion to operator systems, replacing irreducible representations by boundary representations. This is done by considering $$\text {UCP }(\mathcal {S})$$

UCP

(
S
)

which is the matrix state space associated with an operator system $$\mathcal {S}$$
S
and identifying the boundary representations as absolute matrix extreme points. We show that two N-subhomogeneous operator systems are completely order equivalent if and only if they are N-order equivalent. Moreover, we show that a unital N-positive map into a finite dimensional N-subhomogeneous operator system is completely positive. We apply these tools to classify pairs of q-commuting unitaries up to $$*$$

∗

-isomorphism. Similar results are obtained for operator systems related to higher dimensional non-commutative tori.
A new method to prioritize the QFDs’ engineering characteristics inspired by the Law of Comparative Judgment
Authors: Maisano Domenico A. , Carrera Giovanna , Mastrogiacomo Luca , Franceschini Fiorenzo
Published: May 2024

The primary module of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is the House of Quality (HoQ), which supports the design of new products and services by translating customer requirements (CRs) into engineering characteristics (ECs). Within the HoQ framework, the traditional technique for prioritizing ECs is the independent scoring method (ISM), which aggregates the weights of the CRs and the relationships between CRs and ECs (i.e., null, weak, medium, and high) through a weighted sum. However, ISM incorporates two questionable operations: (i) an arbitrary numerical conversion of the relationships between CRs and ECs, and (ii) the “promotion” of these relationships from ordinal to cardinal scale. To address these conceptual shortcomings, this paper introduces a novel procedure for prioritizing ECs, inspired by the Thurstone’s Law of Comparative Judgment (LCJ). This procedure offers a solution that is conceptually sound and practical, overcoming the conceptual shortcomings of ISM, while maintaining its simplicity, flexibility, and ease of implementation. The proposed approach is supported by a realistic application example illustrating its potential.
The physiological and biochemical basis of potency thresholds modeled using human estrogen receptor alpha: implications for identifying endocrine disruptors
Authors: Borgert Christopher J. , Burgoon Lyle D. , Matthews John C.
Published: May 2024

The endocrine system functions by interactions between ligands and receptors. Ligands exhibit potency for binding to and interacting with receptors. Potency is the product of affinity and efficacy. Potency and physiological concentration determine the ability of a ligand to produce physiological effects. The kinetic behavior of ligand-receptor interactions conforms to the laws of mass action. The laws of mass action define the relationship between the affinity of a ligand and the fraction of cognate receptors that it occupies at any physiological concentration. We previously identified the minimum ligand potency required to produce clinically observable estrogenic agonist effects via the human estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα). By examining data on botanical estrogens and dietary supplements, we demonstrated that ERα ligands with potency lower than one one-thousandth that of the primary endogenous hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) do not produce clinically observable estrogenic effects. This allowed us to propose a Human-Relevant Potency Threshold (HRPT) for ERα ligands of 1 × 10–4 relative to E2. Here, we test the hypothesis that the HRPT for ERα arises from the receptor occupancy by the normal metabolic milieu of endogenous ERα ligands. The metabolic milieu comprises precursors to hormones, metabolites of hormones, and other normal products of metabolism. We have calculated fractional receptor occupancies for ERα ligands with potencies below and above the previously established HRPT when normal circulating levels of some endogenous ERα ligands and E2 were also present. Fractional receptor occupancy calculations showed that individual ERα ligands with potencies more than tenfold higher than the HRPT can compete for occupancy at ERα against individual components of the endogenous metabolic milieu and against mixtures of those components at concentrations found naturally in human blood. Ligands with potencies less than tenfold higher than the HRPT were unable to compete successfully for ERα. These results show that the HRPT for ERα agonism (10–4 relative to E2) proposed previously is quite conservative and should be considered strong evidence against the potential for disruption of the estrogenic pathway. For chemicals with potency 10–3 of E2, the potential for estrogenic endocrine disruption must be considered equivocal and subject to the presence of corroborative evidence. Most importantly, this work demonstrates that the endogenous metabolic milieu is responsible for the observed ERα agonist HRPT, that this HRPT applies also to ERα antagonists, and it provides a compelling mechanistic explanation for the HRPT that is grounded in basic principles of molecular kinetics using well characterized properties and concentrations of endogenous components of normal metabolism.
Thresholds of adversity for endocrine disrupting substances: a conceptual case study
Authors: Choi Judy , Rotter Stefanie , Ritz Vera , Kneuer Carsten , Marx-Stoelting Philip , de Lourdes Marzo Solano Marize , Oertel Angelika , Rudzok Susanne , Ziková-Kloas Andrea , Tralau Tewes , Hensel Andreas
Published: May 2024

For endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) the existence of “safe exposure levels”, that is exposure levels that do not present an appreciable risk to human health is most controversially discussed, as is the existence of health-based reference values. Concerns have been especially raised that EDCs might not possess a threshold level such that no exposure level to EDCs can be considered safe. To explore whether or not threshold levels can be identified, we performed a screening exercise on 14 pesticidal and biocidal active substances previously identified as EDCs in the European Union. The respective substances are ideal subjects for case studies to review for endocrine activity and disruptive potential following well-defined regulatory assessment based on solid data to effectually establish adversity as consequence of endocrine disruption. Dimethomorph, metiram and propiconazole for which the weight of evidence demonstrating endocrine disruption was the strongest were used as subjects for further study. Epoxiconazole was additionally selected as its effects on the endocrine system are extensive. For all four substances, analysis of the toxicological data clearly indicated thresholds of adversity below which no adverse effects mediated through an endocrine mechanism were observed. Particular emphasis was placed on mechanistic considerations including homeostasis and the concept of adversity. As a proof of concept this study provides evidence that like other substances of toxicological concern EDCs have threshold levels for adversity. While for some EDCs the respective thresholds might indeed be very low this shows that, data allowing, for other EDCs sufficiently protective reference values can be derived.
Flux and symmetry effects on quantum tunneling
Authors: Helffer Bernard , Kachmar Ayman , Sundqvist Mikael Persson
Published: May 2024

Motivated by the analysis of the tunneling effect for the magnetic Laplacian, we introduce an abstract framework for the spectral reduction of a self-adjoint operator to a hermitian matrix. We illustrate this framework by three applications, firstly the electro-magnetic Laplacian with constant magnetic field and three equidistant potential wells, secondly a pure constant magnetic field and Neumann boundary condition in a smoothed triangle, and thirdly a magnetic step where the discontinuity line is a smoothed triangle. Flux effects are visible in the three aforementioned settings through the occurrence of eigenvalue crossings. Moreover, in the electro-magnetic Laplacian setting with double well radial potential, we rule out an artificial condition on the distance of the wells and extend the range of validity for the tunneling approximation recently established in Fefferman et al. (SIAM J Math Anal 54: 1105–1130, 2022), Helffer & Kachmar (Pure Appl Anal, 2024), thereby settling the problem of electro-magnetic tunneling under constant magnetic field and a sum of translated radial electric potentials.
Divergence between sea urchins and their microbiota following speciation
Authors: Carrier Tyler J. , Schwob Guillaume , Ketchum Remi N. , Lessios Harilaos A. , Reitzel Adam M.
Published: May 2024

Animals have a deep evolutionary relationship with microbial symbionts, such that individual microbes or an entire microbial community can diverge alongside the host. Here, we explore these host-microbe relationships in Echinometra, a sea urchin genus that speciated with the Isthmus of Panama and throughout the Indo-West Pacific. We find that the eggs from five Echinometra species generally associate with a species-specific bacterial community and that the relatedness of these communities is largely congruent with host phylogeny. Microbiome divergence per million years was higher in more recent speciation events than in older ones. We, however, did not find any bacterial groups that displayed co-phylogeny with Echinometra. Together, these findings suggest that the evolutionary relationship between Echinometra and their microbiota operates at the community level. We find no evidence suggesting that the associated microbiota is the evolutionary driver of Echinometra speciation. Instead, divergence between Echinometra and their microbiota is likely the byproduct of ecological, geographic, and reproductive isolations.
Illumination matters part IV: blackout and whiteout in flexible ureteroscopy - first report on a phenomenon observed by PEARLS
Authors: Kwok Jia-Lun , De Coninck Vincent , Panthier Frédéric , Kamkoum Hatem , Pauchard Felipe , Shrestha Anil , Gauhar Vineet , Brachlow Jan , Schmid Florian Alexander , Poyet Cédric , Eberli Daniel , Traxer Olivier , Keller Etienne Xavier
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To date, no study has evaluated effects of varying brightness settings on image quality from flexible ureteroscopes submerged in saline. The aim was to evaluate blackout and whiteout occurrences in an in-vitro kidney calyx model.

Material and methods

We evaluated a series of contemporary flexible ureteroscopes including the Storz Flex-Xc and Flex-X2s, Olympus V3 and P7, Pusen 7.5F and 9.2F, as well as OTU WiScope using a 3D-printed enclosed pink in-vitro kidney calyx model submerged in saline. Endoscopic images were captured with ureteroscope tip placed at 5 mm,10 mm and 20 mm distances. The complete range of brightness settings and video capture modes were evaluated for each scope. Distribution of brightness on a grayscale histogram of images was analyzed (scale range 0 to 255). Blackout and whiteout were defined as median histogram ranges from 0 to 35 and 220 to 255, respectively (monitor image too dark or too bright for the human eye, respectively).

Results

Blackout occurred with the P7, Pusen 7.5F, 9.2F and WiScope at all distances, and V3 at 20 mm - with lowest brightness settings. Whiteout occurred with Flex-X2s, V3 and P7 at 5 mm and 10 mm, as well as with V3 and P7 at 20 mm - mostly with highest brightness settings. The Flex-Xc had neither blackout nor whiteout at all settings and distances.

Conclusion

Blackout or whiteout of images is an undesirable property that was found for several scopes, possibly impacting diagnostic and therapeutic purposes during ureteroscopy. These observations form a guide to impact a urologist’s choice of instruments and settings.
Sex differences in the extent of acute axonal pathologies after experimental concussion
Authors: Song Hailong , Tomasevich Alexandra , Paolini Andrew , Browne Kevin D. , Wofford Kathryn L. , Kelley Brian , Kantemneni Eashwar , Kennedy Justin , Qiu Yue , Schneider Andrea L. C. , Dolle Jean-Pierre , Cullen D. Kacy , Smith Douglas H.
Published: May 2024

Although human females appear be at a higher risk of concussion and suffer worse outcomes than males, underlying mechanisms remain unclear. With increasing recognition that damage to white matter axons is a key pathologic substrate of concussion, we used a clinically relevant swine model of concussion to explore potential sex differences in the extent of axonal pathologies. At 24 h post-injury, female swine displayed a greater number of swollen axonal profiles and more widespread loss of axonal sodium channels than males. Axon degeneration for both sexes appeared to be related to individual axon architecture, reflected by a selective loss of small caliber axons after concussion. However, female brains had a higher percentage of small caliber axons, leading to more extensive axon loss after injury compared to males. Accordingly, sexual dimorphism in axonal size is associated with more extensive axonal pathology in females after concussion, which may contribute to worse outcomes.
On a novel gradient flow structure for the aggregation equation
Authors: Esposito A. , Gvalani R. S. , Schlichting A. , Schmidtchen M.
Published: May 2024

The aggregation equation arises naturally in kinetic theory in the study of granular media, and its interpretation as a 2-Wasserstein gradient flow for the nonlocal interaction energy is well-known. Starting from the spatially homogeneous inelastic Boltzmann equation, a formal Taylor expansion reveals a link between this equation and the aggregation equation with an appropriately chosen interaction potential. Inspired by this formal link and the fact that the associated aggregation equation also dissipates the kinetic energy, we present a novel way of interpreting the aggregation equation as a gradient flow, in the sense of curves of maximal slope, of the kinetic energy, rather than the usual interaction energy, with respect to an appropriately constructed transportation metric on the space of probability measures.
An exceptional property of the one-dimensional Bianchi–Egnell inequality
Authors: König Tobias
Published: May 2024

In this paper, for $$d \ge 1$$

d
≥
1

and $$s \in (0,\frac{d}{2})$$

s
∈
(
0
,

d
2

)

, we study the Bianchi–Egnell quotient $$\begin{aligned} {\mathcal {Q}}(f) = \inf _{f \in \dot{H}^s({\mathbb {R}}^d) \setminus {\mathcal {B}}} \frac{\Vert (-\Delta )^{s/2} f\Vert _{L^2({\mathbb {R}}^d)}^2 - S_{d,s} \Vert f\Vert _{L^{\frac{2d}{d-2s}}(\mathbb R^d)}^2}{\text {dist}_{\dot{H}^s({\mathbb {R}}^d)}(f, {\mathcal {B}})^2}, \qquad f \in \dot{H}^s({\mathbb {R}}^d) \setminus {\mathcal {B}}, \end{aligned}$$

Q

(
f
)

=

inf

f
∈

H
˙

s

(

R

d

)

\
B

‖

(
-
Δ
)

s
/
2

f
‖

L
2

(

R

d

)

2

-

S

d
,
s

‖
f
‖

L

2
d

d
-
2
s

(

R
d

)

2

dist

H
˙

s

(

R

d

)

(
f
,
B
)

2

,

f
∈

H
˙

s

(

R

d

)

\
B
,

where $$S_{d,s}$$

S

d
,
s

is the best Sobolev constant and $${\mathcal {B}}$$
B
is the manifold of Sobolev optimizers. By a fine asymptotic analysis, we prove that when $$d = 1$$

d
=
1

, there is a neighborhood of $${\mathcal {B}}$$
B
on which the quotient $${\mathcal {Q}}(f)$$

Q
(
f
)

is larger than the lowest value attainable by sequences converging to $${\mathcal {B}}$$
B
. This behavior is surprising because it is contrary to the situation in dimension $$d \ge 2$$

d
≥
2

described recently in König (Bull Lond Math Soc 55(4):2070–2075, 2023). This leads us to conjecture that for $$d = 1$$

d
=
1

, $${\mathcal {Q}}(f)$$

Q
(
f
)

has no minimizer on $$\dot{H}^s({\mathbb {R}}^d) \setminus {\mathcal {B}}$$

H
˙

s

(

R

d

)

\
B

, which again would be contrary to the situation in $$d \ge 2$$

d
≥
2

. As a complement of the above, we study a family of test functions which interpolates between one and two Talenti bubbles, for every $$d \ge 1$$

d
≥
1

. For $$d \ge 2$$

d
≥
2

, this family yields an alternative proof of the main result of König (Bull Lond Math Soc 55(4):2070–2075, 2023). For $$d =1$$

d
=
1

we make some numerical observations which support the conjecture stated above.