bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic potential of tocotrienols as chemosensitizers in cancer therapy
Authors: Sailo Bethsebie Lalduhsaki , Chauhan Suravi , Hegde Mangala , Girisa Sosmitha , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Abbas Mohamed , Goel Arul , Sethi Gautam , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B.
Published: February 2024

Chemoresistance is the adaptation of cancer cells against therapeutic agents. When exhibited by cancer cells, chemoresistance helps them to avoid apoptosis, cause relapse, and metastasize, making it challenging for chemotherapeutic agents to treat cancer. Various strategies like dosage modification of drugs, nanoparticle‐based delivery of chemotherapeutics, antibody‐drug conjugates, and so on are being used to target and reverse chemoresistance, one among such is combination therapy. It uses the combination of two or more therapeutic agents to reverse multidrug resistance and improve the effects of chemotherapy. Phytochemicals are known to exhibit chemosensitizing properties and are found to be effective against various cancers. Tocotrienols (T3) and tocopherols (T) are natural bioactive analogs of vitamin E, which exhibit important medicinal value and potential curative properties apart from serving as an antioxidant and nutrient supplement. Notably, T3 exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities like anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative, and so on. The chemosensitizing property of tocotrienol is exhibited by modulating several signaling pathways and molecular targets involved in cancer cell survival, proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis like NF‐κB, STATs, Akt/mTOR, Bax/Bcl‐2, Wnt/β‐catenin, and many more. T3 sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs including cisplatin, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel increasing drug concentration and cytotoxicity. Discussed herewith are the chemosensitizing properties of tocotrienols on various cancer cell types when combined with various drugs and biological molecules.
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Africa: Molecular analysis of clinical specimens of suspected cases in Northern Ghana
Authors: Addai Yaa Nyarko , Acquah Samuel E. K. , Ganu Honesty Mensah , Vicar Ezekiel Kofi , Zeyeh David , Karim Abass Abdul , Williams Walana , Attipoe Israel Mensah , Quaye Lawrence
Published: February 2024

Background

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a major component of the total tuberculosis cases reported by the World Health Organization. This is a study conducted to compare microscopy and molecular techniques to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in EPTB patients.

Methods

Smear microscopy and genotype MTBDRplus line probe assay (LiPA) were applied to concentrated extrapulmonary clinical specimens from different anatomic sites to determine the presence of M. tuberculosis and their susceptibility to isoniazid (INH) and/or rifampin (RIF).

Results

A total of 251 specimens comprising 108 (43%) ascitic fluid, 54 (21.5%) pleural aspirate, 24 (9.6%) gastric lavage, 15 (6.0%) pus, 9 (3.6%) synovial fluid, 5 (2%) cerebrospinal fluid, 2 (0.8%) breast aspirate and 34 (13.5%) aspirates from unindicated sites obtained from patients with suspected EPTB attending the Tamale Teaching Hospital were analysed. Microscopically, acid fast bacilli (AFB) were detected in one ascitic fluid and a pus specimen. Using the LiPA, MTBC was observed in four (2.6%) samples; three (3) ascitic fluid and one aspirate.

Conclusion

M. tuberculosis complex was confirmed in four (2.6%) patients. The most common specimens suspected of EPTB were ascitic fluid, pleural aspirate and gastric lavage. However, MTBC was predominantly detected in ascitic fluid. This result indicates that the LiPA can improve the detection of EPTB in the region and similar settings globally.
A risk‐based fuzzy arithmetic model to determine safety integrity levels considering individual and societal risks
Authors: Cheraghi Morteza , Reniers Genserik , Eslami Baladeh Aliakbar , Khakzad Nima , Taghipour Sharareh
Published: February 2024

Risk‐based techniques such as risk graph and Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) are used to determine the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) of safety instrumented functions to ensure that risk is reduced to a tolerable level. However, these techniques have some drawbacks. For instance, they need absolute and precise numbers to evaluate SIL parameters, which are rarely available or are highly uncertain. In addition, they are incapable of considering individual and societal risks simultaneously. Moreover, risk tolerance criteria are likely to be used incorrectly in the LOPA technique, and risk graph is difficult to calibrate. In the current paper, a novel comprehensive fuzzy arithmetic model has been developed to determine the required SILs in process industries. The fuzzy required Risk Reduction Factor (RRF) is calculated for both individual and societal risks. Fuzzy numbers are developed from crisp intervals, based on the expected interval of the fuzzy numbers. Expert fuzzy‐scaled elicitation has been applied to obtain the SIL parameters. In the proposed model, the overall risk tolerance criterion and apportionment factor are defined as SIL parameters for both individual and societal risks to ensure that the applied risk criteria are compliant with the requirements of the system. In addition, an approach is introduced for determining the required SIL based on the fuzzy required RRF. The proposed methodology was demonstrated to alleviate the limitations, and thus, can be considered as a more precise alternative to the conventional methods.
Method validation and characterization of stress degradation products of azelastine hydrochloride using LC‐UV/PDA and LC‐Q/TOF‐MS studies
Authors: Shekhar Sudhanshu , Bali Alka
Published: February 2024

Rationale

Azelastine HCl is a second‐generation H1‐receptor antagonist approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis and non‐allergic vasomotor rhinitis. This study encompasses the validation of a liquid chromatography‐ultra violet photo diode array (LC‐UV/PDA) method for the drug and its extension to liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐Q/TOF‐MS) studies for identification and characterization of various stress degradation products of the drug.

Methods

Stress degradation of azelastine HCl was undertaken under the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) prescribed conditions of hydrolytic, photolytic, oxidative, and thermal stress. The degraded drug solutions were analyzed using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) employing a C18 (100 × 4.6 mm; 2.6 μ, Kinetex) column by isocratic elution. Detection wavelength was 241 nm. The degradation products were identified and characterized using UPLC‐MS/TOF studies, and an attempt was made to isolate one of the degradation products by solvent extraction.

Results

The drug was found to significantly degrade under acidic/alkaline/neutral photolytic, oxidative, and alkaline hydrolytic conditions. Six degradation products (I–VI) were identified through LC‐Q/TOF‐MS studies that were adequately resolved from the drug with the developed UPLC method. All degradation products (I–VI) were ionized in the total ion chromatogram (TIC) in the LC‐MS studies, and these were identified and characterized, and the degradation pathway of the drug was postulated. One of the oxidation products isolated from the degraded drug solution was characterized through differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data.

Conclusions

Six degradation products generated from stress degradation studies on azelastine HCl were adequately resolved through LC‐UV/PDA studies followed by method validation. These were successfully identified and characterized through LC‐Q/TOF‐MS studies, and the degradation pathways for the generation of these products from the drug have been postulated.
Fixed‐time adaptive fault‐tolerant tracking control for uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems via command filtered backstepping
Authors: Qi Wen‐Nian , Wu Ai‐Guo
Published: February 2024

In this article, the fault‐tolerant tracking control is addressed for uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with actuator faults. Neural networks are utilized to identify unknown dynamics in strict‐feedback nonlinear systems, and the adaptive technique is employed to estimate the parameter of actuator effectiveness. More importantly, a command filtered backstepping control method is improved by introducing a fixed‐time command filter and modifying virtual control laws with compensation mechanisms. By incorporating the adaptive neural networks into the command filtered backstepping design framework, a novel adaptive fault‐tolerant control law is constructed. Under the presented control law, the negative influence of the actuator fault and unknown dynamics is effectively compensated simultaneously. Besides, the “explosion of complexity” and “singularity” problems of backstepping is avoided. Moreover, the practical fixed‐time stability is guaranteed for the resulted closed‐loop system.
Impact of employment support programs on the quality of youth employment: Evidence from Senegal's internship program
Authors: Tsambou André D. , Diallo Thierno Malick , Kamga Benjamin Fomba , Asongu Simplice A.
Published: February 2024

Youth unemployment is major policy concern in Senegal. The country has in recent years, implemented several programs to combat unemployment and the precariousness of youth employment in the labor market. However, the results of these programs are to date hardly perceptible. The objective of this work is to assess the impact of employment support programs on the quality of youth employment. We provide empirical evidence of the effect of the apprenticeship program implemented by the National State‐Employer Convention in facilitating youth access to quality employment. Job quality is determined using an index that captures multiple wage and non‐wage dimensions of job quality. Using survey data on the improvement of employment policies from 2746 individuals, we use the endogenous switching regression method and the propensity score matching method to assess and compare the impact of the apprenticeship program on the quality of jobs held by young men and women. The results show that the apprenticeship program has a positive and significant impact on job quality. Indeed, we find that the quality of employment is better for young men and women who benefited from the internship program than for those who did not. We find, however, that there is a difference in job quality between males and females who received the program. The differences in job quality are explained more by differences in job characteristics but are not directly related to gender or age.
Modeling correlated pairs of mammogram images
Authors: Jiang Shu , Colditz Graham A.
Published: February 2024

Mammography remains the primary screening strategy for breast cancer, which continues to be the most prevalent cancer diagnosis among women globally. Because screening mammograms capture both the left and right breast, there is a nonnegligible correlation between the pair of images. Previous studies have explored the concept of averaging between the pair of images after proper image registration; however, no comparison has been made in directly utilizing the paired images. In this paper, we extend the bivariate functional principal component analysis over triangulations to jointly characterize the pair of imaging data bounded in an irregular domain and then nest the extracted features within the survival model to predict the onset of breast cancer. The method is applied to our motivating data from the Joanne Knight Breast Health Cohort at Siteman Cancer Center. Our findings indicate that there was no statistically significant difference in model discrimination performance between averaging the pair of images and jointly modeling the two images. Although the breast cancer study did not reveal any significant difference, it is worth noting that the methods proposed here can be readily extended to other studies involving paired or multivariate imaging data.
Utilizing local likelihood in regression discontinuity design: Investigating the impact of antiretroviral therapy eligibility on retention in clinical HIV care in South Africa
Authors: Seo Jaehyun , Kim Chanmin
Published: February 2024

The regression discontinuity (RD) design is a widely utilized approach for assessing treatment effects. It involves assigning treatment based on the value of an observed covariate in relation to a fixed threshold. Although the RD design has been widely employed across various problems, its application to specific data types has received limited attention. For instance, there has been little research on utilizing the RD design when the outcome variable exhibits zero‐inflation. This study introduces a novel RD estimator using local likelihood, which overcomes the limitations of the local linear regression model, a popular approach for estimating treatment effects in RD design, by considering the data type of the outcome variable. To determine the optimal bandwidth, we propose a modified Ludwig‐Miller cross validation method. A set of simulations is carried out, involving binary, count, and zero‐inflated outcome variables, to showcase the superior performance of the suggested method over local linear regression models. Subsequently, the proposed local likelihood model is employed on HIV care data, where antiretroviral therapy eligibility is determined by a CD4 count threshold. A comparison is made between the results obtained using the local likelihood model and those obtained using local linear regression.
Silver Nanoparticles Embedded ZnO Foam and its Surface Photoinduced Charge Transfer Behaviors
Authors: Yu Ping , Shao Yanqiu , He Dongqing
Published: February 2024

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been widely acknowledged as a highly effective photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants. In this study, we presented silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded ZnO foam photocatalyst (Ag−ZnO) on glass substrates by the chemical bath in‐situ co‐deposition method. Our findings demonstrat that at low Ag‐loading content, metallic Ag0 NPs are embedded within the ZnO foam, while at high Ag‐loading content, they accumulates increasingly from inside to the surface of the foam. With the increase of AgNPs loading from 0.1 mM to 1.5 mM, the absorption of Ag−ZnO foams in the visible light region gradually enhances. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of rhodamine B (RhB) is the highest in Ag−ZnO foams when the Ag loading concentration reaches 0.8 mM, suggesting an optimal content of Ag for enhanced performance. This trend is attributed to the photo‐induced charge transfer behavior of Ag−ZnO samples. The AgNPs embedded inside the ZnO foam enhance the separation of photo‐induced charges and prevent their recombination. As a result, Ag−ZnO(0.8 mM) foam with more photo‐induced holes participate in the photocatalytic reaction, leading to a remarkably high photocatalytic activity.
Preparation of a Type II CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 Heterojunction Photocatalyst and its Efficient Degradation of Antibiotic
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Yujie , Chen Ziyin , Xu Maoqin
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a type II CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 heterojunction composite photocatalytic material with different proportions was synthesized. The structure, morphology, and photocatalytic properties of CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 were analyzed by XRD, SEM, and XPS. SEM showed that CeO2 and Bi2O2CO3 are closely combined, which is conducive to carrier migration and separation and improves the stability of the material. The light absorption properties of CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 composites were tested by UV‐vis DRS. The photocatalytic performance of the CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 composite system was studied with chlortetracycline hydrochloride as the target material. The results showed that under the conditions of 12.5 % CeO2, 0.5 g/L catalyst, and 20 mg/L chlortetracycline hydrochloride, the photocatalytic performance of the composite system was the highest, reaching 95.2 %. Moreover, the electrochemical properties of CeO2 and Bi2O2CO3 were tested and their potential, conduction band, and valence band values were obtained. At the same time, we propose the mechanism of type II electron transfer in CeO2/Bi2O2CO3 composites.
A Complete Study of Synthesis of Glycoluril and Its Derivative by Using Different Greener Acids
Authors: Mehta Viral , Bhise Rupali , Jachak Mahesh , Shankarling Ganapati
Published: February 2024

The synthesis of glycoluril and its derivatives is carried out using the greener acids. We have screened four different greener acids for this synthesis, namely, (1) ethan‐1,2‐diyl bis(hydrogen sulfate) (EDSA), (2) NMP‐HSO4 ionic liquids (NHIL), (3) choline chloride: p‐TSA( ChCl:p‐TSA) DES and (4) choline chloride: oxalic acid (ChCl:OA) DES. These acids are easy to make, safe to handle, environmentally benign and recyclable. Along with the glycoluril, different glycoluril derivatives are also prepared. We have also developed a novel glycoluril derivative in which we have introduced 4‐bromophenyl moieties at 2nd and 6th position of the glycoluril. Our developed method is a one‐step reaction with shorter reaction time and high product yield. All the acids are recyclable up to four cycles without considerable loss of the yield. A comparative study of the yield obtained with the four acids is also carried out.
Phytochemical Investigation of Tecoma capensis Flower Aqueous Extract and In Vitro Biological Studies: Anti‐Bacterial and Anti‐Proliferative Activities of its Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Lamba Bhavita , Ahmad Mir Mudasir , Raja Vaseem , Prabha Negi Neelam , Hussain Bhat Aashaq , Ataya Farid S. , Paul Nishtha , El‐Saber Batiha Gaber
Published: February 2024

In this study, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Tecoma capensis flower aqueous extract (TcAqFE). The impact of AgNPs on microstructural, optical, antibacterial and antiproliferative properties have been investigated through UV‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR), agar well diffusion technique assay and MTT. The particles size estimated from TEM and XRD is in the range of 1–10 nm. The XRD pattern reveals that the Tecoma capensis silver nanoparticles (TcAgNPs) have a cubic crystal structure. FTIR spectra showed band positions at 1071, 1358, 1620, 1962, 2150, 2920 and 3361 cm−1. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in AgNPs became evident with an absorption peak at 407 nm. GC‐MS analysis of ethanolic flower extract revealed the presence of major phytochemical constituents, including Butanal (57.14 %), Propanol (20.23 %), Ethanone (4.88 %), Mesitylene (3.70 %), Hexanal (3.33 %), 4‐Cyclopentene‐1,3‐diol, trans (3.16 %), Furan (2.94 %), 5‐Hepten‐2‐one (2.58 %), and Acetic acid (1.68 %). The antibacterial assay results clearly indicate that the TcAgNPs exhibited the maximum activity against Salmonella typhi, with inhibition zone (IZ) values of (40±1.4 mm), followed by Bacillus subtilis (35.66±2.0 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (32.6±0.64 mm), Escherichia. coli (29.66±2.05 mm), Listeria monocytogenes (27±1.63 mm), and Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibiting the least IZ values (23±1.6 mm). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.20 to 2.81 mg/mL. The highest MIC value 2.81 mg/mL was observed in case of Salmonella typhi, while Staphylococcus aureus (0.20 mg/mL), displayed the lowest MIC values. The MIC of Gentamycin also ranged from 0.012 to 0.024 mg/mL. MTT assay demonstrated that the aqueous extract was potent against the cancer cell line A549, with a GI50 of 71.79 μg/mL. These results suggest that TcAgNPs have therapeutic potential and can serve as antibacterial and antiproliferative agents to protect against several ailments.
Copper–Catalyzed Construction of the Indole Core: Recent Advancements
Authors: Das Suven , Dutta Arpita
Published: February 2024

Indoles are one of the most important heterocycles because of their widespread occurrence in bioactive natural products, synthetic drugs and organic materials. Therefore, development of efficient strategies for synthesizing functionalized indoles has been of great importance in organic synthesis. Copper, being a transition metal, meet the goal due to its low toxicity, high catalytic activity and cost‐effectiveness. In this review, we focus on last five year (2019–2023) advancement in copper‐catalyzed annulations for the construction of indole core involving various N‐containing substrates, which include anilines, o‐alkynylanilines, o‐aminophenylpropynols, o‐alkynylnitroarenes, o‐nitrochalcones, azidoalkynes, isonitriles, nitriles, enamines, imines, etc. Mechanistic aspects of the reactions have also been highlighted for better understanding of the reaction pathways.
Synergistic Modulating Interlayer Space and Electron‐Transfer of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Lin Chao , Yang Xiubei , Zhai Lipeng , An Shuhao , Ma Huayun , Fu Yubin , Han Diandian , Xu Qing , Huang Ning
Published: February 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an ideal template to construct high‐efficiency catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to their predictable properties. However, the closely parallel‐stacking manner and lacking intramolecular electron transfer ability of COFs limit atomic utilization efficiency and intrinsic activity. Herein, COFs are constructed with large interlayer distances and enhanced electronic transfer ability by side‐chain functionalization. Long chains with electron‐donating features not only enlarge interlayer distance, but also narrow the bandgap. The resulting DPPS‐COF displays higher electrochemical surface areas to provide more exposed active sites, despite <1/10 surface areas. DPPS‐COF exhibits excellent electrocatalytic ORR activity with half‐wave potential of 0.85 V, which is 30 and 60 mV positive than those of Pt/C and DPP‐COF, and is the record among the reported COFs. DPPS‐COF is employed as cathode electrocatalyst for zinc‐air battery with a maximum power density of 185.2 mW cm−2, which is superior to Pt/C. Theoretical calculation further reveals that longer electronic‐donating chains not only facilitate the formation of intermediate OOH* from O2, but also promote intermediates desorption , and thus leading to higher activity.
Surficial Host‐Guest Responsive CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals for Programmable Multi‐Level Information Encryption
Authors: Deng Bo‐Yi , Zhou Zi‐Rong , Xu Hai‐Long , Liao Zi‐Hao , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu , Wang Feng
Published: February 2024

The design of smart stimuli‐responsive photoluminescent materials capable of multi‐level encryption and complex information storage is highly sought after in the current information era. Here, a novel adamantyl‐capped CsPbBr3 (AD‐CsPbBr3) perovskite NCs, along with its supramolecular host‐guest assembly partner a modified β‐CD (mCD), mCD@AD‐CsPbBr3, are designed and prepared. By dispersing these two materials in different solvents, namely, AD‐CsPbBr3 in toluene, mCD@AD‐CsPbBr3 in toluene, and mCD@AD‐CsPbBr3 in methanol, the three solutions exhibit diverse photoluminescence (PL) turn‐on/off or PL discoloration response upon supramolecular stimulus. Based on these responses, a proof‐of‐principle programmable Multi‐Level Photoluminescence Encoding System (MPLES) is established. Three types of four‐level and three types of three‐level information encoding are achieved by the system. A layer‐by‐layer four‐level information encryption and decryption as well as a two‐level encrypted 3D code are successfully achieved.
High‐Efficiency Broadband Achromatic Metadevice for Spin‐to‐Orbital Angular Momentum Conversion of Light in the Near‐Infrared
Authors: Xie Lingyun , Wan Hengyi , Ou Kai , Long Junming , Wang Zining , Wang Yuchao , Yang Hui , Wei Zeyong , Wang Zhanshan , Cheng Xinbin
Published: February 2024

Spin‐orbital angular momentum conversion (SOC) of light has found applications in classical and quantum optics. However, the existing SOC elements suffer severe restrictions on broadband integrated applications at miniature scales, due to bulky configurations, single function, and failing to control the dispersion. Herein, a high‐efficiency broadband achromatic method for independently and elaborately engineering the dispersion and the SOC of light based on a cascaded metasurface device is proposed. The metadevice is capable of efficiently decoupling the SOC from the modulation of dispersion with high‐broadband focusing efficiency up to 75%. For the proof of concept, the generation of high‐efficiency achromatic‐focused and spin‐controlled optical vortices with switchable topological charge ( and ) is successfully demonstrated. The presence of achromatically and highly concentrated optical vortices with tunable photonic angular momentum using spin as an optical knob makes the proposed ultracompact and multifunctional metadevice a promising platform for optical micromanipulation at nanoscale dimensions.
Four‐Terminal Tandem Based on a PM6:L8‐BO Transparent Solar Cell and a 7 nm Ag Layer Intermediate Electrode
Authors: Bernal‐Texca Francisco , Martorell Jordi
Published: February 2024

To overcome transmission and thermalization losses from single‐junction solar cells, the two‐terminal tandem cell configuration is one of the most widely followed approaches. Unfortunately, the need to match the current from both cells, in addition to the fabrication of an interlayer with excellent optical and electronic performances, makes such two‐terminal configurations a challenging approach. Herein, the fabrication of a four‐terminal tandem incorporating a front transparent cell made using a 7 nm Ag back electrode and a PM6:L8‐BO blend which exhibits a bandgap close to the optimal according to the detailed balance theory is reported. For the opaque back cell in such tandem, a PTB7‐Th:O6T‐4F blend is used. A 16.94% power conversion efficiency is achieved when such two cells are configured in a four‐terminal device separated by a WO3/LiF/WO3 multilayer providing an optimal light absorption distribution among the two cells.
Application of TiLOOP bra in implant‐based breast reconstruction is associated with decreased complication risk compared with other meshes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Lijuan , Lin Xin , Lin Xiaoyi , Wang Yulei , Zhang Yifang , Lin Jiali , Zhang Yi , Chen Xiangqing , Zhang Guochun
Published: February 2024

Background

TiLOOP bra has been used for over 15 years, however, evidence regarding its safety in implant‐based breast reconstruction (IBBR) for patients with breast cancer after mastectomy is still limited. We performed this meta‐analysis to evaluate its risks and benefits in IBBR comparing with other meshes.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies comparing postoperative complications between TiLOOP bra and other reconstruction techniques in IBBR with or without meshes. We also compared patient satisfaction in physical well‐being between two groups. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results

Seven studies representing 1203 cases were analyzed. Compared with other meshes, the use of TiLOOP bra significantly reduced the risk of infection (RR = 0.53, 95% CI, 0.32–0.86), seroma (RR = 0.21, 95% CI, 0.07–0.61), red breast syndrome (RR = 0.10, 95% CI, 0.02–0.45), and capsular contracture (RR = 0.20, 95% CI, 0.05–0.75). Patient satisfaction in physical well‐being was comparable between two groups.

Conclusions

TiLOOP bra in IBBR has a favored safety profile over other meshes, which significantly reduced postoperative complication risk and did not affect patient satisfaction. Although prospective well‐designed controlled studies are still warranted, TiLOOP bra is safe and reliable at present.
Contextualizing (Safety) Rules
Authors: Le Coze Jean-Christophe
Published: February 2024

This introductory chapter combines several dimensions which are meant to help frame a complex topic representing a very rich diversity of situations across industries, countries, and epochs. The idea is to sensitize readers to several aspects associated with the topic of rules and autonomy in the domain of safety, and of this book. Its aim is to emphasize the importance of contexts when it comes to (safety) rules. Contexts refer to organizations, to industries, to risks, to histories, to practices, to situations, and to countries. Three sections develop the importance of context: (1) The advent of safety rules as an established narrative, (2) There is more than rules in safety, and (3) Historical trends … a bureaucratization of safety? The last section presents the chapters of this book, grouped in three categories, (1) Finding or losing the balance; (2) The role, position, and influence of middle-managers and top management, finally; (3) When autonomy, initiative, and resilience take the lead.
Relaxation terms for anomalous hydrodynamic transport in Weyl semimetals from kinetic theory
Authors: Amoretti Andrea , Brattan Daniel K. , Martinoia Luca , Matthaiakakis Ioannis , Rongen Jonas
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We consider as a model of Weyl semimetal thermoelectric transport a (3 + 1)-dimensional charged, relativistic and relaxed fluid with a U(1)V × U(1)A chiral anomaly. We take into account all possible mixed energy, momentum, electric and chiral charge relaxations, and discover which are compatible with electric charge conservation, Onsager reciprocity and a finite DC conductivity. We find that all relaxations respecting these constraints necessarily render the system open and violate the second law of thermodynamics. We then demonstrate how the relaxations we have found arise from kinetic theory and a modified relaxation time approximation. Our results lead to DC conductivities that differ from those found in the literature opening the path to experimental verification.
Scalar two-point functions at the late-time boundary of de Sitter
Authors: Şengör Gizem , Skordis Constantinos
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We calculate two-point functions of scalar fields of mass m and their conjugate momenta at the late-time boundary of de Sitter with Bunch-Davies boundary conditions, in general d + 1 spacetime dimensions. We perform the calculation using the wavefunction picture and using canonical quantization. With the latter one clearly sees how the late-time field and conjugate momentum operators are linear combinations of the normalized late-time operators αN and βN that correspond to unitary irreducible representations of the de Sitter group with well-defined inner products. The two-point functions resulting from these two different methods are equal and we find that both the autocorrelations of αN and βN and their cross correlations contribute to the late-time field and conjugate momentum two-point functions. This happens both for light scalars $$ \left(m<\frac{d}{2}H\right) $$

m
<

d
2

H

, corresponding to complementary series representations, and heavy scalars $$ \left(m>\frac{d}{2}H\right) $$

m
>

d
2

H

, corresponding to principal series representations of the de Sitter group, where H is the Hubble scale of de Sitter. In the special case m = 0, only the βN autocorrelation contributes to the conjugate momentum two-point function in any dimensions and we gather hints that suggest αN to correspond to discrete series representations for this case at d = 3.
Probing CP violation in dark sector through the electron electric dipole moment
Authors: Liu Jia , Nakai Yuichiro , Shigekami Yoshihiro , Song Muyuan
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The Two Higgs Doublet Model (2HDM) stands as a promising framework for exploring physics beyond the Standard Model (SM). Within this context, we explore the possibility that the two Higgs doublets may serve as a window into CP-violating dark sectors, neutral under the SM gauge groups. Specifically, our focus is on investigating the electric dipole moment (EDM) of the electron, generated solely by CP violation in the dark sector. We present a general formula for the electron EDM, without specifying the structure of the dark sectors, and discuss the current constraints on various dark sector models. It is noteworthy that even in the case of a CP-conserving 2HDM, the resulting electron EDM is capable of reaching the current experimental limit, with CP violation arising exclusively from the dark sectors. Furthermore, we introduce a heavy dark sector (HDS) approximation for the analytic calculation of the EDM, assuming that the dark sector particles are much heavier than the physical states in the 2HDM. This approximation yields simplified analytic results that are consistent with the full numerical calculations.
Finite volume form factors in integrable theories
Authors: Bajnok Zoltan , Linardopoulos Georgios , Szecsenyi Istvan M. , Vona Istvan
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We develop a new method to calculate finite size corrections for form factors in two-dimensional integrable quantum field theories. We extract these corrections from the excited state expectation value of bilocal operators in the limit when the operators are far apart. We elaborate the finite size effects explicitly up to the 3rd Lüscher order and conjecture the structure of the general form. We also fully recover the explicitly known massive fermion finite volume form factors.
Lightcone fluctuations in a five dimensional Kaluza-Klein model and an estimation on the size of the extra dimension
Authors: Aleixo Giulia , Mota Herondy
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this work we consider lightcone fluctuation effects in a five-dimensional spacetime arising as a consequence of the compactification of the extra dimension via a quasiperiodic condition, characterized by a phase angle 2πα. By considering light propagating in a non-compactified direction we are able to compute both the renormalized graviton two-point function and the flight time of a photon caused by the fluctuations. We show that the resulting expressions depend on the quasiperiodic parameter, the compactification length and also on the distance traveled by the photon. Based on the Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) sensitivity built on the James Webb Space Telescope, we discuss the possibility of making estimations on the size of the extra dimension if one assumes that the mean deviation on the flight time of photons can be observed through the NIRSpec. We also analyze the differences between the estimations in the periodic α = 0, antiperiodic α = 1/2 and other condition cases for α.
Not all nilpotent monoids are finitely related
Authors: Steindl Markus
Published: February 2024

A finite semigroup is finitely related (has finite degree) if its term functions are determined by a finite set of finitary relations. For example, it is known that all nilpotent semigroups are finitely related. A nilpotent monoid is a nilpotent semigroup with adjoined identity. We show that every 4-nilpotent monoid is finitely related. We also give an example of a 5-nilpotent monoid that is not finitely related. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a finitely related semigroup where adjoining an identity yields a semigroup which is not finitely related. We also provide examples of finitely related semigroups which have subsemigroups, homomorphic images, and in particular Rees quotients, that are not finitely related.
Size-exclusion chromatography combined with DIA-MS enables deep proteome profiling of extracellular vesicles from melanoma plasma and serum
Authors: Lattmann Evelyn , Räss Luca , Tognetti Marco , Gómez Julia M. Martínez , Lapaire Valérie , Bruderer Roland , Reiter Lukas , Feng Yuehan , Steinmetz Lars M. , Levesque Mitchell P.
Published: February 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important players in melanoma progression, but their use as clinical biomarkers has been limited by the difficulty of profiling blood-derived EV proteins with high depth of coverage, the requirement for large input amounts, and complex protocols. Here, we provide a streamlined and reproducible experimental workflow to identify plasma- and serum- derived EV proteins of healthy donors and melanoma patients using minimal amounts of sample input. SEC–DIA-MS couples size-exclusion chromatography to EV concentration and deep-proteomic profiling using data-independent acquisition. From as little as 200 µL of plasma per patient in a cohort of three healthy donors and six melanoma patients, we identified and quantified 2896 EV-associated proteins, achieving a 3.5-fold increase in depth compared to previously published melanoma studies. To compare the EV-proteome to unenriched blood, we employed an automated workflow to deplete the 14 most abundant proteins from plasma and serum and thereby approximately doubled protein group identifications versus native blood. The EV proteome diverged from corresponding unenriched plasma and serum, and unlike the latter, separated healthy donor and melanoma patient samples. Furthermore, known melanoma markers, such as MCAM, TNC, and TGFBI, were upregulated in melanoma EVs but not in depleted melanoma plasma, highlighting the specific information contained in EVs. Overall, EVs were significantly enriched in intact membrane proteins and proteins related to SNARE protein interactions and T-cell biology. Taken together, we demonstrated the increased sensitivity of an EV-based proteomic workflow that can be easily applied to larger melanoma cohorts and other indications.
On the Automorphism Groups of Certain Branched Structures on Surfaces
Authors: Faraco Gianluca
Published: February 2024

We consider translation surfaces with poles on surfaces. We shall prove that any finite group appears as the automorphism group of some translation surface with poles. As a direct consequence we obtain the existence of structures achieving the maximal possible number of automorphisms allowed by their genus and we finally extend the same results to branched projective structures.
On a mathematical model for cancer invasion with repellent pH-taxis and nonlocal intraspecific interaction
Authors: Eckardt Maria , Surulescu Christina
Published: February 2024

Starting from a mesoscopic description of cell migration and intraspecific interactions, we obtain by upscaling an effective reaction–diffusion–taxis equation for the cell population density involving spatial nonlocalities in the source term and biasing its motility and growth behavior according to environmental acidity. We prove global existence, uniqueness, and boundedness of a nonnegative solution to a simplified version of the coupled system describing cell and acidity dynamics. A 1D study of pattern formation is performed. Numerical simulations illustrate the qualitative behavior of solutions.
Non-isomorphism of A∗n,2≤n≤∞, for a non-separable abelian von Neumann algebra A
Authors: Boutonnet Rémi , Drimbe Daniel , Ioana Adrian , Popa Sorin
Published: February 2024

We prove that if A is a non-separable abelian tracial von Neuman algebra then its free powers A∗n,2≤n≤∞, are mutually non-isomorphic and with trivial fundamental group, $\mathcal{F}(A^{*n})=1$, whenever 2≤n<∞. This settles the non-separable version of the free group factor problem.
Novel biologically active pyridine derivatives: Synthesis, structure characterization, in vitro antimicrobial evaluation and structure-activity relationship
Authors: Elsayed Mohamed A. , Elsayed Alshaimaa M. , Sroor Farid M.
Published: February 2024

The rate of microbial resistance has continued to rise significantly as the availability of new antibiotics has declined. A new series of pyridine and thienopyridine derivatives were designed, synthesized and tested as antimicrobial agents. The reaction of 4-bromo acetophenone and vetraldehyde (3,4-dimethoxy benzaldehyde) in ethanol and sodium hydroxide solution afforded the corresponding chalcone which was used as a suitable precursor to prepare a new series of pyridine derivatives. The treatment of the latter chalcone with 2-cyanothioacetamide afforded the corresponding pyridinethione which was used as a precursor to synthesize the targeted thienopyridine derivatives in good to excellent yield by the reaction with 2-chloro-N-arylacetamide derivatives, α-haloketones, methyl iodide or chloroacetonitrile in one or two steps. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed chemically by their preparations with other pathways and their spectral data. The newly synthesized pyridine and thienopyridine derivatives exhibited good to strong antimicrobial activity against microbial strains E. coli, B. mycoides and C. albicans. With maximal antimicrobial activity against B. mycoides (33 mm) and C. albicans (29 mm), respectively, compounds 12a and 15 demonstrated the highest inhibition zone. Compound 12a prevented the growth of E. coli, at MIC level of 0.0195 mg/mL, and B. mycoides and C. albicans at MIC level below than 0.0048 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, compound 15 prevented the visible growth of E. coli, B. mycoides, and C. albicans at MIC values of >0.0048, 0.0098, and 0.039 mg/mL, respectively. The relation between the chemical structure of the synthesized pyridine and thienopyridine compounds and their antimicrobial properties was discussed in the SAR study.
Longitudinal analysis of caloric requirements in critically ill trauma patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Magyar Christian Tibor Josef , Schnüriger Beat , Köhn Nastassja , Jakob Dominik A. , Candinas Daniel , Haenggi Matthias , Haltmeier Tobias
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Nutrition is of paramount importance in critically ill trauma patients. However, adequate supply is difficult to achieve, as caloric requirements are unknown. This study investigated caloric requirements over time, based on indirect calorimetry, in critically ill trauma patients.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study at a tertiary trauma center including critically ill trauma patients who underwent indirect calorimetry 2012–2019. Caloric requirements were assessed as resting energy expenditure (REE) during the intensive care unit stay up to 28 days and analyzed in patient-clustered linear regression analysis.

Results

A total of 129 patients were included. Median REE per day was 2376 kcal. The caloric intake did not meet REE at any time with a median daily deficit of 1167 kcal. In univariable analysis, ISS was not significantly associated with REE over time (RC 0.03, p = 0.600). Multivariable analysis revealed a significant REE increase (RC 0.62, p < 0.001) and subsequent decrease (RC – 0.03, p < 0.001) over time. Age < 65 years (RC 2.07, p = 0.018), male sex (RC 4.38, p < 0.001), and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 (RC 6.94, p < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors for higher REE over time. Severe head trauma was associated with lower REE over time (RC – 2.10, p = 0.030).

Conclusion

In critically ill trauma patients, caloric requirements significantly increased and subsequently decreased over time. Younger age, male sex and higher BMI were identified as independent predictors for higher caloric requirements, whereas severe head trauma was associated with lower caloric requirements over time. These results support the use of IC and will help to adjust nutritional support in critically ill trauma patients.
Abschluss statt Ausschluss – die klinische Diagnosesicherung funktioneller Bewegungsstörungen
Authors: Weissbach Anne , Bolte Christina , Münchau Alexander
Published: February 2024

Funktionelle neurologische Bewegungsstörungen sind in der neurologischen Praxis häufig und führen zu einer hohen Beeinträchtigung und Chronifizierung. Betroffene erhalten meist erst mit langer Latenz eine Diagnose und häufig keine krankheitsspezifische Therapie. Eine Ursache dieser Verzögerung ist die häufig im Vorfeld durchgeführte umfangreiche apparative Diagnostik, die meist vorrangig dem Ausschluss anderer neurologischer Erkrankungen dient. Diese unauffällige Diagnostik wird dann häufig genutzt, um die funktionelle Bewegungsstörung als Ausschlussdiagnose zu kommunizieren. Patienten fällt es dadurch schwer, die Diagnose zu verstehen und anzunehmen. Dies ist besonders bedauerlich, da bei einem Großteil der Patienten die Diagnose sicher anhand der klinischen Charakteristika – Inkonsistenz und Inkongruenz – zu stellen ist. Die Erklärung der Symptome und die sich daraus ergebenden Therapieoptionen sollten zudem um patientengerechte Erläuterungen der pathophysiologischen Grundlagen der Erkrankung ergänzt werden. Die Patienten werden dadurch befähigt, die Diagnose einer funktionellen Bewegungsstörung ganzheitlich zu verstehen und zu akzeptieren. Dies kann wiederum die zum Teil jahrzehntelang andauernde Suche nach einer Diagnose zu einem Abschluss bringen, was den Weg in die Therapie ebnet. Die „Abschlussdiagnose“ wird damit zu einem Startpunkt der Behandlung und kann an sich bereits therapeutisch wirksam sein.
Effect of fluorine doping on the improvement of electrical and photocatalytic properties of ZnO films
Authors: Karakaya Seniye , Kaba Leyla
Published: February 2024

ZnO:F thin films were produced by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) technique. For photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications, the properties of ZnO films have been tried to be improved by adding the flourine (F) element. The average optical transmittance was higher than 85%. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra depict blue, green and yellow emission in deposited films. Photocatalytic activity of ZnO and ZnO:F thin films was evaluated with methylene blue (MB) organic pollutant under UV irradiation. 5% doped ZnO:F film successfully decomposed ~ 80% using MB as photocatalyst. The lowest resistivity (3.54 × 10–3 Ωcm), high carrier concentration (2.52 × 1020 cm−3) and high hall mobility (8.28 cm2V−1 s−1) were observed in ZnO:F (5%) film. With this study, it was concluded that F-doped ZnO films were effective in the degradation of MB, which is widely used in the food and pollutant industries. Therefore, it makes ZnO:F films a promising material in both optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications due to their optimum properties.
Regional AT-8 reactive tau species correlate with intracellular Aβ levels in cases of low AD neuropathologic change
Authors: Malik Nauman , Miah Mohi-Uddin , Galgani Alessandro , McAleese Kirsty , Walker Lauren , LeBeau Fiona E. , Attems Johannes , Outeiro Tiago F. , Thomas Alan , Koss David J.
Published: February 2024

The amyloid cascade hypothesis states that Aβ aggregates induce pathological changes in tau, leading to neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and cell death. A caveat with this hypothesis is the spatio-temporal divide between plaques and NFTs. This has been addressed by the inclusion of soluble Aβ and tau species in the revised amyloid cascade hypothesis. Nevertheless, despite the potential for non-plaque Aβ to contribute to tau pathology, few studies have examined relative correlative strengths between total Aβ, plaque Aβ and intracellular Aβ with tau pathology within a single tissue cohort. Employing frozen and fixed frontal cortex grey and white matter tissue from non-AD controls (Con; n = 39) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases (n = 21), biochemical and immunohistochemical (IHC) measures of Aβ and AT-8 phosphorylated tau were assessed. Biochemical native-state dot blots from crude tissue lysates demonstrated robust correlations between total Aβ and AT-8 tau, when considered as a combined cohort (Con and AD) and when as Con and AD cases, separately. In contrast, no associations between Aβ plaques and AT-8 were reported when using IHC measurements in either Con or AD cases. However, when intracellular Aβ was measured via the Aβ specific antibody MOAB-2, a correlative relationship with AT-8 tau was reported in non-AD controls but not in AD cases. Collectively the data suggests that accumulating intracellular Aβ may influence AT-8 pathology, early in AD-related neuropathological change. Despite the lower levels of phospho-tau and Aβ in controls, the robust correlative relationships observed suggest a physiological association of Aβ production and tau phosphorylation, which may be modified during disease. This study is supportive of a revised amyloid cascade hypothesis and demonstrates regional associative relationships between tau pathology and intracellular Aβ, but not extracellular Aβ plaques.