bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-molecule RNA capture-assisted droplet digital loop-mediated isothermal amplification for ultrasensitive and rapid detection of infectious pathogens
Authors: Jiang Liying , Lan Xianghao , Ren Linjiao , Jin Zhiyuan , Shan Xuchen , Yang Mingzhu , Chang Lingqian
Published: September 2023

To minimize and control the transmission of infectious diseases, a sensitive, accurate, rapid, and robust assay strategy for application on-site screening is critical. Here, we report single-molecule RNA capture-assisted digital RT-LAMP (SCADL) for point-of-care testing of infectious diseases. Target RNA was captured and enriched by specific capture probes and oligonucleotide probes conjugated to magnetic beads, replacing laborious RNA extraction. Droplet generation, amplification, and the recording of results are all integrated on a microfluidic chip. In assaying commercial standard samples, quantitative results precisely corresponded to the actual concentration of samples. This method provides a limit of detection of 10 copies mL−1 for the N gene within 1 h, greatly reducing the need for skilled personnel and precision instruments. The ultrasensitivity, specificity, portability, rapidity and user-friendliness make SCADL a competitive candidate for the on-site screening of infectious diseases.
REPIN1 regulates iron metabolism and osteoblast apoptosis in osteoporosis
Authors: Xia Yu , Ge Gaoran , Xiao Haixiang , Wu Mingzhou , Wang Tianhao , Gu Chengyong , Yang Huilin , Geng Dechun
Published: September 2023

Osteoporosis is not well treated due to the difficulty of finding commonalities between the various types of it. Iron homeostasis is a vital component in supporting biochemical functions, and iron overload is recognized as a common risk factor for osteoporosis. In this research, we found that there is indeed evidence of iron accumulation in the bone tissue of patients with osteoporosis and REPIN1, as an origin specific DNA binding protein, may play a key role in this process. We revealed that sh-Repin1 therapy can rescue bone loss in an iron-overload-induced osteoporosis mouse model. Knockdown of Repin1 can inhibit apoptosis and enhance the resistance of osteoblasts to iron overload toxicity. REPIN1 promoted apoptosis by regulating iron metabolism in osteoblasts. Mechanistically, knockdown of Repin1 decreased the expression of Lcn2, which ameliorated the toxic effects of intracellular iron overload. The anti-iron effect of lentivirus sh-Repin1 was partially reversed or replicated by changing LCN2 expression level via si-RNA or plasmid, which indirectly verified the key regulatory role of LCN2 as a downstream target. Furthermore, the levels of BCL2 and BAX, which play a key role in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, were affected. In summary, based on the results of clinical specimens, animal models and in vitro experiments, for the first time, we proved the key role of REPIN1 in iron metabolism-related osteoporosis.
Strong signature of electron-vibration coupling in molecules on Ag(111) triggered by tip-gated discharging
Authors: Li Chao , Kaspar Christoph , Zhou Ping , Liu Jung-Ching , Chahib Outhmane , Glatzel Thilo , Häner Robert , Aschauer Ulrich , Decurtins Silvio , Liu Shi-Xia , Thoss Michael , Meyer Ernst , Pawlak Rémy
Published: September 2023

Electron-vibration coupling is of critical importance for the development of molecular electronics, spintronics, and quantum technologies, as it affects transport properties and spin dynamics. The control over charge-state transitions and subsequent molecular vibrations using scanning tunneling microscopy typically requires the use of a decoupling layer. Here we show the vibronic excitations of tetrabromotetraazapyrene (TBTAP) molecules directly adsorbed on Ag(111) into an orientational glassy phase. The electron-deficient TBTAP is singly-occupied by an electron donated from the substrate, resulting in a spin 1/2 state, which is confirmed by a Kondo resonance. The TBTAP•− discharge is controlled by tip-gating and leads to a series of peaks in scanning tunneling spectroscopy. These occurrences are explained by combining a double-barrier tunneling junction with a Franck-Condon model including molecular vibrational modes. This work demonstrates that suitable precursor design enables gate-dependent vibrational excitations of molecules on a metal, thereby providing a method to investigate electron-vibration coupling in molecular assemblies without a decoupling layer.
Driving forces behind phase separation of the carboxy-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II
Authors: Flores-Solis David , Lushpinskaia Irina P. , Polyansky Anton A. , Changiarath Arya , Boehning Marc , Mirkovic Milana , Walshe James , Pietrek Lisa M. , Cramer Patrick , Stelzl Lukas S. , Zagrovic Bojan , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: September 2023

Eukaryotic gene regulation and pre-mRNA transcription depend on the carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase (Pol) II. Due to its highly repetitive, intrinsically disordered sequence, the CTD enables clustering and phase separation of Pol II. The molecular interactions that drive CTD phase separation and Pol II clustering are unclear. Here, we show that multivalent interactions involving tyrosine impart temperature- and concentration-dependent self-coacervation of the CTD. NMR spectroscopy, molecular ensemble calculations and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate the presence of diverse tyrosine-engaging interactions, including tyrosine-proline contacts, in condensed states of human CTD and other low-complexity proteins. We further show that the network of multivalent interactions involving tyrosine is responsible for the co-recruitment of the human Mediator complex and CTD during phase separation. Our work advances the understanding of the driving forces of CTD phase separation and thus provides the basis to better understand CTD-mediated Pol II clustering in eukaryotic gene transcription.
Hydrolase mimic via second coordination sphere engineering in metal-organic frameworks for environmental remediation
Authors: Yuan Xin , Wu Xiaoling , Xiong Jun , Yan Binhang , Gao Ruichen , Liu Shuli , Zong Minhua , Ge Jun , Lou Wenyong
Published: September 2023

Enzymes achieve high catalytic activity with their elaborate arrangements of amino acid residues in confined optimized spaces. Nevertheless, when exposed to complicated environmental implementation scenarios, including high acidity, organic solvent and high ionic strength, enzymes exhibit low operational stability and poor activity. Here, we report a metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based artificial enzyme system via second coordination sphere engineering to achieve high hydrolytic activity under mild conditions. Experiments and theoretical calculations reveal that amide cleavage catalyzed by MOFs follows two distinct catalytic mechanisms, Lewis acid- and hydrogen bonding-mediated hydrolytic processes. The hydrogen bond formed in the secondary coordination sphere exhibits 11-fold higher hydrolytic activity than the Lewis acidic zinc ions. The MOFs exhibit satisfactory degradation performance of toxins and high stability under extreme working conditions, including complicated fermentation broth and high ethanol environments, and display broad substrate specificity. These findings hold great promise for designing artificial enzymes for environmental remediation.
Extreme thermodynamics in nanolitre volumes through stimulated Brillouin–Mandelstam scattering
Authors: Geilen Andreas , Popp Alexandra , Das Debayan , Junaid Saher , Poulton Christopher G. , Chemnitz Mario , Marquardt Christoph , Schmidt Markus A. , Stiller Birgit
Published: September 2023

Examining the physical properties of materials—particularly of toxic liquids—under a wide range of thermodynamic states is a challenging problem due to the extreme conditions the material has to experience. Such temperature and pressure regimes, which result in a change in the refractive index and sound velocity, can be accessed by optoacoustic interactions such as Brillouin–Mandelstam scattering. Here we demonstrate the Brillouin–Mandelstam measurements of nanolitre volumes of liquids in extreme thermodynamic regimes. This is enabled by a fully sealed liquid-core optical fibre containing carbon disulfide. Within this waveguide, which exhibits tight optoacoustic confinement and a high Brillouin gain, we are able to conduct spatially resolved measurements of the local Brillouin response, giving us access to a resolved image of the temperature and pressure values along the liquid channel. We measure the material properties of the liquid core at very large positive pressures (above 1,000 bar) and substantial negative pressures (below –300 bar), as well as explore the isobaric and isochoric regimes. The extensive thermodynamic control allows the tunability of the Brillouin frequency shift of more than 40% using only minute volumes of liquid.
β-Arrestin-independent endosomal cAMP signaling by a polypeptide hormone GPCR
Authors: Blythe Emily E. , von Zastrow Mark
Published: September 2023

Many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) initiate a second phase of stimulatory heterotrimeric G protein (Gs)-coupled cAMP signaling after endocytosis. The prevailing current view is that the endosomal signal is inherently β-arrestin-dependent because β-arrestin is necessary for receptor internalization and, for some GPCRs, to prolong the endosomal signal. Here we revise this view by showing that the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1 (VIPR1), a secretin-family polypeptide hormone receptor, does not require β-arrestin to internalize or to generate an endosomal signal. β-Arrestin instead resolves the plasma membrane and endosomal signaling phases into sequential cAMP peaks by desensitizing the plasma membrane phase without affecting the endosomal phase. This appears to occur through the formation of functionally distinct VIPR1–β-arrestin complexes at each location that differ in their phosphorylation dependence. We conclude that endosomal GPCR signaling can occur in the absence of β-arrestin and that β-arrestin sculpts the spatiotemporal profile of cellular GPCR–G protein signaling through location-specific remodeling of GPCR–β-arrestin complexes.
IL-12 sensing in neurons induces neuroprotective CNS tissue adaptation and attenuates neuroinflammation in mice
Authors: Andreadou Myrto , Ingelfinger Florian , De Feo Donatella , Cramer Teresa L. M. , Tuzlak Selma , Friebel Ekaterina , Schreiner Bettina , Eede Pascale , Schneeberger Shirin , Geesdorf Maria , Ridder Frederike , Welsh Christina A. , Power Laura , Kirschenbaum Daniel , Tyagarajan Shiva K. , Greter Melanie , Heppner Frank L. , Mundt Sarah , Becher Burkhard
Published: September 2023

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a potent driver of type 1 immunity. Paradoxically, in autoimmune conditions, including of the CNS, IL-12 reduces inflammation. The underlying mechanism behind these opposing properties and the involved cellular players remain elusive. Here we map IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) expression to NK and T cells as well as neurons and oligodendrocytes. Conditionally ablating the IL-12R across these cell types in adult mice and assessing their susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis revealed that the neuroprotective role of IL-12 is mediated by neuroectoderm-derived cells, specifically neurons, and not immune cells. In human brain tissue from donors with multiple sclerosis, we observe an IL-12R distribution comparable to mice, suggesting similar mechanisms in mice and humans. Combining flow cytometry, bulk and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we reveal an IL-12-induced neuroprotective tissue adaption preventing early neurodegeneration and sustaining trophic factor release during neuroinflammation, thereby maintaining CNS integrity in mice.
Tension as a key factor in skin responses to pollution
Authors: Pambianchi Erika , Hagenberg Zachary , Pecorelli Alessandra , Pasqui Arianna , Therrien Jean-Philippe , Valacchi Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Being the more apparent organ exposed to the outdoor stressors, the effect of pollution on the skin has been widely studied in the last few decades. Although UV light is known as the most aggressive stressor to which our cutaneous tissue is daily exposed, other components of the tropospheric pollution have also shown to affect skin health and functionality. Among them, ozone has been proven to be one of the most toxic due to its high reactivity with the epidermal lipids. Studying the cutaneous effect of pollution in a laboratory setting presents challenges, therefore it becomes critical to employ appropriate and tailored models that aim to answer specific questions. Several skin models are available nowadays: in vitro models (2D cell lines and 3D cutaneous tissues), ex vivo skin explants and in vivo approaches (animals and humans). Although in the last 20 years researchers developed skin models that closely resemble human skin (3D cutaneous tissues), ex vivo skin explants still remain one of the best models to study cutaneous responses. Unfortunately, one important cutaneous property that is not present in the traditional ex vivo human skin explants is the physiological tension, which has been shown to be a cardinal player in skin structure, homeostasis, functional properties and responses to external stimuli. For this reason, in this study, to confirm and further comprehend the harmful mechanism of ozone exposure on the integumentary system, we have performed experiments using the state of art in cutaneous models: the innovative TenSkin™ model in which ex vivo human skin explants are cultured under physiologically relevant tension during the whole experimental procedure. Specifically, we were interested in corroborating previous findings showing that ozone exposure modulates the expression of cutaneous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The present work demonstrates that cutaneous exposure to ozone induces AMPs gene and protein levels (CAMP/LL-37, hBD2, hBD3) and that the presence of tension can further modulate their expression. In addition, different responses between tension and non-tension cultured skin were also observed during the evaluation of OxInflammatory markers [cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), matrix-metallo-proteinase 9 (MMP9) and 4-hydroxy-nonenal (4HNE)]. This current study supports our previous findings confirming the ability of pollution to induce the cutaneous expression of AMPs via redox signaling and corroborates the principle that skin explants are a good and reliable model to study skin responses even though it underlines the need to holistically consider the role of skin tension before extrapolating the data to real life.
Occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O157 isolated from cow milk and milk products, Ethiopia
Authors: Sarba Edilu Jorga , Wirtu Wakuma , Gebremedhin Endrias Zewdu , Borena Bizunesh Mideksa , Marami Lencho Megersa
Published: September 2023

Escherichia coliis a major foodborne pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility ofE. coliandE. coliO157 in milk and milk products and hygienic practices in West Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia. Five hundred fifty-six milk samples comprising 421 udder milk, 57 bulk tank milk, and 78 milk products were investigated. Moreover, a questionnaire was administered to 145 participants to assess hygienic practices. A standard microbiological procedure was used to detectE. coliandE. coliO157. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Petri film plates were used to enumerate the coliform in raw bulk tank milk. Farm and animal-levelE coliprevalence were estimated and association with risk factors was assessed.Escherichia coliwas detected in 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 29.9–37.9%) of the samples, of which only one isolate (0.2%) wasE. coliO157.Escherichia colicontamination was higher in bulk tank samples (47.4%; 95% CI 34.0–61.0%) than in udder milk (34.7%; CI 30.1–39.4%), cottage cheese (27.0%; 95% CI 14.6–43.9%), and yoghurt 10.5% (95% CI 2.9–24.8%). For the animal-levelE. colicontamination, only the study area was identified as a risk factor. Risk factors such as types of milk containers, udder washing practices, hygiene, and management systems were associated with both farm-level and milk productsE. colicontamination. Most (59.0%) of the farmers practice udder washing only before milking and the remaining did not practice udder washing at all. The mean coliform count in raw bulk tank milk was higher than the international standard (4.09 log10 CFU/ml). All the 42E. coliisolates tested were multidrug resistant. The occurrence ofE. coliis high, while that ofE. coliO157 is too low. The milk-handling practices are poor in the study areas. The high prevalence ofE. coli, as well as the high coliform count and higher multi-drug resistance may pose risk to public health and food safety. Therefore, proper hygienic practices throughout the milk chain as well as rational drug use are advised.
Seasonal wild dance of dual endosymbionts in the pear psyllid Cacopsylla pyricola (Hemiptera: Psylloidea)
Authors: Štarhová Serbina Liliya , Corretto Erika , Enciso Garcia Juan Sebastian , Berta Michela , Giovanelli Tobia , Dittmer Jessica , Schuler Hannes
Published: September 2023

Most sap-feeding insects maintain obligate relationships with endosymbiotic bacteria that provide their hosts with essential nutrients. However, knowledge about the dynamics of endosymbiont titers across seasons in natural host populations is scarce. Here, we used quantitative PCR to investigate the seasonal dynamics of the dual endosymbionts “Candidatus Carsonella ruddii” and “Ca. Psyllophila symbiotica” in a natural population of the pear psyllid Cacopsylla pyricola (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Psyllidae). Psyllid individuals were collected across an entire year, covering both summer and overwintering generations. Immatures harboured the highest titers of both endosymbionts, while the lowest endosymbiont density was observed in males. The density of Carsonella remained high and relatively stable across the vegetative period of the pear trees, but significantly dropped during the non-vegetative period, overlapping with C. pyricola’s reproductive diapause. In contrast, the titer of Psyllophila was consistently higher than Carsonella’s and exhibited fluctuations throughout the sampling year, which might be related to host age. Despite a tightly integrated metabolic complementarity between Carsonella and Psyllophila, our findings highlight differences in their density dynamics throughout the year, that might be linked to their metabolic roles at different life stages of the host.
Scaling logical density of DNA storage with enzymatically-ligated composite motifs
Authors: Yan Yiqing , Pinnamaneni Nimesh , Chalapati Sachin , Crosbie Conor , Appuswamy Raja
Published: September 2023

DNA is a promising candidate for long-term data storage due to its high density and endurance. The key challenge in DNA storage today is the cost of synthesis. In this work, we propose composite motifs, a framework that uses a mixture of prefabricated motifs as building blocks to reduce synthesis cost by scaling logical density. To write data, we introduce Bridge Oligonucleotide Assembly, an enzymatic ligation technique for synthesizing oligos based on composite motifs. To sequence data, we introduce Direct Oligonucleotide Sequencing, a nanopore-based technique to sequence short oligos, eliminating common preparatory steps like DNA assembly, amplification and end-prep. To decode data, we introduce Motif-Search, a novel consensus caller that provides accurate reconstruction despite synthesis and sequencing errors. Using the proposed methods, we present an end-to-end experiment where we store the text “HelloWorld” at a logical density of 84 bits/cycle (14–42× improvement over state-of-the-art).
Nanoencapsulated phase change material in a trapezoidal prism wall under the magnetic field effect for energy storage purposes
Authors: Younis Obai , Abderrahmane Aissa , Hatami Mohammad , mourad Abed , Guedri Kamel
Published: September 2023

Recently, Nano-encapsulated phase change materials (NEPCM) have attracted the attention of researchers due to their promising application in thermal management. This research investigates magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection of NEPCM contained within a lid-driven trapezoidal prism enclosure containing a hot-centered elliptical obstacle. The upper cavity wall is moving at a constant velocity; both inclined walls are cold, while the rest of the walls are insulated. The Galerkin Finite Element Method was used to solve the system's governing equations. The influence of Reynolds number (Re 1–500), Hartmann number (Ha = 0–100), NEPCM volumetric fraction φ (0–8%), and elliptical obstacle orientation α (0–3π/4) on thermal fields and flow patterns are introduced and analyzed. The results indicated that the maximum heat transfer rate is observed when the hot elliptic obstacle is oriented at 90°; an increment of 6% in the Nu number is obtained in this orientation compared to other orientations. Reducing Ha from 100 to 0 increased Nu by 14%. The Maximum value of the Bejan number was observed for the case of Ha = 0, α = 90° and φ = 0.08.
Sexual segregation results in pronounced sex-specific density gradients in the mountain ungulate, Rupicapra rupicapra
Authors: Edelhoff Hendrik , Milleret Cyril , Ebert Cornelia , Dupont Pierre , Kudernatsch Thomas , Zollner Alois , Bischof Richard , Peters Wibke
Published: September 2023

Sex-specific differences in habitat selection and space use are common in ungulates. Yet, it is largely unknown how this behavioral dimorphism, ultimately leading to sexual segregation, translates to population-level patterns and density gradients across landscapes. Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra r.) predominantly occupy habitat above tree line, yet especially males may also take advantage of forested habitats. To estimate male and female chamois density and determinants thereof, we applied Bayesian spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models in two contrasting study areas in the Alps, Germany, during autumn. We fitted SCR models to non-invasive individual encounter data derived from genotyped feces. Sex-specific densities were modeled as a function of terrain ruggedness, forest canopy cover, proportion of barren ground, and site severity. We detected pronounced differences in male and female density patterns, driven primarily by terrain ruggedness, rather than by sex-specific effects of canopy cover. The positive effect of ruggedness on density was weaker for males which translated into a higher proportion of males occupying less variable terrain, frequently located in forests, compared to females. By estimating sex-specific variation in both detection probabilities and density, we were able to quantify and map how individual behavioral differences scale up and shape spatial patterns in population density.
Ligand entry pathways control the chemical space recognized by GPR183
Authors: Kjær Viktoria Madeline Skovgaard , Stępniewski Tomasz Maciej , Medel-Lacruz Brian , Reinmuth Lisa , Ciba Marija , Rexen Ulven Elisabeth , Bonomi Massimiliano , Selent Jana , Rosenkilde Mette Marie
Published: September 2023

The G protein-coupled receptor GPR183 utilizes two ligand entry channels: one lateral between transmembrane helices 4 and 5 facing the membrane, and one facing the extracellular environment to recognize chemically diverse ligands.
Non-enzymatic glucose sensing using a nickel hydroxide/chitosan modified screen-printed electrode incorporated into a flow injection analysis system
Authors: McCormick Wesley J. , McLoughlin Eva , McCrudden Denis
Published: September 2023

This works presents a novel screen-printed carbon electrode modified with nickel hydroxide nanoparticles and chitosan (Ni(OH)2/CS/SPCE) for the non-enzymatic flow injection amperometric detection of glucose.
Red-shifted activity-based sensors for ethylene via direct conjugation of fluorophore to metal–carbene
Authors: Dacon Nicholas J. , Wu Nathan B. , Michel Brian W.
Published: September 2023

Direction conjugation of a BODIPY fluorophore with the chelating ruthenium ligand result in red-shifted ethylene probes Con-BEP-4 and Con-BEP-5. Synthesis, photophysical properties, and live cell imaging studies are reported.
Optimization of Pavlova gyrans biomass production and the fatty acid profile using a two-step approach
Authors: Maciel Filipe , Couto Daniela , Geada Pedro , Pereira Hugo , Teixeira José , Domingues M. Rosário , Silva Joana , Vicente António
Published: September 2023

A multivariate optimization approach significantly improved Pavlova gyrans biomass production and its nutritional composition.
Selenium deficiency caused hepatitis in chickensviathe miR-138-5p/SelM/ROS/Ca2+overload pathway induced by hepatocyte necroptosis
Authors: Sun Xinyue , Zhang Wenyue , Shi Xu , Wang Yuqi , Zhang Yilei , Liu Xiaojing , Xu Shiwen , Zhang Jiuli
Published: September 2023

Selenium deficiency cause oxidative stress through upregulation of miR-138-5p targeting SelM, which disrupted Ca2+and energy metabolic homeostasis allowing hepatocyte necroptosis leading to hepatitis in chickens.
Pd nanoparticles decorated on a porous Co(BDC-NH2) MOF as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for dye reduction
Authors: Keypour Hassan , Kouhdareh Jamal , Rabiei Khadijeh , Karakaya İdris , Karimi-Nami Rahman , Alavinia Sedigheh
Published: September 2023

Herein, a new catalytic nanocomposite [Co(BDC-NH2)-Pd NPs] composed of a Co(BDC-NH2) MOF has been developed.
Transferable microfiber laser arrays for high-sensitivity thermal sensing
Authors: Ruan Jun , Li Yixuan , Lin Junzhe , Ren Zihan , Iqbal Naeem , Guo Dan , Zhai Tianrui
Published: September 2023

We propose a design of stable and transferable membrane inlaid with whispering-gallery-mode plasmon hybrid microlaser arrays for sensitive and stable thermal sensing.
InCl3-catalyzed intramolecular carbonyl–olefin metathesis
Authors: Pizzio Marianela G. , Cenizo Zoe B. , Méndez Luciana , Sarotti Ariel M. , Mata Ernesto G.
Published: September 2023

We describe a novel synthetic strategy for intramolecular carbonyl–olefin metathesis based on InCl3 catalysis and a sustainably attractive protocol.
A turn-on fluorescent probe for selective detection of H2S in environmental samples and bio-imaging in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Banik Dipanjan , Karak Anirban , Halder Satyajit , Banerjee Shilpita , Mandal Moumi , Maiti Anwesha , Jana Kuladip , Mahapatra Ajit Kumar
Published: September 2023

A turn-on fluorescent probe TPB-NO2 was synthesized for rapid detection of H2S in environmental and biological samples. A bright cyan colour was observed due to the PET mechanism.
A safety-catch protecting group strategy compatible with Boc-chemistry for the synthesis of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs)
Authors: Nandhini K. P. , Noki Sikabwe , Brasil Edikarlos , Albericio Fernando , de la Torre Beatriz G.
Published: September 2023

The use of a safety-catch protecting scheme allows the synthesis of PNAs using the Boc as temporal protecting group.
Correction: Highly selective optical sensor N/S-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for the assessment of human chorionic gonadotropin β-hCG in the serum of breast and prostate cancer patients
Authors: AlZahrani Yasmeen M. , Alharthi Salha , AlGhamdi Hind A. , Youssef A. O. , Ahmed Shahenda S. , Mohamed Ekram H. , Mahmoud Safwat A. , Attia Mohamed S.
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Highly selective optical sensor N/S-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for the assessment of human chorionic gonadotropin β-hCG in the serum of breast and prostate cancer patients’ by Yasmeen M. AlZahrani et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 21318–21326, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA01570J.
Quantitative investigation of surfactant monolayer bending tendency at an oil–polar solvent interface using DPD modeling and artificial neural networks
Authors: Ren Hua , Zhang Baoliang , Li Haonan , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: September 2023

An ANN model based on DPD modeling was developed to quantitatively assess the influence of 10 factors on the bending tendency of surfactant monolayers, which enables factor importance ranking, and reveals general rules of tail branching effects.
Merger-induced star formation in the low-metallicity dwarf galaxy NGC 4809/4810
Authors: Gao Yulong , Gu Qiusheng , Liu Guilin , Zhang Hongxin , Shi Yong , Dou Jing , Li Xiangdong , Kong Xu
Published: September 2023

Context. The physical mechanisms driving starbursts in dwarf galaxies are unclear, and the effects of mergers on star formation in these galaxies are still uncertain.

Aims. We explore how the merger process affects star formation in metal-poor dwarf galaxies by analyzing high spatial resolution (∼70 pc) integral field spectrograph observations of ionized gas.

Methods. We used archival data from the Very Large Telescope/Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer to map the spatial distribution of strong emission lines (e.g., Hβ, Hα, [O III] λ5007, and [N II] λ6583) in the nearby merging star-forming dwarf galaxy system NGC 4809/4810.

Results. We identify 112 star-forming knots scattered among the two galaxies, where the gas-phase metallicity distribution is inhomogeneous and mixes with metal-poor and metal-rich ionized gas. Star-forming knots at the interacting region show lower metallicity, the highest star formation rates (SFRs), and the highest ratio of the SFR to the resolved main-sequence relation (rMSR). Ionized gas exhibits an obvious northeast–southwest velocity gradient in NGC 4809, but appears to be mixed in NGC 4810. The high virial parameters and the stellar mass-size relation of the H II regions indicate that these regions are dominated by direct radiation pressure from massive stars (or clusters) and expand persistently. We find two different relations of the stellar mass surface density to stellar age in NGC 4809 and NGC 4810, and the stellar ages of NGC 4810 are systematically younger than those in NGC 4809.

Conclusions. Our study suggests that the merging stage of two dwarf galaxies can induce starburst activities in the interaction areas despite the metal-deficient environment. Considering the high specific SFRs and different stellar ages, we propose that the interaction initially triggered star formation in NGC 4809 and then drove star formation in NGC 4810.
TITANS metal-poor reference stars
Authors: Giribaldi R. E. , Van Eck S. , Merle T. , Jorissen A. , Krynski P. , Planquart L. , Valentini M. , Chiappini C. , Van Winckel H.
Published: September 2023

Context. Representative samples of F-, G-, K-type stars located outside of the solar neighbourhood have started to become available in spectroscopic surveys. The fraction of metal-poor ([Fe/H] ≲ −0.8 dex) giants becomes increasingly relevant towards greater distances. In metal-poor stars, effective temperatures (Teff) based on local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) spectroscopy and on former colour–Teff relations – which are still widely used – have been reported to be inaccurate. It is necessary to recalibrate chemical abundances based on these Teff scales in the multiple available surveys in order to bring them to the same standard scale for their simultaneous use. To this end, a complete sample of standards is required, which until now has been restricted to a few stars with quasi-direct Teff measurements.

Aims. We aim to provide a legacy sample of metal-poor standards with proven accurate atmospheric parameters. We add 47 giants to the TITANS metal-poor reference stars.

Methods. We derived Teff using 3D non-LTE Hα modelling, the accuracy of which was tested against interferometry and with the Infra Red Flux Method (IRFM). We derived surface gravity (log ɡ) by fitting Mg I b triplet lines, and tested their accuracy against asteroseismology. Metallicity was derived using Fe II lines, and we find our results to be identical to the [Fe/H] derived from non-LTE spectral synthesis.

Results. The Teff that we find using 3D non-LTE Hα is equivalent to interferometric and IRFM temperatures within a ±46 K uncertainty. We achieve precision of ~50 K for 34 stars with spectra with the highest signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). For log ɡ, we achieve a total uncertainty of ±0.15 dex. For [Fe/H], we obtain a total uncertainty of ±0.09 dex. We find that the ionisation equilibrium of Fe lines under LTE is not valid in metal-poor giants. LTE leads to a small but significant metallicity underestimation of ~0.1 dex when derived from weak Fe I lines, and only provided accurate Teff and log ɡ. This bias totally disappears under non-LTE.
Evaluation of the Bio Pump for Long-Term Cardiac Support Without Heparinization
Authors: Dixon C. M. , Magovern G. J.
Published: September 2023

A three-part study was designed to evaluate whether the Bio Pumpa and a heparinless regimen could prevent the complications of hemorrhage and inflow destruction in patients needing long-term cardiac support following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Five dogs underwent venoarterial membrane support for 24 hours using the Bio Pump with heparinization to maintain ACT’s in the range of 150–175 sec. All dogs survived with no sequelae. Five dogs received left ventricular support without oxygenation using the Bio Pump and no heparinization. These also survived 24 hours of support with no sequelae. Minimal bleeding, no inflow obstruction, slight increases in serum hemoglobin were common in both groups. Group 2 suffered less platelet depletion and aberration of clotting parameters thandid Group 1. A sheep undergoing left ventricular support for 14 days showed few effects until a thrombus, apparently thrown from the bearing housing of the Bio Pump, lodged in the right kidney causing a large infarct. Left ventricular assist using the Bio Pump and no anticoagulation has been used on six patients with survival in 50% of the cases.
Evaluation of X-ray doses in paediatrics multislice computed tomography
Authors: Khajmi H. , Nouh F. A. , Tounsi A. , Touti R.
Published: September 2023

The present paper aims to examine the doses delivered to children at the paediatric Computer Tomography (CT) unit in the radiology service of the Mother and Child Hospital (MCH) in the Mohammed VI University Hospital Centre (Med VI UHC) of Marrakech, Morocco, and to compare our values with the dosimetric data of the published literature. This investigation included 440 CT examinations of the head, chest, and abdomen-pelvis in paediatric patients whose ages ranged from 1 to 5 yr (AG1y­5y), 5 to 10 yr (AG5y­10y), and 10 to 15 yr (AG10y­15y). We estimated the 75th percentile values of the Volume Computed Tomography Dose Index CTDIvol(mGy) and the Dose-Length-Product DLP (mGy.cm). The obtained results showed that the calculated 75th percentile of DLP for head CT are less than the National Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) observed in Japan, Belgium, Germany, French, United Kingdom, United State, and China. However, the proposed DRLs for the abdomen-pelvis, and chest CT are significantly higher compared with international DRLs.
Empirische Befunde des Jahres 2022 zur Versorgung Schwerstkranker und Sterbender in Krankenhäusern und stationären Pflegeeinrichtungen
Authors: George Wolfgang
Published: September 2023

In die statistische Auswertung einer zwischen Mai und Oktober 2020 deutschlandweit durchgeführten Untersuchung zu den psychosozialen und medizinisch-pflegerischen Sterbebedingungen gelangten 855 Teilnehmer. Der hierfür verwendete Fragebogen entsprach weitgehend einer Form, welche bereits 2013/2014 und 1988 durchgeführt wurde. Zusätzlich wurden Erfahrungen zur Coronapandemie und der Zukunft der Versorgung Sterbender ermittelt. Als Ergebnis zeigte sich, dass sich sowohl die erreichten Strukturmerkmale als auch Versorgungsqualitäten gegenüber der letzten Studie 2013/2014 nur geringfügig verändert haben. Indes weisen die Ergebnisse zu den unterschiedlichen Krankenhausversorgungsbereichen (Stationen) z.T. erhebliche Unterschiede auf. Gezeigt werden kann ferner, wie z.T. dramatisch (etwa in Bezug auf die Integration von Angehörigen) sich die Coronapandemie auf die Betreuung Sterbender ausgewirkt hat. Für die Zukunft sieht eine große Gruppe der Befragten die Betreuung von Sterbenden vor sehr großen Herausforderungen.
Effektstärken in der klinischen Forschung: Signifikanz,
Relevanz, Fallzahl
Authors: Anheyer Dennis , Ostermann Thomas
Published: September 2023

In dieser Arbeit wird die Bedeutung von Effektstärken in der
onkologischen Forschung betrachtet. Es wird erläutert, welche Arten von
Effektstärken bei der Bewertung von Krebstherapien verwendet werden und
inwieweit sie für die Durchführung und Bewertung klinischer
Studien relevant sind. Hierbei wird auf die Bedeutung von Effektstärken
für die Fallzahlplanung eingegangen sowie die Wichtigkeit der Bewertung
der klinischen Relevanz von Studienergebnissen diskutiert. Darüber
hinaus wird abschließend die Verwendung von „common
language“-Effektstärken in der onkologischen Praxis
erklärt und beleuchtet. Es wird erläutert, wie sie dazu
beitragen können, die Kommunikation von Studienergebnissen
verständlicher zu machen.
Anwendung von Indocyaningrün (IGC) in der robotischen Leberchirurgie
Authors: Franz Mareike , Croner Roland
Published: September 2023

Indocyaningrün (IGC) ist ein Fluoreszenzfarbstoff, der durch Hepatozyten aufgenommen und biliär ausgeschieden wird. Dadurch kann er zur Leberfunktionsdiagnostik eingesetzt werden. Neben
dieser Eigenschaft kumuliert ICG in und um primäre und sekundäre Lebertumoren, die dadurch intraoperativ durch Stimulation mit Licht von 840 nm fluoreszierend dargestellt werden können.
Durch die biliäre Ausscheidung werden die extrahepatischen Gallengänge mittels ICG visualisiert. Mithilfe von direkter oder indirekter Fluoreszenzangiografie können intraoperativ
individuelle Lebersegmente oder Lebersegmentkombinationen identifiziert werden. Da besonders bei minimalinvasiven Operationen die Haptik fehlt, kann ICG durch die genannten Eigenschaften
dazu beitragen, in Kombination mit dem intraoperativen Ultraschall die onkologische Präzision bei der Operation von Lebertumoren zu optimieren. Bei Eingriffen an den Gallengängen können
durch deren Darstellung mittels ICG unnötige Komplikationen vermieden werden. Die Identifikation von Lebersegmenten verbessert die chirurgische Präzision, was postoperative Komplikationen
reduzieren kann. Aufgrund seiner vielseitigen, einfachen und nebenwirkungsarmen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten bietet ICG gute Voraussetzungen für den Einsatz bei robotischen hepatobiliären
Operationen. Im folgenden Video werden Beispiele zur intraoperativen Nutzung von ICG im Rahmen robotischer Eingriffe demonstriert.
Small bowel capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy procedure load in France: a nationwide population-based study over 7 years
Authors: Dray Xavier , Buzzi Jean-Claude , Quentin Vincent , Saurin Jean-Christophe
Published: September 2023

Background and study aims Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a diagnostic
tool mainly used to explore the small bowel (SB), whereas device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) is
preferred for therapeutics. We aimed to describe the procedure load of SB endoscopy in France
from 2015 to 2021.

Patients and methods Using the French national health data system
and the French national hospital discharge database, we identified all SBCEs and DAEs reported
between January 2015 and December 2021. Information on DAEs was crosschecked with data on
purchase or maintenance from manufacturers. Centers and procedures were described by type,
year, type of practice, and according to the 13 French administrative regions in the mainland
and in those overseas.

Results A total of 151,096 SBCEs and 6,802 for DAEs were
considered over the study period. SBCE service was offered in all regions, in both public and
private settings, and the case load increased from 18,956 to 24,183 (+27.6%). The number of
DAEs decreased nationwide, from 1,030 to 932 (–9.5%). Eighty-seven percent of all DAEs were
performed in public university hospitals. Retrograde route varied between 18.8% and 22.8% of
all DAEs yearly. The number of centers offering DAE varied from 0 to 5, over regions and
years. DAE caseloads increased in five regions but ended, decreased or the procedure was not
yet used in the nine remaining regions.

Conclusions SB endoscopy in France is marked by a 22-fold
unbalanced procedure load in CE (nationwide coverage) and in DAE (absent in some regions).
This gap has widened over the years from 2015 to 2021.
History Page: Leaders in MSK Radiology Maxime Ménard, 1872–1926
Authors: Vanhoenacker Filip M. , Feydy Antoine
Published: September 2023

This history page in the series “Leaders in Musculoskeletal Radiology” is dedicated to the memory and achievements of French radiologist Maxime Ménard, whose name is associated with the Shenton-Ménard line that Ménard described independently with the British radiologist Edward Shenton. This landmark line describes the relationship of the proximal femur to the acetabulum in hip dysplasia and fractures of the femoral neck.
Bone and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lafage-Proust Marie-Hélène
Published: September 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) induces mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD) that affect calcium and phosphate metabolism. This review links pathophysiology, histologic aspects, and radiologic signs. CKD leads to bone lesions, namely renal osteodystrophy, which may combine low or high bone remodeling, impaired mineralization, and bone loss. CKD-MBD also comprises vascular calcifications, which, together with bone disease, lead to a high risk of cardiovascular events and osteoporotic fractures that increase both morbidity and mortality. Osteoporosis assessment is based on screening for classic risk factors and CKD-related factors (disease duration/severity, transplantation history, dialysis vintage). Treatment of mineral disorders may combine serum phosphate lowering drugs, natural vitamin D or its 1-α derivatives, or calcium-sensing receptor agonists. Treatment of osteoporosis is conventional in mild to moderate stages but more complex in severe CKD because evidence about the efficacy and safety of anti-osteoporosis drugs is scant.
Opportunistic Computed Tomography Screening for Osteoporosis and Fracture
Authors: Guenoun Daphne , Champsaur Pierre
Published: September 2023

Osteoporosis is underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to loss of treatment for the patient and high costs for the health care system. Routine thoracic and/or abdominal computed tomography (CT) performed for other indications can screen opportunistically for osteoporosis with no extra cost, time, or irradiation. Various methods can quantify fracture risk on opportunistic clinical CT: vertebral Hounsfield unit bone mineral density (BMD), usually of L1; BMD measurement with asynchronous or internal calibration; quantitative CT; bone texture assessment; and finite element analysis. Screening for osteoporosis and vertebral fractures on opportunistic CT is a promising approach, providing automated fracture risk scores by means of artificial intelligence, thus enabling earlier management.
Assessing the Accuracy of Common Clinical Tests for Detecting Palmaris Longus: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Center
Authors: Jayachandiran Anand Prasath , Rajendran Suresh , U.S Tanuja , Mahipathy Surya Rao Rao Venkata , Durairaj Alagar Raja , Sundaramurthy Narayanamurthy , Ananthappan Manoj
Published: September 2023

Background Palmaris longus (PL) is a short-bellied muscle with a long tendon that merges with the palmar aponeurosis. It is supplied by the median nerve and acts as a tensor of the palmar aponeurosis and flexes the wrist. This tendon is commonly used for tendon transfers and as a donor for tendon graft. There are numerous clinical tests to detect the presence of PL like Schaeffer's test, Thompson's test, Mishra's test I, Mishra's test II, Pushpakumar's “two-finger sign” method, and AIIMS test. The principle of all these tests is to make the tendon prominent by eliciting its flexor action and then its identification by inspection and palpation.

Objectives The tests that are consistently easy to perform with good understandability would be easy to explain to the general population (patients). The aim of our study is to find out the accuracy and easy comprehensibility of various tests using compulsive postures for detecting PL tendon clinically.

Materials and Methods This is a prospective study on 137 participants. All the patients were subjected to six clinical tests to detect the presence or absence of PL tendon. The results were recorded for both hands by a single observer.

Results Of the 137 participants, 75 were males (54.74%) and 62 were females (45.26%). The mean age was 21 years. The AIIMS test showed the maximum number of tendons, that is, 113 (82.4%) in the right hand and 108 (78.8%) in the left hand. In view of the ability to comprehend the tests, 119 (86.9%) subjects understood Schaeffer's test very easily.

Conclusion According to this study, the AIIMS test best demonstrates the PL tendon, and Schaeffer's test was the test most easily understood by the subjects.
Evaluation of Human Epididymis Protein 4, Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm, and Risk of Malignancy Index Efficiency for Ameliorating Sensitivity and Specificity for Differentiating Benign from Malignant Adnexal Masses
Authors: Chawla Sonia , Goyal Gitanjali , Grover Seema , Nibhoria Sarita , Kaur Jaswant
Published: September 2023

Background Inadequacy of effective sensitive and specific screening modalities results in late-stage diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Cancer Antigen-125 (CA-125) individually possesses limited specificity for differentiating adnexal masses. The present study aimed to evaluate the Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4), Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA), and Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) for ameliorating sensitivity and specificity for differentiating benign from malignant adnexal masses.

Materials and Methods This study was conducted on 96 preoperative women with suspected adnexal mass (patients) and 48 healthy females without adnexal mass (controls) for the duration of 2 years. Both study participants were divided into two groups, pre- and postmenopausal. CA-125 and HE4 were done using commercially available kits. ROMA% and RMI were calculated. We validated their performances using histopathology as the gold standard. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21, Kruskal–Wallis, and Tukey's tests. The best cutoff points to best values of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were also evaluated.

Results For differentiating benign from malignant masses in the premenopausal group, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and area under the curve (AUC) were 93.7%, 78.3%, 65.2%, 96.6%, 0.892 for CA-125; 87.5%, 83.7%, 70%, 93.9%, 0.926 for HE4; 93.7%, 70.2%, 57.6%, 96.2%, 0.927 for ROMA; and 68.7%, 86.4%, 68.7%, 86.5%, 0.916 for RMI. While in the postmenopausal group, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and AUC were 92.3%, 76.4%, 85.7%, 86.6%, 0.907 for CA-125; 78.5%, 94%, 95.6%, 80%, 0.955 for HE4; 92.3%, 94.1%, 96%, 88.8%, 0.968 for ROMA; and 88.4%, 88.2%, 92%, 83.3%, 0.943 for RMI.

Conclusion For differentiating benign from malignant masses more specifically in women with a suspected adnexal mass, ROMA and HE4 appear to be more effective than CA-125.