bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of chemically induced human hepatic progenitor cells from diseased liver against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis model
Authors: Miyamoto Daisuke , Matsuguma Kunihito , Nagai Kazuhiro , Miyoshi Takayuki , Hara Takanobu , Matsushima Hajime , Soyama Akihiko , Ochiya Takahiro , Miyazaki Yasushi , Eguchi Susumu
Published: July 2024

Background

Numerous chemical reprogramming techniques have been reported, rendering them applicable to regenerative medicine research. The aim of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of human CLiP derived from clinical specimens transplanted into a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mouse model of liver fibrosis.

Methods

We successfully generated chemically induced liver progenitor (CLiP), which exhibited progenitor‐like characteristics, through stimulation with low‐molecular‐weight compounds. We elucidated their cell differentiation ability and therapeutic effects. However, the therapeutic efficacy of human CLiP generated from clinical samples on liver fibrosis, such as liver cirrhosis, remains unproven.

Results

Following a 4 week period, transplanted human CLiP in the NASH model differentiated into mature hepatocytes and demonstrated suppressive effects on liver injury markers (i.e., aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase). Although genes related to inflammation and fat deposition did not change in the human CLiP transplantation group, liver fibrosis‐related factors (Acta2 and Col1A1) showed suppressive effects on gene expression following transplantation, with approximately a 60% reduction in collagen fibers. Importantly, human CLiP could be efficiently induced from hepatocytes isolated from the cirrhotic liver, underscoring the feasibility of using autologous hepatocytes to produce human CLiP.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of human CLiP transplantation as a viable cellular therapy for liver fibrosis, including NASH liver. These results hold promise for the development of liver antifibrosis therapy utilizing human CLiP within the field of liver regenerative medicine.
Improvement and exacerbation of multiple disparities in sexually transmitted infections among children and adolescents aged 6–22 years: An analysis of national surveillance data from 2013 to 2021
Authors: Zhang Yi , Geng Mengjie , Xing Yi , Ren Xiang , Chen Li , Liu Jieyu , Song Xinli , Qin Yang , Wang RuoLin , Jiang Jianuo , Guo Tongjun , Yuan Wen , Ma Yinghua , Ma Jun , Wang Liping , Song Yi , Dong Yanhui
Published: July 2024

To investigate the progress of disparities in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), gonorrhea, and syphilis among children and adolescents aged 6–22 years in China during 2013–2021. A total of 614 325 cases data were extracted from the Chinese Information System for Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention during 2013–2021. Puberty health education data were drew from the Student Health Surveillance in 2021. Disparity patterns and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) incidence or new cases in China were examined using descriptive statistics and joinpoint regression. The incidence across 345 cities was stratified by gross domestic product (GDP). Between 2013 and 2021, there were 614 325 reported cases of HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, and syphilis among children and adolescents aged 6–22, with an annual average incidence of 24.0967 per 100 000. The expansion of HIV/AIDS has halted, yet the surge in gonorrhea and syphilis remains notably pronounced. The ratio of male to female AIDS incidence increased from 2.75 (2.60, 2.90) to 7.13 (6.68, 7.62), but that of syphilis changed from 0.33 (0.32, 0.34) to 0.56 (0.55, 0.57). Students and out‐of‐school individuals aged 13–15 experienced a notably high increase in STI cases, surpassing other age groups, with an average annual percentage increase of 29.2% and 26.3%, respectively. Nonstudents consistently had a higher incidence rate than students, with an IRR reaching 31.80 (31.24, 32.37) in 2021. A noticeable clustering pattern of new cases emerged in the southeastern region of the Heihe‐Tengchong line, extending inland from the coastal areas. Districts and counties with lower rates of puberty sexual health education tended to have higher average STI incidence rates. At the prefecture and city levels, there was a noticeable upward trend on average STI incidence rates in cities with per capita GDPs. Strategies to address those disparities include promoting equitable health education, and widespread sexual health education, particularly in areas with limited access to education and experiencing rapid economic development. The effectiveness of sexual health education intervention needs to be further evaluated in well‐designed studies.
Developed Rhizobium Strains Enhance Soil Fertility and Yield of Legume Crops in Haryana, India
Authors: Shah Ikbal , Sarim Khan M. , Sikka Virendra K. , Dudeja Surjit S. , Gahlot Dharmender K.
Published: July 2024

Three strains of Gram‐negative bacterium, Rhizobium, were developed by gamma (γ)‐irradiation random mutagenesis. The developed strains were evaluated for their augmented features for symbiotic association, nitrogen fixation, and crop yield of three leguminous plants—chickpea, field‐pea, and lentil—in agricultural fields of the northern Indian state of Haryana. Crops treated with developed mutants exhibited significant improvement in plant features and the yield of crops when compared to the control‐uninoculated crops and crops grown with indigenous or commercial crop‐specific strains of Rhizobium. This improvement was attributed to generated mutants, MbPrRz1 (on chickpea), MbPrRz2 (on lentil), and MbPrRz3 (on field‐pea). Additionally, the cocultured symbiotic response of MbPrRz1 and MbPrRz2 mutants was found to be more pronounced on all three crops. The statistical analysis using Pearson's correlation coefficients revealed that nodulation and plant biomass were the most related parameters of crop yield. Among the effectiveness of developed mutants, MbPrRz1 yielded the best results for all three tested crops. Moreover, the developed mutants enhanced macro‐ and micronutrients of the experimental fields when compared with fields harboring the indigenous rhizobial community. These developed mutants were further genetically characterized, predominantly expressing nitrogen fixation marker, nifH, and appeared to belong to Mesorhizobium ciceri (MbPrRz1) and Rhizobium leguminosarum (both MbPrRz2 and MbPrRz3). In summary, this study highlights the potential of developed Rhizobium mutants as effective biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture, showcasing their ability to enhance symbiotic relationships, crop yield, and soil fertility.
Skin α‐Synuclein Seeding Activity in Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease
Authors: LoPiccolo Mary Kate , Wang Zerui , Eshed Gadi Maayan , Fierro Luca , Stauffer Chanan , Wang Kelly , Zhang Jing , Tatsuoka Curtis , Balwani Manisha , Zou Wen‐Quan , Alcalay Roy N.
Published: July 2024

Background

Patients with type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) have a significantly increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate skin α‐synuclein (αSyn) seeding activity as a biomarker for GD1‐related PD (GD1‐PD).

Methods

This single‐center study administered motor and cognitive examinations and questionnaires of nonmotor symptoms to adult patients with GD1. Optional skin biopsy was performed for skin αSyn seed amplification assay (αSyn SAA) using real‐time quaking‐induced conversion assay.

Results

Forty‐nine patients were enrolled, and 36 underwent skin biopsy. Two study participants had PD. Ten participants were αSyn SAA positive (27.8%), 7 (19.4%) were intermediate, and 19 (52.8%) were negative. Positive αSyn seeding activity was observed in the single GD1‐PD case who consented to biopsy. αSyn SAA positivity was associated with older age (p = 0.043), although αSyn SAA positivity was more prevalent in patients with GD1 than historic controls.

Conclusions

Longitudinal follow‐up is required to determine whether skin αSyn seeding activity can be an early biomarker for GD1‐PD. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Technical note: A GPU‐based shared Monte Carlo method for fast photon transport in multi‐energy x‐ray exposures
Authors: Zhou Yiwen , Deng Wenxin , Kang Jing , Xia Jinqiu , Yang Yingjie , Li Bin , Zhang Yuqin , Qi Hongliang , Wu WangJiang , Qi Mengke , Zhou Linghong , Ma Jianhui , Xu Yuan
Published: July 2024

Background

The Monte Carlo (MC) method is an accurate technique for particle transport calculation due to the precise modeling of physical interactions. Nevertheless, the MC method still suffers from the problem of expensive computational cost, even with graphics processing unit (GPU) acceleration. Our previous works have investigated the acceleration strategies of photon transport simulation for single‐energy CT. But for multi‐energy CT, conventional individual simulation leads to unnecessary redundant calculation, consuming more time.

Purpose

This work proposes a novel GPU‐based shared MC scheme (gSMC) to reduce unnecessary repeated simulations of similar photons between different spectra, thereby enhancing the efficiency of scatter estimation in multi‐energy x‐ray exposures.

Methods

The shared MC method selects shared photons between different spectra using two strategies. Specifically, we introduce spectral region classification strategy to select photons with the same initial energy from different spectra, thus generating energy‐shared photon groups. Subsequently, the multi‐directional sampling strategy is utilized to select energy‐and‐direction‐shared photons, which have the same initial direction, from energy‐shared photon groups. Energy‐and‐direction‐shared photons perform shared simulations, while others are simulated individually. Finally, all results are integrated to obtain scatter distribution estimations for different spectral cases.

Results

The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed gSMC are evaluated on the digital phantom and clinical case. The experimental results demonstrate that gSMC can speed up the simulation in the digital case by ∼37.8% and the one in the clinical case by ∼20.6%, while keeping the differences in total scatter results within 0.09%, compared to the conventional MC package, which performs an individual simulation.

Conclusions

The proposed GPU‐based shared MC simulation method can achieve fast photon transport calculation for multi‐energy x‐ray exposures.
ASPEN survey of parenteral nutrition access issues: How the system fails the patient
Authors: Mirtallo Jay M. , Allen Penny , Book Wendy M. , Hennessy Kathryn , Bond Bettiemarie , Gore Beth
Published: July 2024

Background

Product shortages and a lack of qualified providers to manage care may impact the safety and efficacy of parenteral nutrition (PN). This survey assessed the frequency and extent to which limitations to PN‐related access affects patients.

Methods

Outpatient/patients receiving home PN were surveyed. Questions were developed to characterize the population and determine the extent and severity of PN access issues with components, devices, healthcare professionals, and transfers of care. Reimbursement issues surveyed included insurance coverage, contribution of healthcare costs to annual income, and the extent to which adjunctive therapy was reimbursed. Burdens surveyed included impact on disease symptoms and medical outcomes as well as the types and frequency of medical or system errors experienced, adverse events, or resultant nutrition problems.

Results

Respondents (N = 170) were well educated, rented or owned their own home, and were either employed or retired. All age populations were represented. Patients made frequent contact with care providers. Most were able to manage PN costs but feared losing insurance or changes to insurance. Patients used additional prescribed therapies that are poorly covered by insurance. Patients reported symptoms or exacerbation of disease, development or worsening of malnutrition, and episodes of nutrient deficiency. Patients noted errors occur, especially during periods of transitions of care, when they also often encounter clinicians with little understanding of PN. These are high‐acuity patients who have difficulty finding providers for their care.

Conclusion

This patient survey provides evidence that access issues can result in the “failure of the PN system” to assure care is consistently safe and effective.
FFT‐based computational micromechanics with Dirichlet boundary conditions on the rotated staggered grid
Authors: Risthaus Lennart , Schneider Matti
Published: July 2024

Imposing nonperiodic boundary conditions for unit cell analyses may be necessary for a number of reasons in applications, for example, for validation purposes and specific computational setups. The work at hand discusses a strategy for utilizing the powerful technology behind fast Fourier transform (FFT)‐based computational micromechanics—initially developed with periodic boundary conditions in mind—for essential boundary conditions in mechanics, as well, for the case of the discretization on a rotated staggered grid. Introduced by F. Willot into the community, the rotated staggered grid is presumably the most popular discretization, and was shown to be equivalent to underintegrated trilinear hexahedral elements. We leverage insights from previous work on the Moulinec–Suquet discretization, exploiting a finite‐strain preconditioner for small‐strain problems and utilize specific discrete sine and cosine transforms. We demonstrate the computational performance of the novel scheme by dedicated numerical experiments and compare displacement‐based methods to implementations on the deformation gradient.
Comparing lignin and spent coffee grounds as bio‐fillers in PLA 3D‐printable filaments
Authors: Lage‐Rivera Silvia , Ares‐Pernas Ana , Dopico‐García M. Sonia , Covas José , Abad María‐José
Published: July 2024

Material extrusion additive manufacturing is increasingly popular but requires new materials to expand its industrial applicability. This study compares the effects of two bio‐fillers (lignin and spent coffee grounds (SCG)) in a bio‐polymer matrix, polylactic acid (PLA). The bio‐fillers aim to enhance the sustainability of the resulting composites, tune their physical properties (rheology, thermal stability, mechanical resistance and water absorption) and improve 3D‐printability by reducing the temperature at the nozzle. The composite with 15 wt.% SCG exhibited an elongation at break of 22.95% (vs. 8.42% for PLA), a printing temperature of 180°C (vs. 215°C for PLA) and a water absorption after 6 weeks immersion in water of 18.77 wt.% (vs. 5.04 wt.% of PLA), suggesting applications like hydroponic farming. Moreover, small amounts of SCG protected the composite against thermo‐oxidative degradation during extrusion, while lignin enhanced the thermal stability of the composite.

Highlights

15 wt.% SCG improved PLA ductility (elongation at break 22.9% vs. PLA's 8.4%).

Lower printing temperature (180 vs. 215°C for PLA) was achieved with 15 wt.% SCG.

SCG protects composite from thermo‐oxidative degradation.

15 wt.% SCG in PLA absorbs 18.77% water after 6 weeks (vs. 5.04% of PLA).

Lignin boosts thermal stability of PLA composite.
Relictithismia: An underground fairy lantern
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji
Published: July 2024

Societal Impact Statement

The discovery of a new genus within the family Thismiaceae, known as fairy lanterns, marks a significant scientific milestone in Japan, a country renowned for its botanical research. The unearthing of a new genus, especially in a well‐documented flora like Japan, is both rare and monumental. Unlike other fairy lanterns that bloom under leaf litter and can be easily overlooked, the new genus and species, Relictithismia kimotsukiensis, often does not even emerge above the surface of the soil when flowering. This captivating characteristic not only enriches our knowledge of botanical diversity but also emphasizes the importance of preserving natural habitats that harbor such rare species.

The family Thismiaceae, known as “fairy lanterns”, is distinguished by its urn‐ or bell‐shaped, glasswork‐like flowers with basally fused tepals and its dependence on specific fungi for carbon. A new genus and species, Relictithismia kimotsukiensis, has been discovered in southern Japan. This species is notable for its unique anther‐stigma contact, hitherto unreported in the other Thismiaceae. Unlike typical fairy lanterns that bloom just above the leaf litter, Relictithismia often flowers beneath it. The underground habit is potentially associated with self‐pollination. The discovery of Relictithismia enhances our understanding of evolutionary pathways within the Thismiaceae, as it possesses characteristics previously thought to be unique to Thismia (the annulus with drooping stamens) as well as traits found in other genera (free stamens without expanded connectives). This paper reviews the morphology, ecology, and evolutionary history of Relictithismia, offering insights into the peculiarities of these enigmatic plants.
Optimized algorithm for speed‐of‐sound‐based infant sulfur hexafluoride multiple‐breath washout measurements
Authors: Wyler Florian , Manogaran Thuvarakha , Monney Nathalie , Salem Yasmin , Steinberg Ruth , Kentgens Anne‐Christianne , Jacobs Carvern , Chaya Shaakira , Sena Carla Rebeca da Silva , Künstle Noëmi , Gorlanova Olga , Yammine Sophie , Gray Diane M. , Frey Urs , Oestreich Marc‐Alexander , Latzin Philipp
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Major methodological issues with the existing algorithm (WBreath) used for the analysis of speed‐of‐sound‐based infant sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) multiple‐breath washout (MBW) measurements lead to implausible results and complicate the comparison between different age groups and centers.

Methods

We developed OASIS—a novel algorithm to analyze speed‐of‐sound‐based infant SF6 MBW measurements. This algorithm uses known context of the measurements to replace the dependence of WBreath on model input parameters. We validated the functional residual capacity (FRC) measurement accuracy of this new algorithm in vitro, and investigated its use in existing infant MBW data sets from different infant cohorts from Switzerland and South Africa.

Results

In vitro, OASIS managed to outperform WBreath at FRC measurement accuracy, lowering mean (SD) absolute error from 5.1 (3.2) % to 2.1 (1.6) % across volumes relevant for the infant age range, in variable temperature, respiratory rate, tidal volume and ventilation inhomogeneity conditions. We showed that changes in the input parameters to WBreath had a major impact on MBW results, a methodological drawback which does not exist in the new algorithm. OASIS produced more plausible results than WBreath in longitudinal tracking of lung clearance index (LCI), provided improved measurement stability in LCI over time, and improved comparability between centers.

Discussion

This new algorithm represents a meaningful advance in obtaining results from a legacy system of lung function measurement by allowing a single method to analyze measurements from different age groups and centers.
Antibiotics and beyond: Unraveling the dynamics of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm infants
Authors: Menegolla Marina P. , Silveira Rita C. , Görgen Antônio R H , Gandolfi Fernanda E. , Procianoy Renato S.
Published: July 2024

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a significant challenge in neonatal care. Prenatal inflammation and neonatal sepsis contribute to the multifactorial nature of BPD. A potential association between empirical antibiotic therapy and BPD risk has been proposed due to microbiota dysbiosis in very low birth weight premature infants.

Methods

A single centered retrospective cohort study of preterm infants (24–32 weeks gestation) from 2014 to 2021. The study compared groups that received empirical antibiotics in the first days of life and those that did not receive any antibiotic in the first days of life. The primary outcomes studied were BPD, death, and the combined outcome of BPD/death. Statistical analysis employed t‐tests, Mann‐Whitney U, Chi‐square, and logistic regression.

Results

Of 454 preterm infants, 61.5% received antibiotics. This group had lower gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores. Antibiotic use was associated with higher incidence of BPD (35.5% vs. 10.3%), death (21.5% vs. 8.6%), and combined outcomes (54.5% vs. 18.3%). In multivariate analysis, antibiotic use independently associated with BPD (OR 2.58, p < 0.001) and combined outcome BPD/death (OR 2.06, p < 0.02). Antenatal corticosteroids provided protection against BPD, but not mortality.

Conclusion

This study suggests an association between early empirical antibiotic use and BPD in preterm infants, emphasizing the need for judicious antibiotic practices in neonatal care.
Cumulative asparagine to aspartate deamidation fails to perturb γD‐crystallin structure and stability
Authors: Guseman Alex J. , González Jeremy J. , Yang Darian , Gronenborn Angela M.
Published: July 2024

Deamidation frequently is invoked as an important driver of crystallin aggregation and cataract formation. Here, we characterized the structural and biophysical consequences of cumulative Asn to Asp changes in γD‐crystallin. Using NMR spectroscopy, we demonstrate that N‐ or C‐terminal domain‐confined or fully Asn to Asp changed γD‐crystallin exhibits essentially the same 1H‐15N HSQC spectrum as the wild‐type protein, implying that the overall structure is retained. Only a very small thermodynamic destabilization for the overall Asn to Asp γD‐crystallin variants was noted by chaotropic unfolding, and assessment of the colloidal stability, by measuring diffusion interaction parameters, yielded no substantive differences in association propensities. Furthermore, using molecular dynamics simulations, no significant changes in dynamics for proteins with Asn to Asp or iso‐Asp changes were detected. Our combined results demonstrate that substitution of all Asn by Asp residues, reflecting an extreme case of deamidation, did not affect the structure and biophysical properties of γD‐crystallin. This suggests that these changes alone cannot be the major determinant in driving cataract formation.
The 30th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation Scientific Retreat Report
Authors: Miyahira Andrea K. , Soule Howard R.
Published: July 2024

Background

The 30th Annual Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) Scientific Retreat was held at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA, from October 26 to 28, 2023. A hybrid component was included for virtual attendees.

Methods

The Annual PCF Scientific Retreat is a leading international scientific conference focused on pioneering, unpublished, and impactful studies across the spectrum of basic through clinical prostate cancer research, as well as research from related fields with significant potential for improving prostate cancer research and patient outcomes.

Results

The 2023 PCF Retreat concentrated on key areas of research, including: (i) the biology of cancer stem cells and prostate cancer lineage plasticity; (ii) mechanisms of treatment resistance; (iii) emerging AI applications in diagnostic medicine; (iv) analytical and computational biology approaches in cancer research; (v) the role of nerves in prostate cancer; (vi) the biology of prostate cancer bone metastases; (vii) the contribution of ancestry and genomics to prostate cancer disparities; (viii) prostate cancer 3D genomics; (ix) progress in new targets and treatments for prostate cancer; (x) the biology and translational applications of tumor extracellular vesicles; (xi) updates from PCF TACTICAL Award teams; (xii) novel platforms for small molecule molecular glues and binding inhibitors; and (xiii) diversity, equity and inclusion strategies for advancing cancer care equity.

Conclusions

This meeting report summarizes the presentations and discussions from the 2023 PCF Scientific Retreat. We hope that sharing this information will deepen our understanding of current and emerging research and drive future advancements in prostate cancer patient care.
Conformational Dynamics and Molecular Characterization of Alsin MORN Monomer and Dimeric Assemblies
Authors: Miceli Marcello , Cannariato Marco , Tortarolo Riccardo , Pallante Lorenzo , Zizzi Eric A. , Deriu Marco A.
Published: July 2024

Despite the ubiquity of membrane occupation recognition nexus (MORN) motifs across diverse species in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, these protein domains remain poorly characterized. Their significance is underscored in the context of the Alsin protein, implicated in the debilitating condition known as infantile‐onset ascending hereditary spastic paralysis (IAHSP). Recent investigations have proposed that mutations within the Alsin MORN domain disrupt proper protein assembly, precluding the formation of the requisite tetrameric configuration essential for the protein's inherent biological activity. However, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the biological functions of Alsin and its three‐dimensional molecular structure is hindered by the lack of available experimental structures. In this study, we employed and compared several protein structure prediction algorithms to identify a three‐dimensional structure for the putative MORN of Alsin. Furthermore, inspired by experimental pieces of evidence from previous studies, we employed the developed models to predict and investigate two homo‐dimeric assemblies, characterizing their stability. This study's insights into the three‐dimensional structure of the Alsin MORN domain and the stability dynamics of its homo‐dimeric assemblies suggest an antiparallel linear configuration stabilized by a noncovalent interaction network.
Upregulation of key factors of viral entry of corona‐ and influenza viruses upon TLR3‐signaling in cells from the respiratory tract and clinical treatment options by 1,8‐Cineol
Authors: Hose Leonie , Schürmann Matthias , Sudhoff Holger
Published: July 2024

At the end of the 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID‐19), highly contagious variants of coronaviruses had emerged. Together with influenza viruses, different variants of the coronavirus currently cause most colds and require appropriate drug treatment. We have investigated the expression of important factors for the replication of these viruses, namely transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), neuropilin1 (NRP1), and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) or tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) after toll like receptor‐3 (TLR‐3) stimulation using RT‐qPCR and flow cytometry (FC) analysis. As model served primary fibroblasts derived from the lung and nasal cavity, as well as epidermal stem cells and fully matured respiratory epithelium. The stimulated cell cultures were treated with pharmaceuticals (Dexamethasone and Enzalutamide) and the outcome was compared with the phytomedicine 1,8‐Cineol. The stimulation of TLR3 is sufficient to induce the expression of exactly those targets that were highly expressed in the corresponding culture type, specifically ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in respiratory epithelial stem cells and NRP1 in fibroblast cells. It seems this self‐perpetuating cycle of infection‐driven upregulation of key viral replication factors by the innate immune system represents an evolutionary advantage for viruses using these transcripts as viral replication factors. Likewise, to the standard pharmaceuticals with proven clinical efficiency, 1,8‐Cineol was able to disrupt this self‐perpetuating cycle. Considering the minor side effects and negligible pharmacological interactions with other drugs, it is conceivable that an adjuvant or combinatorial therapy with 1,8‐Cineol for respiratory diseases caused by corona‐ or influenza viruses would be beneficial.
A DFT study to explore structural, elastic, mechanical, phonon, electronic and optical properties of halide perovskites AgXF3(X=Be,Ca)$$ {\mathrm{AgXF}}_3\left(\mathrm{X}=\mathrm{Be},\mathrm{Ca}\right) $$ with PBEsol, TB‐mBJ and SCAN functionals
Authors: Munir H. Bushra , Afaq A. , Gassoumi Abdelaziz , Ahmed Muhammad , Bakar Abu
Published: July 2024

First principles calculations have been performed using full potential linearized augmented plane wave, FP‐LAPW, within Wien2k to elucidate structural, elastic, mechanical, phonon, electronic and optical properties of lead free halide perovskites . The energy volume curve fitting is used to examine structural stability. For structural optimization and mechanical properties, we employed Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation and PBEsol, revised for solids, exchange and correlation functional. The optimized lattice constant of and is 3.631 and 4.349Å. The elastic constant , and are computed to extract different mechanical parameters like Poisson's ratio, Pugh's ratio, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, anisotropic ratio, Cauchy pressure and shear constant. The mechanical parameters exhibit greater structural, mechanical and dynamical stability of than . The electronic and optical properties are calculated by using TB‐mBJ and SCAN potentials in addition to PBEsol. The electronic band gap of and is 4.71 and 6.01 eV with TB‐mBJ and both perovskites are indirect band gap materials. The optical response of these perovskites against wide range of incident electromagnetic radiation is assessed by calculating absorption, reflection, optical conductivity, dielectric constant, energy loss function and refraction. Strong absorption, high optical conductivity and low reflectivity indicates that and are promising materials for photovoltaic applications.
How Anne Frank Became a Writer: Revelations from the “Tales and Events” Notebook
Authors: Fleming David
Published: July 2024

When he returned to Amsterdam in spring 1945, Otto Frank discovered that not one but two versions of his daughter's diary had survived the Holocaust: the three notebooks of so‐called version A and the revision of that diary on loose sheets of paper, called version B. Other texts also survived, including a notebook Anne titled “Tales and Events from the Secret Annex,” where she collected more than three dozen short pieces of prose. Best known for its “tales,” the book is, in fact, mostly nonfiction, including numerous sketches of annex life. More self‐contained and literary than her diary entries, they show Anne experimenting as a writer. They also show her writing vigorously in the summer of 1943, a period unrepresented in version A since none of that year's diary notebooks survived. Yet, as Anne later wrote, it was “the second half of 1943” when her life changed: when she began “to think, to write.” My goal here is to better fit the “Tales” notebook into the story of Anne's life and work, a project made easier by the recent publication of Anne Frank: The Collected Works, which includes, for the first time in English, all of the author's writing, in one volume, in separate, continuous texts. To read those texts in the order in which she wrote them is to see Anne Frank not just growing as a writer but becoming a writer. The results are of interest not only to scholars of Anne's life and work but to teachers of young readers and writers, for whom Anne Frank has long been a model, if an imperfectly understood one.
Design of a Database‐Driven Controller for a Nonlinear System with Unknown Time‐Delay
Authors: Tokunaga Yamato , Yamamoto Toru
Published: July 2024

Lots of process systems such as chemical plants contain time‐delay and nonlinearity. In particular, there are some cases that such a time‐delay cannot be known in advance. Then, it is not easy to obtain good control performance under such situations. The database‐driven PID control method has been proposed as an effective control method for nonlinear systems, but this method also cannot achieve good control performance for time‐delay systems. In this paper, a design of database‐driven controllers for a nonlinear system with unknown time‐delay is newly proposed. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified by a simulation example. © 2024 The Author(s). IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering published by Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Halloysite‐Based Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes With Enhanced Water Permeation and Antifouling Efficiency for Saline Water Purification
Authors: Sangadi Poosalayya , Kuppan Chandrasekar , Chavali Murthy
Published: July 2024

Polyelectrolytes with strong acidic functionality are among the prime sources for water desalination techniques. Poly 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid (PAMPS) is one such polymer showing polyelectrolyte characteristics because of highly acidic SO3H group (pKa < 2) and film‐forming characteristics of flexible polymeric chains. Halloysite nanotubes functionalized with polyelectrolytes can be considered for water purification, as halloysite was reported to be efficient in removing dissolved metal salts. These polyelectrolytes can be introduced as a blend with other components, or they can be synthesized via in situ to form flexible membranes. Polymer nano‐filtration membranes with controlled crosslinking were designed as a function of halloysite and AMPS composition using in situ free radical polymerization with other polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride and polyvinylpyrrolidone to strengthen the polymer matrix. The synthesized membranes were characterized using FTIR, SEM, EDS, TGA, and DTG techniques. Equilibrium water content, contact angle, water flux, salt rejection efficiency, and antifouling studies are also carried out for these membranes in water purification.
Deep learning‐enhanced microwell array biochip for rapid and precise quantification of Cryptococcus subtypes
Authors: Tong Yihang , Zeng Yu , Lu Yinuo , Huang Yemei , Jin Zhiyuan , Wang Zhiying , Wang Yusen , Zang Xuelei , Chang Lingqian , Mu Wei , Xue Xinying , Dong Zaizai
Published: July 2024

Cryptococcus is a family of strongly infectious pathogens that results in a wide variety of symptoms, particularly threatening the patients undergoing the immune‐deficiency or medical treatment. Rapidly identifying Cryptococcus subtypes and accurately quantifying their contents remain urgent needs for infection control and timely therapy. However, traditional detection techniques heavily rely on expensive, specialized instruments, significantly compromising their applicability for large‐scale population screening. In this work, we report a portable microwell array chip platform integrated with a deep learning‐based image recognition program, which enables rapid, precise quantification of the specific subtypes of Cryptococcus. The platform features four zones of microwell arrays preloaded with the subtype‐targeted CRISPR–Cas12a system that avoid dependence on slow, instrumental‐mediated target amplification, achieving rapid (10 min), high specificity for identifying the sequence of Cryptococcus. The deep learning‐based image recognition program utilizing segment anything model (SAM) significantly enhances automation and accuracy in identifying target concentrations, which eventually achieves ultra‐low limit of detection (0.5 pM) by personal smartphones. This platform can be further customized to adapt to various scenarios in clinical settings.
Hydrogeochemical characteristics, driving factors, and health risk assessment of karst groundwater in Southwest Hubei Province, China
Authors: Shan Qiang , Tian Xizhao , Xie Hao , Gong Zhiqiang , Lin Yongsheng , Dang Zhiwen , Li Jun , Zou Shengzhang , Zhu Tianlong
Published: July 2024

In South China, karst groundwater is an important water resource for industrial, agricultural, and drinking purposes. However, karst aquifers are highly vulnerable to pollution, leading to deteriorating karst groundwater quality and posing potential health risks to local residents. In this study, 22 groundwater samples were collected from a karst aquifer in the southwestern part of Hubei Province. The hydrogeochemical characteristics and their controlling factors were examined, and the potential health risks associated with groundwater pollutant concentrations in karst groundwater were assessed. The results showed that the groundwater is slightly alkaline with low chemical oxygen demand values, indicating good water quality. The groundwater facies type was identified as HCO3‐Ca at most sample spots, showing low total dissolved solids concentrations. Substantial spatial variations in Na+, CO32−, and NO2− concentrations were found, whereas spatial variations in the K+, Ca2+, Cl−, HCO3−, and F− concentrations were small. In addition, the dissolution of gypsum deposits and magnesium carbonate sedimentary rocks at sampling sites resulted in groundwater facies types of HCO3•SO4‐Ca and HCO3‐Ca•Mg, with low total dissolved solids concentrations. The karst groundwater chemistry in the study area was mainly controlled by water–rock interactions, as well as by the dissolution of gypsum deposits and magnesium carbonate sedimentary rocks at specific groundwater sampling sites. The groundwater Cl− concentrations were mainly affected by atmospheric precipitation. NO3− was mainly derived from atmospheric precipitation, domestic sewage, septic tanks, and industrial activities, whereas SO42− was derived from atmospheric precipitation, sulfate rock dissolution, and sulfide mineral oxidation. These results highlight the absence of potential human health risks of NO3− and F− to infants, children, and adults, as their concentrations are below the corresponding regional background values. In contrast, the potential health risks of Cl− cannot be ignored, particularly for infants. This study offers scientific guidelines for protecting and allocating local groundwater resources.
Indocyanine green fluorescence‐guided sentinel lymph node biopsy: A systematic review
Authors: Venkatesh Sanjena , De Ravin Emma , Rajasekaran Karthik
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Accurate staging of cervical lymph nodes is crucial in the management of head and neck cancers (HNCs). Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) offers a minimally invasive alternative to neck dissection for identifying occult metastases. This review aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence‐guided SLNB for HNCs.

Methods

Systematic searches of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were conducted to identify all clinical articles on ICG‐guided SLNB in HNC from database inception through May 1, 2022. Numerous variables were extracted across papers, including patient and study characteristics, imaging parameters, and SLN detection rates. Risk of bias was evaluated via the Methodological Index for Non‐Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria.

Results

A final six studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing 86 distinct head and neck tumors. The mean number of SLNs identified was 2.46 for fluorescence imaging and 2.83 for gamma tracing. Fluorescence imaging exhibited a higher pooled SLN detection rate (98.0%) compared to gamma tracing (87.6%). Pooled sensitivity for fluorescence imaging (71.0%) was also determined to be higher than that for gamma tracing (66.7%). Pooled specificity was 100% across both modalities. Studies were assessed to be of moderate quality by the MINORS criteria, with an average score of 11.25 for noncomparative studies and 20.5 for comparative studies.

Conclusions

ICG‐guided SLNB procedures are feasible and effective in the context of HNCs. The technique offers potentially higher SLN detection rates and shows promise in enhancing clinical and oncologic outcomes when compared to standard lymphoscintigraphy. Further studies with standardized metrics are, however, needed to validate these findings and identify optimal imaging techniques and parameters.
Diagnostic value of fasting hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin concentration test for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease
Authors: Liu Chao‐Feng , Hou Chen‐Jie , Chen Ting , Chen Liu‐Qing , Zheng Jing‐Yi , Zheng Yu‐Jin , Zheng Xiao‐Wei
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic value of the fasting hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin concentration test for laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD).

Methods

Volunteers were grouped by reflux symptom index scale, reflux finding score scale, and 24‐h hypopharyngeal‐esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH monitoring results. The study comprised 56, 27, and 20 individuals in the LPRD, asymptomatic laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and asymptomatic non‐LPR groups, respectively. All underwent a fasting hypopharyngeal saliva pepsin testing via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis determined the optimal diagnostic cutoff value, sensitivity, and specificity of hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin for LPRD. Correlation analysis was performed with reflux scale scores and LPR parameters.

Results

Fasting hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin concentration in the LPRD group was significantly higher than in the asymptomatic control group (Z = −4.724, p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis identified an optimal cutoff value of 29.62 ng/mL for salivary pepsin concentration (AUC, 0.767; sensitivity, 51.8%; and specificity, 93.6%). There was no statistically significant difference in salivary pepsin concentration between the asymptomatic LPR and non‐LPR groups. The concentration was higher in the LPRD group than in the asymptomatic LPR and non‐LPR groups (p < 0.05). Fasting hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin concentration exhibited a weakly positive correlation with vocal cord edema, intralaryngeal mucus adherence, excess throat mucus or postnasal drip, coughing during meals/lying down, troublesome or annoying cough, and liquid and weakly acidic reflux episodes.

Conclusions

The fasting hypopharyngeal salivary pepsin concentration test is a highly specific, simple, and noninvasive method with significant clinical diagnostic value for LPRD.
Unveiling perceptions regarding post mastectomy breast reconstruction: A questionnaire‐based survey of patients from central India
Authors: Shrivastava Rohit , Gupta Ashish , Bharath S. , Yadav Sanjay Kumar , Agarwal Pawan , Sharma Dhananjaya , Shekhar Saket
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Post mastectomy breast reconstruction uptake remains low in the developing countries. We examined patient perspectives about it in a cohort of Indian breast cancer patients.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in central India. All post mastectomy patients for breast cancer were interviewed via a survey questionnaire to assess their perspective regarding post mastectomy breast reconstruction.

Results

None of the 192 patients underwent immediate or delayed reconstruction by the end of 24 months follow‐up. Age, education level, occupation and marital status did not affect the uptake of post mastectomy breast reconstruction. The most common patient‐reported reasons for not having reconstruction were the desire to avoid additional surgery and the belief that it was not important (80% for each). System related factors such as additional cost of surgery and additional length of stay were reported to be important by 55% and 65% patients respectively.

Conclusion

Our survey of 192 post mastectomy breast cancer patients showed that none opted for post mastectomy reconstruction, suggesting significant barriers to it. Understanding and addressing these barriers are crucial to ensuring comprehensive care for these breast cancer patients.
Prophylactic muscle flaps in high‐risk‐for‐poor‐healing patients with prosthetic bypasses increases deep wound complications
Authors: Ravikumar Samyuktha , Li Renxi , Thompson Jamie , Peshel Emanuela C. , Recarey Melina , Amdur Richard , Lala Salim , Ricotta John , Sidawy Anton , Nguyen Bao‐Ngoc
Published: July 2024

Background

Incisional complications of groin after inflow or infrainguinal bypasses with prosthetic conduits can result in major morbidities that require reoperation, infected graft removal, and limb loss. Muscle flaps are typically performed to treat groin wound complications, but they are also done prophylactically at the time of index procedures in certain high‐risk‐for‐poor‐healing patients to mitigate anticipated groin wound complications. We used a nationwide multi‐institutional database to investigate outcomes of prophylactic muscle flaps in high‐risk patients who underwent prosthetic bypasses involving femoral anastomosis.

Methods

We utilized ACS‐NSQIP database 2005–2021 to identify all elective inflow and infrainguinal bypasses that involve femoral anastomoses. Only high‐risk patients for poor incisional healing who underwent prosthetic conduit bypasses were selected. A 1:3 propensity‐matching was performed to obtain two comparable studied groups between those with (FLAP) and without prophylactic muscle flaps (NOFLAP) based on demographics and comorbidities. 30‐day postoperative outcomes were compared.

Results

Among 35,011 NOFLAP, 990 of them were propensity‐matched to 330 FLAP. There was no significant difference in 30‐day mortality, MACE, pulmonary, or renal complications. FLAP was associated with higher bleeding requiring transfusion, longer operative time, and longer hospital stay. FLAP also had higher overall wound complications (15.2% vs. 10.6%; p = 0.03), especially deep incisional infection (4.9% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Prophylactic muscle flap for prosthetic bypasses involving femoral anastomosis in high‐risk‐for‐poor‐healing patients does not appear to mitigate 30‐day wound complications. Caution should be exercised with this practice and more long‐term data should be obtained to determine whether prophylactic flaps decrease the incidence of graft infection.
Reaching and implementing the best available knowledge in wildlife biology
Authors: Willebrand Tomas , Newey Scott
Published: July 2024

Recent decades have seen a dramatic increase in research publications in wildlife biology, the results add or subtract weights for a particular claim. However, we propose that there is an acute need for a post‐publication evaluation of research beyond peer review. The number of publications, not their content, has long been the most important index of scientific competence, and the pursuit of high publication rates has greatly affected how we teach, conduct research, and engage in the process of knowledge transfer. It is time to move away from publication metrics and embrace a more holistic assessment to remain relevant and deliver on societal needs. Extensive field experience is required to understand the limitations of different methods, study designs, and data collection. Unfortunately, publications based on fieldwork are declining, whereas those based on modelling and data analyses are increasing. The focus on publication rates and pressure to complete degrees within stipulated time has made fieldwork‐based studies nearly impossible. We firmly believe that this is a dangerous development, and we argue for increased attention to fieldwork and empirical training. Students should enter the environments in which they are studying, collect and analyse real data, and apply ecological inference. We see a risk that research questions become restricted by the way research projects and PhD projects are organised, often one researcher ‐ one project, typically funded for three years. We propose that funding agencies should embrace larger projects to undertake longer‐term and wider geographic scale studies and better support interdisciplinary research to address many of the more complex applied problems. Publishers, funders, and promotion boards should credit researcher input that engages in knowledge transfer to practitioners. In Europe, there are agencies and NGOs that should have an interest in supporting the process to collate and implement the best available knowledge.