bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food security reduces multiple HIV infection risks for high‐vulnerability adolescent mothers and non‐mothers in South Africa: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cluver Lucie , Rudgard William E. , Toska Elona , Orkin Mark , Ibrahim Mona , Langwenya Nontokozo , Kuo Caroline , Xaba Nonhlanhla , Roehm Kai , Smith Michael , Bernardini Sara , Giordana Giovanni , Mumma Manaan , Kingori James , Yates Rachel , Sherr Lorraine
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Adolescent girls and young women, including adolescent mothers, in Southern Africa have high HIV seroconversion and transmission. We need to know which risks drive HIV infections, and what can reduce these risks.

Methods

We interviewed 1712 adolescent girls and young women (11–23 years), including 1024 adolescent mothers who had conceived before age 20 and had a living child, from two health municipalities of South Africa's Eastern Cape Province between March 2018 and July 2019. Recruitment was through multiple community, school and health facility channels. Associations between adolescent motherhood and seven HIV risk behaviours (multiple sexual partners, transactional sex, age‐disparate sex, condomless sex, sex on substances, alcohol use and not in education or employment) were investigated using the generalized estimating equations method for multiple outcomes specified with a logit link and adjusting for nine covariates. Using the same model, we investigated associations between having enough food at home every day in the past week (food security) and the same seven HIV risk behaviours. When we found evidence of moderation by HIV status, we report stratum‐specific odds ratios.

Results

Mean age was 17.51 years (SD: 2.54), 46% participants were living with HIV. Compared to non‐mothers, adolescent mothers had lower odds of alcohol use (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.29–0.75), but higher odds of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.35–2.74), age‐disparate sex (HIV‐uninfected AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.03–2.91; living with HIV AOR = 5.10, 95% CI = 2.98–8.73), condomless sex (AOR = 8.20, 95% CI = 6.03–11.13), sex on substances (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.10–3.21) and not in education/employment (HIV‐uninfected AOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.19–2.83; living with HIV AOR = 6.30, 95% CI = 4.09–9.69). Among non‐mothers, food security was associated with lower odds of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.26–0.78), transactional sex (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.13–0.82) and not in education/employment (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.29–0.77). Among adolescent mothers, food security was associated with lower odds of transactional sex (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.10–0.28), age‐disparate sex (AOR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.47–0.92), sex on substances (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.32–0.82), alcohol use (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.25–0.79) and not in education/employment (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.40–0.78).

Conclusions

Adolescent motherhood is associated with multiple vulnerabilities to HIV infection and transmission. Social protection measures that increase food security are likely to reduce HIV risk pathways for adolescent girls and young women, especially adolescent mothers.
Application of Neuromelanin MR Imaging in Parkinson Disease
Authors: He Naying , Chen Yongsheng , LeWitt Peter A. , Yan Fuhua , Haacke E. Mark
Published: August 2022

MRI has been used to develop biomarkers for movement disorders such as Parkinson disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative disorders with parkinsonism such as progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy. One of these imaging biomarkers is neuromelanin (NM), whose integrity can be assessed from its contrast and volume. NM is found mainly in certain brain stem structures, namely, the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), the ventral tegmental area, and the locus coeruleus. Another major biomarker is brain iron, which often increases in concert with NM degeneration. These biomarkers have the potential to improve diagnostic certainty in differentiating between PD and other neurodegenerative disorders similar to PD, as well as provide a better understanding of pathophysiology. Mapping NM in vivo has clinical importance for gauging the premotor phase of PD when there is a greater than 50% loss of dopaminergic SNpc melanized neurons. As a metal ion chelator, NM can absorb iron. When NM is released from neurons, it deposits iron into the intracellular tissues of the SNpc; the result is iron that can be imaged and measured using quantitative susceptibility mapping. An increase of iron also leads to the disappearance of the nigrosome‐1 sign, another neuroimage biomarker for PD. Therefore, mapping NM and iron changes in the SNpc are a practical means for improving early diagnosis of PD and in monitoring disease progression. In this review, we discuss the functions and location of NM, how NM‐MRI is performed, the automatic mapping of NM and iron content, how NM‐related imaging biomarkers can be used to enhance PD diagnosis and differentiate it from other neurodegenerative disorders, and potential advances in NM imaging methods. With major advances currently evolving for rapid imaging and artificial intelligence, NM‐related biomarkers are likely to have increasingly important roles for enhancing diagnostic capabilities in PD.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Prognostic Value of 18F‐Fluoro‐Deoxyglucose‐Positron Emission Tomography Volumetric Parameters in Human Papillomavirus‐Related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Noor Anthony , Mair Manish , Cook Lachlan , Bolt Harrison , Cheriyan Sanith , Woods Charmaine M. , Hopkins James , Ooi Eng H.
Published: August 2022

Background

This study evaluates and compares the prognostic significance of 18F‐fluoro‐deoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) volumetric parameters in human papillomavirus‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients treated for OPSCC with curative intent between 2012 and 2018 was performed. Volumetric parameters analyzed included the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), SUVpeak, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) in both the primary tumor and nodal metastases. Prognostic significance was determined using Cox proportional hazards models for disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Primary tumor MTV and TLG significantly correlated with both DFS and OS however the commonly reported SUVmax was not found to be predictive. Nodal measures of SUVmax, MTV, and TLG were not significant predictors of survival outcomes.

Conclusion

A higher burden of metabolically active primary tumor as measured on volumetric 18F‐FDG PET parameters is associated with poorer DFS and OS. This improved prognostication may be used to counsel patients and select those appropriate for treatment de‐escalation in the future.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:1667–1672, 2023
Novel Outcome Analysis Tool for Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Sensor Lead Function and Comparison by Incision Type (2 Versus 3)
Authors: Saltagi Mohamad Z. , Powell Kayla , Saltagi Abdul K. , Stahl Stephanie , Manchanda Shalini , Parker Noah P.
Published: August 2022

Objective

No reported outcome measures have been established to evaluate sensor lead function in the hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS). This study describes the development of novel functional outcome measures for intraoperative sensor electrode function and compares 2‐incision and 3‐incision outcomes for HNS.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 100 consecutive patients who underwent HNS between June 2019 and September 2021. Demographic information, intraoperative findings, and immediate postoperative outcomes were recorded. Structured parameters were developed to compare intraoperative waveforms with six outcome measures utilized: waveform syncing, waveform amplitude, sensory current leakage, shark‐fin morphology, cardiac artifact, and overall impression. Two sleep surgeons and two sleep medicine specialists compared all waveforms in a blinded fashion and assigned scores on the Likert Scale.

Results

The cohort included 50 three‐incision and 50 two‐incision patients. Age, gender, average body mass index, comorbidity profiles, and sleep endoscopy findings did not significantly differ between the two groups. No major complications occurred. The interclass‐correlation‐coefficient was greater than 0.7 for all comparisons (good to very good interrater reliability). There was no difference in waveform amplitude, cardiac artifact, sensory current leakage, or shark‐fin morphology between the two groups. Waveform syncing and overall impression were statistically better in the 2‐incision cohort.

Conclusions

This study is the first to define a structured method of HNS sensor electrode outcome measurement and showed consistent measures by surgeons and sleep medicine specialists. This article supports the transition to the 2‐incision technique among surgeons for placement of the sensor lead. Consideration should be given to utilizing this novel tool in the clinical/research setting and validating these measures moving forward.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:423–430, 2023
Interferon regulatory factor 1‐triggered free ubiquitin protects the intestines against radiation‐induced injury via CXCR4/FGF2 signaling
Authors: Jiao Yang , Xu Jing , Song Bin , Wu Ailing , Pan Lu , Xu Ying , Geng Fenghao , Li Xiaoqian , Zhao Congzhao , Hong Min , Meng Xuanyu , Luo Judong , Liu Pengfei , Li Ming , Zhu Wei , Cao Jianping , Zhang Shuyu
Published: August 2022

Radiation‐induced intestinal injury is a serious concern during abdominal and pelvic cancers radiotherapy. Ubiquitin (Ub) is a highly conserved protein found in all eukaryotic cells. This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of free Ub against radiogenic intestinal injury. We found that free Ub levels of irradiated animals and human patients receiving radiotherapy were upregulated. Radiation‐induced Ub expression was associated with the activation of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1). Intraperitoneal injection of free Ub significantly reduced the mortality of mice following 5–9 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) through the Akt pathway. Free Ub facilitates small intestinal regeneration induced by TBI or abdominal irradiation. At the cellular level, free Ub or its mutants significantly alleviated cell death and enhanced the survival of irradiated intestinal epithelial cells. The radioprotective role of free Ub depends on its receptor CXCR4. Mechanistically, free Ub increased fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF2) secretion and consequently activated FGFR1 signaling following radiation in vivo and in vivo. Thus, free Ub confers protection against radiation‐induced intestinal injury through CXCR4/Akt/FGF2 axis, which provides a novel therapeutic option.
Mutation analysis in patients with nonsyndromic tooth agenesis using exome sequencing
Authors: Yue Haitang , Liang Jia , Song Guangtai , Cheng Jing , Li Jiahui , Zhi Yusheng , Bian Zhuan , He Miao
Published: August 2022

Background

Tooth agenesis (TA) is a congenital abnormality that may present as syndromic or nonsyndromic. Considering its complex genetic aetiology, the aim of this study was to uncover the pathogenic mutants in patients with nonsyndromic TA and analyse the characteristics of these mutants.

Methods

Exome sequencing was performed to detect pathogenic variants in 72 patients from 43 unrelated families with nonsyndromic TA. All candidate variants were validated using Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatics and conformational analyses were performed to determine the pathogenic mechanisms of the mutants.

Results

The following eight mutations (six novel and two known) in six genes were identified in eight families: WNT10A [c.742C > T (p.R248*)], LRP6 [c.1518G > A (p.W506*), c.2791 + 1G > T], AXIN2 [c.133_134insGCCAGG (p.44_45insGQ)], PAX9 [c.439C > T (p.Q147*), c.453_454insCCAGC (p.L154QfsTer60)], MSX1 [c.603_604del (p.A203GfsTer10)] and PITX2 [c.522C > G (p.Y174*)]. Bioinformatics and conformational analyses showed that the protein structures were severely altered in these mutants, and indicated that these structural abnormalities may cause functional disabilities.

Conclusions

Our study extends the mutation spectrum in patients with nonsyndromic TA and provides valuable data for genetic counselling. The pathogenic mechanisms of TA in patients/families with unknown causative variants need to be explored further.
Older adult MH certificate program launched
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2022

The growing population of older adults presents a unique opportunity for mental health professionals to expand clinical practice and experience deeply meaningful clinical work, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors' NASMHPD Update reported Aug. 19. The E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, in partnership with CATCH‐ON, the federally sponsored Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program based at Rush University Medical Center's College of Nursing; and the Rush Center for Excellence in Aging, has developed an online educational program that provides basic knowledge that every mental health clinician needs to work effectively with older adults, program officials stated.
Automated segmentation of five different body tissues on computed tomography using deep learning
Authors: Pu Lucy , Gezer Naciye S , Ashraf Syed F. , Ocak Iclal , Dresser Daniel E. , Dhupar Rajeev
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To develop and validate a computer tool for automatic and simultaneous segmentation of five body tissues depicted on computed tomography (CT) scans: visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), skeletal muscle (SM), and bone.

Methods

A cohort of 100 CT scans acquired on different subjects were collected from The Cancer Imaging Archive—50 whole‐body positron emission tomography‐CTs, 25 chest, and 25 abdominal. Five different body tissues (i.e., VAT, SAT, IMAT, SM, and bone) were manually annotated. A training‐while‐annotating strategy was used to improve the annotation efficiency. The 10‐fold cross‐validation method was used to develop and validate the performance of several convolutional neural networks (CNNs), including UNet, Recurrent Residual UNet (R2Unet), and UNet++. A grid‐based three‐dimensional patch sampling operation was used to train the CNN models. The CNN models were also trained and tested separately for each body tissue to see if they could achieve a better performance than segmenting them jointly. The paired sample t‐test was used to statistically assess the performance differences among the involved CNN models

Results

When segmenting the five body tissues simultaneously, the Dice coefficients ranged from 0.826 to 0.840 for VAT, from 0.901 to 0.908 for SAT, from 0.574 to 0.611 for IMAT, from 0.874 to 0.889 for SM, and from 0.870 to 0.884 for bone, which were significantly higher than the Dice coefficients when segmenting the body tissues separately (p < 0.05), namely, from 0.744 to 0.819 for VAT, from 0.856 to 0.896 for SAT, from 0.433 to 0.590 for IMAT, from 0.838 to 0.871 for SM, and from 0.803 to 0.870 for bone.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences among the CNN models in segmenting body tissues, but jointly segmenting body tissues achieved a better performance than segmenting them separately.
An algorithm for generating microstructures of fiber‐reinforced composites with long fibers
Authors: Schneider Matti
Published: August 2022

We describe a sequential addition and migration (SAM) algorithm for generating microstructures of fiber‐reinforced composites with a direct control of the magnitude of curvature of the fibers. The algorithm permits to generate microstructures with fibers that are significantly longer than the edge lengths of the underlying cell. Industrially processed short and long‐fiber composites naturally feature a high volume fraction, which needs to be reflected by state‐of‐the‐art microstructure generation tools. Nowadays, it is well understood that digital twins of the microstructure of composites are essential for reliable computational multiscale methods. The original SAM algorithm was shown to reliably generate microstructures for short and straight cylindrical fibers. Digital volume images reveal, however, that the fibers in such fiber‐reinforced composites may show significant curvature, in particular for long fibers. The work at hand introduces an extension of the original SAM approach to curved fibers. More precisely, curved fibers are considered as sequences of straight fibers which are joined at their respective ends and whose level of bending is controlled by the angle between adjacent fiber segments. We discuss how to efficiently implement the novel method and how to select the crucial numerical parameters. We compare the introduced methodology to the original SAM algorithm for short fibers and demonstrate the superiority of the novel strategy for long fibers.
Correlation analysis of the elastic‐ideal plastic material behavior of short fiber‐reinforced composites
Authors: Rauter Natalie
Published: August 2022

For the numerical simulation of short fiber‐reinforced composites and the correct analysis of the deformation, information about the plastic behavior and its spatial distribution is essential. When using purely deterministic modeling approaches information of the probabilistic microstructure is not included in the simulation process. One possible approach for the integration of stochastic information is the use of random fields, which requires information about the correlation structure of all material input parameters. In this study the correlation structure for finite strain elasto‐plastic material behavior of short fiber‐reinforced composites is analyzed. This approach combines the use of already established procedures for linear‐elastic material behavior with a homogenization method for plasticity. The obtained results reveal a complex correlation structure, which is approximated with triangle and exponential correlation functions influenced by the window size. Due to the dependence of the hyperelastic and plastic material parameters on the fiber mass fraction, the strain‐energy density function coefficients are cross‐correlated with the yield strength of the composite. With this knowledge at hand, in a subsequent work numerical simulations of tensile tests are conducted that cover the elastic and plastic domain and include spatially distributed material properties.
Comparing mental health status and COVID‐19 event impact between survivors and the general population during the second wave of the pandemic in Iran
Authors: Hasannezhad Reskati Maryam , Kheradmand Motahareh , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Assadi Touraj , Shafizad Misagh , Hedayatizadeh‐Omran Akbar , Hosseini Seyed Hamzeh , Elyasi Forouzan
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has to date overwhelmed the survivors and the general population. The present study aimed to compare the mental health status and the COVID‐19 event impact between the survivors and the general population in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran.

Design

A web‐based cross‐sectional survey was used.

Methods

This study was performed using convenience sampling.

Results

In total, 1,766 participants were included in this study. The findings revealed that the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity in both outpatient and hospitalized groups was significantly higher than that in the general population. Besides, the levels of anxiety and depression in the group receiving inpatient care and treatment had significantly elevated than those in the general population.

Conclusion

Given the high prevalence rate of mental disorders, healthcare professionals are recommended to plan for various interventions and support services to boost community mental health status.
Potato protease inhibitor II prevents obesity by inducing browning of white adipose tissue in mice via β3 adrenergic receptor signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Nana , Liu Jianlin , Wang Minjie , Guo Xinxin , Fan Bei , Wang Fengzhong
Published: August 2022

There are currently few effective and safe pharmacologic means for inducing beige adipogenesis in humans. This study highlights the role of potato protease inhibitor II (PPI II) in regulating the browning of adipose tissue. The in vitro results showed that PPI II increased the expression of the uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) protein and gene and beige‐specific genes, including Cd137, Cited1, Tbx1, and Tmem26 in vitro. PPI II treatment for three months in diet‐induced obesity mice increased the levels of the UCP1 protein in white adipose tissue, causing elevated energy expenditure, thus preventing obesity and improving glucose tolerance. Mechanistic studies further revealed that PPI II regulated the abundance and activity of β3 adrenergic receptor (β3‐AR) in white adipocytes. Chemical‐inhibition experiments revealed the crucial role of β3‐AR‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA)‐p38 kinase (p38)/extracellular signal‐related kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling in PPI II‐mediated browning program of white adipose tissues. In summary, our findings highlight the role of PPI II in beige adipocyte differentiation and thermogenesis and provide new insights into its use in preventing obesity.
Update on the omicron sub‐variants BA.4 and BA.5
Authors: Tallei Trina Ekawati , Alhumaid Saad , AlMusa Zainab , Fatimawali  , Kusumawaty Diah , Alynbiawi Ahlam , Alshukairi Abeer N. , Rabaan Ali A.
Published: August 2022

Several nations have recently begun to relax their public health protocols, particularly regarding the use of face masks when engaging in outdoor activities. This is because there has been a general trend towards fewer cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, new Omicron sub‐variants (designated BA.4 and BA.5) have recently emerged. These two subvariants are thought to be the cause of an increase in COVID‐19 cases in South Africa, the United States, and Europe. They have also begun to spread throughout Asia. They evolved from the Omicron lineage with characteristics that make them even more contagious and which allow them to circumvent immunity from a previous infection or vaccination. This article reviews a number of scientific considerations about these new variants, including their apparently reduced clinical severity.
Vector balancing in Lebesgue spaces
Authors: Reis Victor , Rothvoss Thomas
Published: August 2022

The Komlós conjecture suggests that for any vectors there exist so that . It is a natural extension to ask what ‐norm bound to expect for . We prove a tight partial coloring result for such vectors, implying a nearly tight full coloring bound. As a corollary, this implies a special case of Beck–Fiala's conjecture. We achieve this by showing that, for any , a symmetric convex body with Gaussian measure at least admits a partial coloring. Previously this was known only for a small enough . Additionally, we show that a hereditary volume bound suffices to provide such Gaussian measure lower bounds.
Investigating the Role of Surface Roughness and Defects on EC Breakdown, as a Precursor to SEI Formation in Hard Carbon Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Olsson Emilia , Cottom Jonathon , Alptekin Hande , Au Heather , Crespo‐Ribadeneyra Maria , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena , Cai Qiong
Published: August 2022

Hard carbon (HC) anodes together with ethylene carbonate (EC)‐based electrolytes have shown significant promise for high‐performing sodium‐ion batteries. However, questions remain in relation to the initial contact between the carbon surface and the EC molecules. The surface of the HC anode is complex and can contain both flat pristine carbon surfaces, curvature, nanoscale roughness, and heteroatom defects. Combining density functional theory and experiments, the effect of different carbon surface motifs and defects on EC adsorption are probed, concluding that EC itself does not block any sodium storage sites. Nevertheless, the EC breakdown products do show strong adsorption on the same carbon surface motifs, indicating that the carbon surface defect sites can become occupied by the EC breakdown products, leading to competition between the sodium and EC fragments. Furthermore, it is shown that the EC fragments can react with a carbon vacancy or oxygen defect to give rise to CO2 formation and further oxygen functionalization of the carbon surface. Experimental characterization of two HC materials with different microstructure and defect concentrations further confirms that a significant concentration of oxygen‐containing defects and disorder leads to a thicker solid electrolyte interphase, highlighting the significant effect of atomic‐scale carbon structure on EC interaction.
Screening of Protein‐Based Ultrasmall Nanozymes for Building Cell‐Mimicking Catalytic Vesicles
Authors: Wu Jin , Wei Yonghua , Lan Jingping , Hu Xueyan , Gao Fangli , Zhang Xiangyun , Gao Zhanxia , Liu Qiqi , Sun Zhiyuan , Chen Rui , Zhao Hanqing , Fan Kelong , Yan Xiyun , Zhuang Jie , Huang Xinglu
Published: August 2022

Enzymes are an important component for bottom‐up building of synthetic/artificial cells. Nanozymes are nanomaterials with intrinsic enzyme‐like properties, however, the construction of synthetic cells using nanozymes is difficult owing to their high surface energy or large size. Herein, the authors show a protein‐based general platform that biomimetically integrates various ultrasmall metal nanozymes into protein shells. Specifically, eight metal‐based ultrasmall nano‐particles/clusters are in situ incorporated into ferritin nanocages that are self‐assembled by 24 subunits of ferritin heavy chain. As a nanozyme generator, such a platform is suitable for screening the desired enzyme‐like activities, including peroxidase (POD), oxidase (OXD), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). After screening, it is found that Ru intrinsically possesses the highest POD‐like and CAT‐like activities, while Mn and Pt show the highest OXD‐like and SOD‐like activities, respectively. Additionally, the inducers/inhibitors of various nanozymes are screened from more than 50 compounds to improve or inhibit their enzyme‐like activities. Based on the screened nanozymes and their inhibitors, a proof‐of‐conceptually constructs cell‐mimicking catalytic vesicles to mimic or modulate the events of redox homeostasis in living cells. This study offers a type of artificial metalloenzyme based on nanotechnology and shows a choice for bottom‐up enzyme‐based synthetic cell systems in a fully synthetic manner.
Layered Double Hydroxide‐Based Micro “Chemical Factory” with Arsenic Processing and Screening Functions on Nitinol for Gallbladder Cancer Treatment
Authors: Xing Shun , Wang Donghui , Zhang Haifeng , Peng Feng , Wu Ling , Liu Lidan , Qiao Yuqin , Ge Naijian , Liu Xuanyong
Published: August 2022

Gallbladder cancer is a common malignant tumor of the biliary system with a high fatality rate. Nitinol (Ni–Ti) stents, a standard treatment for prolonging patients’ lives, are susceptible to reocclusion and cannot inhibit tumor recurrence because they lack antitumor and antibacterial activity. Herein, an arsenic‐loaded layered double‐hydroxide film is constructed on Ni–Ti, forming a micro “chemical factory.” The LDH plays the role of a “processer” which absorbs highly toxic trivalent arsenic (As(III)) and processes it into lowly toxic pentavalent arsenic (As(V)). It also acts as a “quality‐inspector,” confining As(III) in the interlayer and releasing only As(V) (the finished product) to the outside. This control mechanism minimizes the toxicity during contact with normal tissue. The acidic microenvironment and overexpression of glutathione in tumor tissues not only accelerates the release of arsenic from the platform but also triggers the in situ transformation of arsenic from lowly toxic As(V) to highly toxic As(III), exerting a strong arsenic‐mediated antineoplastic effect. Such a microenvironment‐responsive “chemical factory” with arsenic processing and screening functions is expected to prevent tumor overgrowth, metastasis, and bacterial infection and provide new insights into the design of Ni–Ti drug‐eluting stents for gallbladder cancer treatment.
Cu2+‐Chelatable and ROS‐Scavenging MXenzyme as NIR‐II‐Triggered Blood–Brain Barrier‐Crossing Nanocatalyst against Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Du Chengjuan , Feng Wei , Dai Xinyue , Wang Jianhong , Geng Daoying , Li Xiaodan , Chen Yu , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2022

Transition‐metal dyshomeostasis has been identified as a critical pathogenic factor for the aggregates of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) peptide, which is associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Excessive transition‐metal ions, especially copper ion (Cu2+), catalyze the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering neuroinflammation and neuronal cell apoptosis. Therefore, developing a robust chelating agent can not only efficiently bind toxic Cu2+, but also simultaneously scavenge the over‐generated ROS that is urgently needed for AD treatment. In this work, a 2D niobium carbide (Nb2C) MXene‐based nano‐chelator is constructed and its performance in suppressing Cu2+‐induced accumulation of aggregated Aβ peptide and acting as a nanozyme (MXenzyme) with powerful antioxidant property to scavenge excess cellular ROS is explored, and the intrinsic mechanism is revealed by computational simulation. Importantly, the benign photothermal effect of Nb2C MXenzyme demonstrates the facilitated permeability of the blood–brain barrier under near‐infrared laser irradiation, conquering limitations of the most conventional anti‐AD therapeutic agents. This work not only demonstrates a favorable strategy for combating AD by engineering Nb2C MXenzyme‐based neuroprotective nano‐chelator, but also paves a distinct insight for extending the biomedical applications of MXenes in treating transition‐metal dyshomeostasis‐and ROS‐mediated central nervous system diseases.
In Situ Synthesis and Microfabrication of High Entropy Alloy and Oxide Compounds by Femtosecond Laser Direct Writing under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Hegde Chidanand , Lim Chin Huat Joel , Teng Tan Hui , Liu Daobin , Kim Young‐Jin , Yan Qingyu , Li Hua
Published: August 2022

Synthesis and coating of multi‐metal oxides (MMOs) and alloys on conductive substrates are indispensable to electrochemical applications, yet demand multiple, resource‐intensive, and time‐consuming processes. Herein, an alternative approach to the synthesis and coating of alloys and MMOs by femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW) is reported. A solution‐based precursor ink is deposited and dried on the substrate and illuminated by a femtosecond laser. During the illumination, dried precursor ink is transformed to MMO/alloys and is simultaneously bonded to the substrate. The formulation of the alloy and MMO precursor ink for laser processing is universally applicable to a large family of oxides and alloys. The process is conducted at room temperature and in an open atmosphere. To demonstrate, a large family of 57 MMOs and alloys are synthesized from a group of 13 elements. As a proof of concept, Ni0.24Co0.23Cu0.24Fe0.15Cr0.14 high entropy alloy synthesized on stainless‐steel foil by FsLDW is used for the oxygen evolution reaction, which achieves a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a significantly low overpotential of 213 mV. Further, FsLDW can also achieve microfabrication of alloys/MMO with feature sizes down to 20 µm.
Recent Advances of Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Lab on a Chip for Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Zare Harofte Samaneh , Soltani Madjid , Siavashy Saeed , Raahemifar Kaamran
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) creates numerous promising opportunities in the life sciences. AI methods can be significantly advantageous for analyzing the massive datasets provided by biotechnology systems for biological and biomedical applications. Microfluidics, with the developments in controlled reaction chambers, high‐throughput arrays, and positioning systems, generate big data that is not necessarily analyzed successfully. Integrating AI and microfluidics can pave the way for both experimental and analytical throughputs in biotechnology research. Microfluidics enhances the experimental methods and reduces the cost and scale, while AI methods significantly improve the analysis of huge datasets obtained from high‐throughput and multiplexed microfluidics. This review briefly presents a survey of the role of AI and microfluidics in biotechnology. Also, the incorporation of AI with microfluidics is comprehensively investigated. Specifically, recent studies that perform flow cytometry cell classification, cell isolation, and a combination of them by gaining from both AI methods and microfluidic techniques are covered. Despite all current challenges, various fields of biotechnology can be remarkably affected by the combination of AI and microfluidic technologies. Some of these fields include point‐of‐care systems, precision, personalized medicine, regenerative medicine, prognostics, diagnostics, and treatment of oncology and non‐oncology‐related diseases.
Shell‐Isolated Nanoparticle‐Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Lin Long‐Hui , Wang Jing‐Yu , You Chao‐Yu , Qiu Ling‐Hang , Lin Jia‐Sheng , Zhang Fan‐Li , Yang Zhi‐Lin , Zhang Yue‐Jiao , Chen Xi , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: August 2022

Enhanced electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aims to promote higher sensitivity and obtain better detection limit. The core–shell nanostructures, owing to unique surface plasmon resonance (SPR) enabling distance‐dependent strong localized electromagnetic field, have attracted rising attention in enhanced ECL research and application. However, the present structures usually with porous shell involve electrocatalytic activity from the metal core and adsorption effect from the shell, which interfere with practical SPR enhancement contribution to ECL signal. Herein, to exclude the interference and unveil exact SPR‐enhanced effect, shell‐isolated nanoparticles (SHINs) whose shell gets thicker and becomes pinhole‐free are developed by modifying pH value and particles concentration. Furthermore, allowing for the distribution of hotspots and stronger enhancement, excitation intensity and ECL reaction layer thickness are mainly investigated, and several types of SHINs‐enhanced ECL platforms are prepared to fabricate distinct hotspot distribution via electrostatic attraction (submonolayer) and a layer‐by‐layer deposition method (monolayer). Consequently, the strongest enhancement up to ≈250‐fold is achieved by monolayer SHINs with 10 nm shell, and the platform is applied in a “turn‐off” mode sensing for dopamine. The platform provides new guidelines to shell preparation, interface engineering and hotspots fabrication for superior ECL enhancement and analytical application with high performance.
User‐centered approaches in software development processes: Qualitative research into the practice of Hungarian companies
Authors: Szabó Bálint , Hercegfi Károly
Published: August 2022

Integrating user‐centered approaches into development processes is one of the main challenges nowadays that derives from different objectives of software engineering (SE) and human‐computer interaction (HCI) fields. For SE experts, the main goal is quality code creation, whereas for HCI professionals, it is the continuous product interaction with the users. The major question is what tools and timings can be used together to achieve these goals effectively. Therefore, this article provides comparative, exploratory, and qualitative research about possible solutions on how practitioners transfer HCI values and practices to SE processes. The current practice of software companies was studied by conducting interviews on a sample of 13 Hungarian Information Technology companies to explore the SE processes in respect of several dimensions (applied development models, the integrity of user‐centered methods, and the user experience [UX] maturity). According to preliminary expectations, the development processes of the various companies proceed in different steps; nevertheless, they can be well grouped together based on the UX methods applied. The results representing the various user‐centered processes can be considered useful for future decision makers of software companies worldwide.
Molybdenum and cadmium co‐exposure promotesM1macrophage polarization through oxidative stress‐mediated inflammatory response and induces pulmonary fibrosis inShaoxing ducks (Anas platyrhyncha)
Authors: Huang Gang , Luo Junrong , Guo Huiling , Wang Xueru , Hu Zhisheng , Pu Wenjing , Chu Xuesheng , Zhang Caiying
Published: August 2022

High molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd) are harmful to the body, but pulmonary toxicity induced by Mo and Cd co‐exposure is unknown. To assess the combined impacts of Mo and Cd on fibrosis through M1 polarization in the lung of ducks, 80 healthy 8‐day‐old Shaoxing ducks (Anas platyrhyncha) were randomly assigned to 4 groups and fed with containing unequal doses of Mo or/and Cd diet. Lung tissues were collected on the 16th week. Results indicated that Mo or/and Cd significantly increased their contents in the lungs, and led to trace elements disorder and histological abnormality, and oxidative stress accompanied by promoting contents of H2O2and MDA and decreasing activities of T‐SOD, GSH‐Px, and CAT, then activated the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway accompanied by upregulating Caspase‐1, ASC, IL‐18, IL‐1β, TLR4, NF‐κB, and NLRP3 expression levels, and disrupted M1/M2 balance to divert toward M1, which evoked the TGF‐β/Smad2/3‐mediated fibrosis by elevating TGF‐β1, Smad2, Smad3, COL1A1, α‐SMA, and MMP2 expression levels, and decreasing Smad7 and TIMP2 expression levels. The changes of the combined group were most obvious. To sum up, the research demonstrated that Mo or/and Cd may cause macrophages to polarize toward M1 by oxidative stress‐mediated the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway, then result in fibrosis through the TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 pathway in duck lungs. Mo and Cd may worsen lung damage.
Models of the cardiac L‐type calcium current: A quantitative review
Authors: Agrawal Aditi , Wang Ken , Polonchuk Liudmila , Cooper Jonathan , Hendrix Maurice , Gavaghan David J. , Mirams Gary R. , Clerx Michael
Published: August 2022

The L‐type calcium current () plays a critical role in cardiac electrophysiology, and models of are vital tools to predict arrhythmogenicity of drugs and mutations. Five decades of measuring and modeling have resulted in several competing theories (encoded in mathematical equations). However, the introduction of new models has not typically been accompanied by a data‐driven critical comparison with previous work, so that it is unclear which model is best suited for any particular application. In this review, we describe and compare 73 published mammalian models and use simulated experiments to show that there is a large variability in their predictions, which is not substantially diminished when grouping by species or other categories. We provide model code for 60 models, list major data sources, and discuss experimental and modeling work that will be required to reduce this huge list of competing theories and ultimately develop a community consensus model of .

This article is categorized under:

Cardiovascular Diseases > Computational Models

Cardiovascular Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
In situ X‐ray diffraction studies on the production process of rhenium
Authors: Keilholz Simon , Kohlmann Holger , Uhlenhut Henning , Gabke Andrea , García‐Schollenbruch Marleny
Published: August 2022

Rhenium powder is industrially produced in a two‐step reaction by reducing NH4ReO4 with hydrogen at 623 and 1173 K. In this study, both steps of the production process have been investigated via in situ X‐ray powder diffraction. Up to 550 K no reaction with hydrogen can be observed. Between 550 K and 623 K poorly crystalline rhenium is formed. Crystallinity is increased during the second step at 1173 K. Annealing under hydrogen or nitrogen provides a comparable product in respect to the examined crystal and real structure parameters independent of the gas atmosphere.
Jets separated by a large pseudorapidity gap at the Tevatron and at the LHC
Authors: Baldenegro C. , Durán P. González , Klasen M. , Royon C. , Salomon J.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We present a phenomenological analysis of events with two high transverse momentum (pT) jets separated by a large (pseudo-)rapidity interval void of particle activity, also known as jet-gap-jet events. In the limit where the collision energy $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

is much larger than any other momentum scale, the jet-gap-jet process is described in terms of perturbative pomeron exchange between partons within the Balitsky-Fadin-Kuraev-Lipatov (BFKL) limit of perturbative quantum chromodynamics (QCD). The BFKL pomeron exchange amplitudes, with resummation at the next-to-leading logarithmic approximation, have been embedded in the PYTHIA8 Monte Carlo event generator. Standard QCD dijet events are simulated at next-to-leading order in αs matched to parton showers with POWHEG+PYTHIA8. We compare our calculations to measurements by the CDF, D0, and CMS experiments at center-of-mass energies of 1.8, 7 and 13 TeV. The impact of the theoretical scales, the parton densities, final- and initial-state radiation effects, multiple parton interactions, and pT thresholds and multiplicities of the particles in the rapidity gap on the jet-gap-jet signature is studied in detail. With a strict gap definition (no particle allowed in the gap), the shapes of most distributions are well described except for the CMS azimuthal-angle distribution at 13 TeV. The survival probability is surprisingly well modelled by multiparton interactions in PYTHIA8. Without multiparton interactions, theoretical predictions based on two-channel eikonal models agree qualitatively with fits to the experimental data.
On effective field theories with celestial duals
Authors: Ren Lecheng , Spradlin Marcus , Srikant Akshay Yelleshpur , Volovich Anastasia
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We show that associativity of the tree-level OPE in a celestial CFT imposes constraints on the coupling constants of the corresponding bulk theory. These constraints are the same as those derived in [9] from the Jacobi identity of the algebra of soft modes. The constrained theories are interesting as apparently well-defined celestial CFTs with a deformed w1+∞ symmetry algebra. We explicitly work out the ramifications of these constraints on scattering amplitudes involving gluons, gravitons and scalars in these theories. We find that all four-point amplitudes constructible solely from holomorphic or anti-holomorphic three-point amplitudes vanish on the support of these constraints, which implies that all purely holomorphic or purely anti-holomorphic higher-point amplitudes vanish.
Supersymmetric action for 6D (4, 0) supergravity
Authors: Bertrand Yannick , Hohenegger Stefan , Hohm Olaf , Samtleben Henning
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We give a linearized but otherwise complete supersymmetric action for $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (4, 0) supergravity in six dimensions, using a Kaluza-Klein-type 5 + 1 split of coordinates and fields. We provide in particular a significantly simplified version of the bosonic action derived by us recently. This formulation employs fields that are no longer irreducible, subject to a local Lorentz invariance, which in turn simplifies the supersymmetry transfor mations including the exotic gravitino.
Classifications of magnetized T4 and T4/Z2 orbifold models
Authors: Kikuchi Shota , Kobayashi Tatsuo , Nasu Kaito , Uchida Hikaru
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We study constructions and classifications of three-generation models based on magnetized T4 and T4/Z2 orbifold as candidates of the compact space. We focus on chiral fermion zero-mode wave functions in the extra dimensions. Freedoms of constant gauge fields, called Scherk-Schwarz phases are taken into account. We classify three-generation models in a systematic manner, clarifying the relationship between different models. The Higgs sector is also studied by analyzing possible assignments of the magnetic flux and Scherk-Schwarz phases, etc. to left- and right-handed fermions.
$$(1+)$$-complemented, $$(1+)$$-isomorphic copies of $$L_{1}$$ in dual Banach spaces
Authors: Chen Dongyang , Kania Tomasz , Ruan Yingbin
Published: August 2022

The present paper contributes to the ongoing programme of quantification of isomorphic Banach space theory focusing on the Hagler–Stegall characterisation of dual spaces containing complemented copies of $$L_{1}$$

L
1

. As a corollary, we obtain the following quantitative version of the Hagler–Stegall theorem asserting that for a Banach space X, the following statements are equivalent:

X contains almost isometric contains almost isometric copies of $$(\bigoplus _{n=1}^{\infty } \ell _{\infty }^{n})_{\ell _1}$$

(

⨁

n
=
1

∞

ℓ

∞

n

)

ℓ
1

;

for all $$\varepsilon >0$$

ε
>
0

, $$X^{*}$$

X

∗

contains a $$(1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
)

-complemented, $$(1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
)

-isomorphic copy of $$L_{1}$$

L
1

;

for all $$\varepsilon >0$$

ε
>
0

, $$X^{*}$$

X

∗

contains a $$(1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
)

-complemented, $$(1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
)

-isomorphic copy of $$C[0,1]^{*}$$

C

[
0
,
1
]

∗

.

Moreover, if X is separable, one may add the following assertion:

for all $$\varepsilon >0$$

ε
>
0

, there exists a $$(1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
)

-quotient map $$T:X\rightarrow C(\Delta )$$

T
:
X
→
C
(
Δ
)

so that $$T^{*}[C(\Delta )^{*}]$$

T

∗

[
C

(
Δ
)

∗

]

is $$(1+\varepsilon )$$

(
1
+
ε
)

-complemented in $$X^{*}$$

X

∗

, where $$\Delta $$
Δ
is the Cantor set
A novel machine learning model for class III surgery decision
Authors: Lee Hunter , Ahmad Sunna , Frazier Michael , Dundar Mehmet Murat , Turkkahraman Hakan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to develop a new machine learning model for the surgery/non-surgery decision in class III patients and evaluate the validity and reliability of this model.

Methods

The sample consisted of 196 skeletal class III patients. All the cases were allocated randomly, 136 to the training set and the remaining 60 to the test set. Using the test set, the success rate of the artificial neural network model was estimated, along with a 95% confidence interval. To predict surgical cases, we trained a binary classifier using two different methods: random forest (RF) and logistic regression (LR).

Results

Both the RF and the LR model showed high separability when classifying each patient for surgical or non-surgical treatment. RF achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9395 on the test set. 95% confidence intervals were computed by bootstrap sampling as lower bound = 0.7908 and higher bound = 0.9799. On the other hand, LR achieved an AUC of 0.937 on the test set. 95% confidence intervals were computed by bootstrap sampling as lower bound = 0.8467 and higher bound = 0.9812.

Conclusions

RF and LR machine learning models can be used to generate accurate and reliable algorithms to successfully classify patients up to 90%. The features selected by the algorithms coincide with the clinical features that we as clinicians weigh heavily when determining a treatment plan. This study further supports that overjet, Wits appraisal, lower incisor angulation, and Holdaway H angle can be used as strong predictors in assessing a patient’s surgical needs.