bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autism spectrum disorder profiles in RASopathies: A systematic review
Authors: Debbaut Edward , Steyaert Jean , El Bakkali Mouna
Published: April 2024

Background

RASopathies are associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) there is ample evidence for this increased risk, while for other RASopathies this association has been studied less. No specific ASD profile has been delineated so far for RASopathies or a specific RASopathy individually.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to investigate whether a specific RASopathy is associated with a specific ASD profile, or if RASopathies altogether have a distinct ASD profile compared to idiopathic ASD (iASD). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Open Grey for data about ASD features in RASopathies and potential modifiers.

Results

We included 41 articles on ASD features in NF1, Noonan syndrome (NS), Costello syndrome (CS), and cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome (CFC). Individuals with NF1, NS, CS, and CFC on average have higher ASD symptomatology than healthy controls and unaffected siblings, though less than people with iASD. There is insufficient evidence for a distinct ASD phenotype in RASopathies compared to iASD or when RASopathies are compared with each other. We identified several potentially modifying factors of ASD symptoms in RASopathies.

Conclusions

Our systematic review found no convincing evidence for a specific ASD profile in RASopathies compared to iASD, or in a specific RASopathy compared to other RASopathies. However, we identified important limitations in the research literature which may also account for this result. These limitations are discussed and recommendations for future research are formulated.
Extracellular vesicle‐based biomarker in head and neck cancer: prospects and challenges
Authors: Wang Linlin , Li Ling , Zhu Guiquan
Published: April 2024

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. However, very few established diagnostic biomarkers for HNSCC have been universally applied in clinical practice. Recently, much attention has been paid to extracellular vesicles (EVs) regarding their roles as cancer biomarkers because EVs carry plentiful cargoes, including lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites. In HNSCC, several molecules carried by EVs, which are derived from peripheral blood and saliva, have been implicated to be effective in cancer detection, staging, treatment planning, response monitoring, and prognosis prediction. Although several EV molecules have been identified to be significantly correlated with a set of clinical‐pathological parameters of HNSCC, several key limitations need to be resolved before the clinical application of EVs as carriers of biomarkers in HNSCC. In this review, we discuss current knowledge in the literature regarding EV‐based biomarkers in HNSCC, emphasizing current limitations of their clinical applications.
Establishment of Bull Trout in a previously fishless subalpine lake by translocation
Authors: Kissinger Benjamin C. , Sullivan Michael G. , Paul Andrew J. , Meinke Adrian , Post John
Published: April 2024

Objective

Translocations have increased in recent years to aid in species recovery efforts. This includes translocations outside of species' historical distribution, where threats are less severe. One candidate species for translocation is the Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus, but few examples of successful translocations (re-establishment or range expansion) have been documented. Here, we describe an example in which 63 Bull Trout were translocated in 1987 to establish a population in fishless Marie Lake, Alberta.

Methods

The translocation was monitored through multiple sampling events over the course of 33 years. Sampling techniques included backpack electrofishing, angling, and water quality and habitat assessments.

Result

A population estimate suggested that Bull Trout increased by at least fourfold over the first 12 years; fish reached large sizes (692 mm fork length) and old ages (13 years), and the population had multiple age- and length-classes, including juveniles. Bull Trout also had become established within at least 13 km of river outside of Marie Lake by 2019.

Conclusion

Although a naturally reproducing population of this at-risk species was established, numerous factors were not considered within this translocation initiative. Most importantly, nonadfluvial Bull Trout from a disparate source population located about 4000 river kilometers away were used for the translocation. Our case study represents a rare example of a successful Bull Trout translocation and highlights considerations that should occur prior to future translocations that are intended to aid in species recovery and preservation.
On the role of tissue mechanics in fluid–structure interaction simulations of patient‐specific aortic dissection
Authors: Schussnig Richard , Rolf‐Pissarczyk Malte , Bäumler Kathrin , Fries Thomas‐Peter , Holzapfel Gerhard A. , Kronbichler Martin
Published: April 2024

Modeling an aortic dissection represents a particular challenge from a numerical perspective, especially when it comes to the interaction between solid (aortic wall) and liquid (blood flow). The complexity of patient‐specific simulations requires a variety of parameters, modeling assumptions and simplifications that currently hinder their routine use in clinical settings. We present a numerical framework that captures, among other things, the layer‐specific anisotropic properties of the aortic wall, the non‐Newtonian behavior of blood, patient‐specific geometry, and patient‐specific flow conditions. We compare hemodynamic indicators and stress measurements in simulations with increasingly complex material models for the vessel tissue ranging from rigid walls to anisotropic hyperelastic materials. We find that for the present geometry and boundary conditions, rigid wall simulations produce different results than fluid–structure interaction simulations. Considering anisotropic fiber contributions in the tissue model, stress measurements in the aortic wall differ, but shear stress‐based biomarkers are less affected. In summary, the increasing complexity of the tissue model enables capturing more details. However, an extensive parameter set is also required. Since the simulation results depend on these modeling choices, variations can lead to different recommendations in clinical applications.
Pre‐silking water deficit in maize induced kernel loss through impaired silk growth and ovary carbohydrate dynamics
Authors: Li Yebei , Huang Shoubing , Meng Qingfeng , Li Zongxin , Fritschi Felix B. , Wang Pu
Published: April 2024

Both carbon limitation and developmentally driven kernel failure occur in the apical region of maize (Zea mays L.) ears. Failed kernel development in the basal and middle regions of the ear often is neglected because their spaces usually are occupied by adjacent ovaries at harvest. We tested the spatial distribution of kernel losses and potential underlying reasons, from perspectives of silk elongation and carbohydrate dynamics, when maize experienced water deficit during silk elongation. Kernel loss was distributed along the length of the ear regardless of water availability, with the highest kernel set in the middle region and a gradual reduction toward the apical and basal ends. Water deficit limited silk elongation in a manner inverse to the temporal pattern of silk initiation, more strongly in the apical and basal regions of the ear than in the middle region. The limited recovery of silk elongation, especially at the apical and basal regions following rescue irrigation was probably due to water potentials below the threshold for elongation and lower growth rates of the associated ovaries. While sugar concentrations increased or did not respond to water deficit in ovaries and silks, the calculated sugar flux into the developing ovaries was impaired and diverged among ovaries at different positions under water deficit. Water deficit resulted in 58% kernel loss, 68% of which was attributable to arrested silks within husks caused by lower water potentials and 32% to ovaries with emerged silks possibly due to impaired carbohydrate metabolism.
Bio‐blends of virgin and post‐industrial poly(methyl methacrylate) waste/pristine chitosan: Structure, thermal, and physical properties
Authors: Mouffok Samir , Kaci Mustapha
Published: April 2024

Polymer blends based on plastic waste and natural biodegradable polymers is an interesting strategy in view of environmental and technical concerns. This article investigates the structure, thermal and physical properties of virgin and post‐industrial polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) waste/pristine chitosan (Cs) bio‐blends. Waste PMMA was generated by an extrusion process for the manufacturing of sheets. The results of gel permeation chromatography analysis (GPC) show a slight decrease (about 8%) in the average molecular weight of PMMA after extrusion. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR‐ATR) spectra do not reveal changes in the chemical structure of post‐industrial PMMA/Cs blends compared to virgin PMMA/Cs samples, indicating that chain scission reactions are the dominant degradation mechanism of PMMA during processing. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results reveal a single glass transition temperature () for the blends, implying miscibility of the components. Post‐industrial PMMA/Cs samples exhibit slightly lower values of compared to virgin PMMA/Cs blends. The post‐industrial PMMA waste slightly reduces nano‐mechanical properties and thermal stability of the blends relative to those from virgin PMMA. In contrast, it increases the water uptake of the bio‐blends compared with virgin PMMA.

Highlights

Chain scission is the dominant degradation mechanism of PMMA during extrusion.

Miscibility between the homopolymers within the blends.

PMMA waste slightly reduced the nano‐mechanical properties of the bio‐blends.

Post‐industrial PMMA waste increased the water uptake of the bio‐blends.

Possibility of using post‐industrial PMMA waste by blending with chitosan.
Der Suprafestkörper
Authors: Ferlaino Francesca , Mark Manfred J.
Published: April 2024

Seit kurzem ist es möglich, den vor über 50 Jahren vorhergesagten paradoxen Materiezustand eines Suprafestkörpers im Labor zu erzeugen. Er besitzt tatsächlich eine feste und eine suprafluide Phase zugleich. Die für die Erzeugung verwendeten dipolaren Quantengase ermöglichen eine präzise Manipulation dieses Zustands und erlauben einen direkten Einblick in seine Eigenschaften. Zukünftig könnten neue suprafeste Quantengas‐Systeme aus ultrakalten Molekülen und Quantengasmischungen weitere überraschende Erkenntnisse parat halten.
Functional proteomics reveals that Slr0237 is a SigE‐regulated glycogen debranching enzyme pivotal for glycogen breakdown
Authors: Liu Ye , Ge Haitao , Lu Dandan
Published: April 2024

The group 2 σ factor for RNA polymerase SigE plays important role in regulating central carbon metabolism in cyanobacteria. However, the regulation of SigE for these pathways at a proteome level remains unknown. Using a sigE‐deficient strain (ΔsigE) of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and quantitative proteomics, we found that SigE depletion induces differential protein expression for sugar catabolic pathways including glycolysis, oxidative pentose phosphate (OPP) pathway, and glycogen catabolism. Two glycogen debranching enzyme homologues Slr1857 and Slr0237 are found differentially expressed in ΔsigE. Glycogen determination indicated that Δslr0237 accumulated glycogen under photomixotrophic condition but was unable to utilize these reserves in the dark, whereas Δslr1857 accumulates and utilizes glycogen in a similar way as the WT strain does in the same condition. These results suggest that Slr0237 plays the major role as the glycogen debranching enzyme in Synechocystis.
Diversity and conservation status of palms (Arecaceae) in two hotspots of biodiversity in Colombia and Ecuador
Authors: Couvreur Thomas L. P. , Jijon Nayeli , Montúfar Rommel , Morales‐Morales Paula A. , Sanín Maria José , Copete Juan Carlos , Lozinguez Alix , Pérez Álvaro J. , Beech Emily
Published: April 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Palms provide vital plant resources and ecosystem services to people across the tropics. To improve conservation guidance, a “health check” of palms in two highly threatened biodiversity hotspots in Colombia and Ecuador was undertaken. Palms are very diverse in these regions, but over one third are threatened with extinction now, especially among endemic species. Widespread and useful palms are also under intense human pressure and need to be prioritized in terms of sustainable management practices. Given the importance of palms for humans, inclusive conservation actions should be continued in both countries in order to safeguard this resource.

Palms provide central plant resources to societies in the tropics, especially in the Global South. The western Pacific and Andean regions of Colombia and Ecuador host two hotspots of biodiversity. To prioritize conservation policies towards palms, we undertook a conservation assessment of species in the region.

We compiled a taxonomically verified database of specimens collected in both hotspots. We inferred preliminary conservation assessments using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Criteria B. In addition, we evaluated the level of exposure of palms to human use and population density using the anthrome concept.

We documented 144 native palm species in 33 genera occurring in both hotspots of Colombia and Ecuador. Of these, 55 are endemic to this region. We recorded 133 species for Colombia, 43 endemic, and 71 species for Ecuador, 9 endemic. A third of all palm species in the region are potentially threatened with extinction (50/144) and 12 as preliminary Critically Endangered. Aiphanes and Geonoma have the highest number of threatened species. In total, 60% of palm specimens were collected in the “low human impact” anthrome type. In contrast, 41% of specimens occur in high human density areas.

The two hotspots of biodiversity in Colombia and Ecuador are very diverse in palms. However, we show that this diversity is under threat and is predominantly found in areas impacted by human activities. Extinction risk is highest in endemic species in both countries. Widespread and useful palm species also face threats linked to overexploitation or habitat loss. Inclusive conservation measures should be designed to conserve, together with communities, this plant resource.
Randomized multiarm bandits: An improved adaptive data collection method
Authors: Zhao Zhigen , Wang Tong , Ji Bo
Published: April 2024

In many scientific experiments, multiarmed bandits are used as an adaptive data collection method. However, this adaptive process can lead to a dependence that renders many commonly used statistical inference methods invalid. An example of this is the sample mean, which is a natural estimator of the mean parameter but can be biased. This can cause test statistics based on this estimator to have an inflated type I error rate, and the resulting confidence intervals may have significantly lower coverage probabilities than their nominal values. To address this issue, we propose an alternative approach called randomized multiarm bandits (rMAB). This combines a randomization step with a chosen MAB algorithm, and by selecting the randomization probability appropriately, optimal regret can be achieved asymptotically. Numerical evidence shows that the bias of the sample mean based on the rMAB is much smaller than that of other methods. The test statistic and confidence interval produced by this method also perform much better than its competitors.
Organic Solar Modules with Good Stability under Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Tran Ho Ngoc Khanh , Tseng Chun‐Chien , Wang Chun‐Ting , Chen Yu‐Jung , Lin Shih‐Hung , Lin Yi‐Ru , Yang Lan‐Sheng , Le Van Qui , Meng Hsin‐Fei , Chao Yu‐Chiang , Zan Hsiao‐Wen , Horng Sheng‐Fu
Published: April 2024

One of the most crucial considerations for practical applications of organic photovoltaics (OPV) is the stability under sunlight irradiation. It is necessary to translate the small device stability to the module level. Herein, the photostability of the OPV module with three cells connected in series with a total effective area of 10.8 cm2 is presented. The stability of the OPV module is studied under continuous irradiation by a UV light‐emitting diode (LED) with integrated UV intensity the same as AM1.5 solar irradiations. As a result, the OPV module achieves good stability under UV light with a half‐lifetime of about 1300 h without a UV filter. The lifetime is similar to the small device with the same materials. The series resistance and the encapsulation must be optimized simultaneously. The suitable metal of the external electrode greatly improves the OPV module's performance. In addition, the UV stability of the normal structure is shown to be better than the inverted structure because of the photoinstability of the ZnO layer. Moreover, the UV stability of semitransparent OPV modules is shown to be‐ similar to the opaque ones.
Phylogeny and classification of the coffee family (Rubiaceae, Gentianales): Overview and outlook
Authors: Razafimandimbison Sylvain G. , Rydin Catarina
Published: April 2024

The use of molecular data in phylogenetic reconstruction during more than three decades has greatly improved our understanding of the macroevolutionary history of the coffee family (Rubiaceae) and has provided a solid basis for improvement of its classification. Based on the results of 130 studies, among them most recent phylogenomic works, we present a consensus phylogeny and a robust classification of Rubiaceae that shed light on the evolutionary success of this highly diverse angiosperm family and can serve as a framework for ecological and evolutionary studies. There are more than 14,000 species and about 580 accepted genera of Rubiaceae that are assigned to 71 tribes, of which 68 are classified in two subfamilies (Dialypetalanthoideae with 38 tribes and Rubioideae with 30 tribes). Three tribes (Acranthereae, Coptosapelteae, Luculieae) remain unclassified as to subfamily. Sixty‐three of these 71 tribes are assigned to nine informal alliances (four in Rubioideae and five in Dialypetalanthoideae). These tribes are listed in alphabetical order within their respective alliances. Five tribes, one (Coussareeae) in Rubioideae and four (Airospermeae, Jackieae, Retiniphylleae, Steenisieae) in Dialypetalanthoideae, are excluded from these alliances due to unclear or conflicting phylogenetic positions. Thirty‐six tribes retain their tribal status but receive new generic limits to remedy their previous para‐ or polyphyletic nature. Twenty‐nine tribes not implemented in previous classifications have been added, of which three (Chioneae, Glionnetieae, Temnopterygeae) are newly described here. Basic information on phylogenies, distributions, former classifications, and useful references to previous works are provided for all accepted tribes, and future perspectives are discussed.
Identification of potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer using Mendelian randomization analysis and drug target prediction
Authors: Huang Zhulan , Zheng Hongping , Wang Haiyu , Ning Haojie , Che Aiwen , Cai Cuidan
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer stands as the foremost cause of cancer‐related mortality among women, presenting a substantial economic impact on society. The limitations in current therapeutic options, coupled with poor patient tolerance, underscore the urgent need for novel treatments. Our study embarked on a genomic association exploration of breast cancer, leveraging whole‐genome sequencing data from the Finngen database, complemented by expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) insights from the eQTLGen and GTEx Consortiums. An initial investigation was conducted through summary‐based Mendelian randomization (MR) to pinpoint primary eQTLs. Analysis of blood specimens revealed 103 eQTLs significantly correlated with breast cancer. Focusing our efforts, we identified 19 candidates with potential therapeutic significance. Further scrutiny via two‐sample MR pinpointed UROD, LMO4, HORMAD1, and ZSWIM5 as promising targets for breast cancer therapy. Our research sheds light on new avenues for the treatment of breast cancer, highlighting the potential of genomic association studies in uncovering viable therapeutic targets.
Entropy generation due to MHD Falkner–Skan flow of Casson fluid over a wedge: A numerical study
Authors: Abrar Muhammad N. , Yun Wang , Sharaf Mohamed
Published: April 2024

This study highlights the significance of entropy generation in the Falkner–Skan flow of Casson fluid past a wedge. To investigate the energy analysis, the governing equations include the heat transport equation in the presence of internal heat source, and the energy transport accounts for heat dissipation using viscous dissipation and Joule heating effect. The mathematical formulation of the problem leads to a set of nonlinear coupled partial differential equations. To obtain a similarity solution, similarity variables are introduced. The resulting differential equations are solved numerically using the shooting technique in conjunction with the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg 45 (RKF‐45) method. Graphical representations are utilized to demonstrate the physical significance of the relevant parameters. The study analyzes the impact of various parameters on the velocity, temperature, and entropy distributions for three wedge positions: stationary, forward‐moving, and backward‐moving. The results show that an increase in the wedge angle parameter and Casson parameter leads to an increase in fluid velocity, while fluid entropy increases rapidly with an increase in the Brinkmann number, power law Falkner–Skan parameter, and Reynolds number. Moreover, with an increment in the Prandtl and Eckert number, the Nusselt number coefficient decelerates for both static and moving wedge.
A note on the Radiant formula and its relations to the sliced Wasserstein distance
Authors: Auricchio Gennaro
Published: April 2024

In this note, we show that the squared Wasserstein distance can be expressed as the average over the sphere of one dimensional Wasserstein distances. We name this new expression for the Wasserstein Distance Radiant Formula. Using this formula, we are able to highlight new connections between the Wasserstein distances and the Sliced Wasserstein distance, an alternative Wasserstein-like distance that is cheaper to compute.
Obtaining new classes of optimal linear codes by puncturing and shortening optimal cyclic codes
Authors: Hernández Félix , Vega Gerardo
Published: April 2024

In this paper we use the puncturing and shortening techniques on two already-known classes of optimal cyclic codes in order to obtain three new classes of optimal linear codes achieving the Griesmer bound. The weight distributions for these codes are settled. We also investigate their dual codes and show that they are either optimal or almost optimal with respect to the sphere-packing bound. Moreover, these duals contain classes of almost maximum distance separable codes which are shown to be proper for error detection. Further, some of the obtained optimal linear codes are suitable for constructing secret sharing schemes with nice access structures.
Endophytes: a uniquely tailored source of potential antibiotic adjuvants
Authors: Moussa Ashaimaa Y.
Published: April 2024

Multidrug microbial resistance is risking an annual loss of more than 10 million people’ lives by 2050. Solutions include the rational use of antibiotics and the use of drugs that reduce resistance or completely obliterate them. Here endophytes come to play due to their high-yield production and inherent nature to produce antimicrobial molecules. Around 40%, 45% and 17% of antibacterial agents were obtained from fungi, actinomycetes, and bacteria, respectively, whose secondary metabolites revealed effectiveness against resistant microbes such as MRSA, MRSE, and Shigella flexneri. Endophyte’s role was not confined to bactericidal effect but extended to other mechanisms against MDR microbes, among which was the adjuvant role or the “magic bullets". Scarce focus was given to antibiotic adjuvants, and many laboratories today just screen for the antimicrobial activity without considering combinations with traditional antibiotics, which means real loss of promising resistance combating molecules. While some examples of synthetic adjuvants were introduced in the last decade, the number is still far from covering the disused antibiotics and restoring them back to clinical use. The data compiled in this article demonstrated the significance of quorum sensing as a foreseen mechanism for adjuvants from endophytes secondary metabolites, which call for urgent in-depth studies of their molecular mechanisms. This review, comprehensively and for the first time, sheds light on the significance of endophytes secondary metabolites in solving AMR problem as AB adjuvants.
Microsurgical training on non-living models: a systematic literature review
Authors: Franza Mara , Buscemi Salvatore , Incandela Francesco Giuseppe , Cammarata Emanuele , Romano Giorgio , Cicero Luca , Cassata Giovanni , Cirincione Roberta , Toia Francesca
Published: April 2024

Background

Preclinical training in microsurgery usually proceeds through steps of increasing difficulty. Traditionally, advanced training is carried out on living animal models which best reproduce the clinical scenario, but recently, the increasing interest in animal rights has led to a greater development and spread of different non-living models for all steps of training.

Methods

The aim of this study was to identify, through a review of the literature, the inanimate models suitable for basic and intermediate/advanced training courses and to evaluate their pros and cons. The search was carried out exclusively through the PubMed database, with "microsurgery" or “supermicrosurgery” and ("training" or "non-living model") as keywords in the "title and/or abstract" fields. The filters used were: publication date (2010–2022) and species (other animals). The study was done following the PRISMA 2020 checklist criteria.

Results

A total number of 398 articles were initially screened. Following abstract review, 75 articles were selected, and 51 articles were chosen following full text review. Several non-living models are available for training on fine dissection and microsurgical technique. Among the non-animal models, food and synthetic materials (silicone tubes and latex gloves) were predominantly used. Among the non-living animals, the chicken was the most frequently used animal followed by the pig and the rat. Non-living animal mainly focus on vascular sutures on vessels of different vessels, including very small vessels for supermicrosurgery.

Conclusions

The results of this study have shown that many different non-living models are available not only for basic microsurgical training, but also for intermediate training. These models allow to improve microsurgical and supermicrosurgical skills, simultaneously reducing the use of living animals, according to the “3 R” principle. Their main limitation is that due to their characteristics, as tissue consistency and the absence of a pumping flow, they do not provide a realistic experience as that on living animals, which are still the reference for the final phases of microsurgical training.

Level of evidence:Not ratable.
Flexible-dimensional L-statistic for mean estimation of symmetric distributions
Authors: Baz Juan , García-Zamora Diego , Díaz Irene , Montes Susana , Martínez Luis
Published: April 2024

Estimating the mean of a population is a recurrent topic in statistics because of its multiple applications. If previous data is available, or the distribution of the deviation between the measurements and the mean is known, it is possible to perform such estimation by using L-statistics, whose optimal linear coefficients, typically referred to as weights, are derived from a minimization of the mean squared error. However, such optimal weights can only manage sample sizes equal to the one used to derive them, while in real-world scenarios this size might slightly change. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to overcome such a limitation and derive approximations of flexible-dimensional optimal weights. To do so, a parametric family of functions based on extreme value reductions and amplifications is proposed to be adjusted to the cumulative optimal weights of a given sample from a symmetric distribution. Then, the application of Yager’s method to derive weights for ordered weighted average (OWA) operators allows computing the approximate optimal weights for sample sizes close to the original one. This method is justified from the theoretical point of view by proving a convergence result regarding the cumulative weights obtained for different sample sizes. Finally, the practical performance of the theoretical results is shown for several classical symmetric distributions.
Comparative analysis of videofluoroscopy and pulse oximetry for aspiration identification in patients with dysphagia after stroke and non-dysphagics
Authors: Bengisu Serkan , Öge-Daşdöğen Özlem , Yıldız Hatice Yelda
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Dysphagia is a prevalent symptom observed in acute stroke. Several bedside screening tests are employed for the early detection of dysphagia. Pulse oximetry emerges as a practical and supportive method to augment the existing techniques utilized during bedside swallowing assessments. Desaturation levels, as measured by pulse oximetry, are acknowledged as indicative of aspiration by certain screening tests. However, the predictive capability of pulse oximetry in determining aspiration remains a subject of controversy. The objective of this study was to compare aspiration and oxygen desaturation levels by time and aspiration severity in dysphagic patients compared to healthy controls. It also aimed to evaluate the accuracy of pulse oximetry by comparing it with VFSS findings in detecting aspiration in both liquid (IDDSI-0) and semi-solid (IDDSI-4) consistencies.

Materials and methods

Eighty subjects (40 healthy and 40 acute stroke patients) participated. Patients suspected of dysphagia underwent videofluoroscopy as part of the stroke unit’s routine procedure. Baseline SpO2 was measured before VFSS, and stabilized values were recorded. Sequential IDDSI-0 and IDDSI-4 barium tests were conducted with 5 ml boluses. Stabilized SPO2 values were recorded during swallowing and 3-min post-feeding. Patients with non-dysphagia received equal bolus monitoring. Changes in SPO2 during, before, and after swallowing were analyzed for each consistency in both groups.

Results

The study revealed a statistically significant difference in SPO2 between patients with dysphagia and controls for IDDSI-4 and IDSSI-0. In IDDSI-4, 20% of patients experienced SpO2 decrease compared to 2.5% in control group (p = 0.013). For IDDSI-0, 35% of patients showed SpO2 decrease, while none in the control group did (p = 0.0001). Aspiration rates were 2.5% in IDDSI-4 and 57.5% in IDDSI-0. In IDDSI-0, SpO2 decrease significantly correlated with aspiration (p = 0.0001). In IDDSI-4, 20.5% had SpO2 decrease without aspiration, and showing no significant difference (p = 0.613). Penetration-Aspiration Scale scores had no significant association with SpO2 decrease (p = 0.602). Pulse oximetry in IDDSI-4 had limited sensitivity (0%) and positive predictive value, (0%) while in IDDSI-0, it demonstrated acceptable sensitivity (60.9%) and specificity (100%) with good discrimination capability (AUC = 0.83).

Conclusions

A decrease in SPO2 may indicate potential aspiration but is insufficient alone for detection. This study proposes pulse oximetry as a valuable complementary tool in assessing dysphagia but emphasizes that aspiration cannot be reliably predicted based solely on SpO2 decrease.
Piezo1, the new actor in cell volume regulation
Authors: Michelucci A. , Catacuzzeno L.
Published: April 2024

All animal cells control their volume through a complex set of mechanisms, both to counteract osmotic perturbations of the environment and to enable numerous vital biological processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. The ability of cells to adjust their volume depends on the activity of ion channels and transporters which, by moving K+, Na+, and Cl− ions across the plasma membrane, generate the osmotic gradient that drives water in and out of the cell. In 2010, Patapoutian’s group identified a small family of evolutionarily conserved, Ca2+-permeable mechanosensitive channels, Piezo1 and Piezo2, as essential components of the mechanically activated current that mediates mechanotransduction in vertebrates. Piezo1 is expressed in several tissues and its opening is promoted by a wide range of mechanical stimuli, including membrane stretch/deformation and osmotic stress. Piezo1-mediated Ca2+ influx is used by the cell to convert mechanical forces into cytosolic Ca2+ signals that control diverse cellular functions such as migration and cell death, both dependent on changes in cell volume and shape. The crucial role of Piezo1 in the regulation of cell volume was first demonstrated in erythrocytes, which need to reduce their volume to pass through narrow capillaries. In HEK293 cells, increased expression of Piezo1 was found to enhance the regulatory volume decrease (RVD), the process whereby the cell re-establishes its original volume after osmotic shock-induced swelling, and it does so through Ca2+-dependent modulation of the volume-regulated anion channels. More recently we reported that Piezo1 controls the RVD in glioblastoma cells via the modulation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels. To date, however, the mechanisms through which this mechanosensitive channel controls cell volume and maintains its homeostasis have been poorly investigated and are still far from being understood. The present review aims to provide a broad overview of the literature discussing the recent advances on this topic.
Total face mask with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist as a rescue therapy in infants with severe bronchiolitis
Authors: Cousin Vladimir L. , Corbisier Tiphaine , Rimensberger Peter C. , Polito Angelo , Bordessoule Alice
Published: April 2024

Severe bronchiolitis patients are often supported with non-invasive ventilation (NIV). In case of NIV failure, we recently started to use non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist ventilation (NIV-NAVA) with a total face mask interface (TFM) and report now our experience with this modality of respiratory support. Retrospective study was made from October 2022 to May 2023 at the Geneva University Hospital Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Inclusion criteria were children, aged from 0 to 6 months, with severe bronchiolitis with initial NIV failure and switch to NIV-NAVA-TFM. From 49 children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced bronchiolitis requiring any form of respiratory support, 10 (median age 61 days (IQR 44–73) failing CPAP or NIV underwent rescue treatment with NIV-NAVA using a TFM. Patients were switched to TFM-NIV-NAVA 8 h (IQR 3–22) after admission for 24.5 h (IQR 13–60). After initiation of TFM-NIV-NAVA, oxygenation improved significantly as early as 1 h after initiation, whereas transcutaneous CO2 values remained stable. None of the patients needed to be intubated and there was no episode of TFM discontinuation due to interface discomfort or other unwanted side effects. Sedation was used in all patients with high proportion of intravenous dexmedetomidine. Median ventilatory assistance duration was 2.5 days (IQR 2–4) and median PICU stay was 4.5 (IQR 3–6).

  Conclusion: In infants with severe RSV-induced bronchiolitis, respiratory support with TFM-NIV-NAVA seems to be feasible as a rescue therapy and might be considered in selected patients.

What is Known:• Bronchiolitic patients with NIV support failure may require invasive mechanical ventilation.• Interface related complications, especially facial sores, can be a cause of NIV failure.

What is New:• Total face mask with non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (TFM-NIV-NAVA) seems feasible as a rescue therapy in deteriorating patients with CPAP or NIV failure.• TFM-NIV-NAVA can improve oxygenation rapidly in patients with aggravating hypoxemia and seems to be well tolerated.
Boundary controllability for a 1D degenerate parabolic equation with a Robin boundary condition
Authors: Galo-Mendoza Leandro , López-García Marcos
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we prove the null controllability of a one-dimensional degenerate parabolic equation with a weighted Robin boundary condition at the left endpoint, where the potential has a singularity. We use some results from the singular Sturm–Liouville theory to show the well-posedness of our system. We obtain a spectral decomposition of a degenerate parabolic operator with Robin conditions at the endpoints, we use Fourier–Dini expansions and the moment method introduced by Fattorini and Russell to prove the null controllability and to obtain an upper estimate of the cost of controllability. We also get a lower estimate of the cost of controllability by using a representation theorem for analytic functions of exponential type.
Exploring contactless techniques in multimodal emotion recognition: insights into diverse applications, challenges, solutions, and prospects
Authors: Khan Umair Ali , Xu Qianru , Liu Yang , Lagstedt Altti , Alamäki Ari , Kauttonen Janne
Published: April 2024

In recent years, emotion recognition has received significant attention, presenting a plethora of opportunities for application in diverse fields such as human–computer interaction, psychology, and neuroscience, to name a few. Although unimodal emotion recognition methods offer certain benefits, they have limited ability to encompass the full spectrum of human emotional expression. In contrast, Multimodal Emotion Recognition (MER) delivers a more holistic and detailed insight into an individual's emotional state. However, existing multimodal data collection approaches utilizing contact-based devices hinder the effective deployment of this technology. We address this issue by examining the potential of contactless data collection techniques for MER. In our tertiary review study, we highlight the unaddressed gaps in the existing body of literature on MER. Through our rigorous analysis of MER studies, we identify the modalities, specific cues, open datasets with contactless cues, and unique modality combinations. This further leads us to the formulation of a comparative schema for mapping the MER requirements of a given scenario to a specific modality combination. Subsequently, we discuss the implementation of Contactless Multimodal Emotion Recognition (CMER) systems in diverse use cases with the help of the comparative schema which serves as an evaluation blueprint. Furthermore, this paper also explores ethical and privacy considerations concerning the employment of contactless MER and proposes the key principles for addressing ethical and privacy concerns. The paper further investigates the current challenges and future prospects in the field, offering recommendations for future research and development in CMER. Our study serves as a resource for researchers and practitioners in the field of emotion recognition, as well as those intrigued by the broader outcomes of this rapidly progressing technology.
Usefulness of double plate fixation after failed ORIF for clavicle shaft fracture
Authors: Woo Seung Hun , Bae Jung Yun , Jung Sung Won , Choi Min-Hyeok , Kang Suk-Woong
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of double plate fixation for failed clavicle shaft fracture surgery.

Materials and methods

We analyzed 14 patients who underwent double plate fixation due to plate failure after clavicle shaft fracture surgery from March 2016 to March 2021. The study used 3.5 mm locking compression plates for superior clavicle and anterior reconstruction in all patients. In addition, moldable allograft bone was used to fill the bone defect. Clinical and radiological evaluation was performed immediately, at 2 and 4 weeks, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scale, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores and range of motion of the shoulder were evaluated as clinical results. For radiological evaluation, anteroposterior, caudal, and cephalad views of both clavicles were used. Successful bone union was defined as complete adjoining of the fracture site through callus formation.

Results

Successful bone union was achieved in all patients, and the mean time to bone union was 16.7 ± 1.2 weeks (range, 12–24 weeks).

Statistically significant improvement in forward flexion and external and internal rotation was observed from 135.5° ± 6.3, 45.2° ± 5.3, and 13° ± 2.3 preoperatively to 157.0° ± 9.3, 68.7° ± 6.3, and 9.8° ± 3.1 at the final follow-up, respectively.

The VAS score improved from an average of 6.2 ± 2.8 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 0.7 at the final follow-up, which was statistically significant (P = 0.018). In addition, the ASES score significantly increased from a mean of 52.1 ± 6.3 points preoperatively to 83.6 ± 7.8 points at the final follow-up (P = 0.001).

The average UCLA shoulder score was 16.7 ± 1.4 and 31.4 ± 2.2 points preoperatively and at the final follow-up, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Double plate fixation has shown good results after failed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for clavicle shaft fractures. Therefore, in complicated situations after ORIF, double plate fixation is considered a surgical treatment option.
Opting Out as an Untapped Resource in Instructional Design: Review and Implications
Authors: Sidi Yael , Ackerman Rakefet
Published: April 2024

When faced with challenging thinking tasks accompanied by a feeling of uncertainty, people often prefer to opt out (e.g., replying “I don’t know”, seeking advice) over giving low-confidence responses. In professions with high-stakes decisions (e.g., judges, medical practitioners), opting out is generally seen as preferable to making unreliable decisions. Contrarily, in educational settings, despite being designed to prepare students for real-life challenges, opting out is often viewed as an indication of low motivation or an avoidance of challenges. Presenting a complementary perspective, metacognitive research dealing with knowledge management and problem-solving shows substantial empirical evidence that both adults and children can use opt-out options to enhance the quality of their responses. Moreover, there are initial signs that strategic opting out can increase the efficiency of self-regulated effort. These opportunities to improve self-regulated learning have yet to be exploited in instructional design. Research guided by Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), which focuses on effort allocation in the face of cognitive challenges, has largely ignored the benefits of opting out as a strategy for improving effort allocation. The present review summarizes advantages and pitfalls within the current state of knowledge. Furthermore, we propose new avenues of inquiry for examining the impact of incorporating explicit opt-out options in instructional design to support knowledge and skill acquisition. As a novel avenue, we urge educators to develop effective opting-out skills in students to prepare them for real-life challenges.
A Note on the Binding Energy for Bosons in the Mean-Field Limit
Authors: Boßmann Lea , Leopold Nikolai , Mitrouskas David , Petrat Sören
Published: April 2024

We consider a gas of N weakly interacting bosons in the ground state. Such gases exhibit Bose–Einstein condensation. The binding energy is defined as the energy it takes to remove one particle from the gas. In this article, we prove an asymptotic expansion for the binding energy, and compute the first orders explicitly for the homogeneous gas. Our result addresses in particular a conjecture by Nam (Lett Math Phys 108(1):141–159, 2018), and provides an asymptotic expansion of the ionization energy of bosonic atoms.
Certain analytical solutions of the concatenation model with a multiplicative white noise in optical fibers
Authors: Ekici Mehmet , Sarmaşık Cansu Ali
Published: April 2024

In the presence of spatio-temporal dispersion, perturbation terms of the Hamiltonian type as well as multiplicative white noise, analytical investigation of the concatenation model having the Kerr law of nonlinearity is carried out in this work. The Cole–Hopf transformation and direct assumptions with arbitrary functions are utilized to determine several analytic solutions to the governing equation, including multi-wave, two solitary wave, breather, periodic cross kink, Peregrine-like rational, and three-wave solutions. The parameter constraints that serve as the requisite condition for the existence of these wave solutions are also identified. In order to explore and illustrate the propagation and dynamical behaviors of some solutions reported in this research, 3D graphics and their corresponding contour plots are included. Results of this paper may be useful for the experimental realization of certain nonlinear waves in optical fibers and further understanding of their propagation dynamics.
2500 years ago scientific theories of the origin of life arose in ancient Greece
Authors: Cartwright Julyan H. E.
Published: April 2024

What have the Greeks ever done for us? Everything. This short commentary celebrating the earliest history of origin of life research seeks to bring to the attention of the community of origin of life researchers that there is a much longer tradition of scientific theories in this subject than some people are aware of; there are 2500 years of thinking that we should not forget about. In Ionian Greece, Thales initiated ideas that we can see as the beginnings of science itself. Anaximander, his pupil, was particularly interested in the origins of the world, including how life had arisen, and proposed a species of proto-evolutionary theory of the origin of life. 2500 years ago, Anaxagoras left Ionia for Athens taking ideas of scientific thinking with him. Anaxagoras is credited with being the originator of a further theory of the origin of life, that of panspermia. The scientific conception of knowledge was attacked almost immediately, and Anaxagoras ended up exiled, but that idea of the knowability of things survived and led, many centuries later, to the scientific revolution and to our current human civilization.