bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high‐PCE amalgamate charge pump topology with extended input voltage dynamic range for energy harvesting systems
Authors: Yong Jack Kee , Zhou Qi Huan , Ho Tian Siang , Ramiah Harikrishnan
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a novel extended input voltage dynamic range (IVDR) amalgamate charge pump (CP) for energy harvesting systems. The proposed amalgamate CP adaptively switches its charge transfer transistor into switch and diode connection based on the input voltage, effectively enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) over a wide input voltage range. Implemented in 65 nm CMOS technology, the post‐layout results demonstrate a PCE exceeding 40% within the input voltage range of 0.36–0.85 V, under 60 kΩ load. The design achieves an extended IVDR of 0.49 V with a peak PCE of 50.02% observed at an input voltage of 0.45 V. The proposed amalgamate CP design features two distinct charge transfer transistor connections, leveraging the strength of Dickson CP with low reversion loss in high input voltage range and the low conduction loss of cross‐coupled CP (CCCP) in low input voltage range, thereby extending the input voltage operation range of conventional CP.
An innovative method is applied to solve the equivalent resistance between any nodes of a 2 × 4 × n tower‐shaped cascaded resistive network
Authors: Luo Da‐Feng , Luo Feng‐Hua , Luo Li‐Jin
Published: July 2024

In previous methods for solving the equivalent resistance of large‐scale complex resistive networks, abstract Green's functions or complex matrix transformations were often involved, which brought more difficulties to the readers' understanding. For this reason, this study proposed an innovative method based entirely on simple algebraic operations. This method combined the equivalent decomposition method with the improved recursion‐transform (IRT) method. It was divided into three steps: Firstly, by introducing the concept of “negative resistance,” one of the resistors of the network to be solved was equivalently decomposed into the parallel connection of three resistors, so that the whole resistive network was equivalently decomposed into three parts, namely, a left network, a middle network, and a right network. Then, the equivalent resistances of the left network and the right network were calculated using the IRT method, respectively. Finally, the equivalent resistance between any nodes was solved according to the parallel relationship of the equivalent resistances of the left network, the middle network, and the right network. The equivalent resistance between any nodes in the 2 × 4 × n tower‐shaped cascaded resistive network was successfully solved using this method. The calculation showed that because the concept of negative resistance was introduced in this method, the equivalent resistance problem of any nodes in the network was changed into the equivalent resistance problem of the initial nodes of the network, which made the equivalent resistance problem of any nodes simple, convenient, fast and easy to understand.
Phylogenetic and phylogeographic evidence for the colonization success of the diplochorous Astydamia latifolia across the Canary Islands
Authors: Coello Alberto J. , Vargas Pablo , Alameda‐Martín Aitor , Cano Emilio , Arjona Yurena , Fernández‐Mazuecos Mario
Published: July 2024

Astydamia latifolia is the only species of the genus Astydamia, which forms an early‐diverging lineage of Apiaceae, subfamily Apioideae. This species is subendemic to the Canary Islands and one of the most representative species of the coastal environments of this archipelago. Astydamia displays diplochory, that is, diaspores with two long‐distance dispersal (LDD) syndromes. In particular, A. latifolia has both anemochorous and thalassochorous fruit traits (corky and winged mericarps). Although we expect this species to have a high dispersal capacity, there is no genetic study addressing it. The divergence time of this species from its sister taxon is also unknown. In this study, we aimed (i) to unveil the phylogenetic relationships and divergence times of A. latifolia; (ii) to reconstruct its phylogeographic structure across the Canary Islands; and (iii) to estimate the number of inter‐island colonization events. To these ends, we first sequenced the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for A. latifolia, reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of Astydamia and Apiaceae relatives and estimated divergence times. Then, two plastid DNA regions (psaI‐aacD and psbK‐trnS) were sequenced for 158 individuals (from 36 Canarian population and one NW African population) to reconstruct a haplotype network. The recently developed method Phylogeographic Analysis of Island Colonization Events (PAICE) was used to estimate the number of inter‐island colonization events. Results show that A. latifolia is a phylogenetically isolated lineage that diverged from the most closely related genus (Molopospermum) in the Eocene–Miocene. It displays a low plastid DNA diversity (only four haplotypes detected), which is accompanied by a high degree of haplotype sharing between islands and highly linear rarefaction curves of colonization obtained in PAICE. These findings suggest a high colonization ability for this species, most likely related to the availability of two LDD syndromes.
Experimental evaluation of genetic variability based on DNA metabarcoding from the aquatic environment: Insights from the Leray COI fragment
Authors: Turanov S. V. , Koltsova M. A. , Rutenko O. A.
Published: July 2024

Intraspecific genetic variation is important for the assessment of organisms' resistance to changing environments and anthropogenic pressures. Aquatic DNA metabarcoding provides a non‐invasive method in biodiversity research, including investigations at the within‐species level. Through the analysis of eDNA samples collected from the Peter the Great Gulf of the Japan Sea, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the identification of Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) in marine eDNA among abundant species of the Zostera sp. community: Hexagrammos octogrammus, Pholidapus dybowskii (Teleostei: Perciformes), and Pandalus latirostris (Arthropoda: Decapoda). These species were collected from two distant locations to produce mock communities and gather aquatic eDNA both on the community and individual level. Our approach highlights the efficacy of eDNA metabarcoding in capturing haplotypic diversity and the potential for this methodology to track genetic diversity accurately, contributing to conservation efforts and ecosystem management. Additionally, our results elucidate the impact of nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments (NUMTs) on the reliability of metabarcoding data, indicating the necessity for cautious interpretation of such data in ecological studies. Moreover, we analyzed 83 publicly available COI sequence datasets from common groups of multicellular organisms (Mollusca, Echinodermata, Crustacea, Polychaeta, and Actinopterygii). The results reflect the decrease in population diversity that arises from using the metabarcode compared to the COI barcode.
Ecological drivers of nesting behavior in a subtropical city: An observational study on spotted doves
Authors: Sheng Yao , Lu Mengjie , Bai Junpeng , Xie Xiaobin , Ma Long , Li Wanyou , Zhang Zhen , Ming Fang , Zhang Xueli , Zhang Ziwei , Xu Zhifeng , Han Yuqing , Guan Bicai , Ruan Luzhang
Published: July 2024

Due to rapid homogenization in habitat types as a result of urbanization, some urban birds adapt their nesting strategies to changes in local habitat characteristics. Bird nesting decisions might have been mainly linked to resource constraints and ensuring reproductive success. In this study, we examined patterns of nesting behavior by spotted doves (Spilopelia chinensis) in a rapidly urbanizing area of Nanchang, China using ArcGIS 10.8, satellite tracking, camera traps, and field survey. To explore the mechanisms underlying nesting behavior in urban habitats, we assessed the correlations between nest reuse and reproductive success, and between nest reuse and nest predation. From December 2018 to December 2021, a total of 302 breeding nests were surveyed. The results revealed that the nest reuse rate was 38.08% (n = 115). Nests closer to trunk, with lower nest position and higher large‐scale urbanization score tended to have higher reuse rate. In addition, nests with the higher the nest height and percent of canopy cover, and the lower small‐scale urbanization score were more likely to reproduce successfully, and the reused nests also reproduce more successfully. The reproductive success associated with nest reuse was significantly higher than that associated with new nests (χ2 = 8.461, p = .004). High degree of urbanization promoted nest reuse of spotted doves (large‐scale urbanization score, z = 2.094, p = .036), which apparently enhanced their reproductive success (nest reuse, z = 2.737, p = .006). In conclusion, a nest structure with good permeability is the material basis for the nest reuse in spotted dove, while the relatively low risk of predation in urban habitat and the scarcity of nest site resources due to urbanization increase the tendency of birds to reuse old nests, which is associated with their reproductive success and evolutionary fitness.
Dilute concentrations of maritime fuel can modify sediment reworking activity of high‐latitude marine invertebrates
Authors: Williams Thomas J. , Blockley David , Cundy Andrew B. , Godbold Jasmin A. , Howman Rebecca M. , Solan Martin
Published: July 2024

Multiple expressions of climate change, in particular warming‐induced reductions in the type, extent and thickness of sea ice, are opening access and providing new viable development opportunities in high‐latitude regions. Coastal margins are facing these challenges, but the vulnerability of species and ecosystems to the effects of fuel contamination associated with increased maritime traffic is largely unknown. Here, we show that low concentrations of the water‐accommodated fraction of marine fuel oil, representative of a dilute fuel oil spill, can alter functionally important aspects of the behaviour of sediment‐dwelling invertebrates. We find that the response to contamination is species specific, but that the range in response among individuals is modified by increasing fuel concentrations. Our study provides evidence that species responses to novel and/or unprecedented levels of anthropogenic activity associated with the opening up of high‐latitude regions can have substantive ecological effects, even when human impacts are at, or below, commonly accepted safe thresholds. These secondary responses are often overlooked in broad‐scale environmental assessments and marine planning yet, critically, they may act as an early warning signal for impending and more pronounced ecological transitions.
Characterizing localized nitrogen sensitivity of tree species and the associated influences of mediating factors
Authors: Coughlin Justin G. , Chang Shih Ying , Craig Kenneth , Scarborough Charles , Driscoll Charles T. , Clark Christopher M. , Pavlovic Nathan R.
Published: July 2024

Critical loads (CLs) are frequently used to quantify terrestrial ecosystem impacts from nitrogen (N) deposition using ecological responses such as the growth and mortality of tree species. Typically, CLs are reported as a single value, with uncertainty, for an indicator across a species' entire range. Mediating factors such as climate and soil conditions can influence species' sensitivity to N, but the magnitudes of these effects are rarely calculated explicitly. Here, we quantify the spatial variability and estimation error in N CLs for the growth and survival of 10 different tree species while accounting for key environmental factors that mediate species sensitivity to N (e.g., soil characteristics). We used a bootstrapped machine learning approach to determine the level of N deposition at which a 1% decrease occurs in growth rate or survival probability at forest plot locations across the United States. We found minimal differences (<5 kg N ha−1 year−1) when comparing a single species' CLs across climatic regimes but found considerable variability in species' local N CLs (>8.5 kg N ha−1 year−1) within these regimes. We also evaluated the most important factors for predicting tree growth rates and mortality and found that climate, competition, and air pollution generally have the greatest influence on growth rates and survival probability. Lastly, we developed a new probability of exceedance metric for each species and found high likelihoods of exceedance across large portions (46%) of some species' ranges. Our analysis demonstrates that machine learning approaches provide a unique capability to: (1) quantify mediating factor influences on N sensitivity of trees, (2) estimate the error in local N CL estimates, and (3) generate localized N CLs with probabilities of exceedance for tree species.
Secondary production and biomass in mussel assemblages relate to species richness and stream size but not life history
Authors: Lopez Jonathan W. , Atkinson Carla L. , Burrow Angela K. , Hopper Garrett W. , Haag Wendell R.
Published: July 2024

Increases in species richness with habitat area (species–area relationship, or SAR) and increases in ecosystem function with species richness (biodiversity–ecosystem functioning, or BEF) are widely studied ecological patterns. Incorporating functional trait analysis into assemblage datasets may help clarify interpretations of SAR and BEF relationships in natural ecological systems. For example, life history theory can be used to make predictions about what species are most important in generating ecosystem function given a certain set of environmental conditions. We used quantitative assemblage data for freshwater mussels at nine sites in western Alabama, USA, to test for SAR and BEF relationships. At each site, we calculated species richness, mussel assemblage density, and two fundamental metrics of ecosystem function: biomass and secondary production. We also tested whether the proportional biomass and production contributions from species belonging to each of three life history strategies—opportunistic strategists adapted to unstable or frequently disturbed habitats, periodic strategists adapted to habitats subject to predictable large‐scale disturbances, and equilibrium strategists adapted to stable habitats—varied longitudinally with stream drainage area, a proxy for habitat area. Species richness increased with stream size (SAR), and both biomass and production increased with species richness (BEF) and mussel density. There were few longitudinal changes in the proportional contributions of the different life history strategy classifications that we used, but the invasive clam Corbicula fluminea contributed proportionally more biomass and production at sites that had smaller drainage areas. This study provides further evidence for a clear longitudinal SAR in stream‐dwelling taxa. It also suggests BEF relationships for biomass and secondary production in natural assemblages but underscores the importance of assemblage density in BEF studies that use observational field data. Variation in proportional biomass and production contributions by different life history strategies was likely limited by the size of the stream size gradient in our study, as contributions were uniformly high for species with life history traits better adapted to stable and productive habitats such as mid‐sized rivers with low or predictable hydrologic disturbance frequencies. This highlights the need to understand how organisms' functional traits govern their relationships to the environment at different scales.
Mitigation of Volumetric Expansion in Silicon Anodes via Engineered Porosity: Electrochemical Performances and Stress Distribution Implication
Authors: Liu Liang , Zhang Yichi , Xue Naishuo , Wang Yun , Wang Ruishuai , Wang Limei , Liu Jian , Wang Tiansi
Published: July 2024

To overcome the significant volume expansion issue encountered by traditional silicon anodes in lithium‐ion batteries, this study employs chemical etching techniques to treat aluminum–silicon alloys of various ratios, successfully preparing three types of porous silicon electrode materials with different pore structures. Through a series of electrochemical tests, this article investigates the role of porous silicon structures in improving electrode performance. The results demonstrate that the porous silicon anodes exhibit superior cycle stability and rate capability compared to traditional solid silicon anodes. This confirms the effectiveness of the porous structure in mitigating the significant volume expansion during the charge and discharge process of silicon materials and in preventing premature electrode failure, thereby significantly enhancing the electrode's cycle life. Remarkably, the porous silicon with a high porosity rate shows exceptionally outstanding performance. Additionally, using computer simulations, this study also models the impact of changes in pore size within the porous silicon material at different states of charge and discharge on the stress distribution at the particle center and surface. These experimental and simulation results jointly provide strong empirical evidence for applying porous silicon materials as high‐performance anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries and offer essential guidance for future stress analysis and electrode design of porous silicon electrode materials.
Efficacy of perampanel by etiology in Japanese patients with epilepsy—subpopulation analysis of a prospective post‐marketing observational study
Authors: Nakai Miku , Nishimoto Shohei , Higashibeppu Yoichi , Inoue Yushi
Published: July 2024

Objective

To examine the efficacy and safety of perampanel (PER) in patients with post‐stroke epilepsy (PSE), brain tumor‐related epilepsy (BTRE), and post‐traumatic epilepsy (PTE) using Japanese real‐world data.

Methods

The prospective post‐marketing observational study included patients with focal seizures with or without focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures who received PER combination therapy. The observation period was 24 or 52 weeks after the initial PER administration. The safety and efficacy analysis included 3716 and 3272 patients, respectively. This post hoc analysis examined responder rate (50% reduction in seizure frequency), seizure‐free rate (proportion of patients who achieved seizure‐free), and safety in patients included in the post‐marketing study who had PSE, BTRE, and PTE in the 4 weeks prior to the last observation.

Results

Overall, 402, 272, and 186 patients were included in the PSE, BTRE, and PTE subpopulations, and 2867 controls in the “Other” population (etiologies other than PSE, BTRE, or PTE). Mean modal dose (the most frequently administered dose) values at 52 weeks were 3.38, 3.36, 3.64, and 4.04 mg/day for PSE, BTRE, PTE, and “Other,” respectively; PER retention rates were 56.2%, 54.0%, 52.6%, and 59.7%, respectively. Responder rates (% [95% confidence interval]) were 82% (76.3%–86.5%), 78% (70.8%–83.7%), 67% (56.8%–75.6%), and 50% (47.9%–52.7%) for PSE, BTRE, PTE, and “Other,” respectively, and seizure‐free rates were 71% (64.5%–76.5%), 62% (54.1%–69.0%), 50% (40.6%–60.4%), and 28% (25.8%–30.1%), respectively. Adverse drug reactions tended to occur less frequently in the PSE (14.7%), BTRE (16.5%), and PTE (16.7%) subpopulations than in the “Other” population (26.3%).

Significance

In real‐world clinical conditions, efficacy and tolerability for PER combination therapy were observed at low PER doses for the PSE, BTRE, and PTE subpopulations.

Plain Language Summary

To find out how well the medication perampanel works and whether it is safe for people who have epilepsy after having had a stroke, brain tumor, or head injury, we used information from real‐life medical situations in Japan. We looked at the data of about 3700 Japanese patients with epilepsy who were treated with perampanel. We found that perampanel was used at lower doses and better at controlling seizures, and had fewer side effects for patients with epilepsy caused by these etiologies than the control group.
Interval prediction of short‐term photovoltaic power based on an improved GRU model
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liao Zhuoying , Shu Jie , Yue Jingpeng , Liu Zhenguo , Tao Ran
Published: July 2024

The accurate prediction of photovoltaic (PV) power is crucial for planning, constructing, and scheduling high‐penetration distributed PV power systems. Traditional point prediction methods suffer from instability and lack reliability, which can be effectively addressed through interval prediction. This study proposes a short‐term PV power interval prediction method based on the framework of sparrow search algorithm (SSA)‐variational mode decomposition (VMD)‐convolutional neural network (CNN)‐gate recurrent unit (GRU). First, PV data undergo similar day clustering based on permutation entropy and VMD is applied to solar radiation signals with high correlation. Then, the hyperparameters of GRU are optimized by SSA according to the comprehensive evaluation indicator of interval prediction proposed in this study. Subsequently, quantile prediction results are obtained based on CNN‐GRU using the optimal parameters from SSA optimization. Finally, the prediction interval is composed of multiple quantile prediction results. A MATLAB R2022b program is developed to compare different prediction methods. The results demonstrate that compared to single neural network methods, the proposed method effectively improves the coverage width‐based criterion. In the interval prediction of sunny and rainy similar days, the comprehensive evaluation indicators of the proposed method are only 54.3% and 37.4% of the single GRU, respectively, indicating significantly improved interval prediction accuracy.
Optimal planning of solar and wind energy systems in electricity price‐driven distribution systems considering correlated uncertain variables
Authors: Jagtap Kushal Manoharrao , Bhushan Ravi , Kuppusamy Ramya , Teekaraman Yuvaraja , Radhakrishnan Arun
Published: July 2024

The paper proposes a new stochastic multiobjective technoeconomic model for integrating photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy resources in electricity price (EP)‐driven distribution systems. The primary goal of this paper is to determine the optimal location and capacity for renewable energy‐based distributed generation, specifically PV and wind resources, while considering weather and system uncertainties. These uncertainties include stochastic variations in PV illumination intensity, wind speed, EP, and load fluctuations. To address these uncertainties, the paper employs scenario modeling techniques named as Latin hypercube sampling with Cholesky decomposition. This technique generates multiple correlated scenarios that represent uncertain variables. Subsequently, a scenario reduction technique is applied to identify the scenario with the highest probability. Later, a mathematical model is developed to minimize an objective function that encompasses various factors like system losses, node voltage deviations, the cost of purchasing power from the grid; and simultaneously maximize the total annual energy savings. The objective is to find optimal solutions that strike a balance between different objectives. To obtain an efficient optimum solution, this paper employs an effective meta‐heuristic technique named as JAYA algorithm. The results obtained by the JAYA algorithm are juxtaposed with those obtained using particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm techniques. The proposed method is evaluated using Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 33‐node and IEEE 69‐node test feeders to validate its feasibility and effectiveness. However, the effectiveness of the proposed method is not limited to any size of test systems.
A hybrid marching cubes based IsoAlpha method for interface reconstruction
Authors: Abhishek G.S. , Karagadde Shyamprasad
Published: July 2024

In modelling two‐phase flows, accurate representation of interfaces is crucial. A class of methods for interface reconstruction are based on isosurface extraction, which involves a non‐iterative, interpolation based approach. These approaches have been shown to be faster by an order of magnitude than the conventional PLIC schemes. In this work, we present a new isosurface extraction based interface reconstruction scheme based on the Marching Cubes algorithm (MC), which is commonly used in computer graphics for visualizing isosurfaces. The MC algorithm apriori lists and categorizes all possible interface configurations in a single grid cell into a Look Up Table (LUT), which makes this approach fast and robust. We also show that for certain interface configurations, the inverse problem of obtaining the isovalue from the cell volume fraction is not surjective, and a special treatment is required while handling these cases. We then demonstrate the capabilities of the method through benchmark cases for 2D and 3D static/dynamic interface reconstruction.
This year sees an opportunity for long‐needed oral health reforms. Cancer patients, in particular, stand to benefit
Authors: Clark Jonathan R. , Venchiarutti Rebecca L. , Dunn Masako , Manzie Tim , Russell Lesley M.
Published: July 2024

The long‐standing divide in Australia between medicine and dentistry has left many with inequitable access to dental care. People with oral cancer, in particular, may have few options for dental rehabilitation after cancer treatment, even with private health insurance. However, 2024 could finally see health care reforms that address these inequities, with significant momentum building in Australia. In this Perspective, we argue for a national approach to reforms that incorporate aspects of preventive health, primary health care, Medicare Benefits Schedule item review, and the value of Private Health Insurance rebates for dental care.
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 has major impact in prevention of suicidal covalent DNA–protein crosslink with apurinic/apyrimidinic site in cellular extracts
Authors: Lebedeva Natalia A. , Dyrkheeva Nadezhda S. , Rechkunova Nadejda I. , Lavrik Olga I.
Published: July 2024

DNA–protein crosslinks (DPC) are common DNA lesions induced by various external and endogenous agents. One of the sources of DPC is the apurinic/apyrimidinic site (AP site) and proteins interacting with it. Some proteins possessing AP lyase activity form covalent complexes with AP site‐containing DNA without borohydride reduction (suicidal crosslinks). We have shown earlier that tyrosyl‐DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) but not AP endonuclease 1 (APE1) is able to remove intact OGG1 from protein–DNA adducts, whereas APE1 is able to prevent the formation of DPC by hydrolyzing the AP site. Here we demonstrate that TDP1 can remove intact PARP2 but not XRCC1 from covalent enzyme–DNA adducts with AP‐DNA formed in the absence of APE1. We also analyzed an impact of APE1 and TDP1 on the efficiency of DPC formation in APE1−/− or TDP1−/− cell extracts. Our data revealed that APE1 depletion leads to increased levels of PARP1–DNA crosslinks, whereas TDP1 deficiency has little effect on DPC formation.
Advancing clinical interprofessional education to prepare student pharmacists for interprofessional collaborative practice
Authors: Fusco Nicholas M. , Woodruff Ashley E. , Moote Rebecca , Weber Zachary A. , Zorek Joseph A.
Published: July 2024

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a pivotal force shaping the future of health care delivery. While recent studies underscore positive student experiences resulting from IPE, a critical gap remains: the scarcity of data on patient outcomes within health systems that embrace this collaborative care approach. In this focused literature review, authors with expertise in the field of IPE and interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) aimed to provide pharmacists with practical suggestions on how they can advance interprofessional patient care while also optimizing the opportunities for student pharmacists to further develop IPCP competencies. Through a knowledgeable selection of current, high‐quality publications on the topic and expert opinion, we sought to identify characteristics of high‐quality IPE in practice environments. Pharmacists, in conjunction with Schools/Colleges of Pharmacy, should aspire to attain these characteristics to ensure that graduates of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree programs are entering the workforce primed to contribute to IPCP. The Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) has crafted competencies to harmonize curricula across health disciplines, with the promise of enhancing patient and population health outcomes. These competencies should serve as guiding principles for pharmacy educators as they develop and assess student pharmacists' collaborative practice skills. Pharmacists play a vital role in cultivating these skills within experiential environments. Leveraging existing pharmacy practice experiences presents an opportunity to achieve this aim effectively. As we look ahead, the future of health professional training must prioritize measuring the impact of IPE on patient outcomes. In this transformative landscape, IPE stands ready to mold the next generation of team‐based, patient‐centered care.
Evaluation of plant‐derived biomaterials for the development of tissue‐engineered corneal substitutes
Authors: Badawy Hadeel A. E. , Osman Ahmed , Ahmed Tamer A. E. , Hincke Maxwell T.
Published: July 2024

Corneal blindness affects over 10 million patients worldwide. Due to the limited supply of donor corneas and frequent graft failure, bioengineered alternatives are crucial. To overcome drawbacks associated with corneal substitutes from synthetic biomaterials, fabrication from plant‐derived biomaterials is a potential alternative. Herein, soy protein and glutenin in combination with different crosslinkers were evaluated for fabrication of corneal substitutes. Optical, mechanical, and biochemical properties of fabricated constructs and control rabbit corneas were evaluated in vitro. Soy protein crosslinked with peroxidase/H202 possessed transparency and mechanical properties comparable to controls, although their water content and biocompatibility were inferior. In contrast, soy protein crosslinked with tannic acid showed similar water content, tensile strength, and biocompatibility as rabbit corneas; however, these constructs displayed significantly lower transparency and higher strain to failure. Finally, glutenin cross‐linked using formaldehyde showed excellent transparency, strain to failure, and biocompatibility, however; they exhibited significantly lower water content and tensile strength than controls. This study is the first to establish CIELAB color values for the rabbit cornea, allowing quantitative optical evaluation of tissue‐engineered substitutes. Thus, a crosslinking strategy utilizing plant‐derived proteins for fabrication of constructs with properties comparable to rabbit corneas is a promising direction for development of tissue‐engineered corneal substitutes.
The effects of submicron‐textured surface topography on antibiotic efficacy against biofilms
Authors: Khursheed Asma , Xu Li‐Chong , Siedlecki Christopher A.
Published: July 2024

Submicron‐textured surfaces have been a promising approach to mitigate biofilm development and control microbial infection. However, the use of the single surface texturing approach is still far from ideal for achieving complete control of microbial infections on implanted biomedical devices. The use of a surface topographic modification that might improve the utility of standard antibiotic therapy could alleviate the complications of biofilms on devices. In this study, we characterized the biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on smooth and submicron‐textured polyurethane surfaces after 1, 2, 3, and 7 days, and measured the efficacy of common antibiotics against these biofilms. Results show that the submicron‐textured surfaces significantly reduced biofilm formation and growth, and that the efficacy of antibiotics against biofilms grown on textured surfaces was improved compared with smooth surfaces. The antibiotic efficacy appears to be related to the degree of biofilm development. At early time points in biofilm formation, antibiotic treatment reveals reasonably good antibiotic efficacy against biofilms on both smooth and textured surfaces, but as biofilms mature, the efficacy of antibiotics drops dramatically on smooth surfaces, with lesser decreases seen for the textured surfaces. The results demonstrate that surface texturing with submicron patterns is able to improve the use of standard antibiotic therapy to treat device‐centered biofilms by slowing the development of the biofilm, thereby offering less resistance to antibiotic delivery to the bacteria within the biofilm community.
Are healing abutments being reused in periodontics residency programs in the United States? A survey‐based study
Authors: Narvekar Aniruddh , Lakschevitz Flavia , Nares Salvador , Schmerman Michael
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Recent studies indicate that reusing healing abutments (HAs) may pose a risk of biomaterial cross contamination among patients. The intent is to investigate whether postgraduate periodontics residency programs in the United States are reusing dental implant HAs and determine if there is a standardization in the decontamination and sterilization protocol of used HAs.

Methods

An electronic survey consisting of—seven multiple choice and/or short answer questions pertaining to the re‐use of HAs among postdoctoral periodontics programs was sent to program directors of 57 accredited dental schools in the United States via an online survey system (Qualtrics). Three follow‐up remainder emails were sent to programs that did not respond after over a 6‐month period. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 57 postdoctoral periodontics program directors contacted, only 14 responded with three programs (3/14, 21%) reported reusing HAs. Approximately, 46% stated their residents place dental implants in two stages, while ∼54% stated they used a one‐stage protocol indicating varied time exposure of HA to the oral cavity. Even in a two‐stage protocol, the extended time HA remained in situ varied from 4 weeks to 6 months. Each program reusing HAs employed a distinct decontamination approach highlighting a notable lack of standardization in practices.

Conclusion

The findings from our study suggest that a minority of residency programs in the United States are reusing HAs. However, the limited number of responses leaves uncertainty regarding whether our findings underestimate the prevalence of this practice and accurately reflect the reality. Among those re‐using HAs, there seems to be a lack of standardization in their decontamination, potentially leading to cross‐contamination of residual biomaterial among patients.
Scapular morphology does not predict supraspinatus tendon tear propagation following an individualised exercise therapy programme
Authors: Nazzal Ehab M. , Mattar Luke T. , Winkler Philipp W. , Popchak Adam J. , Irrgang James J. , Lin Albert , Musahl Volker , Debski Richard E.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To determine whether scapular morphology could predict isolated supraspinatus tendon tear propagation after exercise therapy. We hypothesised that a larger critical shoulder angle (CSA) and type III acromial morphology predict a positive change in tear size.

Methods

Fifty‐nine individuals aged 40–70 years with isolated symptomatic high‐grade partial or full‐thickness supraspinatus tendon tears were included. Individuals participated in a structured, individualised 12‐week exercise therapy programme and underwent ultrasound to measure tear size at baseline and 12 months following therapy. Computed tomography images were segmented to create three‐dimensional subject‐specific bone models and reviewed by three trained clinicians to measure CSA and to determine acromion morphology based on the Bigliani classification. A binary logistic regression was performed to determine the predictive value of CSA and acromion morphology on tear propagation.

Results

The CSA was 30.0 ± 5.4°. Thirty‐one individuals (52.5%) had type II acromial morphology, followed by type III and type I morphologies (25.4% and 22.0%, respectively); 81.4% experienced no change in tear size, four (6.8%) individuals experienced tear propagation and seven (11.9%) individuals had a negative change in tear size. No significant difference in tear propagation rates based on CSA or acromion morphology (not significant [NS]) was observed. The model predicted tear size status in 81.4% of cases but only predicted tear propagation 8.3% of the time. Overall, CSA and acromion morphology only predicted 24.3% (R2 = 0.243) of variance in tear propagation (NS).

Conclusions

CSA and acromion morphology were NS predictors of tear propagation of the supraspinatus tendon 12 months following an individualised exercise therapy programme.

Level of Evidence

II.
Investigating genetic counselors' communication with Lynch syndrome patients about cascade testing: Barriers, facilitators, and strategies
Authors: Zhong Lingzi , Rodriguez Yanete , Espinel Whitney , Ozanne Elissa M. , Kaphingst Kimberly A.
Published: July 2024

Cascade testing is an imperative process to engage Lynch syndrome patients' at‐risk relatives in early cancer risk reduction interventions. How genetic counselors communicate about cascade testing is crucial to patients' intentions of and actual involvement in family communication. Based on data from 20 interviews with genetic counselors, this qualitative study examined their perceptions of barriers and facilitators of offering cascade testing to at‐risk relatives and the specific communication strategies they use to discuss cascade testing with patients. We identified patient‐level, genetic counselor‐level, and system‐level barriers and facilitators of having discussions with Lynch syndrome patients about cascade testing. The qualitative data also revealed four prominent communication strategies that genetic counselors use for such discussions: build rapport, reframe the benefits of family communication, adapt communication, and provide various resources. These findings highlight genetic counselors' needs of practical and structural support to facilitate their communication about cascade testing, especially when patients are hesitant or lack resources or skills to notify at‐risk relatives about cascade testing.
Single‐cell analysis of Crohn's disease: Unveiling heterogeneity and evaluating ustekinumab outcomes
Authors: Li Zheng‐Yang , Sun Yong‐Hong , Qian‐Hua  , Wang Hai‐Yan , Wang Ya‐Jie , Miao‐Jiang
Published: July 2024

Background

The present study aimed to dissect the cellular complexity of Crohn's disease (CD) using single‐cell RNA sequencing, focusing on identifying key cell populations and their transcriptional profiles in inflamed tissue.

Methods

We applied scRNA‐sequencing to compare the cellular composition of CD patients with healthy controls, utilizing Seurat for clustering and annotation. Differential gene expression analysis and protein–protein interaction networks were constructed to identify crucial genes and pathways.

Results

Our study identified eight distinct cell types in CD, highlighting crucial fibroblast and T cell interactions. The analysis revealed key cellular communications and identified significant genes and pathways involved in the disease's pathology. The role of fibroblasts was underscored by elevated expression in diseased samples, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets, including responses to ustekinumab treatment, thus enriching our understanding of CD at a molecular level.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the complex cellular and molecular interplay in CD, suggesting new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering insights into disease mechanisms and treatment implications.
Sodium MRI of the Lumbar Intervertebral Discs of the Human Spine: An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Kamp Benedikt , Radke Karl Ludger , Knet Marek , Strunk Rosanna , Gallinnis Patrik J. , Nagel Armin M. , Filler Timm J. , Antoch Gerald , Abrar Daniel B. , Frenken Miriam , Wittsack Hans‐Jörg , Müller‐Lutz Anja
Published: July 2024

Background

Lower back pain affects 75%–85% of people at some point in their lives. The detection of biochemical changes with sodium (23Na) MRI has potential to enable an earlier and more accurate diagnosis.

Purpose

To measure 23Na relaxation times and apparent tissue sodium concentration (aTSC) in ex‐vivo intervertebral discs (IVDs), and to investigate the relationship between aTSC and histological Thompson grade.

Study Type

Ex‐vivo.

Specimen

Thirty IVDs from the lumbar spines of 11 human body donors (4 female, 7 male, mean age 86 ± 8 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T; density‐adapted 3D radial sequence (DA‐3D‐RAD).

Assessment

IVD 23Na longitudinal (T1), short and long transverse (T2s* and T2l*) relaxation times and the proportion of the short transverse relaxation (ps) were calculated for one IVD per spine sample (11 IVDs). Furthermore, aTSCs were calculated for all IVDs. The degradation of the IVDs was assessed via histological Thompson grading.

Statistical Tests

A Kendall Tau correlation (τ) test was performed between the aTSCs and the Thompson grades. The significance level was set to P < 0.05.

Results

Mean 23Na relaxation parameters of a subset of 11 IVDs were T1 = 9.8 ± 1.3 msec, T2s* = 0.7 ± 0.1 msec, T2l* = 7.3 ± 1.1 msec, and ps = 32.7 ± 4.0%. A total of 30 IVDs were examined, of which 3 had Thompson grade 1, 4 had grade 2, 5 had grade 3, 5 had grade 4, and 13 had grade 5. The aTSC decreased with increasing degradation, being 274.6 ± 18.9 mM for Thompson grade 1 and 190.5 ± 29.5 mM for Thompson grade 5. The correlation between whole IVD aTSC and Thompson grade was significant and strongly negative (τ = −0.56).

Data Conclusion

This study showed a significant correlation between aTSC and degenerative IVD changes. Consequently, aTSC has potential to be useful as an indicator of degenerative spinal changes.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Gingipain and oncostatin M synergistically disrupt kidney tight junctions in periodontitis‐associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Wei Wei , Sun Jing , Ji Zhaoxin , Hu Jiangqi , Jiang Qingsong
Published: July 2024

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by rapid renal decline. Periodontitis, a chronic oral inflammatory disease, is increasingly associated with renal dysfunction. Although periodontitis is recognized as a contributor to kidney damage, the mechanisms linking it to AKI remain unclear.

Methods

This study explored the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) W83‐infected periodontitis on AKI in C57BL/6J mice, using ischemia‐reperfusion injury 55 days post‐infection. Gingipain inhibitors, KYT‐1 and KYT‐36, were applied. Detection of P. gingivalis was performed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and PCR, while transcriptome sequencing, qRT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining assessed renal damage. In vitro, HK‐2 cells were exposed to P. gingivalis at a multiplicity of infection of 10 for 48 h, with inhibition by gingipain or oncostatin M (OSM). Disruption of tight junctions (TJs) was quantified using qRT‐PCR, transepithelial electrical resistance, and cell counting kit‐8 assays.

Results

Periodontitis worsened AKI, linked to P. gingivalis infection and renal TJ disruption in the kidney. P. gingivalis infection activated OSM expression, which correlated positively with gingipain. Significantly, OSM and gingipain might collaboratively contribute to the damage of renal TJs, with the reduced expression of TJ proteins. Suppressing gingipain activity presented itself as a protective strategy against the destruction of TJs and the attendant worsening of AKI due to periodontitis.

Conclusions

Our study enhances the understanding of the interplay between periodontitis and AKI, highlighting the harmful impact of P. gingivalis in AKI.
Environment found to explain the largest variance in physical and compositional traits in malting barley grain
Authors: Ramanan Maany , Gielens Daan R. S. , de Schepper Charlotte F. , Courtin Christophe M. , Diepenbrock Christine , Fox Glen Patrick
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Starch is the most abundant constituent (dry weight) in the barley endosperm, followed by protein. Variability of compositional and potentially related physical traits due to genotype and environment can have important implications for the malting and brewing industry. This was the first study to assess the effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction (G × E) on endosperm texture, protein content, and starch traits corresponding to granule size, gelatinization, content, and composition, using a multi‐environment variety trial in California, USA.

RESULTS

Overall, environment explained the largest variance for all traits (ranging from 23.2% to 76.5%), except the endosperm texture traits wherein the G × E term explained the largest variance (45.0–86.5%). Our unique method to quantify the proportion of fine and coarse milled barley particles using laser diffraction showed a binomial distribution of endosperm texture. The number of small starch granules varied significantly (P‐value < 0.05) across genotypes and environments. We observed negative correlations between total protein content and each of enthalpy (−0.70), total starch content (−0.54), and difference between offset and onset gelatinization temperature (−0.52). Furthermore, amylose to amylopectin ratio was positively correlated to volume of small starch granules (0.36).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that environment played a larger role in influencing the majority of starch‐related physical and compositional traits. In contrast, variance in endosperm texture was largely explained by G × E. Maltsters would benefit from accounting for environmental contributions in addition to solely genotype when making sourcing decisions, especially with regards to total protein, total starch, enthalpy, and difference between offset and onset gelatinization temperature. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria rather than ammonia‐oxidizing archaea dominates soil nitrification during vegetation restoration in karst areas
Authors: Sun Mingming , Xiao Dan , Zhang Wei , Wang Kelin
Published: July 2024

Soil nitrification, driven by ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB), is a crucial process in maintaining the soil nitrogen (N) balance. However, the influence of AOA and AOB on soil gross nitrification rates (GNR) in response to vegetation restoration remains unclear, particularly in karst regions. In this study, we investigated soil GNR and the abundance, diversity, and community composition of AOA and AOB across after vegetation restoration. Four land use types were examined: plantation forest (PF), forage grass (FG), a combination of plantation forest and forage grass (FG), and cropland (CR, control). Soil ammonium N () was higher in the vegetation restoration compared to that in cropland, whereas nitrate N () exhibited the opposite trend. Soil GNR were reduced by 55.4%–90.3% in the vegetation restorations compared to that in cropland. The abundance, Chao1, and Shannon index of AOB were lower in vegetation restorations compared to cropland, respectively. The abundance and diversity of AOA were higher than those of AOB but were unaffected by vegetative restoration. Furthermore, AOB community is more sensitive to vegetation restoration than AOA community. Specifically, the abundance of AOB taxa belonging to the genera Nitrosospira and Nitrosovibrio was decreased by the restoration efforts. In addition, soil nutrients availability (e.g., , , and phosphorus) and AOB index (e.g., Shannon index) were the main factors driving soil GNR. This study highlights the importance of AOB in driving soil nitrification during vegetation restoration and emphasizes the necessity to optimize soil nitrogen management in karst ecosystems.