bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing breadth and durability of humoral immune responses in non-human primates with an adjuvanted group 1 influenza hemagglutinin stem antigen
Authors: Swart Maarten , Kuipers Harmjan , Milder Fin , Jongeneelen Mandy , Ritschel Tina , Tolboom Jeroen , Muchene Leacky , van der Lubbe Joan , Izquierdo Gil Ana , Veldman Daniel , Huizingh Jeroen , Verspuij Johan , Schmit-Tillemans Sonja , Blokland Sven , de Man Martijn , Roozendaal Ramon , Fox Christopher B. , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Capelle Martinus , Langedijk Johannes P. M. , Zahn Roland , Brandenburg Boerries
Published: November 2023

Seasonal influenza vaccines must be updated annually and suboptimally protect against strains mismatched to the selected vaccine strains. We previously developed a subunit vaccine antigen consisting of a stabilized trimeric influenza A group 1 hemagglutinin (H1) stem protein that elicits broadly neutralizing antibodies. Here, we further optimized the stability and manufacturability of the H1 stem antigen (H1 stem v2, also known as INFLUENZA G1 mHA) and characterized its formulation and potency with different adjuvants in vitro and in animal models. The recombinant H1 stem antigen (50 µg) was administered to influenza-naïve non-human primates either with aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3] + NaCl, AS01B, or SLA-LSQ formulations at week 0, 8 and 34. These SLA-LSQ formulations comprised of varying ratios of the synthetic TLR4 agonist ‘second generation synthetic lipid adjuvant’ (SLA) with liposomal QS-21 (LSQ). A vaccine formulation with aluminum hydroxide or SLA-LSQ (starting at a 10:25 µg ratio) induced HA-specific antibodies and breadth of neutralization against a panel of influenza A group 1 pseudoviruses, comparable with vaccine formulated with AS01B, four weeks after the second immunization. A formulation with SLA-LSQ in a 5:2 μg ratio contained larger fused or aggregated liposomes and induced significantly lower humoral responses. Broadly HA stem-binding antibodies were detectable for the entire period after the second vaccine dose up to week 34, after which they were boosted by a third vaccine dose. These findings inform about potential adjuvant formulations in clinical trials with an H1 stem-based vaccine candidate.
3D surgical instrument collection for computer vision and extended reality
Authors: Luijten Gijs , Gsaxner Christina , Li Jianning , Pepe Antonio , Ambigapathy Narmada , Kim Moon , Chen Xiaojun , Kleesiek Jens , Hölzle Frank , Puladi Behrus , Egger Jan
Published: November 2023

The availability of computational hardware and developments in (medical) machine learning (MML) increases medical mixed realities’ (MMR) clinical usability. Medical instruments have played a vital role in surgery for ages. To further accelerate the implementation of MML and MMR, three-dimensional (3D) datasets of instruments should be publicly available. The proposed data collection consists of 103, 3D-scanned medical instruments from the clinical routine, scanned with structured light scanners. The collection consists, for example, of instruments, like retractors, forceps, and clamps. The collection can be augmented by generating likewise models using 3D software, resulting in an inflated dataset for analysis. The collection can be used for general instrument detection and tracking in operating room settings, or a freeform marker-less instrument registration for tool tracking in augmented reality. Furthermore, for medical simulation or training scenarios in virtual reality and medical diminishing reality in mixed reality. We hope to ease research in the field of MMR and MML, but also to motivate the release of a wider variety of needed surgical instrument datasets.
Integrated flood risk assessment of properties and associated population at county scale for Nebraska, USA
Authors: Srivastava Shivendra , Roy Tirthankar
Published: November 2023

Risk assessment of properties and associated population was conducted for the state of Nebraska, leveraging only open-source datasets. The flood risk framework consisted of interactions among drivers, i.e. hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and response, to assess the risks related to properties and associated populations. To quantify hazard on a county scale, we considered properties at risk of flooding based on a flood score (a higher score represents a greater chance of flooding). Exposure was quantified by considering population density at the county level. We quantified vulnerability under four categories: social, ecological, economic, and health. Response, a relatively newer component in flood risk assessment, was also quantified under three distinct categories: structural, non-structural, and emergency. Overall, we found that counties in eastern Nebraska (Sarpy, Dakota, Wayne, and Adams) have a higher risk of flooding consequences due to more exposure to vulnerable assets such as population and property. The assessment also observed that counties in eastern Nebraska are in the process of improving their flood control measures with dams, levees, and higher insurance coverage that can subdue the risks associated with flooding. The results from this study are anticipated to guide water managers and policymakers in making more effective and locally relevant policies and measures to mitigate flood risks and consequences.
Polaritonic and excitonic semiclassical time crystals based on TMDC strips in an external periodic potential
Authors: Martins Gabriel P. , Berman Oleg L. , Gumbs Godfrey
Published: November 2023

We investigated the dynamics of Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) under an external periodic potential. We consider two such systems, the first being made of exciton–polaritons in a nanoribbon of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), such as MoSe$$_2$$

2

, embedded in a microcavity with a spatial curvature, which serves as the source of the external periodic potential. The second, made of bare excitons in a nanoribbon of twisted TMDC bilayer, which naturally creates a periodic Moiré potential that can be controlled by the twist angle. We proved that such systems behave as semiclassical time crystals (TCs). This was demonstrated by the fact that the calculated BEC spatial density profile shows a non-trivial long-range two-point correlator that oscillates in time. These BECs density profiles were calculated by solving the quantum Lindblad master equations for the density matrix within the mean-field approximation. We then go beyond the usual mean-field approach by adding a stochastic term to the master equation which corresponds to quantum corrections. We show that the TC phase is still present.
Reconfiguration and loss of peritubular capillaries in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Gaupp Charlotte , Schmid Benjamin , Tripal Philipp , Edwards Aurélie , Daniel Christoph , Zimmermann Stefan , Goppelt-Struebe Margarete , Willam Carsten , Rosen Seymour , Schley Gunnar
Published: November 2023

Functional and structural alterations of peritubular capillaries (PTCs) are a major determinant of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Using a software-based algorithm for semiautomatic segmentation and morphometric quantification, this study analyzes alterations of PTC shape associated with chronic tubulointerstitial injury in three mouse models and in human biopsies. In normal kidney tissue PTC shape was predominantly elongated, whereas the majority of PTCs associated with chronic tubulointerstitial injury had a rounder shape. This was reflected by significantly reduced PTC luminal area, perimeter and diameters as well as by significantly increased circularity and roundness. These morphological alterations were consistent in all mouse models and human kidney biopsies. The mean circularity of PTCs correlated significantly with categorized glomerular filtration rates and the degree of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) and classified the presence of CKD or IFTA. 3D reconstruction of renal capillaries revealed not only a significant reduction, but more importantly a substantial simplification and reconfiguration of the renal microvasculature in mice with chronic tubulointerstitial injury. Computational modelling predicted that round PTCs can deliver oxygen more homogeneously to the surrounding tissue. Our findings indicate that alterations of PTC shape represent a common and uniform reaction to chronic tubulointerstitial injury independent of the underlying kidney disease.
m6A regulator-mediated methylation modification patterns and tumor microenvironment immune infiltration with prognostic analysis in esophageal cancer
Authors: Sheng Gaohong , Wang Tianqi , Gao Yuan , Wu Hua , Wu Jianhong
Published: November 2023

Esophageal cancer is a highly malignant disease with poor prognosis. Despite recent advances in the study of esophageal cancer, there has been only limited improvement in the treatment and prognosis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a type of RNA modification, has been extensively investigated and is involved in many biological behaviors, including tumorigenesis and progression. Thus, more research on m6A modification may increase our understanding of esophageal cancer pathogenesis and provide potential targets. In our study, we integrated the public data of esophageal cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene-Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Unsupervised clustering analysis was used to classify patients into different groups. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) was performed in a nonparametric and unsupervised mode. We evaluated immune cell infiltration by single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among m6A clusters were identified using Empirical Bayesian approach. Both multivariate and univariate Cox regression models were used for prognostic analysis. We provided an overview of gene variation and expression of 23 m6A regulators in esophageal cancer, as well as their effects on survival. Based on the overall expression level of m6A regulators, patients were classified into three m6A clusters (A-C) with different immune cell infiltration abundance, gene expression signatures and prognosis. Among m6A clusters, we identified 206 DEGs, according to which patients were classified into 4 gene clusters (A-D). Quantitative m6A score was calculated for each patient based on those DEGs with significant impact on survival. The infiltration of all types of immune cells except type 2 T helper (Th2) cells were negatively correlated with m6A score. M6Acluster C exhibited the lowest m6A score, the most abundant immune cell infiltration, and the worst prognosis, suggesting an immune excluded phenotype. Consistently, gene cluster D with the lowest m6A score showed the worst prognosis. In short, patients with esophageal cancer showed different m6A modification patterns. Quantitative scoring indicated that patients with the lowest m6A score exhibited the most abundant immune cell infiltration and the poorest prognosis. This m6A scoring system is promising to assess m6A modification pattern, characterize immune infiltration and guide personalized treatment and prognostic prediction.
High diet quality indices associated with lower risk of lipid profile abnormalities in Taiwanese kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Lin I-Hsin , Van Duong Tuyen , Nien Shih-Wei , Tseng I-Hsin , Wu Yi-Ming , Chiang Yang-Jen , Wang Hsu-Han , Chiang Chia-Yu , Wang Ming-Hsu , Chiu Chia-hui , Lin Ying-Tsen , Wong Te-Chih
Published: November 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors seem to be linked with deteriorated graft function and persists as the major cause of mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Diet quality is associated with CVD prevention in the healthy population, however, less study focuses on KTRs. The study aimed to determine the association between diet quality indices and lipid profile abnormalities as risk factors for CVD in KTRs. This prospective study enrolled 106 KTRs who had functioning allografts from September 2016. Lipid profiles included low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) and were based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III recommendations. Three-day dietary data were collected by a well-trained registered dietitian. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index-Taiwan (AHEI-Taiwan), Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores were calculated and divided into quartiles and compared accordingly. KTRs’ mean LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, and TG levels were 119.8 ± 36.6 mg/dL, 52.0 ± 17.9 mg/dL, 205.8 ± 43.9 mg/dL, and 160.2 ± 121.6 mg/dL, respectively. Compared with the lowest quartile, only the highest quartile of AHEI-Taiwan had lower TC and LDL-C levels. After adjustment for age, gender, energy, Charlson comorbidity index, transplant duration, and dialysis duration, logistic regression analysis revealed that the highest quartile of AHEI-Taiwan had 82% (odds ratio [OR], 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04–0.72, p < 0.05) lower odds of high TC and 88% (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.03–0.58, p < 0.05) lower odds of high LDL-C, and the highest quartile of HEI-2015 had 77% (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.05–0.95, p < 0.05) lower odds of high LDL-C. Higher adherence to a healthy diet as per AHEI-Taiwan and HEI-2015 guidelines associated with lower risk of lipid profile abnormalities in KTRs.
Axillary mechanical circulatory support improves renal function prior to heart transplantation in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Jang Ji-Min , Jarmi Tambi , Sareyyupoglu Basar , Nativi Jose , Patel Parag C. , Leoni Juan C. , Landolfo Kevin , Pham Si , Yip Daniel S. , Goswami Rohan M.
Published: November 2023

Impaired kidney function is often associated with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure and portends a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, current data have demonstrated worse survival in patients with acute kidney injury than in patients with chronic kidney disease during durable LVAD placement as bridge therapy. Furthermore, end-stage heart failure patients undergoing combined heart-kidney transplantation have poorer short- and long-term survival than heart transplants alone. We evaluated the kidney function recovery in our heart failure population awaiting heart transplantation at our institution, supported by temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support (tMCS) with Impella 5.5. The protocol (#22004000) was approved by the Mayo Clinic institutional review board, after which we performed a retrospective review of all patients with acute on chronic heart failure and kidney disease in patients considered for only heart and kidney combined organ transplant and supported by tMCS between January 2020 and February 2021. Hemodynamic and kidney function trends were recorded and analyzed before and after tMCS placement and transplantation. After placement of tMCS, we observed a trend towards improvement in creatinine, Fick cardiac index, mixed venous saturation, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which persisted through transplantation and discharge. The average duration of support with tMCS was 16.5 days before organ transplantation. The median pre-tMCS creatinine was 2.1 mg/dL (IQR 1.75–2.3). Median hematocrit at the time of tMCS placement was 32% (IQR 32–34), and the median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 34 mL/min/BSA (34–40). The median GFR improved to 44 mL/min/BSA (IQR 45–51), and serum creatinine improved to 1.5 mg/dL (1.5–1.8) after tMCS. Median discharge creatinine was 1.1 mg/dL (1.19–1.25) with a GFR of 72 (65–74). None of these six patients supported with tMCS required renal replacement therapy after heart transplantation. Early adoption of Impella 5.5 in this patient population resulted in renal recovery without needing renal replacement therapies or dual organ transplantation and should be further evaluated.
Aircraft trajectory prediction and aviation safety in ADS-B failure conditions based on neural network
Authors: Yang Zhanji , Kang Xiaolei , Gong Yuanhao , Wang Jiansheng
Published: November 2023

With the rapid expansion of transportation demand, the number of global flights has rapidly increased, which also poses challenges to air traffic management (ATM). Considering that the radar system in ATM can no longer meet the requirements of flight safety, a very promising next-generation air traffic control technology—Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) technology has been introduced. However, in the event of on-board equipment failure and local area signal interference, the ADS-B’s signal will disappear or be interrupted. This sudden situation can pose a danger to aviation safety. To solve this problem, this article proposes a bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) network prediction method combining historical ADS-B data to short-term predict the trajectory of aircraft, which can improve aviation safety in busy airspace. Firstly, the problem of frequent dynamic modeling of different types of aircraft was solved by utilizing historical ADS-B data as the data source. Secondly, the data cleansing method is proposed for ADS-B raw data. Furthermore, considering that the spatial trajectory of the aircraft is a complex time series with continuity and interactivity, a bidirectional LSTM based aircraft trajectory prediction framework is proposed to further improve prediction accuracy. Finally, a trajectory with frequent changes was selected for prediction, and compared with 7 prediction methods. The results showed that the proposed method had high prediction accuracy, thus also improving the aviation safety of the aircraft.
Single-shot dynamics of dual-comb generation in a polarization-multiplexing fiber laser
Authors: Rodriguez Cuevas Alberto , Kudelin Igor , Kbashi Hani , Sergeyev Sergey
Published: November 2023

Dual optical frequency combs have been a recurrent case of study over the last decade due to their wide use in a variety of metrology applications. Utilizing a single cavity laser to generate a dual comb reduces system complexity and facilitates suppression of common noise. However, a dual-comb regime in single cavity lasers tends to be more unstable and difficult to achieve. Therefore, having a better understanding about the way they are generated could improve and automate their generation and control. In this paper, we investigate the build-up dynamics and collision of dual comb in a polarization-multiplexing ring-cavity fiber laser using DFT (Dispersive Fourier Transform) method. We observe a bunch of meta-stable short-lived mode-locking states before the laser entered the dual-comb mode-locking state. The energy level of this short-lived initial pulses determines its evolution. If it decreases too much, the pulse will eventually collapse while if it stays above certain level, it will be successfully generated. The results presented in this paper increase the understanding of dual-comb generation inside a single cavity laser and may contribute in future attempts to increase the stabilization of this regime.
MXene/AgNW composite material for selective and efficient removal of radioactive cesium and iodine from water
Authors: Mushtaq Sajid , Husnain Syed M. , Kazmi Syed Asad Raza , Abbas Yawar , Jeon Jongho , Kim Jung Young , Shahzad Faisal
Published: November 2023

Toxic fission products, such as cesium (137Cs) and iodine (129I) are of great concern because of their long half-lives and high solubility in water. The simultaneous removal of Cs and I using a single adsorbent is an area of increasing interest. In this study, MXene/silver nanowire (AgNW) composite was synthesized through physical mixing and employed for simultaneous removal of iodide (I−) and cesium (Cs+) ions from contaminated water. The MXene/AgNW composite demonstrated excellent adsorption capacities of 84.70 and 26.22 mg/g for I− and Cs+, respectively. The experimental data supported the hypothesis of multilayer adsorption of Cs+ owing to the inter-lamellar structures and the presence of heterogeneous adsorption sites in MXene. The interaction between I− and the AgNW involved chemisorption followed by monolayer adsorption. MXene/AgNW composite material exhibited promising results in the presence of competitive ions under extreme pH conditions. Thus, synthesized composite materials holds promising potential as an adsorbent for the remediation of radioactive liquid waste.
Imaging overpressurised fracture networks and geological barriers hindering fluid migrations across a slow-deformation seismic gap
Authors: Napolitano Ferdinando , Gabrielli Simona , De Siena Luca , Amoroso Ortensia , Capuano Paolo
Published: November 2023

There is an ongoing debate on the processes producing background seismicity and deformation transients across seismic gaps, i.e., regions that lack historical large-magnitude earthquakes. Essential missing elements are geophysical images that resolve sources of geophysical unrest. Here, we apply seismic scattering and absorption tomography to data recorded during the 2010–2014 seismic sequence within the Mt. Pollino seismic gap region (Southern Italy). The tomographic models show high sensitivity to fluid content, deformed fractured structures, and impermeable layers stopping fluid migrations. They bridge the gaps between geological and geophysical models and provide a highly-resolved image of the source of seismic and deformation unrest within this seismic gap. High absorption topping the western Pollino seismic volume appears pressurized between the low-Vp/Vs and low-scattering San Donato metamorphic core and a deep basement. Absorbing fluids can only migrate laterally to the east, blocked in the west and southwest by deep low-scattering barriers associated with east-dipping faults and to the north and southeast by saturated overpressurized low-scattering basins. This eastern migration is only partially effective, producing seismicity across the lowest boundary of the high-absorption volume. Our results showcase the potential of seismic scattering and absorption when imaging structures causing geophysical unrest processes across fault networks.
Identification and characterization of Glycolate oxidase gene family in garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. ‘Salinas’) and its response under various biotic, abiotic, and developmental stresses
Authors: Mariyam  , Shafiq Muhammad , Sadiq Saleha , Ali Qurban , Haider Muhammad Saleem , Habib Umer , Ali Daoud , Shahid Muhammad Adnan
Published: November 2023

Glycolate oxidase (GLO) is an FMN-containing enzyme localized in peroxisomes and performs in various molecular and biochemical mechanisms. It is a key player in plant glycolate and glyoxylate accumulation pathways. The role of GLO in disease and stress resistance is well-documented in various plant species. Although studies have been conducted regarding the role of GLO genes from spinach on a microbial level, the direct response of GLO genes to various stresses in short-season and leafy plants like lettuce has not been published yet. The genome of Lactuca sativa cultivar ‘Salinas’ (v8) was used to identify GLO gene members in lettuce by performing various computational analysis. Dual synteny, protein–protein interactions, and targeted miRNA analyses were conducted to understand the function of GLO genes. The identified GLO genes showed further clustering into two groups i.e., glycolate oxidase (GOX) and hydroxyacid oxidase (HAOX). Genes were observed to be distributed unevenly on three chromosomes, and syntenic analysis revealed that segmental duplication was prevalent. Thus, it might be the main reason for GLO gene diversity in lettuce. Almost all LsGLO genes showed syntenic blocks in respective plant genomes under study. Protein–protein interactions of LsGLO genes revealed various functional enrichments, mainly photorespiration, and lactate oxidation, and among biological processes oxidative photosynthetic carbon pathway was highly significant. Results of in-depth analyses disclosed the interaction of GLO genes with other members of the glycolate pathway and the activity of GLO genes in various organs and developmental stages in lettuce. The extensive genome evaluation of GLO gene family in garden lettuce is believed to be a reference for cloning and studying functional analyses of GLO genes and characterizing other members of glycolate/glyoxylate biosynthesis pathway in various plant species.
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with the frequency of delayed neurologic sequelae in patients with carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Xu Dawei , Mei Tianshu , He Fei
Published: November 2023

Delayed neurologic sequelae (DNS) is a common complication in patients with carbon monoxide poisoning (COP). We aimed to investigate the association of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with the frequency of DNS in COP patients. A total of 371 COP patients were investigated in retrospective and prospective studies. A receiver operator curve (ROC) test was performed to evaluate the ability of the NLR to predict DNS in COP patients. The retrospective study included 288 COP patients, of whom 84 (29.2%) were confirmed to have DNS, and 1 (0.3%) died within 28 days. The NLR in the DNS group was significantly higher than that in the non-DNS group (6.84 [4.22–12.43] vs. 3.23 [1.91–5.60] × 109/L). NLR was a significant predictor of the frequency of DNS [odds ratio (OR): 1.130, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.030, 1.240] in COP patients. The area under the ROC curve of NLR for predicting DNS was 0.766 (95% CI 0.701, 0.832), and the cut-off value was 3.745 (sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 58.8%). The prospective study included 83 COP patients, of whom 19 (22.9%) were confirmed to have DNS, and all patients survived. Moreover, the frequency of DNS in the patients with an NLR ≥ 3.745 was notably higher than that in the patients with an NLR < 3.745 [41.4% (12/29) vs. 13.0 (7/54)]. In conclusion, the NLR was a significant, independent predictor of the frequency of DNS in COP patients.
Cardiomyocyte-specific disruption of the circadian BMAL1–REV-ERBα/β regulatory network impacts distinct miRNA species in the murine heart
Authors: Latimer Mary N. , Williams Lamario J. , Shanmugan Gobinath , Carpenter Bryce J. , Lazar Mitchell A. , Dierickx Pieterjan , Young Martin E.
Published: November 2023

Circadian disruption increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, through poorly understood mechanisms. Given that small RNA species are critical modulators of cardiac physiology/pathology, we sought to determine the extent to which cardiomyocyte circadian clock (CCC) disruption impacts cardiac small RNA species. Accordingly, we collected hearts from cardiomyocyte-specific Bmal1 knockout (CBK; a model of CCC disruption) and littermate control (CON) mice at multiple times of the day, followed by small RNA-seq. The data reveal 47 differentially expressed miRNAs species in CBK hearts. Subsequent bioinformatic analyses predict that differentially expressed miRNA species in CBK hearts influence processes such as circadian rhythmicity, cellular signaling, and metabolism. Of the induced miRNAs in CBK hearts, 7 are predicted to be targeted by the transcriptional repressors REV-ERBα/β (integral circadian clock components that are directly regulated by BMAL1). Similar to CBK hearts, cardiomyocyte-specific Rev-erbα/β double knockout (CM-RevDKO) mouse hearts exhibit increased let-7c-1-3p, miR-23b-5p, miR-139-3p, miR-5123, and miR-7068-3p levels. Importantly, 19 putative targets of these 5 miRNAs are commonly repressed in CBK and CM-RevDKO heart (of which 16 are targeted by let-7c-1-3p). These observations suggest that disruption of the circadian BMAL1–REV-ERBα/β regulatory network in the heart induces distinct miRNAs, whose mRNA targets impact critical cellular functions.
Skeletal muscle cells opto-stimulation by intramembrane molecular transducers
Authors: Venturino Ilaria , Vurro Vito , Bonfadini Silvio , Moschetta Matteo , Perotto Sara , Sesti Valentina , Criante Luigino , Bertarelli Chiara , Lanzani Guglielmo
Published: November 2023

Optical stimulation and control of muscle cell contraction opens up a number of interesting applications in hybrid robotic and medicine. Here we show that recently designed molecular phototransducer can be used to stimulate C2C12 skeletal muscle cells, properly grown to exhibit collective behaviour. C2C12 is a skeletal muscle cell line that does not require animal sacrifice Furthermore, it is an ideal cell model for evaluating the phototransducer pacing ability due to its negligible spontaneous activity. We study the stimulation process and analyse the distribution of responses in multinuclear cells, in particular looking at the consistency between stimulus and contraction. Contractions are detected by using an imaging software for object recognition. We find a deterministic response to light stimuli, yet with a certain distribution of erratic behaviour that is quantified and correlated to light intensity or stimulation frequency. Finally, we compare our optical stimulation with electrical stimulation showing advantages of the optical approach, like the reduced cell stress.
Taming the perils of photosynthesis by eukaryotes: constraints on endosymbiotic evolution in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Miyagishima Shin-ya
Published: November 2023

An ancestral eukaryote acquired photosynthesis by genetically integrating a cyanobacterial endosymbiont as the chloroplast. The chloroplast was then further integrated into many other eukaryotic lineages through secondary endosymbiotic events of unicellular eukaryotic algae. While photosynthesis enables autotrophy, it also generates reactive oxygen species that can cause oxidative stress. To mitigate the stress, photosynthetic eukaryotes employ various mechanisms, including regulating chloroplast light absorption and repairing or removing damaged chloroplasts by sensing light and photosynthetic status. Recent studies have shown that, besides algae and plants with innate chloroplasts, several lineages of numerous unicellular eukaryotes engage in acquired phototrophy by hosting algal endosymbionts or by transiently utilizing chloroplasts sequestrated from algal prey in aquatic ecosystems. In addition, it has become evident that unicellular organisms engaged in acquired phototrophy, as well as those that feed on algae, have also developed mechanisms to cope with photosynthetic oxidative stress. These mechanisms are limited but similar to those employed by algae and plants. Thus, there appear to be constraints on the evolution of those mechanisms, which likely began by incorporating photosynthetic cells before the establishment of chloroplasts by extending preexisting mechanisms to cope with oxidative stress originating from mitochondrial respiration and acquiring new mechanisms.
Toward conformational identification of molecules in 2D and 3D self-assemblies on surfaces
Authors: Hamadeh Ali , Palmino Frank , Mathurin Jérémie , Deniset-Besseau Ariane , Grosnit Louis , Luzet Vincent , Jeannoutot Judicaël , Dazzi Alexandre , Chérioux Frédéric
Published: November 2023

The design of supramolecular networks based on organic molecules deposited on surfaces, is highly attractive for various applications. One of the remaining challenges is the expansion of monolayers to well-ordered multilayers in order to enhance the functionality and complexity of self-assemblies. In this study, we present an assessment of molecular conformation from 2D to 3D supramolecular networks adsorbed onto a HOPG surface under ambient conditions utilizing a combination of scanning probe microscopies and atomic force microscopy- infrared (AFM-IR). We have observed that the infrared (IR) spectra of the designed molecules vary from layer to layer due to the modifications in the dihedral angle between the C=O group and the neighboring phenyl ring, especially in the case of a 3D supramolecular network consisting of multiple layers of molecules.
Long-period directivity pulses of strong ground motion during the 2023 Mw7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake
Authors: Čejka František , Zahradník Jiří , Turhan Fatih , Sokos Efthimios , Gallovič František
Published: November 2023

Damages due to large earthquakes are influenced by broadband source effects that remain enigmatic. Here we develop a broadband (0–10 Hz) source model of the disastrous 2023 Mw7.8 Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, earthquake by modeling recordings of 100 stations. The model combines coherent and incoherent rupture propagation at low and high frequencies, respectively. We adopt a planar 300 km long kinked fault geometry from geology and pre-constrain the slip model from seismic and geodetic data. We demonstrate that the southwestward rupture propagation was delayed by ~15 s and that the observed strong waveform pulses can be explained by the directivity effect due to a specific combination of the coherent and incoherent components. We show that even a rough estimate of major rupture parameters makes the ground motion simulations of such large events possible, and may thus improve the efficiency of rapid, physics-based, shaking estimation for emergency response and seismic hazard assessment.
Manganese doped two-dimensional zinc ferrite thin films as chemiresistive trimethylamine gas sensors
Authors: Ravikumar Thangavel , Thirumalaisamy Logu , Madanagurusamy Sridharan , Kalainathan Sivaperuman
Published: November 2023

To sense the dangerous trimethylamine (TMA) gas, an Mn-doped zinc ferrite thin film (ZFM1 film) was synthesized and it showed a high response of 6.24 towards 10 ppm TMA at room temperature, which makes it a good sensor for the TMA gas.
The elusive reaction mechanism of Mn(ii)-mediated benzylic oxidation of alkylarene by H2O2: a gem-diol mechanism or a dual hydrogen abstraction mechanism?
Authors: Wang Shoujun , Sun Dongru , Wu Zhimin , Zhao Yufen , Wang Yong
Published: November 2023

The gem-diol, dual-hydrogen abstraction (DHA), and reversed-DHA reaction pathways are involved in the alcohol oxidation of hydroxylated phenylbutanoic acid to form the desired arene ketones.
Reductive transamidation of tertiary amides with nitroarenes enabled by magnesium and chlorosilane
Authors: Yang Shangru , Zeng Haohao , Luo Meiming , Zeng Xiaoming
Published: November 2023

Reported here is the reductive transamidation of tertiary amides with nitroarenes promoted by main group metal magnesium and chlorosilane.
First-principles study on the photocatalytic field of two-dimensional Janus BiSY (Y = I, Br, Cl) monolayers
Authors: Ye Yingzhi , Sharshir Swellam , Wang Jun , Zhang Bingwen , Wang Chong , Yuan Zhanhui
Published: November 2023

This study demonstrates the photocatalytic performance of two-dimensional Janus BiSY (Y = I, Br, Cl) based on energy bands, vacuum energy levels, absorption spectra, and reaction potential diagrams.
External condition-induced interfacial charge transfer in single-walled carbon nanotube/graphene van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Yin Huan , Zhang Ruxuan , Tian Tian , Yang Zhi , Hu Nantao , Zhang Yafei , Su Yanjie
Published: November 2023

The external conditions interfacial charge transfer in SWCNT/graphene van der Waals heterostructures was systematically investigated by Raman spectroscopy and the mechanism was deduced by the trend of changes in Raman characteristic peaks.
GLAD: Global–Local Approach; Disentanglement Learning for Financial Market Prediction
Authors: Abdulsahib Humam M. , Ghaderi Foad
Published: November 2023

Accurate prediction of financial market trends can have a great impact on maximizing profits and avoiding risks. Conventional methods, e.g., regression or SVR, or end‐to‐end training approaches, coined as deep learning algorithms, have restraints as a consequence of capturing noisy and unnecessary data. Financial market’s data are composed of stock’s price time series that are correlated, and each time series has both global and local dynamics. Inspired by recent advancements in disentanglement representation learning, in this paper, we present a promising model for predicting financial markets that learn disentangled representations of features and eliminate those features that cause interference. Our model uses the informer encoder to extract features, capturing global–local patterns by using the time and frequency domains, augmenting the clean features with time and frequency‐based features, and using the decoder to predict. To be more specific, we adopt contrastive learning in the time and frequency domains to learn both global and local patterns. We argue that our methodology, disentangling and learning the influential factors, holds the potential for more accurate predictions and a better understanding of how time series move and behave. We conducted our experiments using the S&P 500, CSI 300, Hang Seng, and Nikkei 225 stock market datasets to predict their next‐day closing prices. The results showed that our model outperformed existing methods in terms of prediction error (mean squared error and mean absolute error), financial risk measurement (volatility and max drawdown), and prediction net curves, which means that it may enhance traders’ profits.
Chronic Drug-Induced Liver Injury from Labetalol during the Postpartum Period: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Bruce , Xiong Suriya , Westen Elizabeth A. , Warner Julie Ann
Published: November 2023

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common cause of transaminitis in pregnancy. A 34-year-old G3P2012 presented 3 weeks postpartum for preeclampsia with severe features. After receiving acute antihypertensive medications, she was discharged home with labetalol. She presented 5 months later with general malaise, scleral icterus, nausea, and mild right upper quadrant pain and found to have significantly elevated transaminitis. She had a negative infectious, autoimmune, biliary, and steatohepatitis workup. A liver biopsy was performed supporting the diagnosis of DILI. After patient self-discontinued labetalol, her hepatitis significantly improved. However, she developed chronic DILI and liver enzymes normalized during her subsequent pregnancy at 34 weeks. Patient's written consent was obtained for this case report. Chronic DILI secondary to labetalol use is a rare and potentially fatal condition that should be considered on the differential for transaminitis during pregnancy and postpartum period.
The Use of Risk Scores for Thromboprophylaxis in Medically Ill Patients—Rationale and Design of the RICO trial
Authors: Dentali Francesco , Campanini Mauro , Bonaventura Aldo , Fontanella Luca , Zuretti Francesca , Tavecchia Luca , Mumoli Nicola , Gnerre Paola , Ventrella Francesco , Giustozzi Michela , Valerio Antonella , Fontanella Andrea
Published: November 2023

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized medically ill patients is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Guidelines suggest that VTE and bleeding risk assessment models (RAMs) should be integrated into the clinical decision-making process on thromboprophylaxis. However, poor evidence is available comparing the use of a RAM versus clinical judgement in evaluating VTE and bleeding occurrence.

Methods Reducing Important Clinical Outcomes in hospitalized medical ill patients (RICO) is a multicenter, cluster-randomized, controlled clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04267718). Acutely ill patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine wards are randomized to the use of RAMs—namely the Padua Prediction Score and the International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism Bleeding Score—or to clinical judgement. The primary study outcome is a composite of symptomatic objectively confirmed VTE and major bleeding at 90-day follow-up. Secondary endpoints include the evaluation of clinical outcomes at hospital discharge and the assessment of VTE prophylaxis prescription during the study period. In order to demonstrate a 50% reduction in the primary outcome in the experimental group and assuming an incidence of the primary outcome of 3.5% in the control group at 90-day; 2,844 patients across 32 centers will be included in the study.

Discussion The RICO trial is a randomized study of clinical management assessing the role of RAMs in hospitalized medical ill patients with the aim of reducing VTE and bleeding occurrence. The study has the potential to improve clinical practice since VTE still represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality in this setting.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Spinal Cord Monitoring—A Roadmap to Translational Research in Aortic Medicine
Authors: von Aspern Konstantin , Haunschild Josephina , Garbade Jens , Etz Christian D.
Published: November 2023

Extensive aortic aneurysms represent a unique challenge necessitating interdisciplinary efforts for safe and effective treatment. Despite various adjunctive neuroprotective strategies, ischemic spinal cord injury remains a devastating complication. This article describes the implementation of collateral network near-infrared spectroscopy as the first noninvasive spinal cord monitoring modality in the setting of extensive open and endovascular aortic repair, from early conceptualization to clinical utilization. Potential capabilities and remaining uncertainties based on current evidence are outlined and discussed.
“Natural” History of Operated Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Danzi Gian B. , Carrozza Alberto , Frattini Silvia
Published: November 2023

We describe the case of a 66-year-old gentleman with a previous replacement of the ascending aorta for an acute Type A aortic dissection who did not attend any scheduled follow-up visit. Seventeen years later, he presented to our institution with severe aortic regurgitation and with a giant aneurysmal dilation of the abdominal aorta.
Secondary Endovascular Conversions for Failed Open Repair
Authors: Melo Ryan Gouveia e , Spath Paolo , Stana Jan , Prendes Carlota F. , Stavroulakis Konstantinous , Rantner Barbara , Pichlmaier Maximilian , Tsilimparis Nikolaos
Published: November 2023

Late aortic and graft-related complications after open aortic repair are not infrequent and a significant number of them are missed, diagnosed at a very late stage, or present as urgent complications such as aortic rupture or aorto-enteric fistula. Once a late complication is diagnosed and reintervention is necessary, both open and endovascular strategies are possible. Open reintervention is complex and usually associated with very high rates of morbidity and mortality. Endovascular techniques may offer several solutions for these cases, which may be tailored to the patient and specific complication. In this review, we aim to summarize current indications, options, and strategies for endovascular salvage after failed or complicated open surgical repair.
Primary, Nonmidline, Extragonadal, Immature Teratoma of the Palm with Axillary Nodal Metastasis: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Balachandran Reshma R. , Adhvaryu Vishesha V. , Joshi Shalaka , Ramadwar Mukta , Bindu Ameya , Nayak Prakash
Published: November 2023

Primary, nonmidline, extragonadal germ cell tumors are rare. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed regarding their origin. There is lack of consensus regarding their appropriate management. We report a case of an immature teratoma arising of the left palm. A 36-year-old lady presented with a recurrent left palm swelling. Histopathological features with immunohistochemical evaluation were characteristic of an immature teratoma. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were elevated. She received preoperative chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin (BEP) followed by wide excision of the palm lesion and reconstruction with free latissimus dorsi flap. Postoperatively, two more cycles of BEP were given. Eight months later, she presented with large left axillary mass which showed metastatic deposits of immature teratoma on trucut biopsy. AFP and LDH were mildly elevated. On staging fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), there were no distant metastases. She received two cycles of vinblastine, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (VeIP). Postchemotherapy FDG-PET showed good metabolic response; however, the mass remained morphologically stable. Complete resection of the axillary mass was achieved with resection of a segment of axillary vein and end-to-end reanastomosis. At 12 months of follow-up the patient is disease free. This is the first report of axillary metastases in immature teratoma of the upper extremity. Axilla is a possible site of lymph node metastases in extremity teratoma. Primary extragonadal germ cell tumor should be managed with complete surgical resection and chemotherapy.
Brain Tumors in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Review
Authors: Rousseau Julien , Bennett Julie , Lim-Fat Mary Jane
Published: November 2023

Brain tumors account for the majority of cancer-related deaths in adolescents and young adults (AYAs), defined as individuals aged 15 to 39. AYAs constitute a distinct population in which both pediatric- and adult-type central nervous system (CNS) tumors can be observed. Clinical manifestations vary depending on tumor location and often include headaches, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and signs of increased intracranial pressure. With the publication of the updated World Health Organization CNS tumor classification in 2021, diagnoses have been redefined to emphasize key molecular alterations. Gliomas represent the majority of malignant brain tumors in this age group. Glioneuronal and neuronal tumors are associated with longstanding refractory epilepsy. The classification of ependymomas and medulloblastomas has been refined, enabling better identification of low-risk tumors that could benefit from treatment de-escalation strategies. Owing to their midline location, germ cell tumors often present with oculomotor and visual alterations as well as endocrinopathies. The management of CNS tumors in AYA is often extrapolated from pediatric and adult guidelines, and generally consists of a combination of surgical resection, radiation therapy, and systemic therapy. Ongoing research is investigating multiple agents targeting molecular alterations, including isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitors, SHH pathway inhibitors, and BRAF inhibitors. AYA patients with CNS tumors should be managed by multidisciplinary teams and counselled regarding fertility preservation, psychosocial comorbidities, and risks of long-term comorbidities. There is a need for further efforts to design clinical trials targeting CNS tumors in the AYA population.
The use of a fitness app for customer recommendation: linear models and qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: García-Pascual Fernando , Valcarce-Torrente Manel , Calabuig Ferran , García-Fernández Jerónimo
Published: November 2023

The use of technology within sports services has become an important field of study. Currently, the vast majority of sports services offer their users mobile applications to facilitate aspects such as communication and information. Within fitness centres, these mobile applications have become key elements to keep users informed and to reinforce behaviours such as loyalty towards the service. This study analyses the influence of mobile applications used in fitness centres on users’ recommendations of the app. Two methodologies were used to measure users’ perceptions: linear models and qualitative comparative analysis. The main results show that certain dimensions of the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) have a strong influence on users’ future app recommendations as well as the influence of users’ gender and age. It is important for managers of these sports services to implement technologies that provide two-way communication with users and therefore facilitate positive app recommendations. Furthermore, analysing the data using these two methodologies offers researchers a more detailed examination to better understand customers’ perceptions and, consequently, to establish more precise actions within the service.