bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Potent Breast Cancer Inhibitors Against ERα Target Using Pharmacophore Model, 3D‐QSAR and MD Studies
Authors: Rajagopal Kalirajan , Arumugasamy Pandiselvi , Raman Kannan , Jupudi Srikanth , Byran Gowramma , Gupta Jeetendra Kumar , Prema S. , Kankate Rani S. , Elansari Lamyae , Hossain Nazmul , Hassan Md. Abul , Rab Safia Obaidur , Alshehri Mohammed Ali , Emran Talha Bin
Published: August 2024

the current investigation, 109 known ERα inhibitors have been developed in the current research; pharmacophore modeling, Molecular docking, MM‐GBSA, and MD study have been performed to investigate the binding affinity of 9‐anilinoacridines with heterocyclic substitutes as selective ERα inhibitors for breast carcinoma. Pharmacophore model have been developed by Schrodinger suite 2019–2 phasemodule. To predict binding free energy of the ligands in complex with PDB and post docked energy minimization was performed by Prime, MM‐GB/SA module. The Induced fit docking studies were performed on the ligand modulated dynamic behaviour of the protein molecular dynamics study. A statistical substantial 3D ‐ QSAR design was created using the pharmacophore hypothesis. 109 known ERα inhibitors have been developed with pIC50 values between 4.0 and 6.0 and were used in ligand‐based pharmacophore modelling and 3D‐QSAR analysis. R2 (0.8294), Q2 (0.7~0.8), and F value (83.5) were used to statistically validate the developed five‐point hypothesis DHRRR1 employing a minimum square of four. Molecular dynamics simulations were run to comprehend the conformational changes and ligand stability at the protein active pocket. The predicted 3D‐QSAR model significantly correlated with experimentally reported in‐vitro antitumor activity. These in‐silico discoveries will help in the future search for potent ERα inhibitors with desirable pharmacophoric properties.
A γ‐Boehmite Nanowhiskers ‐ Polyethylene Glycol 10000/Polyethylene Separator for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Man Yuanxin , Nan Hui , Ma Jianzhe , Li Zhike , Wang Xianlan , Yang Pan , Xue Caihong , Zhou Jingyuan , Li Heqi
Published: August 2024

In this study, a γ‐boehmite (γ‐AlOOH) – PEG/polyethylene (PE) lithium‐ion battery separator was fabricated using a dip‐coating method, with γ‐AlOOH nanowhiskers being synthesized directly through a hydrothermal process,and polyethylene glycol 10000 (PEG‐10000) was chosen for the first time as a dispersant for the γ‐AlOOH nanowhiskers in the PE coating slurry{Lee, 2014 #7}. Simultaneously, the membrane's performance was characterized, confirming the significant dispersion effect of PEG‐10000, resulting in a porosity as high as 64 % in the AlOOH‐PEG/PE, a substantial increase compared to the PE separator (40 %). The AlOOH‐PEG/PE separator maintains its structural integrity even after a 0.5 h test at 200 °C, showcasing outstanding stability and significantly improved safety. Besides, the LIB half cells assembled with the PE/AlOOH‐PEG separator exhibited remarkable performance, with a capacity of 73.9 % in power capability (at 5 C rate) and a 97.1 % discharge capacity retention rates in cycle performance (after 400 cycles, at 2 C rate). Furthermore, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries utilizing the AlOOH‐PEG/PE separator demonstrated significantly enhanced cycling stability and rate capacity.
Recent Advancements in Trifluoromethylation Strategies for Indoles, Oxindoles and Indolines
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Goel Nikita , Bhagat Sunita
Published: August 2024

Fluorine being a magic element and Indole being a magic molecule, their cumulative effect has tremendously increased the potential of resulting moiety for drug development. Keeping this in mind, we are describing a comprehensive account on the recent strategies for the synthesis of trifluoromethylated indoles, indoline and oxindoles. In this review we have explored two types of strategies for trifluoromethylation reactions, one involves direct installation of CF3 group at indole moiety via C−H activation and substitution where as other is by the cyclization reaction of the starting compound containing CF3 group. The reactions were explored for the substrate scope and mechanism using controlled experiments.
Chiral Self‐Assembly and Enantioselective Photocatalysis of Tetra‐(4‐carboxyphenyl) Porphyrin‐diphenylalanine
Authors: Wang Siqi , Wei Hao , Su Rongxin , Wang Yuefei , Qi Wei
Published: August 2024

Inspired by the photosynthesis and protein structure of green plants in nature, TCPP‐(FF)4, a porphyrin‐dipeptide derivative with chiral and optical properties, was synthesized by chemical coupling. The experimental results show that the optical properties and structural morphology of TCPP‐(FF)4 supermolecular assemblies can be precisely controlled by adjusting the types of solvents and pH. Moreover, the TCPP‐(FF)4 can self‐assemble into nanohelix with photocatalytic activity, which can be used as a catalyst for enantioselective photocatalysis of tyrosine (Tyr) into di‐tyrosine (di‐Tyr), which provides a promising strategy for the development of enantioselective photocatalysts.
Computational Analysis and Anti‐Hiv/Antifungal Studies of 2‐Aryl‐N1‐Arylacetamido Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Ranjan Mohapatra Tushar , Ganguly Swastika , Choowngkomon Kiattawee
Published: August 2024

Medicinal chemistry highly values the benzimidazole scaffold as a pharmacophore owing to its versatile range of biological functions. In the present study, 17 derivatives of 2‐aryl‐N1‐arylacetamido benzimidazoles 3(a–q) were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reactions between different 2‐chloro‐N‐(aryl)‐acetamides 2(a–q) and 2‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole (1) in N, N‐dimethylformamide, and evaluated for in vitro anti‐HIV and antifungal activities. Of these derivatives, compounds 3 a, 3 b, 3 i, and 3 n showed moderate inhibitory efficacy against HIV‐1 RT, whereas the remaining compounds showed negligible activity compared to the standard drug efavirenz. In contrast, most of the test compounds demonstrated significant efficacy against fungal strains such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Compounds 3 a, 3 f, 3 m, and 3 n were the most effective antifungal agents. We applied computational approaches to rationalize the potency of the newly synthesized inhibitors.
Ni@CaTiO3 Nanocomposites for Methane Decomposition Into Hydrogen and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Morshedy Asmaa S. , El saied Mohamed , Awadallah Ahmed E. , Mostafa Mohsen S.
Published: August 2024

Novel and economic supports were prepared to facilitate the NiO‐reducibility and enrich the hydrogen production from the catalytic conversion of methane. Mixed (CaTi)‐oxides of CaO %=10, 20, and 30 were synthesized by direct compositing of CaCO3 and one‐pot synthesized (TiO2)‐nanoparticles. The developed nanostructures were characterized by a high‐resolution transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), and N2 adsorption‐desorption measurements. Practically, (Ni@30 % CaTiO3) the catalyst of cubic morphology, achieved a high hydrogen production ratio of 62.2 %. The incorporation of CaO to TiO2 hindered the formation of NiTiO3@NiCaTiO3 phases and facilitated the fast reduction of NiO‐phase to Ni (as revealed by temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and XRD. The formation of well‐ordered carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as valuable by‐products was also possible by these nanocomposites. The developed catalysts exhibited remarkable catalytic and structural stabilities. These results reflect the effective use of abundant CaO inorganic salt to enrich the H2 production by (CaTiO3) supports for potential and green energy production.
Fast, One‐Step In Situ Synthesis of a Hierarchical Sn4+‐Doped TiNb2O7 Nanosphere as a High‐Performance Anode Material
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Xu Zhuijun , Amzil Said , Cheng Ya‐Jun , Lin Long , Ji Qing , Liang Suzhe , Zhu Jin , Duan Jingkuan , Zheng Tianle , Xia Yonggao
Published: August 2024

Titanium niobium oxide (TNO) exhibits great potential as a lithium‐ion battery anode due to its high capacity, minimal volume change during cycling, and safe good operation characteristic enabled from its voltage profile. However, its intrinsically low electronic and ionic conductivity hinders its potential for practical applications. This work proposes a facile coprecipitation method to address these limitations by incorporating a nano‐macro structure and in situ Sn ion doping into bulk TNO. This approach ensures homogeneous integration of TNO precursors and the Sn dopant at a molecular level within the co‐precipitation nanoparticles. Additionally, the use of low toxicity solvents facilitate scalability of the synthesis process. Excellent rate capability, high reversible capacities, and good capacity retention are achieved simultaneously due to synergistic effects of the bulk doping, which expands the crystal volume and enhances Li+ diffusion, combined with abundant surface area of the nano‐macro structures. The specific capacity of Sn‐doped TNO nanospheres remains at 180 mAh/g at a high current density of 40 C (1 C=400 mA g−1), which is nearly four times higher than that of undoped samples. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammetry analysis at various scanning rates reveals an increased Li+ diffusion rate in Sn doped titanium niobium dioxide.
Epitaxy of GaSe Coupled to Graphene: From In Situ Band Engineering to Photon Sensing
Authors: Bradford Jonathan , Dewes Benjamin T. , Shiffa Mustaqeem , Cottam Nathan D. , Rahman Kazi , Cheng Tin S. , Novikov Sergei V. , Makarovsky Oleg , O'Shea James N. , Beton Peter H. , Lara‐Avila Samuel , Harknett Jordan , Greenaway Mark T. , Patanè Amalia
Published: August 2024

2D semiconductors can drive advances in quantum science and technologies. However, they should be free of any contamination; also, the crystallographic ordering and coupling of adjacent layers and their electronic properties should be well‐controlled, tunable, and scalable. Here, these challenges are addressed by a new approach, which combines molecular beam epitaxy and in situ band engineering in ultra‐high vacuum of semiconducting gallium selenide (GaSe) on graphene. In situ studies by electron diffraction, scanning probe microscopy, and angle‐resolved photoelectron spectroscopy reveal that atomically‐thin layers of GaSe align in the layer plane with the underlying lattice of graphene. The GaSe/graphene heterostructure, referred to as 2semgraphene, features a centrosymmetric (group symmetry D3d) polymorph of GaSe, a charge dipole at the GaSe/graphene interface, and a band structure tunable by the layer thickness. The newly‐developed, scalable 2semgraphene is used in optical sensors that exploit the photoactive GaSe layer and the built‐in potential at its interface with the graphene channel. This proof of concept has the potential for further advances and device architectures that exploit 2semgraphene as a functional building block.
A critical interval in blastoid evolution: the respiratory transition and palaeogeographic dispersion of the spiraculate blastoids in the Devonian
Authors: Bohatý Jan , Macurda D. Bradford , Waters Johnny A.
Published: August 2024

Blastoids underwent a revolution in respiration in the Devonian. Emsian blastoid faunas were dominated by fissiculates such as Pentremitidea, giving rise to a transitional spiraculate, Conuloblastus. Hyperoblastus and a mosaic of spiraculates followed; they featured a more advanced respiratory system and were dominant until the Permian. This diversification occurred just prior to or during the Stony Point and Kačák Events, major ecological disruptions of marine ecosystems. Most new spiraculate blastoids were endemic and short lived, but Hyperoblastus survived the major extinction events, lasting into the Famennian. Material from Germany, Spain and North America enables us to trace the diversification of the spiraculates during the Devonian. We erect the new family Conuloblastidae, including Hreggoblastus differentialis gen. et sp. nov.; also Altusoblastus (type species Pentatrematites eifeliensis) with new species A. eremitus, A. palliolatus, A. sp. 1 and A. sp. 2 in the Hyperoblastidae. Pentremitidea roemeri and Hyperoblastus schultzei are assigned to Altusoblastus. Hyperoblastus batheri is declared the type species of Absensoblastus gen. nov.; H. ludwigi sp. nov. is assigned to Hyperoblastus. Pentahedronoblastus gen. nov. (type species P. giesdorfensis sp. nov.) is described. The fissiculate nymphaeoblastid genus Pentremitella (including P. osoleae and ?P. sp. 1) is redescibed. We recognize the eleutherozoic Freisoblastus gen. nov. (type species F. hemisphaericus sp. nov.), Dissimiloblastus gen. nov. (type species D. inequalis sp. nov.) and non‐eleutherozoic Lotusoblastus gen. nov. (type species Pentremitidea medusa) (order and family incertae sedis). We recognize 13 American species of Hyperoblastus.
Value co‐creation mechanism for AI‐based enterprises with systems thinking: Case study of Baidu
Authors: Su Huishuang , Du Xiaoyan , Chen Yong , Tian Shuo , Ma Qiang , Zhong Wei
Published: August 2024

How to realize value co‐creation is a challenge for artificial intelligence (AI)‐based enterprises. From the perspective of systems thinking, this paper conducts a case study on Baidu to explore the mechanism for Ai‐based enterprises to realize value co‐creation. The results indicate that value co‐creation of AI companies goes through a dynamic iteration of three stages: start‐up, growth, and maturity. Based on the finding, this paper proposes a model for AI‐based enterprises to realize value co‐creation with stakeholders under the interaction of innovation resilience and value proposition, as well as the combined effect of digital‐intelligence empowerment, resource‐focused action, and network embedding. Findings in this study not only fill the gap in existing literature but also provide insights for AI‐based enterprises to realize sustainable development.
A Novel Pickering High Internal Phase Emulsion Gels Fabricated by Starch Nanocrystals and Bovine Serum Albumin Complexes
Authors: Chen Ziwen , Liu Hang , Zeng Chaoxi , Li Qingming , Xia Huiping , Zhang Zhirenyong
Published: August 2024

In this study, novel high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) (φoil = 0.8) are successfully stabilized using 0.5% w/v starch nanocrystals (SNCs) and 0.05% w/v bull serum albumin (BSA) complex. For this purpose, the SNCs are made hydrophobic through modifications with different concentrations of BSA (0–0.5%) before being used for synthesizing stable HIPEs. The dispersion solutions show that composite particles are better at stabilizing emulsions when the BSA concentration is at least 0.05% w/v. Similarly, the inner gel texture in HIPEs can be easily formed using SNCs‐BSA complexes at mere concentration of 0.5% w/v and 0.05% w/v, respectively. The stability of emulsions increases with increasing BSA concentration. Besides, mixing the composite particles to yield HIPEs can also be applied in more complicated outer environments due to its excellent gel properties over a wider range of pH value. These show that a novel and stable Pickering high internal phase emulsion gel can be potentially formed by adjusting proportion of BSA coated in SNCs. The food‐grade and environmental‐friendly SNCs‐BSA composite particles are ideal for sustainable development around the world, and therefore, this study can provide insights into their applications for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, 3D printing, and other fields.
Tackling global crises with the humanities: ASU's new BA in culture, technology, and environment
Authors: May Rachel
Published: August 2024

Arizona State University recently announced their new BA program in Culture, Technology, and Environment, which “engages all three” of their “humanities schools to uncover how English, film, history, language, culture, religion, and philosophy can work together to solve the significant issues that societies and environments face.” ASU's is the first U.S. undergraduate program to combine culture, technology, and environment and is available online or face‐to‐face.
Energy dependence of x‐ray beam size produced by polycapillary x‐ray optics
Authors: Das Anusheela , Heirwegh Chris M. , Gao Ning , Elam William T. , Wade Lawrence A. , Clark Benton C. , Hurowitz Joel A. , VanBommel Scott J. , Jones Michael W. M. , Allwood Abigail C.
Published: August 2024

In this work, we studied the x‐ray energy dependence of x‐ray beam diameter focused by polycapillary optics. A quantitative beam diameter–energy relation enables more accurate estimation of the element‐specific interrogation area of a sample using the compositional maps produced by a micro‐XRF system. This improves upon our ability to visualize individual beam‐diameter sized mineral grains and in turn directly benefits Planetary Instrument for X‐ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) analyses of martian soil in addition to benefitting other micro‐focused x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) systems. The spatial distribution of an array of characteristic XRF emission lines was measured by sampling via a knife‐edge approach with small motor stepping of the beam across target edges. Data taken as part of this effort, from the Planetary Flight Model (PFM), were limited to only seven beam energies corresponding to the elements Ni, Cu, Se, Ta, Au, Ti and Ba. Hence, we conducted additional analysis using JPL's lab‐based breadboard (LBB) micro‐XRF system, a system that emulates PIXL's functionality where we measured beam diameter corresponding to 18 elements: Na, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Se, Sr and Mo. The experimental results were also compared with Monte Carlo simulations. The beam diameter (y)–energy (x) relation that we obtained for LBB was y = 185.79 exp(−0.078x) whose exponential component was then used to get a more accurate relation for the PFM even with the limited data set: y = 227.53 exp(−0.078x). The difference in the two coefficients for the PFM and LBB stems mainly from the difference in the polycapillary optic design, and this work establishes x‐ray beam diameter versus energy relation quantitatively for both the systems.
Eigenvalue Statistics for GinOE and Elliptic GinOE
Authors: Byun Sung-Soo , Forrester Peter J.
Published: August 2024

For GinUE matrices the (complex) Schur decomposition underpinned our ability to compute the eigenvalue PDF. This has a real analogue, although it is necessary to condition on the number of real eigenvalues. Consequently, the eigenvalue PDF is no longer absolutely continuous, but rather breaks up into sectors depending on the number of real eigenvalues. Nonetheless, as for real symmetric GOE matrices, structures giving rise to a Pfaffian point process result, the further development of which requires identifying particular skew-orthogonal polynomials. Questions relating to the distribution of real eigenvalues have a rich content, the development of which is facilitated by the identification of a simpler determinantal structure for the generating function, which permits the establishment of a local central limit theorem.
Gelingens- und Hindernisfaktoren bei der Implementierung von Gesundheitsförderung in Kitas und Grundschulen anhand von 4 ausgewählten Projekten
Authors: Scheffler Anna , Klocker Laura , Puls Angelika , Hummers Eva , Demmer Iris
Published: August 2024

Hintergrund

Gesundheitsförderung (GF) ist eine komplexe, politisch geforderte Aufgabe. Die Implementierungsgüte korreliert mit der Wirksamkeit von GF. Sie erfolgreich zu implementieren, erfordert die Beachtung von Kontextbedingungen, was in Wirksamkeitsstudien eher unterbleibt. Ziel ist es, Gelingens- und Hindernisfaktoren für die Implementierung von GF in Kindertagesstätten und Grundschulen anhand von 4 Projekten (Fit fürs Leben, fit für pisa +, Buchprojekt Sonnige Traurigtage und The Daily Mile) in der Gesundheitsregion Göttingen/Südniedersachsen zu identifizieren. Die Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie werden als implementierungsrelevant für diese Projekte angenommen.

Methoden

In 24 semistrukturierten Interviews und 2 Fokusgruppendiskussionen wurden im Zeitraum 08/2021–03/2022 hauptsächlich Lehrer*innen und Erzieher*innen zur Umsetzung der Projekte in ihren Tätigkeitsbereichen befragt. Nach Transkription wurde mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Das Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research unterstützte die Analyse.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 22 Faktorengruppen identifiziert, auf deren Basis 22 Handlungsempfehlungen für die Implementierung von GF formuliert wurden. Im Vordergrund standen Gelingensfaktoren auf der Individuen- und Interventionsebene. Die COVID-19-Pandemie wirkte sich positiv auf den Stellenwert der GF aus, obgleich ihre Umsetzbarkeit erschwert war.

Diskussion

Zahlreiche Ergebnisse zur Implementierung von GF in kindlichen Lebenswelten konnten durch die Studie bestätigt werden. Auffällig ist der hohe Stellenwert der Individuenfaktoren, was sich auf die Befragung projektnaher Interviewpersonen zurückführen lassen könnte. Die Studienergebnisse tragen zur Weiterentwicklung von Implementierungsstrategien in der GF bei.
Correlation of Digital Rectal Examination and Anorectal Manometry with Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Women with Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Markland Alayne , Ackenbom Mary , Andy Uduak , Carper Ben , Jelovsek Eric , Luchristt Douglas , Menefee Shawn , Rogers Rebecca , Sung Vivian , Mazloomdoost Donna , Gantz Maria ,   for the NICHD Pelvic Floor Disorders Network
Published: August 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

Standardized digital rectal examination (DRE) correlates with anorectal manometry (ARM) measures. However, less is known about the relationship between DRE/ARM measures and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), especially among women with fecal incontinence (FI). Our aims were to evaluate associations between DRE and ARM measures and compare PROs with diagnostic evaluation measures for women with FI.

Methods

We analyzed data from the parent clinical trial, Controlling Anal incontinence by Performing Anal exercises with Biofeedback or Loperamide (CAPABLe). We pooled data from randomized women who completed standardized ARM, DRE, and validated PROs at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks post-treatment initiation. PROs included FI severity, impact on quality of life, and bowel diary data. We analyzed ARM pressure and volume data and DRE using the Digital Rectal Examination Scoring System (DRESS) resting and squeeze mean scores. We used Spearman Rank Correlation to measure associations between the ARM measures and mean DRESS scores, and between PROs and ARM/DRESS scores.

Results

Among 291 randomized women with ARM and DRE data, the correlation between DRESS and ARM resting measures was 0.196 (p<0.001) and between squeeze measures was 0.247 (p<0.001). At most timepoints, PROs more consistently correlated with squeeze ARM pressures and squeeze DRESS scores than resting measures.

Conclusions

We found weak correlations between ARM and DRE measures and between those measures and PROs. Although DRE and ARM are commonly used diagnostic measures among women with FI, the weak correlations with patient-reported symptoms raises questions about their utility in clinical care.
Commercially available carrageenans show broad variation in their structure, composition, and functionality
Authors: Hale Julia , Gerhäuser Julian , Gaukel Volker , Wefers Daniel
Published: August 2024

Carrageenans are polysaccharides from red algae which are widely used as food additives and in other applications. Their structure is often described by different disaccharide repeating units, although it was already demonstrated that reality is more complex. In many studies, commercial carrageenans were used to establish structure function relationships, but a structural and compositional analysis was rarely conducted. Therefore, the aim of our study was to systematically and comprehensively characterize a broad collection of commercial carrageenans with different specifications from different manufacturers. For a more detailed characterization, an analytical approach based on partial enzymatic hydrolysis in combination with HPLC–MS and HPSEC-RI was developed and applied. Furthermore, rheology was used to gain detailed insights into the functionality of selected samples. Our results demonstrate that significant structural variation can be observed for commercial carrageenans. The samples contained different cations and the carrageenan type specified by the manufacturer did not always represent the structure of the corresponding polysaccharides. This was especially true for λ-carrageenans: Of the six commercial samples analyzed, none contained structural elements from the λ-type. Instead, the corresponding carrageenans contained κ-, ι- and ν-units. The application of the developed enzymatic-chromatographic approach showed that different hybrid carrageenans are present. In addition, the rheological analysis of the commercial carrageenan samples showed clear differences in the gelling properties upon calcium addition which could influence their behavior in different applications. Our results demonstrate that before an investigation of structure–function relationships, commercial carrageenan samples should be analyzed for their structure and composition. We also showed that the enzymatic-chromatographic approach described in this study is well suited for this purpose.
Quantitative MRI in children with Crohn’s disease – where do we stand?
Authors: Debnath Pradipta , Dillman Jonathan R.
Published: August 2024

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the ileum and colon. This disease is characterized by recurrent bouts of intestinal inflammation with subsequent bowel wall damage, including scarring (i.e., fibrosis) and abnormal smooth muscle proliferation. MR enterography, an MRI examination tailored to assess the small bowel, is a first-line diagnostic tool for diagnosing CD in children, characterization and monitoring of disease severity and extent, and assessment of disease-related complications. To date, such MRI evaluations have been mostly qualitative, which can adversely impact diagnostic performance and inter-radiologist agreement. Quantitative MRI methods have been shown to aid in the evaluation of a variety of medical conditions and have been increasingly investigated in children and adults with CD. In CD, such objective techniques have been used to assist with diagnosis, assess treatment response, and characterize bowel wall histologic abnormalities. In the current work, we will review quantitative MRI methods for detecting and measuring intestinal active inflammation (MRI-based scoring systems, T1 relaxation mapping, diffusion-weighted imaging, intra-voxel incoherent motion, mesenteric phase contrast), bowel wall damage (magnetization transfer), and motility (quantitative cine imaging) in small bowel CD, with an emphasis on the pediatric population.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical significance of sarcopenia in children with neuroblastic tumors
Authors: Kudo Wataru , Terui Keita , Furugane Ryoya , Takenouchi Ayako , Komatsu Shugo , Kawaguchi Yunosuke , Nishimura Katsuhiro , Katsumi Daisuke , Hishiki Tomoro
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To elucidate the clinical significance of sarcopenia in children with neuroblastic tumors (NTs).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study and analyzed the z-scores for height, body weight, body mass index, and skeletal muscle index (HT-z, BW-z, BMI-z, and SMI-z) along with the clinical characteristics of 36 children with NTs. SMI-z was calculated from 138 computed tomography scans at diagnosis, during treatment, and at follow-up. The International Neuroblastoma Risk Group classification was used to identify high-risk groups. We analyzed the data at diagnosis for prognostic analysis and changes over time after diagnosis in the HT-z, BW-z, BMI-z, and SMI-z groups.

Results

Among the four parameters at diagnosis, only SMI-z predicted overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.34–0.99). SMI-z, HT-z, and BW-z significantly decreased over time after diagnosis (P < 0.05), while BMI-z did not (P = 0.11). In surviving high-risk NT cases without disease, SMI-z, HT-z, and BW-z significantly decreased over time (P < 0.05), while BMI-z did not (P = 0.43).

Conclusion

In children with NT, the SMI-z at diagnosis was a significant prognostic factor and decreased during treatment and follow-up along with HT-z and BW-z. Monitoring muscle mass is important because sarcopenia may be associated with growth impairment.
Pulsating electromagnetic fields for perineal lacerations and surgical wounds healing in the postpartum: a pilot study
Authors: Carbone Ilma Floriana , Gigli Francesca Maria Paola , Rossi Gabriele , Romagnoli Valentina , Gallicola Benedetta , Sandi Flavia , Esposito Giovanna , Ferrazzi Enrico Mario
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of our study was to assess the possible benefits of Therapeutic Magnetic Resonance (TMR) in the treatment of spontaneous perineal lacerations and episiotomies in the postpartum.

Methods

We performed a prospective, non-pharmacologic, non-profit, monocentric interventional study on women who had a spontaneous laceration and/or an episiotomy at delivery. The TMR device treatment was accepted by 52 women, while 120 women underwent standard care. Patients were visited 1 day postpartum, before starting the treatment; then a follow-up visit was performed at 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 3 months after delivery. The main endpoint was the time required for complete healing of the laceration and/or the episiotomy. Secondary endpoints were the prevalence of dehiscence, infections, urinary discomfort, urinary leakage, and the quality of restoration of sexual function.

Results

In the treatment group the REEDA score was significantly better both at 3- and 5-weeks postpartum follow-up. At 3 weeks and 5 weeks postpartum, we observed a significantly better outcome in the treatment group for all subjective complaints and perineal complications associated with lacerations and episiotomies. The percentage of patients who scored above the cutoff for sexual dysfunction was significantly better in the treatment group (83.3%) than in the control group (31.8%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

With this pilot study, we introduced low dose Pulsating Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) as a novel conservative and not pharmacological approach to reduce complications of perineal lesions. Our results demonstrated to significantly improve perineal wound healing and to ameliorate the sexual function in the postpartum.
Distribution of bone fragments in angled shots: an experimental study conducted on composite models containing artificial bone plates
Authors: Geisenberger Dorothee , Große Perdekamp Markus , Glardon Matthieu , Kromeier Jan , Pollak Stefan , Thierauf-Emberger Annette
Published: August 2024

In conventional gunshot injuries to targets containing bone the resulting osseous fragments do not precede but follow the bullet on its further way through adjacent soft tissues. The term “secondary projectiles” for the particles does not appear to be appropriate since they are not believed to have enough energy necessary for creating their own wound channels away from the temporary cavity. Former studies have shown that in angled shots to glass panes the bulk of splinters does not follow the bullet’s trajectory: The majority of the glass fragments, especially the larger ones, move at right angles to the pane shot through. The aim of the presented study was to examine whether osseous fragments behave like glass splinters in angled shots to flat synthetic bone. In this context, it should also be assessed, whether the bone fragments might act as secondary projectiles in rare cases. To answer these questions, test shots were fired to composite models consisting of flat synthetic bone and ballistic gelatin. Pistol cartridges 9 mm Luger were used to fire the shots which were video-documented with a high-speed camera. Afterwards, the composite models underwent CT examination and macroscopic inspection. Video-documentation revealed that the larger bone particles from the perforation site move at a roughly right angle from the osseous sheet into the gelatin, causing an eccentric bulge of the temporary cavity. The smaller bone fragments were also lodged along the bullet’s path, predominantly in the cracks radiating from the permanent wound channel.
Opicapone for the treatment of early wearing-off in levodopa-treated Parkinson’s disease: pooled analysis of patient level data from two randomized open-label studies
Authors: Ferreira Joaquim J. , Lee Jee-Young , Ma Hyeo-il , Jeon Beomseok , Poewe Werner , Antonini Angelo , Stocchi Fabrizio , Rodrigues Daniela M. , Fonseca Miguel M. , Castilla-Fernández Guillermo , Holenz Joerg , Rocha José-Francisco , Rascol Olivier ,   on behalf of the ADOPTION study investigators
Published: August 2024

Background

The wearing-off phenomenon is a key driver of medication change for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) treated with levodopa. Common first-line options include increasing the levodopa dose or adding a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, but there are no trials comparing the efficacy of these approaches. We evaluated the effectiveness of adjunct opicapone versus an additional 100 mg levodopa dose in PD patients with early wearing-off using pooled data from 2 randomized studies.

Methods

The ADOPTION study program included two similarly designed 4-week, open-label studies conducted in South Korea (NCT04821687) and Europe (NCT04990284). Patients with PD, treated with 3–4 daily doses of levodopa therapy and with signs of early wearing-off were randomized (1:1) to adjunct opicapone 50 mg or an additional dose of levodopa 100 mg. Patient-level data from the two studies were pooled.

Results

The adjusted mean [SE] change from baseline to week 4 in absolute OFF time (key endpoint) was − 62.8 min [8.8] in the opicapone group and − 33.8 min [9.0] in the levodopa 100 mg group, the difference significantly favoring opicapone (− 29.0 [− 53.8, − 4.2] min, p = 0.02). Significant differences in the Movement Disorder Society—Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III subscore (− 4.1 with opicapone vs − 2.5 with levodopa 100 mg), also favored opicapone (− 1.7 [− 3.3, − 0.04], p < 0.05). Dyskinesia was the most frequently reported adverse event (opicapone 7.2% vs. levodopa 100 mg 4.2%).

Conclusions

In these short-term trials, introducing adjunct opicapone was more effective at reducing OFF time than adding another 100 mg levodopa dose in PD patients with early signs of wearing-off.
Klitorisrekonstruktion nach Beschneidung bzw. Verstümmelung der weiblichen Genitalien (FGM/C) – Über die Schwierigkeiten der Evidenzgenerierung und ihre normativen Implikationen für die Beratungspraxis
Authors: Gadebusch Bondio Mariacarla , Lehmann-Solomatin Emilia
Published: August 2024

Praktiken der weiblichen Genitalverstümmelung bzw. -beschneidung konfrontieren Ärzt*innen auch in Deutschland mit zahlreichen Herausforderungen. Eine mögliche Interventionsmöglichkeit ist die elektiven Klitorisrekonstruktion zur ästhetischen und physiologischen Rehabilitation nach weiblicher Genitalverstümmelung bzw. -beschneidung. Auch wenn die Studienlage bezüglich der durch Klitorisrekonstruktion erzielten Ergebnisse kontrovers diskutiert wird, steigt das Angebot an Rekonstruktionsoptionen an.

Die vorliegende Arbeit zielt darauf ab, die epistemischen und ethischen Dimensionen der in den letzten 20 Jahren entstandenen und interdisziplinär geführten Debatte über die Klitorisrekonstruktion kritisch zu beleuchten. Sie soll eine Orientierung in dem komplexen Feld bieten, in dem kulturelle, geschlechtsspezifische, sexuelle und psychosoziale Faktoren mit anatomisch-physiologischem (Un)Wissen interagieren. Die Analyse zeigt die ambivalente Rolle von Evidenz und Evidenzansprüchen in Bezug auf das chirurgische Verfahren der Klitorisrekonstruktion.

Schwierigkeiten bei Prüfung und Vergleich der bestehenden chirurgischen Verfahren und bei der Anwendung standardisierter Befragungstools belegen, wie essentiell kulturelle Kompetenz und Diversitätsbewusstsein im Umgang mit Betroffenen sind. Das prima facie korrekte Argument der unzureichenden Evidenz zu Wirkung, Vergleichbarkeit und Langzeitfolgen der Rekonstruktionsverfahren erweist sich aus ethischen und epistemischen Gründen als problematisch. Für die Erzeugung valider und brauchbarer Daten zu Sexualität, Körperwahrnehmung, Schmerz- und Lustempfinden vor und nach einer Klitorisrekonstruktion sind Befragungsmodi nötig, die die kulturell heterogene Zielgruppe der Frauen mit FGM/C adressieren. Auch für eine zielgruppengerechte Aufklärung und Beratung als Bedingung selbstbestimmter Entscheidungen für/gegen eine Klitorisrekonstruktion sind kulturelle Kompetenz und Sensibilität in der Medizin dringend nötig.
First record of Robinia hispida L. (Fabaceae) in South Africa
Authors: Chikowore Gerald , Weyl Philip S. R. , Martin Grant D.
Published: August 2024

The shrub, Robinia hispida L., commonly known as the bristly locust, is a native to southeastern United States. It has, however, expanded its range within North America, and established invasive native-alien populations in several American states and Canada. Outside of North America, R. hispida has been introduced to Europe and Asia, where it has naturalised and is considered invasive. Notably, the presence of this shrub has never been reported outside of cultivation in Africa. Despite receiving little scientific attention compared to its congeneric species such as the global invader Robinia pseudoacacia L., R. hispida shares morphological and growth characteristics including rapid growth and a suckering habit. It occupies similar environmental niches in both native and introduced ranges, thriving in thin upland woodlands, woodland edges, thickets, fence rows, roadside embankments, banks of drainage canals, vacant lots, and overgrown waste areas. In South Africa, R. hispida was first recorded in a garden in Polokwane in 1986, while the first record outside of cultivation was near the town of Bethlehem in the Free State Province in 2023, and further surveys were conducted locating additional populations near the towns of Zastron and Clarens in 2024. The potential distribution of R. hispida in South Africa was modelled in MaxEnt using areas climatically representative of the species, based on the Koppen-Geiger climate classifications. The potential distribution includes areas of central South Africa, the east and south coast and the Mediterranean climates of the southern Cape. Management strategies suggested for R. hispida in South Africa, considering the small size of the populations, should include eradication efforts using mechanical and chemical means, followed by continuous monitoring to prevent re-emergence.
The benefits of ablation using TactiFlex compared with TactiCath in an ex vivo model: a face-to-face experimental comparison study
Authors: Odake Yodo , Tokuyama Takehito , Aonuma Kazutaka , Kuroki Kenji , Inden Yasuya , Furutani Motoki , Okubo Yousaku , Okamura Sho , Miyauchi Shunsuke , Miyamoto Shogo , Oguri Naoto , Uotani Yukimi , Sakai Takumi , Nakano Yukiko
Published: August 2024

Background

TactiFlex is a next-generation catheter that is being used increasingly in ablation-treatment strategies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in ablation lesions when the ablation power, time, and perfusion flow are varied with TactiFlex and TactiCath catheters.

Methods

The TactiFlex and TactiCath catheters were contacted perpendicularly/obliquely/parallel to the swine myocardium at varying powers (30, 40, and 50 W), time points (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 s), and forces (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 g); the depth, width, and area of each lesion were measured, and the number of steam pops that occurred was counted.

Results

A total of 672 (336 lesions for each catheter) radiofrequency (RF) energy applications were delivered and 648 lesions were analyzed, excluding steam pops. The surface area and volume increased significantly with an increasing contact force for the TactiCath. The TactiCath lesions were significantly deeper than those for TactiFlex in most groups with the same power and seconds. The surface area was significantly larger when the catheters were contacted obliquely/parallel to the myocardium than perpendicularly using TactiCath, whereas the difference was less significant in the case of TactiFlex. In a 10-g contact force ablation experiment, TactiFlex did not cause pops, but TactiCath caused pops in 9.8% of cases.

Conclusion

The TactiFlex lesions were shallower than those of TactiCath. However, TactiFlex catheters reduced the steam pops during RF applications. Those data should help clinicians understand the characteristics of the catheters and develop adequate strategies.

Graphical abstract
Therapeutic Options of Crystallin Mu and Protein Disulfide Isomerase A3 for Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination in Mouse Hippocampus
Authors: Hahn Kyu Ri , Kwon Hyun Jung , Kim Dae Won , Hwang In Koo , Yoon Yeo Sung
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the changes in hippocampal proteomic profiles during demyelination and remyelination using the cuprizone model. Employing two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for protein profiling, we observed significant alterations in the expression of ketimine reductase mu-crystallin (CRYM) and protein disulfide isomerase A3 precursor (PDIA3) following exposure to and subsequent withdrawal from cuprizone. Immunohistochemical staining validated these protein expression patterns in the hippocampus, revealing that both PDIA3 and CRYM were downregulated in the hippocampal CA1 region during demyelination and upregulated during remyelination. Additionally, we explored the potential protective effects of CRYM and PDIA3 against cuprizone-induced demyelination by synthesizing cell-permeable Tat peptide-fusion proteins (Tat-CRYM and Tat-PDIA3) to facilitate their crossing through the blood–brain barrier. Our results indicated that administering Tat-CRYM and Tat-PDIA3 mitigated the reduction in proliferating cell and differentiated neuroblast counts compared to the group receiving cuprizone alone. Notably, Tat-PDIA3 demonstrated significant effects in enhancing myelin basic protein expression alongside phosphorylation of CREB in the hippocampus, suggesting its potential therapeutic role in the prevention or treatment of demyelination, and by extension, in conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
The analysis of the non-Kolmogorov turbulence effect on the performance of uplink coherent DPSK laser satellite communication system in the presence of tilt-corrected beam wander
Authors: Abouelez Ahmed Elsayed , Eldiwany Essam A.
Published: August 2024

In the present study, a model for analyzing the performance of laser-based satellite uplinks that account for beam wander and atmospheric turbulence is presented. The developed scintillation index model is a continuation of the recent works considering the effects of non-Kolmogorov turbulence on the propagation of Gaussian beams across turbulent media. We specifically concentrate on the specific regime under the tilt-corrected beam wander. The on-axis scintillation index is developed assuming an isotropic non-Kolmogorov spectrum model where the power law exponent (PLE) effective value, $$\alpha$$
α
, is taken to be 3 < $$\alpha$$
α
 < 4. Within that regime, effective irradiance models for tilt-corrected beam wander are presented, using the Gamma and Gamma-Gamma distributions. Closed-form expressions of the average bit error rate (BER) are derived to evaluate the performance of the optical communication system considering coherent detection of differential phase shift keying. The obtained numerical results show the impact of the Gaussian beam radius at the transmitter, the PLE effective value, and the zenith angle on the on-axis scintillation index and the average BER of the system under consideration. Due to beam wander, the link performance in terms of scintillation index and average BER depends on the beam radius at the transmitter. With tilt-corrected beam wander the link performance becomes best at an intermediate value of beam radius. With the non-Kolmogorov turbulent medium model, the PLE effective value has a major effect on the beam radius with the best performance. The obtained results guide the choice of the optimum beam radius for best performance for each PLE effective value.
Georges Florovsky: Letter to Davis McCaughey
Authors: Florovsky Georges , Obolevitch Teresa
Published: August 2024

The letter from Georges Florovsky to Davis McCaughey is a reflection after reading the Report The Era of Atomic Power: Report of a Commission (1946). Florovsky gives his own arguments against the development of research concerning nuclear weapons and their use. These include: treating an attempt at a technical transformation of the world as a human claim to put oneself in God’s place, i.e., to be a God-man. Another group of indictments against the use of the atomic bomb concerned ethical issues and human responsibility for the war. Florovsky’s letter is his contribution to the discussion on the threat posed by the atomic bomb.
Migration of copper(II) ions in humic systems—effect of incorporated calcium(II), magnesium(II), and iron(III) ions
Authors: Klučáková Martina , Enev Vojtěch
Published: August 2024

The mobility of heavy metals in natural soil systems can be affected by the properties and compositions of those systems: the content and quality of organic matter as well as the character of inorganic constituents. In this work, the diffusion of copper(II) ions in humic hydrogels with incorporated calcium(II), magnesium(II), and iron(III) ions was investigated. The methods of instantaneous planar source and of constant source were used. Experimental data yielded the time development of the concentration in hydrogels and the values of effective diffusion coefficients. The coefficients include both the influence of the hydrogel structure and the interaction of diffusing particles with the hydrogel. Our results showed that the presence of natural metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, or iron can strongly affect the diffusivity of copper in humic systems. They indicate that the mobility of copper ions depends on their concentration. The mobility can be supported by higher contents of copper in the system. While the incorporation of Ca and Mg resulted in the decrease in the diffusivity of copper ions, the incorporation of Fe(III) into humic hydrogel resulted in an increase in the diffusivity of Cu(II) in the hydrogel in comparison with pure humic hydrogel.
Palisading Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Dababneh Melad N. , Griffith Christopher C. , Ooms Kaitlyn
Published: August 2024

Palisading adenocarcinoma is a morphologically distinct salivary gland neoplasm that has been recently described with predilection to the sublingual gland. We report our experience with this neoplasm to corroborate and enrich the literature and further clarify its phenotype.
Photocatalytic performance of copper ferrite/polypyrrole nanohybrids: studies on visible light induced degradation of urea and microwave-assisted degradation of polyethylene films
Authors: Gaffar Shayista , Riaz Ufana
Published: August 2024

The present work reports formulation of nanohybrids of CuFe2O4 using polypyrrole (PPy) in the weight ratios of 1%, 3% and 5%. The synthesized nanohybrids were characterized using FTIR, UV–Vis, XRD and SEM–EDS. The optical band gaps were calculated to be 2.31 eV, 2.11 eV and 1.74 eV for 1-PPy/CuFe2O4, 3-PPy/CuFe2O4, and 5-PPy/CuFe2O4, respectively. The photocatalytic degradation of urea and polyethene (PE) was carried out under visible light irradiation to study the effect of degradation of pollutants in presence of an organic–inorganic hybrid photocatalyst. The nanohybrids showed superior photocatalytic performance when compared with pure CuFe2O4. The maximum photocatalytic degradation was found to be 62% within 120 min using 5-Ppy/CuFe2O4 as photocatalyst and 40% degradation of PE films was achieved under microwave irradiation. The catalysts showed promising results for the highly efficient degradation of polymers.

Graphical abstract

Photocatalytic activity of polypyrrole/copper ferrite nanohybrids