bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fingerprints of past volcanic eruptions can be detected in historical climate records using machine learning
Authors: Meuer Johannes , Timmreck Claudia , Fang Shih-Wei , Kadow Christopher
Published: August 2024

Accurately interpreting past climate variability, especially distinguishing between forced and unforced changes, is challenging. Proxy data confirm the occurrence of large volcanic eruptions, but linking temperature patterns to specific events or origins is elusive. We present a method combining historical climate records with a machine learning model trained on climate simulations of various volcanic magnitudes and locations. This approach identifies volcanic events based solely on post-eruption temperature patterns. Validations with historical simulations and reanalysis products confirm the identification of significant volcanic events. Explainable artificial intelligence methods point to specific fingerprints in the temperature record that reveal key regions for classification and point to possible physical mechanisms behind climate disruption for major events. We detect unexpected climatic effects from smaller events and identify a northern extratropical footprint for the unidentified 1809 event. This provides an additional line of evidence for past volcanoes and refines our understanding of volcanic impacts on climate.
Children’s risk preferences vary across sexes, social contexts, and cultures
Authors: Stengelin Roman , Maurits Luke , Hepach Robert , Haun Daniel Benjamin Moritz
Published: August 2024

People exhibit more risk-prone behaviors when together with peers than when in private. The interplay of social context effects and other variables that alter human risk preferences (i.e., age, sex, or culture) remains poorly understood. Here, we explored risk preferences among Namibian Hai||om and Ovambo children (N = 144; AgeRange = 6–10 years). Participants chose between risky and safe options in private or during peer presence. In a third condition, children collaborated with peers before their risk preferences were assessed in those peers’ presence. Children from both societies were risk-averse, but Hai||om children showed greater risk aversion than their Ovambo counterparts. Across cultures and ages, boys were less averse to risks than girls. This effect was most pronounced during peer presence, whereas collaboration did not additionally affect risk preferences. These results suggest a dynamic interplay of individual, social, and cultural factors shaping children’s risk preferences.
CDK phosphorylation of Sfr1 downregulates Rad51 function in late-meiotic homolog invasions
Authors: Palacios-Blanco Inés , Gómez Lucía , Bort María , Mayerová Nina , Bágeľová Poláková Silvia , Martín-Castellanos Cristina
Published: August 2024

Meiosis is the developmental program that generates gametes. To produce healthy gametes, meiotic recombination creates reciprocal exchanges between each pair of homologous chromosomes that facilitate faithful chromosome segregation. Using fission yeast and biochemical, genetic, and cytological approaches, we have studied the role of CDK (cyclin-dependent kinase) in the control of Swi5–Sfr1, a Rad51-recombinase auxiliary factor involved in homolog invasion during recombination. We show that Sfr1 is a CDK target, and its phosphorylation downregulates Swi5–Sfr1 function in the meiotic prophase. Expression of a phospho-mimetic sfr1-7D mutant inhibits Rad51 binding, its robust chromosome loading, and subsequently decreases interhomolog recombination. On the other hand, the non-phosphorylatable sfr1-7A mutant alters Rad51 dynamics at late prophase, and exacerbates chromatin segregation defects and Rad51 retention observed in dbl2 deletion mutants when combined with them. We propose Sfr1 phospho-inhibition as a novel cell-cycle-dependent mechanism, which ensures timely resolution of recombination intermediates and successful chromosome distribution into the gametes. Furthermore, the N-terminal disordered part of Sfr1, an evolutionarily conserved feature, serves as a regulatory platform coordinating this phospho-regulation, protein localization and stability, with several CDK sites and regulatory sequences being conserved.
Correction: Polydopamine-capped AgNPs as a novel matrix overcoming the ion suppression of phosphatidylcholine for MALDI MS comprehensive imaging of glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids in impact-induced injured brain
Authors: Han Chao , Li Shumu , Yue Qingwei , Li Na , Yang Hui , Zhao Zhenwen
Published: August 2024

Correction for ‘Polydopamine-capped AgNPs as a novel matrix overcoming the ion suppression of phosphatidylcholine for MALDI MS comprehensive imaging of glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids in impact-induced injured brain’ by Chao Han et al., Analyst, 2019, 144, 6304–6312, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9AN01361J.
Correction: Fluorescence intensity coded DNA frameworks based on the FRET effect enable multiplexed miRNA imaging in living cells
Authors: Zhao Xiaoshuang , Xu Yi , Mi Xianqiang
Published: August 2024

Correction for ‘Fluorescence intensity coded DNA frameworks based on the FRET effect enable multiplexed miRNA imaging in living cells’ by Xiaoshuang Zhao et al., Anal. Methods, 2023, 15, 3051–3056, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3AY00578J.
Formal (2+2) ring expansion prevails over (4+2) cycloaddition of a kinetically stabilized benzoborirene with reactive cycloaddends
Authors: Sindlinger Marvin , Biebl Sonja , Ströbele Markus , Bettinger Holger F.
Published: August 2024

(2+2) prevails in cycloaddition reactions of benzoborirene with PTAD and 4,4′-bipyridyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine.
Excellent thermoelectric performance in alkali metal phosphides M3P (M = Na and K) with phonon-glass electron-crystal like behaviour
Authors: Xu Xinji , Zhou Weiyu , Zhan Wei , Pan Ziyi , Huang Hao , Li Geng , Zeng Shuming , Tu Yusong
Published: August 2024

Identifying ideal thermoelectric materials presents a formidable challenge due to the intricate coupling relationship between thermal conductivity and power factor.
The retinal chromophore environment in an inward light-driven proton pump studied by solid-state NMR and hydrogen-bond network analysis
Authors: Pinto Marie , Saliminasab Maryam , Harris Andrew , Lazaratos Michalis , Bondar Ana-Nicoleta , Ladizhansky Vladimir , Brown Leonid S.
Published: August 2024

The mechanism of inward proton transport in a microbial rhodopsin suggested by solid-state NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations.
Characterization of atmospheric microplastics in Hangzhou, a megacity of the Yangtze river delta, China
Authors: Xu Liang , Li Jiefeng , Yang Shushen , Li Zhenyang , Liu Yan , Zhao Yifan , Liu Dantong , Targino Admir Créso , Zheng Zhonghua , Yu Mingzhou , Xu Peng , Sun Yele , Li Weijun
Published: August 2024

Atmospheric microplastics in Hangzhou were predominantly fibers, with tires (27.0%) and PET (19.7%) as the dominant types. The annual MP dry deposition flux in the Hangzhou urban area was estimated to be 16.9 ± 2.9 tons.
Customizing the water-scarce, zinc ion-rich Helmholtz plane of a zinc anode for Ah-scale Zn metal batteries
Authors: Gao Guowei , Huo Xiaomei , Li Boxin , Bi Jingxuan , Zhou Zhenkai , Du Zhuzhu , Ai Wei , Huang Wei
Published: August 2024

By constructing a hydrogel film doped with an ionic liquid on a Zn anode, a water-scarce inner Helmholtz plane and a Zn ion-enriched outer Helmholtz plane is developed, which effectively enables a stable zinc anode for Ah-scale Zn metal batteries.
Prediction rigidities for data-driven chemistry
Authors: Chong Sanggyu , Bigi Filippo , Grasselli Federico , Loche Philip , Kellner Matthias , Ceriotti Michele
Published: August 2024

We demonstrate the wide utility of prediction rigidities, a family of metrics derived from the loss function, in understanding the robustness of machine learning (ML) model predictions.
Regulation of transmembrane current through modulation of biomimetic lipid membrane composition
Authors: Shang Zhiwei , Zhao Jing , Yang Mengyu , Xiao Yuling , Chu Wenjing , Cai Yilin , Yi Xiaoqing , Lin Meihua , Xia Fan
Published: August 2024

A biomimetic lipid membrane was developed by integrating DNA nanowires with a two-dimensional nanofluid membrane. By manipulating the DNA content, the composition of the membrane can be controlled, thereby adjusting ion transport.
Unraveling the secrets of harnessing a surfactant-modified strategy in organosolv pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass for efficient fermentable sugar production
Authors: Song Guojie , Zhang Hui , Madadi Meysam , Chen Zhixiangpeng , Wang Hao , Xia Ao , Samimi Abdolreza , Sun Chihe , Meng Xianzhi , Ragauskas Arthur J. , Sun Fubao
Published: August 2024

Alkaline-catalyzed organosolv pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass affords excellent delignification, yielding a holocellulose-rich substrate for fermentable sugar production.
Highly tensile and sensitive strain sensors with micro–nano topology optimization
Authors: Lan Weixia , Ding Qiqi , Zhou Tao , Guo Zilong , Sun Wenbin , Wu Zhenghui , Liao Yingjie , Wei Bin , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: August 2024

A novel fiber strain sensor was proposed with micro–nano topology optimization, which was achieved through a simple, cost-effective and scalable method and obtained a wide detection range (0–650%) and high sensitivity (GFmax = 976.89).
Furoxan–piplartine hybrids as effective NO donors and ROS inducers in PC3 cancer cells: design, synthesis, and biological evaluation
Authors: Brustolin Braga Carolyne , Milan Julio Cesar , Andrade Meirelles Matheus , Zavan Bruno , Ferreira-Silva Guilherme Álvaro , Caixeta Ester Siqueira , Ionta Marisa , Pilli Ronaldo A.
Published: August 2024

A novel hybrid integrating piplartine with a furoxan moiety exhibited a sub-micromolar IC50 and extraordinary selectivity for PC3 cells, which was associated with its capacity to release NO, generate ROS, induce DNA damage, and trigger apoptosis.
Characterization of robocasted graphene and graphene oxide reinforced scaffold structures for bone regeneration
Authors: S. S. Gayathri , A. Logeshwaran , K. Deepan , Puthillam Umanath , Prafulbhai Sinojiya Fenish , Nayak Sunita , Elsen Renold
Published: August 2024

Graphene and graphene oxide are used as a reinforcement to enhance the healing and mechanical characteristics of robocasted bentonite–hydroxyapatite scaffolds and their physical, mechanical, and biological properties were assessed.
Exploring the potential of a ZIF-8@MCM-41-based heterostructured material for battery-type electrodes for supercapatteries
Authors: Santos Josefa Dina , Mendonça Jhonatam Pinheiro , Campos Vanessa N. S. , Teixeira Mayara M. , Schwanke Anderson J. , Bernardo-Gusmão Katia , Cabral Aluisio A. , Rodrigues Samuel Filgueiras , Paiva Antônio Ernandes Macedo , Alcântara Ana C. S , Garcia Marco Aurélio Suller , Rojas Alex
Published: August 2024

Demonstration of the potential of a heterostructured material, ZIF-8@NH-MCM-41, for application in high-performance supercapacitors, a viable route forward for energy storage applications.
Solid-state nanopore counting of amplicons from recombinase polymerase isothermal amplification
Authors: Elliott Breeana , Charron Martin , Pezacki John , McConnell Erin , Tabard-Cossa Vincent
Published: August 2024

A nanopore-integrated reverse-transcription recombinase polymerase amplification-based assay is employed for the direct electrical detection of synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA amplicons.
The financial market wants to believe in European sustainability. Time trends and persistence analysis of greenvs.brown bond yields
Authors: Monge Manuel
Published: August 2024

The quantitative analysis and fractional approaches we present in this paper to examine conventional and green bond returns involve several advances and provides several contributions not found in the existing literature.
Plant supercomplex I + III2 structure and function: implications for the growing field
Authors: Maldonado Maria
Published: August 2024

Mitochondrial respiration is major source of chemical energy for all free-living eukaryotes. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of the respiratory complexes and supercomplexes remain poorly understood. Here, I review recent structural and functional investigations of plant supercomplex I + III2 from Arabidopsis thaliana and Vigna radiata. I discuss commonalities, open questions and implications for complex I, complex III2 and supercomplexes in plants and non-plants. Studies across further clades will enhance our understanding of respiration and the potential universal mechanisms of its complexes and supercomplexes.
Validation of up to seven TESS planet candidates through multi-colour transit photometry using MuSCAT2 data
Authors: Peláez-Torres A. , Esparza-Borges E. , Pallé E. , Parviainen H. , Murgas F. , Morello G. , Zapatero-Osorio M. R. , Korth J. , Narita N. , Fukui A. , Carleo I. , Luque R. , García N. Abreu , Barkaoui K. , Boyle A. , Béjar V. J. S. , Calatayud-Borras Y. , Cheryasov D. V. , Christiansen J. L. , Ciardi D. R. , Enoc G. , Essack Z. , Fukuda I. , Furesz G. , Galán D. , Geraldía-González S. , Giacalone S. , Gill H. , Gonzales E. J. , Hayashi Y. , Ikuta K. , Isogai K. , Kagetani T. , Kawai Y. , Kawauchi K. , Klagyvik P. , Kodama T. , Kusakabe N. , Laza-Ramos A. , de Leon J. P. , Livingston J. H. , Lund M. B. , Madrigal-Aguado A. , Meni P. , Mori M. , Torres S. Muñoz , Orell-Miquel J. , Puig M. , Ricker G. , Sánchez-Benavente M. , Savel A. B. , Schlieder J. E. , Schwarz R. P. , Sefako R. , Sosa-Guillén P. , Stangret M. , Stockdale C. , Tamura M. , Terada Y. , Twicken J. D. , Watanabe N. , Winn J. , Zheltoukhov S. G. , Ziegler C. , Zou Y.
Published: August 2024

The TESS mission searches for transiting exoplanets by monitoring the brightness of hundreds of thousands of stars across the entire sky. M-type planet hosts are ideal targets for this mission due to their smaller size and cooler temperatures, which makes it easier to detect smaller planets near or within their habitable zones. Additionally, M dwarfs have a smaller contrast ratio between the planet and the star, making it easier to measure the planet’s properties accurately. Here, we report the validation analysis of 13 TESS exoplanet candidates orbiting around M dwarfs. We studied the nature of these candidates through a multi-colour transit photometry transit analysis using several ground-based instruments (MuSCAT2, MuSCAT3, and LCO-SINISTRO), high-spatial resolution observations, and TESS light curves. We present the validation of five new planetary systems: TOI-1883b, TOI-2274b, TOI-2768b, TOI-4438b, and TOI-5319b, along with compelling evidence of a planetary nature for TOIs 2781b and 5486b. We also present an empirical definition for the Neptune desert boundaries. The remaining six systems could not be validated due to large true radius values overlapping with the brown dwarf regime or, alternatively, the presence of chromaticity in the MuSCAT2 light curves.
Discovery and characterization of a dense sub-Saturn TOI-6651b
Authors: Baliwal Sanjay , Sharma Rishikesh , Chakraborty Abhijit , Khandelwal Akanksha , Nikitha K. J. , Safonov Boris S. , Strakhov Ivan A. , Montalto Marco , Eastman Jason D. , Latham David W. , Bieryla Allyson , Prasad Neelam J. S. S. V. , Bharadwaj Kapil K. , Lad Kevikumar A. , Das Shubhendra N. , Nayak Ashirbad
Published: August 2024

We report the discovery and characterization of a transiting sub-Saturn exoplanet TOI-6651b using PARAS-2 spectroscopic observations. The host, TOI-6651 (mV ≈ 10.2), is a sub-giant, metal-rich G-type star with [Fe / H] = 0.225−0.0450.044[Fe/H] = 0.225−0.045+0.044, Teff = 5940 ± 110 K, and log g = 4.087−0.032+0.035. Joint fitting of the radial velocities from PARAS-2 spectrograph and transit photometric data from Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) reveals a planetary mass of 61.0−7.9+7.6 M⊕ and radius of 5.09−0.26+0.27 R⊕, in a 5.056973−0.000018+0.000016 day orbit with an eccentricity of 0.091−0.062+0.096. TOI-6651b has a bulk density of 2.52−0.44+0.52 g cm−3, positioning it among the select few known dense sub-Saturns and making it notably the densest detected with TESS. TOI-6651b is consistent with the positive correlation between planet mass and the host star’s metallicity. We find that a considerable portion ≈87% of the planet’s mass consists of dense materials such as rock and iron in the core, while the remaining mass comprises a low-density envelope of H/He. TOI-6651b lies at the edge of the Neptunian desert, which will be crucial for understanding the factors shaping the desert boundaries. The existence of TOI-6651b challenges conventional planet formation theories and could be a result of merging events or significant atmospheric mass loss through tidal heating, highlighting the complex interplay of dynamical processes and atmospheric evolution in the formation of massive dense sub-Saturns.
Can we rely on EUV emission to identify coronal waveguides?
Authors: Kohutova P. , Antolin P. , Szydlarski M. , Poirier N.
Published: August 2024

Context. Traditional models of coronal oscillations rely on a modelling of the coronal structures that support them as compact cylindrical waveguides. An alternative model of the structure of the corona has recently been proposed, in which the thin strand-like coronal loops, that are observed in the extreme-UV (EUV) emission are the result of the line-of-sight integration of warps in more complex coronal structures. This is referred to as the coronal veil model.

Aims. We extend the implications of the coronal veil model of the solar corona to models of coronal oscillations.

Methods. Using convection-zone-to-corona simulations with the radiation-magnetohydrodynamics (rMHD) code Bifrost, we analysed the structure of the self-consistently formed simulated corona. We focused on the spatial variability of the volumetric emissivity of the Fe IX 171.073 Å EUV line and on the variability of the Alfvén speed, which captures the density and magnetic structuring of the simulated corona. We traced features associated with large magnitudes of the Alfvén speed gradient, which trap MHD waves and act as coronal waveguides. We searched for the correspondence with emitting regions, which appear as strand-like loops in the line-of-sight-integrated EUV emission.

Results. We find that the cross sections of the waveguides bounded by large Alfvén speed gradients become less circular and more distorted with increasing height in the solar atmosphere. The waveguide filling factors corresponding to the fraction of the waveguides filled with plasma that emits in the given EUV wavelength range from 0.09–0.44. This suggests that we can only observe a small fraction of the waveguide. Similarly, the projected waveguide widths in the plane of the sky are several times larger than the widths of the apparent loops that are observed in the EUV.

Conclusions. We conclude that the coronal veil structure is independent of the model. As a result, we find a lack of straightforward correspondence between peaks in the integrated emission profile that constitute apparent coronal loops and regions of plasma bound by a large Alfvén speed gradient that act as waveguides. Coronal waveguides cannot be reliably identified based on emission in a single EUV wavelength is not reliable in the simulated corona formed in convection-zone-to-corona models.
Mass determination of two Jupiter-sized planets orbiting slightly evolved stars: TOI-2420 b and TOI-2485 b
Authors: Carleo Ilaria , Barrágan Oscar , Persson Carina M. , Fridlund Malcolm , Lam Kristine W. F. , Messina Sergio , Gandolfi Davide , Smith Alexis M. S. , Johnson Marshall C. , Cochran William , Osborne Hannah L. M. , Brahm Rafael , Ciardi David R. , Collins Karen A. , Everett Mark E. , Giacalone Steven , Guenther Eike W. , Hatzes Artie , Hellier Coel , Horner Jonathan , Kabáth Petr , Korth Judith , MacQueen Phillip , Masseron Thomas , Murgas Felipe , Nowak Grzegorz , Rodriguez Joseph E. , Watkins Cristilyn N. , Wittenmyer Rob , Zhou George , Ziegler Carl , Bieryla Allyson , Boyd Patricia T. , Clark Catherine A. , Dressing Courtney D. , Eastman Jason D. , Eberhardt Jan , Endl Michael , Espinoza Nestor , Fausnaugh Michael , Guerrero Natalia M. , Henning Thomas , Hesse Katharine , Hobson Melissa J. , Howell Steve B. , Jordán Andrés , Latham David W. , Lund Michael B. , Mireles Ismael , Narita Norio , Tala Pinto Marcelo , Pugh Teznie , Quinn Samuel N. , Ricker George , Rodriguez David R. , Rojas Felipe I. , Rose Mark E. , Rudat Alexander , Sarkis Paula , Savel Arjun B. , Schlecker Martin , Schwarz Richard P. , Seager Sara , Shporer Avi , Smith Jeffrey C. , Stassun Keivan G. , Stockdale Chris , Trifonov Trifon , Vanderspek Roland , Winn Joshua N. , Wright Duncan
Published: August 2024

Context. Hot and warm Jupiters might have undergone the same formation and evolution path, but the two populations exhibit different distributions of orbital parameters. This challenges our understanding of their actual origin.

Aims. We report the results of our warm Jupiters survey, which was carried out with the CHIRON spectrograph within the KESPRINT collaboration. We addressed the question of the population origin by studying two planets that might help to bridge the gap between the two populations.

Methods. We confirm two planets and determine their mass. One is a hot Jupiter (with an orbital period shorter than 10 days), TOI-2420 b, and the other is a warm Jupiter, TOI-2485 b. We analyzed them using a wide variety of spectral and photometric data in order to characterize these planetary systems.

Results. We found that TOI-2420 b has an orbital period of Pb=5.8 days, a mass of Mb=0.9 MJ, and a radius of Rb=1.3 RJ, with a planetary density of 0.477 g cm−3. TOI-2485 b has an orbital period of Pb=11.2 days, a mass of Mb=2.4 MJ, and a radius of Rb=1.1 RJ with a density of 2.36 g cm−3.

Conclusions. With the current parameters, the migration history for TOI-2420 b and TOI-2485 b is unclear: Scenarios of a high-eccentricity migration cannot be ruled out, and the characteristics of TOI-2485 b even support this scenario.
Unveiling the chemical fingerprint of phosphorus-rich stars
Authors: Brauner Maren , Pignatari Marco , Masseron Thomas , García-Hernández D. A. , Lugaro Maria
Published: August 2024

Context. The atmospheres of phosphorus-rich (P-rich) stars have been shown to contain between 10 and 100 times more P than our Sun. Given its crucial role as an essential element for life, it is especially necessary to uncover the origin of P-rich stars to gain insights into the still unknown nucleosynthetic formation pathways of P in our Galaxy.

Aims. Our objective is to obtain the extensive chemical abundance inventory of four P-rich stars, covering a large range of heavy (Z > 30) elements. This characterization will serve as a milestone for the nuclear astrophysics community to uncover the processes that form the unique chemical fingerprint of P-rich stars.

Methods. We performed a detailed 1D local thermodynamic equilibrium abundance analysis on the optical UVES spectra of four P-rich stars. The abundance measurements, complemented with upper-limit estimates, included 48 light and heavy elements. Our focus lay on the neutron-capture elements (Z > 30), in particular, on the elements between Sr and Ba, as well as on Pb, as they provide valuable constraints to nucleosynthesis calculations. In past works, we showed that the heavy-element observations from the first P-rich stars are not compatible with either classical s-process or r-process abundance patterns. In this work, we compare the obtained abundances with three different nucleosynthetic scenarios: a single i-process, a double i-process, and a combination of s- and i-processes.

Results. We have performed the most extensive abundance analysis of P-rich stars to date, including the elements between Sr and Ba, such as Ag, which are rarely measured in any type of stars. We also estimated constraining upper limits for Cd I, In I, and Sn I. We found overabundances with respect to solar in the s-process peak elements, accompanied by an extremely high Ba abundance and slight enhancements in some elements between Rb and Sn. No global solution explaining all four stars could be found for the nucleosynthetic origin of the pattern. The model that produces the least number of discrepancies in three of the four stars is a combination of s- and i-processes, but the current lack of extensive multidimensional hydrodynamic simulations to follow the occurrence of the i-process in different types of stars makes this scenario highly uncertain.
Statistical Analysis of Past-Year Marijuana use in U.S. General Population: A Negative Binomial Regression Model
Authors: Zhao Qin , Wang Kesheng , Liu Ying
Published: August 2024

Marijuana is the most frequently reported illicit substance in the United States. However, limited studies have delved into the analysis of marijuana use as a count variable, in which the distribution often exhibits overdispersion and notable occurrences of zero values. This study encompassed a total of 58,034 individuals, with12,528 having reported marijuana use in the past year from the 2021 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health data. Marijuana use was measured by number of days used in the past year. Three distributions were compared including normal distribution, Poisson, and Negative Binomial (NB) distributions. The Akaike information criterion (AIC), corrected AIC (AICC), consistent AIC (CAIC), and the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) statistics were used to select the best distribution. The overall prevalence of past-year marijuana use was 21.6%. The NB regression model proved to be the best with lowest AIC, AICC, CAIC, and BIC values compared with linear and Poisson models. According to the NB model, African American and age 18–64 years were associated with increased days of marijuana use, whereas, females, rural living, Asian and Hispanic were associated with decreased days of marijuana use. The findings can guide healthcare providers when screening for marijuana use in general population.
Molecular mechanisms of eugenol as an antitumour bioactive compound: A comprehensive review
Authors: Alwan Shukrya , Hatem Tamara , Abid Hussein
Published: August 2024

The eugenol, a biologically active compound found in various plant species, has gained considerable attention in recent years for its anticancer and other medicinal properties. This review aimed at elucidating the current knowledge and the molecular mechanisms underlying eugenol’s antitumour effects. Eugenol via two pathways; intrinsic and extrinsic can induce apoptosis, cause cell cycle arrest together with its antioxidant/antiinflammatory effects against angiogenesis and metastasis. It can modulate various cellular signalling pathways as well. The most commonly reported three are: MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and JAK/STAT. These pathways, and others as well, are critical in cellular events associated with oncogenesis. Moreover, it exhibits additive effects in combination with chemotherapy agents, natural compounds and radiotherapy this increasing its therapeutic possibility. Eugenol hits a wide range of molecular targets, with involvement of various proteins (including transcription factors), genes and epigenetic modifications as well as alterations in microRNA levels, implying complex anticancer mechanisms. It also shows markedly improved therapeutic benefits with chemo-drugs, phytochemicals and radiotherapy. The complex anticancer mechanisms of which include interactions with specific proteins, genes and epigenetic modifications as well has been shown to affect microRNA regulation. Yet, and although its actions are suggested, additional investigation is required to clarify the molecular mechanisms of eugenol entirely with potential clinical applications.
Production planning and control: A case study in stone crusher company
Authors: Setyaningrum Dewi Tria , Sibarani Ayu Anggraeni , Lutfiana Hilda
Published: August 2024

PT. Z is one of the companies engaged in the stone crusher business. The problem at PT Z is frequent delays in fulfilling customers order, significantly when demand increases. Based on the observations, it is known that PT Z performs production planning and control intuitively. It shows that PT Z does not yet have a production planning and control system in its production process. Solutions to overcome the problems faced by PT Z, namely by planning and controlling production, include (1) Forecasting, (2) Aggregate Planning (AP), (3) MPS, and (4) Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP). The strategy used in AP in this study is the Chase Strategy. In addition, the approach used in RCCP in this study is Capacity Planning Using Overall Factors (CPOF) approach. The purpose of this research is to provide proposals of production planning and control at PT Z to overcome the problem of delays. The results showed that AP resulted in a total cost of IDR 635,150,000 per year with a final inventory of 140 tons which met the safety stock requirements of 50 tons even though there was firing in the 17th period. RCCP, which became the validation of MPS, shows that the production capacity was 192 hours per month, and the average production capacity requirement was 172 hours per month, with the highest value of 190.4 hours and the lowest value of 163.68 hours. Based on the results of the RCCP, it can be stated if the MPS can be used.
Voxel-based Monte Carlo simulation of human external exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation
Authors: Bouzouita A. , Askri B. , Manai K. , Trabelsi A.
Published: August 2024

Organ absorbed doses are calculated for human exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation using a two-stage voxel-based Monte Carlo simulation in which the human body is represented by the voxel ICRP110 phantoms integrated in the Geant4 Monte Carlo code. The transport of photons in the soil-air medium is optimised by using a proven optimised geometry that allows tracking only those photons that have a high chance of reaching the standing reference phantom on the ground. For an optimal tracking within the voxel phantom, a nested parameterisation navigation technique implemented in Geant4 is applied. The organ-absorbed doses and the correspondent effective dose are calculated for the natural radioactive series of 238U and 232Th and for the 40K and 137Cs radionuclides. The results are compared to published studies that used the less precise mathematical based MIRD phantoms and to results derived from the ICRP144 report using the most advanced voxel phantom. The degree of agreement and the source of discrepancy between the realistic voxel model of the human body and the mathematical model used in the literature are analysed.
Hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy: surveillance to surgery – a current concepts review
Authors: Howard Jason J. , Graham H. Kerr , Johari Ashok , Narayanan Unni , Bennett Lisa , Presedo Ana , Shore Benjamin J. , Guerschman Tatiana , Aroojis Alaric
Published: August 2024

This review brings together a multidisciplinary, multinational team of experts to discuss the current state of knowledge in the detection and treatment of hip displacement in cerebral palsy (CP), a global public health problem with a high disease burden. Though common themes are pervasive, different views are also represented, reflecting the confluence of traditional thinking regarding the aetiology and treatment of hip displacement in CP with emerging research that challenges these tried-and-true principles. The development of hip displacement is most closely related to gross motor function, with radiographic surveillance programs based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the goal being early detection and timely treatment. These treatments may include non-operative methods such as abduction bracing and Botulinum Neurotoxin A (BoNT-A), but outcomes research in this area has been variable in quality. This has contributed to conflicting opinions and limited consensus. Soft tissue lengthening of the hip adductors and flexors has traditionally been employed for younger patients, but population-based studies have shown decreased survivorship for this treatment when performed in isolation. Concerns with the identification of hip displacement in very young children are raised, noting that early reconstructive surgery has a high recurrence rate. This has prompted consideration of viable minimally invasive alternatives that may have better success rates in very young children with CP, or may at least delay the need for osteotomies. Recent reports have implicated the role of abnormal proximal femoral growth and secondary acetabular dysplasia as a primary cause of hip displacement, related to ambulatory status and abductor function. As such, guided growth of the proximal femur has emerged as a possible treatment that addresses this purported aetiology, with promising early results.
Similar complications and outcomes with simultaneous versus staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty with the direct anterior approach: A comparative study
Authors: Koutserimpas Christos , Rob Edouard , Servien Elvire , Lustig Sébastien , Batailler Cécile
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) has demonstrated similar clinical outcomes to staged bilateral THA. However, there is scarce data regarding the early postoperative complications. This study compares simultaneous to staged bilateral THA with the direct anterior approach (DAA) regarding early complications and revision surgeries. Methods: This retrospective case-control study included all bilateral THAs, performed by DAA between 2013 and 2021 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. A total of 264 THAs (132 patients) were identified [simultaneous group (1T): 58 patients; staged group (2T): 74] with a mean follow-up of 54 months. Complications and revisions, clinical outcomes, and days off work were assessed at the last follow-up. Moreover, blood loss was evaluated by the modified method of Mercuriali and Inghilleri. Results: Blood loss was higher in the 1T group (1003 mL 1T vs. 740 mL 2T; p < 0.001) but there was no significant difference in transfusion rates (5% 1T vs. 3% 2T; p = 0.4). There were no complications in 1T, while the complication rate was 5.2% (n = 6) in 2T (p = 0.012). There were 5 revisions in the 2T group, including 2 debridements with polyethylene exchange and implant retention for early infections, 2 revisions for aseptic loosening in the same patient, and 1 revision due to fracture. Postoperative pain on D3 was equivalent in both groups (4.2 1T vs. 4.3 2T; p = 0.79). The improvement in function according to the HHS at 2 months was better in the 1T group, but not significant (36.8 1T vs. 32.9 2T; p = 0.05). The total number of days off work was significantly higher in the 2T group (82.6 days vs. 178.8; p = 0.025). Discussion: Simultaneous bilateral THA with the DAA seems to be a safe procedure, with no risk of increased early postoperative complications when compared to the staged procedure with similar functional outcomes and significantly fewer complications and days off work.
Empfehlung für Leukozytapheresen zur
CAR-T-Zell-Herstellung
Authors: Worel Nina , Bonig Halvard
Published: August 2024

Autologe chimäre Antigenrezeptor-modifizierte (CAR-) T-Zellen bieten erhebliche
Vorteile für Patienten mit ansonsten refraktären malignen Erkrankungen. Die
derzeit zugelassenen CAR-T-Zell-Produkte werden zur Behandlung von malignen
B-Zell-Erkrankungen wie akuter B-zelliger lymphatischer Leukämie (B-ALL),
B-Zell-Non-Hodgkin-Lymphom und Multiplem Myelom eingesetzt. Da sich die
klinischen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten für CAR-T-Zellen kontinuierlich ausweiten,
müssen Behandlungszentren, die sich noch nicht mit dem therapeutischen Einsatz
von Immuneffektorzellen befasst haben, die erforderlichen Kapazitäten und
Fachkenntnisse aufbauen.

Die Apherese ist ein extrakorporales Verfahren, mit dem das Ausgangsmaterial für
die Herstellung von CAR-T-Zellen gewonnen wird. Dieser Leitfaden enthält
Überlegungen zur Feststellung der Aphereseeignung des Patienten und gibt
hilfreiche Hinweise zur Durchführung des Aphereseverfahrens, um die Gewinnung
der Leukozyten zur weiteren Herstellung von CAR-T-Zellen zu optimieren. Er ist
jedoch kein Ersatz für die umfassende Ausbildung, die erforderlich ist, um
qualitativ hochwertige Apheresen in Übereinstimmung mit nationalen und
internationalen Vorschriften durchzuführen, und er ersetzt auch nicht die
Notwendigkeit, die zelluläre Zusammensetzung und die biologische Sicherheit zu
bewerten.
Herstellung von Granulozytenkonzentraten ohne
Hydroxyethylstärke
Authors: Offner Robert
Published: August 2024

Die therapeutische Verwendung von Hydroxyethylstärke (HES) unterliegt wegen der
Risiken besonderen Auflagen. Inzwischen wird auch von dessen Anwendung als
Sedimentationsbeschleuniger in der Gewinnung und Herstellung von
Granulozytenkonzentraten (GK) abgeraten. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird
vorgestellt, wie statt HES (HESpan 6%) modifizierte flüssige Gelatine (4%
Gelafundin) als Alternative eingesetzt werden kann. Hierzu wird in der
Klinikapotheke eine Mischung von Gelafundin 4% und Seracit 1M steril
angefertigt. Unsere mehr als siebenjährige Erfahrung damit zeigt, dass der
Austausch von HES gegen Gelafundin möglich ist, selbst, wenn HES hinsichtlich
des mittleren Ertrages etwas überlegen ist. Die bedarfsgerechte und
therapeutisch effektive Menge an Granulozyten ist mit einer mittleren
Konzentration von 4,5 x 1010 (2 GK pro Spende) durchaus erreichbar.
Die Verträglichkeit seitens der Spender war einwandfrei. Empfängerseitig wurden
in sieben Jahren drei nicht schwerwiegende unerwünschte Arzneimittelwirkungen
(UAW) (allergische, febrile) festgestellt. Gelafundin ist also eine geeignete
Alternative zu HESpan.
Auflösung einer KEL1 Diskrepanz als Fallbeispiel der
haplotypspezifischen Nanopore-Sequenzierung von Blutgruppengenen
Authors: Thun Gian-Andri , Gueuning Morgan , Merki Yvonne , Niederberger Nadine , Trost Nadine , Sigurdardottir Sonja , Engström Charlotte , Mattle-Greminger Maja P. , Meyer Stefan
Published: August 2024

Aufgrund der starken Immunogenität des KEL1-Antigens ist dessen Erhebung oft Teil
der routinemäßigen Spendertypisierung. Am Blutspendezentrum Zürich wird KEL1
serologisch als auch genetisch mittels Hochdurchsatzgenotypisierung bestimmt.
Genotyp-Phänotypdiskrepanzen werden normalerweise durch eine aufwendige
Sanger-Sequenzierung aller 19 Exons gelöst, welche jedoch keine Erstellung von
Haplotypen zulässt. Hier präsentieren wir ein alternatives Vorgehen, das auf der
neuesten Sequenzierungstechnologie von Oxford Nanopore Technologies basiert und
die Generierung von Haplotypen ganzer Gene ermöglicht.

Zur Ermittlung der KEL1-Expression kamen serologische Standardmethoden zur
Anwendung. Vier Varianten innerhalb des KEL-Gens waren Teil der auf
MALDI-TOF Massenspektrometrie basierenden Hochdurchsatz genotypisierung,
darunter c.578C>T, welches die KEL1/2-Expression bestimmt. Die Bestätigung
diskrepanter Ergebnisse erfolgte mittels PCR-SSP und serologischen
Untersuchungen zur Antigenexpressionsstärke wie Adsorptions-Elutionsanalysen und
Durchflusszytometrie. Zur Auflösung einer Diskrepanz bei einem Spender
amplifizierten wir das ~21 kb lange KEL mit zwei sich um 4.4 kb
überlappenden «long-range» PCRs von 12.7 kb und 14.3 kb Länge. Die Überlappung
war dabei für die Haplotypisierung wesentlich. Die Nanopore-Sequenzierung der
PCR-Amplifikate erfolgte auf einer Flongle flow cell, und die detektierten
exonischen Varianten wurden durch Sanger-Sequenzierung bestätigt.

Wir identifizierten einen heterozygoten KEL*01/02-Blutspender mit einem
KEL:-1,2 (K-k+) Phänotyp. Diese Diskrepanz wies auf ein Null-Allel
(KEL*01N) hin. Die Analyse der Probe ergab eine bisher bei der ISBT
noch nicht beschriebene Missense-Variante in Exon 11 (c.1241C>A, p.Thr414Lys,
rs1384232704), welche dem KEL*01-Allel zugeordnet werden konnte. Da kein
KEL1-Antigen auf der Oberfläche der Erythrozyten nachweisbar war, wurde die
Genvariante als Null-Allel definiert.

Mit Hilfe der Nanopore-Sequenzierung konnten wir eine Diskrepanz zwischen Genotyp
und Phänotyp innerhalb kurzer Zeit auflösen und ein neues KEL*01N-Allel
beschreiben. Die Long-Read Technologie vereinfachte maßgeblich die
Haplotypisierung des KEL-Gens und dies in einem kostengünstigen sowie
zeitsparenden Verfahren, welches sich auch für die Abklärung von
Genotyp-Phänotypdiskrepanzen in vielen anderen Blutgruppensystemen eignet.
Klonale Hämatopoese (CHIP) und klonale Zytopenie unbestimmter
Signifikanz (CCUS)
Authors: Ziemann Frank , Metzeler Klaus Hans
Published: August 2024

In der 5. Auflage der WHO-Klassifikation für hämatologische Neoplasien wurden im
Jahr 2022 erstmals die klonale Hämatopoese, die klonale Hämatopoese von
unbestimmtem Potenzial und die klonale Zytopenie unbestimmter Signifikanz als
eigenständige Entitäten im Spektrum der myeloischen Neoplasien mit aufgenommen
[1]. Entsprechend stellt sich die Frage, welche praktische Relevanz diese
Veränderungen bereits jetzt für den klinischen Alltag haben.
Comparative Analysis of Tailored Minicraniotomy versus Standard Pterional Craniotomy in the Treatment of Anterior Circulation Aneurysms: A Single-Center Case–Control Observational Study
Authors: Dipellegrini Giosuè , Boccaletti Riccardo , Mingozzi Anna , Sanna Elisa , Policicchio Domenico
Published: August 2024

Introduction Multiple minicraniotomies (Mct) have been proposed as alternatives to standard pterional craniotomy (Pct) for intracranial aneurysm treatment. These approaches offer limited surgical corridors and distinct working angles, posing challenges in addressing all aneurysm types with one method. We suggest a tailored Mct technique, comprising three minimally invasive approaches targeting anterior circulation aneurysm sites (middle cerebral artery, internal carotid artery, anterior communicating artery).

Methods We conducted a retrospective, case–control study at a single center comparing Pct and Mct outcomes for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Parameters evaluated included conversion rates to Pct or decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC), intraoperative rupture (IOR), surgical complications, complete aneurysm exclusion, 6-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and aesthetic outcomes using a visual analog scale. A total of 146 patients were included, with 103 in the Mct group and 43 in the Pct group, comparable in mean age, sex, and aneurysm topography. Hunt–Hess scores and Fisher grades were lower in the Mct group initially.

Results No cases required conversion from Mct to Pct or DHC. No significant differences were observed in IOR, surgical complications, and aneurysm exclusion rates between groups. The Mct group demonstrated better 6-month mRS scores and aesthetic outcomes.

Conclusion Our study indicates that tailored Mct is as safe and effective as standard Pct for intracranial aneurysms, with significant cosmetic benefits. Thus, tailored Mct can be considered a valuable alternative not only to Pct but also to other minimally invasive surgical methods for these aneurysms.
Case Report: Severe Colonic Crohn Disease Initiated after Liver Transplantation Requiring Surgery
Authors: Sapienza Gabriela Feres , Pinto Rodrigo Ambar , Simões Italo Beltrão , Traldi Maria Clara , Marques Carlos Frederico , D'Albuquerque Luiz Augusto Carneiro , Rocha Manuel , Nahas Sergio Carlos , Marchiolli Camila , Ledesma Felipe Lourenço
Published: August 2024

Introduction A patient using tacrolimus for hepatocyte transplantation (HT) was diagnosed with Crohn disease (CD) with mainly colonic involvement, despite drug immunosuppression due to the previous transplant. Upon routine colonoscopy, a lateral growth lesion was detected, which was endoscopically unresectable. Therefore, it was decided to perform a total colectomy with burial of the rectum and terminal ileostomy. During surgery, thickening of the terminal ileum and cecum was visualized, along with “fat-wrapping” and thickening of the entire mesocolon.

Discussion Immunosuppression in patients with HT should control the activity of autoimmune diseases. However, the literature shows evidence of some reports of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity after liver transplantation (LT). A review article from 2015 highlighted 92 cases of IBD after LT in the literature, with only 14 being CD, demonstrating that this is a rare phenomenon. Among the hypotheses, cytomegalovirus infection is related to the increased disease activity in patients with IBD and HT. In addition, several studies show an association between the drugs used in immunosuppression after LT and relapsed IBD, important data in patients receiving tacrolimus.

Conclusion The occurrence of CD after LT is rare and seems to have a direct association with the immunosuppression used to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ.
Prediction of Postoperative Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Using Preoperative Systemic Immune Inflammation Index and Eosinophils
Authors: Vaibhav Kumar , Sahu Anurag , Prasad Ravi Shankar , Deb Debabrata , Kumar Devendra , Karimi Abjad
Published: August 2024

Objective Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological problem with significant recurrence after surgery. Risk considerations can vary, ranging from patient-related factors to those related to the surgical procedure. This study explores the association between preoperative eosinophil count and systemic immune inflammation (SII) with CSDH recurrence.

Materials and Methods We conducted a prospective analysis of 105 patients with equal numbers of CSDHs who underwent surgery for CSDH between January 2023 and January 2024. The preoperative eosinophil counts, along with other differential leukocyte counts, were measured. The SII index was calculated using the standard formula (SII = neutrophil count  ×  platelet count/lymphocyte count). Multivariate and univariate regression analyses were performed to assess the association between risk factors and CSDH recurrence.

Results The preoperative eosinophil count showed a significant correlation with recurrence (p < 0.001). The SII index was significantly higher in patients with recurrent CSDH (p = 0.003). Neutrophils were found to be significantly associated with CSDH recurrence (p = 0.038). Age (p < 0.001) and SII (p = 0.005) were found to be independent predictors of CSDH recurrence, whereas hematoma volume (p < 0.001) and the antiplatelet regimen were a significant predictor of CSDH recurrence (p = 0.047). Variables like male gender, diabetes mellitus, anticoagulants, and hematoma volume were associated with eosinophil-rich or eosinophil-poor status.

Conclusion Preoperative eosinophil count, neutrophils, and the SII index may serve as potential predictors of CSDH recurrence. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings.
Effect of Plate Length on Construct Stiffness and Strain in a Synthetic Short-Fragment Fracture Gap Model Stabilized with a 3.5-mm Locking Compression Plate
Authors: Trefny Fabian N. , Glyde Mark , Hosgood Giselle , Hayes Alex , Day Robert
Published: August 2024

Objective To evaluate the effect of 3.5-mm locking compression plate (LCP) length on construct stiffness and plate and bone model strain in a synthetic, short-fragment, fracture-gap model.

Study Design Six replicates of 6-hole, 8-hole, 10-hole, and 12-hole LCP constructs on a short-fragment, tubular Delrin fracture gap model underwent four-point compression and tension bending. Construct stiffness and surface strain, calculated using three-dimensional digital image correlation, were compared across plate length and region of interest (ROI) on the construct.

Results The 12-hole plates (80% plate–bone ratio) had significantly higher construct stiffness than 6-hole, 8-hole, and 10-hole plates and significantly lower plate strain than 6-hole plates at all ROIs. Strain on the bone model was significantly lower in constructs with 10-hole and 12-hole plates than 6-hole plates under both compression and tension bending.

Conclusion Incremental increases in construct stiffness and incremental decreases in plate strain were only identified when comparing 6-hole, 8-hole, and 10-hole plates to 12-hole plates, and 6-hole to 12-hole plates, respectively. Strain on the bone model showed an incremental decrease when comparing 6-hole to 10-hole and 12-hole plates. A long plate offered biomechanical advantages of increased construct stiffness and reduced plate and bone model strain, over a short plate in this in vitro model.