bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Outcomes Using Single-Fire Stapler
Authors: Fritz Gregory D. , Sharrak Aryana , Aubrey Jason , Topalli Xhesika , Vrana Antonia , Opalikihn Anne , Zambito Giuseppe M. , Martin Thomas D. , Foote James A. , Smith Joshua R. , Schram Jon L.
Published: August 2024

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric surgery performed worldwide. The Titan stapler aims to standardize the sleeve gastrectomy by eliminating inconsistencies and simplifying the procedure.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients > 18 years of age undergoing LSG using the Titan. Pre-operative demographics, perioperative findings, and post-operative complications were all abstracted from the MBSAQIP database.

Results

A total of 807 LSG have been performed using the latest iteration of the Titan stapler since November 2022. Data from these patients was compared to 3829 patients who underwent LSG using a sequential staple firing technique from September 2016–September 2021. The median age of Titan patients was 42 years (IQR 33–52) compared to 44 years (IQR 35–54) for sequential firing. The median pre-operative BMI was 47.1 (IQR 43.5–52.1) for Titan versus 47.6 (IQR 43.1–53.3) for sequential staple firing. After propensity matching, operative duration was significantly less for the Titan. Titan patients had decreased hospital length of stay, experienced fewer 30-day readmissions, and had less post-operative nausea/vomiting. Post-op bleed rates were similar between the two cohorts. Weight loss at 6 months favored the sequential fire arm, but our preliminary data shows this difference diminishes at 1 year.

Conclusions

Here we report our data on patients undergoing LSG using the latest Titan stapler. We show the device is safe, effective, and has resulted in an improvement in length of stay, readmissions, and post-operative nausea/vomiting. We also noted reduced operative time with this technique.

Graphical Abstract
Early postembryonic morphology of the stick insect subgenual organ complex
Authors: Strauß Johannes
Published: August 2024

Mechanoreceptor organs in hemimetabolous insects are physiologically important not only in the adult insects, but also for sensory functions in the juvenile postembryonic stages. They provide proprioceptive and exteroceptive information, e.g., in locomotion or orientation. In stick insects (Phasmatodea), the subgenual organ complex in the tibia of all legs is an elaborate mechanoreceptor system. This complex contains two chordotonal organs, the subgenual organ and the distal organ. These organs have mainly been studied in adult insects for the neuroanatomy and functional morphology. Here, the sensory organs were investigated in newly hatched Ramulus artemis (Westwood, 1859) to indicate the functional organisation at the beginning of postembryogenesis, when the detection of mechanical stimuli becomes relevant for behaviour. The organs were investigated by axonal tracing for the organ neuroanatomy, innervation, and number of sensilla in the distal organ. In addition, the sensory complex was analysed for the connection by a membrane between the organs. The organs are present after hatching, indicating in particular a possible vibration detection by the subgenual organ. In most cases, the connection between the sensory organs was also present. This indicates the development of sensory neurons and additional tissues during embryogenesis. The sensory neurons in the subgenual organ show a re-organisation, as the dorsal sensilla change from orientation in distal directions to proximal directions. This finding is discussed for implications in vibration detection. The overall results indicate some neuroanatomical modifications during postembryonic development, while the main structures of the subgenual organ complex already originate during embryonic development.
Assessing the interplay: teacher efficacy, compassion fatigue, and educator well-being in Australia
Authors: Oberg Glenys , Macmahon Stephanie , Carroll Annemaree
Published: August 2024

In Australia, there is a growing concern about the well-being of teachers with many expressing their intention to leave the profession or indeed have already left. Various reasons have been suggested for this trend, with burnout being identified as one of the factors. This study investigates burnout in Australian teachers as one of the constructs which make up compassion fatigue (CF), a reduced ability to empathise with others. Moreover, it explores secondary traumatic stress (STS), which also contributes to CF and occurs when a person learns about the traumatic experiences of someone under their care. Both constructs may severely impact the ability of teachers to form close relationships with their students. As part of the present study, 1939 Australian teachers were surveyed about their quality of life, well-being, classroom efficacy, and trauma awareness. Findings demonstrate that teachers with higher levels of well-being and with higher perceived classroom efficacy are less prone to burnout, reducing the risk of emotional exhaustion and disengagement often associated with this phenomenon. Conversely, connections were found between lower well-being of teachers and educators' awareness of trauma and their susceptibility to STS. Recommendations are made for further research exploring the barriers and enablers of compassion fatigue as well as positive teacher well-being, in order to develop targeted initiatives to better prepare and protect teachers to work with a cohort of students who are increasingly demonstrating symptoms of trauma and poor well-being.
A transitional care program in a technologically monitored in‐hospital facility reduces the length of hospital stay and improves multidimensional frailty in older patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Pilotto Alberto , Morganti Wanda , Barbagelata Marina , Seminerio Emanuele , Morelli Simona , Custureri Romina , Dini Simone , Senesi Barbara , Prete Camilla , Puleo Gianluca , Berutti Bergotto Carlo , Vallone Francesco , Custodero Carlo , Camurri Antonio ,   The PRO‐HOME Project Investigators Group
Published: August 2024

Background

Longer length of hospital stay (LOS) negatively affects the organizational efficiency of public health systems and both clinical and functional aspects of older patients. Data on the effects of transitional care programs based on multicomponent interventions to reduce LOS of older patients are scarce and controversial.

Aims

The PRO‐HOME study aimed to assess the efficacy in reducing LOS of a transitional care program involving a multicomponent intervention inside a technologically monitored in‐hospital discharge facility.

Methods

This is a Randomized Clinical Trial on 60 patients (≥65 years), deemed stable and dischargeable from the Acute Geriatrics Unit, equally assigned to the Control Group (CG) or Intervention Group (IG). The latter underwent a multicomponent intervention including lifestyle educational program, cognitive and physical training. At baseline, multidimensional frailty according to the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), and Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) were assessed in both groups, along with physical capacities for the IG. Enrolled subjects were evaluated after 6 months of follow‐up to assess multidimensional frailty, HRQOL, and re‐hospitalization, institutionalization, and death rates.

Results

The IG showed a significant 2‐day reduction in LOS (median days IG = 2 (2–3) vs. CG = 4 (3–6); p < 0.001) and an improvement in multidimensional frailty at 6 months compared to CG (median score IG = 0.25(0.25–0.36) vs. CG = 0.38(0.31–0.45); p = 0.040). No differences were found between the two groups in HRQOL, and re‐hospitalization, institutionalization, and death rates.

Discussion

Multidimensional frailty is a reversible condition that can be improved by reduced LOS.

Conclusions

The PRO‐HOME transitional care program reduces LOS and multidimensional frailty in hospitalized older patients.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov n. NCT06227923 (retrospectively registered on 29/01/2024).
Effect of Dislocation Density on the Dynamic Strength of Aluminium
Authors: Jonsson J. C. , Chapman D. J. , Farbaniec L. , Escauriza E. M. , Smith L. C. , Eakins D. E.
Published: August 2024

The effects of cold work on dynamic flow strength is studied through measurements of dislocation density and elastic precursor attenuation in shocked aluminium. High-purity aluminium and Al 6082 alloy samples are subjected to up to three passes of rotary swaging, a severe plastic deformation (SPD) technique, in order to produce large variations in starting material conditions. Detailed material characterisation is performed using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine the initial dislocation density, texture, grain boundary density and misorientation distribution. Variations in dynamic strength are studied through the evolution of the elastic precursor amplitude with propagation distance in specimens with thicknesses between 0.2 and 1 mm, shock loaded to impact stresses of about 4.6 GPa. It is shown that dynamic strength decreases with increasing initial dislocation density in both materials, demonstrating rare, quantified measurements of a reversal in the effect of dislocation density on yield strength at strain rates around 10$$^{4}$$

4

s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

and above.
A quantum information theoretic analysis of reinforcement learning-assisted quantum architecture search
Authors: Sadhu Abhishek , Sarkar Aritra , Kundu Akash
Published: August 2024

In the field of quantum computing, variational quantum algorithms (VQAs) represent a pivotal category of quantum solutions across a broad spectrum of applications. These algorithms demonstrate significant potential for realising quantum computational advantage. A fundamental aspect of VQAs involves formulating expressive and efficient quantum circuits (namely ansatz), and automating the search of such ansatz is known as quantum architecture search (QAS). Recently reinforcement learning (RL) techniques is utilized to automate the search for ansatzes, know as RL-QAS. This study investigates RL-QAS for crafting ansatz tailored to the variational quantum state diagonalisation problem. Our investigation includes a comprehensive analysis of various dimensions, such as the entanglement thresholds of the resultant states, the impact of initial conditions on the performance of RL-agent, the phase transition behaviour of correlation in concurrence bounds, and the discrete contributions of qubits in deducing eigenvalues through conditional entropy metrics. We leverage these insights to devise an entanglement-guided admissible ansatz in QAS to diagonalise random quantum states using optimal resources. Furthermore, the methodologies presented herein offer a generalised framework for constructing reward functions within RL-QAS applicable to variational quantum algorithms.
Strategies for Porcine Liver Valorization as a Source of Food Ingredients
Authors: Saguer Elena , Abril Blanca , Pateiro Mirian , Bermúdez Roberto , Domínguez-Valencia Rubén , Bou Ricard
Published: August 2024

Purpose of Review

The sustainable consumption and production goal and the decline of offal consumption have led to the interest in seeking alternatives for porcine livers, the largest edible gland. To that aim, we reviewed the potential of porcine livers as a source of food ingredients together with the use of eco-innovative processes and technologies for their valorization.

Recent Findings

It is possible to extract and transform various compounds and fractions into food ingredients with tailored techno-functional properties using eco-innovative strategies involving microbial, enzymatic, physical, and chemical processes. These strategies can also contribute to improving the efficacy of different extraction and transformation processes as well as enhance sensory properties.

Porcine liver is an interesting source of valuable compounds with multiple food applications and health benefits. Through extraction, processing, and transformation, these compounds can yield versatile food ingredients, thereby optimizing the profitability of this resource for human consumption through alternative presentations and potentially diminishing consumer reluctance compared to the whole liver.

Graphical Abstract
Laboratory study into engineering characteristics of siliciclastic sedimentary sand
Authors: Okewale Ismail Adeniyi , Olanrewaju Ibrahim Olalekan
Published: August 2024

Diverse applications and tremendous usefulness of siliciclastic sedimentary sands make investigation into their mechanics of behaviour very essential globally. This study examines the convergence or otherwise of the specimens in compression; physical, fabric, chemical and mineralogical characteristics and their relationships with compression behaviour; shape characteristics, possible particle breakage and their overall effect on the behaviour of siliciclastic sedimentary sands obtained from two locations. The findings are as follows; (a) Siliciclastic sedimentary sands are poorly graded and coarse in nature. (b) The fabrics are characterized by aggregation of sub rounded particles and smaller particles tend to combine with fines to form coatings around bigger particles. (c) Chemical compositions are predominantly silica and alumina and heamatite are significant. (d) Quartz dominates the mineralogy and the other minerals are muscovite, albite, orthoclase and chlorite. (e) The samples have convergent behaviour and the compressibility is not significantly different but lower than the related materials. (f) The original particle is sub round in shape and the particles become sub angular after the test with no relationship between particle shape and compression behaviour. (g) The particle breakage is linked to coarser nature of the specimens and the overall effect of particle breakage on the compression behaviour of siliciclastic sedimentary sand is small.
Research Adaptivity in Times of Disruption: Zig-Zagging Your Way through the Field During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Böcü Gözde
Published: August 2024

This study reflects on the field research interruptions that occurred around the world with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on my experience of in-person and remote fieldwork with vulnerable populations and sensitive research topics during this time, I introduce a “zig-zagging approach” that can be used as a research adaptivity strategy in times of disruption. I argue that “zig-zagging your way through the field” is a legitimate strategy as long as researchers acknowledge that changing from in-person to remote fieldwork (and vice versa) will alter various aspects of their relationship with the field including;(1) perception of positionality and authenticity; (2) processes of trust building and security challenges; and (3) experience of ethnographic immersion and observation. I offer mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of change and also discuss aspects that cannot be mitigated when working with vulnerable populations or sensitive research topics. I conclude on why going back—and forth (i.e., zig-zagging)—should become a practical solution when all else fails.
Earthquakes May Have Amplified the Destruction of Pompeii
Authors: Howell Evan
Published: August 2024

A new analysis of skeletons and collapsed walls indicates that seismic activity compounded the historic catastrophe wrought by Mount Vesuvius.
The 3‐D Density Structure of the Large Shield Volcanic Structure in the Gardner Region Revealed by a New Gravity Inversion
Authors: Chen Bo , Huang Qian , Du Jinsong , Zhang Shiyu , Liu Jianxin , Xu Changyi
Published: August 2024

The Gardner region is a well‐known shield volcanic complex on the Moon. Its magma origin and formation mechanism are of significant interest but still enigmatic. To reveal the subsurface structure of this volcanic complex, we propose a new 3‐D inversion method of the gravity field based on the regularizations of the L1 norm of the model and its gradients. The model test indicates that our proposed method can recover the density structures with high resolution. Subsequently, we apply it to the Bouguer gravity data in the Gardner region. Our result shows a large, dense body with a volume of about 45 × 45 × 13 km3 centered under the topographic bulge of the Gardner Plateau. We infer that this structure is most likely dense basalts trapped at the crust‐mantle boundary as a sill and acted as the magma reservoir that has fed the volcanic complex in the Gardner area.
Changes in the Plasma Sheet Conditions at Europa's Orbit Retrieved From Lead Angle of the Satellite Auroral Footprints
Authors: Satoh Shinnosuke , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Sakai Shotaro , Kasaba Yasumasa , Nichols Jonathan D. , Kimura Tomoki , Yasuda Rikuto , Hue Vincent
Published: August 2024

The electromagnetic interaction between Europa and the plasma sheet in the Jovian magnetosphere generates Alfvén waves, ultimately generating auroral footprints in Jupiter's atmosphere. The position of Europa's auroral footprint is a proxy for travel time of the Alfvén waves. We measured Europa's footprint position using the far‐ultraviolet images of Jupiter obtained by the Hubble Space Telescope in two observing campaigns in 2014 and 2022. The measured footprint position indicates a longer Alfvén travel time in the 2022 campaign. We retrieved the plasma sheet parameters at Europa's orbit from the footprint position by tracing the Alfvén waves launched at Europa and found an increase of both mass density and temperature in the plasma sheet in 2022. The Poynting flux generated at Europa is calculated with the retrieved plasma sheet parameters, which suggests the total energy transfer from Europa to its auroral footprint is similar to the case of Io.
Two Mechanisms Generating Intraplate Volcanism in Southeast Asia: Insights From Mantle Transition Zone Discontinuities
Authors: Shang Zhengtao , Yang Ting , Jiang Ming , Le Ba Manh , Zhou Yong , Chen Yongshun , Morgan Jason P.
Published: August 2024

Determining the mechanisms responsible for intraplate volcanism ‐ such as slab devolatilization melting versus active mantle plumes ‐ remains a challenge. The greater South China Sea (SCS) region has experienced extensive intraplate Cenozoic volcanism across areas including Hainan, Southeast Indochina, northern Borneo, the northern SCS, and the post‐spreading SCS basin. The prevalence of volcanism distributed widely across this region prompts fundamental questions about the key geodynamic processes driving such diverse magmatic activities. In this study, we elucidate the mantle transition zone (MTZ) discontinuities in this region using SS precursors, which helps to overcome the sparse seismic coverage due to its predominantly oceanic setting. We collected over 16,000 high‐quality seismograms that sample the upper mantle and MTZ beneath this region from global earthquakes and stations. After correcting for the effects of shallow crustal variations and upper mantle heterogeneity on traveltimes of SS phases and their precursors, we unveil lateral variations in the MTZ boundaries (d410 and d660) and intricate features of the mid‐MTZ reflectors (S520S). Significant MTZ thinning and normal S520S waveforms beneath Hainan provide compelling evidence for mantle upwelling through the MTZ. Conversely, the evident splitting of S520S beneath the northern SCS, Southeast Indochina, and northern Borneo, all characterized by stagnant subducted slabs, indicates that the volcanism in these regions likely originated from a mechanism distinct from the active upwelling beneath Hainan. Dehydration melting attributed to devolatilizing stagnant slabs in the MTZ is a potential cause for Cenozoic volcanism in these regions.
Colchicine-mediated selective autophagic degradation of HBV core proteins inhibits HBV replication and HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Zhang Hui , Su Xiameng , Gu Leirong , Tan Ming , Liu Yuting , Xu Kexin , Ren Jihua , Chen Juan , Li Zhihong , Cheng Shengtao
Published: August 2024

The HBV core protein (HBc) is an important viral protein of HBV that plays an indispensable role in the lifecycle of HBV, including capsid assembly and transport, reverse transcription and virus release. In recent years, evidence has shown that HBc may be involved in the malignant progression of HCC. Thus, HBc is an attractive target for antiviral agents and provides a new strategy for the treatment of HBV-related HCC. Here, we identified a novel anti‐HBc compound—colchicine, an alkaloid compound—that promoted selective autophagic degradation of HBc through the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signalling pathway. We further confirmed that colchicine promoted the selective autophagy of HBc by enhancing the binding of HBc to the autophagy receptor p62. Finally, we evaluated the effects of colchicine on HBV replication and HBc-mediated HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Our research indicated that the inhibitory effects of colchicine on HBV and HBV-related HCC depend on the selective autophagic degradation of HBc. Thus, colchicine is not only a promising therapeutic strategy for chronic hepatitis B but also a new treatment for HBV-related HCC.
Light has a principal role in the Arabidopsis transcriptomic response to the spaceflight environment
Authors: Zhou Mingqi , Ferl Robert J. , Paul Anna-Lisa
Published: August 2024

The Characterizing Arabidopsis Root Attractions (CARA) spaceflight experiment provides comparative transcriptome analyses of plants grown in both light and dark conditions within the same spaceflight. CARA compared three genotypes of Arabidopsis grown in ambient light and in the dark on board the International Space Station (ISS); Col-0, Ws, and phyD, a phytochrome D mutant in the Col-0 background. In all genotypes, leaves responded to spaceflight with a higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than root tips, and each genotype displayed distinct light / dark transcriptomic patterns that were unique to the spaceflight environment. The Col-0 leaves exhibited a substantial dichotomy, with ten-times as many spaceflight DEGs exhibited in light-grown plants versus dark-grown plants. Although the total number of DEGs in phyD leaves is not very different from Col-0, phyD altered the manner in which light-grown leaves respond to spaceflight, and many genes associated with the physiological adaptation of Col-0 to spaceflight were not represented. This result is in contrast to root tips, where a previous CARA study showed that phyD substantially reduced the number of DEGs. There were few DEGs, but a series of space-altered gene categories, common to genotypes and lighting conditions. This commonality indicates that key spaceflight genes are associated with signal transduction for light, defense, and oxidative stress responses. However, these key signaling pathways enriched from DEGs showed opposite regulatory direction in response to spaceflight under light and dark conditions, suggesting a complex interaction between light as a signal, and light-signaling genes in acclimation to spaceflight.
Rising premature menopause and variations by education level in India
Authors: Babbar Karan , Singh Vanita , Sivakami M.
Published: August 2024

The proportion of women experiencing premature menopause is on the rise in India, particularly in the age groups of 30–39 years. Consequently, there is a need to understand the factors influencing the prevalence of premature menopausal status among women. Our study uses the data from 180,743 women gathered during the latest Indian version of the Demography Health Survey (National Family Health Survey-5). Our results suggest that close to 5% of women in rural areas and 3% of women in urban areas experience premature menopause, and this figure varies across Indian States. The regression results show that surgical menopause, lower levels of education, poorer wealth index, rural residence, female sterilization, and insurance coverage are key drivers of premature menopause. One of the striking factors is that the prevalence of premature menopause among those with the lowest levels of education (6.85%) is around seven times higher than those with the highest level of education (0.94%). We conducted a decomposition analysis to delve into the factors contributing to this inequality. The results show that undergoing a hysterectomy (surgical menopause) account for 73% of the gap in premature menopausal rates between women with the lowest and highest levels of education. This indicates that women with poor education are more likely to undergo hysterectomy at a younger age. This finding warrants further exploration as we would expect that women from lower socio-economic background would have limited access to surgical care, however, our results suggest otherwise. This perhaps indicates a lack of awareness, lack of alternative treatment options, and over-reliance on surgical care while neglecting conservative management. Our results have implications for addressing the diverse needs of the increasing number of women in their post-menopause phase and for focusing on conservative treatment options for these women.
High-resolution mapping of urban Aedes aegypti immature abundance through breeding site detection based on satellite and street view imagery
Authors: Knoblauch Steffen , Su Yin Myat , Chatrinan Krittin , de Aragão Rocha Antonio Augusto , Haddawy Peter , Biljecki Filip , Lautenbach Sven , Resch Bernd , Arifi Dorian , Jänisch Thomas , Morales Ivonne , Zipf Alexander
Published: August 2024

Identification of Aedes aegypti breeding hotspots is essential for the implementation of targeted vector control strategies and thus the prevention of several mosquito-borne diseases worldwide. Training computer vision models on satellite and street view imagery in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, we analyzed the correlation between the density of common breeding grounds and Aedes aegypti infestation measured by ovitraps on a monthly basis between 2019 and 2022. Our findings emphasized the significance (p ≤ 0.05) of micro-habitat proxies generated through object detection, allowing to explain high spatial variance in urban abundance of Aedes aegypti immatures. Water tanks, non-mounted car tires, plastic bags, potted plants, and storm drains positively correlated with Aedes aegypti egg and larva counts considering a 1000 m mosquito flight range buffer around 2700 ovitrap locations, while dumpsters, small trash bins, and large trash bins exhibited a negative association. This complementary application of satellite and street view imagery opens the pathway for high-resolution interpolation of entomological surveillance data and has the potential to optimize vector control strategies. Consequently it supports the mitigation of emerging infectious diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, which cause thousands of deaths each year.
Measurement of hepatic glucose (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) uptake with positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging in fumonisin B intoxicated rabbit bucks
Authors: Szabó András , Emri Miklós , Tóth Zoltán , Fajtai Dániel , Donkó Tamás , Petneházy Örs , Kőrösi Dénes , Repa Imre , Takács Alíz , Kisiván Tímea , Gerencsér Zsolt , Ali Omeralfaroug , Turbók Janka , Bóta Brigitta , Gömbös Patrik , Romvári Róbert , Kovács Melinda
Published: August 2024

Rabbit bucks (bodyweight 5 kg) underwent dietary intoxication with fumonisin B series mycotoxins (FB1 + FB2 + FB3, 15 mg/kg diet) for 14 days to test the applicability of positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance (PET MR) hybrid imaging in characterizing experimentally induced mild hepatotoxicosis. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) radiotracer-aided imaging was performed before and after FBs administration on identical animals, and at both time points, blood was sampled for haematology and clinical chemistry. Kinetic PET image analysis revealed time-activity curves with uptake maxima below 1 min in the liver, renal cortex, portal vein, lung and coarctatio aortae. In the frame of static PET image analysis, based on the standardized uptake value (SUV), the so-called metabolic liver volume (MLV, liver volume defined by over 0.9 × average liver SUV) and the total liver glycolysis (TLG, MLV multiplied by the SUVmean) were calculated. Mycotoxicosis increased total liver glycolysis (p < 0.04) after 14 days and liver tissue TLG inhomogeneity was minimal. Pearson correlation between TLG and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was positive (0.515), while negative with LDH and AST (− 0.721 and − 0.491, respectively). Results indicate a slight hepatic mycotoxin effect and significantly increased glucose uptake intensity, which has been sensitively detected with molecular imaging (18F-FDG PET MRI) in the rabbit model.
Antox targeting AGE/RAGE cascades to restore submandibular gland viability in rat model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ahmad Marwa M. , Hassan Heba A. , Saadawy Sara F. , Ahmad Enssaf Ahmad , Elsawy Naser Ahmed Mahmoud , Morsy Manal Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder of glucose metabolism that threatens several organs, including the submandibular (SMG) salivary glands. Antox (ANX) is a strong multivitamin with significant antioxidant benefits. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the beneficial roles of ANX supplementation in combination with insulin in alleviating diabetic SMG changes. For four weeks, 30 rats were divided into equal five groups (n = 6): (1) control group; (2) diabetic group (DM), with DM induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection (50 mg/kg i.p.); (3) DM + ANX group: ANX was administrated (10 mg/kg/day/once daily/orally); (4) DM + insulin group: insulin was administrated 1U once/day/s.c.; and (5) DM + insulin + ANX group: co-administrated insulin. The addition of ANX to insulin in diabetic rats alleviated hyposalivation and histopathological alterations associated with diabetic rats. Remarkably, combined ANX and insulin exerted significant antioxidant effects, suppressing inflammatory and apoptotic pathways associated with increased salivary advanced glycation end-product (AGE) production and receptor for advanced glycation end-product expression (RAGE) activation in diabetic SMG tissues. Combined ANX and insulin administration in diabetic rats was more effective in alleviating SMG changes (functions and structures) than administration of insulin alone, exerting suppressive effects on AGE production and frustrating RAGE downstream pathways.
Adhesion of pancreatic tumor cell clusters by desmosomal molecules enhances early liver metastases formation
Authors: Dietrich Niclas , Castellanos-Martinez Ramon , Kemmling Julia , Heuser Arnd , Schnoor Michael , Schinner Camilla , Spindler Volker
Published: August 2024

Desmosomes are intercellular adhesion complexes providing mechanical coupling and tissue integrity. Previously, a correlation of desmosomal molecule expression with invasion and metastasis formation in several tumor entities was described together with a relevance for circulating tumor cell cluster formation. Here, we investigated the contribution of the desmosomal core adhesion molecule desmoglein-2 (DSG2) to the initial steps of liver metastasis formation by pancreatic cancer cells using a novel ex vivo liver perfusion mouse model. We applied the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line AsPC-1 with and without a knockout (KO) of DSG2 and generated mouse lines with a hepatocyte-specific KO of the known interacting partners of DSG2 (DSG2 and desmocollin-2). Liver perfusion with DSG2 KO AsPC-1 cells led to smaller circulating cell clusters and a reduced number of cells adhering to murine livers compared to control cells. While this was independent of the expression levels of desmosomal adhesion molecules in hepatocytes, we show that increased cluster size of cancer cells, which correlates with stronger cell–cell adhesion and expression of desmosomal molecules, is a major factor contributing to the early phase of metastatic spreading. In conclusion, impaired desmosomal adhesion results in reduced circulating cell cluster size, which is relevant for seeding and attachment of metastatic cells to the liver.
A label-free quantification method for assessing sex from modern and ancient bovine tooth enamel
Authors: Kotli Paula , Morgenstern David , Bocquentin Fanny , Khalaily Hamoudi , Horwitz Liora Kolska , Boaretto Elisabetta
Published: August 2024

Identification of the sex of modern, fossil and archaeological animal remains offers many insights into their demography, mortality profiles and domestication pathways. However, due to many-factors, sex determination of osteological remains is often problematic. To overcome this, we have developed an innovative protocol to determine an animal’s sex from tooth enamel, by applying label-free quantification (LFQ) of two unique AmelY peptides ‘LRYPYP’ (AmelY;[M+2]$$^{2+}$$

2
+

404.7212 m/z) and ‘LRYPYPSY’ (AmelY;[M+2]$$^{2+}$$

2
+

529.7689 m/z) that are only present in the enamel of males. We applied this method to eight modern cattle (Bos taurus) of known sex, and correctly assigned them to sex. We then applied the same protocol to twelve archaeological Bos teeth from the Neolithic site of Beisamoun, Israel (8-th–7-th millennium BC) and determined the sex of the archaeological samples. Since teeth are usually better preserved than bones, this innovative protocol has potential to facilitate sex determination in ancient and modern bovine remains that currently cannot be sexed.
Acetylcholine and choline in honey bee (Apis mellifera) worker brood food are seasonal and age-dependent
Authors: Siefert Paul , Lau Helene , Leutz Vivien , Leonhardt Sara Diana , Schneider Gaby , Klein Jochen , Grünewald Bernd
Published: August 2024

Nursing honeybees produce brood food with millimolar concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh), which is synthesized through head gland secretions mixed with honey stomach contents. While we previously demonstrated the necessity of ACh for proper larval development, the dynamics of ACh levels throughout ontogenesis and their seasonal variations have remained unclear until now. Our HPLC analysis reveals dependencies of choline and ACh levels on larval development days (LDDs), influenced by seasonal (April–September) variations. Median ACh concentrations peak on LDD 2, declining significantly toward cell capping, while choline levels are lowest during the initial LDDs, rising markedly toward cell capping. Seasonal patterns show peak ACh levels from April to June and a low in August, paralleling choline's peak in July and low in August. This seasonality holds consistently across multiple years (2020–2022) and colonies, despite potential variations in colony performance and environmental conditions. Our analysis found no correlation between temperature, sunshine, precipitation, or favourable foraging days and ACh/choline levels, suggesting the involvement of additional factors. These findings underscore the seasonal fluctuation of ACh levels and its potential implications for the genetic programs governing winter bee development.
Exploring the predictive factors of heart disease using rare association rule mining
Authors: Darrab Sadeq , Broneske David , Saake Gunter
Published: August 2024

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of mortality worldwide, claiming a significant number of lives each year. Despite the advancements in predictive models, including logistic regression, neural networks, and random forests, these techniques often lack transparency and interpretability, limiting their practical application in clinical settings. To address this challenge, this research introduces EPFHD-RARMING, an innovative approach designed to enhance the understanding and predictability of heart disease through the discovery of rare and meaningful patterns. EPFHD-RARMING utilizes rare association rule mining to uncover hidden and unexpected rules that identify critical factors contributing to heart disease. This method is particularly adept at identifying high-risk patterns in individuals who appear healthy but may develop heart disease under certain conditions, thus facilitating early intervention and preventive measures. By integrating these insights with established feature engineering techniques, EPFHD-RARMING enhances its practical utility, enabling medical professionals to proactively manage patient care and tailor interventions to individual risk profiles. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of EPFHD-RARMING in providing a deeper, actionable understanding of the complex dynamics of heart disease. The model’s ability to identify and interpret rare patterns holds significant promise for advancing medical analytics and improving patient outcomes. Moreover, the applicability of EPFHD-RARMING extends beyond the healthcare domain, offering valuable insights in various fields where the discovery of rare patterns is critical, such as finance, marketing, and cybersecurity. This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation, which demonstrates the superior performance of EPFHD-RARMING compared to traditional predictive models in identifying key factors contributing to heart disease, in terms of interestingness, explainability, and comprehensiveness of insights. The results underscore the potential of this innovative approach to revolutionize our understanding and prediction of heart disease, ultimately contributing to more effective and personalized healthcare solutions. This research emphasizes the importance of rare association rule mining in medical analytics and paves the way for future studies to explore and utilize these techniques across diverse domains.
Incorporating body mass index into esophageal manometry metrics and mean nocturnal baseline impedance for the evaluation of gastro-esophageal reflux disease
Authors: Tong Meng-Han , Zhang Ming-Jie , Wang Li-Xia , Zhang Zhi-Feng , Duan Zhi-Jun
Published: August 2024

This study aims to enhance the effectiveness of high resolution manometry (HRM) and pH-impedance monitoring metrics in distinguishing between gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and non-GERD. A retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) study was conducted on 643 patients with GERD symptoms. PSM matched 134 GERD patients with 134 non-GERD controls. Body mass index (BMI), intra-esophageal pressure (IEP) and intra-gastric pressure (IGP) were significantly higher in the GERD group compared to the non-GERD group. BMI was correlated with IEP and IGP positively. IGP was positively correlated with esophagogastric (EGJ) pressure (EGJ-P) in participants with EGJ type 1 and 2, but not in participants with EGJ type 3. BMI was correlated with distal MNBI negatively. Logistic regression showed BMI as an independent risk factor for GERD. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that BMI adjusted EGJ contractile integral (EGJ-CI) and BMI adjusted MNBI were superior to the corresponding original ones in predicting GERD susceptibility. According to the findings, BMI and IGP are the main factors contributing to the development of GERD. BMI affects IEP through the adaptive response of EGJ-P to IGP. Incorporating BMI into the calculations of EGJ-CI and MNBI can improve their ability in predicting GERD susceptibility.
Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering in warm-dense Fe compounds beyond the SASE FEL resolution limit
Authors: Forte Alessandro , Gawne Thomas , Alaa El-Din Karim K. , Humphries Oliver S. , Preston Thomas R. , Crépisson Céline , Campbell Thomas , Svensson Pontus , Azadi Sam , Heighway Patrick , Shi Yuanfeng , Chin David A. , Smith Ethan , Baehtz Carsten , Bouffetier Victorien , Höppner Hauke , Amouretti Alexis , McGonegle David , Harmand Marion , Collins Gilbert W. , Wark Justin S. , Polsin Danae N. , Vinko Sam M.
Published: August 2024

Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) is a widely used spectroscopic technique, providing access to the electronic structure and dynamics of atoms, molecules, and solids. However, RIXS requires a narrow bandwidth x-ray probe to achieve high spectral resolution. The challenges in delivering an energetic monochromated beam from an x-ray free electron laser (XFEL) thus limit its use in few-shot experiments, including for the study of high energy density systems. Here we demonstrate that by correlating the measurements of the self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) spectrum of an XFEL with the RIXS signal, using a dynamic kernel deconvolution with a neural surrogate, we can achieve electronic structure resolutions substantially higher than those normally afforded by the bandwidth of the incoming x-ray beam. We further show how this technique allows us to discriminate between the valence structures of Fe and Fe2O3, and provides access to temperature measurements as well as M-shell binding energies estimates in warm-dense Fe compounds.
Emulation of neuron and synaptic functions in spin–orbit torque domain wall devices
Authors: Kumar Durgesh , Maddu Ramu , Chung Hong Jing , Rahaman Hasibur , Jin Tianli , Bhatti Sabpreet , Ter Lim Sze , Sbiaa Rachid , Piramanayagam S. N.
Published: August 2024

Neuromorphic computing based on spin–orbit torque driven domain wall (DW) devices is promising for energy-efficient computation. This study demonstrates energy efficient operations of DW neurons and synapses by novel reading and writing strategies.
Fluorescent probe to quantify lipid-derived electrophiles in edible oils
Authors: Kuster Lucille , Mamboundou Priscilia Diane , Boushih Asma , Rassi Yasmine , Benoît Alexandre , Parent-Vézina Samuel , Lord-St-Vincent Michel , Guillemette Jean-Philippe , Frenette Mathieu
Published: August 2024

Edible oils oxidize in air to form a variety of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl containing products collectively called ‘lipid-derived electrophiles’. A commercially available “turn-on” fluorescent probe 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin is used to quantify ‘electrophilic content’ in oil-containing foods.
Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles as nanoprobes for bioimaging
Authors: Li Hengde , Liu Haitao , Wong Ka-Leung , All Angelo H.
Published: August 2024

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have great potential in biomedical applications such as biomolecular detection, cell imaging, tumor diagnosis and deep tissue imaging.
Study on the visible-light absorption of quartz with different valence states of iron
Authors: Wu Tong , Zhao Xiaoqing , Yu Jie , Chen Rui , Cao Dongyu , Tang Miao , Lu Jinkang , Ye Wei , Zhou Wenbo , Xu Mingli , Yang Miao , Xu Xuhui , Ye Dong
Published: August 2024

Synthetic colorless quartz with ion-implanted iron is compared with natural citrine quartz containing iron to study their coloring mechanisms after heating in different atmospheres.
Tuning organic crystal chirality by enantiomer-specific oriented attachment
Authors: Li Jingren , Liu Yanbo , Guo Zhiqiang , Han Dandan , Gong Junbo
Published: August 2024

This work enriches the application of enantiomer-specific oriented attachment for chiral enantiomer enrichment.
Energetic silicones: synthesis and characterization of pentaoxadiazole-PDMS copolymers
Authors: Shear Trevor A. , Varni Anthony J. , Zhang Mao-Xi , Martinez H. Paul
Published: August 2024

Standing at the forefront of energetics research is the exploration of energetic binders.
Synthesis of pyridyl functionalized 3-pyrrolyl BODIPY based fluoroprobes and application towards highly selective detection of picric acid
Authors: Tewary Debendra , Behera Kanhu Charan , Turner David R. , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: August 2024

A series of fluorescent pyridine-coupled 3-pyrrolyl BODIPYs were synthesized and only the N-methylpyridium derivative showed highly selective sensing of picric acid in aqueous media with a low LOD, achieved through forming a charge-transfer complex.
Morphology dependence of Nb2O5-supported cobalt oxide in catalytic toluene oxidation
Authors: Li Shuangju , Cheng Xueli , Zhou Wei , Jiang Junxiang , Feng Chao , Liu Yuanshuai , Li Xuebing , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Zhong
Published: August 2024

This research describes the preparation of cobalt-based catalysts supported on Nb2O5 substrates of various forms: rods (Nb2O5-R), grids (Nb2O5-G), and spherical structures (Nb2O5-S).
Nitrogen-enriched flexible metal–organic framework for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Lancheros Andrés , Goswami Subhadip , Zarate Ximena , Schott Eduardo , Hupp Joseph T.
Published: August 2024

A novel MOF [Zn2(L)(DMF)] was synthesized showing high crystallinity and stability up to 250 °C. Its nitrogen-rich pyrazole linkers enable good CO2 adsorption with a low isosteric enthalpy. Adsorption results were validated by DFT calculations.
ZnO-templated hollow amorphous carbon: oxygen adsorption and doping synergy for enhanced ORR catalysis
Authors: Wang Guandong , Yin Yizhi , Lin Chenfeng , Min Shixiong , Ma Jinfu
Published: August 2024

In pursuit of highly active zinc–air battery (ZAB) catalysts, nitrogen doping has proven key to enhancing carbon-based non-metallic catalysts’ performance in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Hydrogen evolution driven by heteroatoms of bidentate N-heterocyclic ligands in iron(ii) complexes
Authors: Keszei Soma , Wang Yiqing , Zhou Haotian , Ollár Tamás , Kováts Éva , Frey Krisztina , Tapasztó Levente , Shen Shaohua , Pap József Sándor
Published: August 2024

Non-coordinated heteroatoms in non-symmetrical bidentate N-heterocyclic ligands modulate the reactivity of Fe(ii) complexes towards acids under reductive conditions.
Micro blood analysis technology (μBAT): multiplexed analysis of neutrophil phenotype and function from microliter whole blood samples
Authors: Juang Terry D. , Riendeau Jeremiah , Geiger Peter G. , Datta Rupsa , Lares Marcos , Yada Ravi Chandra , Singh Anne Marie , Seroogy Christine M. , Gern James E. , Skala Melissa C. , Beebe David J. , Kerr Sheena C.
Published: August 2024

The micro blood analysis technology (μBAT) is a multiplexed microfluidic platform that performs five simultaneous readouts of neutrophil function, validated against macroscale benchmarks to ensure data quality from microliter sample volumes.
A novel characterization technique for hydrogels – in situ rheology-Raman spectroscopy for gelation and polymerization tracking
Authors: Lambrecht Sina , Biermann Marek , Kara Selin , Jopp Stefan , Meyer Johanna
Published: August 2024

Here, we present in situ rheology-Raman spectroscopy as a hydrogel characterization method for simultaneous observation of gelation and polymerization.
Structure-based virtual screening discovers novel PKMYT1 inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Haoyu , Yu Jinyu , Yang Ziheng , Guo Zhiqiang , Liu Rui , Qin Qiaohua , Sun Yixiang , Liu Nian , Gao Zixuan , Zhao Dongmei , Cheng Maosheng
Published: August 2024

Structure-based virtual screening identified five natural products with anti-PKMYT1 kinase activity.
Lattice doping of lanthanide ions in Cs2ZrCl6 nanocrystals enabling phase transition and tunable photoluminescence
Authors: Liu Yachong , Yun Rui , Yang Huanxin , Sun Wenda , Li Yue , Lu Haolin , Zhang Libing , Li Xiyan
Published: August 2024

The lattice doping of lanthanide ions in Cs2ZrCl6 nanocrystals enabling phase transition from a cubic phase to a monoclinic phase and tunable photoluminescence.
Nano-FTIR spectroscopy reveals SiO2 densification within fs-laser induced nanogratings
Authors: Shchedrina Nadezhda , Nemeth Gergely , Borondics Ferenc , Ollier Nadege , Lancry Matthieu
Published: August 2024

This study presents the first direct nanoscale evidence of densification within femtosecond laser-inscribed nanogratings, revealing significant structural changes in silica glass using s-SNOM and synchrotron-based nano-FTIR spectroscopy.
Harnessing a silicon carbide nanowire photoelectric synaptic device for novel visual adaptation spiking neural networks
Authors: Feng Zhe , Yuan Shuai , Zou Jianxun , Wu Zuheng , Li Xing , Guo Wenbin , Tan Su , Wang Haochen , Hao Yang , Ruan Hao , Lin Zhihao , Xu Zuyu , Zhu Yunlai , Wei Guodong , Dai Yuehua
Published: August 2024

An ITO/PMMA/SiC-NWs/ITO device enables visual adaptation in vision systems. Integrated with an LIF circuit, it reflects adaptation via frequency changes. In extreme weather, this system accuracy reached 97%, 12% higher than traditional systems.