bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and molecular-biological features of glioblastoma progression in tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia Wistar rats
Authors: Dzhalilova D. Sh. , Zolotova N. A. , Mkhitarov V. A. , Kosyreva A. M. , Tsvetkov I. S. , Khalansky A. S. , Alekseeva A. I. , Fatkhudinov T. H. , Makarova O. V.
Published: August 2023

Hypoxia is a major pathogenetic factor in many cancers. Individual resistance to suboptimal oxygen availability is subject to broad variation and its possible role in tumorigenesis remains underexplored. This study aimed at specific characterization of glioblastoma progression in male tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia Wistar rats. Hypoxia resistance was assessed by gasping time measurement in an 11,500 m altitude-equivalent hypobaric decompression chamber. Based on the outcome, the animals were assigned to three groups termed ‘tolerant to hypoxia’ (n = 13), ‘normal’, and ‘susceptible to hypoxia’ (n = 24). The ‘normal’ group was excluded from subsequent experiments. One month later, the animals underwent inoculation with rat glioblastoma 101.8 followed by monitoring of survival, body weight dynamics and neurological symptoms. The animals were sacrificed on post-inoculation days 11 (subgroup 1) and 15 (subgroup 2). Relative vessels number, necrosis areas and Ki-67 index were assessed microscopically; tumor volumes were determined by 3D reconstruction from histological images; serum levels of HIF-1α, IL-1β, and TNFα were determined by ELISA. None of the tolerant to hypoxia animals died of the disease during observation period,cf.85% survival on day 11 and 55% survival on day 15 in the susceptible group. On day 11, proliferative activity of the tumors in the tolerant animals was higher compared with the susceptible group. On day 15, proliferative activity, necrosis area and volume of the tumors in the tolerant to hypoxia animals were higher compared with the susceptible group. ELISA revealed no dynamics in TNFα levels, elevated levels of IL-1β in the susceptible animals on day 15 in comparison with day 11 and tolerant ones. Moreover, there were elevated levels of HIF-1α in the tolerant animals on day 15 in comparison with day 11. Thus, the proliferative activity of glioblastoma cells and the content of HIF-1α were higher in tolerant to hypoxia rats, but the mortality associated with the tumor process and IL-1β level in them were lower than in susceptible animals. Specific features of glioblastoma 101.8 progression in tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia rats, including survival, tumor growth rates and IL-1β level, can become the basis of new personalized approaches for cancer diseases treatment in accordance to individual hypoxia resistance.
Combination of epigallocatechin 3 gallate and curcumin improves d-galactose and normal-aging associated memory impairment in mice
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashrafur , Shuvo Arif Anzum , Apu Md. Mehedi Hasan , Bhakta Monisha Rani , Islam Farzana , Rahman Md. Atiqur , Islam Md. Rabiul , Reza Hasan Mahmud
Published: August 2023

Previously, we observed curcumin improves aging-associated memory impairment in d-galactose (D-gal) and normal-aged (NA) mice. Evidence showed that multiple agents can be used in managing aging-induced memory dysfunction, drawn by the contribution of several pathways. Curcumin and Epigallocatechin 3 gallate (EGCG) combination substantially reduced the oxidative stress that commonly mediates aging. This study examined the combined effect of EGCG and curcumin on memory improvement in two recognized models, D-gal and normal-aged (NA) mice. The co-administration of EGCG and curcumin significantly (p < 0.05) increased retention time detected by passive avoidance (PA) and freezing response determined in contextual fear conditioning (CFC) compared to the discrete administration of EGCG or curcumin. Biochemical studies revealed that the combination of EGCG and curcumin remarkably ameliorated the levels (p < 0.05) of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, advanced oxidation protein products, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation compared to the monotherapy of EGCG or curcumin in mice hippocampi. The behavioral and biochemical studies revealed that the combination of EGCG and curcumin showed better improvement in rescuing aging-associated memory disorders in mice. EGCG and curcumin combination could serve as a better choice in managing aging-related memory disorders.
Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in milk in Africa: a generalized logistic mixed-effects and meta-regression modelling
Authors: Oluwafemi Yinka D. , Igere Bright E. , Ekundayo Temitope C. , Ijabadeniyi Oluwatosin A.
Published: August 2023

Listeria outbreaks and food recalls is on the raise globally. Milk particularly is highly susceptible to Listeria as its production and storage adequately support Listeria growth. The extent of milk contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) and preventative actions to halt milk associated outbreaks in Africa are unknown. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the national and subregional prevalence of Lm in milk in Africa and identify impacting factors via generalized logistic mixed-effects (GLMEs) and meta-regression modelling. Lm-milk-specific data acquired from primary studies according to standard protocol were fitted using a GLMEs. The GLMEs was subjected to leave-one-study-out-cross-validation (LOSOCV). Factors impacting Lm prevalence in milk were assayed via a 1000-permutation-assisted meta-regression-modelling. The pooled prevalence of Lm in milk in Africa was 4.35% [2.73–6.86] with a prediction interval (PI) of 0.14–59.86% and LOSOCV value of 2.43% [1.62–3.62; PI: 0.32–16.11%]. Western Africa had the highest prevalence [20.13%, 4.13–59.59], then Southern Africa [5.85%, 0.12–75.72], Northern Africa [4.67%, 2.82–7.64], Eastern Africa [1.91%, 0.64–5.55], and there was no record from Central Africa. In term of country, Lm prevalence in milk significantly (p < 0.01) varied from 0.00 to 90.00%. Whereas the Lm prevalence was negligibly different (p = 0.77) by milk type, raw-milk had the highest prevalence [5.26%], followed by fermented-milk [4.76%], boiled-milk [2.90%], pasteurized-milk [1.64%], and powdered-milk [1.58%]. DNA extraction approach did not significantly (p = 0.07) affect Lm prevalence (Boiling [7.82%] versus Kit [7.24%]) as well as Lm detection method (p = 0.10; (ACP [3.64%] vs. CP [8.92%] vs. CS [2.27%] vs. CSP [6.82%]). Though a bivariate/multivariate combination of all tested variables in meta-regression explained 19.68–68.75% (R2) variance in Lm prevalence in milk, N, nation, and subregion singly/robustly accounted for 17.61% (F1;65 = 7.5994; p = 0.005), 63.89% (F14;52 = 4.2028; p = 0.001), and 16.54% (F3;63 = 3.4743; p = 0.026), respectively. In conclusion, it is recommended that adequate sample size should be prioritized in monitoring Lm in milk to prevent spuriously high or low prevalence to ensure robust, plausible, and credible estimate. Also, national efforts/interests and commitments to Lm monitoring should be awaken.
1-year survival rate of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome based on ventilator types: a multi-center study
Authors: Mahmoodpor Ata , Gohari-Moghadam Kievan , Rahimi-Bashar Farshid , Khosh-Fetrat Masoum , Vahedian-Azimi Amir
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between types of ventilator and the one-year survival rate of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to SARS‑CoV-2 infection. This multi-center, retrospective observational study was conducted on 1078 adult patients admitted to five university-affiliated hospitals in Iran who underwent mechanical ventilator (MV) due to ARDS. Of the 1078 patients, 781 (72.4%) were managed with ICU ventilators and 297 (27.6%) with transport ventilators. Overall mortality was significantly higher in patients supported with transport ventilator compared to patients supported with ICU ventilator (16.5% vs. 9.3% P = 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that the expected hazard overall increased with age (HR: 1.525, 95% CI 1.112–1.938, P = 0.001), opacity score (HR: 1.448, 95% CI 1.122–2.074, P = 0.001) and transport ventilator versus ICU ventilator (HR: 1.511, 95% CI 1.143–2.187, P = 0.029). The Kaplan–Meier curves of survival analysis showed that patients supported with ICU ventilator had a significantly higher 1-year survival rate (P = 0.001). In MV patients with ARDS due to COVID-19, management with non-ICU sophisticated ventilators was associated with a higher mortality rate compared to standard ICU ventilators. However, more studies are needed to determine the exact effect of ventilator types on the outcome of critically ill patients.
Development of flow battery technologies using the principles of sustainable chemistry
Authors: Zhao Ziming , Liu Xianghui , Zhang Mengqi , Zhang Leyuan , Zhang Changkun , Li Xianfeng , Yu Guihua
Published: August 2023

A comprehensive analysis of flow battery technologies from the aspect of sustainable chemistry is provided and 9 principles have been proposed to evaluate a flow battery's technical and environmental sustainability.
High-throughput fabrication of monodisperse spherical supraparticles through a reliable thin oil film and rapid water diffusion
Authors: Lee Wonhyung , Nam Youngjae , Kim Joonwon
Published: August 2023

A closed and open hybrid microfluidic platform enables high-throughput reliable fabrication of supraparticles using low volatile/water-soluble oil within 20 min.
Virtual assessment achieved two binary cocrystals based on a liquid and a solid pyridine derivative with modulated thermal stabilities
Authors: Ejarque Daniel , Calvet Teresa , Font-Bardia Mercè , Pons Josefina
Published: August 2023

The melting point of a liquid and a solid pyridine derivative has been modified using the cocrystal formation approach by combination with two carboxylic acids. Their crystal packings have been analyzed and correlated with their thermal stability.
Advances in the synthesis and modification of two-dimensional antimonene
Authors: Cheng Yanjie , Li Zhe , Liu Ye , Shi Yunhui , Zhu Mengya
Published: August 2023

The efficient and large-scale preparation of antimonene is the cornerstone of its increasingly extensive application.
The partitioning of primary alcohols into the aggregates of gemini amphiphiles determined from diffusion NMR experiments
Authors: Morris Brooke A. , Elgendy Ahmed A. , MacNeil Nicole E. , Singer Olivia M. , Hoare Jacob G. , Singer Robert D. , Marangoni D. Gerrard
Published: August 2023

Thermodynamics of partitioning of primary alcohols in solutions containing aggregates of symmetric gemini surfactants, determined from diffusion NMR, surprisingly shows little dependence on the spacer length of the gemini amphiphile.
A roadmap to enhance gas permselectivity in metal–organic framework-based mixed-matrix membranes
Authors: Kundu Susmita , Haldar Ritesh
Published: August 2023

Metal–organic framework-based mixed-matrix membranes design strategies have been discussed with a focus on the challanges related to membrane fabrication, interface design, and gas diffusion pathways.
The rapid counting method for 2-MIB-producing cyanobacteria (Pseudanabaena sp.) using fluorescence detection of phycocyanin pigments in algal cells
Authors: Boivin Sandrine , Hasegawa Eri , Yamaguchi Dabide , Fujioka Takahiro
Published: August 2023

Phycocyanin auto-fluorescence was used to count cyanobacteria solely. Thresholds of dimensions and auto-fluorescence intensity allow identifying Pseudanabaena sp. Manual and automatic counting of Pseudanabaena sp. was highly correlated.
Room temperature continuous flow synthesis of γ-valerolactone and N-containing heterocycles over Ru supported bimodal N,S-doped cubic mesoporous carbon
Authors: H. Veisi Hamzeh , Karimi Babak , Heydari Mohsen , Luque Rafael
Published: August 2023

One of the key steps in producing value-added chemicals from biomass-derived compounds is the conversion of levulinic acid (LA) into γ-valerolactone and related N-containing heterocycles.
A CoOxHy/β-NiOOH electrocatalyst for robust ammonia oxidation to nitrite and nitrate
Authors: Cohen Sam , Johnston Sam , Nguyen Cuong K. , Nguyen Tam D. , Hoogeveen Dijon A. , Van Zeil Daniel , Giddey Sarbjit , Simonov Alexandr N. , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: August 2023

In this work, we describe a composite electrocatalyst for the electrooxidation of ammonia to nitrite and nitrate under ambient conditions as a step towards stable, practical materials for this process.
Electrochemical ring-opening 1,3-dihydroxylation of arylcyclopropanes with H2O
Authors: Cai Jianhua , Wen Yuxi , Sheng Wei , Huang Xuejin , Zheng Ye , Song Chunlan , Li Jiakun
Published: August 2023

Electrochemical oxidation enables direct 1,3-dihydroxylation of cyclopropanes with H2O as the ultimately green hydroxyl source.
Rapid determination of the presence of EGFR mutations with DNA-based nanocalipers
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Huang Zhicheng , Wang Yadong , Xue Jianchao , Liang Naixin , Wei Zewen
Published: August 2023

A series of novel DNA nanocalipers were developed to rapidly determine the presence of EGFR mutations on clinical samples.
Polycrystalline bismuth nanowire networks for flexible longitudinal and transverse thermoelectrics
Authors: Piraux Luc , Marchal Nicolas , Van Velthem Pascal , da Câmara Santa Clara Gomes Tristan , Ferain Etienne , Issi Jean-Paul , Antohe Vlad-Andrei
Published: August 2023

Flexible thermoelectric devices based on interconnected networks of bismuth nanowires embedded in nanoporous polymer films for thermal energy recovery in longitudinal and transverse geometries.
Visible-light mediated, oxygen-promoted regioselective cross-dehydrogenative coupling of coumarins and dimethylanilines
Authors: Singh Tavinder , Upreti Ganesh Chandra , Arora Shivani , Chauhan Himanshu , Singh Anand
Published: August 2023

A regioselective, oxygen-promoted photocatalytic C3 α-aminoalkylation of coumarins via a cross-dehydrogenative coupling of dimethylanilines and coumarins is reported.
Silver-catalyzed vinylcarbene insertion into Si–H bonds with vinyl N-triftosylhydrazones leading to allylsilanes
Authors: Wu Yong , Song Qingmin , Xia Ying , Ning Yongquan , Sivaguru Paramasivam , Bi Xihe
Published: August 2023

An efficient silver-catalyzed insertion into the Si–H bonds of silane with vinyl N-triftosylhydrazones has been developed, which exhibits excellent broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility to deliver allylsilanes in high yields.
Design, synthesis and antiproliferative screening of newly synthesized acrylate derivatives as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Alshaya Dalal Sulaiman , Tawakul Rana M. O. , Zaki Islam , Abu Almaaty Ali H. , Fayad Eman , Abd El-Aziz Yasmin M.
Published: August 2023

A sequence of novel acrylic acids and acrylic esters has been synthesized and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Coordination-directed self-assembly of nano-cages: metal ion-change, ligand-extending, shape-control and transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Ying , Sun Chi-Yu , Lin Lin
Published: August 2023

The combination of different pyridyl ligands and metal ions has proven to be a very reliable strategy for controlling the coordination mode of the heterometallic coordination nano-cages.
Parallel multi-droplet platform for reaction kinetics and optimization
Authors: Eyke Natalie S. , Schneider Timo N. , Jin Brooke , Hart Travis , Monfette Sebastien , Hawkins Joel M. , Morse Peter D. , Howard Roger M. , Pfisterer David M. , Nandiwale Kakasaheb Y. , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: August 2023

This study develops an automated droplet-based reaction screening platform consisting of ten independent parallel reactor channels. Closed-loop reaction optimizations and a kinetics investigation demonstrate the platform’s capabilities.
Two super-Earths at the edge of the habitable zone of the nearby M dwarf TOI-2095
Authors: Murgas F. , Castro-González A. , Pallé E. , Pozuelos F. J. , Millholland S. , Foo O. , Korth J. , Marfil E. , Amado P. J. , Caballero J. A. , Christiansen J. L. , Ciardi D. R. , Collins K. A. , Di Sora M. , Fukui A. , Gan T. , Gonzales E. J. , Henning Th. , Herrero E. , Isopi G. , Jenkins J. M. , Lillo-Box J. , Lodieu N. , Luque R. , Mallia F. , Morales J. C. , Morello G. , Narita N. , Orell-Miquel J. , Parviainen H. , Pérez-Torres M. , Quirrenbach A. , Reiners A. , Ribas I. , Safonov B. S. , Seager S. , Schwarz R. P. , Schweitzer A. , Schlecker M. , Strakhov I. A. , Vanaverbeke S. , Watanabe N. , Winn J. N. , Zechmeister M.
Published: August 2023

The main scientific goal of TESS is to find planets smaller than Neptune around stars that are bright enough to allow for further characterization studies. Given our current instrumentation and detection biases, M dwarfs are prime targets in the search for small planets that are in (or near) the habitable zone of their host star. In this work, we use photometric observations and CARMENES radial velocity (RV) measurements to validate a pair of transiting planet candidates found by TESS. The data were fitted simultaneously, using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) procedure and taking into account the stellar variability present in the photometric and spectroscopic time series. We confirm the planetary origin of the two transiting candidates orbiting around TOI-2095 (LSPM J1902+7525). The star is a nearby M dwarf (d = 41.90 ± 0.03 pc, Teff = 3759 ± 87 K, V = 12.6 mag), with a stellar mass and radius of M* = 0.44 ± 0.02 M⊙ and R* = 0.44 ± 0.02 R⊙, respectively. The planetary system is composed of two transiting planets: TOI-2095b, with an orbital period of Pb = 17.66484 ± (7 × 10−5) days, and TOI-2095c, with Pc = 28.17232 ± (14 × 10−5) days. Both planets have similar sizes with Rb = 1.25 ± 0.07 R⊕ and Rc = 1.33 ± 0.08 R⊕ for planet b and planet c, respectively. Although we did not detect the induced RV variations of any planet with significance, our CARMENES data allow us to set stringent upper limits on the masses of these objects. We find Mb < 4.1 M⊕ for the inner and Mc < 7.4 M⊕ for the outer planet (95% confidence level). These two planets present equilibrium temperatures in the range of 300–350 K and are close to the inner edge of the habitable zone of their star.
Examining the relationship between the bulge-to-total stellar mass ratio and dwarf galaxy count in the context of ΛCDM
Authors: Müller Oliver , Crosby Ethan
Published: August 2023

Previous results suggest that there is a correlation between the size of the bulge of a galaxy and the number of its dwarf galaxy satellites. This was found to be inconsistent with the standard model of cosmology based on comparisons to semi-analytical dark-matter-only simulations, where no such correlation was found. In this work, we extend these studies using the volume-complete ELVES dwarf galaxy catalog, which increases the number of systems compared to previous work by a factor of four. For each giant galaxy we compiled the bulge-to-total baryonic mass (B/T) ratio and present it as a function of the number of dwarf galaxies surrounding them within 250 kpc (N250). For the 29 galaxy systems in the ELVES catalog, we find a linear relation between B/T and N250, which is consistent with previous data. However, for a given stellar mass of the host galaxy, this relation is mainly driven by the galaxies’ morphologies: early-type galaxies have a larger B/T ratio and a larger N250 than late-type galaxies. By investigating spiral galaxies in TNG100 of the IllustrisTNG suite, we tested whether the inclusion of baryons in the simulations would result in differences from those based on Millennium-II. Contrary to dark-matter-only simulations, we do find a correlation between B/T and N250, indicating that the standard model of cosmology does predict a correlation. The empirical relation between the number of satellites and the bulge to total stellar mass is therefore not necessarily in tension with Λ cold dark matter.
How cool is floating PV? A state-of-the-art review of floating PV's potential gain and computational fluid dynamics modeling to find its root cause
Authors: Chowdhury Gofran , Haggag Mohamed , Poortmans Jef
Published: August 2023

The noticeable rise in electricity demand, environmental concerns, and the intense land burden has led to installing PV systems on water bodies to create floating photovoltaic (FPV). Of all market niches, FPV is the one developing the fastest. Along with some of its well-documented merits comes a claim that FPV modules operate at a lower temperature than their ground-mounted counterparts (GPVs). This claim is essential due to the performance loss of PV modules at high operating temperatures. Some literature claims that FPVs are so well-cooled that they maintain around 10% higher efficiencies. However, this cooling is poorly quantified, and the root cause remains unclear in the industry. In this paper, an extensive review of all the latest published literature and white paper advertisements was analyzed. The gains in energy yield coming from different root causes range from 0.11% to 31.29%! This proves the point of lack of clarity of potential gain of FPV. The paper then analyses four possible explanations for this cooling effect and its root causes. The FPV performance parameters are isolated and systematically investigated through physics-based finite element modeling. The impacts of wind velocity, wind direction, water temperature, relative humidity, air temperature, proximity to water, tilt angle, and others are evaluated and explained. The outcomes dictate that FPV is cooled largely through wind convection. But the increase in efficiency is below the anticipated values, ranging from 0.5% to 3%.
Untere und mittlere gastrointestinale Blutung
Authors: Albert Jörg G. , Grün Kira , Sarrazin Christoph
Published: August 2023

Blutungen aus dem Gastrointestinaltrakt werden in obere, mittlere und untere gastrointestinale Blutung unterschieden. Die Diagnostik kann eine Herausforderung sein und ist eine Domäne der
Koloskopie, der Kapselendoskopie oder der flexiblen Enteroskopieverfahren. Als endoskopische Therapieoptionen stehen die Injektionstherapie, Metallclips, eine thermische Behandlung sowie die
Gummibandligatur zur Verfügung, eine chirurgische Resektion ist nur selten erforderlich.
Normal Serum Levels of Otolin-1 in Patients with Meniere Disease in Remission
Authors: Singh Anup , Yadav Harsha , Verma Hitesh , Sikka Kapil , Abraham Ransi Ann , Irugu David Victor Kumar
Published: August 2023

Introduction Degenerative changes in the otolithic organs have been theorized to be caused by the mechanical obstruction to endolymphatic flow, possibly resulting in endolymphatic hydrops (ELH). Otolin-1 is an otoconial matrix protein that crosses the blood labyrinth barrier and has been found in the serum of healthy and diseased patients.

Objective To measure the serum levels of Otolin-1 in Meniere disease (MD) patients and compared them with the healthy individuals.

Methods This pilot, cross-sectional study was performed at our tertiary care referral center to compare the serum Otolin-1 levels of healthy individuals with those of MD patients. The blood samples were obtained during patients' visit to the vertigo clinic following remission of an acute episode. The data was analyzed using the Stata/SE version 12.0 (StataCorp. College Station, TX, USA). Comparison between the serum Otolin-1 levels in the two groups was performed using the unpaired t-test. A p-value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results The participants were divided into two groups, with 31 MD patients, and 30 age and gender-matched members of the control group. The serum levels of Otolin-1 in MD patients (247.6, ± 44.2 pg/ml) were not found to be significantly different from those of the control group (236.2, ± 43.5 pg/ml) (p = 0.31).

Conclusion The current study reveals that the serum levels of Otolin-1 are not significantly different between the patients with MD in the interictal phase and the control group's healthy ones.
Virtual Teaching and Training Models in Pediatric Oncology: A Retrospective Study from an LMIC
Authors: Farooq Wasfa , Baig Natasha , Khan Bashir Ahmed , Raza Muhammad Rafie
Published: August 2023

Introduction A multidisciplinary approach is essential for success in pediatric oncology treatment. Updated protocols, quality nursing care, psychosocial support, safe and standardized preparation of chemotherapy, infection control, and effective data management are key shareholders for the effective management of childhood cancer. The Department of Pediatric Oncology at Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) initiated consistent teaching and trainings with the help of the My Child Matters Grant from Sanofi Espoir Foundation. These courses were conducted in person starting in 2019 and had to be postponed and restructured due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in early 2020.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the impact of virtual teaching models for healthcare workers employed in pediatric hematology/oncology departments in low-resource settings.

Materials and Methods After in-person courses in 2019, courses for all six disciplines (physicians, nursing, infection control, pharmacy, psychosocial care, and cancer registry) were conducted virtually starting December 2020, open to all and free of cost. A total of 878 registrations were obtained and 267 certifications given. Lectures with Q&A sessions were conducted via zoom and recordings shared through email. Each course was conducted by the relevant department at IHHN with pre- and postassessment conducted through Google Forms. Session feedback was taken through zoom polls and a comprehensive course feedback conducted after completion; e-certificates were awarded to successful participants according to a predetermined criterion.

Results A total of 434 physicians' registrations were done from around Pakistan and countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Jordan, and Canada for the online physicians' course, of which 110 received certifications after completing post-test and attendance criteria of 55%. Pharmacy, infection control, psychosocial care, and cancer registry courses saw participation and certification of 51, 41, 24, and 14 participants, respectively. Online sessions received positive feedback in terms of instructors, course content, convenience, and access from over 90% participants.

Conclusion Due to the ease in coordinating hectic schedules and cost-effectiveness of online lectures, this virtual teaching model will persist despite the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar ventures aimed at pediatric oncology teaching and training are needed in a widespread manner to improve outcomes of childhood cancer.
Breaking the Bad News in Cancer: An In-Depth Analysis of Varying Shades of Ethical Issues
Authors: Baliga Manjeshwar Shrinath , Prasad Krishna , Rao Suresh , Hegde Sanath Kumar , Sacheendran Dhanya , Krishna Abhishek , Simon Paul , George Thomas , Palatty Princy Louis
Published: August 2023

Oncology has a range of ethical issues that are difficult to address and breaking the bad news is probably the most important and common across the world. Conventionally, breaking the bad news has been exclusively used in the situation where definitive diagnosis of cancer is to be conveyed to the patient. On a practical note, for the treating doctor, breaking the bad news is not restricted only to the confirmation of cancer and its prognosis at the initial diagnosis but also includes conveying futility of curative treatment, changing from curative to palliative treatment, recurrence/metastasis posttreatment, end of life care, and finally informing death of the patient to the family members. In addition to this, informing pregnant women that she has been diagnosed with cancer, about surgery-induced body disfigurement, loss of fertility due to chemotherapy/ radiotherapy, and of treatment-induced irreversible health complications are also challenging for the treating oncologist. On the basis of an in-depth analysis, the current review presents the various situations, complexities, and the related ethical issues in breaking the bad news in various situations from the perspective of an oncologist in detail in Indian context.
A plasma-based pressure pulse generator for simulating pellet–cladding mechanical interaction during reactivity-initiated accident
Authors: Lee Sang-Uk , Kim Yuyeon , Lee Youho , Chung Kyoung-Jae
Published: August 2023

This paper describes the characteristics of a plasma-based pressure pulse generator and its potential use as a simulator for studying pellet–cladding mechanical interaction (PCMI) during reactivity-initiated accidents (RIAs). In this device, a transient pressure pulse is generated by rapid heating and expansion of hot, dense plasma inside a nuclear fuel cladding. Thus, the parameters of a pressure pulse, such as peak pressure and pressure rise-rate, can be controlled by modifying the electrical parameters of a pulse discharge circuit. The pulse discharge circuit utilizes a capacitor bank comprising several energy storage capacitors connected in parallel and a high-power solid-state switch. A pressure loading system is attached as a load to the pulse discharge circuit. The power and energy delivered to the load are calculated by measuring the voltage and current waveforms at one end of the loading system. A piezoelectric sensor is connected at the other end of the loading system to simultaneously measure the pressure pulse inside the cladding tube. Preliminary experiments are carried out with a stainless-steel tube to characterize the performance of the device as well as with a pre-hydrided ZIRLO™ cladding tube to demonstrate the potential of the device as a simulator for studying the failure characteristics of the cladding as a result of an RIA. The high pressurization rate of the device is expected to offer unique advantages for studying the PCMI mechanism.
An overview of the spin dynamics of antiferromagnetic Mn5Si3
Authors: Biniskos N. , dos Santos F. J. , dos Santos Dias M. , Raymond S. , Schmalzl K. , Steffens P. , Persson J. , Marzari N. , Blügel S. , Lounis S. , Brückel T.
Published: August 2023

The metallic compound Mn5Si3 hosts a series of antiferromagnetic phases that can be controlled by external stimuli, such as temperature and magnetic field. In this work, we investigate the spin-excitation spectrum of bulk Mn5Si3 by combining inelastic neutron scattering measurements and density functional theory calculations. We study the evolution of the dynamical response under external parameters and demonstrate that the spin dynamics of each phase is robust against any combination of temperature and magnetic field. In particular, the high-energy spin dynamics is very characteristic of the different phases consisting of either spin waves or broad fluctuation patterns.
The occurrence mechanisms of extreme events in a class of nonlinear Duffing-type systems under random excitations
Authors: Zhao Dan , Li Yongge , Liu Qi , Zhang Huikang , Xu Yong
Published: August 2023

The occurrence mechanisms of extreme events under random disturbances are relatively complex and not yet clear. In this paper, we take a class of generalized Duffing-type systems as an example to reveal three mechanisms for the occurrence of extreme events. First, it is intuitive that a very large excitation can generate extreme events, such as the Lévy noise. In such a case, extreme excitation works, while it does not require much about the systems. Second, when a system has a bifurcation structure, if the difference of the branches at the bifurcation point is large, a randomly varying bifurcation parameter can lead to extreme events. Finally, when a system has rare attractors, a random impulse excitation, such as Poisson white noise, is able to cause the system to escape from one general attractor into rare attractors. Such a kind of special regime switching behavior can lead to extreme events. These results reveal the possible mechanisms of extreme events in a class of nonlinear Duffing-type systems and provide guidance for further prediction and avoidance of extreme events.
Excitonic and deep-level emission from N- and Al-polar homoepitaxial AlN grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: van Deurzen L. , Singhal J. , Encomendero J. , Pieczulewski N. , Chang C. S. , Cho Y. , Muller D. A. , Xing H. G. , Jena D. , Brandt O. , Lähnemann J.
Published: August 2023

Using low-temperature cathodoluminescence spectroscopy, we study the properties of N- and Al-polar AlN layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy on bulk AlN{0001}. Compared with the bulk AlN substrate, layers of both polarities feature a suppression of deep-level luminescence, a total absence of the prevalent donor with an exciton binding energy of 28 meV, and a much increased intensity of the emission from free excitons. The dominant donor in these layers is characterized by an associated exciton binding energy of 13 meV. The observation of excited exciton states up to the exciton continuum allows us to directly extract the Γ5 free exciton binding energy of 57 meV.
Extreme wave formation past a submerged circular sill: The role of linear spatial focusing and resonant trapping
Authors: Renzi E.
Published: August 2023

We investigate dispersive wave amplification past a submerged circular sill on an otherwise flat seabed. This phenomenon is important because it can generate large-amplitude waves near the sill, due to spatial focusing and resonant trapping in linear dispersive regime, endangering navigation. Based on the potential flow theory, the velocity potential is solved separately in the ocean region and in the sill region. Matching is then achieved by means of integral equations involving Galerkin expansion of the unknown velocity field at the border between the two regions. The model is successfully validated against known analytical expressions for long waves and a smoothed particle hydrodynamics numerical solution. Our results advance existing theories valid either for non-dispersive waves or for shallow submergence of the sill. We show that, for relatively short waves as compared to the ocean depth, the sill acts as a wave lens focusing energy behind it. Increasing the wavelength of the incident wave promotes transition from wave focusing behind the sill to partial trapping atop the sill. In intermediate water depth, the concurrence of focusing and partial trapping favors the emergence of extreme wave amplitudes that can exceed up to 6 times the amplitude of incident waves. We hypothesize that this phenomenon is the main cause of local peaks in skewness and kurtosis near a submerged circular shoal obtained in recent numerical simulations. Indications for further studies in the nonlinear regime are finally provided.
A three-dimensional level set method for droplet sorting using a non-uniform electric field
Authors: Naz N. , Sui Y.
Published: August 2023

In this research, we have developed a computational method for droplet sorting using a non-uniform electric field. The method is based on a three-dimensional level-set method and the leaky-dielectric electrohydrodynamics (EHD) model. Level-set method is used for modeling the interface of the two-phase flow system. The electrostatic phenomenon is dealt with the leaky dielectric-leaky dielectric fluid system. At first, we validated our developed model for a classical flow case: a droplet subjected to a uniform electric field. The results obtained from the present computational method show good agreement with the existing results from the literature. After validation, we implemented the developed code in a practical application of droplet sorting using a non-uniform electric field (known as dielectrophoresis) in a rectangular microchannel with an orthogonal side channel. We mainly focus on the sorting of the droplet without and with the electric field effect as a function of different parameters of the problem. Depending on the intensity of the physical parameters, the droplet can flow into either the downstream main channel or it can sort into the orthogonal side branch. The sorting of a droplet is characterized by the critical branch ratio, qc above which the droplet enters the side branch. The results and conclusions from the present thesis facilitate the understanding of the fundamental principles and mechanisms of electrohydrodynamics (EHD)-based droplet sorting using dielectrophoresis in microfluidic channels. Therefore, present results can have potential usefulness toward the design and development of droplet-based microfluidic devices.
Student-led pop-up health check clinics: innovative health prevention strategy for a low socioeconomic community
Authors: Coombs Nicole M. , Sewell Lauren , Jackson Megan R. , Borgelt Kaye , Lee Jessica , Porter Joanne E.
Published: August 2023

Background To improve preventative health screening in regional Victoria, Australia, a collaborative student-led health prevention strategy was initiated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of four health check clinics using a free ‘pop-up’ format within community settings. Methods A mixed methods, explanatory sequential design was used to explore community health data and participant experiences in utilising the free health check clinics. The clinics were delivered over 6 months and located in three different communities within the regional government area. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participant health data and a thematic analysis was utilised to determine themes from participant feedback and health outcomes. Results The clinics were attended by 188 community members, largely impacted by government lockdowns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Health check results indicate the population is overweight and at high risk of diabetes. Participants enjoyed the free and convenient nature of the health check program and the location of the venues. Feedback from participants indicate the health education provided was useful and advocated for changes in current behaviours. Many embraced the new information and community connections and made changes to improve their future health. Others claimed to enjoy the clinic experience but reported no action from the recommendations. Conclusions Evaluation of the health check clinics indicate they had a minor, yet positive impact on the local community in increasing engagement with preventative screening strategies. COVID-19 restrictions impacted participant numbers and thus more research is needed in a time where community movement is not limited.
Connecting people and voices for radical change in Africa
Authors: Zeilig Leo , Chukwudinma Chinedu , Radley Ben
Published: August 2023

In this section of the journal, we aim to give readers of the print journal a picture of what has been published on Roape.net over the last few months, and invite you to connect and follow the articles, blogposts, authors and debates online. Details of all the blogposts referred to here are in the reference list at the end. We warmly invite all our readers to sign up to the Roape.net newsletter and WhatsApp service at the top of the home page of the website.
Completion of mitochondrial division requires the intermembrane space protein Mdi1/Atg44
Authors: Connor Olivia M. , Matta Srujan K. , Friedman Jonathan R.
Published: August 2023

Mitochondria are highly dynamic double membrane–bound organelles that maintain their shape in part through fission and fusion. Mitochondrial fission is performed by a dynamin-related protein, Dnm1 (Drp1 in humans), that constricts and divides the mitochondria in a GTP hydrolysis–dependent manner. However, it is unclear whether factors inside mitochondria help coordinate the process and if Dnm1/Drp1 activity is sufficient to complete the fission of both mitochondrial membranes. Here, we identify an intermembrane space protein required for mitochondrial fission in yeast, which we propose to name Mdi1 (also named Atg44). Loss of Mdi1 causes mitochondrial hyperfusion due to defects in fission, but not the lack of Dnm1 recruitment to mitochondria. Mdi1 is conserved in fungal species, and its homologs contain an amphipathic α-helix, mutations of which disrupt mitochondrial morphology. One model is that Mdi1 distorts mitochondrial membranes to enable Dnm1 to robustly complete fission. Our work reveals that Dnm1 cannot efficiently divide mitochondria without the coordinated function of Mdi1 inside mitochondria.
A flexible and ultra-highly sensitive tactile sensor based on Mg-doped ZnO nanorods for human vital signs and activity monitoring
Authors: Li Ming , Yao Ruohe , Liu Yurong
Published: August 2023

Development of high-performance nano-ZnO based piezoelectric tactile sensors with outstanding sensitivity, good linearity, flexibility, durability and biocompatibility has a great significance for smart robotics, human healthcare devices, smart sensors and electronic skins. A flexible piezoelectric pressure sensor with a sandwich structure was fabricated by using PI/Cu film as top and bottom electrodes, Mg-doped ZnO nanorods (MZO NRs) as sensing layer and polydimethylsiloxane polymer as charge coupling layer. The MZO NRs were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method and their structure, morphology and defect states were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscope and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The piezoelectric properties of the flexible tactile sensors based on MZO NRs hydrothermally synthesized from different Mg2+/Zn2+ molar ratios were investigated comparatively by evaluating their force response actions. The results indicate that the sensors exhibit a linear response in the range of 0–1 N. The device based on MZO NRs can achieve an ultra-high sensitivity of 3.1 V N−1 (308.5 mV kpa−1) due to higher piezoelectric coefficient of MZO NRs, which is about five times higher than that of the undoped ZnO NRs sensor. Moreover, the sensor shows excellent stability and durability by loading 2500 cycles of pressing. It is demonstrated that the sensor can used to accurately monitor human motion status and vital signs in real time, such as facial motion, joint movement, wrist pulse, cervical artery, and heartbeat.
Superconducting undulators: permanent magnets after all
Authors: Hänisch Jens
Published: August 2023

This is a viewpoint on the letter by Zhang et al (2023 Supercond. Sci. Technol.

36

05LT01).
Microscopic origin of local electric polarization in NiPS3
Authors: Kim Hyeon Jung , Kim Ki-Seok
Published: August 2023

Recently, Zhang–Rice triplet to singlet excitations have been measured experimentally and verified numerically in a van der Waals antiferromagnet NiPS3, which reveals a collective local change of an electronic structure. In particular, such numerical simulations predicted that these electronic excitations occur simultaneously with local electric polarizations. In this study, we uncover the microscopic origin of this local electric polarization in the Zhang–Rice triplet to singlet excitation. Our lattice-model calculation predicts that the electric polarization can be controlled by applied magnetic fields, where the atomic spin–orbit coupling plays an important role. We speculate emergence of real space Berry curvature to describe the electric polarization in this strongly correlated system.
Angiotensin II-Induced Memory γδ T Cells Sensitize Mice to a Mild Hypertensive Stimulus
Authors: Comeau Kevin , Shokoples Brandon , Caillon Antoine , Paradis Pierre , Schiffrin Ernesto L
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Memory T cells develop during an initial hypertensive episode, sensitizing mice to develop hypertension from further mild hypertensive challenges. We hypothesized that memory γδ T cells develop after a hypertensive challenge and sensitize mice to develop hypertension in response to a subsequent mild hypertensive challenge.

METHODS

The first aim was to profile memory γδ T cells after a 14-day pressor dose angiotensin II (AngII) infusion (490 ng/kg/min, subcutaneously) in male mice. The second aim was to deplete γδ T cells during a second 14-day subpressor dose AngII challenge (140 ng/kg/min, subcutaneously) in mice pre-exposed to an initial pressor dose AngII challenge. The third aim was to transfer 2.5 × 105 live pre-activated or not γδ T cells from mice that had received a 14-day pressor dose AngII infusion or sham treatment, to naive recipient mice stimulated with a subpressor dose AngII infusion.

RESULTS

Effector memory γδ T cells increased 5.2-fold in mesenteric vessels and perivascular adipose tissue, and 1.8-fold in mesenteric lymph nodes in pressor dose AngII-infused mice compared with sham-treated mice. Mice depleted of γδ T cells had 14 mm Hg lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) elevation than control mice from day 7 to 14 of subpressor dose AngII infusion. Adoptive transfer of γδ T cells from hypertensive mice induced an 18 mm Hg higher SBP elevation compared with a subpressor dose AngII infusion vs. γδ T cells transferred from sham-treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Memory γδ T cells develop in response to hypertensive stimuli, and contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension.
DeepCMI: a graph-based model for accurate prediction of circRNA–miRNA interactions with multiple information
Authors: Li Yue-Chao , You Zhu-Hong , Yu Chang-Qing , Wang Lei , Hu Lun , Hu Peng-Wei , Qiao Yan , Wang Xin-Fei , Huang Yu-An
Published: August 2023

Recently, the role of competing endogenous RNAs in regulating gene expression through the interaction of microRNAs has been closely associated with the expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in various biological processes such as reproduction and apoptosis. While the number of confirmed circRNA–miRNA interactions (CMIs) continues to increase, the conventional in vitro approaches for discovery are expensive, labor intensive, and time consuming. Therefore, there is an urgent need for effective prediction of potential CMIs through appropriate data modeling and prediction based on known information. In this study, we proposed a novel model, called DeepCMI, that utilizes multi-source information on circRNA/miRNA to predict potential CMIs. Comprehensive evaluations on the CMI-9905 and CMI-9589 datasets demonstrated that DeepCMI successfully infers potential CMIs. Specifically, DeepCMI achieved AUC values of 90.54% and 94.8% on the CMI-9905 and CMI-9589 datasets, respectively. These results suggest that DeepCMI is an effective model for predicting potential CMIs and has the potential to significantly reduce the need for downstream in vitro studies. To facilitate the use of our trained model and data, we have constructed a computational platform, which is available at http://120.77.11.78/DeepCMI/. The source code and datasets used in this work are available at https://github.com/LiYuechao1998/DeepCMI.
Brain functional characterization of response-code conflict in dual-tasking and its modulation by age
Authors: Paas Oliveros Lya K , Cieslik Edna C , Pieczykolan Aleks , Pläschke Rachel N , Eickhoff Simon B , Langner Robert
Published: August 2023

Crosstalk between conflicting response codes contributes to interference in dual-tasking, an effect exacerbated in advanced age. Here, we investigated (i) brain activity correlates of such response-code conflicts, (ii) activity modulations by individual dual-task performance and related cognitive abilities, (iii) task-modulated connectivity within the task network, and (iv) age-related differences in all these aspects. Young and older adults underwent fMRI while responding to the pitch of tones through spatially mapped speeded button presses with one or two hands concurrently. Using opposing stimulus–response mappings between hands, we induced conflict between simultaneously activated response codes. These response-code conflicts elicited activation in key regions of the multiple-demand network. While thalamic and parietal areas of the conflict-related network were modulated by attentional, working-memory and task-switching abilities, efficient conflict resolution in dual-tasking mainly relied on increasing supplementary motor activity. Older adults showed non-compensatory hyperactivity in left superior frontal gyrus, and higher right premotor activity was modulated by working-memory capacity. Finally, connectivity between premotor or parietal seed regions and the conflict-sensitive network was neither conflict-specific nor age-sensitive. Overall, resolving dual-task response-code conflict recruited substantial parts of the multiple-demand network, whose activity and coupling, however, were only little affected by individual differences in task performance or age.