bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the venom: Exploring the antimicrobial peptides from Androctonus species of scorpion
Authors: Anandhan Sujatha Vinutha , Gopalakrishnan Chandrasekhar , Anbarasu Amarnath , Ponnusamy Chandra Sekar , Choudhary Rajkumar , Saravanan Geetha Sree Agash , Ramalingam Rajasekaran
Published: May 2024

Prevalent worldwide, the Androctonus scorpion genus contributes a vital role in scorpion envenoming. While diverse scorpionisms are observed because of several different species, their secretions to protect themselves have been identified as a potent source of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)‐like compounds. Distinctly, the venom of these species contains around 24 different AMPs, with definite molecules studied for their therapeutic potential as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic agents. Our review focuses on the therapeutic potential of native and synthetic AMPs identified so far in the Androctonus scorpion genus, identifying research gaps in peptide therapeutics and guiding further investigations. Certain AMPs have demonstrated remarkable compatibility to be prescribed as anticancer drug to reduce cancer cell proliferation and serve as a potent antibiotic alternative. Besides, analyses were performed to explore the characteristics and affinities of peptides for membranes. Overall, the study of AMPs derived from the Androctonus scorpion genus provides valuable insights into their potential applications in medicine and drug development.
Relatively Low‐Frequency Magnetic Field Detection System Using Metglas/PZT‐5B Sensor
Authors: Jiang Zhihao , Liu Xiaoxu , Jin Zhejun , Yao Zhao , Wang Yuheng , Zhang Shipeng , Gao Quanming , Li Shandong
Published: May 2024

The magnetoelectric (ME) sensor is a new and promising type of magnetic field sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity. However, there are few reports on the research of real‐time measurement system which can promote its practical application. Herein, a novel real‐time measuring approach for weak AC magnetic fields at relatively low frequency is proposed using Metglas/PZT‐5B ME sensors. The system mainly consists of an oscilloscope, a signal generator, and a program developed with LabVIEW programming. Real‐time measurement of relatively low‐frequency magnetic fields has been achieved by using frequency upconversion methods, simultaneously displaying the frequency and magnitude of the magnetic field. As a result, the real‐time measurement system is able to detect a weak AC magnetic field as low as 0.1 nT@1 Hz, which is promising to push the ME sensor to practical application.
Improving forecasts of precipitation extremes over northern and central Italy using machine learning
Authors: Grazzini Federico , Dorrington Joshua , Grams Christian M. , Craig George C. , Magnusson Linus , Vitart Frederic
Published: May 2024

The accurate prediction of intense precipitation events is one of the main objectives of operational weather services. This task is even more relevant nowadays, with the rapid progression of global warming which intensifies these events. Numerical weather prediction models have improved continuously over time, providing uncertainty estimation with dynamical ensembles. However, direct precipitation forecasting is still challenging. Greater availability of machine‐learning tools paves the way to a hybrid forecasting approach, with the optimal combination of physical models, event statistics, and user‐oriented postprocessing. Here we describe a specific chain, based on a random‐forest (RF) pipeline, specialised in recognising favourable synoptic conditions leading to precipitation extremes and subsequently classifying extremes into predefined types. The application focuses on northern and central Italy, taken as a testbed region, but is seamlessly extensible to other regions and time‐scales. The system is called MaLCoX (Machine Learning model predicting Conditions for eXtreme precipitation) and is running daily at the Italian regional weather service of ARPAE Emilia‐Romagna. MalCoX has been trained with the ARCIS gridded high‐resolution precipitation dataset as the target truth, using the last 20 years of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reforecast dataset as input predictors. We show that, with a long enough training period, the optimal blend of larger‐scale information with direct model output improves the probabilistic forecast accuracy of extremes in the medium range. In addition, with specific methods, we provide a useful diagnostic to convey to forecasters the underlying physical storyline which makes a meteorological event extreme.
Boosting Up Electrosynthesis of Urea with Nitrate and Carbon Dioxide via Synergistic Effect of Metallic Iron Cluster and Single‐Atom
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Xu Mengqiu , Wang Jiaqian , Zhang Yifei , Liu Wen , Gu Xinrui , Han Zhong‐Kang , Ye Wei , Li Gao
Published: May 2024

Electrocatalytic conversion of nitrates and carbon dioxide to urea under ambient conditions shows promise as a potential substitute for traditional urea synthesis processes characterized by high consumption and pollution. In this study, a straightforward one‐pot method is employed to prepare a highly efficient FeNC‐Fe1N4 electrocatalyst, consisting of atomically dispersed Fe1N4 sites and metallic Fe clusters (FeNC) with particle size of 4–7 nm. The FeNC‐Fe1N4 catalyst exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic activity for urea synthesis from nitrate anion (NO3−) and carbon dioxide (CO2), achieving a urea production rate of 38.2 mmol gcat−1 h−1 at −0.9 V (vs RHE) and a Faradaic efficiency of 66.5% at −0.6 V (vs RHE). Both experimental and theoretical results conclusively demonstrate that metallic Fe clusters and Fe1N4 species provide active sites for the adsorption and activation of NO3− and CO2, respectively, and the synergistic effect between Fe1N4 and metallic Fe clusters significantly enhances the electrochemical efficiency of urea synthesis. In all, this work contributes to the rational design and comprehensive synthesis of a dual‐active site iron‐based electrocatalyst, facilitating efficient and sustainable urea synthesis.
CAR T Cell Membrane Camouflaged Nanocatalyst Augments CAR T Cell Therapy Efficacy Against Solid Tumor
Authors: Wu Wenjing , Li Haimei , Chen Wenqi , Hu Yulin , Wang Zichen , She Wenyan , Huang Liang , Liu Yi , Jiang Peng
Published: May 2024

The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) reduces the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy against solid tumors. Here, a CAR T cell membrane‐camouflaged nanocatalyst (ACSP@TCM) is prepared to augment CAR T cell therapy efficacy against solid tumors. ACSP@TCM is prepared by encapsulating core/shell Au/Cu2‐xSe and 3‐bromopyruvate with a CAR T cell membrane. It is demonstrated that the CAR T cell membrane camouflaging has much better‐targeting effect than the homologous tumors cell membrane camouflaging. ACSP@TCM has an appealing synergistic chemodynamic/photothermal therapy (CDT/PTT) effect that can induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of NALM 6 cells. Moreover, 3‐bromopyruvate can inhibit the efflux of lactic acid by inhibiting the glycolysis process, regulating the acidity of TME, and providing a more favorable environment for the survival of CAR T cells. In addition, the photoacoustic (PA) imaging and computed tomography (CT) imaging performance can guide the ACSP@TCM‐mediated tumor therapy. The results demonstrated that the ACSP@TCM significantly enhanced the CAR T cell therapy efficacy against NALM 6 solid tumor mass, and completely eliminated tumors. This work provides an effective tumor strategy for CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors.
3D Printed MXene‐Based Wire Strain Sensors with Enhanced Sensitivity and Anisotropy
Authors: Lu Jingqi , Zhu Guoyin , Wang Shaolong , Wu Chunjin , Qu Xinyu , Dong Xiaochen , Pang Huan , Zhang Yizhou
Published: May 2024

Stretchable strain sensors play a crucial role in intelligent wearable systems, serving as the interface between humans and environment by translating mechanical strains into electrical signals. Traditional fiber strain sensors with intrinsic uniform axial strain distribution face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and anisotropy. Moreover, existing micro/nano‐structure designs often compromise stretchability and durability. To address these challenges, a novel approach of using 3D printing to fabricate MXene‐based flexible sensors with tunable micro and macrostructures.  Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) as a pore‐inducing agent is added into 3D printable inks to achieve controllable microstructural modifications. In addition to microstructure tuning, 3D printing is employed for macrostructural design modifications, guided by finite element modeling (FEM) simulations. As a result, the 3D printed sensors exhibit heightened sensitivity and anisotropy, making them suitable for tracking static and dynamic displacement changes. The proposed approach presents an efficient and economically viable solution for standardized large‐scale production of advanced wire strain sensors.
Cross‐Linking CdSO4‐Type Nets with Hexafluorosilicate Anions to Form an Ultramicroporous Material for Efficient C2H2/CO2 and C2H2/C2H4 Separation
Authors: Li Dan , Gao Mei‐Yan , Deng Cheng‐Hua , Li Guo‐Bi , Qin Shao‐Jie , Yang Qing‐Yuan , Song Bai‐Qiao
Published: May 2024

A 44.610.8 topology hybrid ultramicroporous material (HUM), {[Cu1.5F(SiF6)(L)2.5]·G}n, (L = 4,4′‐bisimidazolylbiphenyl, G = guest molecules), 1, formed by cross‐linking interpenetrated 3D four‐connected CdSO4‐type nets with hexafluorosilicate anions is synthesized and evaluated in the context of gas sorption and separation herein. 1 is the first HUM functionalized with two different types of fluorinated sites (SiF62− and F− anions) lining along the pore surface. The optimal pore size (≈5 Å) combining mixed and high‐density electronegative fluorinated sites enable 1 to preferentially adsorb C2H2 over CO2 and C2H4 by hydrogen bonding interactions with a high C2H2 isosteric heat of adsorption (Qst) of ≈42.3 kJ mol−1 at zero loading. The pronounced discriminatory sorption behaviors lead to excellent separation performance for C2H2/CO2 and C2H2/C2H4 that surpasses many well‐known sorbents. Dynamic breakthrough experiments are conducted to confirm the practical separation capability of 1, which reveal an impressive separation factor of 6.1 for equimolar C2H2/CO2 mixture. Furthermore, molecular simulation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations validate the strong binding of C2H2 stems from the chelating fix of C2H2 between SiF62− anion and coordinated F− anion.
Material Engineering Strategies for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalysts
Authors: Luo Yue , Zhang Yulong , Zhu Jiayi , Tian Xingpeng , Liu Gang , Feng Zhiming , Pan Liwen , Liu Xinhua , Han Ning , Tan Rui
Published: May 2024

Water electrolysis, a key enabler of hydrogen energy production, presents significant potential as a strategy for achieving net‐zero emissions. However, the widespread deployment of water electrolysis is currently limited by the high‐cost and scarce noble metal electrocatalysts in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Given this challenge, design and synthesis of cost‐effective and high‐performance alternative catalysts have become a research focus, which necessitates insightful understandings of HER fundamentals and material engineering strategies. Distinct from typical reviews that concentrate only on the summary of recent catalyst materials, this review article shifts focus to material engineering strategies for developing efficient HER catalysts. In‐depth analysis of key material design approaches for HER catalysts, such as doping, vacancy defect creation, phase engineering, and metal‐support engineering, are illustrated along with typical research cases. A special emphasis is placed on designing noble metal‐free catalysts with a brief discussion on recent advancements in electrocatalytic water‐splitting technology. The article also delves into important descriptors, reliable evaluation parameters and characterization techniques, aiming to link the fundamental mechanisms of HER with its catalytic performance. In conclusion, it explores future trends in HER catalysts by integrating theoretical, experimental and industrial perspectives, while acknowledging the challenges that remain.
Shifting the Paradigm: A Functional Hole‐Selective Transport Layer for Chalcopyrite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Taowen , Song Longfei , Gharabeiki Sevan , Sood Mohit , Prot Aubin JC.M. , Poeira Ricardo G. , Melchiorre Michele , Valle Nathalie , Philippe Adrian‐Marie , Glinsek Sebastjan , Defay Emmanuel , Dale Phillip J. , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: May 2024

High‐efficiency Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells rely on Ga grading to mitigate back surface recombination. However, the inhomogeneous absorber has drawbacks, including increased non‐radiative loss and inadequate absorption. Therefore, literatures demand a paradigm shift of using a hole‐transport layer to passivate the back surface. Herein, a functional hole‐transport layer is demonstrated as an alternative to Ga grading. The novel hole‐transport layer is prepared as a double‐layer: co‐evaporated CuGaSe2 covered by solution combustion synthesis prepared In2O3. As demonstrated by micrographs, elemental mapping, and photoluminescence spectroscopy, the oxide layer improves thermal stability and prevents Ga diffusion. However, during the absorber deposition, a complete ion exchange of In and Ga converts CuGaSe2/In2O3 into CuInSe2/GaOx. Incorporating this hole‐transport layer in co‐evaporated nongraded CuInSe2 solar cells leads to significantly increased minority carrier lifetime from 5 to 113 ns, yielding an 80 meV improvement in quasi‐Fermi‐level splitting. The devices exhibit improved open‐circuit voltage, as well as a promising fill factor of over 71%, indicating good hole‐transport properties. In these results, the passivation effect and good hole‐transport properties of the hole‐transport layer are experimentally demonstrated. Thus, high‐efficiency solar cells can be achieved by using a functional hole‐transport layer without relying on Ga grading.
Mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete specimens exposed to fire retrofitted with glass and basalt fiber reinforced polymer laminates
Authors: Patchirajan Ulagambika , Madasamy Murugan
Published: May 2024

Exposure of concrete to elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties. One of the important reasons for the use of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials is because of its superior mechanical properties. These mechanical properties include impact resistance, strength, stiffness, flexibility, and also it is enhanced ability to carry loads. The high strength–weight ratio, and corrosion resistance of FRPs made them suitable for repair. For strengthening and retrofitting of concrete structures confinement with FRP has received considerable attention in recent years. Geopolymer concrete (GPC) can be expressed as “concrete without cement.” GPC is environmentally friendly and an inventive way to replace the conservative concrete which contributes 7%–8% of total CO2 production in the world. “The concrete which entails of the source materials and the alkaline solution.” The composite material made of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) has recently gained attention as a potential repair method for concrete structures that have been damaged. This study investigates the performance of glass and basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP and BFRP) laminates as a retrofit solution for fire‐damaged GPC specimens. The specimens were subjected to temperatures of 200°C, 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C for a period of 1, 2, and 3 h, followed by retrofitting with FRP laminates. The results indicated an increase in the ultimate load‐carrying capacity of GPC specimens when subjected to 200°C for 1 h, beyond which it decreased. However, a fall in ultimate load capacity was observed for higher ranges of temperature and duration of the fire. In this project, geopolymer specimens that had been damaged by fire are wrapped with GFRP and BFRP laminates to study the effect of confinement on the strength of GPC specimens. The fiber laminate used was bi‐directional glass and bi‐directional basalt. Based on the analysis of test data, there was the conclusion that the fire‐damaged GPC was strengthened when retrofitted with GFRP and BFRP laminates was attainable.
Assessment and strengthening of grandstand of horse racecourse in Budapest—A national monument
Authors: Koris Kálmán , Bódi István
Published: May 2024

The racecourse “Kerepesi Ügető” in Budapest was closed in 2000, and all of its buildings were demolished except for the Class II Grandstand, which had been declared a national monument earlier. Our task was to perform a comprehensive static investigation of this grandstand and to develop a methodology for structural strengthening in order to preserve this monument for future generations. Investigations included in situ measurements, laboratory material tests, and finite‐element analysis of the structure. According to the results of static calculations, the method of strengthening was proposed, which included the injection of cracks, integration of new structural elements, application of concrete jacketing, and bonded carbon‐fiber‐reinforced polymer sheets. The applied strengthening and renovation method extended the lifespan of the grandstand by 50 years.
Climate Variability and Climate Change: Past and Future
Authors: Gao Xuejie , Duan Qingyun , Ou Tinghai , Fu Yuanhai , Fan Xuewei , Liu Zhu , Miao Chiyuan , Shen Chenwei
Published: May 2024

The LMRB (LMRB) has experienced significant climate change, particularly over the last 50 years. An increase in the annual precipitation but with significant seasonal differences in the changes, and a remarkable warming are observed over the Basin. The region also experienced more frequent extreme events, such as an increase in extreme precipitation, as well as hot days and warm nights, a decrease in cold days and cold nights, and a more frequent occurrence of droughts. The future climate over the Basin is projected to be continuous warming, which is most significant by the end of the twenty-first century. A general wetting is projected over the region with the spatial pattern of the projected annual total precipitation change show consistencies with the present day condition. Differences are found between the global and regional climate model projections in the precipitation, indicating the uncertainties existing in the projections, and also the importance of the model resolution in projecting future climate.
Analysis of final state lepton polarization-dependent observables in H → ℓ+ℓ−γ in the SM at loop level
Authors: Ahmed Ishtiaq , Hasan Usman , Iqbal Shahin , Junaid M. , Tariq Bilal , Uzair A.
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recently, the CMS and ATLAS collaborations have announced the results for H → Z[→ ℓ+ℓ−]γ with ℓ = e or μ [1, 2], where H → Zγ is a sub-process of H → ℓ+ℓ−γ. This semi-leptonic Higgs decay gets both resonant and non-resonant contributions from the loop-induced H → Z[→ ℓ+ℓ−]γ. To probe further features coming from these contributions to H → ℓ+ℓ−γ, we argue that the polarization of the final state leptons is also an important parameter. We show that the interference of resonant and non-resonant contributions, which is negligible in the case of unpolarized leptons, plays a significant role when considering the polarization of the final state lepton. For this purpose, we have calculated the polarized decay rates and the longitudinal (PL), normal (PN), and transverse (PT) polarization asymmetries. We find that these asymmetries purely come from the loop contributions and are helpful to further investigate the resonant and non-resonant nature of H → Z[→ ℓ+ℓ−]γ decay. We observe that for ℓ = e, μ, the longitudinal decay rate is highly suppressed around mℓℓ ≈ 60 GeV when the final lepton spin is $$ -\frac{1}{2} $$
−

1
2

, dramatically increasing the corresponding lepton polarization asymmetries. Furthermore, we analyze another observable, the ratio of decay rates $$ {R}_{i\pm}^{{\mathcal{ll}}^{\prime }} $$

R

i
±

ll
′

, where ℓ and ℓ′ refer to different final state lepton generations. Precise measurements of these observables at the HL-LHC and the planned e+e− collider can provide fertile ground to test not only the SM but also to examine the signatures of possible NP beyond the SM.
Membrane-bound chemoreception of bitter bile acids and peptides is mediated by the same subset of bitter taste receptors
Authors: Schaefer Silvia , Ziegler Florian , Lang Tatjana , Steuer Alexandra , Di Pizio Antonella , Behrens Maik
Published: May 2024

The vertebrate sense of taste allows rapid assessment of the nutritional quality and potential presence of harmful substances prior to ingestion. Among the five basic taste qualities, salty, sour, sweet, umami, and bitter, bitterness is associated with the presence of putative toxic substances and elicits rejection behaviors in a wide range of animals including humans. However, not all bitter substances are harmful, some are thought to be health-beneficial and nutritious. Among those compound classes that elicit a bitter taste although being non-toxic and partly even essential for humans are bitter peptides and l-amino acids. Using functional heterologous expression assays, we observed that the 5 dominant human bitter taste receptors responsive to bitter peptides and amino acids are activated by bile acids, which are notorious for their extreme bitterness. We further demonstrate that the cross-reactivity of bitter taste receptors for these two different compound classes is evolutionary conserved and can be traced back to the amphibian lineage. Moreover, we show that the cross-detection by some receptors relies on “structural mimicry” between the very bitter peptide l-Trp-Trp-Trp and bile acids, whereas other receptors exhibit a phylogenetic conservation of this trait. As some bile acid-sensitive bitter taste receptor genes fulfill dual-roles in gustatory and non-gustatory systems, we suggest that the phylogenetic conservation of the rather surprising cross-detection of the two substance classes could rely on a gene-sharing-like mechanism in which the non-gustatory function accounts for the bitter taste response to amino acids and peptides.
Linking Seismic Measurements to the International System of Units
Authors: Klaus Leonard , Schwardt Michaela , Pilger Christoph , Canu Adrien , Larsonnier Franck , Winther Jacob Holm , Tranchant Nicolas , Havreland Andreas
Published: May 2024

The current state of the art in the calibration of seismometers is given by internal calibration procedures which give only incomplete information about a seismometer’s response and are based on transfer functions supplied by manufacturers. Calibrations traceable to the International System of Units (SI) provide an independent and comprehensible characterization of seismometers. These calibrations take part in a laboratory using an electrodynamic shaker or shake table. To overcome the issue that seismometers placed in seismic stations are not supposed to be moved to a calibration laboratory, novel on-site calibration methods incorporating a reference seismometer were developed. Such a reference is placed near the sensor to be calibrated, and the transfer function of the seismometer under test can be derived based on the output of both sensors.
On the well-posedness of the Cauchy problem for the two-component peakon system in $$C^k\cap W^{k,1}$$
Authors: Karlsen K. H. , Rybalko Ya.
Published: May 2024

This study focuses on the Cauchy problem associated with the two-component peakon system featuring a cubic nonlinearity, constrained to the class $$(m,n)\in C^{k}(\mathbb {R}) \cap W^{k,1}(\mathbb {R})$$

(
m
,
n
)

∈

C
k

(
R
)

∩

W

k
,
1

(
R
)

with $$k\in \mathbb {N}\cup \{0\}$$

k
∈
N
∪
{
0
}

. This system extends the celebrated Fokas–Olver–Rosenau–Qiao equation and the following nonlocal (two-place) counterpart proposed by Lou and Qiao: $$\begin{aligned} \partial _t m(t,x)= \partial _x[m(t,x)(u(t,x)-\partial _xu(t,x)) (u(-t,-x)+\partial _x(u(-t,-x)))], \end{aligned}$$

∂
t

m

(
t
,
x
)

=

∂
x

[
m

(
t
,
x
)

(
u

(
t
,
x
)

-

∂
x

u

(
t
,
x
)

)

(
u

(
-
t
,
-
x
)

+

∂
x

(
u

(
-
t
,
-
x
)

)

)

]

,

where $$m(t,x)=\left( 1-\partial _{x}^2\right) u(t,x)$$

m

(
t
,
x
)

=

1
-

∂

x

2

u

(
t
,
x
)

. Employing an approach based on Lagrangian coordinates, we establish the local existence, uniqueness, and Lipschitz continuity of the data-to-solution map in the class $$C^k\cap W^{k,1}$$

C
k

∩

W

k
,
1

. Moreover, we derive criteria for blow-up of the local solution in this class.
Reirradiation for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: prognostic radiomic factors at progression
Authors: Wawrzuta Dominik , Chojnacka Marzanna , Drogosiewicz Monika , Pędziwiatr Katarzyna , Dembowska-Bagińska Bożenna
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a lethal pediatric brain tumor. Radiation therapy (RT) is the standard treatment, with reirradiation considered in case of progression. However, the prognostic factors for reirradiation are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the outcomes of DIPG patients undergoing reirradiation and identify clinical and radiomic prognostic factors.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with DIPG who underwent reirradiation at our institution between January 2016 and December 2023. Using PyRadiomics, we extracted radiomic features of tumors at the time of progression from FLAIR MRI images and collected clinical data. We used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) for Cox’s proportional hazard model with leave-one-out cross-validation to select optimal prognostic factors for survival after reirradiation.

Results

The study included 18 patients who underwent reirradiation at first progression, receiving a total dose of 20 Gy or 24 Gy in 2‑Gy fractions. Reirradiation was well tolerated, with no severe toxicity. Most patients (78%) showed neurological improvement after treatment. Median survival after progression was 29.2 weeks. The Cox model demonstrated a concordance of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75–0.88), revealing that tumor sphericity and structural gray-level heterogeneity in FLAIR MRI images were associated with longer survival of reirradiated patients.

Conclusion

Reirradiation is a safe and effective approach for patients with DIPG. MRI-based radiomic models could be helpful in predicting survival after reirradiation.
Kompetenzentwicklung in der Medizininformatik-Initiative (MII) – Lehrangebote für einen souveränen und sicheren Umgang mit medizinischen Daten
Authors: Knaup-Gregori Petra , Boeker Martin , Kirsten Toralf , Krefting Dagmar , Schiller Erik , Schmücker Paul , Schüttler Christina , Seim Anne , Spreckelsen Cord , Winter Alfred
Published: May 2024

Um die Ziele der Medizininformatik-Initiative (MII) erreichen zu können, wird Personal mit Kompetenzen im Bereich der medizinischen Informatik und Datenwissenschaften benötigt. Um diese Kompetenzen zu fördern, wurden in jedem Konsortium Ausbildungsaktivitäten etabliert. Zudem wurden konsortiumübergreifende Aktivitäten etabliert. Dieser Artikel berichtet über die Konzepte, umgesetzte Programme und Erfahrungen. Es sind 51 neue Professuren und 10 neue Studienangebote eingerichtet worden: 1 Bachelor-, 6 konsekutive und 3 berufsbegleitende Masterstudiengänge. Die entwickelten Lern- und Fortbildungsangebote stehen standortübergreifend zur Verfügung. Darüber hinaus wurden Zertifizierungs- und Anerkennungsmöglichkeiten geschaffen.

Die Lehrangebote richten sich an Zielgruppen mit fachlichem Hintergrund in Informatik, Medizin, Pflege, Bioinformatik, Biologie, Natur- und Datenwissenschaften. Zusatzqualifikationen für Ärzt*innen in Informatik und für Informatiker*innen in Medizin erweisen sich als besonders wichtig. Sie können zu einer höheren Qualität bei der Softwareentwicklung und einer besseren Unterstützung der Behandlungsprozesse durch Anwendungssysteme beitragen.

In allen Konsortien waren digitale Lernmethoden wichtig. Sie bieten Flexibilität, um standortübergreifend und interprofessionell auszubilden. So können ein Lernen in individuellem Tempo und ein Austausch unter Berufsgruppen erreicht werden. Der Erfolg der MII hängt wesentlich von der gesellschaftlichen Akzeptanz der Mehrfachnutzung medizinischer Daten in Versorgung und Forschung ab. Die dafür erforderlichen Informationen werden durch die Öffentlichkeitsarbeit der MII bereitgestellt. In der Gesellschaft besteht ein enormer Bedarf an Kompetenz im Umgang mit medizinischen Daten und digitalen Werkzeugen.
FAIRe Gesundheitsdaten im nationalen und internationalen Datenraum
Authors: Waltemath Dagmar , Beyan Oya , Crameri Katrin , Dedié Angela , Gierend Kerstin , Gröber Petra , Inau Esther Thea , Michaelis Lea , Reinecke Ines , Sedlmayr Martin , Thun Sylvia , Krefting Dagmar
Published: May 2024

Gesundheitsdaten haben in der heutigen datenorientierten Welt einen hohen Stellenwert. Durch automatisierte Verarbeitung können z. B. Prozesse im Gesundheitswesen optimiert und klinische Entscheidungen unterstützt werden. Dabei sind Aussagekraft, Qualität und Vertrauenswürdigkeit der Daten wichtig. Nur so kann garantiert werden, dass die Daten sinnvoll nachgenutzt werden können.

Konkrete Anforderungen an die Beschreibung und Kodierung von Daten werden in den FAIR-Prinzipien beschrieben. Verschiedene nationale Forschungsverbünde und Infrastrukturprojekte im Gesundheitswesen haben sich bereits klar zu den FAIR-Prinzipien positioniert: Sowohl die Infrastrukturen der Medizininformatik-Initiative als auch des Netzwerks Universitätsmedizin operieren explizit auf Basis der FAIR-Prinzipien, ebenso die Nationale Forschungsdateninfrastruktur für personenbezogene Gesundheitsdaten oder das Deutsche Zentrum für Diabetesforschung.

Um eine FAIRe Ressource bereitzustellen, sollte zuerst in einem Assessment der FAIRness-Grad festgestellt werden und danach die Priorisierung für Verbesserungsschritte erfolgen (FAIRification). Seit 2016 wurden zahlreiche Werkzeuge und Richtlinien für beide Schritte entwickelt, basierend auf den unterschiedlichen, domänenspezifischen Interpretationen der FAIR-Prinzipien.

Auch die europäischen Nachbarländer haben in die Entwicklung eines nationalen Rahmens für semantische Interoperabilität im Kontext der FAIR-Prinzipien investiert. So wurden Konzepte für eine umfassende Datenanreicherung entwickelt, um die Datenanalyse beispielsweise im Europäischen Gesundheitsdatenraum oder über das Netzwerk der Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics zu vereinfachen. In Kooperation mit internationalen Projekten, wie z. B. der European Open Science Cloud, wurden strukturierte FAIRification-Maßnahmen für Gesundheitsdatensätze entwickelt.
Sind die Konzepte zur „chronischen Manie“ der deutschsprachigen Psychiatrie um 1900 frühe Beiträge zum Störungsbild der adulten Form der Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit‑/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS)?
Authors: Müller Steffen , Strauß Maria , Steinberg Holger
Published: May 2024

Die adulte Form der Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) rückt immer mehr in den Fokus der Erwachsenenpsychiatrie. Trotz längst etablierter diagnostischer Kriterien des Störungsbilds und spezifischer Therapieansätze hört man in der heutigen Diskussion Vorurteile, dass ADHS eine „Modeerscheinung“ sei. Die Psychiatriegeschichte kann hier einen aufklärenden Beitrag leisten und versuchen aufzuzeigen, dass es sich bei der adulten Form der ADHS um ein konstant existentes Krankheitsphänomen handelt. Die vorliegende Studie arbeitet die um 1900 in der deutschsprachigen Psychiatrie geführte Diskussion z. T. prominenter Autoren über die „chronische Manie“ auf. Die einzelnen Konzepte wurden inhaltlich analysiert, miteinander und mit den heutigen Diagnosemanualen zur adulten ADHS verglichen. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, zu hinterfragen und zu diskutieren, ob diese „chronisch-manischen Konzepte“ zur Ideengeschichte der adulten ADHS gehören und ob also mit deren Hilfe eine Lücke in der Überlieferungsgeschichte dieser Störung gefüllt werden kann. Wir gelangen zu dem Schluss, dass Nervenärzte des frühen 20. Jahrhunderts über Patienten berichteten und diskutierten, die mit großer Sicherheit heute die Diagnose ADHS erhalten würden. Die Psychiater hatten Schwierigkeiten, diese Störung in ihre nosologischen Schemata einzuordnen, doch ihre „chronisch-manischen Konzepte“ lassen deutliche Parallelen zu den heute gängigen Diagnosekriterien der adulten ADHS und ihrer Symptomatik erkennen.
The role of cellular senescence in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Wang Yating , Kuca Kamil , You Li , Nepovimova Eugenie , Heger Zbynek , Valko Marian , Adam Vojtech , Wu Qinghua , Jomova Klaudia
Published: May 2024

Increasing evidence has revealed that cellular senescence drives NDs, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease. Different senescent cell populations secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASP), including matrix metalloproteinase-3, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, and IL-8, which can harm adjacent microglia. Moreover, these cells possess high expression levels of senescence hallmarks (p16 and p21) and elevated senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity in in vitro and in vivo ND models. These senescence phenotypes contribute to the deposition of β-amyloid and tau-protein tangles. Selective clearance of senescent cells and SASP regulation by inhibiting p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling attenuate β-amyloid load and prevent tau-protein tangle deposition, thereby improving cognitive performance in AD mouse models. In addition, telomere shortening, a cellular senescence biomarker, is associated with increased ND risks. Telomere dysfunction causes cellular senescence, stimulating IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1β secretions. The forced expression of telomerase activators prevents cellular senescence, yielding considerable neuroprotective effects. This review elucidates the mechanism of cellular senescence in ND pathogenesis, suggesting strategies to eliminate or restore senescent cells to a normal phenotype for treating such diseases.
Cannabidivarin and cannabigerol induce unfolded protein response and angiogenesis dysregulation in placental trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells
Authors: Alves Patrícia , Amaral Cristina , Gonçalves Marina S. , Teixeira Natércia , Correia-da-Silva Georgina
Published: May 2024

Cannabidivarin (CBDV) and cannabigerol (CBG) are minor phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa, whose health benefits have been reported. However, studies about the impact of these cannabinoids on fundamental cellular processes in placentation are scarce. Placental development involves physiological endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, however when exacerbated it can lead to altered angiogenesis and pregnancy disorders, such as intrauterine growth restriction and preeclampsia. In this work, the effects of CBDV and CBG (1–10 µM) on placental extravillous trophoblasts were studied, using the in vitro model HTR-8/SVneo cells. Both cannabinoids induced anti-proliferative effects and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species generation, which was dependent on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation. Moreover, CBDV and CBG significantly upregulated, in a TRPV-1 dependent manner, the gene expression of HSPA5/Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78/BiP), a critical chaperone involved in ER stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) activation. Nevertheless, the UPR pathways were differentially activated. Both cannabinoids were able to recruit the IRE branch, while only CBDV enhanced the expression of downstream effectors of the PERK pathway, namely p-eIF2α, ATF4 and CHOP. It also augmented the activity of the apoptotic initiator caspases-8 and -9, though the effector caspases-3/-7 were not activated. TRB3 expression was increased by CBDV, which may hinder apoptosis termination. Moreover, both compounds upregulated the mRNA levels of the angiogenic factors VEGFA, PGF and sFLT1, and disrupted the endothelial-like behavior of HTR-8/SVneo cells, by reducing tube formation. Thus, CBDV and CBG treatment interferes with EVTs functions and may have a negative impact in placentation and in pregnancy outcome.
Sildenafil and furosemide nanoparticles as a novel pharmacological treatment for acute renal failure in rats
Authors: Sabra Mahmoud S. , Allam Essmat A. H. , Hassanein Khaled M. Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Hospitalized patients often develop acute renal failure (ARF), which causes severe morbidity and death. This research investigates the potential renoprotective benefits of sildenafil and furosemide in glycerol-induced ARF, and measures kidney function metrics in response to nanoparticle versions of these medications. Inducing ARF is commonly done by injecting 50% glycerol intramuscularly. Rats underwent a 24-h period of dehydration and starvation before slaughter for renal function testing. We investigated urine analysis, markers of oxidative stress, histology of kidney tissue, immunohistochemistry analysis of caspase-3 and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 β), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL), which are specific indicators of kidney tissue damage. The results of our study showed that the combination of sildenafil and furosemide, using both traditional and nanoparticle formulations, had a greater protective effect on the kidneys compared to using either drug alone. The recovery of renal tissue indicators, serum markers, and urine markers, which are indicative of organ damage, provides evidence of improvement. This was also indicated by the reduction in KIM-1 and NGAL tubular expression. The immunohistochemistry tests showed that the combination therapy, especially with the nanoforms, greatly improved the damaged cellular changes in the kidneys, as shown by higher levels of caspase-3 and IL-1β. According to the findings, a glycerol-induced rat model demonstrates that sildenafil and furosemide, either alone or in combination, in conventional or nanoparticulate forms, improve ARF dysfunction. The synergistic nanoparticulate compositions show remarkable effectiveness. This observation highlights the possible therapeutic implications for ARF treatment.
Valorization of plant proteins for meat analogues design—a comprehensive review
Authors: Siddiqui Shahida Anusha , Khalifa Ibrahim , Yin Tao , Morsy Mohamed K. , Khoder Ramy M. , Salauddin Molla , Farzana Wasiya , Sharma Sonu , Khalid Nauman
Published: May 2024

Animal proteins from meat and its stuffs have recently been one of main concerns in the drive for sustainable food production. This viewpoint suggests that there are exciting prospects to reformulate meat products that are produced more sustainably and may also have health benefits by substituting high-protein nonmeat ingredients for some of the meat. Considering these pre-existing conditions, this review critically reviews recent data on extenders from several sources, including pulses, plant-based components, plant byproducts, and unconventional sources. We used the related keywords from Scopus-database without limiting the publishing date. With an emphasis on how these findings may impact the sustainability of meat products, it sees them as a great chance to enhance the functional quality and technological profile of meat. Therefore, to promote sustainability, meat alternatives such as plant-based meat equivalents are being made available. To boost consumer acceptability of these goods, further initiatives should also be developed to enhance the functioning of these innovative food items and increase public knowledge of plant-based meat analogues.
A comparative analysis of the puncturing abilities of cephalopod beak rostra using engineering tools
Authors: Wang Simeng , Didziokas Marius , Roscian Marjorie , Evans Susan , Rouget Isabelle , Herrel Anthony , Moazen Mehran , Souquet Louise
Published: May 2024

Cephalopods, a diverse class of carnivorous marine predators, exhibit a wide range of feeding behaviours and foraging strategies related to their lifestyle, habitat and morphological adaptations. Their beaks play a crucial role in capturing and processing prey. This study investigates the link between the shape of the rostrum of cephalopod beaks and their function through a mix of experimental and computational approaches. Fourteen upper beak rostrum models from a range of cephalopod species, representing their morphological and ecological diversity, were 3D-printed, and subjected to uniaxial puncture tests. Force and displacement were recorded to estimate puncture ability. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to explore the form–function relationship under loading conditions mimicking biting and pulling, analysing stress patterns across different rostrum morphologies. The results show that rostrum size significantly influenced puncture performance, with smaller rostra requiring less force and displacement for puncturing. However, larger rostra exhibited higher structural stiffness, suggesting increased vulnerability to stress during biting. Morphology-driven tests demonstrated species-specific differences in puncture abilities, with rostrum sharpness playing a crucial role. FEA results further indicated that longer and sharper rostra were more susceptible to stress, potentially impacting their overall structural integrity. The findings highlight the trade-off between rostrum size and sharpness in cephalopod beaks, with implications for prey selection and feeding efficiency. The study contributes to understanding the morpho-functional aspects of cephalopod beaks and their role in prey capture and consumption, shedding light on the evolutionary pressures shaping these remarkable marine predators.
Design and Validation of Primer Sets for the Detection and Quantification of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Environmental Samples by Quantitative PCR
Authors: Perez-Bou Lizandra , Gonzalez-Martinez Alejandro , Cabrera Juan J. , Juarez-Jimenez Belen , Rodelas Belen , Gonzalez-Lopez Jesus , Correa-Galeote David
Published: May 2024

The high prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) in several environments is a great concern threatening human health. Particularly, wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) become important contributors to the dissemination of ARB to receiving water bodies, due to the inefficient management or treatment of highly antibiotic-concentrated wastewaters. Hence, it is vital to develop molecular tools that allow proper monitoring of the genes encoding resistances to these important therapeutic compounds (antibiotic resistant genes, ARGs). For an accurate quantification of ARGs, there is a need for sensitive and robust qPCR assays supported by a good design of primers and validated protocols. In this study, eleven relevant ARGs were selected as targets, including aadA and aadB (conferring resistance to aminoglycosides); ampC, blaTEM, blaSHV, and mecA (resistance to beta-lactams); dfrA1 (resistance to trimethoprim); ermB (resistance to macrolides); fosA (resistance to fosfomycin); qnrS (resistance to quinolones); and tetA(A) (resistance to tetracyclines). The in silico design of the new primer sets was performed based on the alignment of all the sequences of the target ARGs (orthology grade > 70%) deposited in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, allowing higher coverages of the ARGs’ biodiversity than those of several primers described to date. The adequate design and performance of the new molecular tools were validated in six samples, retrieved from both natural and engineered environments related to wastewater treatment. The hallmarks of the optimized qPCR assays were high amplification efficiency (> 90%), good linearity of the standard curve (R2 > 0.980), repeatability and reproducibility across experiments, and a wide linear dynamic range. The new primer sets and methodology described here are valuable tools to upgrade the monitorization of the abundance and emergence of the targeted ARGs by qPCR in WWTPs and related environments.
Role of radiomics as a predictor of disease recurrence in ovarian cancer: a systematic review
Authors: O’Sullivan Niall J. , Temperley Hugo C. , Horan Michelle T. , Kamran Waseem , Corr Alison , O’Gorman Catherine , Saadeh Feras , Meaney James M. , Kelly Michael E.
Published: May 2024

Ovarian cancer is associated with high cancer-related mortality rate attributed to late-stage diagnosis, limited treatment options, and frequent disease recurrence. As a result, careful patient selection is important especially in setting of radical surgery. Radiomics is an emerging field in medical imaging, which may help provide vital prognostic evaluation and help patient selection for radical treatment strategies. This systematic review aims to assess the role of radiomics as a predictor of disease recurrence in ovarian cancer. A systematic search was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. Studies meeting inclusion criteria investigating the use of radiomics to predict post-operative recurrence in ovarian cancer were included in our qualitative analysis. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 and Radiomics Quality Score tools. Six retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 952 participants. Radiomic-based signatures demonstrated consistent performance in predicting disease recurrence, as evidenced by satisfactory area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values (AUC range 0.77–0.89). Radiomic-based signatures appear to good prognosticators of disease recurrence in ovarian cancer as estimated by AUC. The reviewed studies consistently reported the potential of radiomic features to enhance risk stratification and personalise treatment decisions in this complex cohort of patients. Further research is warranted to address limitations related to feature reliability, workflow heterogeneity, and the need for prospective validation studies.
Machine learning algorithm predicts urethral stricture following transurethral prostate resection
Authors: Altıntaş Emre , Şahin Ali , Babayev Huseyn , Gül Murat , Batur Ali Furkan , Kaynar Mehmet , Kılıç Özcan , Göktaş Serdar
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To predict the post transurethral prostate resection(TURP) urethral stricture probability by applying different machine learning algorithms using the data obtained from preoperative blood parameters.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data from patients who underwent bipolar-TURP encompassing patient characteristics, preoperative routine blood test outcomes, and post-surgery uroflowmetry were used to develop and educate machine learning models. Various metrics, such as F1 score, model accuracy, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, Youden Index, ROC AUC value, and confidence interval for each model, were used to assess the predictive performance of machine learning models for urethral stricture development.

Results

A total of 109 patients’ data (55 patients without urethral stricture and 54 patients with urethral stricture) were included in the study after implementing strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The preoperative Platelet Distribution Width, Mean Platelet Volume, Plateletcrit, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, and Prothrombin Time values were statistically meaningful between the two cohorts. After applying the data to the machine learning systems, the accuracy prediction scores for the diverse algorithms were as follows: decision trees (0.82), logistic regression (0.82), random forests (0.91), support vector machines (0.86), K-nearest neighbors (0.82), and naïve Bayes (0.77).

Conclusion

Our machine learning models’ accuracy in predicting the post-TURP urethral stricture probability has demonstrated significant success. Exploring prospective studies that integrate supplementary variables has the potential to enhance the precision and accuracy of machine learning models, consequently progressing their ability to predict post-TURP urethral stricture risk.