bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X‐ray with finite element analysis is a viable alternative for MRI to predict knee osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Mononen Mika E. , Liukkonen Mimmi K. , Turunen Mikael J.
Published: April 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers superior soft tissue contrast compared to clinical X‐ray imaging methods, while also providing accurate three‐dimensional (3D) geometries, it could be reasoned to be the best imaging modality to create 3D finite element (FE) geometries of the knee joint. However, MRI may not necessarily be superior for making tissue‐level FE simulations of internal stress distributions within knee joint, which can be utilized to calculate subject‐specific risk for the onset and development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Specifically, MRI does not provide any information about tissue stiffness, as the imaging is usually performed with the patient lying on their back. In contrast, native X‐rays taken while the patient is standing indirectly reveal information of the overall health of the knee that is not seen in MRI. To determine the feasibility of X‐ray workflow to generate FE models based on the baseline information (clinical image data and subject characteristics), we compared MRI and X‐ray‐based simulations of volumetric cartilage degenerations (N = 1213) against 8‐year follow‐up data. The results suggest that X‐ray‐based predictions of KOA are at least as good as MRI‐based predictions for subjects with no previous knee injuries. This finding may have important implications for preventive care, as X‐ray imaging is much more accessible than MRI.
Decreased grip strength is associated with paraspinal muscular oxidative stress in female lumbar degenerative disease patients
Authors: Takahashi Ryosuke , Nojiri Hidetoshi , Ohara Yukoh , Fujiwara Toshiyuki , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: April 2024

We aimed to investigate the relationship between superoxide dismutase 2‐related oxidative stress in the paraspinal muscles and spinal alignment, clinical skeletal muscle parameters, and mitochondrial function. Multifidus muscle samples from patients who underwent posterior lumbar surgery were analyzed. Patients with diseases affecting oxidative stress and spinal alignment were excluded. The superoxide dismutase 2 redox index was defined as the ratio of reactive oxygen species (superoxide) to antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase 2) and was used as an index of oxidative stress. Patients were divided into two groups based on the superoxide dismutase 2 redox index. Spinal alignment, clinical skeletal muscle parameters, and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) mean grayscale value were compared between the groups, with analyzes for both sexes. Multiple regression analyzes were used to adjust for the confounding effect of age on variables showing a significant difference between the two groups. Thirty‐five patients with lumbar degenerative diseases were included. No significant differences were observed between the two groups for any of the parameters in males; however, females with a higher superoxide dismutase 2 redox index had greater lumbar lordosis, lower grip strength, and higher SDH mean grayscale value than those with a lower index. Multiple regression analyzes revealed that the superoxide dismutase 2 redox index was an independent explanatory variable for lumbar lordosis, grip strength, and SDH mean grayscale value in female patients. In conclusion, superoxide dismutase 2‐related oxidative stress in the paraspinal muscles was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased grip strength in female lumbar degenerative disease patients.
Complementarity of nutrition screening with Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria for diagnosing malnutrition in critically ill patients: A comparison study of Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 and modified Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill Score
Authors: Foletto Estéfani , Bernardes Simone , Milanez Danielle Silla Jobim , Razzera Elisa Loch , Silva Flávia Moraes
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

Critical illness induces hypermetabolism and hypercatabolism, increasing nutrition risk (NR). Early NR identification is crucial for improving outcomes. We assessed four nutrition screening tools (NSTs) complementarity with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in critically ill patients.

Methods

We conducted a comparative study using data from a cohort involving five intensive care units (ICUs), screening patients for NR using NRS‐2002 and modified‐NUTRIC tools, with three cutoffs (≥3, ≥4, ≥5), and malnutrition diagnosed by GLIM criteria. Our outcomes of interest included ICU and in‐hospital mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), and ICU readmission. We examined accuracy metrics and complementarity between NSTs and GLIM criteria about clinical outcomes through logistic regression and Cox regression. We established a four‐category independent variable: NR(−)/GLIM(−) as the reference, NR(−)/GLIM(+), NR(+)/GLIM(−), and NR(+)/GLIM(+).

Results

Of the 377 patients analyzed (median age 64 years [interquartile range: 54–71] and 53.8% male), NR prevalence varied from 87% to 40.6%, whereas 64% presented malnutrition (GLIM criteria). NRS‐2002 (score ≥4) showed superior accuracy for GLIM‐based malnutrition. Multivariate analysis revealed mNUTRIC(+)/GLIM(+) increased >2 times in the likelihood of ICU and in‐hospital mortality, ICU and hospital LOS, and ICU readmission compared with the reference group.

Conclusion

No NST exhibited satisfactory complementarity to the GLIM criteria in our study, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive nutrition assessment for all patients, irrespective of NR status. We recommend using mNUTRIC if the ICU team opts for nutrition screening, as it demonstrated superior prognostic value compared with NRS‐2002, and applying GLIM criteria in all patients.
Study on the aggregation nature of sodium cocoyl glycinate and sodium hyaluronate mixture in aqueous and NaCl solutions
Authors: Wang Yuling , Guo Jixiang , Zan Min , Xu Songtang , Guo Xueping , Du Bo , Xu Hujun
Published: April 2024

The mixed system of sodium cocoyl glycinate and sodium hyaluronate (HA) with different mass concentrations and relative molecular weights was investigated by the surface tension method. All the curves of surface tension versus logarithm of concentration (γ‐lgc curves) of sodium cocoyl glycinate‐HA mixed system displayed the properties of double platform. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of sodium cocoyl glycinate was 1.690 g/L at 25°C. The two inflection points of the γ‐lgc curves corresponding to the cocoyl glycine‐HA mixed system were cac (the critical aggregation concentration) and cmce (the extended cmc of sodium cocoyl glycinate), and cac < cmce < cmc. With the change of the mass concentration and relative molecular weight of HA, the cac values were almost constant. However, cmce increased with the increase of the mass concentration of HA at the same HA molecular weight. For the HA of molecular weight of 800 and 260000 Da, the mass concentration of HA increased from 0.05 to 0.4 g/L, and the cmce value increased from 1.199 to 1.390 g/L and 1.102 to 1.330 g/L, respectively. When the mass concentration of HA remained the same, the change in the relative molecular weight of HA had little effect on the cmce value. For the mixed system of sodium cocoyl glycine −0.1 g/L HA, when the concentration of NaCl was 2 g/L, the salt enhancement effect was dominant. When the concentration of NaCl was 4 to 8 g/L, the salt weakening effect was dominant. It is indicated that HA can improve the chemical properties of sodium cocoyl glycinate at a certain concentration, thus improving the cleaning, foaming, and foam stability of sodium cocoyl glycinate.
A review on separation and application of plant‐derived exosome‐like nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Ying , Xiao Siqiu , Wang Dianbing , Qin Chengyu , Wei Hongling , Li Dewen
Published: April 2024

Exosomes‐like nanoparticles (ELNs) (exosomes or extracellular vesicles) are vesicle‐like bodies secreted by cells. Plant ELNs (PENs) are membrane vesicles secreted by plant cells, with a lipid bilayer as the basic skeleton, enclosing various active substances such as proteins and nucleic acids, which have many physiological and pathological functions. Recent studies have found that the PENs are widespread within different plant species and their biological functions are increasingly recognized. The effective separation method is also necessary for its function and application. Ultracentrifugation, sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, ultrafiltration, polymer‐based precipitation methods, etc., are commonly used methods for plant exosome‐like nanoparticle extraction. In recent years, emerging methods such as size exclusion chromatography, immunoaffinity capture‐based technique, and microfluidic technology have shown advancements compared to traditional methods. The standardized separation process for PENs continues to evolve. In this review, we summarized the recent progress in the biogenesis, components, separation methods, and some functions of PENs. When the research on the separation method of PENs and their unique biological structure is further studied. A brand‐new idea for the efficient separation and utilization of PENs can be provided in the future, which has a very broad prospect.
Long head of biceps tendon augmentation for massive rotator cuff tears improves clinical results regardless of the number of tendons involved
Authors: Savarese Eugenio , Aicale Rocco , Torsiello Ernesto , Bernardini Giulio , Maffulli Nicola
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Management of massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) remains debated, and various arthroscopic and open techniques have been described for their management. Nevertheless, the optimal strategy remains unclear. The present study evaluated the clinical results in patients managed arthroscopically for MRCTs augmented with the long head biceps tendon (LHBT) at a minimum 1‐year follow‐up, considering different type of tears, demographic data and number of torn tendons.

Methods

Patients treated in a secondary referral centre from January 2021 to April 2022 were enroled prospectively. Inclusion criteria were pain, inability to fully elevate the affected shoulder, irreparable tears and active and motivated patients. All patients were managed within 2 months from diagnosis in a single centre by the same surgeons. Preoperative shoulder radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were collected, and clinical assessment was also performed using the Numerical analogue scale (NAS), Constant score (CS) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES). Tissue retraction and tendon fatty infiltration were evaluated using Patte and Fuchs scale, respectively. Clinical assessment was performed using the same scales at 3–6 months and 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

A total of 55 patients (31 female and 24 male) with a mean age of 60 ± 7.1 years were enroled for a mean follow‐up of 18.2 ± 4.3 months. The mean preoperative NAS was 7.8 ± 0.6, CS was 20.5 ± 7.6 and ASES was 22.6 ± 9.2, increasing, respectively, to 0.3 ± 0.6, 91.5 ± 6.9 and 94.2 ± 6.7. No adverse side effects (infection, rejection, allergy) were reported during the study period. All patients were evaluated after surgery at 3 and 6 months and 1 year with statistically significant improvement for each score at the first and last follow‐up (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The use of LHBT augmentation in patients with MRCTs in appropriately selected patients is safe and effective and can lead to pain relief and acceptable clinical outcomes. Furthermore, its use carries low donor site morbidity and is cost effective. Comparative studies, including randomised controlled trials, with other proposed techniques are needed to confirm these findings.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Age and medial compartmental OA were important predictors of the lateral compartmental OA in the discoid lateral meniscus: Analysis using machine learning approach
Authors: Cho Joon Hee , Kim Myeongju , Nam Hee Seung , Park Seong Yun , Lee Yong Seuk
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study was to develop a machine learning model that would predict lateral compartment osteoarthritis (OA) in the discoid lateral meniscus (DLM), from which to then identify factors contributing to lateral compartment OA, with a key focus on the patient's age.

Methods

Data were collected from 611 patients with symptomatic DLM diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging between April 2003 and May 2022. Twenty features, including demographic, clinical and radiological data and six algorithms were used to develop the predictive machine learning models. Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) analysis was performed on the best model, in addition to subgroup analyses according to age.

Results

Extreme gradient boosting classifier was identified as the best prediction model, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.968, the highest among all the models, regardless of age (AUROC of 0.977 in young age and AUROC of 0.937 in old age). In the SHAP analysis, the most predictive feature was age, followed by the presence of medial compartment OA. In the subgroup analysis, the most predictive feature was age in young age, whereas the most predictive feature was the presence of medial compartment OA in old age.

Conclusion

The machine learning model developed in this study showed a high predictive performance with regard to predicting lateral compartment OA of the DLM. Age was identified as the most important factor, followed by medial compartment OA. In subgroup analysis, medial compartmental OA was found to be the most important factor in the older age group, whereas age remained the most important factor in the younger age group. These findings provide insights that may prove useful for the establishment of strategies for the treatment of patients with symptomatic DLM.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Spatial distribution of trace and rare earth elements of bottom sediments in Lake Ostrowite, Bory Tucholskie National Park, Poland
Authors: Sojka Mariusz , Choiński Adam , Siepak Marcin
Published: April 2024

Lake pollution has attracted concerns worldwide; especially the excessive accumulation of trace elements (TEs) and rare earth elements (REEs) in bottom sediments can pose a serious threat to ecosystem health. However, there is still a knowledge gap on the level of sediment pollution in lakes isolated from the direct impact of pollution sources, their spatial variability, and also on the factors influencing this state. The aim of this study is to investigate the level and spatial variability of TEs and REEs concentrations, as well as to determine their source and the factors determining their distribution in the bottom sediments of Lake Ostrowite. Lake Ostrowite is the largest and deepest water body located in the Bory Tuholskie National Park (in northern Poland), which completely isolates the lake from the direct impact of pollution sources. The study covered analyses of 32 surface samples of bottom sediments. The concentrations of 24 TEs and 14 REEs were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐QQQ‐MS). The assessment of the enrichment of bottom sediments in TEs and REEs employed geochemical background values (GBV) that provided the basis for the calculation of relative concentrations and geochemical indices. The determination of their sources and supply routes was based on the cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The obtained results point to the enrichment of the bottom sediments with TEs and REEs. Relative concentration values of TEs and REEs in reference to geochemical background values were in ranges from 0.01 to 7.31, at an average of 0.99, and from 0.03 to 4.29, averaging 1.76, respectively. The enrichment factor values show moderately severe enrichment of sediments at the study sites. This was primarily determined by the concentrations of Ag (from the TEs group) and Lu (from the REEs group). The metal pollution index values showed an approximate spatial distribution of points in terms of the presence of TEs and REEs. The lowest concentrations of TEs and REEs occurred on the eastern shore of the western basin of Lake Ostrowite. TEs and REEs concentrations in sediments are positively correlated with the content of organic matter and depth and negatively correlated with distance of the sampling point from the river outflow from Lake Ostrowite. On the eastern shore of the western basin, TEs and REEs concentrations are additionally shaped by wind, predominantly from the western direction. With water wave action, organic matter is transported to the central part of the western basin, where it is accumulated. Since the lake is isolated from point and nonpoint pollution sources, relevant from a biogeochemical point of view are dry and wet depositions from the atmosphere as well as aquatic vegetation, shoreline vegetation, forest litter, soil, and groundwater.
Size Control and Antioxidant Properties of Sulfur‐Rich Polymer Colloids from Interfacial Polymerization
Authors: Jeon Yujin , Ahn Chi Sup , Char Kookheon , Lim Jeewoo
Published: April 2024

High sulfur content polymeric materials, known for their intriguing properties such as high refractive indices and high electrochemical capacities, have garnered significant interest in recent years for their applications in optics, antifouling surfaces, triboelectrics, and electrochemistry. Despite the high interest, most high sulfur‐content polymers reported to date are either bulk materials or thin films, and there is a general lack of research into sulfur‐rich polymer colloids. Water‐dispersed, sulfur‐rich particles are anticipated to broaden the range of applications for sulfur‐containing materials. In this study, the preparation and size control parameters are presented of an aqueous dispersion of sulfur‐rich polymers with the sulfur content of dispersed particles exceeding 75 wt%. Employing polymeric stabilizers with varying hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance (HLB), along with changing the rank of inorganic polysulfides, allow for the control of particle size in the range of 360 nm – 1.8 µm. The sulfur‐rich colloid demonstrates antioxidant properties in water, demonstrating the potential for the use of sulfur‐rich polymeric materials readily removable, heterogeneous radical scavengers.
Synthesis of Dendrimer‐Like Molecules with Partial Carbon Chain via Iterative Single Unit Monomer Insertions
Authors: He Xinying , Cui Yuru , Liu Guhuan
Published: April 2024

Carbon‐chain dendritic polymers hold unique properties and promising applications. However, synthesizing carbon‐chain dendrimers, beyond conjugated ones, remains a challenge. Here, the use of the iterative single unit monomer insertion technique for synthesizing 2.5 generation partial‐carbon‐chain dendrimers (G2.5) is described, utilizing bismaleimide as the core, a maleimide–trithiocarbonate conjugate as the branching unit, and indene as the spacer unit, following a divergent growth strategy. The optimized conditions for synthesizing the maleimide–trithiocarbonate branching unit are a bismaleimide to trithiocarbonate ratio of 5:1 and a reaction time of 30 min. The structures are verified using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectra. A four‐arm star polymer is then synthesized using the G2.5 as the core. This synthesis of a partial‐carbon‐chain dendrimer establishes a foundational step toward creating all‐carbon‐chain ones and may open new application avenues in material science.
The use of superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) pedicle vein for lymphovenous anastomosis to treat inguinal lymphatic fistula: A case report
Authors: Meroni Matteo , Scaglioni Mario F.
Published: April 2024

The management of lymphatic fistulas following surgical procedures, in particular after inguinal lymphadenectomy, represents a significant clinical challenge. The current case report shows the novel use of the superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) pedicle vein for lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) to treat a chronic inguinal lymphatic fistula in a 58‐year‐old male patient. This patient had developed a persistent lymphorrhea and wound dehiscence after a right inguinal lymph node biopsy performed for oncological reasons 1.5 months before. Pre‐operative assessment with indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography confirmed a substantial lymphatic contribution to the wound discharge, thus guiding the surgical strategy. During the procedure, a pedicled tissue segment containing the SCIV was dissected and utilized to fill the wound's dead space and facilitate LVA with the leaking lymphatic vessel. Notably, a coupler device was employed for the anastomosis due to the large caliber of the lymphatic vessel involved, a technique not commonly reported in lymphatic surgeries. The result of the procedure was successful, with intra‐operative ICG imaging confirming the patency of the anastomosis. After surgery the wound healed without complications. This case illustrates the potential of SCIV employment in lymphatic fistula repair in the inguinal region. While further research is needed to validate these findings, this report provides an unconventional approach to a relatively common problem in clinical practice.
Parameter‐robust higher‐order time‐accurate computational method for singularly perturbed time‐dependent semilinear convection‐diffusion PDEs with discontinuous data
Authors: Yadav Narendra Singh , Mukherjee Kaushik
Published: April 2024

This article is concerned with a class of singularly perturbed semilinear parabolic convection‐diffusion partial differential equations (PDEs) with discontinuous source function. Solutions of these PDEs usually exhibit a weak interior layer at one side of the point of discontinuity along with a boundary layer at one side of the spatial domain. We begin our study by proving existence of the analytical solution of the considered nonlinear PDE by means of the upper and lower solutions approach; and the
‐uniform stability of the analytical solution is established by using the comparison principle for the continuous nonlinear operator. In order to realize the asymptotic behavior of the analytical solution, we derive a priori bounds of the solution derivatives via decomposition of the solution into the smooth and the layer components. For an efficient numerical solution of the nonlinear PDE, the time‐derivative is approximated by the Crank–Nicolson method on an equidistant mesh, and we approximate the spatial derivative by a finite difference scheme on a suitable layer‐adapted mesh. We establish the comparison principle for the nonlinear difference operator to prove the
‐uniform stability of the discrete solution and further construct a suitable decomposition of the discrete solution for pursuing the convergence analysis. The computational method is proven to be parameter‐robust with second‐order time accuracy in the discrete supremum norm. The theoretical estimate is finally verified by the numerical experiments.
Longitudinal vibrations of a bar in memoriam to Professor Luiz Adauto Medeiros
Authors: Milla Miranda M. , Louredo Aldo T. , Batista Adriano A.
Published: April 2024

This paper is concerned with the deduction of a mathematical model for the small longitudinal vibrations of a bar where one end is clamped and in the other end is glued a concentrated mass. The existence of global solutions of this model perturbed with a general nonlinear internal dissipation and with a general nonlinear boundary dissipation is derived. For a particular case, the exponential decay rate of the energy is obtained.
Performance of receive head arrays versus ultimate intrinsic SNR at 7 T and 10.5 T
Authors: Zhang Bei , Radder Jerahmie , Giannakopoulos Ilias , Grant Andrea , Lagore Russell , Waks Matt , Tavaf Nader , Van de Moortele Pierre‐Francois , Adriany Gregor , Sadeghi‐Tarakameh Alireza , Eryaman Yigitcan , Lattanzi Riccardo , Uğurbil Kamil
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We examined magnetic field dependent SNR gains and ability to capture them with multichannel receive arrays for human head imaging in going from 7 T, the most commonly used ultrahigh magnetic field (UHF) platform at the present, to 10.5 T, which represents the emerging new frontier of >10 T in UHFs.

Methods

Electromagnetic (EM) models of 31‐channel and 63‐channel multichannel arrays built for 10.5 T were developed for 10.5 T and 7 T simulations. A 7 T version of the 63‐channel array with an identical coil layout was also built. Array performance was evaluated in the EM model using a phantom mimicking the size and electrical properties of the human head and a digital human head model. Experimental data was obtained at 7 T and 10.5 T with the 63‐channel array. Ultimate intrinsic SNR (uiSNR) was calculated for the two field strengths using a voxelized cloud of dipoles enclosing the phantom or the digital human head model as a reference to assess the performance of the two arrays and field depended SNR gains.

Results

uiSNR calculations in both the phantom and the digital human head model demonstrated SNR gains at 10.5 T relative to 7 T of 2.6 centrally, ˜2 at the location corresponding to the edge of the brain, ˜1.4 at the periphery. The EM models demonstrated that, centrally, both arrays captured ˜90% of the uiSNR at 7 T, but only ˜65% at 10.5 T, leading only to ˜2‐fold gain in array SNR in going from 7 to 10.5 T. This trend was also observed experimentally with the 63‐channel array capturing a larger fraction of the uiSNR at 7 T compared to 10.5 T, although the percentage of uiSNR captured were slightly lower at both field strengths compared to EM simulation results.

Conclusions

Major uiSNR gains are predicted for human head imaging in going from 7 T to 10.5 T, ranging from ˜2‐fold at locations corresponding to the edge of the brain to 2.6‐fold at the center, corresponding to approximately quadratic increase with the magnetic field. Realistic 31‐ and 63‐channel receive arrays, however, approach the central uiSNR at 7 T, but fail to do so at 10.5 T, suggesting that more coils and/or different type of coils will be needed at 10.5 T and higher magnetic fields.
Simultaneous multi‐transient linear‐combination modeling of MRS data improves uncertainty estimation
Authors: Zöllner Helge Jörn , Davies‐Jenkins Christopher , Simicic Dunja , Tal Assaf , Sulam Jeremias , Oeltzschner Georg
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The interest in applying and modeling dynamic MRS has recently grown. Two‐dimensional modeling yields advantages for the precision of metabolite estimation in interrelated MRS data. However, it is unknown whether including all transients simultaneously in a 2D model without averaging (presuming a stable signal) performs similarly to one‐dimensional (1D) modeling of the averaged spectrum. Therefore, we systematically investigated the accuracy, precision, and uncertainty estimation of both described model approaches.

Methods

Monte Carlo simulations of synthetic MRS data were used to compare the accuracy and uncertainty estimation of simultaneous 2D multitransient linear‐combination modeling (LCM) with 1D‐LCM of the average. A total of 2,500 data sets per condition with different noise representations of a 64‐transient MRS experiment at six signal‐to‐noise levels for two separate spin systems (scyllo‐inositol and gamma‐aminobutyric acid) were analyzed. Additional data sets with different levels of noise correlation were also analyzed. Modeling accuracy was assessed by determining the relative bias of the estimated amplitudes against the ground truth, and modeling precision was determined by SDs and Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLBs).

Results

Amplitude estimates for 1D‐ and 2D‐LCM agreed well and showed a similar level of bias compared with the ground truth. Estimated CRLBs agreed well between both models and with ground‐truth CRLBs. For correlated noise, the estimated CRLBs increased with the correlation strength for the 1D‐LCM but remained stable for the 2D‐LCM.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the model performance of 2D multitransient LCM is similar to averaged 1D‐LCM. This validation on a simplified scenario serves as a necessary basis for further applications of 2D modeling.
Practical utilization of nonlinear spatial encoding: Fast field mapping and FRONSAC‐wave
Authors: Zhang Horace Z. , Constable R. Todd , Galiana Gigi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To study the additional value of FRONSAC encoding in 2D and 3D wave sequences, implementing a simple strategy to trajectory mapping for FRONSAC encoding gradients.

Theory and Methods

The nonlinear gradient trajectory for each voxel was estimated by exploiting the sparsity of the point spread function in the frequency domain. Simulations and in‐vivo experiments were used to analyze the performance of combinations of wave and FRONSAC encoding.

Results

Field mapping using the simplified approach produced similar image quality with much shorter calibration time than the comprehensive mapping schemes utilized in previous work. In‐vivo human brain images showed that the addition of FRONSAC encoding could improve wave image quality, particularly at very high undersampling factors and in the context of limited wave amplitudes. These results were further supported by g‐factor maps.

Conclusion

Results show that FRONSAC can be used to improve image quality of wave at very high undersampling rates or in slew‐limited acquisitions. Our study illustrates the potential of the proposed fast field mapping approach.
Translation and Validation of the Sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Surgery Survey in Serbian
Authors: Jovicic Nevena , Petrovic Masa , Salovic Bojana , Matejic Aleksandar , Tomic Ana , Milanovic Nina , Scepanovic Teja , Alhayek Nabil , Soldatovic Ivan
Published: April 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to translate the Sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Surgery Survey into the Serbian language to evaluate the test‐retest reliability and validity.

Study Design

The study included 49 consecutive patients between 12 and 18 years old with rhinologic symptoms. Patients were given a paper survey to complete along with a link to complete the online survey within the same day.

Setting

The study was conducted at the University Children's Hospital Clinic for Pulmonology and Allergology between January 2023 and March 2023.

Methods

Responses between the paper and online survey were compared and regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship. Internal reliability and test‐retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach's α coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient. All data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 29.0.

Results

Pearson correlation coefficient between the paper and online survey was very high and statistically significant (r = 0.999; P < .001). Each item had a high correlation (0.993‐1.000), where the lowest correlation coefficient was obtained from question 2 (0.993). Average scores in each item differed slightly for only item 2 (mean difference = −0.041), but not to the level of statistical significance. Bland‐Altman plot indicated no proportional bias between the 2 versions. Linear regression analysis suggested a high level of agreement between the 2 versions (slope = 1.00, R2 = 0.999).

Conclusion

The survey is a useful questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life in patients with rhinologic symptoms. The high correlation between the paper and online survey shows the reliability of the questionnaire regardless of administration modality.
Preparation and characterization of hybrid PLA biocomposites reinforced by wood and silane treated basalt fibers or compatibilized by maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (MAPP)
Authors: Ermeydan Mahmut Ali , Aykanat Onur , Altın Yasin
Published: April 2024

In this study, basalt and/or beech wood fibers were treated with vinyltrimethoxysilane or compatibilized by maleic anhydride‐ grafted polypropylene (MAPP) to produce hybrid polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites. Twin‐screw extruder was used to produce biocomposites, following by a hot press to form samples. Physical and mechanical properties of composites that were produced from both treated and untreated fibers were compared. Chemical, morphological, and thermal analysis of biocomposites were analyzed with TGA, FTIR and SEM, respectively. The results showed that silane treated basalt/wood fiber reinforced PLA (PBWS) and silane treated basalt reinforced PLA (PBS) have significantly better flexural strength than neat PLA. Besides, basalt reinforced bio‐composites except PBW3 and PBWM variations have significantly superior impact strength than neat PLA. Utilization of compatibilizers also reduced thickness swelling and water uptake features of biocomposites. All the above experimental data showed that the utilization of silane compatibilizer has better impact on properties than MAPP for such wood/basalt hybrid composite.

Highlights

Hybrid biocomposites with wood and basalt fibers by using coupling agents were prepared for the first time.

Hybridization of organic and inorganic fibers gave promising results.

Silane and maleic anhydride compatibilization improves physical properties.

Vinyltrimethoxy silane grafted basalt fiber improves flexural strength significantly.

Silanization of wood or basalt fibers enhances significantly the impact strength.
Rapamycin suppresses rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast synovial cell proliferation and induces apoptosis via the AKT/mTORC1 pathway
Authors: Zhang Shengxiao , Hu Xiaorong , Su Qinyi , Zhang Heyi , Cheng Ting , Wang Jia , Pei Ruomeng , Li Xin , Zhang Ruqi , Shao Hongfang , Wang Caihong , Li Xiaofeng
Published: April 2024

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the overproliferation of synovial fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) in the lining, leading to chronic inflammation and progressive joint damage. RA pathogenesis involves lymphocyte infiltration, increased synovial cell proliferation, and impaired cell death. This study investigated the effects of rapamycin on RA‐FLSs and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

The optimal drug concentration and time for rapamycin administration were determined using a cell counting kit‐8 assay. The concentration of rapamycin varied from 1 to 25 nmol/L. The mRNA expression levels of protein kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), and Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax) were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression (p‐AKT, AKT, p‐mTOR, mTOR, pS6 kinase [S6K], S6K, p‐4E‐binding protein 1 [4EBP1], 4EBP1, Bcl‐2, Bax, caspase 3, caspase 9, cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 [CDK2], and CD1) were detected by Western blotting analysis.

Results

Rapamycin suppresses RA‐FLS proliferation and induces apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Rapamycin significantly elevated the protein expression of Bax (p < 0.01), caspase 3 (p < 0.05), and caspase 9 (p < 0.001), and downregulated Bcl‐2 expression (p < 0.01). Rapamycin increased Bax mRNA expression (p < 0.01) and decreased Bcl‐2 (p < 0.05), AKT (p < 0.05), and mTOR (p < 0.05) expression. Additionally, there was a marked reduction in the expression levels of p‐AKT(Ser473) (p < 0.01), p‐mTOR (Ser2448) (p < 0.01), p‐S6K1 (p < 0.01), and p‐4EBP1, CDK2, and CD1 (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Rapamycin effectively inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of RA‐FLSs by targeting the AKT/mTORC1 pathway. These findings underscore the potential of rapamycin as a therapeutic candidate for addressing the dysregulated proliferation and inflammatory characteristics of RA. Further clinical investigations are required to validate its application in the management of RA.
Novel CQDs/BiOI Microspheres with Gradient Oxygen Vacancies for Efficient Photocatalytic Performance Boosting by the Synergism of Reactive Oxygen and Iodine Species
Authors: Niu Jiangtao , Zhou Yi , Zhang Jin , He Wanhong , Zhou Yinghong , Huang Guihua , Feng Dujie
Published: April 2024

The synergy of reactive oxidative species (ROSs: ⋅OH, ⋅O2− and 1O2) and reactive iodine species (RISs: ⋅I and ⋅I2−) is conclusive to driving organic pollutant degradation in various aquatic environments. Over the past years, rational design of Vis‐NIR responsive photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic performance has attracted drawing attention. Herein, CQDs/BiOI composites with up‐conversion photoluminescence (UCPL) properties and oxygen vacancies was constructed for tetracycline (TC) and oxytetracycline (OTC) degradation. The apparent kinetic constant of the 4‐CQDs/BiOI is 2.13 and 2.38 times on pure BiOI. The excellent photodegradation efficiency can be attributed to the enhanced light absorption originated from the up‐conversion property and improved charge separation efficiency. Furthermore, the iodine free radicals (⋅I) and superoxide free radicals (⋅O2−) played a crucial role in the photodegradation procedure. I− from BiOI could be partially oxidized to form ⋅I. At the same time, the electron capture traps formed by Oxygen vacancies can promote the production of ⋅O2−. Remarkably, the removal efficiency of TC and OTC was still maintained at 80 % by 4‐CQDs/BiOI under different water quality conditions due to the synergy of ⋅O2− with ⋅I. This work sheds light on a new treatment for the synergistic degradation of pollutants in complex water by RISs and ROSs.
Synthesis of Benzimidazole Based 1,2,4‐Triazole Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents: In Silico Techniques
Authors: Chandrakar Komal , Sureddy Naveen Kumar , Chedupaka Raju , Papisetti Venkatesham , Mahapatra S. P. , Penta Santhosh
Published: April 2024

Compounds with a 1,2,4–triazole scaffold serve an essential role in organic synthesis, particularly in the synthesis of bioactive organic compounds; thus, the development of new approaches for modifying this scaffold is a very interesting framework of this study. To contribute to the development of an efficient method for the conversion of anticancer triazoles, a novel series of benzimidazole based 1,2,4‐triazoles was designed and synthesized. All the newly synthesized derivatives were characterized by NMR (1H &13C), FT–IR and mass spectrometry. Among the tested compounds, hybrids 5 b, 5 g exhibited exceptional anticancer susceptibilities with IC50=8.8±0.9, 9.2±1.5 μM against the tested HCA‐7cancer cell line. Anticancer profiles showed that compounds 5 d, 5 i had better anticancer inhibitory potency against a breast cancer cell line MCF‐7with IC50values 8.3±2.1, 10.6±1.2 μM, whereas 5 d, and 5 g showed potent anticancer activity against colorectal cancer cell line HT29 with IC50 values 7.1±±0.9, 7.7±1.2 μM respectively. From docking results, 5 d demonstrated highly stable binding amino acids LeuA : 2247, GlyA : 2449, SerA : 2409, HisA : 2379, AspA : 2373, LysA : 2318, IleA : 2317, IleA : 2246, IleA : 2412, AlaA : 2410, GlnA : 2452, AsnA : 2245, TyrA : 2243, and HisA : 2448, which play a crucial role enabling optimal ligand binding in a crystal structure tyrosine phosphatase mutated in colorectal cancer (PDB: 1WCH). Furthermore, the physicochemical and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) filtration molecular properties, estimation of bioactivity, and toxicity scores of these scaffolds were evaluated.
VT‐NMR Analysis of Rotation‐Inversion of N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)‐N‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) tert‐butyl Carbamate: Utilizing the −CH2CF3 Appendage as a Reporter on E/Z‐Isomerization
Authors: Jameson Brian , Glaser Rainer
Published: April 2024

The rotational barrier about the CN carbamate bond of N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)‐N‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) tert‐butyl carbamate 1 was determined by variable temperature (VT) 13C and 19F NMR spectroscopy. The −CH2CF3 appendage reports on rotational isomerism and allows for the observation of separate signals for the E‐ and Z‐ensembles at low temperature. The activation barrier for E/Z‐isomerization was quantified using Eyring‐Polanyi theory which requires the measurements of the maximum difference in Larmor frequency Δνmax and the convergence temperature Tc. Both Δνmax and Tc were interpolated by analyzing sigmoidal functions fitted to data describing signal separation and the quality of the superposition of the E‐ and Z‐signals, respectively. Methods for generating the quality‐of‐fit parameters for Lorentzian line shape analysis are discussed. Our best experimental value for the rotational barrier ΔGc≠(1)=15.65±0.13 kcal/mol is compared to results of a higher level ab initio study of the model N‐ethyl‐N‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) methyl carbamate.
Synergistic Effects in LaNiO3 Perovskites between Nickel and Iron Heterostructures for Improving Durability in Oxygen Evolution Reaction for AEMWE
Authors: Kim Nam In , Lee Jaehun , Jin Song , Park Junyoung , Jeong Jae‐Yeop , Lee Jooyoung , Kim Yangdo , Kim Chiho , Choi Sung Mook
Published: April 2024

Perovskite materials that aren't stable during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are unsuitable for anion‐exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWE). But through manipulating their electronic structures, their performance can further increase. Among the first‐row transition metals, nickel and iron are widely recognized as prominent electrocatalysts; thus, the researchers are looking into how combining them can improve the OER. Recent research has actively explored the design and study of heterostructures in this field, showcasing the dynamic exploration of innovative catalyst configurations. In this study, a heterostructure is used to manipulate the electronic structure of LaNiO3 (LNO) to improve both OER properties and durability. Through adsorbing iron onto the LNO (LNO@Fe) as γ iron oxyhydroxide (γ‐FeOOH), the binding energy of nickel in the LNO exhibited negative shifts, inferring nickel movement toward the metallic state. Consequently, the electrochemical properties of LNO@Fe are further improved. LNO@Fe showed excellent performance (1.98 A cm−2, 1 m KOH, 50 °C at 1.85 V) with 84.1% cell efficiency in AEMWE single cells, demonstrating great improvement relative to LNO. The degradation for the 850 h durability analysis of LNO@Fe is ≈68 mV kh−1, which is ≈58 times less than that of LNO.
Asset and deficit discourses of student ideas in science formative assessment co‐design
Authors: Fine Caitlin G. M. , Furtak Erin M.
Published: April 2024

The Framework for K‐12 Science Education set an ambitious goal of broadening participation in science learning for all students. Meeting this vision will involve supporting teachers in making meaningful connections with the cultural and linguistic resources their students bring to school; in essence, developing pedagogies that frame these resources as assets important to learning. In this manuscript, we present a qualitative case study of one community of high school science teachers who participated in a year‐long professional learning focused on formative assessment co‐design related to natural selection. Findings show that the process of formative assessment co‐design surfaced both deficit‐ and asset‐based statements about students' contributions. Teachers were more likely to share deficit‐based statements as compared to facilitators, whose statements were more asset‐based. This was particularly true with reference to students' prior knowledge and linguistic resources. At the same time, our analysis suggests that teachers were more likely to share more asset‐based framings of learners when practicing for and reflecting on enactment of formative assessment tasks. These findings suggest that supportive co‐design environments can encourage teachers to take more asset‐oriented views of learners. We discuss the implications of these findings for professional learning and science classroom practice.
White shame and white ambivalence in learning to be a well‐started White anti‐racist science teacher
Authors: McCausland Jonathan , McDonald Scott
Published: April 2024

This is a study intended to address white supremacy in science education. To accomplish this, we describe how one White intern, Boaz, learned to teach science in anti‐racist ways. By detailing how whiteness mattered in his learning to teach, we demonstrate that whiteness is potentially constant in White peoples' learning to teach science in anti‐racist ways. However, we conclude by suggesting that critical whiteness ambitious science teacher education, a merging of critical whiteness pedagogy with practice‐based science teacher education provides a potential way to address the presence of whiteness in science teacher education.
Mitigating topological freezing using out-of-equilibrium simulations
Authors: Bonanno Claudio , Nada Alessandro , Vadacchino Davide
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Motivated by the recently-established connection between Jarzynski’s equality and the theoretical framework of Stochastic Normalizing Flows, we investigate a protocol relying on out-of-equilibrium lattice Monte Carlo simulations to mitigate the infamous computational problem of topological freezing. We test our proposal on 2d CPN−1 models and compare our results with those obtained adopting the Parallel Tempering on Boundary Conditions proposed by M. Hasenbusch, obtaining comparable performances. Our work thus sets the stage for future applications combining our Monte Carlo setup with machine learning techniques.
SocialLab: Durch Forschung und Zusammenarbeit hin zu einer nachhaltigen landwirtschaftlichen Nutztierhaltung
Authors: von Meyer-Höfer Marie , Hartmann Monika , Kenning Peter , Luy Jörg , Mergenthaler Marcus , Roosen Jutta , Spiller Achim , Christoph-Schulz Inken
Published: April 2024

Das Projekt SocialLab, das im Jahr 2012 ins Leben gerufen wurde, zielt darauf ab, die Notwendigkeit von Verbesserungen in landwirtschaftlichen Nutztierhaltungssystemen, sowohl aus wissenschaftlicher als auch aus gesellschaftlicher Sicht anzugehen. Denn falls umfassende Veränderungen hin zu mehr Nachhaltigkeit bei der Produktion tierischer Lebensmittel nicht erreicht werden, besteht die Gefahr für die gesamte Branche, dass die gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz für tierische Lebensmittel verloren geht. Das Projekt verwendet einen multidisziplinären und partizipativen Ansatz und bezieht Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher, landwirtschaftliche Betriebe, den Einzelhandel und Interessenvertretungen ein, um Erkenntnisse zu sammeln und Empfehlungen für Politik, Praxis und Forschung zu formulieren. Die Ergebnisse von SocialLab II sind in der gesamten landwirtschaftlichen Wertschöpfungskette von Bedeutung: Landwirtschaftliche Betriebe erhalten Einblicke in markt- und gesellschaftliche Anforderungen, was ihr Vertrauen in die Gestaltung neuer Tierhaltungssysteme stärken könnte. Darüber hinaus bietet SocialLab II ein Monitoring-Tool für politische Entscheidungsträger, um Veränderungen in der gesellschaftlichen Wahrnehmung und Akzeptanz der Nutztierhaltung zu messen. Dieses Tool ermöglicht auch eine Anleitung zur Gestaltung des rechtlichen Rahmens für die Nutztierhaltung. Der Einzelhandelssektor kann von den Einblicken zum Einfluss von Preisstrategien und Tierwohl-Labels auf das Kaufverhalten der  Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher profitieren. Zusammengefasst bietet die Infrastruktur von SocialLab die Gelegenheit für eine evidenzbasierte, partizipative, multidisziplinäre und situationsflexible Beteiligung an der Transformation der Nutztierhaltung in Deutschland.