bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal‐based nanomaterials and nanocomposites as promising frontier in cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Shukla Monu Kumar , Sharma Abhishek Kumar , Jayaprakash Gururaj K. , Tonk Rajiv K. , Chellappan Dinesh K. , Singh Sachin Kumar , Dua Kamal , Ahmed Faheem , Bhattacharyya Sanjib , Kumar Deepak
Published: April 2023

Cancer is a disease associated with complex pathology and one of the most prevalent and leading reasons for mortality in the world. Current chemotherapy has challenges with cytotoxicity, selectivity, multidrug resistance, and the formation of stemlike cells. Nanomaterials (NMs) have unique properties that make them useful for various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in cancer research. NMs can be engineered to target cancer cells for early detection and can deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy. Several of NMs can also be used for photothermal therapy to destroy cancer cells or enhance immune response to cancer by delivering immune‐stimulating molecules to immune cells or modulating the tumor microenvironment. NMs are being modified to overcome issues, such as toxicity, lack of selectivity, increase drug capacity, and bioavailability, for a wide spectrum of cancer therapies. To improve targeted drug delivery using nano‐carriers, noteworthy research is required. Several metal‐based NMs have been studied with the expectation of finding a cure for cancer treatment. In this review, the current development and the potential of plant and metal‐based NMs with their effects on size and shape have been discussed along with their more effective usage in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Carbon allowance allocation rules under emission intensity regulation: Grandfathering versus benchmarking
Authors: Sun Zhao‐Yong , Wang Yu‐Jue , Li Dongdong
Published: April 2023

This paper compares the impacts of grandfathering and benchmarking rules on firms' operating decisions, consumer surplus, and social welfare with different emission intensity limits. The findings suggest that with tight emission intensity limits, grandfathering rules are more effective in controlling carbon emissions and enhancing social welfare. Benchmarking rule with relaxed emission intensity can incentivize firms to increase output, lower product prices, and increase consumer surplus. Under relaxed intensity regulation, grandfathering rule can encourage more potential entrants to participate in the product market, and benchmarking rule can motivate firms to take more outputs, resulting higher consumer surplus and more carbon emissions.
Elevation angle measurement for low‐angle targets using synthesized pattern null method
Authors: Wu Suxing , Shen Lei , Geng Liang , Yang Guang , Zhang Pengda , Zhang Yanran
Published: April 2023

This study proposes a novel method, that is, synthesized pattern null (SPN) method. The SPN method has very low computational complexity, which can be fully applied to all range‐azimuth resolution cells of the actual radar system. It does not depend on the multipath propagation model and has good robustness. This study presents the derivation process, the simulation results, and comparative experimental results of the actual radar system. The results reveal that the SPN method can significantly reduce the elevation angle error for low‐angle targets, and the root mean square error (RMSE) can be reduced to about 1/15 beam width. Moreover, compared with the synthesized vector maximum likelihood method, this method has similar angle measurement performance, much lower computational complexity and better robustness.
Evaluation of parametrial infiltration in patients with IB‐IIB cervical cancer by a radiomics model integrating features from tumoral and peritumoral regions in 18F‐fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography/MR images
Authors: Shang Fei , Tan Zheng , Gong Tan , Tang Xiaoying , Sun Hongzan , Liu Shuai
Published: April 2023

Parametrial infiltration (PMI) is an essential factor in staging and planning treatment of cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to develop a radiomics model for accessing PMI in patients with IB‐IIB cervical cancer using features from 18F‐fluorodeoxy glucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/MR images. In this retrospective study, 66 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB‐IIB cervical cancer (22 with PMI and 44 without PMI) who underwent 18F‐FDG PET/MRI were divided into a training dataset (n = 46) and a testing dataset (n = 20). Features were extracted from both the tumoral and peritumoral regions in 18F‐FDG PET/MR images. Single‐modality and multimodality radiomics models were developed with random forest to predict PMI. The performance of the models was evaluated with F1 score, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC). The Kappa test was used to observe the differences between PMI evaluated by radiomics‐based models and pathological results. The intraclass correlation coefficient for features extracted from each region of interest (ROI) was measured. Three‐fold crossvalidation was conducted to confirm the diagnostic ability of the features. The radiomics models developed by features from the tumoral region in T2‐weighted images (F1 score = 0.400, accuracy = 0.700, AUC = 0.708, Kappa = 0.211, p = 0.329) and the peritumoral region in PET images (F1 score = 0.533, accuracy = 0.650, AUC = 0.714, Kappa = 0.271, p = 0.202) achieved the best performances in the testing dataset among the four single‐ROI radiomics models. The combined model using features from the tumoral region in T2‐weighted images and the peritumoral region in PET images achieved the best performance (F1 score = 0.727, accuracy = 0.850, AUC = 0.774, Kappa = 0.625, p < 0.05). The results suggest that 18F‐FDG PET/MRI can provide complementary information regarding cervical cancer. The radiomics‐based method integrating features from the tumoral and peritumoral regions in 18F‐FDG PET/MR images gave a superior performance for evaluating PMI.
Effects of the use of oral nutrition supplements on clinical outcomes among patients who have undergone surgery for hip fracture: A literature review
Authors: Rempel Amanda N. , Rigassio Radler Diane L. , Zelig Rena S.
Published: April 2023

Older adults who have undergone surgery for hip fracture are often malnourished or at risk for malnutrition, and providing oral nutrition supplements is a common intervention used to help meet nutrition needs postoperatively among this population. A literature search was conducted to examine the effects of oral nutrition supplementation on postoperative outcomes among patients ≥55 years old who had undergone surgery for hip fracture. Three randomized controlled trials that met inclusion criteria are examined in this review. Findings suggest that the use of oral nutrition supplements is not associated with decreased hospital length of stay but is associated with improvements in markers of sarcopenia and functional status. Additionally, the literature implies that oral nutrition supplements containing calcium beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate may have the most benefit for improving postoperative outcomes. This review concludes that oral nutrition supplement use can be incorporated as a part of routine protocols for patients who have had surgery to repair a hip fracture. However, given some inconsistent findings, future research is needed to support the inclusion of oral nutrtition supplement use in clinical practice guidelines for this population. Furthermore, future research should explore how the use of oral nutrition supplements with calcium beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate compares with the use of oral nutrition supplements without this ingredient.
Systemic administration of the antisense oligonucleotide NS‐089/NCNP‐02 for skipping of exon 44 in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Study protocol for a phase I/II clinical trial
Authors: Ishizuka Takami , Komaki Hirofumi , Asahina Yasuko , Nakamura Harumasa , Motohashi Norio , Takeshita Eri , Shimizu‐Motohashi Yuko , Ishiyama Akihiko , Yonee Chihiro , Maruyama Shinsuke , Hida Eisuke , Aoki Yoshitsugu
Published: April 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of the novel morpholino oligomer NS‐089/NCNP‐02 which can induce exon 44 skipping, in patients with DMD. Additionally, we aimed to identify markers predictive of therapeutic efficacy and determine the optimal dosing for future studies.

Methods

This is an open‐label, dose‐escalation, two‐center phase I/II trial in ambulant patients with DMD, presence of an out‐of‐frame deletion, and a mutation amenable to exon 44 skipping. Part 1 is a stepwise dose‐finding stage (4 weeks) during which NS‐089/NCNP‐02 will be administered intravenously at four dose levels once weekly (1.62, 10, 40, and 80 mg/kg); Part 2 is a 24‐week evaluation period based on the dosages determined during Part 1. The primary (safety) endpoints are the results of physical examinations, vital signs, 12‐lead electrocardiogram and echocardiography tests, and adverse event reporting. Secondary endpoints include expression of dystrophin protein, motor function assessment, exon 44 skipping efficiency, plasma and urinary NS‐089/NCNP‐02 concentrations, and changes in blood creatine kinase levels.

Discussion

Exon‐skipping therapy using ASOs shows promise in selected patients, and this first‐in‐human study is expected to provide critical information for subsequent clinical development of NS‐089/NCNP‐02.
Detection of respiratory activity in newborn infants using a noncontact vision‐based monitor
Authors: Eastwood‐Sutherland Caillin , Lim Kathleen , Gale Timothy J. , Wheeler Kevin I. , Dargaville Peter A.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of a noncontact vision‐based infrared respiratory monitor (IRM) in the detection of authentic respiratory motion in newborn infants.

Study Design

Observational study in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

Eligible infants lay supine with torso exposed under the IRM's infrared depth‐map camera and torso images were recorded at 30 frames/s. Respiratory motion waveforms were subsequently derived from upper (IRMupper) and lower (IRMlower) torso region images and compared with contemporaneous impedance pneumography (IP) and capsule pneumography (CP). Waveforms, in 15 s investigative epochs, were scanned with an 8 s sliding window for authentic respiratory waveform (spectral purity index [SPI] ≥ 0.75, minimum five complete breaths). Maximum SPI and frequency of occurrence of authentic respiratory waveform in 15 s epochs were compared between monitoring modalities in pooled and per patient data (Friedman ANOVA).

Results

Recordings comprised 532 min of images from 35 infants, yielding 2131 investigative epochs, with authentic respiratory motion detected in all infants. For CP, IP, IRMupper, and IRMlower, the proportion of epochs containing authentic respiratory motion in pooled data were 65%, 50%, 36%, and 48%, with median SPImax of 0.79, 0.75, 0.70, and 0.74, respectively. Per‐patient average SPImax was 0.79, 0.75, 0.69, and 0.74 for CP, IP, IRMupper, and IRMlower with proportion of authentic respiratory motion being 64%, 50%, 29%, and 49%, respectively.

Conclusion

An IRM focused on the lower torso detected authentic respiratory motion with comparable performance to IP in newborn infants in intensive care and deserves further investigation.
α‐Mangostin induces oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in a triple‐negative breast cancer model
Authors: Cruz‐Gregorio Alfredo , Aranda‐Rivera Ana Karina , Aparicio‐Trejo Omar Emiliano , Medina‐Campos Omar Noel , Sciutto Edda , Fragoso Gladis , Pedraza‐Chaverri José
Published: April 2023

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) does not express estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor; therefore, TNBC lacks targeted therapy, and chemotherapy is the only available treatment for this illness but causes side effects. A putative strategy for the treatment of TNBC could be the use of the polyphenols such as α‐Mangostin (α‐M), which has shown anticancerogenic effects in different cancer models and can modulate the inflammatory and prooxidant state in several pathological models. The redox state, oxidative stress (OS), and oxidative damage are highly related to cancer development and its treatment. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of α‐M on redox state, mitochondrial metabolism, and apoptosis in 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells. We found that α‐M decreases both protein levels and enzymatic activity of catalase, and increases reactive oxygen species, oxidized proteins and glutathione disulfide, which demonstrates that α‐M induces oxidative damage. We also found that α‐M promotes mitochondrial dysfunction by abating basal respiration, the respiration ligated to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and the rate control of whole 4T1 cells. Additionally, α‐M also decreases the levels of OXPHOS subunits of mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, and adenosine triphosphate synthase, the activity of mitochondrial complex I as well as the levels of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma co‐activator 1α, showing a mitochondrial mass reduction. Then, oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by α‐M induce apoptosis of 4T1 cells, which is evidenced by B cell lymphoma 2 decrease and caspase 3 cleavage. Taken together, our results suggest that α‐M induces OS and mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in 4T1 cell death through apoptotic mechanisms.
Deciphering and investigating fragment mechanism of quinolones using multi‐collision energy mass spectrometry and computational chemistry strategy
Authors: Lin Chuhui , Zhou Xudong , Zhang Hongyang , Fu Zhibo , Yang Haoyu , Zhang Min , Hu Ping
Published: April 2023

Rationale

Quinolones show characteristic fragments in mass spectrometry (MS) analysis due to their common core structures, and energy‐dependent differences among these fragments are generated through the same fragmentation pathway of different molecules. Computational chemistry, which provides quantitative results of molecule parameters, is helpful for investigating the mechanisms of chemistry.

Methods

MS/MS spectra of five quinolones, namely norfloxacin (NOR), enoxacin (ENO), enrofloxacin (ENR), gatifloxacin (GAT), and lomefloxacin (LOM), were acquired for deciphering fragmentation pathways under multi‐collision energy (CE). Computational methods were used for excluding little possibility pathways from the point of view of energy and stable conformations, whereas optimized collision energy (OCE) and maximum relative intensity (MRI) of major competitive fragments were investigated and confirmed using computational results.

Results

Fragmentation results of NOR, ENO, ENR, and GAT were deciphered using experimental and computational data, of which fragmentation regularities were summarized. Fragmentation pathways of LOM were deciphered under the guidance of foregoing regularities. Meanwhile, the whole process was validated by comparing OCE and MRI and computational energy results, which showed good agreement.

Conclusions

A strategy for explaining quinolone fragmentation results of multi‐CE values and deciphering fragment mechanism using computational methods was developed. Relevant data and strategy may provide ideas for how to design and decipher new drug molecules with similar structures.
Two‐dimensional Aluminum Oxide Nanosheets Decorated with Palladium Oxide Nanodots for Highly Stable and Selective Hydrogen Sensing
Authors: Xing Xiaxia , Li Zhenxu , Zhao Xinhua , Tian Yingying , Chen Xiaoyu , Lang Xiaoyan , Yang Dachi
Published: April 2023

Hydrogen (H2) sensing materials such as semiconductor metal oxides may suffer from poor long‐term stability against humidity and unsatisfactory selectivity against other interfering gases. To address the above issues, highly stable and selective H2 sensing built with palladium oxide nanodots decorating aluminum oxide nanosheets (PdO NDs//Al2O3 NSs) has been achieved via combined template synthesis, photochemical deposition, and oxidation. Typically, the PdO NDs//Al2O3 NSs are observed with thin NSs (≈17 nm thick) decorated with nanodots (≈3.3 nm in diameter). Beneficially, the sensor prototypes built with PdO NDs//Al2O3 NSs show excellent long‐term stability for 278 days, high selectivity against interfering gases, and outstanding stability against humidity at 300 °C. Remarkably, the sensor prototypes enable detection of a wide‐range of 20 ppm – 6 V/V% H2, and the response and recovery times are ≈5 and 16 s to 1 V/V% H2, respectively. Theoretically, the heterojunctions of PdO NDs‐Al2O3 NSs with a large specific surface ratio and Al2O3 NSs as the support exhibit excellent stability and selective H2 sensing. Practically, a sensing device integrated with the PdO NDs//Al2O3 NSs sensor prototype is simulated for detecting H2 with reliable sensing response.
Development of a highly sensitive point‐of‐care test for African swine fever that combines EZ‐Fast DNA extraction with LAMP detection: Evaluation using naturally infected swine whole blood samples from Vietnam
Authors: Ngan Mai Thi , Thi My Le Huynh , Xuan Dang Vu , Thi Bich Ngoc Trinh , Phan Le Van , Thi Hoa Nguyen , Quang Lam Truong , Thi Lan Nguyen , Notsu Kosuke , Sekiguchi Satoshi , Yamazaki Yasuko , Yamazaki Wataru
Published: April 2023

Background

While early detection and early containment are key to controlling the African swine fever (ASF) pandemic, the lack of practical testing methods for use in the field are a major barrier to achieving this feat.

Objectives

To describe the development of a rapid and sensitive point‐of‐care test (POCT) for ASF, and its evaluation using swine whole blood samples for field settings.

Methods

In total, 89 swine whole blood samples were collected from Vietnamese swine farms and were performed the POCT using a combination of crude DNA extraction and LAMP (loop‐mediated isothermal amplification) amplification.

Results

The POCT enabled crude DNA to be extracted from swine whole blood samples within 10 min at extremely low cost and with relative ease. The entire POCT required a maximum of 50 min from the beginning of DNA extraction to final judgment. Compared to a conventional real‐time PCR detection, the POCT showed a 1 log reduction in detection sensitivity, but comparable diagnostic sensitivity of 100% (56/56) and diagnostic specificity of 100% (33/33). The POCT was quicker and easier to perform and did not require special equipment.

Conclusions

This POCT is expected to facilitate early diagnosis and containment of ASF invasion into both regions in which it is endemic and eradicated.
Neuroimaging statistical approaches for determining neural correlates of Alzheimer's disease via positron emission tomography imaging
Authors: Drake Daniel F. , Derado Gordana , Zhang Lijun , Bowman F. DuBois ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disorder involving significant memory loss and other cognitive deficits, manifesting as a progression from normal cognitive functioning to mild cognitive impairment to AD. The sooner an accurate diagnosis of probable AD is made, the easier it is to manage symptoms and plan for future therapy. Functional neuroimaging stands to be a useful tool in achieving early diagnosis. Among the many neuroimaging modalities, positron emission tomography (PET) provides direct regional assessment of, among others, brain metabolism, cerebral blood flow, amyloid deposition—all quantities of interest in the characterization of AD. However, there are analytic challenges in identifying early indicators of AD from these high‐dimensional imaging data sets, and it is unclear whether early indicators of AD are more likely to emerge in localized patterns of brain activity or in patterns of correlation between distinct brain regions. Early PET‐based analyses of AD focused on alterations in metabolic activity at the voxel‐level or in anatomically defined regions of interest. Other approaches, including seed‐voxel and multivariate techniques, seek to characterize metabolic connectivity by identifying other regions in the brain with similar patterns of activity across subjects. We briefly review various neuroimaging statistical approaches applied to determine changes in metabolic activity or metabolic connectivity associated with AD. We then present an approach that provides a unified statistical framework for addressing both metabolic activity and connectivity. Specifically, we apply a Bayesian spatial hierarchical framework to longitudinal metabolic PET scans from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Analysis of High Dimensional Data

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Modeling Methods

Statistical Models > Bayesian Models
How Can Art Assist Science and Technology?
Authors: Earnshaw Rae
Published: April 2023

Art and science both involve creation and imagination and have been closely linked from the beginning of civilization. Activities during the Egyptian Kingdoms and the Greek world in both art and science have been preserved and reflect substantial achievements in design, form, and esthetics. The systematization of knowledge resulted in divisions between the disciplines which has taken time to understand and resolve. The contribution of art to the computer age is exemplified in the role of the data visualization artist, who now assist in the extraction of meaningful results from very large data sets. Artists have also used these complex images for their own artworks and exhibitions.
Creativity and Artist Technologist
Authors: Liggett Susan
Published: April 2023

The study of creativity in the arts provides an opportunity to present the ways in which new technology has placed new demands on artists. It can also open up new possibilities for the expression of creativity by artists. It expands on the ways in which technology is used by artists as a tool to reflect on the human aspiration for a better future. The artists’ collective localStyle is presented as a case study to demonstrate how collaborations between artists, scientists and technologists has led to multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects.
Das Referendariat
Authors: Bührig-Hollmann Annette
Published: April 2023

Im Folgenden werden die formalen Ausbildungsbedingungen für die zweite Hälfte der Lehrerausbildung dargestellt. Hieran schließt die sprachliche Spurensuche danach an, wie die UNB innerhalb der Ausbildung angehender Lehrer:innen kommunikativ gestaltet wird.
Recognizing Objective Information
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Wang Shuliang , Liu Zhenyu , Wang Yashi , Wang Yingfei , Dang Yingxu
Published: April 2023

To understand the importance and necessity of studying objective information, in this chapter, it will first analyzes the similarities and dissimilarities between objective information and subjective knowledge, then introduces the basic forms of information, and finally gives the role of objective information.
Modelling Objective Information: Sextuple
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Wang Shuliang , Liu Zhenyu , Wang Yashi , Wang Yingfei , Dang Yingxu
Published: April 2023

In this chapter, the objective information will be depicted from the philosophical view, formal assumption, and mathematical model. It uses mathematical language to give a sextuple model of information, discusses the basic properties of information, makes the definition of information more rigorous and clearer, and analyzes information systems.
The fate of non-supersymmetric Gross-Neveu-Yukawa fixed point in two dimensions
Authors: Nakayama Yu , Kikuchi Ken
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We investigate the fate of the non-supersymmetric Gross-Neveu-Yukawa fixed point found by Fei et al. in 4 − ϵ dimensions with a two-component Majorana fermion continued to two dimensions. Assuming that it is a fermionic minimal model which possesses a chiral ℤ2 symmetry (in addition to fermion number parity) and just two relevant singlet operators, we can zero in on four candidates. Assuming further that the least relevant deformation leads to the supersymmetric Gross-Neveu-Yukawa fixed point (i.e. fermionic tricritical Ising model), we can rule out two of them by matching the spin contents of the preserved topological defect lines. The final candidates are the fermionic (11, 4) minimal model if it is non-unitary, and the fermionic (E6, A10) minimal model if it is unitary. If we further use a constraint from the double braiding relation proposed by one of the authors, the former scenario is preferable.
Fixed Points and Common Fixed Points for Orbit-Nonexpansive Mappings in Metric Spaces
Authors: Espínola Rafael , Japón Maria , Souza Daniel
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we introduce an interlacing condition on the elements of a family of operators that allows us to gather together a number of results on fixed points and common fixed points for single and families of mappings defined on metric spaces. The innovative concept studied here deals with nonexpansivity conditions with respect to orbits and under assumptions that only depend on the features of the closed balls of the metric space.
Large gap asymptotics on annuli in the random normal matrix model
Authors: Charlier Christophe
Published: April 2023

We consider a two-dimensional determinantal point process arising in the random normal matrix model and which is a two-parameter generalization of the complex Ginibre point process. In this paper, we prove that the probability that no points lie on any number of annuli centered at 0 satisfies large n asymptotics of the form $$\begin{aligned} \exp \Bigg ( C_{1} n^{2} + C_{2} n \log n + C_{3} n + C_{4} \sqrt{n} + C_{5}\log n + C_{6} + {\mathcal {F}}_{n} + \mathcal {O}\Big ( n^{-\frac{1}{12}}\Big )\Bigg ), \end{aligned}$$

exp

(

C
1

n
2

+

C
2

n
log
n
+

C
3

n
+

C
4

n

+

C
5

log
n
+

C
6

+

F
n

+
O

(

n

-

1
12

)

)

,

where n is the number of points of the process. We determine the constants $$C_{1},\ldots ,C_{6}$$

C
1

,
…
,

C
6

explicitly, as well as the oscillatory term $${\mathcal {F}}_{n}$$

F
n

which is of order 1. We also allow one annulus to be a disk, and one annulus to be unbounded. For the complex Ginibre point process, we improve on the best known results: (i) when the hole region is a disk, only $$C_{1},\ldots ,C_{4}$$

C
1

,
…
,

C
4

were previously known, (ii) when the hole region is an unbounded annulus, only $$C_{1},C_{2},C_{3}$$

C
1

,

C
2

,

C
3

were previously known, and (iii) when the hole region is a regular annulus in the bulk, only $$C_{1}$$

C
1

was previously known. For general values of our parameters, even $$C_{1}$$

C
1

is new. A main discovery of this work is that $${\mathcal {F}}_{n}$$

F
n

is given in terms of the Jacobi theta function. As far as we know this is the first time this function appears in a large gap problem of a two-dimensional point process.
Design of a printed electrochemical strip towards miRNA-21 detection in urine samples: optimization of the experimental procedures for real sample application
Authors: Cimmino Wanda , Migliorelli Davide , Singh Sima , Miglione Antonella , Generelli Silvia , Cinti Stefano
Published: April 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are clinical biomarkers for various human diseases, including cancer. They have been found in liquid biopsy samples, including various bodily fluids. They often play an important role in the early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, and the development of simple and effective analytical methods would be of pivotal importance for the entire community. The determination of these targets may be affected by the different physicochemical parameters of the specimen of interest. In this work, an electrochemical detection platform for miRNA based on a screen-printed gold electrode was developed. In the present study, miRNA-21 was selected as a model sequence, due to its role in prostate, breast, colon, pancreatic, and liver cancers. A DNA sequence modified with methylene blue (MB) was covalently bound to the electrochemical strip and used to detect the selected target miRNA-21. After optimization of selected parameters in standard solutions, including the study of the effect of pH, the presence of interferent species, and NaCl salt concentration in the background, the application of square-wave voltammetry (SWV) technique allowed the detection of miRNA-21 down to a limit in the order of 2 nM. The developed device was then applied to several urine samples. In this case too, the device showed high selectivity in the presence of the complex matrix, satisfactory repeatability, and a limit of detection in the order of magnitude of nM, similarly as what observed in standard solutions.
Nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis: a bridge between the basal ganglia and cerebellum for movement control
Authors: Gibson Alan R. , Horn Kris M. , Pong Milton
Published: April 2023

Neural processing in the basal ganglia is critical for normal movement. Diseases of the basal ganglia, such as Parkinson’s disease, produce a variety of movement disorders including akinesia and bradykinesia. Many believe that the basal ganglia influence movement via thalamic projections to motor areas of the cerebral cortex and through projections to the cerebellum, which also projects to the motor cortex via the thalamus. However, lesions that interrupt these thalamic pathways to the cortex have little effect on many movements, including limb movements. Yet, limb movements are severely impaired by basal ganglia disease or damage to the cerebellum. We can explain this impairment as well as the mild effects of thalamic lesions if basal ganglia and cerebellar output reach brainstem motor regions without passing through the thalamus. In this report, we describe several brainstem pathways that connect basal ganglia output to the cerebellum via nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis (NRTP). Additionally, we propose that widespread afferent and efferent connections of NRTP with the cerebellum could integrate processing across cerebellar regions. The basal ganglia could then alter movements via descending projections of the cerebellum. Pathways through NRTP are important for the control of normal movement and may underlie deficits associated with basal ganglia disease.
Identification of volatile biomarkers of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in vaginal discharge and urine
Authors: Rubio-Sánchez Ricardo , Ríos-Reina Rocío , Ubeda Cristina
Published: April 2023

Trichomoniasis, a disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. The importance of its diagnosis lies in its ease of transmission and the absence of symptoms in most cases, as occurs in men, which have a significant role as asymptomatic carriers. The most widely used diagnostic methods are the fresh examination of vaginal or urethral secretions and molecular techniques. However, as they have some disadvantages and, sometimes, low sensitivity, new trichomoniasis diagnostic methods are necessary. Volatile organic compounds in clinical samples are effective in the diagnosis of different diseases. This work aimed to study, for the first time, those present in vaginal discharge and urine of patients with Trichomonas vaginalis infection to look for volatile biomarkers. The results showed that volatile compounds such as 2-methyl-1-propanol and cyclohexanone could serve as biomarkers in vaginal discharge samples, as well as 2-octen-1-ol and 3-nonanone in urine. Moreover, 3-hydroxy-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl 2-methylpropanoate found in vaginal discharge, highly correlated to positive patients, is also highly related to urines of patients with trichomoniasis. The biomarkers described in this study might be a promising diagnostic tool.

Key Points

• The incidence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection is increasing

• Trichomonas vaginalis VOC study in vaginal discharge and urine was performed

• The identification of volatile biomarkers could allow a new diagnostic method
Mycological and Multiple Mycotoxin Surveillance of Sorghum and Pearl Millet Produced by Smallholder Farmers in Namibia
Authors: Kaela Calvin R. , Lilly Mariska , Rheeder John P. , Misihairabgwi Jane M. , Alberts Johanna F.
Published: April 2023

Mycological (mycotoxigenic Fusarium and aflatoxigenic Aspergillus spp.) and multiple mycotoxins [aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisin B (FB), deoxynivalenol and zearalenone] surveillance was conducted on raw whole grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) produced on smallholder farms, and processed products sold at open markets in northern Namibia. Fungal contamination was determined with morphological methods as well as with quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR). The concentrations of multiple mycotoxins in samples were determined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The incidence of mycotoxigenic Fusarium spp., Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, as well as the concentrations of AFB1 and FB were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the malts as compared to the raw whole grains, with Aspergillus spp. and AFB1 exhibiting the highest contamination (P < 0.001). None of the analysed mycotoxins were detected in the raw whole grains. Aflatoxin B1 above the regulatory maximum level set by the European Commission was detected in sorghum (2 of 10 samples; 20%; 3–11 µg/kg) and pearl millet (6 of 11 samples; 55%; 4–14 µg/kg) malts. Low levels of FB1 (6 of 10 samples; 60%; 15–245 µg/kg) were detected in sorghum malts and no FB was detected in pearl millet malts. Contamination possibly occurred postharvest, during storage, and/or transportation and processing. By critically monitoring the complete production process, the sources of contamination and critical control points could be identified and managed. Mycotoxin awareness and sustainable education will contribute to reducing mycotoxin contamination. This could ultimately contribute to food safety and security in northern Namibia where communities are exposed to carcinogenic mycotoxins in their staple diet.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for Detecting COVID-19 Using Medical Images: A Survey
Authors: Khattab Rana , Abdelmaksoud Islam R. , Abdelrazek Samir
Published: April 2023

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), surprised the world in December 2019 and has threatened the lives of millions of people. Countries all over the world closed worship places and shops, prevented gatherings, and implemented curfews to stand against the spread of COVID-19. Deep Learning (DL) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can have a great role in detecting and fighting this disease. Deep learning can be used to detect COVID-19 symptoms and signs from different imaging modalities, such as X-Ray, Computed Tomography (CT), and Ultrasound Images (US). This could help in identifying COVID-19 cases as a first step to curing them. In this paper, we reviewed the research studies conducted from January 2020 to September 2022 about deep learning models that were used in COVID-19 detection. This paper clarified the three most common imaging modalities (X-Ray, CT, and US) in addition to the DL approaches that are used in this detection and compared these approaches. This paper also provided the future directions of this field to fight COVID-19 disease.
Surgical and audiological outcomes with a new transcutaneous bone conduction device with reduced transducer thickness in children
Authors: Willenborg Kerstin , Lenarz Thomas , Busch Susan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Due to smaller bone thickness, young children with conductive or mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness were previously most commonly treated with a percutaneous osseointegrated bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) or an active middle-ear implant. While the BAHA increases the risk of implant infections, skin infection, overgrowth of the screw or involvement of the implant in head trauma, middle-ear implant surgery involves manipulation of the ossicles with possible risk of surgical trauma. These complications can be omitted with transcutaneous bone conduction implant systems like the MED-EL Bonebridge system. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether the second generation of the Bonebridge (BCI 602) that features a decreased implant thickness with a reduced surgical drilling depth can be implanted safely in young children with good postoperative hearing performance.

Methods

In this study, 14 patients under 12 years were implanted with the second generation of the Bonebridge. Preoperative workup comprised a CT scan, an MRI scan, pure tone audiometry, or alternatively a BERA (bone conduction, air conduction). Since children under 12 years often have a lower bone thickness, the CT was performed to determine the suitability of the temporal bone for optimal implant placement using the Otoplan software.

Results

All patients (including three under the age of five) were successfully implanted and showed a good postoperative hearing performance.

Conclusion

With adequate preoperative workup, this device can be safely implanted in children and even children under 5 years of age and allows for an extension of indication criteria toward younger children.
Fibre density and fibre-bundle cross-section of the corticospinal tract are distinctly linked to psychosis-specific symptoms in antipsychotic-naïve patients with first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Kristensen Tina D. , Raghava Jayachandra M. , Skjerbæk Martin W. , Dhollander Thijs , Syeda Warda , Ambrosen Karen S. , Bojesen Kirsten B. , Nielsen Mette Ø. , Pantelis Christos , Glenthøj Birte Y. , Ebdrup Bjørn H.
Published: April 2023

Multiple lines of research support the dysconnectivity hypothesis of schizophrenia. However, findings on white matter (WM) alterations in patients with schizophrenia are widespread and non-specific. Confounding factors from magnetic resonance image (MRI) processing, clinical diversity, antipsychotic exposure, and substance use may underlie some of the variability. By application of refined methodology and careful sampling, we rectified common confounders investigating WM and symptom correlates in a sample of strictly antipsychotic-naïve first-episode patients with schizophrenia. Eighty-six patients and 112 matched controls underwent diffusion MRI. Using fixel-based analysis (FBA), we extracted fibre-specific measures such as fibre density and fibre-bundle cross-section. Group differences on fixel-wise measures were examined with multivariate general linear modelling. Psychopathology was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. We separately tested multivariate correlations between fixel-wise measures and predefined psychosis-specific versus anxio-depressive symptoms. Results were corrected for multiple comparisons. Patients displayed reduced fibre density in the body of corpus callosum and in the middle cerebellar peduncle. Fibre density and fibre-bundle cross-section of the corticospinal tract were positively correlated with suspiciousness/persecution, and negatively correlated with delusions. Fibre-bundle cross-section of isthmus of corpus callosum and hallucinatory behaviour were negatively correlated. Fibre density and fibre-bundle cross-section of genu and splenium of corpus callosum were negative correlated with anxio-depressive symptoms. FBA revealed fibre-specific properties of WM abnormalities in patients and differentiated associations between WM and psychosis-specific versus anxio-depressive symptoms. Our findings encourage an itemised approach to investigate the relationship between WM microstructure and clinical symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
Efficacy and Safety of Garadacimab in Combination with Standard of Care Treatment in Patients with Severe COVID-19
Authors: Papi Alberto , Stapleton Renee D. , Shore Paul M. , Bica Mihai Alexandru , Chen Younan , Larbig Michael , Welte Tobias
Published: April 2023

Background

Garadacimab, a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody, inhibits the kallikrein–kinin pathway at a key initiator, activated coagulation factor XII (FXIIa), and may play a protective role in preventing the progression of COVID-19. This phase 2 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of garadacimab plus standard of care (SOC) versus placebo plus SOC in patients with severe COVID-19.

Methods

Patients hospitalised with COVID-19 were randomised (1:1) to a single intravenous dose of garadacimab (700 mg) plus SOC or placebo plus SOC. Co-primary endpoint was incidence of endotracheal intubation or death between randomisation and Day 28. All-cause mortality, safety and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters were assessed.

Results

No difference in incidence of tracheal intubation or death (p = 0.274) or all-cause mortality was observed (p = 0.382). Garadacimab was associated with a lower incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (60.3% vs 67.8%) and fewer serious adverse events (34 vs 45 events) versus placebo. No garadacimab-related deaths or bleeding events were reported, including in the 45.9% (n = 28/61) of patients who received concomitant heparin. Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and increased coagulation factor XII (FXII) levels were observed with garadacimab versus placebo to Day 14, whilst FXIIa-mediated kallikrein activity (FXIIa-mKA) was suppressed to Day 28.

Conclusion

In patients with severe COVID-19, garadacimab did not confer a clinical benefit over placebo. Transient aPTT prolongation and suppressed FXIIa-mKA showed target engagement of garadacimab that was not associated with bleeding events even with concomitant anticoagulant use. The safety profile of garadacimab was consistent with previous studies in patients with hereditary angioedema.

ClinicalTrials. gov Identifier

NCT04409509. Date of registration: 28 May, 2020.
Spirocerca lupi in the stomach of two Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) from Chile
Authors: Di Cataldo Sophia , Cevidanes Aitor , Sepúlveda-García Paulina , Alvarado-Rybak Mario , Lia Riccardo Paolo , Otranto Domenico , Terio Karen , Müller Ananda , Millán Javier
Published: April 2023

The genus Spirocerca includes nematodes that parasitize the stomach and the oesophagus of carnivores, chiefly canids. Herein, we provide new data about the morphological, histopathological, and molecular characterization of Spirocerca sp. in Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) in Chile. Intact immature worms, identified as Spirocerca sp., were recovered in the lumen of the stomach from two foxes. Histologically, worms morphologically consistent with spirurid nematodes were present within the wall of the stomach and surrounded by nodular areas of inflammation with central necrotic debris. Molecular analysis of the cox1 gene yielded 19 sequences and 5 nucleotide sequence types with 99.95 to 99.98% similarity, being shared between both foxes. Nucleotide similarity ranged from 93.1 (with genotype 2 of S. lupi and S. vulpis) to 95.8% (with genotype 1 of S. lupi), a higher similarity than noted from sequences of S. lupi from an Andean fox from Peru (91.0 to 93.3%). However, the Poisson Tree Processes for species delineation did not support the existence of a new species Spirocerca. Phylogenetic and nucleotide analyses suggest that these specimens belong to a new variant or genotype of S. lupi or to a cryptic species. Whether the presence of the worms in the stomach has to do with genotypic differences in parasites or host or some combination is uncertain. Spirocerca lupi has never been found in Chilean dogs and must be investigated.
Mobile applications in gastrointestinal surgery: a systematic review
Authors: van der Storm Sebastiaan L. , Bektaş Mustafa , Barsom Esther Z. , Schijven Marlies P.
Published: April 2023

Background

Mobile applications can facilitate or improve gastrointestinal surgical care by benefiting patients, healthcare providers, or both. The extent to which applications are currently in use in gastrointestinal surgical care is largely unknown, as reported in literature. This systematic review was conducted to provide an overview of the available gastrointestinal surgical applications and evaluate their prospects for surgical care provision.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for articles up to October 6th 2022. Articles were considered eligible if they assessed or described mobile applications used in a gastrointestinal surgery setting for healthcare purposes. Two authors independently evaluated selected studies and extracted data for analysis. Descriptive data analysis was conducted. The revised Cochrane risk of bias (RoB-2) tool and ROBINS-I assessment tool were used to determine the methodological quality of studies.

Results

Thirty-eight articles describing twenty-nine applications were included. The applications were classified into seven categories: monitoring, weight loss, postoperative recovery, education, communication, prognosis, and clinical decision-making. Most applications were reported for colorectal surgery, half of which focused on monitoring. Overall, a low-quality evidence was found. Most applications have only been evaluated on their usability or feasibility but not on the proposed clinical benefits. Studies with high quality evidence were identified in the areas of colorectal (2), hepatopancreatobiliary (1) and bariatric surgery (1), reporting significantly positive outcomes in terms of postoperative recovery, complications and weight loss.

Conclusions

The interest for applications and their use in gastrointestinal surgery is increasing. From our study, it appears that most studies using applications fail to report adequate clinical evaluation, and do not provide evidence on the effectiveness or safety of applications. Clinical evaluation of objective outcomes is much needed to evaluate the efficacy, quality and safety of applications being used as a medical device across user groups and settings.
Online monitoring method based on magnetic field for stator insulation lifetime tests
Authors: Weisenseel Lukas , Sieling Dennis , Dietz Daniel , Rittmaier Jochen , Doppelbauer Martin
Published: April 2023

In this paper, an online monitoring method of insulation faults based on the stator magnetic field for insulation life tests is developed. In recent years, a trend towards higher operating voltages, higher switching frequencies, and shorter voltage rise times has been observed for low-voltage motors, mainly driven by increasing electromobility. An insulation system must withstand these requirements over the entire operating range and the required service life. Significant over-dimensioning of the insulation is not justifiable, since this has a negative impact on the utilization or the efficiency of the machine. Lifetime tests are therefore required for dimensioning the insulation. For this purpose, end-of-life (EOL) tests are usually carried out. Here, different damage patterns occur, which are distinguished during the analysis. In addition to the EOL test, insulation faults can be detected by monitoring the magnetic field of a stator during the operating time (“online”). An early shutdown often prevents the drive from further damage. In this paper, five methods to evaluate the magnetic field are presented. The operation is investigated using a 2D FEM simulation (sinus excitation) and a network simulation (PWM excitation) and evaluated through measurements on a 4 kW PM external rotor stator. Subsequently, an application of the method on a test rig setup with continuous monitoring of the insulation system is presented. The test setup serves as a basis for future investigations on the influence of voltage rise time, switching frequency, and DC link voltage on insulation faults to estimate the lifetime of insulation systems of electrical machines.