bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral mucositis assessment in pediatric and adolescent oncological patients: A systematic review
Authors: Soares Júlia Breda , de Farias Gabriel Amanda , Kirschnick Laura Borges , Carrard Vinicius Coelho , Curra Marina , Schuch Lauren Frenzel , Martins Marco Antonio Trevizani , Martins Manoela Domingues
Published: October 2024

Oral mucositis (OM) is a prevalent acute adverse effect of various cancer treatments. Accurate assessment of OM is vital for effective prevention and treatment strategies. However, a lack of validated pediatric instruments for evaluating OM can lead to unreliable data, and hinder interventional and epidemiological research. This study aims to evaluate the methods used for assessing OM in pediatric oncology patients. A systematic review of four databases and a manual search yielded 113 articles. Nine different scales were identified, with the World Health Organization (WHO) scale being the most commonly used (61.9%). The Children's International Mucositis Evaluation Scale (ChIMES) was used in 7.9% of the studies. Of the 8155 pediatric patients evaluated, 47.7% had both hematological malignancies and malignant solid tumors, while 46% had solely hematological malignancies. Despite the prevalence of the WHO scale, it lacks pediatric‐specific criteria. Future OM research should incorporate validated tools like ChIMES for improved pediatric assessment.
Predictive Indicators and Outcomes of Pregnancies Affected by Stage I Twin–Twin Transfusion Syndrome Treated With Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation
Authors: Wagata Maiko , Wada Seiji , Sago Haruhiko , Shimabukuro Makiko , Nakata Masahiko , Iwagaki Shigenori , Takahashi Yuichiro , Konno Hiroko , Murakoshi Takeshi , Ishii Keisuke
Published: October 2024

Objective

The significance of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) in stage I twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the outcomes and prognostic factors of stage I TTTS after FLP.

Method

We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients with stage I TTTS who underwent FLP in Japan. The primary outcome was neonatal survival at 28 days. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of pre‐ and intraoperative factors for mortality in recipient and donor twins were calculated.

Results

This study included 272 twin pairs. The survival rate of at least one twin and both twins was 98% (267 pairs) and 85% (232 pairs), respectively. Survival of the recipient twin was observed in 253 cases (93%). No factor was associated with the mortality of the recipients. Among the donor twins, 246 (90%) survived. Preoperative twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence (aOR, 17.45; 95% CI, 3.16–96.31) and arterio‐arterial vascular anastomosis (AAA) identified at FLP (aOR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.10–7.06) were independently associated with mortality of the donors.

Conclusion

The neonatal survival rate for both recipient and donor twins was > 90% among patients with stage I TTTS who underwent FLP. AAA is a risk factor for mortality in donors following FLP, though the pathophysiology of AAA remains to be clarified.
Research on the quality of long glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene pipes formed via fluid‐assisted co‐injection molding
Authors: Zhou Qingquan , Kuang Tangqing , Liu Hesheng , Wang Jiamin
Published: October 2024

Fluid‐assisted co‐injection molding (FACIM) processes can be divided into water‐assisted co‐injection molding (WACIM) and gas‐assisted co‐injection molding (GACIM) processes. This study focuses on evaluating the quality of pipes formed through four distinct processes: water‐assisted co‐injection molding overflow (WACIM‐O), water‐assisted co‐injection molding short shot (WACIM‐S), gas‐assisted co‐injection molding overflow (GACIM‐O), and gas‐assisted co‐injection molding short shot (GACIM‐S). Wall thickness, wall thickness uniformity, fiber morphology, and pressure resistance were studied. Long glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene was the outer layer while polypropylene was the inner layer. The total wall thickness of the four types of pipes tends to decrease along the flow direction; however, the total wall thickness of the short‐shot pipes increases at the end. The wall thickness uniformity of the GACIM pipes is better than that of the WACIM pipes while the average fiberglass fracture length of the FACIM‐O pipes is longer than that of the FACIM‐S pipes. Also, the average fiber fracture length of the WACIM‐O pipes is the longest. The fiber orientation distribution can be divided into the near‐mold wall layer, the outer core layer, and the near‐interface layer. The degree of fiber orientation increases layer by layer along the flow direction. Glass fiber orientation is the highest for the WACIM‐O pipes; the pressure resistance of FACIM‐O pipes is better than that of the FACIM‐S pipes.

Highlights

Pipes were successfully prepared from long glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene and polypropylene as the material.

The wall thickness uniformity of the fluid‐assisted co‐injection molding (FACIM)‐overflow pipes is satisfactory.

The total wall thickness of the FACIM‐short shot pipes have notable variations.

The water‐assisted co‐injection molding‐overflow pipes present a longer average fiber breaking length.

The pressure resistance of FACIM‐overflow pipes is better than that of FACIM‐short shot pipes.
Structural Modeling of Fluorinated Quinoxaline Core–Based Chromophores for Efficient Photovoltaic Materials: A DFT Study
Authors: Shafiq Iqra , Nasrullah Sana , Zafar Maria , Irshad Iram , Mashhadi Syed Muddassir Ali , Bullo Saifullah , Arshad Muhammad , Alotaibi Rajeh
Published: October 2024

Herein, a series of fluorinated quinoxaline core–based chromophores (MTH1‐MTH6) with A1–π–A2–π–A1 configuration was designed by structural modulation of end‐capped acceptors in MTHR. The quantum chemical calculations were accomplished at MPW1PW91/6‐311G(d,p) functional to explore optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties of these designed compounds. The findings revealed that all the derivatives exhibited narrow band gap (Egap = 2.163–2.666 eV) with red shift spectra (610.24–766.944 eV in chloroform) as compared with MTHR. The designed compounds exhibited comparable open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and higher power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) as compared with the MTHR. Among the entitled chromophores, MTH1 was found to be a promising chromophore for organic solar cells (OSCs) owning to its lowest Egap (2.163 eV) with highest absorption peak (766.944 nm in chloroform and 717.709 nm in gaseous phase). The aforementioned findings indicate that molecular engineering of chromophores with extended acceptors enhances photovoltaic response, and this motivates researchers to develop highly effective photovoltaic devices.
Effect and mechanism of allergen‐specific immunotherapy on small airway dysfunction in children with asthma
Authors: Zhong Wenwei , Ying Xiaolan , Zhang Lei , Dong Wenfang , Lin Jie , Yang Lin , Hong Li , Yin Yong , Wu Jinhong
Published: October 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) on small airway dysfunction (SAD) and the underlying mechanism with a special focus on basophils.

Methods

Sixty‐five children with mild to moderate asthma who were under regular inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment for more than 1 year but whose FEF75 remained below 65% of the predicted value and had positive results for serum Der p or Der f were enrolled. Children with asthma underwent house dust mite (HDM) subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) treatment for 1 year. Clinical symptoms and lung function were evaluated every 3 months during HDM SCIT treatment. Basophil activation test (BAT) was carried out before and after HDM SCIT treatment. RNA sequencing was performed in isolated basophils from peripheral blood after 6 months of HDM SCIT treatment, followed by GO term and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis between patients with and without HDM SCIT treatment.

Results

HDM AIT treatment ameliorated clinical symptoms while concurrently improved lung function parameters, such as FEV1/FVC, FEF75, FEF50 and MMEF (p < .05). It is worth noting that FEF75 values showed a highly significant, gradual and persistent increase (from 49.55 ± 1.27% at baseline to 71.89 ± 2.64% after 1 year of therapy) and 22 of 35 patients no longer had SAD after 1 year of treatment. BAT results revealed that AIT treatment significantly reduced basophil activity to the inhalant allergen mixtures containing HDM in vitro challenge from baseline. GO term and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of basophils revealed that downregulated genes were mainly involved in immune cell activation, antigen presentation, and Th2 cell differentiation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that HDM AIT not only improved SAD related lung function parameters, but also reduced basophil activity. RNA sequencing revealed the inhibition of phagocytosis and the phagosome pathway in basophils which may affect the polarization of Th2 cell differentiation after HDM AIT.
Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)‐based Single Atom Catalysts (SACs) for Photocatalytic Energy Conversion
Authors: Imchen Sungjemtula , Puzari Amrit
Published: October 2024

Recently metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been demonstrated as potential precursors for obtaining single atom catalysts (SACs). Although SACs are attracting significant scientific attention due to their exceptional catalytic properties, the synthesis of SACs is still challenging due to their high surface free energy and this limits the growth of SACs. However, recent scientific research indicates that MOFs, due to their interesting structural feature, tunable pore size, high porosity, and exceptional thermal and chemical stability, can be an ideal candidate for the development of SACs. Current environmental crisis highly demands development of efficient photocatalysts for sustainable energy conversions such as photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, photocatalytic carbon dioxide, oxygen reduction, and so forth. MOF‐based SACs are emerging as most potent photocatalyst for such energy conversion. This review summarizes the advances in the field of MOF‐based SAC systems for photocatalytic energy conversions referred to above, along with mechanistic aspects. The complementarity of MOFs and SACs in the principle of photocatalysis have been elucidated. This review also seeks to offer an insight into the challenges involved and the future prospects of MOF‐based SAsystems.
Enhancing the Regeneration Performance of Methylene Blue Saturated Biochar in H2O2 System via Fe‐Doping
Authors: Zhong Mei'e , Yu Kaiyuan , Chen Yufeng , Ding Hao , Ouyang Jiewei , Shi Guorong , Ding Chunxia , Wu Yi
Published: October 2024

To improve the regeneration efficiency of methylene blue (MB) saturated biochar in H2O2 system, biochar was modified by Fe‐doped by using FeSO4 and Fe(NO3)3 as iron sources. The effects of Fe‐doped on its microstructure were characterized by XRD, SEM, and BET. The adsorption and regeneration performance of biochar before and after Fe‐doped were compared through adsorption and regeneration experiments. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron spin resonance, and quenching experiments were used to explore the regeneration mechanism. The results show that Fe‐doped biochar (SP‐GBC) prepared from FeSO4 maintains a high specific surface area of 1205.9 m2/g and a high adsorption capacity of 375.43 mg·g−1 for MB. After adsorption, the MB‐saturated SP‐GBC exhibits excellent regeneration performance in the H2O2 system, in which the regeneration efficiencies for five consecutive cycles are 85.76%, 83.92%, 94.01%, 99.24%, and 100.79%, respectively. The synergistic effect of H2O2 desorption and degradation is the main regeneration mechanism for MB‐saturated SP‐GBC. The zero valent iron and Fe (II) on the surface of SP‐GBC are the main active sites for H2O2 activation, while 1O2 and HO· are the main oxidation species. In summary, this work provides a simple and feasible method for the design and synthesis of adsorbents with highly efficient regeneration performance.
Pathogenic Mutation ΔK280 Promotes Hydrophobic Interactions Involving Microtubule‐Binding Domain and Enhances Liquid‐Liquid Phase Separation of Tau
Authors: Chen Yujie , Sun Xun , Tang Yiming , Tan Yuan , Guo Cong , Pan Tong , Zhang Xuefeng , Luo Jinghui , Wei Guanghong
Published: October 2024

Liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS) of tau protein can initiate its aggregation which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. The pathogenic mutation ΔK280 can enhance the aggregation of K18, a truncated tau variant comprising the microtubule‐binding domain. However, the impact of ΔK280 on K18 LLPS and underlying mechanisms are largely unexplored. Herein, the conformational ensemble and LLPS of ΔK280 K18 through multiscale molecular simulations and microscopy experiments are investigated. All‐atom molecular dynamic simulations reveal that ΔK280 significantly enhances the collapse degree and β‐sheet content of the K18 monomer, indicating that ΔK280 mutation may promote K18 LLPS, validated by coarse‐grained phase‐coexistence simulations and microscopy experiments. Importantly, ΔK280 mutation promotes β‐sheet formation of six motifs (especially PHF6), increases the hydrophobic solvent exposure of PHF6* and PHF6, and enhances hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding, and cation‐π interactions involving most of the motifs, thus facilitating the phase separation of K18. Notably, ΔK280 alters the interaction network among the six motifs, inducing the formation of K18 conformations with high β‐sheet contents and collapse degree. Coarse‐grained simulations on full‐length tau reveal that ΔK280 promotes tau LLPS by enhancing the hydrophobic interactions involving the microtubule‐binding domain. These findings offer detailed mechanistic insights into ΔK280‐induced tau pathogenesis, providing potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Electric Field Mediated Unclogging of Angstrom‐Scale Channels
Authors: Goutham Solleti , Gogoi Raj Kumar , Jyothilal Hiran , Nam Gwang‐Hyeon , Ismail Abdulghani , Pandey Siddhi Vinayak , Keerthi Ashok , Radha Boya
Published: October 2024

Angstrom‐scale fluidic channels offer immense potential for applications in areas such as desalination, molecular sieving, biomolecular sequencing, and dialysis. Inspired by biological ion channels, nano‐ and angstrom (Å)‐scale channels are fabricated that mimic these molecular or atomic‐scale dimensions. At the Å‐scale, these channels exhibit unique phenomena, including selective ion transport, osmotic energy generation, fast water and gas flows, and neuromorphic ion memory. However, practical utilization of Å‐scale channels is often hindered by contamination, which can clog these nanochannels. In this context, a promising technique is introduced here for unclogging 2D channels, particularly those with sub‐nanometre dimensions (≈6.8 Å). The voltage‐cycling method emerges as an efficient and reliable solution for this challenge. The electric field effectively dislodges contaminants from the clogged Å‐scale channels, facilitating ion and molecular transport. This study provides practical guidelines for reviving clogged nano‐ and Å‐scale channels, thereby enhancing their applicability in various ion and molecular transport applications.
Monitoring of historical structural materials with computed tomography
Authors: Csorba Kristóf , Kapitány Kristóf , Cimer Zsolt , Hlavička Viktor , Biró András , Lublóy Éva
Published: October 2024

Computed tomography (CT) is an excellent tool to solve certain engineering problems connected to material science (such as sulfate swelling, internal degradation due to freezing, and alkali silicate swelling) and to understand specific processes (frost peeling, acid action). Albeit borne and mostly used in the medical domain, CT is increasingly used in the examination of the internal structure of building materials, where degradation processes occur to the detriment of their mechanical performance and durability. This paper presents five engineering problems concerning concrete freezing and thawing, concrete at high temperatures, timber charring, spalling in asbestos‐cement pipes, and deterioration in prestressed concrete pipes due to the corrosion of metallic inserts. In each case, the degradation processes are monitored via CT, something that may be crucial in the renovation and preservation of historical structures.
Helping to find the culprit in livestock attacks
Authors: Loeb Josh
Published: October 2024

With dog attacks on livestock on the rise, Josh Loeb discusses a new DNA test that could help identify the dog responsible or rule out an innocent one.
Elucidating genetic variability between randomly bred domestic cats and Persian domestic cats from different geographical locations using microsatellite markers
Authors: Mahmoodi Shirin , Rajeoni Ali Hojabr , Zeinolabedini Mehrshad , Javanmard Arash , Banabazi Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2024

Background

The domestic cat (Felis catus) is a newly evolved species in the family Felidae that has developed some great features among mammals. It is critical to conserve these species and prevent inbreeding from reducing their genetic diversity by understanding their genetic relationships and applying the information to breeding management. The diverse population was an excellent choice for studying genetic diversity and inbreeding phenomena.

Objectives

To conduct this research, 128 individuals from 8 populations, including Azerbaijan, Persian, Ahar, Uermia, Tehran, Karaj, Turkish and Shop cat (both genders), were randomly selected from different geographical regions. We selected eight STR markers with different chromosomal locations based on polymorphism and observed allele numbers in the next step. DNA extraction was performed using tail hair root, PCR and electrophoresis, and gel staining was performed according to routine laboratory protocol. For statistical analysis, CONVERT versions POPGENE, ARLEQUIN GenAlEx and R script analysis.

Results

Remarkably, our results showed that 23 alleles were identified in 128 samples. The highest number of alleles belonged to the FCa096 locus (eight alleles) in the Persian population, followed by FCa045 (seven alleles) in the Persian and Ahar populations. Another new finding is that the lowest number of alleles belonged to the 35 and FCa77 locus (two alleles). In addition, pairwise differentiation between and within populations was examined using the genetic distance index. Overall, the results showed that the degree of differentiation within the population is high in the Turkish population compared to other population groups and lower in the Azerbaijan population. In addition, principal component discriminant analysis‐based analysis based on the ADAGENET package shows the distribution of samples by geographical location. The results show that genetic mixing between populations is high.

Conclusions

On this basis, we conclude that randomly bred domestic cats have a higher level of diversity than Persian domestic cats. This is an interesting topic for future work.
Analysis of Mannose‐Binding Lectin Protein and mRNA Levels on Selected Chicken Breeds in South Africa
Authors: Idowu Peter Ayodeji , Mpofu Takalani J. , Zishiri Oliver T. , Nephawe Khathutshelo A. , Mtileni Bohani
Published: October 2024

Background

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a key component of the innate immune system that plays a crucial role in binding to the microbial sugar surface to recognize and eliminate pathogens by activating the complement system.

Objective

To detect and quantify the MBL protein concentration and chicken MBL expression in selected chicken breeds in South Africa.

Methods

Forty‐five blood samples from three indigenous chicken breeds, Ovambo (OV = 9), Venda (VD = 9) and Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK = 9), and two exotic chicken breeds, Rhode Island Red (RIR = 9) and Lohmann Brown (LB = 9), were used for MBL protein concentration using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Also 20 liver samples from symptomatic two indigenous chicken breeds, OV (5) and PK (5), and two exotic chicken breeds, RIR (5) and LB (5), were used for MBL expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques. A general linear model was done using Tukey's multiple comparison post hoc test.

Results

The findings revealed MBL protein concentration from 5.26 to 18.56 µg/mL. The LB breed had the lowest mean 6.40 ± 0.80 µg/mL, whereas the PK breed had the highest mean MBL concentration of 17.70 ± 0.24 µg/mL of MBL protein concentration. At 12, 25 and 35 weeks, the MBL proteins of OV, VD, PK, RIR and LB varied significantly at p ≤ 0.05. The mRNA MBL expression of OV and LB breeds showed a 1‐fold decrease in MBL expression, while RIR showed a 2‐fold increase in MBL expression, and the PK showed more than a 3‐fold increase in MBL expression relative to the control. The least‐squares means for OV, LB, PK and RIR mRNA MBL expression were 0.54 ± 0.19, 0.68 ± 0.30, 4.46 ± 2.76 and 2.89 ± 0.19 µg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

MBL protein was detected and quantified with distinct differences in concentration and expression levels  at the presence of mycoplasma gallisepticum among the sampled South African chicken breeds. This highlights the genetic diversity of MBL as a tool for disease prevention in South African chicken breeds.
Improvement of Post‐Thaw Quality and In Vivo Fertility of Simmental Bull Spermatozoa Using Ferulic Acid
Authors: Afsar Mobin , Soleimanzadeh Ali , Khaki Amir , Ayen Esmail
Published: October 2024

Background

Artificial insemination and semen cryopreservation have significantly improved the quality and quantity of cattle production. Through cryopreserved semen and artificial insemination, top‐breeding bull sperm can be used to inseminate thousands of cows worldwide.

Objectives

Our study aimed to determine the effect of adding ferulic acid (FA) to a Tris‐based semen extender on frozen and thawed Simmental bull sperm.

Methods

Semen samples were collected from three Simmental bulls. Pooled Simmental semen (n = 34 ejaculations) were diluted with a Tris‐base extender containing varying FA concentrations (0.1, 0.15, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45 mM). After the samples were frozen and thawed, the samples were tested for malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total motility, progressive motility, motility characteristics, and plasma membrane functionality.

Results

The control and the groups with the best FA concentrations, 0.25 and 0.35, were compared for in vivo fertility. Fifty‐one cows were inseminated 24 h after the onset of oestrus. A rectal examination was used to diagnose pregnancies at least 60 days after fertilization. Results showed that adding FA‐0.45, FA‐0.35, FA‐0.25, and FA‐0.15 to the semen of Simmental bulls improved total and progressive motility, motility characteristics, and plasma membrane functionality. It also increased GPx and TAC levels, reducing MDA and DNA damage after freezing. The addition of FA did not affect SOD values. The fertility rate in the FA‐0.25 and FA‐0.35 groups was higher than in the control group, 35.29%, with rates of 76.47% and 70.58%, respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, adding FA (0.15, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45 mM) to Tris‐based semen extenders can improve the quality parameters of cryopreserved Simmental bull semen and increase in vivo fertility using 0.25 and 0.35 concentrations of FA.
Nanomedicine Therapies for Pediatric Diseases
Authors: Yang Shicheng , Aggarwal Kushi , Jurczyszak Jillian , Brown Needa , Sridhar Srinivas
Published: October 2024

In 2020, the top 10 causes of death among children and adolescents between the ages of 1 and 19 years old included cancer, congenital anomalies, heart disease, and chronic respiratory disease; all these conditions are potentially treatable with medical intervention. However, children exhibit specific physiological and developmental characteristics that can significantly impact drug pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile. These factors illustrate the importance of a heightened focus on pediatric drug development. Traditional drugs lack proper circulation, permeability, targeting, accumulation, and release, and they often require dose adjustments or modifications, which can result in suboptimal therapeutic outcomes and increased risks of adverse effects in pediatric patients. Nanomedicines have emerged as efficient drug delivery systems because of their unique properties, which can improve the solubility and stability of drugs by encapsulating them in different forms of nanoparticles. This review discusses the challenges of pediatric therapy, and the current state of nanomedicines for pediatric diseases in terms of Food and Drug Administration‐approved nanomedicines, the types of diseases treated or diagnosed, and preclinical studies that have the potential to be translated to the clinic. In summary, nanomedicine holds significant potential for addressing the unique and pressing challenges associated with diagnosing and treating pediatric diseases.
Frames and ontologies in the water conflict at Pampa Colorada in Chile
Authors: Gomis Miguel , Mejía‐Salamanca Camila
Published: October 2024

Extractivism in Latin America is complex and triggers interdisciplinary debates, particularly on water conflicts. Despite previous works, the role played by framed values remains unclear. How do agents' ontologies affect water conflict outcomes and vice versa? This text focuses on the Pampa Colorada case in Chile. It analyses agents' framings, collected through organizational documents and 24 semi‐structured in‐depth field interviews. The main finding is that ontological differences between agents exist, but struggles can lead to vocabulary and narrative appropriations.
Overview of Manufacturing
Authors: Ivanov Vitalii , Evtuhov Artem , Dehtiarov Ivan , Trojanowska Justyna
Published: October 2024

Engineering output usually concerns machines. A machine is a mechanism or a combination of mechanisms that perform work or convert energy. There are enterprises that manufacture a large engineering output (e.g., pistons, ball, and roller bearings). Such an output is called a product. Depending on their use purpose, products can be obtained from main and auxiliary manufacture.
Simple and robust high-throughput serum proteomics workflow with low-microflow LC–MS/MS
Authors: Seo Yoondam , Kang Inseon , Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Hwang Jiin , Kwak Soo Heon , Oh Min-Kyu , Lee Hyunbeom , Min Hophil
Published: October 2024

Clinical proteomics has substantially advanced in identifying and quantifying proteins from biofluids, such as blood, contributing to the discovery of biomarkers. The throughput and reproducibility of serum proteomics for large-scale clinical sample analyses require improvements. High-throughput analysis typically relies on automated equipment, which can be costly and has limited accessibility. In this study, we present a rapid, high-throughput workflow low-microflow LC–MS/MS method without automation. This workflow was optimized to minimize the preparation time and costs by omitting the depletion and desalting steps. The developed method was applied to data-independent acquisition (DIA) analysis of 235 samples, and it consistently yielded approximately 6000 peptides and 600 protein groups, including 33 FDA-approved biomarkers. Our results demonstrate that an 18-min DIA high-throughput workflow, assessed through intermittently collected quality control samples, ensures reproducibility and stability even with 2 µL of serum. It was successfully used to analyze serum samples from patients with diabetes having chronic kidney disease (CKD), and could identify five dysregulated proteins across various CKD stages.
A framework for visual comparison of scalar fields with uncertainty
Authors: Leonhardt Viktor , Wiebel Alexander , Garth Christoph
Published: October 2024

Scientists working with uncertain data, such as climate simulations, medical images, or ensembles of physical simulations, regularly confront the problem of comparing observations, e.g., to identify similarities, differences, or patterns. Current approaches in comparative visualization of uncertain scalar fields mainly rely on juxtaposition of both data and uncertainties, where each is represented using, e.g., color mapping or volume rendering. While interpretation of uncertain scalar data from visual encodings is already cognitively challenging, comparison of uncertain fields without explicit visualization support adds a further layer of complexity. In this paper, we present a theoretical framework to devise and describe a class of techniques that directly visualize differences between two or more uncertain scalar fields in a single image. We model each such technique as a combination of one or more interpolation stages, with the application of distance measures on random variables to the resulting distributions, and an appropriate visual encoding. Our framework captures existing methods and lends itself well to formulating new comparative visualization techniques for uncertain data for different visualization scenarios. Furthermore, by modeling uncertain scalar field differences as random variables themselves, we enable additional opportunities for comparison. We demonstrate the usefulness of our framework and its properties by applying it to effective comparative visualization techniques for several synthetic and real-world data sets.
What individual needs do family caregivers have in palliative home care and how are they supported? A qualitative study of a supportive intervention
Authors: Kreyer Christiane , Stecher Barbara , Pleschberger Sabine , Ewing Gail
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Family caregivers (FCGs) play a pivotal role in supporting patients in palliative care at home. Person-centred support is crucial to prevent negative outcomes; therefore, evidence-based approaches such as the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention (CSNAT-I) are promising. To understand more about the delivery of the intervention, the study focuses on documentation of CSNAT-I in practice in Austria to identify which support needs were discussed with the FCGs and the types of support delivered to meet these needs.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of electronic records was conducted, focusing on documented entries related to the delivery of CSNAT-I over a 21-month period (Dec 2019 to Aug 2021). Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed for data analysis.

Results

The analysis identified a wide spectrum of FCG support needs, categorised into enabling domains related to caregiving for the patient and direct support needs concerning FCGs’ own health and well-being. The most frequently documented support needs included ‘having time for oneself in the day’ and ‘dealing with feelings and worries’, highlighting the challenges FCGs face in balancing caregiving responsibilities with personal life. Supportive input encompassed advice and information, counselling, education and training, coordination and arrangement, and signposting and referral.

Conclusion

The study stresses the importance of addressing both practical and psychosocial aspects of caregiving, utilising a person-centred approach. Nurses provided comprehensive support mostly directly delivered during their contact with FCGs. CSNAT-I demonstrated flexibility, accommodating the diverse needs of FCGs in different situations, and may contribute to a more supportive care environment.
Probability of a Single Current
Authors: Prolhac Sylvain
Published: October 2024

The Riemann surface associated with counting the current between two states of an underlying Markov process is hyperelliptic. We explore the consequences of this property for the time-dependent probability of that current for Markov processes with generic transition rates. When the system is prepared in its stationary state, the relevant meromorphic differential is in particular fully characterized by the precise identification of all its poles and zeroes.
Modeling and Analysis of Droplet Evaporation at the Interface of a Coupled Free-Flow–Porous Medium System
Authors: Veyskarami Maziar , Bringedal Carina , Helmig Rainer
Published: October 2024

Evaporation of droplets formed at the interface of a coupled free-flow–porous medium system enormously affects the exchange of mass, momentum, and energy between the two domains. In this work, we develop a model to describe multiple droplets’ evaporation at the interface, in which new sets of coupling conditions including the evaporating droplets are developed to describe the interactions between the free flow and the porous medium. Employing pore-network modeling to describe the porous medium, we take the exchanges occurring on the droplet–pore and droplet–free-flow interfaces into account. In this model, we describe the droplet evaporation as a diffusion-driven process, where vapor from the droplet surface diffuses into the surrounding free flow due to the concentration gradient. To validate the model, we compare the simulation results for the evaporation of a single droplet in a channel with experimental data, demonstrating that our model accurately describes the evaporation process. Then, we examine the impact of free-flow and porous medium properties on droplet evaporation. The results show that, among other factors, velocity and relative humidity in the free-flow domain, as well as pore temperature in the porous medium, play key roles in the droplet evaporation process.
Growing Vigorous Potato Seedlings in Plug Trays
Authors: Kacheyo Olivia C. , Schneider Hannah M. , de Vries Michiel E. , Struik Paul C.
Published: October 2024

Raising vigorous and healthy potato seedlings from hybrid true potato seeds (TPS) under nursery conditions is critical for ease of field transplanting and seedling crop establishment as well as for a productive seed or ware crop. The use of plugs in seedling production systems is an important technique utilised to ease transplanting of seedlings and refine seedling production in seedling nurseries. While holding multiple advantages over other transplant production systems, multiple factors still influence the success of seedling production in plug trays. In this study, we explore the effects of substrate properties, type and volume; watering intervals; and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels in nutrient solution on seedling vigour attributes in potato seedlings grown in plug trays under climate room conditions. The choice of substrate strongly influenced seedling attributes with more favourable performance in substrates with higher water holding capacity. Increasing plug volume also enhanced seedling attributes including dry biomass, leaf area and root to shoot ratios such that seedling performance was best in plug volumes > 22.5 cm3. A watering schedule with a high frequency was more favourable considering that longer intervals between watering events led to significant declines in seedling attributes. While the effects of increased P in solution were not conclusive, depending on genotype, increasing N in solution led to enhanced seedling attributes, with a nutrient sufficiency met at 200 mg L−1 N in solution. These findings further contribute to the current knowledge on factors influencing success in seedling production of potato seedlings developed from hybrid true potato seeds.
Study of a class of triangular starvation driven cross-diffusion systems
Authors: Brocchieri Elisabetta , Desvillettes Laurent , Dietert Helge
Published: October 2024

We study the existence, regularity and uniqueness for a general class of triangular reaction-cross-diffusion systems coming from the study of starvation driven behavior for two species in competition. This study involves an equivalent system in non-divergence form, for which existence can be obtained thanks to Schauder’s fixed point theorem.
Targeting the Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone System (RAAS) for Cardiovascular Protection and Enhanced Oncological Outcomes: Review
Authors: Pawlonka J. , Buchalska B. , Buczma K. , Borzuta H. , Kamińska K. , Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska A.
Published: October 2024

Opinion statement

The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is a crucial regulator of the cardiovascular system and a target for widely used therapeutic drugs. Dysregulation of RAAS, implicated in prevalent diseases like hypertension and heart failure, has recently gained attention in oncological contexts due to its role in tumor biology and cardiovascular toxicities (CVTs). Thus, RAAS inhibitors (RAASi) may be used as potential supplementary therapies in cancer treatment and CVT prevention. Oncological treatments have evolved significantly, impacting patient survival and safety profiles. However, they pose cardiovascular risks, necessitating strategies for mitigating adverse effects. The main drug classes used in oncology include anthracyclines, anti-HER2 therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway inhibitors (VSPI). While effective against cancer, these drugs induce varying CVTs. RAASi adjunctive therapy shows promise in enhancing clinical outcomes and protecting the cardiovascular system. Understanding RAAS involvement in cancer and CVT can inform personalized treatment approaches and improve patient care.
Identifying successful football teams in the European player transfer network
Authors: Dieles Tristan J. , Mattsson Carolina E. S. , Takes Frank W.
Published: October 2024

This paper considers the European transfer market for professional football players as a network to study the relation between a team’s position in this network and performance in its domestic league. Our analysis is centered on eight top European leagues. The market in each season is represented as a weighted directed network capturing the transfers of players to or from the teams in these leagues, and we also consider the cumulative network over the past 28 years. We find that the overall structure of this transfer market network has properties commonly observed in real-world networks, such as a skewed degree distribution, high clustering, and small-world characteristics. To assess football teams we first construct a measure of within-league performance that is comparable across leagues. Regression analysis is used to relate league performance with both the network position and level of engagement of the team in the transfer market, under two complimentary setups. Network position variables include, e.g., betweenness centrality, closeness centrality and node clustering coefficient, whereas market engagement variables capture a team’s activity in the transfer market, e.g., total number of player transfers and total paid for players. For the season snapshots, the number of transfers correspond to weighted in- and out-degree. Our analysis first corroborates several recent findings relating aspects of market engagement with teams’ league performance. A higher number of incoming transfers indicates worse performance and better resourced teams perform better. Then, and across specifications, we find that network position variables remain salient even when engagement variables are already considered. This substantiates the notion in the existing literature that a high degree corresponds to better team performance and suggests that network aspects of trading strategy may affect a team’s success in their respective domestic league (or vice versa). In this sense, the approach and findings presented in this paper may in the future guide team’s player acquisition policies.
Association of alpha-actinin-3 genotype with muscle mass and physical function in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Shiratsuchi Daijo , Taniguchi Yoshiaki , Kiuchi Yuto , Akaida Shoma , Makizako Hyuma
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Polymorphisms (rs1815739; R577X) in the gene encoding alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) are thought to be associated with body composition and physical function in older people and athletes. RR homozygotes are associated with greater expression of ACTN3 protein in muscle than the X-allele carriers. We aimed to investigate the association between ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and appendicular skeletal muscle mass, walking speed, and muscle strength in older adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 265 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 74.0 ± 5.8 years, 63.4% female) who provided data on ACTN3 gene polymorphisms and completed surveys in the Tarumizu study conducted between 2018 and 2019. Genetic polymorphisms were categorized as RR homozygous and X allele. Muscle mass was assessed using the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and physical function was assessed based on walking speed and relative muscle strength. Those in the bottom 25% for each sex were considered “low” and the association with ACTN3 genotype was examined.

Results

Considering ACTN3 polymorphism, 72 participants were RR homozygotes (27.2%) and 193 were X-allele carriers (72.8%). After adjusting for potential confounders, RR homozygosity was associated with not having low muscle mass (odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.19–0.82, p = 0.013) but not with low walking speed and muscle strength.

Conclusion

The association between ACTN3 genotype and physical function in community-dwelling older adults is not clear; however, it is considered to be associated with muscle mass.
Reimagining Prosperity
Authors: Bartl Marija
Published: October 2024

The historic task of the European Union (EU) today, this book argues, is to articulate and institute a new imaginary of prosperity. Imaginaries of prosperity integrate societies around the shared pursuit of a prosperous future, rendering 'political-economic' questions as the main preoccupation of politics. The new imaginary of prosperity in the EU must be able to provide answers to contemporary societal challenges while also conjuring a world in which people want to live. Through analyses of several policy fields, the book shows that the EU has already made modest strides in fostering more caring consumption, circular products and technologies, sustainable industry, and fairer corporate activity. But the EU must go further and faster if it hopes to respond effectively to Europe's problems, while arresting another descent into tribalism. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
The Business of English Restoration Theatre, 1660–1700
Authors: Payne Deborah C.
Published: October 2024

Deborah C. Payne's ground-breaking study traces the historical origins of a dilemma still bedevilling theatre companies: how to reconcile audience demand for novelty with profitability. As a solution, English acting companies in 1660 adopted an unprecedented theatrical duopoly. Implicit to its economic logic were scarcity, prestige, and innovation: attributes that, it was hoped, would generate wealth and exclusivity. Changes to playhouse architecture, stagecraft, dramatic repertory, and company practices were undertaken to create this new, upmarket theatre of “great expences.” So powerful was the promise of the duopoly and so enthralling the wholesale transformation of the theatrical marketplace that management—despite dwindling box office—resisted change for 35 years. Drawing upon network and behavioural economic theory, Professor Payne shows why the acting companies clung to an economic model inimical to their self-interest. Original archival research further bolsters this radically new perspective on an exciting and crucial period in English theatre. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
A scenario–neutral approach to climate change in glacier mass balance modeling
Authors: van der Laan Larissa , Cholibois Kim , El Menuawy Ayscha , Förster Kristian
Published: October 2024

Scenario–neutral methods are commonly used to rapidly compare system responses to changes in climate. Using glacier mass balance as a system response, we present a bottom-up, scenario–neutral method as an effective tool for preliminary and overview studies on glacier sensitivity and a complementary approach to traditional top–down methods. The method's main characteristic is its visual result: two–dimensional response surfaces depicting glacier mass balance. Their axes represent perturbations in temperature and precipitation relative to a baseline. The simplicity of our approach makes it applicable to all global glaciers. As a proof–of–concept, the Open Global Glacier Model (OGGM) is used to perform a scenario–neutral glacier sensitivity analysis for four glaciers. In addition, the integration with a top–down approach is demonstrated by overlaying temperature and precipitation from four Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models, under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP). Finally, the benefits of the method are discussed for decision–making and science communication. Assessing results shows that overall, this scenario–neutral method can provide useful information for the research of climate change impact on glacier mass, from aiding study design to science communication.
Smectite–brine–CO2 interactions: effects of interlayer chemistry, brine concentration, CO2 pressure, and temperature
Authors: Benavides Paolo Andre , Guggenheim Stephen
Published: October 2024

Smectite may impact the ability of saline aquifer–caprock systems to store CO2 effectively, because of changes in pressure, temperature, and brine concentration induced by the injection of CO2. These changes influence the molar volume of smectite, affecting the short-term structural and stratigraphic trapping, or the dissolution of smectite via the long-term geochemical trapping. This study investigated the d001 value of an interlayer-cation-exchanged smectite, Na-rich SWy-2 (Na-SWy-2), with Ca or Mg (hereafter CaSWy-2 and MgSWy-2). Molar volume experiments used X-ray diffraction and a high-pressure environmental chamber. The extent of smectite dissolution was simulated at experimental conditions by geochemical modeling using a rate equation derived from the transition state theory. CaSWy-2-CaCl2 and MgSWy-2-MgCl2 brine systems showed that increasing the brine concentration from 0.17 M to saturation results in a <18% decrease in d001 values, and increasing the temperature from approximately 33 to 150°C results in <11% decrease. The effect of the interlayer cation shows the d001 values of MgSWy-2 are <0.4 Å higher compared with CaSWy-2. Geochemical modeling shows the extent of dissolution of Na-SWy-2, CaSWy-2, or MgSWy-2 is only <1.1% in acidic conditions. Furthermore, the calculated swelling pressure needed to decrease the H2O sheets in the interlayer, from 3W to 2W, of MgSWy-2 and CaSWy-2 are higher compared with Na-SWy-2. The swelling pressure was approximated from the sum of the osmotic repulsive pressure, the van der Waals attractive pressure, and the hydration pressure. The data suggest that Na-SWy-2, CaSWy-2, and MgSWy-2 may affect saline aquifer–caprock systems to store CO2. The molar volume is affected by changes in pressure, temperature and brine concentration, or swelling pressure from the injection of CO2. An increase in the d001 value of SWy-2 can enhance the sealing capabilities of a caprock by making saline aquifers less porous and less permeable and thus increasing the capability for CO2 storage. In contrast, a decrease in the d001 value can create cracks in a caprock and thus provide conduits for the CO2 to escape. Furthermore, the CO2 injection will cause a decrease in pH, causing smectite to dissolve until it reaches a steady state. However, despite acidic aquifer conditions, SWy-2 has low solubility.
The collisional particle-in-cell method for the Vlasov–Maxwell–Landau equations
Authors: Bailo Rafael , Carrillo José A. , Hu Jingwei
Published: October 2024

We introduce an extension of the particle-in-cell method that captures the Landau collisional effects in the Vlasov–Maxwell–Landau equations. The method arises from a regularisation of the variational formulation of the Landau equation, leading to a discretisation of the collision operator that conserves mass, charge, momentum and energy, while increasing the (regularised) entropy. The collisional effects appear as a fully deterministic effective force, thus the method does not require any transport–collision splitting. The scheme can be used in arbitrary dimension, and for a general interaction, including the Coulomb case. We validate the scheme on scenarios such as the Landau damping, the two-stream instability and the Weibel instability, demonstrating its effectiveness in the numerical simulation of plasma.