bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roadmap on measurement technologies for next generation structural health monitoring systems
Authors: Laflamme Simon , Ubertini Filippo , Di Matteo Alberto , Pirrotta Antonina , Perry Marcus , Fu Yuguang , Li Jian , Wang Hao , Hoang Tu , Glisic Branko , Bond Leonard J , Pereira Mauricio , Shu Yening , Loh Kenneth J , Wang Yang , Ding Siqi , Wang Xinyue , Yu Xun , Han Baoguo , Goldfeld Yiska , Ryu Donghyeon , Napolitano Rebecca , Moreu Fernando , Giardina Giorgia , Milillo Pietro
Published: April 2023

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is the automation of the condition assessment process of an engineered system. When applied to geometrically large components or structures, such as those found in civil and aerospace infrastructure and systems, a critical challenge is in designing the sensing solution that could yield actionable information. This is a difficult task to conduct cost-effectively, because of the large surfaces under consideration and the localized nature of typical defects and damages. There have been significant research efforts in empowering conventional measurement technologies for applications to SHM in order to improve performance of the condition assessment process. Yet, the field implementation of these SHM solutions is still in its infancy, attributable to various economic and technical challenges. The objective of this Roadmap publication is to discuss modern measurement technologies that were developed for SHM purposes, along with their associated challenges and opportunities, and to provide a path to research and development efforts that could yield impactful field applications. The Roadmap is organized into four sections: distributed embedded sensing systems, distributed surface sensing systems, multifunctional materials, and remote sensing. Recognizing that many measurement technologies may overlap between sections, we define distributed sensing solutions as those that involve or imply the utilization of numbers of sensors geometrically organized within (embedded) or over (surface) the monitored component or system. Multi-functional materials are sensing solutions that combine multiple capabilities, for example those also serving structural functions. Remote sensing are solutions that are contactless, for example cell phones, drones, and satellites. It also includes the notion of remotely controlled robots.
A simple digital readout circuit for differential resistive or capacitive sensors
Authors: Hidalgo-López José Antonio
Published: April 2023

This paper introduces and analyzes a novel direct interface circuit (DIC) that directly connects differential resistive and capacitive sensors to digital processors (DPs), performing a magnitude-to-time-to-digital conversion of the information they provide. The simple circuit performs the readout using two passive components, the differential sensor and the DP. In some cases, the circuit may require an additional passive element. The DP only uses common digital resources such as bidirectional pins or a counter, meaning microcontrollers, FPGAs, or ASICs could all be used as DPs. Different DICs proposed in the literature for reading differential sensors require three time measurement processes to estimate the variable to be measured. The new circuit requires only one, saving time and energy dissipation and reducing the number of error sources. A design based on an FPGA has been implemented as a proof of concept. Measurement times in the order of 1.1–1.3 ms have been obtained with this configuration. Errors in the readout of a differential resistive sensor are below 0.34% in the worst case and below 0.63% for a differential capacitive sensor.
Ultrathin AlO
x
layer modified ferroelectric organic field-effect transistor for artificial synaptic characteristics
Authors: Bu Yunlong , Su Jie , Li Hangfei , Chen Dong , Xu Ting
Published: April 2023

The challenges associated with autonomous information processing and storage will be resolved by neuromorphic computing, which takes inspiration from neural networks in the human brain. To create suitable artificial synaptic devices for artificial intelligence, it is essential to look for approaches to improve device performance. In the present study, we suggest a method to address this problem by inserting an ultrathin AlO
X
layer at the side of ferroelectric film for the prepared ferroelectric organic effect transistor (Fe-OFET) to modify a ferroelectric polymer film with a low coercive field. The transistors parameters are greatly improved (large memory window exceeding 14 V, high on-off current ratio of 103, and hole mobility up to 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1). Furthermore, the optimized high-performance Fe-OFET with 2 nm thickness of AlO
X
layer is found to have synaptic behaviors including postsynaptic current, short-term/long-term plasticity, spike-amplitude-dependent plasticity, spike-duration-dependent plasticity, paired-pulse facilitation, spike-rate-dependent plasticity, and spike-number-dependent plasticity. An outstanding learning accuracy of 87.5% is demonstrated by an imitated artificial neural network made up of Fe-OFET for a big image version of handwritten digits (28 × 28 pixel) from the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology dataset. By improving synaptic transistor performance in this way, a new generation of neuromorphic computing systems is set to be developed.
Using the ear photoplethysmographic waveform as an early indicator of central hypovolemia in healthy volunteers utilizing LBNP induced hypovolemia model
Authors: Eid Anna-Maria , Elgamal Mohamed , Gonzalez-Fiol Antonio , Shelley Kirk H , Wu Hau-Tieng , Alian Aymen Awad
Published: April 2023

Objective. To study the photoplethysmographic (PPG) waveforms of different locations (ear and finger) during lower body negative pressure (LBNP) induced hypovolemia. Then, to determine whether the PPG waveform can be used to detect hypovolemia during the early stage of LBNP.Approach. 36 healthy volunteers were recruited for progressive LBNP induced hypovolemia, with an endpoint of −60 mmHg or development of hypoperfusion symptoms, whichever comes first. Subjects tolerating the entire protocol without symptoms were designated as high tolerance (HT), while symptomatic subjects were designated as low tolerance (LT). Subjects were monitored with an electrocardiogram, continuous noninvasive blood pressure monitor, and two pulse oximetry probes, one on the ear (Xhale) and one the finger (Nellcor). Stroke volume was measured non-invasively utilizing Non-Invasive Cardiac Output Monitor (NICOM, Cheetah Medical). The waveform morphology was analyzed using novel PPG waveforms indices, including phase hemodynamic index (PHI) and amplitude hemodyamaic index and were evaluated from the ear PPG and finger PPG at different LBNP stages.Main results. The PHI, particularly the phase relationship between the second harmonic and the fundamental component of the ear PPG denoted as∇φ2,during the early stage of LBNP (−15 mmHg) in the HT and LT groups is statistically significantly different (pvalue = 0.0033) with the area under curve 0.81 (CI: 0.616–0.926). The other indices are not significantly different. The 5 fold cross validation shows that∇φ2during the early stage of LBNP (−15 mmHg) as the single index could predict the tolerance of the subject with the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy andF1 as 0.771 ± 0.192, 0.71 ± 0.107, 0.7 ± 0.1 and 0.771 ± 0.192 respectively.Significance. The ear’s PPG PHI which compares the phases of the fundamental and second harmonic has the potential to be used as an early predictor of central hypovolemia.
The effect of the barrier thickness on DC and RF performances of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on silicon
Authors: Wang Chun , Hsu Heng-Tung , Lin Jui-Lung , Weng You-Chen , Tsao Yi-Fan , Wang Yuan , Chang Edward Yi
Published: April 2023

In this study, the effect of barrier thickness on the DC and RF performances of AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on silicon for millimeter wave applications is experimentally investigated. GaN HEMT devices with different barrier thicknesses were fabricated and characterized. While the device with the thinnest barrier exhibited the highest extrinsic transconductance (gm) resulting from the shortest gate-to-channel distance, such configuration suffered from the lowest unit current-gain cut-off frequency (fT) due to the increase of the total gate capacitance. Moreover, degradation in the output power was observed for devices with thinner barriers. Such degradation was related to the severe knee walkout as evidenced from drain-lag characterization.
Adaptive neural controller with predefined boundary constraints for 3D printed cable-driven soft actuators
Authors: Xia Chengkai , Xu Zhenbang , Sai Huayang , Li Hang , Wang Kai
Published: April 2023

It is difficult to build dynamic models for 3D-printed soft actuators because of their material and structural flexibility and the complex intrinsic and extrinsic interactions encountered in human-centric or complex non-structural environments. Soft actuators require the control error during motion to be limited. However, existing control methods with predefined boundary constraints are designed for rigid actuators and are not directly applicable to soft actuators. In this paper, an adaptive neural controller based on a quasi-static model is proposed. The quasi-static model of the soft actuator is used to determine how the viscoelasticity of the flexible material influences the neural network, enabling the neural network to identify a better fit to the dynamic model of the soft actuator. Finally, experimental results verify that the proposed controller constrains the tracking error of the soft actuator to within the predefined boundary.
Transient analysis of high-Z impurity screening by additional injection of low-Z impurity using integrated divertor code SONIC
Authors: Yamoto Shohei , Hoshino Kazuo , Homma Yuki , Nakano Tomohide , Hayashi Nobuhiko
Published: April 2023

The dynamics of the screening effect of Ar impurity by the injection of additional Ne has been studied through time-dependent analysis with the integrated divertor code SONIC. In the preceding study (Yamoto et al 2020 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 62 045006), the predictive simulation of JT-60SA plasma by SONIC has shown that the injection of additional Ne into Ar-seeded plasma results in lower Ar density and radiation power in the SOL and core edge than in the Ar-only seeded case. The results have demonstrated that the mixed impurity seeding of Ar and Ne may be advantageous for maintaining a high core plasma performance with a low divertor heat load. It was found that the friction force induced by the high D+ flow in the SOL towards the inner divertor (ID) region in the Ar + Ne seeded case pushes Ar impurities to the ID. However, the dynamics of D+ flow acceleration cannot be interpreted in the previous study because SONIC was a steady state code. In this study, we have developed the time-dependent version of SONIC and applied it to the transient analysis of the injection of additional Ne into Ar-seeded plasma in JT-60SA. When additional Ne is injected, Ne ions stay in the ID plasma near the X-point. As a result, the Ne radiation power increases near the X-point. The electron pressure then decreases due to the radiation cooling and the D+ flow is accelerated by the electron pressure gradient. The ion pressure also decreases due to the convection by the accelerated D+ flow by electron pressure gradient. The resulting ion pressure gradient further accelerates the D+ flow velocity towards the ID. The results suggest that both the high-performance core plasma and the low divertor heat load can be achieved by the Ar + Ne mixed impurity seeding.
Influence of positive ions on the beamlet optics for negative-ion neutral beam injectors
Authors: Pimazzoni A. , Sartori E. , Serianni G. , Veltri P.
Published: April 2023

Neutral beam injectors are based on the neutralization of ion beams accelerated at the desired energy. In the case of the ITER heating and diagnostic neutral beams, the target heating power translates into stringent requirements on the acceptable beamlet divergence and aiming to allow the beam to reach the fusion plasma. The beamlets composing the accelerated beam are experimentally found to feature a transverse velocity distribution exhibiting two Gaussian components: the well-focused one is referred to as the core component while the rest of the beam, the halo, describes beam particles with much worse optics. The codes that simulate beam extraction and acceleration usually assume that the negative ions move towards the plasma meniscus with a laminar flow (no transverse velocity) or that the transverse velocity distribution can be modelled as a Maxwellian and that the current density is uniformly illuminating the meniscus; under such approximations, the presence of highly divergent components cannot be explained. In this work, we develop a simple test-particle tracing code with Monte Carlo collisions, named ICARO (for Ions Coming Around), to study the transport of negative ions in the extraction region and derive the spatial and velocity distribution of the negative ions at the meniscus (i.e. the plasma boundary where a beamlet is extracted). In particular, the origin of the beamlet halo and its dependence on the source parameters are discussed, highlighting as a key parameter the energy distribution of positive ions in the source plasma.
Multi-scale systems genomics analysis predicts pathways, cell types, and drug targets involved in normative variation in peri-adolescent human cognition
Authors: Pai Shraddha , Hui Shirley , Weber Philipp , Narayan Soumil , Whitley Owen , Li Peipei , Labrie Viviane , Baumbach Jan , Wheeler Anne L , Bader Gary D
Published: April 2023

An open challenge in human genetics is to better understand the systems-level impact of genotype variation on developmental cognition. To characterize the genetic underpinnings of peri-adolescent cognition, we performed genotype–phenotype and systems analysis for binarized accuracy in nine cognitive tasks from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (~2,200 individuals of European continental ancestry aged 8–21 years). We report a region of genome-wide significance within the 3′ end of the Fibulin-1 gene (P = 4.6 × 10−8), associated with accuracy in nonverbal reasoning, a heritable form of complex reasoning ability. Diffusion tensor imaging data from a subset of these participants identified a significant association of white matter fractional anisotropy with FBLN1 genotypes (P < 0.025); poor performers show an increase in the C and A allele for rs77601382 and rs5765534, respectively, which is associated with increased fractional anisotropy. Integration of published human brain-specific ’omic maps, including single-cell transcriptomes of the developing human brain, shows that FBLN1 demonstrates greatest expression in the fetal brain, as a marker of intermediate progenitor cells, demonstrates negligible expression in the adolescent and adult human brain, and demonstrates increased expression in the brain in schizophrenia. Collectively these findings warrant further study of this gene and genetic locus in cognition, neurodevelopment, and disease. Separately, genotype-pathway analysis identified an enrichment of variants associated with working memory accuracy in pathways related to development and to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Top-ranking pathway genes include those genetically associated with diseases with working memory deficits, such as schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease. This work advances the “molecules-to-behavior” view of cognition and provides a framework for using systems-level organization of data for other biomedical domains.
Data-driven mortality risk prediction of severe degenerative mitral regurgitation patients undergoing mitral valve surgery
Authors: Kwak Soongu , Lee Seung-Ah , Lim Jaehyun , Yang Seokhun , Hwang Doyeon , Lee Hyun-Jung , Choi Hong-Mi , Hwang In-Chang , Lee Sahmin , Yoon Yeonyee E , Park Jun-Bean , Kim Hyung-Kwan , Kim Yong-Jin , Song Jong-Min , Cho Goo-Yeong , Kang Duk-Hyun , Kim Dae-Hee , Lee Seung-Pyo
Published: April 2023

Aims

The outcomes of mitral valve replacement/repair (MVR) in severe degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) patients depend on various risk factors. We aimed to develop a risk prediction model for post-MVR mortality in severe degenerative MR patients using machine learning.

Methods and results

Consecutive severe degenerative MR patients undergoing MVR were analysed (n = 1521; 70% training/30% test sets). A random survival forest (RSF) model was constructed, with 3-year post-MVR all-cause mortality as the outcome. Partial dependency plots were used to define the thresholds of each risk factor. A simple scoring system (MVR-score) was developed to stratify post-MVR mortality risk. At 3 years following MVR, 90 patients (5.9%) died in the entire cohort (59 and 31 deaths in the training and test sets). The most important predictors of mortality in order of importance were age, haemoglobin, valve replacement, glomerular filtration rate, left atrial dimension, and left ventricular (LV) end-systolic diameter. The final RSF model with these six variables demonstrated high predictive performance in the test set (3-year C-index 0.880, 95% confidence interval 0.834–0.925), with mortality risk increased strongly with left atrial dimension >55 mm, and LV end-systolic diameter >45 mm. MVR-score demonstrated effective risk stratification and had significantly higher predictability compared to the modified Mitral Regurgitation International Database score (3-year C-index 0.803 vs. 0.750, P = 0.034).

Conclusion

A data-driven machine learning model provided accurate post-MVR mortality prediction in severe degenerative MR patients. The outcome following MVR in severe degenerative MR patients is governed by both clinical and echocardiographic factors.
Cardiovascular disease burden attributable to non-optimal temperature: analysis of the 1990–2019 global burden of disease
Authors: Al-Kindi Sadeer , Motairek Issam , Khraishah Haitham , Rajagopalan Sanjay
Published: April 2023

Aims

Extreme temperatures are increasingly experienced as a result of climate change. Both high and low temperatures, impacted by climate change, have been linked with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Global estimates on non-optimal temperature-related CVD are not known. The authors investigated global trends of temperature-related CVD burden over the last three decades.

Methods and results

The authors utilized the 1990–2019 global burden of disease methodology to investigate non-optimal temperature, low temperature- and high temperature-related CVD deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally. Non-optimal temperatures were defined as above (high temperature) or below (low temperature) the location-specific theoretical minimum-risk exposure level or the temperature associated with the lowest mortality rates. Analyses were later stratified by sociodemographic index (SDI) and world regions. In 2019, non-optimal temperature contributed to 1 194 196 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 963 816–1 425 090) CVD deaths and 21 799 370 (95% UI: 17 395 761–25 947 499) DALYs. Low temperature contributed to 1 104 200 (95% UI: 897 783–1 326 965) CVD deaths and 19 768 986 (95% UI: 16 039 594–23 925 945) DALYs. High temperature contributed to 93 095 (95% UI: 10 827–158 386) CVD deaths and 2 098 989 (95% UI: 146 158–3 625 564) DALYs. Between 1990 and 2019, CVD deaths related to non-optimal temperature increased by 45% (95% UI: 32–63%), low temperature by 36% (95% UI: 25–48%), and high temperature by 600% (95% UI: −1879–2027%). Non-optimal temperature- and high temperature-related CVD deaths increased more in countries with low income than countries with high income.

Conclusion

Non-optimal temperatures are significantly associated with global CVD deaths and DALYs, underscoring the significant impact of temperature on public health.
Dynamic expression of mucins and the genes controlling mucin-type O-glycosylation within the mouse respiratory system
Authors: Tian E , Syed Zulfeqhar A , Edin Matthew L , Zeldin Darryl C , Ten Hagen Kelly G
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 global pandemic has underscored the need to understand how viruses and other pathogens are able to infect and replicate within the respiratory system. Recent studies have highlighted the role of highly O-glycosylated mucins in the protection of the respiratory system as well as how mucin-type O-glycosylation may be able to modify viral infectivity. Therefore, we set out to identify the specific genes controlling mucin-type O-glycosylation throughout the mouse respiratory system as well as determine how their expression and the expression of respiratory mucins is influenced by infection or injury. Here, we show that certain mucins and members of the Galnt family are abundantly expressed in specific respiratory tissues/cells and demonstrate unique patterns of O-glycosylation across diverse respiratory tissues. Moreover, we find that the expression of certain Galnts and mucins is altered during lung infection and injury in experimental mice challenged with infectious agents, toxins, and allergens. Finally, we examine gene expression changes of Galnts and mucins in a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our work provides foundational knowledge regarding the specific expression of Galnt enzyme family members and mucins throughout the respiratory system, and how their expression is altered upon lung infection and injury.
Establishment of non-native Anoplophora horsfieldii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Choi Junhyeong , Jang Hyunkyu , Choi Woong , Kwon Woochan , Kim Doyoon , Gim Jaedong , Park Jonghyun , Park Sangwook , Kim Sangil , Shin Seunggwan , Lee Seunghwan
Published: April 2023

The genus Anoplophora (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is among the most well-known insect genera in invasive entomology and is represented by 2 noted invasive alien species: the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1854)) and the Citrus longhorned beetle (Anoplophora chinensis (Forster, 1771)). In this study, a new non-native species belonging to the genus Anoplophora, Anoplophora horsfieldii (Hope, 1843), has been discovered on Jeju Island, South Korea (33°30′N, 126°30′E). Our field survey of the established area and potential habitats nearby identified numerous adult beetles and exit holes in its host, Celtis sinensis Persoon, 1805. This finding emphasizes the importance of continued monitoring and management of this new non-native species, which has the potential to cause significant ecological and economic damage.
Cross-cultural comparison of continuous deep sedation for advanced cancer patients in East Asian countries: prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Chiu-Hsien , Chen Ping-Jen , Mori Masanori , Morita Tatsuya , Cheng Shao-Yi , Suh Sang-Yeon , Kim Sun-Hyun , Yokomichi Naosuke , Imai Kengo , Ito Satoko , Yamaguchi Takashi , Hiratsuka Yusuke , Tsuneto Satoru , Maeda Sayaka ,   the EASED investigators
Published: April 2023

Objective

Cultural, social, and legal factors have been known to affect physicians’ practice of continuous deep sedation. There have been few quantitative studies to compare continuous deep sedation practice in Asian countries. We aimed to describe and compare clinical characteristics of continuous deep sedation in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

Methods

Patients with advanced cancer admitted to participating palliative care units were enrolled from January 2017 to September 2018. We evaluated and compared (i) the prevalence of continuous deep sedation, (ii) the characteristics of sedated and non-sedated groups in each country, and (iii) continuous deep sedation administration patterns among the three countries.

Results

A total of 2158 participants were included in our analysis, and 264 received continuous deep sedation. The continuous deep sedation prevalence was 10, 16 and 22% in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, respectively. Delirium was the most frequent target symptom in all countries, along with dyspnoea (in Japan) and psychological symptoms (in Korea). Midazolam was most frequently used in Japan and Taiwan, but not in Korea (P < 0.001). Among the patients receiving continuous deep sedation, the hydration amount on the final day was significantly different, with median volumes of 200, 500 and 0 mL in Japan, Korea and Taiwan, respectively (P < 0.001). In Korea, 33% of the continuous deep sedation administration caused a high degree of physicians’ discomfort, but 3% in Japan and 5% in Taiwan (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Clinical practices of continuous deep sedation and physicians’ discomfort related to continuous deep sedation initiation highly varied across countries. We need to develop optimal decision-making models of continuous deep sedation and hydration during continuous deep sedation in each country.
Nice but not necessary? Reflections on the role of the arts in Kitcher's The Main Enterprise of the World
Authors: Gibbs Alexis
Published: April 2023

The manifesto presented in Philip Kitcher's exhaustive appraisal of contemporary American education—and the case for its potential reform—is so wide-ranging that it is not possible to do justice to its every component. Instead, I will speak to one of its parts in an attempt to recognize what I take to be the value of the whole. My aim is to address the section on the role of the arts in formal education, and the nature of aesthetic experience within that, to test whether we can take the arts from their current state of being subject to Adam Smith's model of market utility, to being appreciated for their necessary and organic vitality. Kitcher provides strong arguments for exposure to the arts as leading to invaluable aesthetic experiences for young people. By extension—and at times by contrast—I will explore the possibility that the ‘aesthetic’ in aesthetic education does not just come into force with the student's encounter with art works or creative activity in the classroom, but should be integral also to the development of a particular sensibility amongst educators (i.e. the aesthetic education of the educators) for the shape and form of a ‘good’ education, according to its context and circumstance. It is through this sensibility that we might rediscover the necessity of the arts in schools at a time when their importance has been significantly devalued.
Cytokinin-inducible response regulatorSlRR6controls plant height through gibberellin and auxin pathways in tomato
Authors: Liu Yue , Liu Yichen , He Yanjun , Yan Yanqiu , Yu Xiaolin , Ali Muhammad , Pan Changtian , Lu Gang
Published: April 2023

Plant height is a key agronomic trait regulated by several phytohormones such as gibberellins (GAs) and auxin. However, little is known about how cytokinin (CK) participates in this process. Here, we report that SlRR6, a type-A response regulator in the CK signaling pathway, positively regulates plant height in tomato. SlRR6 was induced by exogenous kinetin and GA3, but inhibited by indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Knock out of SlRR6 reduced tomato plant height through shortening internode length, while overexpression of SlRR6 caused taller plants due to increased internode number. Cytological observation of longitudinal stems showed that both knock out and overexpression of SlRR6 generated larger cells, but significantly reduced cell numbers in each internode. Further studies demonstrated that overexpression of SlRR6 enhanced GA accumulation and lowered IAA content, along with expression changes in GA- and IAA-related genes. Exogenous paclobutrazol and IAA treatments restored the increased plant height phenotype in SlRR6-overexpressing lines. Yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that SlRR6 interacts with a small auxin up RNA protein, SlSAUR58. Moreover, SlSAUR58-overexpressing plants were dwarf with decreased internode length. Overall, our findings establish SlRR6 as a vital component in the CK signaling, GA, and IAA regulatory network that controls plant height.
Reconstructed human intestinal comet assay, a possible alternative in vitro model for genotoxicity assessment
Authors: Hughes Christopher Owen , Lim Hui Kheng , Tan Joseph Choon Wee , Leavesley David Ian , Smith Benjamin Paul Chapman
Published: April 2023

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the compatibility of reconstructed 3D human small intestinal microtissues to perform the in vitro comet assay. The comet assay is a common follow-up genotoxicity test to confirm or supplement other genotoxicity data. Technically, it can be performed utilizing a range of in vitro and in vivo assay systems. Here, we have developed a new reconstructed human intestinal comet (RICom) assay protocol for the assessment of orally ingested materials. The human intestine is a major site of food digestion and adsorption, first-pass metabolism as well as an early site of toxicant first contact and thus is a key site for evaluation. Reconstructed intestinal tissues were dosed with eight test chemicals: ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), ethyl nitrosourea (ENU), phenformin hydrochloride (Phen HCl), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), 1,2-dimethylhydrazine hydrochloride (DMH), potassium bromate (KBr), glycidamide (GA), and etoposide (Etop) over a span of 48 h. The RICom assay correctly identified the genotoxicity of EMS, ENU, KBr, and GA. Phen HCl, a known non-genotoxin, did not induce DNA damage in the 3D reconstructed intestinal tissues whilst showing high cytotoxicity as assessed by the assay. The 3D reconstructed intestinal tissues possess sufficient metabolic competency for the successful detection of genotoxicity elicited by BaP, without the use of an exogenous metabolic system. In contrast, DMH, a chemical that requires liver metabolism to exert genotoxicity, did not induce detectable DNA damage in the 3D reconstructed intestinal tissue system. The genotoxicity of Etop, which is dependent on cellular proliferation, was also undetectable. These results suggest the RICom assay protocol is a promising tool for further investigation and safety assessment of novel ingested materials. We recommend that further work will broaden the scope of the 3D reconstructed intestinal tissue comet assay and facilitate broader analyses of genotoxic compounds having more varied modes of actions.
Transcriptome Analysis Revealed thatGhPP2C43-ANegatively Regulates Salinity Tolerance in an Introgression Line from a Semi-Wild Upland Cotton
Authors: Cui Changjiang , Feng Liuchun , Zhou Chenhui , Wan Hui , Zhou Baoliang
Published: April 2023

Salt damage is a major threat to sustainable cotton production owing to the limited arable land in China, which is mainly occupied by the production of staple food crops. Salt-stress-tolerant cotton varieties are lacking in production, and the mechanisms underpinning salt stress tolerance in cotton remain enigmatic. Here, DM37, an intraspecific introgression line from Gossypium hirsutum race yucatanense acc TX-1046 into the G. hirsutum acc TM-1 background, was found to be highly tolerant to salt stress. Its seed germination rate and germination potential were significantly higher than those of the recipient TM-1 under salt stress. Physiological analysis showed that DM37 had a higher proline content and peroxidase activity and lower Na+/K+ ratios at the seedling stage, which is consistent with a higher seedling survival rate after durable salt stress. Furthermore, comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that responsive patterns to salt stress in DM37 were different from those in TM-1. Weighted correlation network analysis demonstrated that co-expression modules associated with salt stress in DM37 also differed from those in TM-1. From this analysis, GhPP2C43-A, a phosphatase gene, was found to exhibit negative regulation of salt stress tolerance verified by virus-induced gene silencing and the genration of transgenic Arabidopsis. Gene expression showed that GhPP2C43-A in TM-1 was induced by durable salt stress but not in DM37, probably attributable to a variation in the cis-element in its promoter, thereby conferring different salt stress tolerance. These results provide new genes/germplasms from semi-wild cotton in salt-stress-tolerant cotton breeding, as well as new insight into the mechanisms underpinning salt stress tolerance in cotton.
The Efficacy of Glutamine Supplementation in Severe Adult Burn Patients: A Systematic Review With Trial Sequential Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ortiz-Reyes Luis , Lee Zheng-Yii , Chin Han Lew Charles , Hill Aileen , Jeschke Marc G. , Turgeon Alexis F. , Cancio Leopoldo , Stoppe Christian , Patel Jayshil J. , Day Andrew G. , Heyland Daren K.
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Evidence supporting glutamine supplementation in severe adult burn patients has created a state of uncertainty due to the variability in the treatment effect reported across small and large randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aimed to systematically review the effect of glutamine supplementation on mortality in severe adult burn patients.

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central were searched from inception to February 10, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION:

RCTs evaluating the effect of enteral or IV glutamine supplementation alone in severe adult burn patients were included.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Two reviewers independently extracted data on study characteristics, burn injury characteristics, description of the intervention between groups, adverse events, and clinical outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Random effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate the pooled risk ratio (RR). Trial sequential analyses (TSA) for mortality and infectious complications were performed. Ten RCTs (1,577 patients) were included. We observed no significant effect of glutamine supplementation on overall mortality (RR, 0.65, 95% CI, 0.33–1.28;p= 0.21), infectious complications (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.63–1.09;p= 0.18), or other secondary outcomes. In subgroup analyses, we observed no significant effects based on administration route or burn severity. We did observe a significant subgroup effect between single and multicenter RCTs in which glutamine significantly reduced mortality and infectious complications in singe-center RCTs but not in multicenter RCTs. However, TSA showed that the pooled results of single-center RCTs were type 1 errors and further trials would be futile.

CONCLUSIONS:

Glutamine supplementation, regardless of administration, does not appear to improve clinical outcomes in severely adult burned patients.
Surgical Treatment for Chest “Lock” Keloid Using Autologous Split-Thickness Skin Grafting and Postoperative Radiotherapy
Authors: Pachuau Lalrintluangi , Wu Xiao-Yan , Fu Mu-Lan , Cui Xiao-Mei , Chen Xiao-Dong
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

The treatment of chest “lock” keloids is challenging due to skin defects and a high recurrence rate.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the effectiveness of autologous split-thickness skin graft with local radiotherapy for treating chest “lock” keloids.

METHODSAND MATERIALS

Fifty-seven patients with chest “lock” keloids were treated from July 2018 to September 2020. The skin defects were closed with an autologous split-thickness skin graft (STSG) and vacuum sealing drainage. The donor and the recipient sites received the first session of radiotherapy 72 hours postoperation for 3 consecutive days. Patients underwent follow-up examinations 12 months after surgery. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to assess the treatment outcome.

RESULTS

Except for the complaints of pain, which did not improve in the patients' assessments (p = .368), POSAS improved significantly after treatment (p < .0001). The cure rate (including cured and partially cured scars) was 100%. No keloid recurrence was observed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The procedure of treating chest “lock” keloid by keloid debulking and autologous STSG followed by postoperational radiotherapy is a novel combined methodology for treating keloids.
Chest Wall Contouring in Transgender Men: A 20-Year Experience from a National Center
Authors: Sundhagen Henriette Pisani , Opheim Ane Bøyum , Wæhre Anne , Oliver Nina Kristine , Tønseth Kim Alexander
Published: April 2023

Background:

Several western countries have experienced a drastic increase of referrals to specialist gender services of transgender and gender-diverse people. Chest wall contouring is an important element in treatment of gender dysphoria. National data concerning this group have yet to be investigated. The aim of this study was to examine and evaluate the techniques and surgical outcome of chest wall contouring from the last 20 years from a single center in Norway.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective review of all female-to-male patients who underwent chest wall contouring surgery at Oslo University Hospital between 2000 and 2020. Statistical analysis with comparison of techniques and evaluation of development over time was examined.

Results:

In total, 333 patients underwent bilateral chest wall contouring, 209 (62.8%) with inframammary incision with free nipple graft (IM), and 124 (37.2%) with periareolar technique (PA). In 20 years, the average age decreased from 31 (19–68) to 24.9 years (17–61). Average body mass index was significantly lower in the PA-group than in the IM-group. Complication rate was 20.7%, with postoperative bleeding being the most frequent (9.6%). Revision surgery was required in 24.9% of the cases; periareolar technique required significantly more procedures.

Conclusions:

The number of patients referred and operated on has increased drastically over a 20-year period. When comparing the techniques, the outcome concerning complications and revisions is at an acceptable level. Postoperative bleeding and revision surgery occur more often with the periareolar technique. There remains a knowledge gap concerning quality of life and satisfaction after surgery within this patient group.
Associations between birth parameters and skin autofluorescence advanced glycation end products and ankle–brachial index in young adulthood: the Malmö Offspring Study
Authors: Sharma Shantanu , Sperling Johannes , Jujic Amra , Bennet Louise , Christensson Anders , Nilsson Peter M.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Low birth weight (LBW), advanced glycation end-products (AGE), and ankle–brachial index (ABI) have all been independently associated with risk of cardiovascular disease. Evidence is lacking on the effect of LBW on adult AGE, a marker of glucose metabolism, and ABI, a marker of peripheral atherosclerosis. The objective was to study these associations in a population-based cohort.

Methods:

Data from the Malmö Offspring Study, Sweden, were used for 2012 participants (958 men, 1054 women) born between 1973 and 2000, linked to the Medical Birth Register. General linear regression analysis (with β coefficients and 95% confidence intervals) was applied for associations between birth weight and skin auto-fluorescence (sf)AGE as well as mean ABI (right/left), before and after adjusting for gestational age, sex, glucose, lipids, smoking, BMI and SBP.

Results:

The mean (SD) age of men was 29.3 (7.3) and of women 28.6 (7.3) years. There was an average 0.054 decrease in sfAGE value per 1 kg increase in birth weight (adjusted for gestational age and sex). Similarly, 1 kg increase in birth weight (adjusted for gestational age and confounders) was associated with an average 0.016 decrease in mean ABI.

Conclusion:

Birth weight, adjusted for gestational age and other confounding variables, is inversely associated with ABI in young adulthood, an age range when ABI may represent hemodynamic changes more than atherosclerosis, but for sfAGE, the association was attenuated upon further adjustment. These risk markers may, therefore, represent mediating pathways for early life factors affecting cardiovascular risk later in life.
Effects of age on the diagnostic value of the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/ placental growth factor ratio in preeclampsia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rezk Marlene , Grasegger Linda , Hamzic Esma , Enengl Sabine , Altmann Reinhard , Stelzl Patrick , Oppelt Peter , Arbeithuber Barbara
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Measurement of the ratio between soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) supports the diagnosis of preeclampsia. sFlt-1/PlGF ratios of at least 85 and at least 110 have previously been suggested for diagnosis of early-onset and late-onset preeclampsia, respectively. However, angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors change throughout the process of aging, potentially influencing preeclampsia diagnosis. In this study, we therefore evaluated in detail the effect of maternal age on sFlt-1/PlGF ratios.

Methods:

A total of 2775 pregnant female patients were included in this retrospective cohort study, spread across three maternal age groups: 18–25 years, 26–35 years, and more than 35 years at delivery. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to evaluate sFlt-1/PlGF ratio cutoffs for use in preeclampsia diagnosis.

Results:

Controls (2462 pregnant women) showed a significant difference in sFlt-1/PlGF ratios between the youngest and oldest age groups, which resulted in differences in the best-performing sFlt-1/PlGF ratio cutoffs: optimized cutoffs were 143.4 (52.9%, 98.2%), 8.6 (84.4%, 75.3%), and 22.9 (78.6%, 82.3%) in early-onset preeclampsia, and 46.4 (67.5%, 81.5%), 40.8 (77.3%, 73%), and 44.1 (65.1%, 74.5%) in late-onset preeclampsia in age groups, 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Conclusion:

sFlt-1/PlGF ratios change with maternal age, which has important clinical implications for their use in the diagnosis of preeclampsia: Better differentiated sFlt-1/PlGF cutoffs should be used that take maternal and gestational age into account.
Size variability and fitting of 30-gauge thin-wall needles and 3-piece intraocular lens haptics for the flanged intrascleral fixation technique
Authors: Stunf Pukl Spela , Kronschläger Martin , Ruiss Manuel , Blouin Stephane , Findl Oliver
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

To assess the diameter of different 30-gauge thin-wall needles and 3-piece intraocular lens (IOL) haptics readily used for the flanged-haptic intrascleral fixation technique.

Setting:

Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria.

Design:

Laboratory investigation.

Methods:

5 30-gauge thin-wall needles and 5 3-piece IOLs were assessed. An upright light microscopy was used for measurements. The inner and outer diameters of the needles and the end thickness of the haptics were analyzed and compared for haptic fitting into the needle.

Results:

Among the needles, the inner diameter of the T-lab needle was significantly wider compared with all the others (mean 209.3 ± 8.0 μm, P < .001), followed by TSK (194.8 ± 5.0 μm), MST (194.7 ± 5.8 μm), Sterimedix (187.5 ± 9.0 μm) and significantly narrower Meso-relle (mean 178.7 ± 7.0 μm, P < .05). The outer diameter of the T-lab needle was significantly larger of all (mean 316.0 ± 2.0 μm, P < .001). Concerning the IOLs, the AvanseePreset Kowa's haptic was significantly thinner (mean 127.2 ± 0.7 μm) than all the others, such as the TecnisZA900 Johnson & Johnson (143.5 ± 3.1 μm), the CTLucia202 Zeiss (143.8 ± 1.3 μm), and the AcrysofMA60AC Alcon (143.9 ± 1.4 μm). The only haptic that was thicker than all the others assessed was that of SensarAR40 Johnson & Johnson (170.7 ± 1.7 μm, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Most of the analyzed haptics would fit into most of the measured needles, with the exception of the Sensar AR40 in combination with the Meso-relle or Sterimedix needles. The combination of a larger needle lumen and a thinner haptic could result in more ease of insertion during surgery. If the dimensions of the needle and IOL haptics used are unknown, we recommend trying insertion before beginning surgery.
Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, a Predictor of Early Cessation of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers Giving Birth Preterm
Authors: Kronborg Hanne , Skaaning Diana , Brødsgaard Anne
Published: April 2023

The aim was to describe the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers of premature infants and investigate the extent to which breastfeeding self-efficacy is associated with early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding.

The study population consisted of 136 mother-infant dyads with information on the outcome of exclusive breastfeeding and exposure of self-efficacy, recruited between September 2016 and February 2018. Data were collected via questionnaires with follow-up at 6 months. The statistical analysis included descriptive analysis with survival curves and logistic regression analysis.

At 2 months, 101 (74%) premature infants were exclusively breastfed; at 4 and 6 months, 82 (60%) and 41 (30%), respectively. Higher levels of self-efficacy were significantly associated with breastfeeding exclusively for 2 months (P = .03). In multivariate analysis, mothers who had a low level of early self-efficacy toward breastfeeding had 2½ times higher odds of breastfeeding cessation before 2 months (odds ratio = 2.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-5.96). The risk did not change when adjusted for potential confounders. Breastfeeding self-efficacy is an early predictor of exclusive breastfeeding for 2 months of the premature infant.

Health professionals should use self-efficacy as a prognostic factor to identify mothers at risk of early cessation of breastfeeding and support those with low self-efficacy to increase duration of exclusive breastfeeding.
Oral Feeding Outcomes in Infants Born With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Nagy Stephanie , Dow Kimberly , Fucile Sandra
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Breastfeeding is the optimal source of nutrition for all infants, but there are limited data on feeding outcomes in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) who are admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a level II/III NICU. Study sample consisted infants with a diagnosis of NAS and those diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome. The primary outcome was attainment of independent oral feeds, defined as the number of days to transition from full-tube to full oral feeds. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay and method (breast or bottle) of oral feeds at the start, at attainment of independent oral feeds, and at hospital discharge.

Results:

Infants with NAS took significantly longer to attain independent oral feeds than controls (P = .021) and received significantly fewer breastfeeds at the start of oral feeds, at independent oral feeds, and at hospital discharge (P = .000). There was no difference in length of hospital stay between groups.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that infants with NAS can experience difficulties achieving independent oral feeds and are less likely to receive breastfeeds. Additional support is required to enhance oral feeds in infants with NAS in the NICU.
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome immediately after coronary angiography: the unexpected complication
Authors: Raccis Mario , Dossi Filippo , Bernardelli Alice , Aste Milena , Berisso Giovanni , Parodi Guido
Published: April 2023

A 44-year-old woman with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) presented to our institution with suspected non ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Shortly after coronary angiography, she developed diplopia, hypotension and chest pain with inferior ST elevation in 12-lead ECG. According to multidisciplinary evaluation, she promptly underwent systemic thrombolysis, with clinical and haemodynamic improvement. Eventually, a diagnosis of catastrophic APS was made, with multiorgan ischemic involvement confirmed by blood examinations and multimodal imaging techniques. A pluridisciplinary approach was central to define optimal medical therapy and in-hospital management that lead to clinical condition improvement at discharge.

In this case, catastrophic APS was triggered or worsened by catheters insertion and invasive manoeuvres within the arterial lumen during coronary angiography. Recognizing catastrophic APS and its potential triggers, can be helpful to deliver prompt and accurate medical assistance. Moreover, in APS patients undergoing coronary angiography, preventive strategies are important to prevent possible unfavourable evolution in catastrophic APS.