bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Cricoid Pressure in Rapid Sequence Induction
Authors: Ali Tariq Omar , El-Boghdadly Kariem
Published: July 2024

Purpose of the Review

This review summarizes current knowledge regarding cricoid pressure in rapid sequence induction. It assesses anatomical concepts, current practice, guidance, evidence of safety and efficacy, and future directions.

Recent Findings

Guidelines have variable recommendations for cricoid pressure, and surveys underscore this variation in practice. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that cricoid pressure may be associated with worse views at direct laryngoscopy, but there is currently no robust data demonstrating that cricoid pressure reduces the risk of pulmonary aspiration. However, evidence demonstrates that correct anatomical localization of the cricoid cartilage is inaccurate without the use of ultrasound, and therefore most of the existing evidence is currently unreliable regarding true efficacy. Moreover, the widespread use of videolaryngoscopy means that worsening views at laryngoscopy might be less of a concern than previously thought.

Current literature and global practice suggest that it is a clinician’s decision based on individual patient risks, and that cricoid pressure—as it is currently performed—likely provides no benefit but probably does minimal clinically relevant harm. The role of accurate cricoid cartilage localization and videolaryngoscopy remains to be fully investigated.
Microstructural analysis of flame-sprayed and PTA-deposited nickel-based self-fluxing alloy coatings
Authors: Vidaković Ivan , Šimunović Katica , Heffer Goran , Špada Vedrana
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the results of microstructural analyses, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis, of the Ni-based self-fluxing alloys NiCrBSi, NiCrBSi–WC, and NiBSi–WC deposited on a previously quenched and tempered (QT) steel substrate 42CrMo4 by flame spraying with simultaneous fusing and plasma transferred arc (PTA) process are presented. The aforementioned microstructural analysis was carried out to determine the microstructural characteristics of the investigated coatings, especially at the coating/substrate interface, and the influences of the spraying and welding technology on the steel substrate. The analysis revealed a change in the microstructure of the coating/substrate interface. Specifically, the diffusion characteristics of certain chemical elements (carbon and iron) from the coating to the substrate and from the substrate to the coating were observed. Additionally, the analysis established the existence of new phases within the coating that arose as a result of the aforementioned diffusion and reaction with chemical elements from the coating. The diffusion of chemical elements was most pronounced in the area of the coating/substrate interface, while it decreased away from this area.
Unleashing the Power of Reliance for Post-Approval Changes: A Journey with 48 National Regulatory Authorities
Authors: Mangia Francesca , Lin Yameng , Armando John , Dominguez Kareny , Rozhnova Vera , Ausborn Susanne
Published: July 2024

Post-approval changes (PACs) to marketed products are routinely introduced to continuously enhance the product lifecycle management. However, bringing a chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) change through the global health authorities can be a complex and lengthy process taking up to several years, therefore negatively impacting supply continuity. In order to accelerate the review and approval of regulatory submissions and ensure continuous supply to patients, the World Health Organization (WHO) is strongly supporting the implementation of reliance among National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs). While some promising developments have been made with the use of reliance pathways for initial marketing authorizations, reliance is still not widely used for PACs. With the support of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and WHO, Roche launched a reliance pilot based on EMA approval to file a supply critical variation for a monoclonal antibody. The variation constitutes major changes to the approved manufacturing process. Sameness of the product is ensured by submitting to all participants the same variation package as in the EU. The objectives of the pilot are to ensure continuous supply of this critical medicine by targeting global approval in 6.5 months, to promote regulatory convergence by waiving country specific requirements, and enhance greater transparency by sharing EMA Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) final assessment report and Q&As to participating NRAs. Globally 48 NRAs have agreed to join the pilot. This article outlines the process of establishing the pilot project, including a planning phase and an engagement phase with the EMA, WHO and the participating NRAs.
Political appointments to rector positions: a shifting landscape in Turkish academia
Authors: Elgin Ceyhun
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the shifting landscape of higher education in Turkey, highlighting a disconcerting trend of politically motivated appointments, coined as “parasailing.” Departing from traditional merit-based norms, this practice of appointing professors without necessary approvals disrupts the academic environment, prompting concerns about the integrity of higher education institutions. The paper introduces the term “parasailing” to elucidate this phenomenon, emphasizing the connection between the appointed professor and their academic destination. In contrast to the widely used term “parachuting,” in Turkish academia the proposed terminology offers a better understanding of the appointment process. The subsequent sections provide an overview of the Turkish academic landscape, explore the origin of the term “parachuting,” review existing literature, define “parasailing,” and connect it to different philosophical thoughts. Overall, this paper contributes to a broader comprehension of the challenges facing Turkish higher education, urging a reconsideration of appointment procedures.
Measuring Bedload Motion Time at Second Resolution Using Benford's Law on Acoustic Data
Authors: Yang Ci‐Jian , Turowski Jens M. , Zhou Qi , Nativ Ron , Tang Hui , Chang Jui‐Ming , Chen Wen‐Sheng
Published: July 2024

Bedload transport is a natural process that strongly affects the Earth's surface system. An important component of quantifying bedload transport flux and establishing early warning systems is the identification of the onset of bedload motion. Bedload transport can be monitored with high temporal resolution using passive acoustic methods, for example, hydrophones. Yet, an efficient method for identifying the onset of bedload transport from long‐term continuous acoustic data is still lacking. Benford's Law defines a probability distribution of the first‐digit of data sets and has been used to identify anomalies. Here, we apply Benford's law to continuous acoustic recordings from Baiyang hydrometric station, a tributary of Liwu River, Taroko National Park, Taiwan at the frequency of 32 kHz from stationary hydrophones deployed for 3 years since 2019. We construct a workflow to parse sound combinations of bedload transportation and analyze them in the context of hydrometric sensing constraining the onset, and recession of bedload transport. We identified three separate sound classes in the data related to the noise produced by the motion of pebbles, water flow, and air. We identify two bedload transport events that lasted 17 and 45 hr, respectively, covering about 0.35% of the total recorded time. The workflow could be transferred to other different catchments, events, or data sets. Due to the influence of instrument and background noise on the regularity of the residuals of the first‐digit, we recommend identifying the first‐digit distribution of the background noise and ruling it out before implementing this workflow.
A Mission to Uranus Requires a Community-Building Effort on Earth
Authors: Leonard Erin , Hofstadter Mark , Rowe-Gurney Naomi , Jasinski Jamie , Atkinson David
Published: July 2024

Planning the first mission to Uranus since the 1980s offers an opportunity to build a diverse, interdisciplinary team that spans generations.
Ground Urban Heat Island: Strengthening the Connection Between Spaceborne Thermal Observations and Urban Heat Risk Management
Authors: Hu Leiqiu , Uejio Christopher
Published: July 2024

As urbanization progresses under a changing climate, urban populations face increasing threats from chronically higher heat exposures and more frequent extreme heat events. Understanding the complex urban thermal exposure patterns becomes crucial for effective heat risk management. The spatial advantage of satellite thermal observations positions surface urban heat islands (SUHI) as a primary measure for such applications at the city scale. However, satellite‐inherent biases pose considerable uncertainties. To improve the representation of human‐relevant heat exposure, this study proposes a simple but effective satellite‐based measure– ground urban heat island (GUHI), focusing solely on radiant temperatures from urban ground elements. Leveraging ECOSTRESS land surface temperature product and radiation‐based statistical downscaling, diurnally representative GUHIs were evaluated over NYC. The findings reveal that overall GUHI is consistently warmer than SUHI diurnally. However, GUHI exhibits complex spatial contrasts with SUHI, primarily influenced by vegetation coverage. Various indicators associated with urban structures and materials were examined, showing important but dissimilar roles in shaping the spatial dynamics of GUHI and SUHI. This study highlights the value of satellite thermal observations compared to air temperature while addressing uncertainties in widely adopted practices of using them. By improving the depiction of human‐related urban heat patterns from Earth observations, this research offers valuable insight and more reliable measures to address the urgent requirements for urban heat risk management globally.
Electrical Resistivity Changes During Heating Experiments Unravel Heterogeneous Thermal‐Hydrological‐Mechanical Processes in Salt Formations
Authors: Chen Hang , Wang Jiannan , Luo Linqing , Otto Shawn , Davis Jon , Kuhlman Kristopher L. , Wu Yuxin
Published: July 2024

Rock salt is considered a suitable medium for the permanent disposal of heat‐generating radioactive waste due to its isolation properties. However, excavation damage and heating induce complex and heterogeneous thermal‐hydrological‐mechanical (THM) processes across different zones. Quantifying this heterogeneity is crucial for accurate long‐term performance assessment models, but traditional methods lack the necessary resolution. This study employs 4D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) monitoring during controlled heating experiments in a salt formation to unravel the spatiotemporal dynamics of THM processes. Advanced time‐lapse inversion and clustering analysis quantify subsurface properties and map the heterogeneity of THM dynamics. The ERT results can estimate subsurface properties and delineate the damaged and intact zones, enabling appropriate parameterization and representation of processes for long‐term modeling. This approach may be used in further improving the predictive models and ensuring the safe long‐term disposal of radioactive waste in rock salt.
The Response of Ross Sea Shelf Water Properties to Enhanced Amundsen Sea Ice Shelf Melting
Authors: Xie Chuan , Zhang Zhaoru , Chen Yuanjie , Wang Chuning , Zhou Meng
Published: July 2024

Ice shelves in the Amundsen Sea have experienced the most rapid melting in the Antarctic and are expected to accelerate throughout this century under climate warming. In this study, a high‐resolution ocean‐sea ice‐ice shelf model is employed to conduct sensitivity experiments to explore the effects of increasing melt rates of the Amundsen Sea ice shelves on hydrography, sea ice and ice shelf in the Ross Sea. The results indicate that the substantial inflow of meltwater significantly freshens the Ross Sea, inhibiting the formation and export of the Dense Shelf Water, the volume of which is reduced by 19%–33% on the shelf. Temperatures in the eastern and western Ross Sea exhibit different responses to the enhanced meltwater input. The freshening of the western Ross Sea weakens the mesoscale eddy activities which are efficient in carrying warm Circumpolar Deep Water onto the shelf, leading to an average temperature decrease of 0.02–0.08°C. Conversely, in the eastern Ross Sea, there is a marked warming outside the shelf under increased meltwater, which results from zonal pressure gradients associated with the meltwater distributions. This consequently causes stronger on‐shelf heat transport and shows warming of 0.12–0.22°C on the eastern Ross Sea shelf. The narrow shelf in the eastern Ross Sea allows the warmer water to reach the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) front, resulting in an about 6%–9% increase in the RIS melting. These results suggest a possible mechanism for acceleration in the RIS melting in the future that is associated with enhanced meltwater inflow.
Mutation in Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) A428D confers resistance To BTK-degrader therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Wong Richard L. , Choi Michael Y. , Wang Huan-You , Kipps Thomas J.
Published: July 2024

Targeting BTK has profoundly changed the face of CLL treatment over the past decade. Iterative advances in the cat and mouse game of resistance and redesign have moved BTK inhibitors from covalent to non-covalent and now targeted protein degraders. However, contrary to the presumption that protein degraders may be impervious to mutations in BTK, we now present clinical evidence that a mutation in the kinase domain of BTK, namely A428D, can confer disease resistance to a BTK degrader currently in clinical trials, that is BGB-16673. Modeling of a BTK A428D mutation places a negatively charged aspartic acid in place of the hydrophobic side chain of alanine within the binding pocket of another BTK-degrader in clinical development, namely NX-2127, suggesting that CLL cells with BTK A428D also may be resistant to NX-2127, as they already are known to be with either non-covalent or covalent inhibitors of BTK. Consequently, the two BTK degraders furthest advanced in clinical trials potentially may select for CLL cells with BTK A428D that are resistant to all approved BTKi’s.
An exploratory study of the damage markers NfL, GFAP, and t-Tau, in cerebrospinal fluid and other findings from a patient cohort enriched for suspected autoimmune psychiatric disease
Authors: Syk Mikaela , Tornvind Emma , Gallwitz Maike , Fällmar David , Amandusson Åsa , Rothkegel Holger , Danfors Torsten , Thulin Måns , Rasmusson Annica J. , Cervenka Simon , Pollak Thomas A. , Endres Dominique , van Elst Ludger Tebartz , Bodén Robert , Nilsson Björn M. , Nordmark Gunnel , Burman Joachim , Cunningham Janet L.
Published: July 2024

There is growing evidence suggesting that immunological mechanisms play a significant role in the development of psychiatric symptoms in certain patient subgroups. However, the relationship between clinical red flags for suspected autoimmune psychiatric disease and signs of central nervous system (CNS) pathology (e.g., routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) alterations, CNS damage markers, neurophysiological or neuroimaging findings) has received limited attention. Here, we aimed to describe the prevalence and distribution of potential CNS pathologies in psychiatric patients in relation to clinical red flags for autoimmune psychiatric disease and psychiatric symptoms. CSF routine findings and CNS damage markers; neurofilament light chain protein (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and total Tau (t-Tau), in CSF from 127 patients with psychiatric disease preselected for suspected immunological involvement were related to recently proposed clinical red flags, psychiatric features, and MRI and EEG findings. Twenty-one percent had abnormal routine CSF findings and 27% had elevated levels of CNS damage markers. Six percent had anti-neuronal antibodies in serum and 2% had these antibodies in the CSF. Sixty-six percent of patients examined with MRI (n = 88) had alterations, mostly atrophy or nonspecific white matter lesions. Twenty-seven percent of patients with EEG recordings (n = 70) had abnormal findings. Elevated NfL levels were associated with comorbid autoimmunity and affective dysregulation symptoms. Elevated t-Tau was associated with catatonia and higher ratings of agitation/hyperactivity. Elevated GFAP was associated with acute onset, atypical presentation, infectious prodrome, tics, depressive/anxiety symptom ratings and overall greater psychiatric symptom burden. In conclusion, preselection based on suspected autoimmune psychiatric disease identifies a population with a high prevalence of CSF alterations suggesting CNS pathology. Future studies should examine the value of these markers in predicting treatment responses.
Air pollution impacts from warehousing in the United States uncovered with satellite data
Authors: Kerr Gaige Hunter , Meyer Michelle , Goldberg Daniel L. , Miller Joshua , Anenberg Susan C.
Published: July 2024

Regulators, environmental advocates, and community groups in the United States (U.S.) are concerned about air pollution associated with the proliferating e-commerce and warehousing industries. Nationwide datasets of warehouse locations, traffic, and satellite observations of the traffic-related pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2) provide a unique capability to evaluate the air quality and environmental equity impacts of these geographically-dispersed emission sources. Here, we show that the nearly 150,000 warehouses in the U.S. worsen local traffic-related air pollution with an average near-warehouse NO2 enhancement of nearly 20% and are disproportionately located in marginalized and minoritized communities. Near-warehouse truck traffic and NO2 significantly increase as warehouse density and the number of warehouse loading docks and parking spaces increase. Increased satellite-observed NO2 near warehouses underscores the need for indirect source rules, incentives for replacing old trucks, and corporate commitments towards electrification. Future ground-based monitoring campaigns may help track impacts of individual or small clusters of facilities.
Reconstruction of zinc-metal battery solvation structures operating from −50 ~ +100 °C
Authors: Yao Lingbo , Liu Jiahe , Zhang Feifan , Wen Bo , Chi Xiaowei , Liu Yu
Published: July 2024

Serious solvation effect of zinc ions has been considered as the cause of the severe side reactions (hydrogen evolution, passivation, dendrites, and etc.) of aqueous zinc metal batteries. Even though the regulation of cationic solvation structure has been widely studied, effects of the anionic solvation structures on the zinc metal were rarely examined. Herein, co-reconstruction of anionic and cationic solvation structures was realized through constructing a new multi-component electrolyte (Zn(BF4)2-glycerol-boric acid-chitosan-polyacrylamide, simplified as ZGBCP), which incorporates double crosslinking network via the esterification, protonation and polymerization reactions, thereby combining multiple advantages of ‘liquid-like’ high conductivity, ‘gel-like’ robust interface, and ‘solid-like’ high Zn2+ transfer number. Based on the ZGBCP electrolyte, the Zn anodes achieve record-low polarization and stable cycling. Furthermore, the ZGBCP electrolyte renders the AZMBs ultrawide working temperature (−50 °C ~ +100 °C) and ultralong cycle life (30000 cycles), which further validates the feasibility of the dual solvation structure strategy and provides a innovative perspective for the development of high-performance AZMBs.
Uncovering the phonon spectra and lattice dynamics of plastically deformable InSe van der Waals crystals
Authors: Wu Jiangtao , Lin Yifei , Shu Mingfang , Liu Yifei , Ma Yupeng , Lin Gaoting , Zhang Cuiping , Jiao Pengfei , Zhu Fengfeng , Wu Yan , Ewings Russell A. , Walker Helen C. , Deng Guochu , Chi Songxue , Jiang Shengwei , Baggioli Matteo , Jin Min , Wang Haozhe , Xie Weiwei , Wei Tian-Ran , Yang Jiong , Shi Xun , Ma Jie
Published: July 2024

Stacking two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials in a layered bulk structure provides an appealing platform for the emergence of exotic physical properties. As a vdW crystal with exceptional plasticity, InSe offers the opportunity to explore various effects arising from the coupling of its peculiar mechanical behaviors and other physical properties. Here, we employ neutron scattering techniques to investigate the correlations of plastic interlayer slip, lattice anharmonicity, and thermal transport in InSe crystals. Not only are the interlayer slip direction and magnitude well captured by shifts in the Bragg reflections, but we also observe a deviation from the expected Debye behaviour in the heat capacity and lattice thermal conductivity. Combining the experimental data with first-principles calculations, we tentatively attribute the observed evidence of strong phonon-phonon interactions to a combination of a large acoustic-optical frequency resonance and a nesting effect. These findings correlate the macroscopic plastic slip and the microscopic lattice dynamics, providing insights into the mechano-thermo coupling and modulation in 2D vdW materials.
Many-body enhancement of high-harmonic generation in monolayer MoS2
Authors: Chang Lee Victor , Yue Lun , Gaarde Mette B. , Chan Yang-hao , Qiu Diana Y.
Published: July 2024

Many-body effects play an important role in enhancing and modifying optical absorption and other excited-state properties of solids in the perturbative regime, but their role in high harmonic generation (HHG) and other nonlinear response beyond the perturbative regime is not well-understood. We develop here an ab initio many-body method to study nonperturbative HHG based on the real-time propagation of the non-equilibrium Green’s function with the GW self energy. We calculate the HHG of monolayer MoS2 and obtain good agreement with experiment, including the reproduction of characteristic patterns of monotonic and nonmonotonic harmonic yield in the parallel and perpendicular responses, respectively. Here, we show that many-body effects are especially important to accurately reproduce the spectral features in the perpendicular response, which reflect a complex interplay of electron-hole interactions (or exciton effects) in tandem with the many-body renormalization and Berry curvature of the independent quasiparticle bandstructure.
Multiomic profiling of medulloblastoma reveals subtype-specific targetable alterations at the proteome and N-glycan level
Authors: Godbole Shweta , Voß Hannah , Gocke Antonia , Schlumbohm Simon , Schumann Yannis , Peng Bojia , Mynarek Martin , Rutkowski Stefan , Dottermusch Matthias , Dorostkar Mario M. , Korshunov Andrey , Mair Thomas , Pfister Stefan M. , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Hotze Madlen , Neumann Philipp , Hartmann Christian , Weis Joachim , Liesche-Starnecker Friederike , Guan Yudong , Moritz Manuela , Siebels Bente , Struve Nina , Schlüter Hartmut , Schüller Ulrich , Krisp Christoph , Neumann Julia E.
Published: July 2024

Medulloblastomas (MBs) are malignant pediatric brain tumors that are molecularly and clinically heterogenous. The application of omics technologies—mainly studying nucleic acids—has significantly improved MB classification and stratification, but treatment options are still unsatisfactory. The proteome and their N-glycans hold the potential to discover clinically relevant phenotypes and targetable pathways. We compile a harmonized proteome dataset of 167 MBs and integrate findings with DNA methylome, transcriptome and N-glycome data. We show six proteome MB subtypes, that can be assigned to two main molecular programs: transcription/translation (pSHHt, pWNT and pG3myc), and synapses/immunological processes (pSHHs, pG3 and pG4). Multiomic analysis reveals different conservation levels of proteome features across MB subtypes at the DNA methylome level. Aggressive pGroup3myc MBs and favorable pWNT MBs are most similar in cluster hierarchies concerning overall proteome patterns but show different protein abundances of the vincristine resistance-associated multiprotein complex TriC/CCT and of N-glycan turnover-associated factors. The N-glycome reflects proteome subtypes and complex-bisecting N-glycans characterize pGroup3myc tumors. Our results shed light on targetable alterations in MB and set a foundation for potential immunotherapies targeting glycan structures.
Future changes in coastal upwelling and biological production in eastern boundary upwelling systems
Authors: Du Tianshi , Wang Shengpeng , Jing Zhao , Wu Lixin , Zhang Chao , Zhang Bihan
Published: July 2024

Upwelling along oceanic eastern boundaries has attracted significant attention due to its profound effects on ocean productivity and associated biological and socioeconomic implications. However, uncertainty persists regarding the evolution of coastal upwelling with climate change, particularly its impact on future biological production. Here, using a series of state-of-the-art climate models, we identify a significant seasonal advancement and prolonged duration of upwelling in major upwelling systems. Nevertheless, the upwelling intensity (total volume of upwelled water) exhibits complex changes in the future. In the North Pacific, the upwelling is expected to attenuate, albeit with a minor magnitude. Conversely, in other basins, coastal upwelling diminishes significantly in equatorward regions but displays a slight decline or even an enhancement at higher latitudes. The climate simulations also reveal a robust connection between changes in upwelling intensity and net primary production, highlighting the crucial impact of future coastal upwelling alterations on marine ecosystems.
Tunable even- and odd-denominator fractional quantum Hall states in trilayer graphene
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Huang Yan , Li Qingxin , Tong Bingbing , Kuang Guangli , Xi Chuanying , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Liu Guangtong , Zhu Zheng , Lu Li , Zhang Fu-Chun , Wu Ying-Hai , Wang Lei
Published: July 2024

Fractional quantum Hall (FQH) states are exotic quantum many-body phases whose elementary charged excitations are anyons obeying fractional braiding statistics. While most FQH states are believed to have Abelian anyons, the Moore–Read type states with even denominators – appearing at half filling of a Landau level (LL) – are predicted to possess non-Abelian excitations with appealing potential in topological quantum computation. These states, however, depend sensitively on the orbital contents of the single-particle LL wavefunctions and the LL mixing. Here we report magnetotransport measurements on Bernal-stacked trilayer graphene, whose multiband structure facilitates interlaced LL mixing, which can be controlled by external magnetic and displacement fields. We observe robust FQH states including even-denominator ones at filling factors ν = − 9/2, − 3/2, 3/2 and 9/2. In addition, we fine-tune the LL mixing and crossings to drive quantum phase transitions of these half-filling states and neighbouring odd-denominator ones, exhibiting related emerging and waning behaviour.
Innovative molecular networking analysis of steroids and characterisation of the urinary steroidome
Authors: Chen Ting , Massias Justine , Bertrand Samuel , Guitton Yann , Le Bizec Bruno , Dervilly Gaud
Published: July 2024

Steroids are cholesterol-derived biomolecules that play an essential role in biological processes. These substances used as growth promoters in animals are strictly regulated worldwide. Targeted assays are the conventional methods of monitoring steroid abuse, with limitations: only detect known metabolites. Metabolism leads to many potential compounds (isomers), which complicates the analysis. Thus, to overcome these limitations, non-targeted analysis offers new opportunities for a deeper understanding of metabolites related to steroid metabolism. Molecular networking (MN) appears to be an innovative strategy combining high-resolution mass spectrometry and specific data processing to study metabolic pathways. In the present study, two databases and networks of steroids were constructed to lay the foundations for the implementation of the GNPS-MN approach. Steroids of the same family were grouped together, nandrolone and testosterone were linked to other analogues. This network and associated database were then applied to a few urine samples in order to demonstrate the annotation capacity in steroidome study. The results show that MN strategy could be used to study steroid metabolism and highlight biomarkers.
A Curated Cell Life Imaging Dataset of Immune-enriched Pancreatic Cancer Organoids with Pre-trained AI Models
Authors: Kulkarni Ajinkya , Ferreira Nathalia , Scodellaro Riccardo , Choezom Dolma , Alves Frauke
Published: July 2024

Tumor organoids are three-dimensional in vitro models which can recapitulate the complex mutational landscape and tissue architecture observed in cancer patients, providing a realistic model for testing novel therapies, including immunotherapies. A significant challenge in organoid research in oncology lies in developing efficient and reliable methods for segmenting organoid images, quantifying organoid growth, regression and response to treatments, as well as predicting the behavior of organoid systems. Up to now, a curated dataset of organoids co-cultured with immune cells is not available. To address this gap, we present a new public dataset, comprising both phase-contrast images of murine and patient-derived tumor organoids of one of the deadliest cancer types, the Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, co-cultured with immune cells, and state-of-the-art algorithms for object detection and segmentation. Our dataset, OrganoIDNetData, encompassing 180 images with 33906 organoids, can be a potential common benchmark for different organoids segmentation protocols, moving beyond the current practice of training and testing these algorithms on isolated datasets.
Distribution and habitat database of fluvial Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Coleoptera from Sierra Nevada, Spain
Authors: López-Rodríguez Manuel Jesús , Ros-Candeira Andrea , Fajardo Merlo María del Carmen , Sáinz Bariáin Marta , Sainz-Cantero Caparrós Carmen Elisa , Tierno de Figueroa José Manuel , Zamora-Muñoz Carmen
Published: July 2024

Sierra Nevada (southern Iberian Peninsula) harbours a great biodiversity and the studies on some aquatic insect groups have been and continue to be numerous there. This database brings together information on Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Coleoptera inhabiting running waters of this mountain system above 800 m of altitude. It includes data on the number, life stage and sex of individuals as well as the available information on abiotic characteristics of their habitats. The dataset is composed of 1,718 sampling events carried out between 1901 and 2022 in approximately 60 different water bodies, 15,347 occurrences pertaining to more than 203,000 individuals, and 10,173 records of associated measurements (23 physico-chemical parameters). The dataset is the result of a comprehensive review of scientific literature and of integrating data from recent research projects and the Sierra Nevada Global-Change Observatory’s long-term monitoring data. This information is valuable for those studying past distributions and abundances of the species in the dataset, for building predictive models or just studying temporal trends in the current context of climate change.
Defining a core breath profile for healthy, non-human primates
Authors: Bobak Carly A. , Stevenson Keisean A. J. M. , Sun Ning , Khan Mohammad S. , Azmir Jannatul , Beccaria Marco , Tomko Jaime A. , Fillmore Daniel , Scanga Charles A. , Lin Philana L. , Flynn JoAnne L. , Hill Jane E.
Published: July 2024

Non-human primates remain the most useful and reliable pre-clinical model for many human diseases. Primate breath profiles have previously distinguished healthy animals from diseased, including non-human primates. Breath collection is relatively non-invasive, so this motivated us to define a healthy baseline breath profile that could be used in studies evaluating disease, therapies, and vaccines in non-human primates. A pilot study, which enrolled 30 healthy macaques, was conducted. Macaque breath molecules were sampled into a Tedlar bag, concentrated onto a thermal desorption tube, then desorbed and analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry. These breath samples contained 2,017 features, of which 113 molecules were present in all breath samples. The core breathprint was dominated by aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds, and carbonyl compounds. The data were internally validated with additional breath samples from a subset of 19 of these non-human primates. A critical core consisting of 23 highly abundant and invariant molecules was identified as a pragmatic breathprint set, useful for future validation studies in healthy primates.
Sand mining deteriorates soil fertility and farming livelihoods around Accra, Ghana
Authors: Hemmler Katharina Salomea , Asare Kofi Yeboah , Tenkorang Emmanuel Yamoah , Buerkert Andreas
Published: July 2024

Urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa requires vast quantities of sand to meet infrastructural demands. In Accra, Ghana, sand mining occurs predominantly on farmlands at the city’s periphery. We selected three study communities to assess the effects of sand mining on agriculture using interviews with local farmers and soil analyses of mined and unmined fields. The results underscore the profound repercussions of sand mining on farmers, characterized by substantial agricultural land loss, the destruction of food crops, and the absence of compensation payments or land reclamation. The study further reveals a significant decline in soil fertility of mined fields compared to unmined fields as evidenced by reduced levels of carbon (C, by 6.3 g kg-1) and macronutrients (nitrogen (N, by 0.6 g kg-1), phosphorus (P, 12.7 mg kg-1), potassium (K, 77 mg kg-1) and magnesium (Mg, 88 mg kg-1)), and an increase in soil compaction (bulk density by 0.13 g cm-3 and penetration resistance by 0.11 MPa). Soil texture and pH were altered and sodium (Na, by 16 mg kg-1) and soil moisture (by 4%) increased. On a communal level, sand mining adversely affected water availability, road infrastructure, and the health of residents. The study fills research gaps on the effects of sand mining on agricultural productivity, soil fertility and livelihoods, emphasizing the urgent need for effective regulation, law enforcement and collaboration as well as compensation and land reclamation mechanisms to limit the adverse impacts of sand mining on ecosystem services. Further, the use of more sustainable building materials should be fostered to reduce the demand for sand in Ghana.
Soil conditions modify species diversity effects on tree functional trait expression
Authors: Davrinche Andréa , Haider Sylvia
Published: July 2024

Examples of positive effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functions have kept accumulating in the last two decades, and functional traits are considered suitable tools to explain their underlying mechanisms. However, traits are rarely studied at the scale where these mechanisms (e.g., complementarity) are likely to originate, that is, between two interacting individuals. In an 18-month greenhouse experiment, we investigated how species diversity (i.e., monospecific or heterospecific tree pairs) affects within-individual leaf traits expression and variation and how this effect is modified by soil conditions. While resource addition through phosphorus fertilization partly strengthened the diversity effects, inoculation of soil microbiota (potentially leading to increased resource accessibility) resulted in counter effects. Hence, in contrast to our expectations, we did not find synergistic effects of the two soil treatments, but we found distinct effects on species following an acquisitive or conservative growth strategy. Overall, our study showed that the effect of species diversity on young trees’ adaptability and resource-use strategy needs to be considered alongside soil biotic and abiotic aspects. The influence of soil conditions on species diversity effects is essential to understand mechanisms behind complementarity at the individual level, which ultimately translate to the community scale.
Correlation of BUB1 and BUB1B with the development and prognosis of endometrial cancer
Authors: Zhang Huicong , li yuhao , Lu Huixia
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the expression and clinical significance of budding uninhibited by benzimidazole 1 (BUB1) and BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B (BUB1B) in endometrial carcinoma (EC). BUB1 and BUBIB expressions were evaluated by bioinformatics. Protein expression, clinical features, prognosis and immune cell infiltration were explored in 20 EC tumors. siRNA was used to evaluate BUB1 and BUBIB function in EC cells. BUB1 and BUBIB were highly expressed in 26 cancers. BUB1 was associated with overall survival (OS) in eight cancers and disease-free survival in ten; BUB1B was associated with OS in nine cancers and DFS in eleven. BUB1 and BUBIB exhibited high frequencies of gene changes (mainly mutations, > 5%) in cancer. BUB1 was negatively correlated and BUB1B was positively correlated with cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cell infiltration. BUB1 and BUBIB knockdown decreased migration and invasion in EC cells. High BUB1 expression correlated with tumor malignant phenotypes (P < 0.05). High BUB1 mRNA expression reduced OS (P = 0.00036) and recurrence-free survival (P = 0.0011). High BUB1B mRNA expression reduced OS (P = 0.0024). BUB1/BUB1B correlated with activated CD8 + T and CD4 + T cell infiltration. BUB1 and BUBIB are highly expressed and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics in EC. BUB1 and BUBIB are potential prognosis markers and immunotherapy targets.
A randomised controlled test in virtual reality of the effects on paranoid thoughts of virtual humans’ facial animation and expression
Authors: Wei Shu , Freeman Daniel , Harris Victoria , Rovira Aitor
Published: July 2024

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used in the study and treatment of paranoia. This is based on the finding that people who mistakenly perceive hostile intent from other people also perceive similar threat from virtual characters. However, there has been no study of the programming characteristics of virtual characters that may influence their interpretation. We set out to investigate how the animation and expressions of virtual humans may affect paranoia. In a two-by-two factor, between-groups, randomized design, 122 individuals with elevated paranoia rated their perceptions of virtual humans, set in an eye-tracking enabled VR lift scenario, that varied in facial animation (static or animated) and expression (neutral or positive). Both facial animation (group difference = 102.328 [51.783, 152.872], p < 0.001, $${\eta }_{p}^{2}\hspace{0.17em}$$

η

p

2

= 0.125) and positive expressions (group difference = 53.016 [0.054, 105.979], p = 0.049, $${\eta }_{p}^{2}\hspace{0.17em}$$

η

p

2

= 0.033) led to less triggering of paranoid thoughts about the virtual humans. Facial animation (group difference = 2.442 [− 4.161, − 0.724], p = 0.006, $${\eta }_{p}^{2}\hspace{0.17em}$$

η

p

2

= 0.063) but not positive expressions (group difference = 0.344 [− 1.429, 2.110], p = 0.681, $${\eta }_{p}^{2}\hspace{0.17em}$$

η

p

2

= 0.001) significantly increased the likelihood of neutral thoughts about the characters. Our study shows that the detailed programming of virtual humans can impact the occurrence of paranoid thoughts in VR. The programming of virtual humans needs careful consideration depending on the purpose of their use.
Regression course of ostium granulomas under topical intranasal steroids coverage after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Ma Shang-Te , Shin Seonae , Navale Apurva , Woo Kyung In
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to elucidate the regression process of ostium granulomas under the usage of intranasal steroid after primary endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). The authors retrospectively reviewed 57 patients (a total of 72 ostia) who had ostium granulomas after primary endoscopic DCR between 2011 and 2015. Topical intranasal steroid spray was applied in all the patients since postoperative day 1. Adjunctive intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections were administered for extensive and large-sized granulomas that caused impending ostium blockage. Sequential regression of the ostium granulomas and success rates of DCR were assessed using endoscopic photos. The granulomas completely disappeared in 69 (95.8%) ostia, and the average time interval from the surgery to the disappearance was 6.9 ± 2.8 months. Anatomical and functional surgical success rates were 90.3% and 84.7%, respectively. Intralesional steroid injections for ostium granulomas did not alter the outcomes compared to topical intranasal steroid usage significantly (p = 0.445). In conclusion, we observed that, by continuing the usage of intranasal steroids, ostium granulomas disappear gradually at postoperative 6 months. The intranasal surgical manipulation of granulomas, which results in more mucosal cicatricial change and impedes patient satisfaction, can be successfully avoided.
B cells secrete functional antigen-specific IgG antibodies on extracellular vesicles
Authors: Rival Claudia , Mandal Mahua , Cramton Kayla , Qiao Hui , Arish Mohd , Sun Jie , McCann James V. , Dudley Andrew C. , Solga Michael D. , Erdbrügger Uta , Erickson Loren D.
Published: July 2024

B cells and the antibodies they produce are critical in host defense against pathogens and contribute to various immune-mediated diseases. B cells responding to activating signals in vitro release extracellular vesicles (EV) that carry surface antibodies, yet B cell production of EVs that express antibodies and their function in vivo is incompletely understood. Using transgenic mice expressing the Cre recombinase in B cells switching to IgG1 to induce expression of fusion proteins between emerald green fluorescent protein (emGFP) and the EV tetraspanin CD63 as a model, we identify emGFP expression in B cells responding to foreign antigen in vivo and characterize the emGFP+ EVs they release. Our data suggests that emGFP+ germinal center B cells undergoing immunoglobulin class switching to express IgG and their progeny memory B cells and plasma cells, also emGFP+, are sources of circulating antigen-specific IgG+ EVs. Furthermore, using a mouse model of influenza virus infection, we find that IgG+ EVs specific for the influenza hemagglutinin antigen protect against virus infection. In addition, crossing the B cell Cre driver EV reporter mice onto the Nba2 lupus-prone strain revealed increased circulating emGFP+ EVs that expressed surface IgG against nuclear antigens linked to autoimmunity. These data identify EVs loaded with antibodies as a novel route for antibody secretion in B cells that contribute to adaptive immune responses, with important implications for different functions of IgG+ EVs in infection and autoimmunity.
Intensification of Cr(VI) adsorption using activated carbon adsorbent modified with ammonium persulfate
Authors: Zahakifar Fazel , Dashtinejad Maryam , Sepehrian Hamid , Samadfam Mohammad , Fasihi Javad , Yadollahi Ali
Published: July 2024

Granular activated carbon has been modified by ammonium persulfate as a new adsorbent for Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was characterized by nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm data and infrared spectroscopy. The impact of different factors, such as the initial pH level of the solution, time, temperature, ionic strength, and initial concentration of the Cr(VI) ion, on the adsorption efficiencies of the adsorbent has been studied by batch experiments. Kinetic studies and the adsorption thermodynamics of Cr(VI) with ammonium persulfate-modified activated carbon adsorbent were carefully studied. The results showed that the Cr(VI) adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the adsorption reaction is endothermic and spontaneous. The adsorption isotherm was scrutinized, and the fitting results showed that the Langmuir model could well represent the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) onto persulfate-modified activated carbon was 108.69 mg g−1. The research results showed that using persulfate-modified activated carbon adsorbent can greatly remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.
Functionalization of PEDOT:PSS for aptamer-based sensing of IL6 using organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Burtscher Bernhard , Diacci Chiara , Makhinia Anatolii , Savvakis Marios , Gabrielsson Erik O. , Veith Lothar , Liu Xianjie , Strakosas Xenofon , Simon Daniel T.
Published: July 2024

Here we propose a strategy to functionalize poly(ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) based organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) for sensing the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL6). For this aim we use diazonium chemistry to couple 4-aminobenzoic acid to sulfonate moieties on the PSS, which can act as anchors for aptamers or other recognition elements (e.g., fluorescent, or redox probes). We investigated this approach with a commercial screen-printable PEDOT:PSS formulation but also studied the effect of PEDOT to PSS ratio as well as the amount of crosslinker in other PEDOT:PSS formulations. For screen printed OECTs, it was possible to distinguish between IL6 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in buffer solution and detect IL6 when added in bovine plasma in the nanomolar range. Furthermore, functionalization of PEDOT:PSS formulations with higher PSS content (compared to the “standard” solutions used for OECTs) combined with frequency dependent measurements showed the potential to detect IL6 concentrations below 100 pM.
Isothiazoles: Synthetic Strategies and Pharmacological Applications
Authors: Sasane Nitin A. , Akolkar Hemantkumar N. , Darekar Nirmala R. , Khedkar Vijay M. , Burange Anand S. , Sasane Kulbhushan A.
Published: July 2024

Isothiazoles and their derivatives are a well-known class of heterocycles with five members containing sulfur atoms and have been widely used in the domains of organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceuticals. The electronegativity of the heteroatoms (nitrogen and sulfur) and their 1,2-relationships make isothiazoles a significant class of compounds. Among numerous 1,2-azoles, isothiazoles have historically been recognized as an important class of compounds in various fields. Significant progress has been accomplished over the last ten years in the synthesis and functionalization of isothiazoles, opening up previously undiscovered avenues for chemists to investigate this remarkable class of compounds. Novel methods for performing condensation have come to light, overcoming the challenges of unstable thiohydroxylamine. There have been reports of new metal-catalyzed procedures producing isothiazoles with various types of broad functional groups. Novel functionalization strategies using cross-coupling reactions and direct C–H activation have been documented. Furthermore, additional investigation on this versatile heterocyclic scaffold is made possible by the development of creative heterocyclic structures based on isothiazoles.