bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the chemical components of Kuanchang-Shu granule and its protective effects of postoperative ileus in rats by regulating AKT/HSP90AA1/eNOS pathway
Authors: Duan Wen-Qian , Cai Ming-Chen , Ma Qi-Qi , Huang Peng , Zhang Jia-Hui , Wei Tian-Fu , Shang Dong , Leng Ai-Jing , Qu Jia-Lin
Published: February 2024

Background

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common obstruction of intestinal content passage caused by almost all abdominal operations that seriously strokes the quality of life of patients. Kuanchang-Shu granule (KCSG), a classic modified prescription based on “Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction”, has obtained satisfactory efficacy in the clinical therapeutics of POI. However, its material basis and holistic molecular mechanism against POI have not been revealed.

Methods

The chemical ingredients of KCSG were first characterized by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). Subsequently, an integration strategy of the network pharmacology and molecular docking based on above identified ingredients was performed to unveil the potential targets involved in the treatment of KCSG on POI. Finally, intestinal manipulation induced rat POI model was constructed to verify the efficacy and predicted mechanism of KCSG against POI.

Results

In total, 246 ingredients mainly including organic acids, flavonoids, quinones, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids and phenols were identified. 41 essential ingredients, 24 crucial targets as well as 15 relevant signaling pathways were acquired based on network pharmacology analysis. Pharmacodynamic research showed that KCSG treatment could protect intestinal histological damage, promote the recovery of measurement of gastrointestinal transit disorder and inhibit the secretion of myeloperoxidase in the distal ileum tissues. The up-regulated expression of p-AKT and down-regulated expression of p-eNOS and HSP9OAA1 predicted by molecular docking and validated by western blotting showed that AKT/eNOS/HSP90AA1 pathway may be one of the crucial mechanisms that mediates the protective effect of KCSG.
The COVID-19 pandemic impact on continuity of care provision on rare brain diseases and on ataxias, dystonia and PKU. A scoping review
Authors: Cannizzo Sara , Quoidbach Vinciane , Giunti Paola , Oertel Wolfgang , Pastores Gregory , Relja Maja , Turchetti Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

One of the most relevant challenges for healthcare providers during the COVID– 19 pandemic has been assuring the continuity of care to patients with complex health needs such as people living with rare diseases (RDs). The COVID–19 pandemic accelerated the healthcare sector’s digital transformation agenda. The delivery of telemedicine services instead of many face-to-face procedures has been expanded and, many healthcare services not directly related to COVID-19 treatments shifted online remotely. Many hospitals, specialist centres, patients and families started to use telemedicine because they were forced to. This trend could directly represent a good practice on how care services could be organized and continuity of care could be ensured for patients. If done properly, it could boast improved patient outcomes and become a post COVID-19 major shift in the care paradigm. There is a fragmented stakeholders spectrum, as many questions arise on: how is e-health interacting with ‘traditional’ healthcare providers; about the role of the European Reference Networks (ERNs); if remote care can retain a human touch and stay patient centric. The manuscript is one of the results of the European Brain Council (EBC) Value of Treatment research project on rare brain disorders focusing on progressive ataxias, dystonia and phenylketonuria with the support of Academic Partners and in collaboration with European Reference Networks (ERNs) experts, applying empirical evidence from different European countries. The main purpose of this work is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of care for ataxias, dystonia and phenylketonuria (PKU) in Europe. The analysis carried out makes it possible to highlight the critical points encountered and to learn from the best experiences. Here, we propose a scoping review that investigates this topic, focusing on continuity of care and novel methods (e.g., digital approaches) used to reduce the care disruption. This scoping review was designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) standards. This work showed that the implementation of telemedicine services was the main measure that healthcare providers (HCPs) put in place and adopted for mitigating the effects of disruption or discontinuity of the healthcare services of people with rare neurological diseases and with neurometabolic disorders in Europe.
A network-based drug prioritization and combination analysis for the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in breast cancer
Authors: Odongo Regan , Demiroglu-Zergeroglu Asuman , Çakır Tunahan
Published: February 2024

Background

Prioritizing candidate drugs based on genome-wide expression data is an emerging approach in systems pharmacology due to its holistic perspective for preclinical drug evaluation. In the current study, a network-based approach was proposed and applied to prioritize plant polyphenols and identify potential drug combinations in breast cancer. We focused on MEK5/ERK5 signalling pathway genes, a recently identified potential drug target in cancer with roles spanning major carcinogenesis processes.

Results

By constructing and identifying perturbed protein–protein interaction networks for luminal A breast cancer, plant polyphenols and drugs from transcriptome data, we first demonstrated their systemic effects on the MEK5/ERK5 signalling pathway. Subsequently, we applied a pathway-specific network pharmacology pipeline to prioritize plant polyphenols and potential drug combinations for use in breast cancer. Our analysis prioritized genistein among plant polyphenols. Drug combination simulations predicted several FDA-approved drugs in breast cancer with well-established pharmacology as candidates for target network synergistic combination with genistein. This study also highlights the concept of target network enhancer drugs, with drugs previously not well characterised in breast cancer being prioritized for use in the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in breast cancer.

Conclusion

This study proposes a computational framework for drug prioritization and combination with the MEK5/ERK5 signaling pathway in breast cancer. The method is flexible and provides the scientific community with a robust method that can be applied to other complex diseases.
PARP1-targeted fluorescence molecular endoscopy as novel tool for early detection of esophageal dysplasia and adenocarcinoma
Authors: Marcazzan Sabrina , Braz Carvalho Marcos J. , Nguyen Nghia T. , Strangmann Julia , Slotta-Huspenina Julia , Tenditnaya Anna , Tschurtschenthaler Markus , Rieder Jonas , Proaño-Vasco Andrea , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Steiger Katja , Gorpas Dimitris , Quante Michael , Kossatz Susanne
Published: February 2024

Background

Esophageal cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers worldwide and its incidence is dramatically increasing. Despite some improvements, the current surveillance protocol with white light endoscopy and random untargeted biopsies collection (Seattle protocol) fails to diagnose dysplastic and cancerous lesions in up to 50% of patients. Therefore, new endoscopic imaging technologies in combination with tumor-specific molecular probes are needed to improve early detection. Herein, we investigated the use of the fluorescent Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase 1 (PARP1)-inhibitor PARPi-FL for early detection of dysplastic lesions in patient-derived organoids and transgenic mouse models, which closely mimic the transformation from non-malignant Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) to invasive esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

Methods

We determined PARP1 expression via immunohistochemistry (IHC) in human biospecimens and mouse tissues. We also assessed PARPi-FL uptake in patient- and mouse-derived organoids. Following intravenous injection of 75 nmol PARPi-FL/mouse in L2-IL1B (n = 4) and L2-IL1B/IL8Tg mice (n = 12), we conducted fluorescence molecular endoscopy (FME) and/or imaged whole excised stomachs to assess PARPi-FL accumulation in dysplastic lesions. L2-IL1B/IL8Tg mice (n = 3) and wild-type (WT) mice (n = 2) without PARPi-FL injection served as controls. The imaging results were validated by confocal microscopy and IHC of excised tissues.

Results

IHC on patient and murine tissue revealed similar patterns of increasing PARP1 expression in presence of dysplasia and cancer. In human and murine organoids, PARPi-FL localized to PARP1-expressing epithelial cell nuclei after 10 min of incubation. Injection of PARPi-FL in transgenic mouse models of BE resulted in the successful detection of lesions via FME, with a mean target-to-background ratio > 2 independently from the disease stage. The localization of PARPi-FL in the lesions was confirmed by imaging of the excised stomachs and confocal microscopy. Without PARPi-FL injection, identification of lesions via FME in transgenic mice was not possible.

Conclusion

PARPi-FL imaging is a promising approach for clinically needed improved detection of dysplastic and malignant EAC lesions in patients with BE. Since PARPi-FL is currently evaluated in a phase 2 clinical trial for oral cancer detection after topical application, clinical translation for early detection of dysplasia and EAC in BE patients via FME screening appears feasible.
The impact of clinical and laboratory parameters on clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in fresh cycles: a retrospective study of 9608 high-quality cleavage-stage embryos
Authors: Zhao Haijing , Gan Keer , Ji Xiaohui , Zheng Lingyan , Ou Songbang , Mei Mei , Zhang Qingxue , Chen Hui , Yuan Ping , Wang Wenjun
Published: February 2024

Background

Evidence from the Istanbul consensus workshop suggests correlations between morphological parameters and embryo developments. 8-cell embryos are the best blastomere stage on day 3. No good quality evidence exists to support high-quality embryonic selection following blastulation and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the factors that affect blastocyst formation, blastocyst quality, and clinical outcomes of high-quality cleavage-stage embryos in fresh cycles.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of 9608 high-quality cleavage-stage embryos from 2987 couples between January 2017 to June 2021, namely 1520 embryos categorized as “812” (8-cell, grade 2, mild fragmentation), 2961 as “821” (8-cell, grade 2, mild asymmetry), 896 as “711” (7-cell, grade 1), and 517 as “911” (9-cell, grade 1) compared with 3714 embryos categorized as “811” (8-cell, grade 1). The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). Blastulation rate (BR), available late blastocyst rate (ABR) and high-quality late blastocyst rate (HBR) were secondary outcome measures.

Results

BR, ABR, and HBR had significant differences among the five groups (P < 0.001), while CPR and LBR were also significantly different in cleavage-stage fresh transfer (P < 0.01). The multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between cell number, cell size, blastocyst development and clinical outcomes. For 7 to 9-cell highest-quality embryo, mild fragmentation and more blastomeres were more conducive to blastocyst formation and clinical outcomes. While cleavage-stage embryos developed into blastocysts, the negative impact of their initial morphology on clinical outcomes would be erased.

Conclusions

Our study firstly evaluated blastocyst development and clinical outcomes of high-quality cleavage-stage embryos in fresh cycles, with rankings of 811, 812, 911, 821, and 711. We found the initial morphological characteristics of the high-quality cleavage-stage embryos did not adversely impact clinical outcomes, even as they progressed to the blastocyst stage.
Application of α-bromination reaction on acetophenone derivatives in experimental teaching: a chemical innovation experiment engaging junior undergraduates
Authors: Gao Yongguang , Chen Na , Jiang Xiaoye , Yang Xiaochun
Published: February 2024

The α-bromination reaction of carbonyl compounds is a significant topic in the field of organic chemistry. However, due to the lack of suitable brominating reagents, the application of this reaction in undergraduate organic chemistry experiments is limited. In this study, three junior undergraduates successfully conducted an innovative experiment under the guidance of teachers. The bromination of various acetophenone derivatives was investigated by employing pyridine hydrobromide perbromide as the brominating agent, with a focus on exploring the effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, and dosage of the brominating agent. The results demonstrated that 4-chloro-α-bromo-acetophenone could be synthesized at 90 ℃ using 4-chloroacetophenone as a substrate and acetic acid as a solvent with a molar ratio of substrate to brominator being 1.0:1.1. Through the experimental teaching of 18 junior undergraduates, it was observed that all the students successfully completed the experiment within a time frame of 4–5 h, with a notable achievement yield exceeding 80% observed in 14 students. This innovative experiment exhibits significant advantages in terms of safety, high yield, cost-effectiveness, and repeatability. Furthermore, while reinforcing fundamental skills in chemistry experimentation among students, it enhances their scientific literacy levels and fosters innovation consciousness as well as practical aptitude. Consequently, this approach is highly suitable for widespread implementation and integration into undergraduate experimental pedagogy.
Development and application of a home-based exercise program for patients with cardiovascular disease: a feasibility study
Authors: Lee Mi Kyung , Lee Chan Joo , Goo Seon Young , Lee Tae Ho , Moon Jin Young , Jung Jiyoung , Kim Min Jung , Shin Sang Hee , Kim Jong Nam , Han Sung Nim , Lee Jung Eun , Lee Jong Young , Chung Ick-Mo , Jeon Justin Y.
Published: February 2024

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended for patients with cardiovascular disease. However, the participation and completion rates for hospital-based CR are low, and home-based CR has been suggested as an alternative. This study aimed to develop a home-based CR program and assess the feasibility of the program over a 6-week period in patients with left ventricular dysfunction or a history of myocardial infarction.

Methods

This feasibility study consisted of two phases. The initial phase (Study 1) focused on developing the home-based exercise protocol. Systematic approaches to developing evidence-based home-based exercise intervention were implemented including systematic review, patient surveys, and expert consensus. Study 2 aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a 6-week home-based CR program that was based on the results of Study 1. Study 2 included two exercise education sessions and four telephone counseling sessions. During this stage of the exercise program, the participants exercised on two separate days and their experiences while performing the aerobic and resistance exercises were surveyed. Eight participants participated in Study 1 and 16 participated in Study 2.

Results

Participants expressed overall satisfaction with the exercise program in Study 1. Heart rate increased in response to exercise, but this did not correspond with perceived exertion. The aim of the home-based CR exercise program was for participants to achieve exercise goals (≥150 min/week of aerobic type exercises as well as at least twice weekly resistance exercise using own body weights). We aimed to increase compliance and adherence to the home-based CR program. In Study 2, 13 out of 16 participants (81.3%) completed the 6-week home-based CR program, with a participation rate of 100% in both exercise education and phone counseling sessions. Adherence to the home-based exercise protocol was 83.1% and no serious adverse events were observed. At the beginning of the study, only three out of 13 participants (23.1%) met the requirements for both aerobic and resistance exercises, but at the end of the 6-week program, 10 out of 13 participants (76.9%) fulfilled the requirements.

Conclusion

The exercise program developed in this study was safe and feasible, and the 6-week home-based CR program was feasible for patients with cardiovascular disease without any reported adverse effects.
How much do Europeans know about the link between alcohol use and cancer? Results from an online survey in 14 countries
Authors: Neufeld Maria , Kokole Daša , Correia Daniela , Ferreira-Borges Carina , Olsen Aleksandra , Tran Alexander , Rehm Jürgen
Published: February 2024

Objective

In the EU, which has the highest drinking levels worldwide, cancer is the primary cause of alcohol-attributable deaths. Existing studies show gaps in public knowledge, but there is lack of systematic appraisal. The report presents original data from a cross-sectional survey conducted within the framework of an online experimental study in 14 European countries, which among other things assessed baseline knowledge of the alcohol-NCD link, particularly cancer.

Methods

Online questionnaire among adults who consume alcohol conducted in 14 countries in 2022–2023 using different recruitment strategies and applying population weights for the final sample. Baseline assessments measured participants’ knowledge of alcohol-attributable health issues (with a specific focus on cancer).

Results

Baseline knowledge assessment showed that 90% indicated a causal role of alcohol for liver disease, 68% for heart diseases, and only 53% for cancer. Knowledge of specific alcohol-attributable cancer types was lower, with 39% aware of the link between alcohol use and colon cancer, 28% regarding oral cancer, and only 15% regarding female breast cancer. Knowledge levels varied across different countries and population groups.

Conclusion

Most Europeans do not know which cancers can be caused by alcohol use and knowledge is low specifically for female breast cancer. More awareness raising and prevention efforts are needed, such as the placement of cancer-specific health warnings on alcohol container labels.
Reinvent 4: Modern AI–driven generative molecule design
Authors: Loeffler Hannes H. , He Jiazhen , Tibo Alessandro , Janet Jon Paul , Voronov Alexey , Mervin Lewis H. , Engkvist Ola
Published: February 2024

REINVENT 4 is a modern open-source generative AI framework for the design of small molecules. The software utilizes recurrent neural networks and transformer architectures to drive molecule generation. These generators are seamlessly embedded within the general machine learning optimization algorithms, transfer learning, reinforcement learning and curriculum learning. REINVENT 4 enables and facilitates de novo design, R-group replacement, library design, linker design, scaffold hopping and molecule optimization. This contribution gives an overview of the software and describes its design. Algorithms and their applications are discussed in detail. REINVENT 4 is a command line tool which reads a user configuration in either TOML or JSON format. The aim of this release is to provide reference implementations for some of the most common algorithms in AI based molecule generation. An additional goal with the release is to create a framework for education and future innovation in AI based molecular design. The software is available fromhttps://github.com/MolecularAI/REINVENT4and released under the permissive Apache 2.0 license.Scientific contribution. The software provides an open–source reference implementation for generative molecular design where the software is also being used in production to support in–house drug discovery projects. The publication of the most common machine learning algorithms in one code and full documentation thereof will increase transparency of AI and foster innovation, collaboration and education.
Production of low emission briquettes from carbonized faecal sludge as an alternative source of cooking energy
Authors: Sanka Paulo Martin , Germain Olivier , Khalifa Leyla , Komakech Hans , Magambo Hezron
Published: February 2024

Background

In Tanzania, firewood, charcoal, and agricultural waste play a crucial role in daily life as sources of cooking energy, especially in rural areas. Using these energy sources contributes to deforestation and the emission of harmful substances, leading to health problems. This study highlights the potential of faecal sludge briquettes as an innovative, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources to meet the increasing demand for cooking energy in Tanzania. The process involved sludge characterization, drying, sorting, carbonization, milling, briquette making, and characterization.

Results

A study was conducted to assess the presence of zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in faecal sludge collected from households. The results indicates that the levels of these metals were all within the acceptable limits set by the Tanzanian Standards (TZS) for sludge disposal and use in the environment, which are 5.00 mg/L, 5.00 mg/L, and 30.00 mg/L, respectively. Septic tanks and pit latrines sludge had a concentration of 0.5 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L for Zn, 0.55 mg/L, and 0.6 mg/L for Cd, and 10.01 mg/L and 4.87 mg/L for Pb, respectively. Adding 75% charcoal dust improved the gross and net heating values from 10.47 and 10.16 to 19.29 and 18.86 MJ/kg, respectively. Similarly, adding 50% charcoal dust improved the gross and net heating values to 19.24 and 18.78 MJ/kg. The emission of particulate matter (micrograms/m3) was reduced from 30.4 and 35 to 10.3 and 11.8 for PM2.5 and 7 and 8 for PM10, while carbon monoxide emission decreased from 51.2 to 19.7 ppm.

Conclusion

The results strongly suggest that briquettes made of carbonized faecal sludge mixed with other biomass materials could offer an alternative to traditional solid fuels, with the added benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and longer burning times.
α-Synuclein oligomers potentiate neuroinflammatory NF-κB activity and induce Cav3.2 calcium signaling in astrocytes
Authors: Leandrou Emmanouela , Chalatsa Ioanna , Anagnostou Dimitrios , Machalia Christina , Semitekolou Maria , Filippa Vicky , Makridakis Manousos , Vlahou Antonia , Anastasiadou Ema , Vekrellis Kostas , Emmanouilidou Evangelia
Published: February 2024

Background

It is now realized that Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology extends beyond the substantia nigra, affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems, and exhibits a variety of non-motor symptoms often preceding motor features. Neuroinflammation induced by activated microglia and astrocytes is thought to underlie these manifestations. α-Synuclein aggregation has been linked with sustained neuroinflammation in PD, aggravating neuronal degeneration; however, there is still a lack of critical information about the structural identity of the α-synuclein conformers that activate microglia and/or astrocytes and the molecular pathways involved.

Methods

To investigate the role of α-synuclein conformers in the development and maintenance of neuroinflammation, we used primary quiescent microglia and astrocytes, post-mortem brain tissues from PD patients and A53T α-synuclein transgenic mice that recapitulate key features of PD-related inflammatory responses in the absence of cell death, i.e., increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and complement proteins. Biochemical and -omics techniques including RNAseq and secretomic analyses, combined with 3D reconstruction of individual astrocytes and live calcium imaging, were used to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying glial responses in the presence of α-synuclein oligomers in vivo and in vitro.

Results

We found that the presence of SDS-resistant hyper-phosphorylated α-synuclein oligomers, but not monomers, was correlated with sustained inflammatory responses, such as elevated levels of endogenous antibodies and cytokines and microglial activation. Similar oligomeric α-synuclein species were found in post-mortem human brain samples of PD patients but not control individuals. Detailed analysis revealed a decrease in Iba1Low/CD68Low microglia and robust alterations in astrocyte number and morphology including process retraction. Our data indicated an activation of the p38/ATF2 signaling pathway mostly in microglia and a sustained induction of the NF-κB pathway in astrocytes of A53T mice. The sustained NF-κB activity triggered the upregulation of astrocytic T-type Cav3.2 Ca2+ channels, altering the astrocytic secretome and promoting the secretion of IGFBPL1, an IGF-1 binding protein with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential.

Conclusions

Our work supports a causative link between the neuron-produced α-synuclein oligomers and sustained neuroinflammation in vivo and maps the signaling pathways that are stimulated in microglia and astrocytes. It also highlights the recruitment of astrocytic Cav3.2 channels as a potential neuroprotective mediator against the α-synuclein-induced neuroinflammation.

Graphical Abstract
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum FRT4 attenuates high-energy low-protein diet-induced fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome in laying hens through regulating gut-liver axis
Authors: Li Daojie , Cai Hongying , Liu Guohua , Han Yunsheng , Qiu Kai , Liu Weiwei , Meng Kun , Yang Peilong
Published: February 2024

Background

Fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) becomes one of the most major factors resulting in the laying hen death for caged egg production. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lp. plantarum) FRT4 on FLHS model in laying hen with a focus on liver lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota.

Results

The FLHS model of laying hens was established by feeding a high-energy low-protein (HELP) diet, and the treatment groups were fed a HELP diet supplemented with differential proportions of Lp. plantarum FRT4. The results indicated that Lp. plantarum FRT4 increased laying rate, and reduced the liver lipid accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism (lipid synthesis and transport) and improving the gut microbiota composition. Moreover, Lp. plantarum FRT4 regulated the liver glycerophospholipid metabolism. Meanwhile, “gut-liver” axis analysis showed that there was a correlation between gut microbiota and lipid metabolites.

Conclusions

The results indicated that Lp. plantarum FRT4 improved the laying performance and alleviated FLHS in HELP diet-induced laying hens through regulating “gut-liver” axis. Our findings reveal that glycerophospholipid metabolism could be the underlying mechanism for the anti-FLHS effect of Lp. plantarum FRT4 and for future use of Lp. plantarum FRT4 as an excellent additive for the prevention and mitigation of FLHS in laying hens.
Seed tuber imprinting shapes the next-generation potato microbiome
Authors: Song Yang , Spooren Jelle , Jongekrijg Casper D. , Manders Ellen J. H. H. , de Jonge Ronnie , Pieterse Corné M. J. , Bakker Peter A. H. M. , Berendsen Roeland L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Potato seed tubers are colonized and inhabited by soil-borne microbes, that can affect the performance of the emerging daughter plant in the next season. In this study, we investigated the intergenerational inheritance of microbiota from seed tubers to next-season daughter plants under field condition by amplicon sequencing of bacterial and fungal microbiota associated with tubers and roots, and tracked the microbial transmission from different seed tuber compartments to sprouts.

Results

We observed that field of production and potato genotype significantly (P < 0.01) affected the composition of the seed tuber microbiome and that these differences persisted during winter storage of the seed tubers. Remarkably, when seed tubers from different production fields were planted in a single trial field, the microbiomes of daughter tubers and roots of the emerging plants could still be distinguished (P < 0.01) according to the production field of the seed tuber. Surprisingly, we found little vertical inheritance of field-unique microbes from the seed tuber to the daughter tubers and roots, constituting less than 0.2% of their respective microbial communities. However, under controlled conditions, around 98% of the sprout microbiome was found to originate from the seed tuber and had retained their field-specific patterns.

Conclusions

The field of production shapes the microbiome of seed tubers, emerging potato plants and even the microbiome of newly formed daughter tubers. Different compartments of seed tubers harbor distinct microbiomes. Both bacteria and fungi on seed tubers have the potential of being vertically transmitted to the sprouts, and the sprout subsequently promotes proliferation of a select number of microbes from the seed tuber. Recognizing the role of plant microbiomes in plant health, the initial microbiome of seed tubers specifically or planting materials in general is an overlooked trait. Elucidating the relative importance of the initial microbiome and the mechanisms by which the origin of planting materials affect microbiome assembly will pave the way for the development of microbiome-based predictive models that may predict the quality of seed tuber lots, ultimately facilitating microbiome-improved potato cultivation.
How Cool is That? The Effects of Menthol Mouth Rinsing on Exercise Capacity and Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gavel Erica H. , Barreto Gabriel , Hawke Kierstyn V. , Stellingwerff Trent , James Lewis J. , Saunders Bryan , Logan-Sprenger Heather M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Menthol (MEN) mouth rinsing (MR) has gained considerable interest in the athletic population for exercise performance; however, the overall magnitude of effect is unknown.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of menthol MEN MR and the impact it has on exercise capacity and performance.

Methods

Three databases were searched with articles screened according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Three-level meta-analyses were used to investigate the overall efficacy of MEN MR and the impact it has on exercise capacity and performance. Meta-regressions were then performed with 1) mean VO2peak, 2) MEN swilling duration; 3) the MEN concentration of MR solution, 4) the number of executed swills throughout a single experiment, 5) the use of flavoured sweetened, non-caloric, or non-flavoured neutral solutions as controls, 6) mean environmental temperature at the time of exercise tests, and 7) exercise type as fixed factors to evaluate their influence on the effects of MEN MR.

Results

Ten MEN MR studies included sufficient information pertaining to MEN MR and exercise performance and capacity. MR with MEN resulted in no significant change in capacity and performance (SMD = 0.12; 95% CI − 0.08, 0.31; p = 0.23, n = 1, tau21 < 0.0001, tau22 =  < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). No significant influence was detected in meta-regressions for VO2peak, (estimate: 0.03; df = 8; 95% CI − 0.03, 0.09; p = 0.27), swilling duration (5 vs. 10 s: 0.00; df = 16; 95% CI − 0.41, 0.41; p = 1.0), MEN concentration (low [0.01%] vs. high [0.1%]: − 0.08; df = 15; 95% CI − 0.49, 0.32; p = 0.67), number of swills (estimate: 0.02; df = 13; 95% CI − 0.05, 0.09; p = 0.56), the use of flavoured sweetener or non-caloric as control (non-flavoured vs. flavoured: 0.12; df = 16; 95% CI − 0.30, 0.55; p = 0.55) or mean room temperature during exercise tests (estimate: 0.01; df = 16; 95% CI − 0.02, 0.04; p = 0.62).

Conclusion

MEN MR did not significantly improve overall exercise capacity and performance, though those involved in endurance exercise may see benefits.
A 10-week intergenerational program bringing together community-living older adults and preschool children (INTERACTION): a pilot feasibility non-randomised clinical trial
Authors: Lim Mei Ling , Zammit Christine , Lewis Ebony , Ee Nicole , Maiden Genevieve , Goldwater Micah , Kimonis Eva , Kenning Gail , Rockwood Kenneth , Fitzgerald Anneke , Radford Katrina , Dodge Hiroko , Ward Stephanie A. , Delbaere Kim , Peters Ruth
Published: February 2024

Background

Social isolation and low levels of physical activity are strong drivers for frailty, which is linked to poor health outcomes and transition to long-term care. Frailty is multifactorial, and thus an integrated approach is needed to maintain older adults’ health and well-being. Intergenerational programs represent a novel multifactorial approach to target frailty, social isolation and physical decline but these have not yet been rigorously tested in Australia. Here, we present the results of our pilot study which aimed to test the feasibility of a 10-week intergenerational program between older adults and preschool children.

Methods

A non-randomised wait-listed controlled trial was conducted. Participants were allocated to either the intervention or wait-list control group. The intervention group received 10 weekly 2-h intergenerational sessions led by trained child educators; the control group continued with their usual routine and received their intergenerational program after the 10-week control period. All participants were assessed at baseline and 10 weeks. The primary outcome was the feasibility and acceptability of the program including measures of recruitment eligibility, adherence and effective data collection across the multiple domains important for frailty, including functional mobility and balance, grip strength, cognitive function, mood, social engagement, quality of life and concerns about falling.

Results

Nineteen adults were included, with nine in the intervention and ten in the control group. A total of 42% of older adults screened were eligible, 75% of participants were present at each intervention session and the overall attrition rate was 21% (n = 4). The reasons for participant absence were primarily health-related. Missing data was minimal for the majority of assessments but more apparent for the cognitive testing where completion rates ranged from 53 to 79% for baseline tests and 73 to 100% for those who received follow-up testing.

Conclusions

The high program compliance and low attrition show that a 10-week intergenerational program embedded in the local community, designed for community-living older adults and preschool children, is feasible and acceptable to older adults. Our next trial will test the efficacy of intergenerational programs in this setting.
CNN-optimized text recognition with binary embeddings for Arabic expiry date recognition
Authors: Lotfy Mohamed , Soliman Ghada
Published: February 2024

Recognizing Arabic dot-matrix digits is a challenging problem due to the unique characteristics of dot-matrix fonts, such as irregular dot spacing and varying dot sizes. This paper presents an approach for recognizing Arabic digits printed in dot matrix format. The proposed model is based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) that take the dot matrix as input and generate embeddings that are rounded to generate binary representations of the digits. The binary embeddings are then used to perform Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the date images. To overcome the challenge of the limited availability of dotted Arabic expiration date images, we developed a True Type Font (TTF) for generating synthetic images of Arabic dot-matrix characters. The model was trained on a synthetic dataset of 3287 images and 658 synthetic images for testing, representing realistic expiration dates from 2019 to 2027 in the format of yyyy/mm/dd and yy/mm/dd. Our model achieved an accuracy of 98.94% on the expiry date recognition with Arabic dot matrix format using fewer parameters and less computational resources than traditional CNN-based models. By investigating and presenting our findings comprehensively, we aim to contribute substantially to the field of OCR and pave the way for advancements in Arabic dot-matrix character recognition. Our proposed approach is not limited to Arabic dot matrix digit recognition but can be also extended to text recognition tasks, such as text classification and sentiment analysis.
Soft-switching dual active bridge converter-based bidirectional on-board charger for electric vehicles under vehicle-to-grid and grid-to-vehicle control optimization
Authors: Rao J. V. G. Rama , Venkateshwarlu S.
Published: February 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly replacing conventional fuel vehicles, offering powerful, emission-free performance. This paper introduces an innovative three-phase bidirectional charger for grid-to-vehicle (G2V) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications, strengthening the connection between EVs and the power grid. The charger employs a two-stage power conversion approach with advanced converters and a simplified dq-based charging control strategy. An efficient AC-DC converter facilitates smooth transitions between modes, responding to grid directives for active and reactive power. A soft-switching dual active bridge (SS-DAB) DC-DC converter optimally interfaces with the EV battery pack, while dual active LCL filters suppress harmonics, enhancing system performance. Simulated results confirm the charger’s effectiveness in a 3.5-kW prototype using MATLAB/Simulink. The proposed SS-DAB converter-based bidirectional on-board charger introduces a groundbreaking unified Voltage Source Converter (VSC) control approach, enabling efficient power transfer in both vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and grid-to-vehicle (G2V) modes. This innovation ensures rapid dynamic response, exceptional steady-state performance, and robustness against grid demand changes, optimizing EV integration.
Florida sleeve procedure for type II aortic regurgitation with aortic root enlargement: a case report
Authors: Matsuno Yutaro , Ikenaga Shigeru
Published: February 2024

Background

Florida sleeve procedure is an operative technique for aortic root reconstruction that offers advantages such as reduced bleeding risk, shorter operation time, and improved formation of the atrioventricular junction (AVJ) and sinotubular junction (STJ). In our department, we perform a Florida sleeve procedure for aortic regurgitation (AR) associated with aortic root enlargement of less than 40 mm in diameter of the Valsalva sinus. Here, we present a case of severe type II AR with aortic root enlargement where we successfully performed Florida sleeve procedure and augmented it with autologous pericardium.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old male patient was referred for cardiovascular surgery after a transthoracic echocardiogram indicated left ventricular enlargement and severe AR. Preoperative multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) revealed AVJ of 28.2 mm, Valsalva sinus of 38.4 mm, STJ of 36.1 mm, and ascending aorta of 40.1 mm, indicating enlargement from the aortic root to ascending aorta. Preoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed that the main cause of AR was suspected to be the right coronary cusp prolapse (RCC). Intraoperative findings showed that the tricuspid aortic valve had no limitation of motion, but the RCC was subjected to central bending and prolapsed. The leaflet bend was thickened and shortened causing AR (type II). The geometric height (gH) of RCC was short at 14 mm, while the other valve cusps were 20 mm. An augmentation of RCC was performed using autologous pericardium, followed by a Florida sleeve procedure performed using 26-mm Gelweave Valsalva™ grafts. The gH of RCC after augmentation was 23 mm, and the effective height was adjusted to 10 mm by central plication, showing no AR by TEE. Postoperative MDCT revealed AVJ of 22.2 mm, Valsalva sinus of 30.9 mm, and STJ of 21.9 mm. Therefore, the Florida sleeve procedure provided a reduction that preserved the geometry of the aortic root, including AVJ and STJ, as intended.

Conclusions

Florida sleeve procedure is a reliable and simple method for ensuring uniform aortic root geometry. A favorable outcome was obtained using the Florida sleeve procedure and augmentation with autologous pericardium in a patient with type II AR and aortic root enlargement.
Unusual magnetic behavior of cubic double perovskite Ba2YIrO6 with Ir5+(5d
4) ions
Authors: Jia Ting , Zeng Zhi
Published: February 2024

Using density functional calculations, we investigate the electronic structure and magnetism of double-perovskite Ba2YIrO6 to explore the origin of its unusual magnetic behavior. Our results show that the breakdown of expected j = 0 nonmagnetic state of Ir5+(5d
4) in Ba2YIrO6 is induced by both bandwidth and exchange interaction. In addition, the bandwidth effect makes the system behave like metal, while the antiferromagnetic interaction between Ir ions should be responsible for the insulator behavior. Moreover, the strong geometrical frustration in Ir triangular unit prevents the formation of long-range magnetic order.
Complete mode conversion of elastic waves by utilizing hexapole resonances in a double-scatterers structure
Authors: Liu Di , Peng Pai
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the emergence of elastic metamaterial has provided new methods to manipulate the polarization of elastic waves, achieving elastic mode conversions. This paper theoretically investigates a complete mode conversion effect, where longitudinal waves are completely converted into transverse waves after being reflected by one layer of metamaterial slab. The slab structure contains a pair of cylinders, and the conversion is attributed to the out-of-phase coupled hexapole resonances of the two cylinders. Unlike the monopole, dipole, and quadrupole resonances, the hexapole resonances induce trivially, nearly constantly, effective parameters. The proposed design does not follow the recent popular “reversely designing parameters” method. The conversion based on the hexapole resonances is relatively broadband and wide-angle, which is beneficial for practical applications such as sound absorption.
Effect of Propofol Infusion on Need for Rescue Antiemetics in Postanesthesia Care Unit After Volatile Anesthesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sprung Juraj , Deljou Atousa , Schroeder Darrell R. , Warner David O. , Weingarten Toby N.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent after volatile anesthesia. We hypothesized that coadministration of propofol with volatile anesthetic compared to pure volatile anesthetics would decrease the need for postoperative antiemetic treatments and shorten recovery time in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

METHODS:

We retrospectively identified adult patients who underwent procedures using general anesthesia with volatile agents, with or without propofol infusion, from May 2018 through December 2020, and who were admitted to the PACU. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations with robust variance estimates to assess whether propofol was associated with decreased need for rescue antiemetics.

RESULTS:

Among 47,847 patients, overall IPTW rescue antiemetic use was 4.7% for 17,573 patients who received propofol and 8.2% for 30,274 who did not (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49–0.61; P<.001). This effect associated with propofol was present regardless of the intensity of antiemetic prophylaxis (OR, 0.59, 0.51, and 0.58 for 0–1, 2, and ≥3 antiemetics used, respectively), procedural duration (OR, 0.54, 0.62, and 0.47 for ≤2.50, 2.51–4.00, ≥4.01 hours), and type of volatile agent (OR, 0.51, 0.52, and 0.57 for desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane) (all P<.001). This effect was dose dependent, with little additional benefit for the reduction in the use of PACU antiemetics when propofol rate exceeded 100 μg/kg/min. Patients who received rescue antiemetics required longer PACU recovery time than those who did not receive antiemetics (ratio of the geometric mean, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.28–1.33; P<.001), but use of propofol did not affect PACU recovery time (ratio of the geometric mean, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98–1.01; P=.56).

CONCLUSIONS:

The addition of propofol infusions to volatile-based anesthesia is associated with a dose-dependent reduction in the need for rescue antiemetics in the PACU regardless of the number of prophylactic antiemetics, duration of procedure, and type of volatile agent used, without affecting PACU recovery time.
The Surface of the World: W. H. Auden and the Umwelt
Authors: Bartolucci Lorenzo
Published: February 2024

Before alighting on his vocation, the poet W. H. Auden grew up among doctors and went to Oxford University to study not literature but the natural sciences. This article pursues the ramifications of that background through the development of Auden’s career, focusing on his biographical and intellectual adjacency to the biologist Jakob von Uexküll. Several close readings illustrate the resonance between Uexküll’s theory of the Umwelt and an epistemological shift at the heart of Auden’s poetry, wherein the idea of the self is reconfigured in terms of the embodied experience of inhabiting a place. In this way, a new perspective takes form on the transdisciplinary scope of literary history, its broader cultural relevance, and the mutuality between the poetic and the scientific imaginations of our own day.
On the Origins of the Witness-Protagonist
Authors: Eccles Anastasia
Published: February 2024

This essay focuses on the “witness-protagonist”: a recessive but still identifiably major character who observes the developments of the main plot from a position on its margins. Such characters are familiar from modernist novels, but this essay turns back to a formative stage in their history to recover their forgotten political significance. Working across four central cases (Samuel Richardson’s “man of feeling” Sir Charles Grandison, Charlotte Smith’s self-effacing protagonist Lionel Desmond, Walter Scott’s “mediocre heroes,” and Jane Austen’s “creepmouse” heroine Fanny Price), the essay describes witness-protagonists as characters with an uncertain relation to the novel as a whole. Straddling the functions of narrator and character, witness and agent, they pose at once a formal problem (of where to place the character in relation to the story) and a political one (of who can participate in the life of the collective) that had particular salience in the era of emergent mass politics.
Water restriction increases oxidation of endogenous amino acids in house sparrows (Passer domesticus)
Authors: Rogers Elizabeth J. , Gerson Alexander R.
Published: February 2024

Animals can cope with dehydration in a myriad of ways, both behaviorally and physiologically. The oxidation of protein produces more metabolic water per kilojoule than that of fat or carbohydrate, and it is well established that birds increase protein catabolism in response to high rates of water loss. However, the fate of amino acids mobilized in response to water restriction has not been explicitly determined. While protein catabolism releases bound water, we hypothesized that water-restricted birds would also oxidize the resulting amino acids, producing additional water as a product of oxidative phosphorylation. To test this, we fed captive house sparrows (Passer domesticus) 13C-labeled leucine for 9 weeks to label endogenous proteins. We conducted weekly trials during which we measured the physiological response to water restriction as changes in lean mass, fat mass, metabolism and the enrichment of 13C in exhaled CO2 (δ13Cbreath). If water-restricted birds catabolized proteins and oxidized the resulting amino acids, we expected to simultaneously observe greater lean mass loss and elevated δ13Cbreath relative to control birds. We found that water-restricted birds catabolized more lean tissue and also had enriched δ13Cbreath in response to water restriction, supporting our hypothesis. δ13Cbreath, however, varied with metabolic rate and the length of the water restriction period, suggesting that birds may spare protein when water balance can be achieved using other physiological strategies.