bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic electrochemical transistors as on-site signal amplifiers for electrochemical aptamer-based sensing
Authors: Ji Xudong , Lin Xuanyi , Rivnay Jonathan
Published: March 2023

Electrochemical aptamer-based sensors are typically deployed as individual, passive, surface-functionalized electrodes, but they exhibit limited sensitivity especially when the area of the electrode is reduced for miniaturization purposes. We demonstrate that organic electrochemical transistors (electrolyte gated transistors with volumetric gating) can serve as on-site amplifiers to improve the sensitivity of electrochemical aptamer-based sensors. By monolithically integrating an Au working/sensing electrode, on-chip Ag/AgCl reference electrode, and Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) counter electrode — also serving as the channel of an organic electrochemical transistor— we can simultaneously perform testing of organic electrochemical transistors and traditional electroanalytical measurement on electrochemical aptamer-based sensors including cyclic voltammetry and square-wave voltammetry. This device can directly amplify the current from the electrochemical aptamer-based sensor via the in-plane current modulation in the counter electrode/transistor channel. The integrated sensor can sense transforming growth factor beta 1 with 3 to 4 orders of magnitude enhancement in sensitivity compared to that in an electrochemical aptamer-based sensor (292 μA/dec vs. 85 nA/dec). This approach is believed to be universal, and can be applied to a wide range of tethered electrochemical reporter-based sensors to enhance sensitivity, aiding in sensor miniaturization and easing the burden on backend signal processing.
D-O-A based organic phosphors for both aggregation-induced electrophosphorescence and host-free sensitization
Authors: Xu Lulin , Mo Yuhang , Su Ning , Shi Changshen , Sun Ning , Zhang Yuewei , Duan Lian , Lu Zheng-Hong , Ding Junqiao
Published: March 2023

Pure organic phosphors capable of room-temperature phosphorescence show a great potential in organic light-emitting diodes, while it is limited by the big challenge to realize efficient electroluminescence under electric excitation. Herein, we develop a class of organic phosphors based on acridine as the electron donor, triazine as the electron acceptor and oxygen as the bridge between them. Benefitting from the characteristic donor-oxygen-acceptor geometry, these compounds are found to behave an exciting aggregation-induced organic room-temperature electrophosphorescence, and achieve a record-high external quantum efficiency of 15.8% for non-doped devices. Furthermore, they can sensitize multi-resonant emitters in the absence of any additional wide bandgap host, leading to an effective narrowband emission with a peak external quantum efficiency of 26.4% and a small full-width at half maximum of 26 nm. The results clearly indicate that donor-oxygen-acceptor geometry is a promising strategy to design organic phosphors suitable for organic light-emitting diodes.
Integrative proteogenomic characterization of early esophageal cancer
Authors: Li Lingling , Jiang Dongxian , Zhang Qiao , Liu Hui , Xu Fujiang , Guo Chunmei , Qin Zhaoyu , Wang Haixing , Feng Jinwen , Liu Yang , Chen Weijie , Zhang Xue , Bai Lin , Tian Sha , Tan Subei , Xu Chen , Song Qi , Liu Yalan , Zhong Yunshi , Chen Tianyin , Zhou Pinghong , Zhao Jian-Yuan , Hou Yingyong , Ding Chen
Published: March 2023

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is malignant while the carcinogenesis is still unclear. Here, we perform a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of 786 trace-tumor-samples from 154 ESCC patients, covering 9 histopathological stages and 3 phases. Proteogenomics elucidates cancer-driving waves in ESCC progression, and reveals the molecular characterization of alcohol drinking habit associated signatures. We discover chromosome 3q gain functions in the transmit from nontumor to intraepithelial neoplasia phases, and find TP53 mutation enhances DNA replication in intraepithelial neoplasia phase. The mutations of AKAP9 and MCAF1 upregulate glycolysis and Wnt signaling, respectively, in advanced-stage ESCC phase. Six major tracks related to different clinical features during ESCC progression are identified, which is validated by an independent cohort with another 256 samples. Hyperphosphorylated phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1, S203) is considered as a drug target in ESCC progression. This study provides insight into the understanding of ESCC molecular mechanism and the development of therapeutic targets.
Chirality-dependent electrical transport properties of carbon nanotubes obtained by experimental measurement
Authors: Su Wei , Li Xiao , Li Linhai , Yang Dehua , Wang Futian , Wei Xiaojun , Zhou Weiya , Kataura Hiromichi , Xie Sishen , Liu Huaping
Published: March 2023

Establishing the relationship between the electrical transport properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and their structures is critical for the design of high-performance SWCNT-based electronic and optoelectronic devices. Here, we systematically investigated the effect of the chiral structures of SWCNTs on their electrical transport properties by measuring the performance of thin-film transistors constructed by eleven distinct (n, m) single-chirality SWCNT films. The results show that, even for SWCNTs with the same diameters but different chiral angles, the difference in the on-state current or carrier mobility could reach an order of magnitude. Further analysis indicates that the electrical transport properties of SWCNTs have strong type and family dependence. With increasing chiral angle for the same-family SWCNTs, Type I SWCNTs exhibit increasing on-state current and mobility, while Type II SWCNTs show the reverse trend. The differences in the electrical properties of the same-family SWCNTs with different chiralities can be attributed to their different electronic band structures, which determine the contact barrier between electrodes and SWCNTs, intrinsic resistance and intertube contact resistance. Our present findings provide an important physical basis for performance optimization and application expansion of SWCNT-based devices.
Resolution-enhanced X-ray fluorescence microscopy via deep residual networks
Authors: Wu Longlong , Bak Seongmin , Shin Youngho , Chu Yong S. , Yoo Shinjae , Robinson Ian K. , Huang Xiaojing
Published: March 2023

Multimodal hard X-ray scanning probe microscopy has been extensively used to study functional materials providing multiple contrast mechanisms. For instance, combining ptychography with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microscopy reveals structural and chemical properties simultaneously. While ptychography can achieve diffraction-limited spatial resolution, the resolution of XRF is limited by the X-ray probe size. Here, we develop a machine learning (ML) model to overcome this problem by decoupling the impact of the X-ray probe from the XRF signal. The enhanced spatial resolution was observed for both simulated and experimental XRF data, showing superior performance over the state-of-the-art scanning XRF method with different nano-sized X-ray probes. Enhanced spatial resolutions were also observed for the accompanying XRF tomography reconstructions. Using this probe profile deconvolution with the proposed ML solution to enhance the spatial resolution of XRF microscopy will be broadly applicable across both functional materials and biological imaging with XRF and other related application areas.
Space habitats for bioengineering and surgical repair: addressing the requirement for reconstructive and research tissues during deep-space missions
Authors: Iordachescu Alexandra , Eisenstein Neil , Appleby-Thomas Gareth
Published: March 2023

Numerous technical scenarios have been developed to facilitate a human return to the Moon, and as a testbed for a subsequent mission to Mars. Crews appointed with constructing and establishing planetary bases will require a superior level of physical ability to cope with the operational demands. However, the challenging environments of nearby planets (e.g. geological, atmospheric, gravitational conditions) as well as the lengthy journeys through microgravity, will lead to progressive tissue degradation and an increased susceptibility to injury. The isolation, distance and inability to evacuate in an emergency will require autonomous medical support, as well as a range of facilities and specialised equipment to repair tissue damage on-site. Here, we discuss the design requirements of such a facility, in the form of a habitat that would concomitantly allow tissue substitute production, maintenance and surgical implantation, with an emphasis on connective tissues. The requirements for the individual modules and their operation are identified. Several concepts are assessed, including the presence of adjacent wet lab and medical modules supporting the gradual implementation of regenerative biomaterials and acellular tissue substitutes, leading to eventual tissue grafts and, in subsequent decades, potential tissues/organ-like structures. The latter, currently in early phases of development, are assessed particularly for researching the effects of extreme conditions on representative analogues for astronaut health support. Technical solutions are discussed for bioengineering in an isolated planetary environment with hypogravity, from fluid-gel bath suspended manufacture to cryostorage, cell sourcing and on-site resource utilisation for laboratory infrastructure. Surgical considerations are also discussed.
Distribution of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein in non-diseased brain implicates olfactory bulb mitral cells in synucleinopathy pathogenesis
Authors: Killinger Bryan A. , Mercado Gabriela , Choi Solji , Tittle Tyler , Chu Yaping , Brundin Patrik , Kordower Jeffrey H.
Published: March 2023

Synucleinopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by pathological inclusions called “Lewy pathology” (LP) that consist of aggregated alpha-synuclein predominantly phosphorylated at serine 129 (PSER129). Despite the importance for understanding disease, little is known about the endogenous function of PSER129 or why it accumulates in the diseased brain. Here we conducted several observational studies using a sensitive tyramide signal amplification (TSA) technique to determine PSER129 distribution and function in the non-diseased mammalian brain. In wild-type non-diseased mice, PSER129 was detected in the olfactory bulb (OB) and several brain regions across the neuroaxis (i.e., OB to brainstem). In contrast, PSER129 immunoreactivity was not observed in any brain region of alpha-synuclein knockout mice. We found evidence of PSER129 positive structures in OB mitral cells of non-diseased mice, rats, non-human primates, and healthy humans. Using TSA multiplex fluorescent labeling, we showed that PSER129 positive punctate structures occur within inactive (i.e., c-fos negative) T-box transcription factor 21 (TBX21) positive mitral cells and PSER129 within these cells was spatially associated with PK-resistant alpha-synuclein. Ubiquitin was found in PSER129 mitral cells but was not closely associated with PSER129. Biotinylation by antibody recognition (BAR) identified 125 PSER129-interacting proteins in the OB of healthy mice, which were significantly enriched for presynaptic vesicle trafficking/recycling, SNARE, fatty acid oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation, and RNA binding. TSA multiplex labeling confirmed the physical association of BAR-identified protein Ywhag with PSER129 in the OB and in other regions across the neuroaxis. We conclude that PSER129 accumulates in the mitral cells of the healthy OB as part of alpha-synuclein normal cellular functions. Incidental LP has been reported in the OB, and therefore we speculate that for synucleinopathies, either the disease processes begin locally in OB mitral cells or a systemic disease process is most apparent in the OB because of the natural tendency to accumulate PSER129.
Imaging and micro-invasive analyses of black stains on the passepartout of Codex Atlanticus Folio 843 by Leonardo da Vinci
Authors: Guarnieri Nicolò , Ghirardello Marta , Goidanich Sara , Comelli Daniela , Dellasega David , Cotte Marine , Fontana Elena , Toniolo Lucia
Published: March 2023

This paper accounts for the diagnostic campaign aimed at understanding the phenomenon of black stains appeared on the passepartout close to the margins of Folio 843 of Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus. Previous studies excluded microbiological deterioration processes. The study is based on a multi-analytical approach, including non-invasive imaging measurements of the folio, micro-imaging and synchrotron spectroscopy investigations of passepartout fragments at different magnifications and spectral ranges. Photoluminescence hyperspectral and lifetime imaging highlighted that black stains are not composed of fluorescent materials. μATR-FTIR imaging of fragments from the passepartout revealed the presence of a mixture of starch and PVAc glues localized only in the stained areas close to the margin of the folio. FE-SEM observations showed that the dark stains are localized inside cavities formed among cellulose fibers, where an accumulation of inorganic roundish particles (∅100–200 nm in diameter size), composed of Hg and S, was detected. Finally, by employing synchrotron μXRF, μXANES and HR-XRD analyses it was possible to identify these particles as metacinnabar (β-HgS). Further research is needed to assess the chemical process leading to the metacinnabar formation in the controlled conservation condition of Leonardo’s Codex.
Safety and feasibility of a novel recanalization technique using guidewire puncture under cholangioscopy for complete biliary stricture after liver transplantation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Sun Hao , Dong Dinghui , Li Yu
Published: March 2023

Cholangioscopy is reportedly useful for selective guidewire placement across difficult biliary strictures, but few methods are available for complete stricture of biliary anastomosis. This study aimed to propose a guidewire puncture technique to recanalize totally obstructed anastomosis and discuss its safety and feasibility. From January 2015 to December 2021, a total of 11 patients with complete biliary anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation were enrolled. These patients underwent peroral single operator cholangioscopy (SpyGlass), whereas two failed cases on SpyGlass finally underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS). The steps of the recanalization technique were as follows: the stricture was viewed carefully to detect the closure point (CP) of the scar endoscopically, then the CP was targeted by the hard tip of the guidewire and broke through under guidance of the cholangioscope and fluoroscope. Complete occlusions were confirmed by SpyGlass in all cases. A total of 13 hard-tip guidewire punctures were performed under cholangioscopy, and ten punctures were successful (technical success rate, 76.9% [10/13]). After recanalization of the occluded anastomosis, plastic stent or metallic stent was deployed in three and seven patients, respectively. No procedure-related complications occurred during or after the cholangioscopy-assisted guidewire puncture. After a mean follow-up of 12 months, stents had been removed in five patients. The other six patients were still receiving stent treatment. This study demonstrated that the guidewire puncture technique under cholangioscopy is safe and feasible for complete stricture of biliary anastomosis, and the success rate is satisfactory.
Effect of foraminal enlargement on microcrack formation and apical transportation: a nano-CT assessment
Authors: Pinto Jader Camilo , de Faria-Vasconcelos Karla , Leite André Ferreira , Pedano Mariano Simón , Guerreiro-Tanomaru Juliane , Jacobs Reinhilde , Tanomaru-Filho Mario
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the foraminal enlargement and its influence on microcrack formation and apical transportation in root canals with apical curvature. Eighteen maxillary lateral incisors with apical curvature were selected by using micro-CT images. Root canals were randomly divided in two groups (n = 9) according to root canal preparation using two working lengths: 1 mm short of the apical foramen (control group) and 1 mm beyond the apical foramen (foraminal enlargement). For both groups Reciproc Blue R40 was used for root canal instrumentation. Specimens were scanned by nano-CT (UniTOM HR) before and after root canal preparation. Percentage, length, and width of microcracks, and apical transportation were assessed. Kappa, chi‐square and McNemar tests were used for qualitative analyses while paired and unpaired t-test were used for quantitative analyses (α = 0.05). For both groups, rather similar and low percentages of microcracks were observed before root canal preparation (P > 0.05). The foraminal enlargement promoted new microcracks, not observed in the control group. An increase in microcrack length was observed when the foraminal enlargement was performed (P < 0.05). Higher apical transportation was observed when foraminal enlargement was performed (P < 0.05). Foraminal enlargement using a heat-treated reciprocating file size 40 promoted microcracks and higher apical transportation than root canal preparation up to 1 mm short of apical foramen.
Rutin alleviates colon lesions and regulates gut microbiota in diabetic mice
Authors: Cai Cifeng , Cheng Wenwen , Shi Tiantian , Liao Yueling , Zhou Meiliang , Liao Zhiyong
Published: March 2023

Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder that has become a major health problem worldwide. In this study, we investigated the role of rutin in attenuating diabetes and preventing diabetes-related colon lesions in mice potentially through regulation of gut microbiota. The rutin from tartary buckwheat as analyzed by HPLC was administered intragastrically to diabetic mice, and then the biochemical parameters, overall community structure and composition of gut microbiota in diabetic mice were assayed. The results showed that rutin lowered serum glucose and improved serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride concentrations, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and serum insulin in diabetic mice. Notably, rutin obviously alleviated colon lesions in diabetic mice. Moreover, rutin also significantly regulated gut microbiota dysbiosis and enriched beneficial microbiota, such as Akkermansia (p < 0.05). Rutin selectively increased short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria, such as Alistipes (p < 0.05) and Roseburia (p < 0.05), and decreased the abundance of diabetes-related gut microbiota, such as Escherichia (p < 0.05) and Mucispirillum (p < 0.05). Our data suggested that rutin exerted an antidiabetic effect and alleviated colon lesions in diabetic mice possibly by regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis, which might be a potential mechanism through which rutin alleviates diabetes-related symptoms.
Fate of the capping agent of biologically produced gold nanoparticles and adsorption of enzymes onto their surface
Authors: Pourali Parastoo , Dzmitruk Volha , Pátek Miroslav , Neuhöferová Eva , Svoboda Milan , Benson Veronika
Published: March 2023

Enzymotherapy based on DNase I or RNase A has often been suggested as an optional strategy for cancer treatment. The efficacy of such procedures is limited e.g. by a short half-time of the enzymes or a low rate of their internalization. The use of nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), helps to overcome these limits. Specifically, biologically produced AuNPs represent an interesting variant here due to naturally occurring capping agents (CA) on their surface. The composition of the CA depends on the producing microorganism. CAs are responsible for the stabilization of the nanoparticles, and promote the direct linking of targeting and therapeutic molecules. This study provided proof of enzyme adsorption onto gold nanoparticles and digestion efficacy of AuNPs-adsorbed enzymes. We employed Fusarium oxysporum extract to produce AuNPs. These nanoparticles were round or polygonal with a size of about 5 nm, negative surface charge of about − 33 mV, and maximum absorption peak at 530 nm. After the adsorption of DNAse I, RNase A, or Proteinase K onto the AuNPs surface, the nanoparticles exhibited shifts in surface charge (values between − 22 and − 13 mV) and maximum absorption peak (values between 513 and 534 nm). The ability of AuNP-enzyme complexes to digest different targets was compared to enzymes alone. We found a remarkable degradation of ssDNA, and dsDNA by AuNP-DNAse I, and a modest degradation of ssRNA by AuNP-RNase A. The presence of particular enzymes on the AuNP surface was proved by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, we detected a remarkable digestion of collagen type I and fibrinogen by AuNP-proteinase K complexes. We concluded that the biologically produced AuNPs directly bound DNase I, RNase A, and proteinase K while preserving their ability to digest specific targets. Therefore, according to our results, AuNPs can be used as effective enzyme carriers and the AuNP-enzyme conjugates can be effective tools for enzymotherapy.
Probing the Cr3+ luminescence sensitization in β-Ga2O3 with ion-beam-induced luminescence and thermoluminescence
Authors: Esteves D. M. , Rodrigues A. L. , Alves L. C. , Alves E. , Dias M. I. , Jia Z. , Mu W. , Lorenz K. , Peres M.
Published: March 2023

Ion-beam-induced luminescence (IBIL) measurements were performed in Cr-doped β-Ga2O3 using both protons and helium ions, showing a strong enhancement of the Cr3+ luminescence upon ion irradiation. Theoretical modelling of the IBIL intensity curves as a function of the fluence allowed estimating the effective cross-sections associated with the defect-induced IBIL enhancement and quenching processes. The results suggest that sensitizing the Cr3+ luminescence is more efficient for H+ than for He+ irradiation. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies were performed in the pristine sample, with no TL signal being observed in the spectral region corresponding to the Cr3+ emission. In agreement with the IBIL study, upon ion irradiation (with either protons or helium ions), this TL emission is activated. Moreover, it can be quenched by annealing at 923 K for 10 s, thus revealing the role played by the defects induced by the irradiation. These results show that the irradiation-induced defects play a major role in the activation of the Cr3+ luminescence, a fact that can be exploited for radiation sensing and dosimetry.
Unexpected morphological variability in the eggshells of the South American caimans Caiman latirostris and Caiman yacare
Authors: Hechenleitner E. Martín , Fernandez Blanco María V. , Núñez-Campero Segundo R. , Fiorelli Lucas E. , Bona Paula
Published: March 2023

Eggshell morphology is a valuable indicator of the local conditions within the nests of modern crocodilians and birds. In contrast to these latter, the anatomical structure of the eggshells of most crocodilian species is practically unknown. Here, we provide the first characterization of crocodilian eggshells, using x-ray micro-CT scans. We studied eggshells of Caiman latirostris and Caiman yacare from various developmental stages that coincide with the beginning of embryonic ossification. The new 3D renderings revealed complex ornamentation, unique among crocodilians, and amphora-shaped pore canals, some of which converge in single pore openings. We also documented a high density of pore canals with a gas diffusion capacity 45 times higher than the average predicted for modern avian eggshells. The external ornamentation and the thickness of the compact layer of the eggshells (i.e. excluding ornamentation) showed ontogenetic and interspecific differences that could be related to nesting materials and nesting areas selected by each species. The shell features described here evidence a greater structural complexity than previously recognized in phylogenetically close, sympatric crocodilian species. Further comprehensive morphological analyses on other modern and fossil crocodilian eggshells using micro-CT technology will shed new light on the evolution of reproductive strategies in this intriguing archosaur clade.
Essential oil composition and antimicrobial potential of aromatic plants grown in the mid-hill conditions of the Western Himalayas
Authors: Rathore Shalika , Mukhia Srijana , Kumar Rakshak , Kumar Rakesh
Published: March 2023

Essential oils are highly concentrated natural extracts obtained from plants, rich in bioactive constituents with antimicrobial properties, but the distinctive climate of the Western Himalayan region influences the same. Aromatic and medicinal plants, viz., Origanum majorana, Origanum vulgare, Cymbopogon winterianus, Pelargonium graveolens, and Nepeta cataria were grown in the foothills of the Western Himalayan condition and evaluated for essential oil content, composition, and their effect on some of the most common pathogenic microorganisms. The essential oil content (%) was 0.77, 0.45, 1.37, 0.15 and 0.17% in O. majorana, O. vulgare, C. winterianus, P. graveolens, and N. cataria, respectively. The major essential oil constituents of the isolated oils were terpinen-4-ol, thymol, citronellal, citronellol, and nepetalactone, contributing 41.24%, 31.81%, 43.13%, 43.35% and 91.43% in O. majorana, O. vulgare, C. winterianus, P. graveolens, and N. cataria, respectively. Well-diffusion assay revealed that the essential oil of O. majorana and O. vulgare was active against both the tested Gram-positive, viz., Bacillus subtilis MTCC 121, Micrococcus luteus MTCC 2470, and Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96; and Gram-negative, viz., Escherichia coli MTCC 43, Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 109, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2453 bacteria, while the essential oil of C. winterianus, P. graveolens, and N. cataria showed activity against only some Gram-positive bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentration (v/v) values indicated the highest efficacy of O. majorana essential oil against B. subtilis (0.5%), M. luteus (1%), and S. aureus (1%), while O. vulgare was most efficient to E. coli (2%) and K. pneumoniae (2%). C. winterianus essential oil did not inhibit any bacterial strains. M. luteus was susceptible to the essential oil of P. graveolens (1%) and N. cataria (0.5%) at low concentrations. Present findings showed the association between the chemical constituents’ profile of isolated essential oils from the Himalayan region and their antimicrobial activity, indicating their perspective to be utilized as antibacterial means.
Contour device implantation versus coil embolization for treatment of narrow neck intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Mostafa Karim , Bueno Neves Fernando , Gärtner Friederike , Peters Sönke , Hensler Johannes , Larsen Naomi , Klintz Tristan , Mahnke Justus , Jansen Olav , Wodarg Fritz
Published: March 2023

The novel Contour device is an intrasaccular flow disruption device designed for treatment of intracranial wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. Outside its original purpose, Contour implantation can be used to treat aneurysms with a higher dome-to-neck ratio which would be suitable for conventional unassisted coil embolization. We compared both techniques in a retrospective single-center analysis. A total of 42 aneurysms from 42 patients with a dome-to-neck ratio of 1.6 or higher were included in this study. Data on technical success, implantation times, radiation dosages, procedural complications, reinterventions and recurrences were gathered and compared. Technical success was achieved in all cases with both techniques. Aneurysm embolization was achieved significantly faster in the Contour group compared to coiling (Overall p = 0.0002; r = 0.580; acute setting: p = 0.005, r = 0.531; elective setting: p = 0.002, r = 0.607). Significantly less radiation dosage was applied in the Contour group (Overall p = 0.002; r = 0.478; acute group p = 0.006; r = 0.552; elective group p = 0.045; r = 0.397). The number of complications was higher in the coiling group compared to the Contour group (Coiling 7/21 (33,3%); Contour 3/21 (14.3%). There was a higher rate of reinterventions in the coiling group (7.6% vs 21.4%). Outside its original intention, the Contour device seems to be a safe and fast alternative to coil embolization for the treatment of narrow-neck-aneurysms.
A laminar forced convection via transport of water–copper–aluminum hybrid nanofluid through heated deep and shallow cavity with Corcione model
Authors: Memon Abid. A. , Memon M. Asif , Fenta Amsalu
Published: March 2023

The article explores how fluid flows and heat transfers in both deep and shallow cavities when using a nanofluid made of water, copper, and aluminum oxide. The study applies the Corcione model to hybrid nanofluids, which considers viscosity, conductivity, and the size of the nanoparticle, temperature, and Reynolds number. The cavity is connected to a rectangular channel, with the cavity's length being half the total length of the enclosure, and the aspect ratio (cavity height divided by height of the channel) is tested from 1 to 3. The study uses the Navier–Stokes equation and energy equation in two dimensions, along with finite element-based software, COMSOL 5.6, to simulate the combination of fluid flow and heat transmission. The results show a circular distribution of temperature in the cavity, and the average temperature drops as the volume fraction of copper upsurges. However, both the Reynolds number and volume fraction of copper improve the average Nusselt number, which shows how well the fluid transfers heat, along the cavity's middle line. The percentage change in the average Nusselt number decreases as the aspect ratio increases, indicating improved conduction.
Evidence of a cognitive bias in the quantification of COVID-19 with CT: an artificial intelligence randomised clinical trial
Authors: Bercean Bogdan A. , Birhala Andreea , Ardelean Paula G. , Barbulescu Ioana , Benta Marius M. , Rasadean Cristina D. , Costachescu Dan , Avramescu Cristian , Tenescu Andrei , Iarca Stefan , Buburuzan Alexandru S. , Marcu Marius , Birsasteanu Florin
Published: March 2023

Chest computed tomography (CT) has played a valuable, distinct role in the screening, diagnosis, and follow-up of COVID-19 patients. The quantification of COVID-19 pneumonia on CT has proven to be an important predictor of the treatment course and outcome of the patient although it remains heavily reliant on the radiologist's subjective perceptions. Here, we show that with the adoption of CT for COVID-19 management, a new type of psychophysical bias has emerged in radiology. A preliminary survey of 40 radiologists and a retrospective analysis of CT data from 109 patients from two hospitals revealed that radiologists overestimated the percentage of lung involvement by 10.23 ± 4.65% and 15.8 ± 6.6%, respectively. In the subsequent randomised controlled trial, artificial intelligence (AI) decision support reduced the absolute overestimation error (P < 0.001) from 9.5% ± 6.6 (No-AI analysis arm, n = 38) to 1.0% ± 5.2 (AI analysis arm, n = 38). These results indicate a human perception bias in radiology that has clinically meaningful effects on the quantitative analysis of COVID-19 on CT. The objectivity of AI was shown to be a valuable complement in mitigating the radiologist’s subjectivity, reducing the overestimation tenfold.

Trial registration: https://Clinicaltrial.gov. Identifier: NCT05282056, Date of registration: 01/02/2022.
Different molecular pathways are disrupted in Pyoderma gangrenosum patients and are associated with the severity of the disease
Authors: Moura Ronald Rodrigues , Brandão Lucas , Moltrasio Chiara , Agrelli Almerinda , Tricarico Paola Maura , Maronese Carlo Alberto , Crovella Sergio , Marzano Angelo Valerio
Published: March 2023

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory skin disease classified within the spectrum of neutrophilic dermatoses. The pathophysiology of PG is yet incompletely understood but a prominent role of genetics facilitating immune dysregulation has been proposed. This study investigated the potential contribution of disrupted molecular pathways in determining the susceptibility and clinical severity of PG. Variant Enrichment Analysis, a bioinformatic pipeline applicable for Whole Exome Sequencing data was performed in unrelated PG patients. Eleven patients were enrolled, including 5 with unilesional and 6 with multilesional PG. Fourteen pathways were exclusively enriched in the “multilesional” group, mainly related to immune system (i.e., type I interferon signaling pathway), cell metabolism and structural functions. In the “unilesional” group, nine pathways were found to be exclusively enriched, mostly related to cell signaling and cell metabolism. Genetically altered pathways involved in immune system biology and wound repair appear to be nodal pathogenic drivers in PG pathogenesis.
Recruit-aged adults may preferentially weight task goals over deleterious cost functions during short duration loaded and imposed gait tasks
Authors: Krajewski Kellen T. , Johnson Camille C. , Ahamed Nizam U. , Moir Gavin L. , Mi Qi , Flanagan Shawn D. , Anderst William J. , Connaboy Chris
Published: March 2023

Optimal motor control that is stable and adaptable to perturbation is reflected in the temporal arrangement and regulation of gait variability. Load carriage and forced-marching are common military relevant perturbations to gait that have been implicated in the high incidence of musculoskeletal injuries in military populations. We investigated the interactive effects of load magnitude and locomotion pattern on motor variability, stride regulation and spatiotemporal complexity during gait in recruit-aged adults. We further investigated the influences of sex and task duration. Healthy adults executed trials of running and forced-marching with and without loads at 10% above their gait transition velocity. Spatiotemporal parameters were analyzed using a goal equivalent manifold approach. With load and forced-marching, individuals used a greater array of motor solutions to execute the task goal (maintain velocity). Stride-to-stride regulation became stricter as the task progressed. Participants exhibited optimal spatiotemporal complexity with significant but not meaningful differences between sexes. With the introduction of load carriage and forced-marching, individuals relied on a strategy that maximizes and regulates motor solutions that achieve the task goal of velocity specifically but compete with other task functions. The appended cost penalties may have deleterious effects during prolonged execution, potentially increasing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Prenatal nicotine exposure alters gene expression profiles of neurons in the sub-regions of the VTA during early postnatal development
Authors: McGill Lindsey D. , Avci Naze G. , Kazemi Tina , Sunaga Yoshinori , Akay Yasemin M. , Akay Metin
Published: March 2023

Brain growth occurs during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development in rats. This developmental period is equivalent to the third trimester of human gestation. Dendritic arborization, axonal growth, and gliogenesis are observed along with a strong maturation of neurotransmission during this critical development period. Furthermore, nicotine exposure during early development causes deficiencies in sensory and cognitive processing in adults. In this study, we further investigated the gene expression of neuron groups and the influence of perinatal nicotine exposure on gene expressions of neurons within the sub-regions of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in 1 week, 2 week and 3-week-old rat pups. We exposed pregnant rats to nicotine perinatally on gestational day 7 through postnatal day 14. Pups are exposed to nicotine during pregnancy and through breastfeeding to investigate its effect in rat pups during early neuronal development. Real time PCR was used to find the relative expressions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and glutamate neuron markers within the three sub-regions of the VTA including the parabrachial pigmented nucleus (PBP), parainterfascicular (PIF), and paranigral nucleus (PN). Our results indicated that during early maturation, the dopamine marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) showed a consistently increased significance in PN sub-region compared to PIF and PBP. These results suggest that following perinatal nicotine exposure, VTA dopamine neurons, especially within the PN sub-region, are significantly excited starting from birth.
Increasing the melting temperature of VHH with the in silico free energy score
Authors: Tomimoto Yusuke , Yamazaki Rika , Shirai Hiroki
Published: March 2023

VHH, the antigen-binding fragment of a heavy chain-only antibody, is a useful component of antibody-based therapeutics. Thermal stability, represented by the melting temperature (Tm), is one of the key factors affecting the developability of antibody-based therapeutics. In this study, we examined whether the in silico free energy score dStability can be used to design mutants with improved Tm compared to the anti-lysozyme VHH, D3-L11. After verifying that exhaustive mutagenesis was inefficient for improving Tm, we performed a two-round rational approach that combined dStability calculations with a small number of experiments. This method improved the Tm by more than 5 °C in several single mutants including A79I. It reduced the affinity for the antigen by less than 1.6-fold. We speculate that stabilization of A79I required exquisite compatibility among neighboring residues to fill in the internal cavity in the protein. Given that we identified only one mutation that could simultaneously improve Tm and almost maintain affinity, we concluded that achieving both is extremely difficult, even with single mutations that are not located in the paratope. Therefore, we recommend using a variety of approaches when trying to achieve such a feat. Our method will be a useful complementary approach to other existing methods.
The 8-bromobaicalein inhibited the replication of dengue, and Zika viruses and targeted the dengue polymerase
Authors: Boonyasuppayakorn Siwaporn , Saelee Thanaphon , Huynh Thao Nguyen Thanh , Hairani Rita , Hengphasatporn Kowit , Loeanurit Naphat , Cao Van , Vibulakhaophan Vipanee , Siripitakpong Panattida , Kaur Parveen , Chu Justin Jang Hann , Tunghirun Chairat , Choksupmanee Opas , Chimnaronk Sarin , Shigeta Yasuteru , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada , Chavasiri Warinthorn
Published: March 2023

Dengue and Zika viruses are mosquito-borne flaviviruses burdening millions every year with hemorrhagic fever and neurological symptoms. Baicalein was previously reported as a potential anti-flaviviral candidate and halogenation of flavones and flavanones potentiated their antiviral efficacies. Here, we reported that a chemically modified 8-bromobaicalein effectively inhibited all dengue serotypes and Zika viruses at 0.66–0.88 micromolar in cell-based system. The compound bound to dengue serotype 2 conserved pocket and inhibited the dengue RdRp activity with 6.93 fold more than the original baicalein. Moreover, the compound was mildly toxic against infant and adult C57BL/6 mice despite administering continuously for 7 days. Therefore, the 8-bromobaicalein should be investigated further in pharmacokinetics and efficacy in an animal model.
Phosphate induces inflammation and exacerbates injury from cigarette smoke in the bronchial epithelium
Authors: Bollenbecker Seth , Heitman Kylie , Czaya Brian , Easter Molly , Hirsch Meghan June , Vang Shia , Harris Elex , Helton E. Scott , Barnes Jarrod W. , Faul Christian , Krick Stefanie
Published: March 2023

An elevation in serum phosphate—also called hyperphosphatemia—is associated with reduced kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reports show CKD patients are more likely to develop lung disease and have poorer kidney function that positively correlates with pulmonary obstruction. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we report that two murine models of CKD, which both exhibit increased serum levels of phosphate and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23, a regulator of phosphate homeostasis, develop concomitant airway inflammation. Our in vitro studies point towards a similar increase of phosphate-induced inflammatory markers in human bronchial epithelial cells. FGF23 stimulation alone does not induce a proinflammatory response in the non-COPD bronchial epithelium and phosphate does not cause endogenous FGF23 release. Upregulation of the phosphate-induced proinflammatory cytokines is accompanied by activation of the extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Moreover, the addition of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) during phosphate treatments exacerbates inflammation as well as ERK activation, whereas co-treatment with FGF23 attenuates both the phosphate as well as the combined phosphate- and CS-induced inflammatory response, independent of ERK activation. Together, these data demonstrate a novel pathway that potentially explains pathological kidney-lung crosstalk with phosphate as a key mediator.
Traffic monitoring system design considering multi-hazard disaster risks
Authors: Gazzea Michele , Miraki Amir , Alisan Onur , Kuglitsch Monique M. , Pelivan Ivanka , Ozguven Eren Erman , Arghandeh Reza
Published: March 2023

Roadways are critical infrastructure in our society, providing services for people through and between cities. However, they are prone to closures and disruptions, especially after extreme weather events like hurricanes. At the same time, traffic flow data are a fundamental type of information for any transportation system. In this paper, we tackle the problem of traffic sensor placement on roadways to address two tasks at the same time. The first task is traffic data estimation in ordinary situations, which is vital for traffic monitoring and city planning. We design a graph-based method to estimate traffic flow on roads where sensors are not present. The second one is enhanced observability of roadways in case of extreme weather events. We propose a satellite-based multi-domain risk assessment to locate roads at high risk of closures. Vegetation and flood hazards are taken into account. We formalize the problem as a search method over the network to suggest the minimum number and location of traffic sensors to place while maximizing the traffic estimation capabilities and observability of the risky areas of a city.
Design of topology optimized compliant legs for bio-inspired quadruped robots
Authors: Sun Yilun , Zong Chujun , Pancheri Felix , Chen Tong , Lueth Tim C.
Published: March 2023

Robotic legs are an important component of the quadruped robot for achieving different motion gaits. Although the conventional rigid-link-based legs can generally perform robust motions, they still have the issues with poor sealing when operating in complex and liquid terrains. To cope with this problem, fully compliant legs with monolithic structure have been introduced in recent years to improve the system compactness and structural compliance of quadruped robots. In this article, we present a topology-optimization-based method to achieve efficient design of compliant robotic legs. In order to balance the structural stiffness and bending flexibility of the realized leg, a multi-objective optimization algorithm is utilized. A series of design cases are presented to illustrate the design principle and analytical procedure of the proposed method. In addition, experimental evaluation is also performed, and the results have demonstrated that, a quadruped robot with the optimized legs can successfully achieve stable and continuous straight-line walking motions.
Effect of ambient wind on the performance of alpine downhill skier
Authors: Li Bo , Li Peng , Zhang Yuanzhao , Jia Kun , Hong Ping
Published: March 2023

Alpine skiing, especially alpine downhill, is one of the most extreme winter sports in terms of high-speed and narrow winning margin, and its tracks are always located in mountainous areas with high altitudes and complex ambient wind fields, resulting in a significant impact of ambient wind on the performance and the final ranking of alpine downhill skiers. In the present study, a method based upon the combination of field measurements, wind tunnel tests and kinematic simulations was used to evaluate the effect of ambient wind on the performance of an alpine downhill skier. Considering the effect of ambient wind, a kinematic model of the alpine skier-ski system was established, and the equations of motion for straight gliding and turning were deduced. Then, the Chinese National Alpine Ski Center (CNASC) downhill track was taken as a case study to investigate the effect of ambient wind on the gliding time using the proposed combined evaluation method. Field measurements and wind tunnel tests were performed to identify five critical ambient wind directions of 270°, 292.5°, 315°, 337.5° and 360°. Moreover, the wind speeds and the wind directions for 16 different measurement points of the downhill track were also obtained. The results of the modelling analysis showed that the finish time increased by 19.75% for the ambient wind direction of 270°, whereas the finish time decreased by 1.29% for the ambient wind direction of 360°.
A common variant rs2054564 in ADAMTS17 is associated with susceptibility to lumbar spondylosis
Authors: Taniguchi Yuki , Akune Toru , Nishida Nao , Omori Go , HA Kim , Ueno Kazuko , Saito Taku , Oichi Takeshi , Koike Asako , Mabuchi Akihiko , Oka Hiroyuki , Muraki Shigeyuki , Oshima Yasushi , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Nakamura Kozo , Tokunaga Katsushi , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshimura Noriko
Published: March 2023

The molecular pathophysiology underlying lumbar spondylosis development remains unclear. To identify genetic factors associated with lumbar spondylosis, we conducted a genome-wide association study using 83 severe lumbar spondylosis cases and 182 healthy controls and identified 65 candidate disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Replication analysis in 510 case and 911 control subjects from five independent Japanese cohorts identified rs2054564, located in intron 7 of ADAMTS17, as a disease-associated SNP with a genome-wide significance threshold (P = 1.17 × 10–11, odds ratio = 1.92). This association was significant even after adjustment of age, sex, and body mass index (P = 7.52 × 10–11). A replication study in a Korean cohort, including 123 case and 319 control subjects, also verified the significant association of this SNP with severe lumbar spondylosis. Immunohistochemistry revealed that fibrillin-1 (FBN1) and ADAMTS17 were co-expressed in the annulus fibrosus of intervertebral discs (IVDs). ADAMTS17 overexpression in MG63 cells promoted extracellular microfibrils biogenesis, suggesting the potential role of ADAMTS17 in IVD function through interaction with fibrillin fibers. Finally, we provided evidence of FBN1 involvement in IVD function by showing that lumbar IVDs in patients with Marfan syndrome, caused by heterozygous FBN1 gene mutation, were significantly more degenerated. We identified a common SNP variant, located in ADAMTS17, associated with susceptibility to lumbar spondylosis and demonstrated the potential role of the ADAMTS17-fibrillin network in IVDs in lumbar spondylosis development.