bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epitranscriptomics and cervical cancer: the emerging role of m6A, m5C and m1A RNA modifications
Authors: Modi Akshat D. , Zahid Hira , Southerland Ashlyn Chase , Modi Dharmeshkumar M.
Published: October 2024

Cervical cancer (CC), one of the most prevalent and detrimental gynaecologic cancers, evolves through genetic and epigenetic alterations resulting in the promotion of oncogenic activity and dysfunction of tumour-suppressing mechanisms. Despite medical advancement, the prognosis for advanced-stage patients remains extremely low due to high recurrence rates and resistance to existing treatments. Thereby, the search for potential prognostic biomarkers is heightened to unravel new modalities of CC pathogenesis and to develop novel anti-cancer therapies. Epitranscriptomic modifications, reversible epigenetic RNA modifications, regulate various biological processes by deciding RNA fate to mediating RNA interactions. This narrative review provides insight into the cellular and molecular roles of endogenous RNA-editing proteins and their associated epitranscriptomic modifications, especially N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C) and N1-methyladenosine (m1A), in governing the development, progression and metastasis of CC. We discussed the in-depth epitranscriptomic mechanisms underlying the regulation of over 50 RNAs responsible for tumorigenesis, proliferation, migration, invasion, survival, autophagy, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metabolism (glucose, lipid, glutamate and glutamine), resistance (drug and radiation), angiogenesis and recurrence of CC. Additionally, we provided a concise overview of the therapeutic potential of targeting the altered expression of endogenous RNA-editing proteins and aberrant deposition of RNA modifications on both coding and non-coding RNAs in CC.
Data Access and Automated Decision-Making in European Financial Law
Authors: Pflücke Felix
Published: October 2024

This article examines the regulatory landscape of financial data access within the European Union, emphasising the implications and effectiveness of recent legislative initiatives. It provides an in-depth analysis of the Financial Data Access Regulation (FIDA) proposal and its relationship with existing laws, focusing on the possibilities for data access and utilisation in the context of Open Finance. The discussion evaluates the regulatory framework for automated decision-making (ADM) in European financial law, highlighting its strengths and identifying areas for improvement. By exploring the intersections of tech resilience, financial regulation, and data protection, the article aims to clarify the practical implications of current and proposed rules, emphasising effective practices and areas needing further legislative attention.
Healthcare-associated infections in Japanese hospitals: results from a large-scale multicenter point-prevalence survey in Aichi, 2020
Authors: Morioka Hiroshi , Koizumi Yusuke , Oka Keisuke , Okudaira Masami , Tomita Yuka , Kojima Yumi , Watariguchi Toshitaka , Watamoto Koichi , Mutoh Yoshikazu , Tsuji Takeshi , Yokota Manabu , Shimizu Junichi , Hasegawa Chihiro , Iwata Susumu , Nagaoka Masatoshi , Ito Yuji , Kawasaki Shohei , Kato Hiroki , Kitagawa Yuichi , Goto Takuya , Nozaki Yasuhiro , Akita Kenji , Shimizu Shinsuke , Nozawa Masanori , Kato Munehiro , Ishihara Masamitsu , Ito Kenta , Yagi Tetsuya ,   Research Group of Aichi Point Prevalence Survey
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Epidemiological data are essential for effective HAI control; however, comprehensive information on HAIs in Japanese hospitals is limited. This study aimed to provide an overview of HAIs in Japanese hospitals.

Methods:

A multicenter point-prevalence survey (PPS) was conducted in 27 hospitals across the Aichi Prefecture between February and July 2020. This study encompassed diverse hospital types, including community, university, and specialized hospitals. Information on the demographic data of the patients, underlying conditions, devices, HAIs, and causative organisms was collected.

Results:

A total of 10,199 patients (male: 5,460) were included in this study. The median age of the patients was 73 (interquartile range [IQR]: 56–82) years, and the median length of hospital stay was 10 (IQR: 4–22) days. HAIs were present in 6.6% of patients, with pneumonia (1.83%), urinary tract infection (1.09%), and surgical site infection (SSI) (0.87%) being the most common. The prevalence of device-associated HAIs was 0.91%. Staphylococcus aureus (17.3%), Escherichia coli (17.1%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.2%) were the primary pathogens in 433 organisms; 29.6% of the Enterobacterales identified showed resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. Pneumonia was the most prevalent HAI in small-to-large hospitals (1.69%–2.34%) and SSI, in extra-large hospitals (over 800 beds, 1.37%).

Conclusions:

This study offers vital insights into the epidemiology of HAIs in hospitals in Japan. These findings underscore the need for national-level PPSs to capture broader epidemiological trends, particularly regarding healthcare challenges post-COVID-19.
Memory, post-fascism and the far-right
Authors: Ortiz Cabrero Lorena , Sierp Aline
Published: October 2024

After 78 years of democracy, Italy continues to grapple with its recent past in the political, social, and cultural spheres. Its experience of fascism under Mussolini, its dual participation in the Second World War, and the continuous and still existent connections between the ideological factions of the 1930s–1940s and now render the country a rich case for the study of public history and memory. The specificity of these characteristics has often made Italian history and memory look like an outlier, shaped by circumstances difficult to compare with those of other countries'. This paper argues that contemporary Italian memory politics are in reality a valuable source of information about the kind of mnemonic discourses that may arise in other (Western) European countries, given the increasingly polarised and populist European landscape. Our study of discourses put forwarded by the post-fascist party Fratelli d'Italia reveals a set of mnemonic tools with which they successfully banalise fascism and chip at Italian public discourse slowly but surely. The comparison between this discourse and that of VOX and AfD in Spain and Germany, respectively, shows that these tools, ranging from nativism to policy (de)legitimation linked to fascist imagery, has started to transfer to other countries' political strategies.
CONGRUENCES FOR SUMS OF MACMAHON’S q-CATALAN POLYNOMIALS
Authors: AMDEBERHAN TEWODROS , TAURASO ROBERTO
Published: October 2024

One variant of the q-Catalan polynomials is defined in terms of Gaussian polynomials by

$$ \begin{align*}\mathcal{C}_k(q)=\bigg[\begin{matrix}{2k}\\ {k}\end{matrix}\bigg]_q-q \bigg[\begin{matrix}{2k}\\ {k+1} \end{matrix}\bigg]_q.\end{align*} $$

Liu [‘On a congruence involving q-Catalan numbers’, C. R. Math. Acad. Sci. Paris358 (2020), 211–215] studied congruences of the form

$\sum _{k=0}^{n-1} q^k\mathcal {C}_k$

modulo the cyclotomic polynomial

$\Phi _n(q)^2$

, provided that

$n\equiv \pm 1\pmod 3$

. Apparently, the case

$n\equiv 0\pmod 3$

has been missing from the literature. Our primary purpose is to fill this gap. In addition, we discuss a certain fascinating link to Dirichlet character sum identities.
Marriage and the Nuptial Mass
Authors: Sire Dominic
Published: October 2024

By the liturgy we understand not only the official prayer of the Church expressing her spiritual life, but a prayer which expresses her doctrine. In this way the liturgy is part of the apostolic mission of the Church. Thus it is not only the way the faithful may express themselves in prayer but is their birthright by reason of their baptism. The liturgy expresses the vitality of the Church and is an implementation of her mission to go and teach all nations. It has doctrinal value not only for the faithful out also for those who may be looking on from afar. It is a matter of urgency, therefore, that this educative value should be kept vital and inspiring; that its symbolism should always teach and not become a piece of mere play-acting, still less a soulless repetition by heart of some dead formula.
Monsieur Vincent: Three Hundred Years After
Authors: Shannon G. J.
Published: October 2024

M. PIERRE FRESNAY, excellently made-up as a priest of the seventeenth century, walked quickly across the church. He threw open the door of a confessional, beckoned to the confessor who was ministering to the souls of a few dévotes; then, together, they turned their backs on such pious trivialities and set out for the field of practical philanthropy.

The concept of the projected image is quite familiar in contemporary publicity and propaganda. It involves the selection and exaggeration of some one aspect of a product, a political party, a public figure, and the stamping of the result on the imagination of readers, viewers, or listeners. The French film, Monsieur Vincent, in which occurred the scene mentioned above, is a typical example of image projection: it is not unfair to say that the impression left on its audiences was one of almost complete activism. The vivid episodes presented the saint in a way calculated to appeal to the mood of the mid-twentieth century.
Collateral kids: Weighing the lives of children in targeting
Authors: Provost René , Wijenayake Vishakha
Published: October 2024

The principle of proportionality under international humanitarian law prohibits an attack if the expected harm to civilian persons and objects is excessive in relation to the anticipated concrete and direct military advantage. In this article we argue that, when applying the principle of proportionality, the incidental harm to a child must be given a higher value as compared to incidental harm to an adult. This reflects the broader framework of international humanitarian law, which creates stratifications amongst different groups of civilians and provides special protection for children in times of war. This aligns with the practice of many militaries, which tends to implicitly assign a heightened worth to the lives of children due to moral and political considerations. Such reasons stem from the perceived vulnerability of children as well as their moral innocence reflecting harmlessness and blamelessness. Indeed, harm to children’s lives tends to generate a greater backlash among the community to which they belong and, as a result, a military disadvantage. We argue that the greater weight assigned to the lives of children in proportionality assessments is not simply a matter of morality or strategic calculations, but in fact a requirement from a more wholistic interpretation of international humanitarian law.
Closure of small fenestrations without optimal rims with a PDA coil far from primary atrial septal defects: a new approach
Authors: Sánchez González Sylvia K. , Colín Ortiz José L. , Flores Arizmendi Alejandro , Bobadilla Aguirre Alfredo , Corona Villalobos Carlos A.
Published: October 2024

An ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) is a CHD that can be treated percutaneously since 1974, mostly cases with only one main defect. In cases with fenestrations close to the main defect, a single occluder can be used for treatment because the discs extend beyond the waist of the device. In some cases where the defects are far from each other, they may require either more than one device or surgical closure. We present two patients in whom we observed fenestrations far from the primary defect. Initially, the main ASDs were closed with an ASD occluder, and then the fenestrations were closed with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) coil, resulting in complete closure of both defects. This shows that closing small fenestrations that are far away from the primary interatrial defect without rims and using other devices instead, such as a PDA coil, is feasible and can avoid the need for an open-heart surgical procedure; moreover, it is important to note that leaving these fenestrations open can have the same physiology as a patent foramen oval.
Unexpected and atypical clinical presentation of myocardial infarction in infants and children: complex pathogenesis of progressive and lethal disease
Authors: Matoq Amr , Patel Gina , Tsuda Takeshi
Published: October 2024

Background:

Myocardial infarction is rare in children but frequently occurs unexpectedly with atypical presentation. It can cause a progressive lethal course unless prompt treatment is initiated.

Methods:

Paediatric cases of myocardial infarction diagnosed by the presence of ischaemic myocardial insults and symptomatic ventricular dysfunction were reviewed retrospectively.

Results:

Eighteen patients (5 days to 14 years of age; median 3 months) with myocardial infarction were studied. The aetiology was variable, including congenital coronary anomalies: anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (five patients), pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum with right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation (four), anomalous aortic origin of left coronary artery (three), and Williams syndrome with supravalvar aortic stenosis (one). Two acquired coronary anomalies occurred in one patient with undiagnosed Kawasaki disease with complete thrombotic obstruction of the left coronary artery and another with post-transplant cardiac allograft microangiopathy. Three patients developed thromboembolic coronary artery incidents in normal coronary anatomy. Fourteen patients were less than 1 year of age (78%). Electrocardiographic abnormalities were noted in all patients. Four patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for severe ventricular dysfunction, none of whom survived. Five patients underwent heart transplant. Five patients died during the same hospitalisation, and one patient died after discharge (overall mortality 33%). Transplant-free survival was 39%.

Conclusion:

Most myocardial infarction occurred in infants who presented with abrupt onset of non-specific clinical manifestations with progressively deteriorating haemodynamic status resulting in poor transplant-free survival rate. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
Putting Accessibility on the Map
Authors: Crowell Rachel
Published: October 2024

New research demonstrates how to make radar maps more easily interpretable for people with color vision deficiency.
Topography Response to Horizontal Slab Tearing and Oblique Continental Collision: Insights From 3D Thermomechanical Modeling
Authors: Maiti Giridas , Koptev Alexander , Baville Paul , Gerya Taras , Crosetto Silvia , Andrić‐Tomašević Nevena
Published: October 2024

The horizontal propagation of slab detachment (slab tearing) is known to control lateral migration of the mountain uplift along the collisional belt. However, along‐strike differential collision due to an oblique passive margin geometry can make the topography response more complex. In this study, we employ 3D thermomechanical modeling to distinguish between the lateral migration of the mountain topography driven by slab tearing and oblique continental collision itself. In our models, slab breakoff is triggered by the transition from oceanic to continental subduction, occurring earlier on one side of the passive margin than on the other due to the initial oblique configuration. However, once slab breakoff has begun, it spreads horizontally in the form of tearing at high velocity (∼38–118 cm yr−1), and associated topographic uplift also propagates with the same velocity. In contrast, the along‐strike migration of subsequent continental collision and related topographic uplift propagation is typically much slower (∼2–34 cm yr−1). Similarly, the vertical magnitude of surface uplift caused by slab tearing is higher (up to 10 mm yr−1) than the following collision phase (<4 mm yr−1). The parametric analysis reveals that slab tearing velocity and the associated horizontal propagation of mountain uplift depends on obliquity angle and slab age, whereas the migration of collision‐induced topographic growth is controlled by the convergence velocity and obliquity angle. Finally, we show that presence of microcontinental block detached from the passive margin leads to spatial and temporal transition from horizontal to vertical slab tearing and more intense syn‐collisional mountain building.
Inhibition and degradation of NRAS with a pan-NRAS monobody
Authors: Whaby Michael , Ketavarapu Gayatri , Koide Akiko , Mazzei Megan , Mintoo Mubashir , Glasser Eliezra , Patel Unnatiben , Nasarre Cecile , Sale Matthew J. , McCormick Frank , Koide Shohei , O’Bryan John P.
Published: October 2024

The RAS family GTPases are the most frequently mutated oncogene family in human cancers. Activating mutations in either of the three RAS isoforms (HRAS, KRAS, or NRAS) are found in nearly 20% of all human tumors with NRAS mutated in ~25% of melanomas. Despite remarkable advancements in therapies targeted against mutant KRAS, NRAS-specific pharmacologics are lacking. Thus, development of inhibitors of NRAS would address a critical unmet need to treating primary tumors harboring NRAS mutations as well as BRAF-mutant melanomas, which frequently develop resistance to clinically approved BRAF inhibitors through NRAS mutation. Building upon our previous studies with the monobody NS1 that recognizes HRAS and KRAS but not NRAS, here we report the development of a monobody that specifically binds to both GDP and GTP-bound states of NRAS and inhibits NRAS-mediated signaling in a mutation-agnostic manner. Further, this monobody can be formatted into a genetically encoded NRAS-specific degrader. Our study highlights the feasibility of developing NRAS selective inhibitors for therapeutic efforts.
Blood-generating heart-forming organoids recapitulate co-development of the human haematopoietic system and the embryonic heart
Authors: Dardano Miriana , Kleemiß Felix , Kosanke Maike , Lang Dorina , Wilson Liam , Franke Annika , Teske Jana , Shivaraj Akshatha , de la Roche Jeanne , Fischer Martin , Lange Lucas , Schambach Axel , Drakhlis Lika , Zweigerdt Robert
Published: October 2024

Despite the biomedical importance of haematopoietic stem cells and haematopoietic progenitor cells, their in vitro stabilization in a developmental context has not been achieved due to limited knowledge of signals and markers specifying the multiple haematopoietic waves as well as ethically restricted access to the human embryo. Thus, an in vitro approach resembling aspects of haematopoietic development in the context of neighbouring tissues is of interest. Our established human pluripotent stem cell-derived heart-forming organoids (HFOs) recapitulate aspects of heart, vasculature and foregut co-development. Modulating HFO differentiation, we here report the generation of blood-generating HFOs. While maintaining a functional ventricular-like heart anlagen, blood-generating HFOs comprise a mesenchyme-embedded haemogenic endothelial layer encompassing multiple haematopoietic derivatives and haematopoietic progenitor cells with erythro-myeloid and lymphoid potential, reflecting aspects of primitive and definitive haematopoiesis. The model enables the morphologically structured co-development of cardiac, endothelial and multipotent haematopoietic tissues equivalent to the intra-embryonic haematopoietic region in vivo, promoting research on haematopoiesis in vitro.
Safety and efficacy of viltolarsen in ambulatory and nonambulatory males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Harper Amy D. , Topaloglu Haluk , Mercuri Eugenio , Suslov Vasiliy , Wu Liwen , Ayanoglu Cigdem Y. , Tansey Michael , Previtera Michelle L. , Crozier Robert A. , Magnus Leslie , Clemens Paula R.
Published: October 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disease characterized by mutations in the dystrophin gene, causing motor and pulmonary function decline. Viltolarsen is indicated for patients with dystrophin gene mutations amenable to exon 53 skipping. Here, we report safety, motor function, and the first pulmonary function results from the open-label, phase II Galactic53 trial of viltolarsen (NCT04956289). Male participants aged ≥ 8 years with DMD received 80 mg/kg intravenous viltolarsen once weekly for 48 weeks. Results from participants receiving viltolarsen were compared with an external control cohort group-matched for multiple variables. All treatment-emergent adverse events were mild or moderate, 4 were considered treatment-related, and no participants discontinued. Participants receiving viltolarsen experienced clinically meaningful benefits in pulmonary function with higher percent predicted forced vital capacity and higher peak cough flow at Week 49 compared with the control cohort for both ambulatory and nonambulatory participants. Viltolarsen also stabilized upper limb motor function over the Treatment Period. These results support viltolarsen as an important part of the treatment armamentarium for both ambulatory as well as nonambulatory patients with DMD.
The mediating role of behavioral risk factors in the pathway between childhood disadvantage and adult psychological distress in a Finnish employee cohort
Authors: Salmela Jatta , Lallukka Tea , Mäki-Opas Tomi , Vähäsarja Luka , Salonsalmi Aino
Published: October 2024

Childhood disadvantage is associated with increased adult psychological distress, but the role of behavioral risk factors in the pathway remains unclear. We examined whether behavioral risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress. We used the Helsinki Health Study data of employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland, aged 19–39 (mean age 32.0) years at baseline (2017). We included women (n = 2397) and men (n = 586) who responded to both baseline and follow-up (2022) surveys. At baseline, eight types of childhood disadvantage were asked retrospectively, and six adult behavioral risk factors were included. Psychological distress was measured by the DASS-21 at follow-up. We conducted mediation analyses using generalized structural equation modeling. Among women, we found indirect path effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress through behavioral risk factors (symptoms of depression: β = 0.68, 95% CI 0.20–1.17; anxiety: β = 0.54, 95% CI 0.13–0.95; and stress: β = 0.69, 95% CI 0.20–1.09). Among men, childhood disadvantage contributed only directly to adult depressive (β = 0.71, 95% CI 0.16–1.26) and stress (β = 0.61, 95% CI 0.10–1.13) symptoms. Our findings suggest that behavioral risk factors can mediate some of the adverse effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress among women.
Standardisation of high throughput microdilution antifungal susceptibility testing for Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Floyd Holly E. E. , Kavanagh Angela M. , Lowe Gabrielle J. , Amado Maite , Fraser James A. , Blaskovich Mark A. T. , Elliott Alysha G. , Zuegg Johannes
Published: October 2024

The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27 guidelines are the recommended and most commonly used protocols for broth microdilution antifungal susceptibility testing of yeasts. However, these guidelines are limited to the use of 96-well assay plates, limiting assay capacity. With the increased risk of fungal resistance emerging in the community, it is important to have alternative protocols available, that offer higher throughput and can screen more than eight to ten potential antifungal compounds per plate. This study presents an optimised broth microdilution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method for testing the susceptibility of yeasts in an efficient high throughput screening setup, with minimal growth variability and maximum reproducibility. We extend the M27 guidelines and optimise the conditions for 384-well plates. Validation of the assay was performed with ten clinically used antifungals (fluconazole, amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, posaconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, caspofungin diacetate, anidulafungin and micafungin) against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans.
Deprivation of loading during rat Achilles tendon healing affects extracellular matrix composition and structure, and reduces cell density and alignment
Authors: Hammerman Malin , Pierantoni Maria , Isaksson Hanna , Eliasson Pernilla
Published: October 2024

Tendon healing involves mechanosensitive cells that adapt to mechanical stimuli through mechanotransduction, resulting in increased tissue strength. However, detailed insights into this process in response to different loads remain limited. We aimed to investigate how different loading regimes impact the spatial composition of elastin and collagens during Achilles tendon healing. Histological analysis was conducted on healing rat Achilles tendons exposed to (1) full loading, (2) reduced loading, or (3) minimal loading. Histological analysis included Hematoxylin & Eosin and immunohistochemical staining targeting elastin, Collagen 1, Collagen 3, and CD31. Our results showed that the impact of mechanical stimuli on healing tendons varied with the degree of loading. Unexpectedly, minimal loading led to higher staining intensity for collagens and elastin. However, tendons exposed to minimal loading appeared thinner and exhibited a less organized matrix structure, with fewer, less aligned, and more rounded cells. Additionally, our findings indicated an inverse correlation between angiogenesis and load level, with more blood vessels in tendons subjected to less loading. Tissue integrity improved by 12 weeks post-injury, but the healing process continued and did not regain the structure seen in intact tendons even after 20 weeks. This study reveals a load-dependent effect on matrix alignment, cell density, and cell alignment.
Conducting marine genetic research for whom? Mapping knowledge flows from science to patents
Authors: Dunshirn Paul , Zhivkoplias Erik
Published: October 2024

Marine genetic resources hold great value for biotechnological innovation and sustainability-oriented research. However, studies indicate that intellectual property rights pertaining to these resources are concentrated in a handful of companies and countries, triggering contentious international debates. This paper highlights an overlooked dimension: the flow of scientific knowledge in the provision and use of marine genetic research. We identified 23,417 scientific studies that use marine genetic sequences, traced patent references to these studies, and revealed provider and user countries. We found that molecular biological research, oftentimes on bacterial species, attracted the most patenting interest. Some countries owned relatively more patents than they provided in science, with the U.S. benefiting the most from available research. Science by developing countries’ researchers saw limited uptake in patents. These findings aim to inform international biodiversity regimes, such as the UN Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), on how to more equitably distribute marine genetic resources’ economic, socio-cultural, and ecological benefits.
The role of density functional theory in decoding the complexities of hydrogen embrittlement in steels
Authors: Sasikala Devi Assa Aravindh , Javaheri Vahid , Pallaspuro Sakari , Komi Jukka
Published: October 2024

Introduction of hydrogen to materials, and the steps leading to hydrogen embrittlement.
Theoretical elucidation of the effect of the linkage and orientation of carbazole and naphthalenediimide on the TADF and RTP propensities
Authors: Saini Chetan , Gouthaman Siddan , Justin Thomas K. R.
Published: October 2024

Computational analysis of naphthalenediimide and carbazole conjugates reveals the favourable linkage and orientation of carbazole for the realization of TADF and RTP.
Hydrogen-designed spin-states of 2D silicon carbide and graphene nanostructures
Authors: Filho L. Fiorini , Morais W. P. , Batista N. N. , de Souza F. A. L. , Varandas A. J. C. , Paz W. S. , Pansini F. N. N.
Published: October 2024

Identifying and manipulating spin in two-dimensional materials is of great interest in advancing quantum information and sensing technologies, as well as in the development of spintronic devices.
Cryptate binding energies towards high throughput chelator design: metadynamics ensembles with cluster–continuum solvation
Authors: Nations Sean M. , Burrows Lauren C. , Crawford Scott E. , Saidi Wissam A.
Published: October 2024

A tiered forcefield/semiempirical/meta-GGA pipeline together with a thermodynamic scheme designed with error cancellation in mind was developed to calculate binding energies of [2.2.2] cryptate complexes of mono- and divalent cations.
Trace elements in PM2.5 shed light on Saharan dust incursions over the Munich airshed in spring 2022
Authors: Padoan Sara , Zappi Alessandro , Bendl Jan , Herrmann Tanja , Mudan Ajit , Neukirchen Carsten , Brattich Erika , Tositti Laura , Adam Thomas
Published: October 2024

Munich was persistently affected by Saharan dust in March 2022. PM2.5 was collected on quartz filters and elements were analyzed by ICP-MS. Elemental data were processed by chemometrics and receptor models by Varimax and SOM analysis was applied.
Assessment of extracellular polymeric substances production and antioxidant defences in periphytic communities exposed to effluent contaminants
Authors: Silva Carlos , Figueira Etelvina , Matos Diana , Sá Carina , Vidal Tânia , Gonçalves Fernando José Mendes , Abrantes Nelson , Pereira Joana Luísa
Published: October 2024

Periphyton is frequently used in the evaluation of the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems using diatoms as a proxy.
Substrate-controlled regioselective hydrophosphorylation of allenes to enable photocatalytic synthesis of alkenylphosphoryl compounds
Authors: Yang Tian-Ming , Fan Xin-Lu , Shi Wei , Zhao Xuefei , Hu Xu-Hong
Published: October 2024

A visible-light-induced hydrophosphorylation of allenes with H-phosphine oxides is demonstrated to give a diverse range of alkenylphosphoryl compounds in a highly stereoselective and regioselective manner.
Research on a bimodal fusion detection method for surface defects of metal AM components based on LIBS
Authors: Lin Xiaomei , Yang Jiangfei , Huang Yutao , Lin Jingjun , Che Changjin
Published: October 2024

A bimodal fusion method using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is proposed to identify surface defects in metal additive manufacturing (AM) samples. This method integrates LIBS spectra with plasma image data to enhance defect detection.
Optimization of the synergistic effects in polycrystalline Pt–Au electrodes in developing an effective arsenic sensor via oxidation reactions
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Imran , Saha Surove Rani , Aoki Kentaro , Alam Md. Mahfujul , Singha Nayan Ranjan , Rahaman Mostafizur , Aldalbahi Ali , Nagao Yuki , Hasnat Mohammad A.
Published: October 2024

An Au-modified Pt electrode, prepared via 8 cycles of Au deposition using cyclic voltammetry, shows enhanced As(iii) oxidation. The Au(111) and Pt(111) facets, with favorable As(iii) adsorption, coupled with Pt–Au synergy, facilitate the oxidation.
Current and emerging trends of inorganic, organic and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors
Authors: Ahmed Mahmoud A. , Amin Sherif , Mohamed Ashraf A.
Published: October 2024

Effective corrosion control strategies are highly desired to reduce the fate of corrosion.
Lipogenic stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) targeted virtual screening for chemical inhibitors: molecular docking / dynamics simulation and in vitro assessment of anti-NAFLD efficacy
Authors: Puri Sonakshi , Kirad Shivani , Muzaffar-Ur-Rehman Mohammed , Mandal Sumit Kumar , Sharma Pankaj Kumar , Sankaranarayanan Murugesan , Deepa P. R.
Published: October 2024

HTVS revealed Montelukast as top-scoring SCD1 inhibitor. Reduction in hepatic fat accumulation and oxidative stress by Montelukast indicates its pharmacological potential in metabolic disorders.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and noroviruses in cold-chain food samples using aptamer-functionalized graphene field-effect transistors
Authors: Wu Qingliu , Luo Songjia , Wang Lu , Dong Baolei , Qu Hao , Zheng Lei
Published: October 2024

The diagnostic flow of the GFET sensor for viruses. The modified aptamers bind to the target, resulting in rearrangement of surface charges and changes in graphene carrier mobility. This interaction causes a shift in the Dirac point.
Fe-single-atom-coupled Fe3C multifunctional catalysts on P-, F-, N-doped carbon nanotubes for stable Zn–air batteries with ultra-high power densities
Authors: Ramadoss Manigandan , Yu Hesheng , Rajkamal Anand , Yun Gun Jin , Zhang Ziheng , Yang Chengtao , Ma Fei , Wu Yu , Daiqian Chen , Chen Yuanfu
Published: October 2024

Fe-single-atom-coupled Fe3C multifunctional catalysts on P-, F-, N-doped CNT deliver comparable OER behavior to RuO2, better ORR performance than Pt/C, and better ZAB performance than Pt/C–RuO2, due to the nanoarchitecture and abundant active sites.
Reducing hole-injection hurdles of OER electrocatalysts derived from Ru-doped FeNi metal–organic frameworks anchored with FeOOH
Authors: Chou Chih-Hung , Yeh Chen-Hao , Chen Pei-Lun , Lin Kuan-Han , Wu Chia-Ying , Yan Zhi-Cheng , Hsiao Po-Hsuan , Chen Chia-Yun
Published: October 2024

We present Ru3+-doped FeNi MOFs anchored with FeOOH nanoparticles as potential OER catalysts with bi-functional electrocatalytic characteristics.
Innovative pH-buffering strategies for enhanced cycling stability in zinc–iodine flow batteries
Authors: Tangthuam Phonnapha , Wannapaiboon Suttipong , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Chen Jeng-Lung , Chang Chia-Che , Pao Chih Wen , Zijdemans Phitchapa Ausamanwet , Yonezawa Tetsu , Suttipong Manaswee , Kheawhom Soorathep
Published: October 2024

The introduction of NH4OAc forms an NH4+ electrostatic layer to prevent zinc dendrite growth, while OAc− ions buffer pH, reducing corrosion and competing with water molecules to regulate the Zn/electrolyte interface.
Surface engineering of orthopedic implants for better clinical adoption
Authors: Tripathi Shivi , Raheem Ansheed , Dash Madhusmita , Kumar Prasoon , Elsebahy Ahmad , Singh Harpreet , Manivasagam Geetha , Nanda Himansu Sekhar
Published: October 2024

Enhancing cell-material interactions through surface engineering to create biomimetic environments and extend implant life.
Radiation-activated PD-L1 aptamer-functionalized nanoradiosensitizer to potentiate antitumor immunity in combined radioimmunotherapy and photothermal therapy
Authors: Chen Bo , He Yinbo , Bai Long , Pan Shulin , Wang Yinggang , Mu Min , Fan Rangrang , Han Bo , Huber Peter Ernst , Zou Bingwen , Guo Gang
Published: October 2024

This gold–MnO2 nanoradiosensitizer enhances radioimmunotherapy by boosting ROS production, triggering immunogenic cell death, and effectively suppressing tumor growth and metastasis.
Exploring the relation between fundamental frequency and spectral envelope in the perception of musical instrument sounds
Authors: Jacobsen Simon , Siedenburg Kai
Published: October 2024

Pitch and timbre perception centrally depend on fundamental frequency (F0) and spectral envelopes (SE), respectively. However, timbre perception as a function of F0 is less explored in the literature. An analysis-synthesis approach was used to compare sounds with congruent and incongruent F0 and SE parameters via sound pleasantness, brightness, and plausibility ratings. Analyzing 1900 musical instruments and voice sounds, a two-dimensional synthesis space was derived. The space was sampled in its inner and outer regions, reflecting high and low similarity to existing acoustical instrument sounds. Sounds with congruent and incongruent F0-SE relations were synthesized, defining congruency as the co-occurrence of F0 and SE in the analyzed set of sounds. In Experiment 1, inner regions of the space were rated as more pleasant compared to outer regions. Further, sounds with incongruent F0-SE relation were rated as less pleasant only for F0 discrepancies above two octaves. Finally, the first dimension of the space strongly reflected differences in brightness when F0 was controlled for. In Experiment 2, a spectrally more fine-grained resynthesis approach revealed effects of congruency on pleasantness and plausibility for smaller F0 separations. These results provide evidence for a co-dependence of F0 and SE properties in the perception of harmonic sounds.
Recent results on the analysis of the 18O+48Ti collision at 275 MeV: Single charge exchange reaction
Authors: Sgouros Onoufrios , Cappuzzello Francesco , Cavallaro Manuela , Carbone Diana , Agodi Clementina , Brischetto Giuseppe A. , Calvo Daniela , Chávez Lomelí Efraín R. , Ciraldo Irene , De Gregorio Giovanni , Delaunay Franck , Djapo Haris , Eke Canel , Finocchiaro Paolo , Fisichella Maria , Gargano Angela , Guazzelli Marcilei A. , Hacisalihoglu Aylin , Linares Roberto , Lubian Jesus , Medina Nilberto H. , Moralles Maurício , Oliveira Josè R. B. , Pakou Athina , Pandola Luciano , Soukeras Vasileios , Souliotis George , Spatafora Alessandro , Torresi Domenico , Yildirim Aydin , Zagatto Vinicius A. B.
Published: October 2024

The present work is inherent to the NUMEN project that aims at providing data-driven information for the nuclear matrix elements of the neutrinoless double beta decay through the study of heavy-ion induced double charge exchange reactions. This is a formidable task since during a nuclear collision, the same final states may be populated through various reaction mechanisms. In this respect, understanding the degree of competition between successive nucleon transfer and charge exchange reactions is crucial for the proper description of the meson-exchange mechanism. To this purpose, the reaction dynamics in the 18O+48Ti collision were sought by measuring a plethora of reaction channels under the same experimental conditions. The 48Ti was chosen as target since it is the daughter nucleus of 48Ca in double beta decay. The relevant experiment was performed at the MAGNEX facility of INFN-LNS in Catania. In this contribution, the status of the analysis for the 48Ti(18O,18F)48Sc single charge exchange reaction will be presented.
Re-evaluation of the sequential 3α reaction in stellar conditions
Authors: Depastas Theodoros , Sun Shuting , He Hongbin , Zheng Hua , Bonasera Aldo
Published: October 2024

The formation of carbon via the triple alpha process is a key step in stellar production reactions of light ions and heavily impacts the life-cycle of red giant stars. Here, we propose a novel theoretical approach for sequential mechanism of the helium burning process, based on the Imaginary Time Method (ITM) and semiclassical models. We compare our results to those of the NACRE collaboration, which has set the standard for the past decades. Our calculations differ by several orders of magnitude in the low temperature region, which may seriously affect the early evolution of helium burning stars.
Importance of elastic scattering in nucleon-exotic nucleus experiments
Authors: Karataglidis S.
Published: October 2024

In any experiment involving the interaction of two hadronic, many-body systems, the underlying interaction is conventionally described by an optical potential. Usually, this is of phenomenological, local, form, with real and imaginary parts each of which has parameters which are determined by fits to elastic scattering data. In order to predict observables for a wide range of targets, those data must cover a wider range of nuclei so that experiments with individual targets may be described appropriately. Further, for other experiments, obtaining the relative wave functions between the interacting systems requires the optical potential. Unfortunately, for nuclei far from the valley of stability such a global approach is inappropriate given the large differences in density at the surfaces due to halos and skins. In that case, phenomenology requires the measurements of elastic scattering data for the specific interacting systems. An alternative approach is to use microscopic formulations of the optical potential, such as the Melbourne g-folding potential. Aspects of both of these approaches for intermediate energies, given the interest in establishing facilities for exotic nuclear experiments at intermediate energies, will be discussed.
Biomechanical comparison of the tensile strength of fixation implants used for pull-out repair of medial meniscus posterior root tear
Authors: Handa Mikiko , Takahashi Tsuneari , Takeshita Katsushi
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRT) pull-out repair aims to restore the meniscus’ anatomical structure. Different implants are utilized for thread fixation in the pull-out repair technique for MMPRT. However, biomechanical evidence comparing the fixation strengths of these implants remains unavailable. This study investigated the tensile strength of three fixation implants in porcine knee models of MMPRT pull-out repair. Methods: This study categorized 30 porcine MMPRT models undergoing pull-out repair into three groups (10 specimens each) based on the implant utilized for fixation, including double spike plate, metallic interference screw (IFS), and resorbable IFS fixed group. A tensile tester was used to track the suture wire threaded to the medial meniscus anterior root. The displacement length was recorded after 10 and 20 loading cycles (10–30 N, 100 mm/min cross-head speed). Each specimen was then stretched to failure (50 mm/min cross-head speed), failure modes were recorded, and structural properties (maximum load, linear stiffness, elongation at failure, and elongation at yield) were compared. Fisher’s exact test and one-way analysis of variance were utilized to assess the differences. Results: No significant differences in displacement length, upper yield load, maximum load, linear stiffness, elongation at yield, elongation at failure, and frequency of failure mode were observed between the three groups. Conclusion: All implants were comparable in terms of fixation strength. Thus, resorbable interference screws may be particularly useful in this technique and does not require implant removal surgery. Level of evidence: IV.
Renale Sarkoidose
Authors: Bergner Raoul , Löffler Christian
Published: October 2024

Die Sarkoidose ist in Nordeuropa die häufigste granulomatöse Erkrankung. Man unterscheidet zwischen akuten Formen der Sarkoidose (Löfgren-Syndrom, Heerfordt-Syndrom) und der chronischen Sarkoidose. Die chronische Sarkoidose kann nahezu alle Organe betreffen. Die Lunge ist das am häufigsten betroffene Organ. Die Niere ist mit ca. 30 % der Fälle bei gründlicher Diagnostik nach der Lunge eines der am häufigsten mitbeteiligten Organe. Die in der Diagnostik gefundenen Befunde sind jedoch meistens wenig spektakulär und reichen von einer geringen Proteinurie über eine sterile Leukozyturie bis zu einer eingeschränkten Nierenfunktion. Meistens kann erst eine Nierenbiopsie den Befund einer renalen Sarkoidose oder sekundären Glomerulonephritis klären. Bedingt durch Störungen im Kalziumstoffwechsel können zudem eine Nephrokalzinose oder Nephrolithiasis auftreten. Auch Kombinationen der verschiedenen renalen Befunde sind möglich. Die Therapie der renalen Sarkoidose besteht in erster Linie aus Kortikosteroiden. Die Evidenz dafür beruht jedoch nur auf Fallserien. Andere Immunsuppressiva werden in der Literatur kasuistisch beschrieben.
Plexus choroidei — Produktionsstätten des Liquors
Authors: Corts Magga
Published: October 2024

In dieser DHZ-Ausgabe beschäftigt sich die Rubrik „Funktionelle Anatomie“ mit der Blutversorgung der Wirbelsäule.
Leitlinien im und für den Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst: Ergebnisse
einer Onlinebefragung zu aktuellen Bedarfen aus der Praxis
Authors: Arnold Laura , Steinisch Maria , Kuehne Anna , Schwabe Anna , Jakubowski Elke , Scholten Anjali , Stratil Jan M
Published: October 2024

Evidenzbasierte Leitlinien sind im medizinischen Praxisalltag anerkannt und
etabliert. Im Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst (ÖGD) sind evidenzbasierte
Leitlinien jedoch bislang nicht umfassend verfügbar. Um die Entwicklung von
Leitlinien im und für den ÖGD zu fördern, hat der Gemeinsame Bundesausschuss
(GBA) im Juni 2024 eine Förderrichtlinie herausgegeben. Diese Studie präsentiert
die Ergebnisse einer Onlinebefragung zur Priorisierung von Leitlinienthemen im
ÖGD, durchgeführt von der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Öffentliches
Gesundheitswesen e.V. (DGÖG). Die Befragung fokussierte auf fokussierte auf die
17 vom GBA vorgeschlagene Leitlinienthemen, die in sechs ÖGD-Aufgabenbereiche
gegliedert sind. Von insgesamt über 900 Teilnehmenden wurden umfassende
Antworten von knapp 500 Teilnehmenden ausgewertet, von denen 85 Prozent in
kommunalen Gesundheitsämtern tätig sind. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass allen 17
Leitlinienthemen eine hohe oder sehr hohe Priorität zugeschrieben wurde.
Besonders häufig hoch priorisiert wurden die Themenbereiche
infektionshygienische Überwachung, amtsärztliches Gutachtenwesen und
psychosoziale Notfallversorgung. Fachexperten hoben zudem die zahnmedizinische
Früherkennung, die Gesundheitskompetenz für Zahngesundheit und die Überwachung
von Trink- und Badewasser hervor. Die qualitative Analyse identifizierte darüber
hinaus weitere relevante Themen, darunter Gesundheitsberichterstattung und
-planung, Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention, Kindeswohl sowie Krisenmanagement
und Kommunikation. Die Umfrage ermöglicht Rückschlüsse über die aus ÖGD-Praxis
und -Wissenschaft wahrgenommenen prioritären Themen für Leitlinien. Die
Ergebnisse verdeutlichen den großen Bedarf an evidenzbasierten Leitlinien im und
für den ÖGD und liefern wichtige Erkenntnisse für die weitere Entwicklung und
Priorisierung.
Accuracy and Completeness of Bard and Chat-GPT 4 Responses for Questions Derived from the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery 2019
Authors: Abgin Yavar , Umemoto Kayla , Goulian Andrew , Vasquez Missael , Polster Sean , Wu Arthur , Roxbury Christopher , Soni Pranay , Ahmed Omar G. , Tang Dennis M.
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence large language models (LLMs), such as Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer 4 (Chat-GPT) by OpenAI and Bard by Google, emerged in 2022 as tools for answering questions, providing information, and offering suggestions to the layperson. These LLMs impact how information is disseminated and it is essential to compare their answers to experts in the corresponding field. The International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery 2019 (ICAR:SB) is a multidisciplinary international collaboration that critically evaluated and graded the current literature.

Objectives Evaluate the accuracy and completeness of Chat-GPT and Bard responses to questions derived from the ICAR:SB policy statements.

Design Thirty-four questions were created based on ICAR:SB policy statements and input into Chat-GPT and Bard. Two rhinologists and two neurosurgeons graded the accuracy and completeness of LLM responses, using a 5-point Likert scale. The Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for analysis.

Setting Online.

Participants None.

Outcomes Compare the mean accuracy and completeness scores between (1) responses generated by Chat-GPT versus Bard and (2) rhinologists versus neurosurgeons.

Results Using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, there were statistically significant differences in (1) accuracy (p < 0.001) and completeness (p < 0.001) of Chat-GPT compared with Bard; and (2) accuracy (p < 0.001) and completeness (p < 0.001) ratings between rhinologists and neurosurgeons.

Conclusion Chat-GPT responses are overall more accurate and complete compared with Bard, but both are very accurate and complete. Overall, rhinologists graded lower than neurosurgeons. Further research is needed to better understand the full potential of LLMs.