bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IAPP - oligomerisation levels in plasma of people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rehn Fabian , Kraemer-Schulien Victoria , Bujnicki Tuyen , Bannach Oliver , Tschoepe Diethelm , Stratmann Bernd , Willbold Dieter
Published: August 2024

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic ß-cells. Its oligomerisation is regarded as disease driving force in type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathology. Up to now, IAPP oligomers have been detected in affected tissues. IAPP oligomer concentrations in blood have not been analysed so far. Using the IAPP single-oligomer-sensitive and monomer-insensitive surface-based fluorescence intensity distribution analysis (sFIDA) technology, levels of IAPP oligomers in blood plasma from healthy controls and people with T2D in different disease stages where determined. Subsequently, the level of IAPP oligomerisation was introduced as the ratio between the IAPP oligomers determined with sFIDA and the total IAPP concentration determined with ELISA. Highest oligomerisation levels were detected in plasma of people with T2D without late complication and without insulin therapy. Their levels stand out significantly from the control group. Healthy controls presented with the lowest oligomerisation levels in plasma. In people with T2D without complications, IAPP oligomerisation levels correlated with disease duration. The results clearly demonstrate that IAPP oligomerisation in insulin-naïve patients correlates with duration of T2D. Although a correlation per se does not identify, which is cause and what is consequence, this result supports the hypothesis that IAPP aggregation is the driving factor of T2D development and progression. The alternative and conventional hypothesis explains development of T2D with increasing insulin resistance causing exhaustion of pancreatic ß-cells due to over-secretion of insulin, and thus IAPP, too, resulting in subsequent IAPP aggregation and fibril deposition in the pancreas. Further experiments and comparative analyses with primary tissues are warranted.
Computation of biological conductance with Liouville quantum master equation
Authors: Papp Eszter , Vattay Gábor
Published: August 2024

Recent experiments have revealed that single proteins can display high conductivity, which stays finite for low temperatures, decays slowly with distance, and exhibits a rich spatial structure featuring highly conducting and strongly insulating domains. Here, we intruduce a new formula by combining the density matrix of the Liouville-Master Equation simulating quantum transport in nanoscale devices, and the phenomenological model of electronic conductance through molecules, that can account for the observed distance- and temperature dependence of conductance in proteins. We demonstrate its efficacy on experimentally highly conductive extracellular cytochrome nanowires, which are good candidates to illustrate our new approach by calculating and visualizing their electronic wiring, given the interest in the arrangement of their conducting and insulating parts. As proteins and protein nanowires exhibit significant potential for diverse applications, including energy production and sensing, our computational technique can accelerate the design of nano-bioelectronic devices.
The diagnostic potential of urine in paediatric patients undergoing initial treatment for tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Isaiah Simon , Westerhuis Johan A. , Loots Du Toit , Solomons Regan , van Furth Marceline Tutu , van Elsland Sabine , van der Kuip Martijn , Mason Shayne
Published: August 2024

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM)—the extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis, is the most severe complication associated with tuberculosis, particularly in infants and children. The gold standard for the diagnosis of TBM requires cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through lumbar puncture—an invasive sample collection method, and currently available CSF assays are often not sufficient for a definitive TBM diagnosis. Urine is metabolite-rich and relatively unexplored in terms of its potential to diagnose neuroinfectious diseases. We used an untargeted proton magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) metabolomics approach to compare the urine from 32 patients with TBM (stratified into stages 1, 2 and 3) against that from 39 controls in a South African paediatric cohort. Significant spectral bins had to satisfy three of our four strict cut-off quantitative statistical criteria. Five significant biological metabolites were identified—1-methylnicotinamide, 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid, 5-aminolevulinic acid, N-acetylglutamine and methanol—which had no correlation with medication metabolites. ROC analysis revealed that methanol lacked diagnostic sensitivity, but the other four metabolites showed good diagnostic potential. Furthermore, we compared mild (stage 1) TBM and severe (stages 2 and 3) TBM, and our multivariate metabolic model could successfully classify severe but not mild TBM. Our results show that urine can potentially be used to diagnose severe TBM.
The bacterial microbiome and resistome of house dust mites in Irish homes
Authors: Aljohani Amal , Clarke David , Byrne Miriam , Fleming Gerard
Published: August 2024

Dust samples were collected from Irish homes. House Dust Mite and storage mites were separated from the dust. The microbiome and resistome of mites and originating dust were assessed using a culture-independent approach. The bacterial microbiome of mites and dust were predominantly populated by Staphylococci. There was a highly significant (P = 0.005; Spearman’s rank test) correlation between the bacterial microbiome of mites and the dust. One-hundred and eighteen antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were associated with mites and 176 with dust. Both contained ARGs encoding resistance for multi drug resistances, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B, mobile genetic elements, Beta-lactam, Tetracycline and Aminoglycosides. By contrast, 15 ARGs were found for a laboratory-grown strain of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. A significant difference (P = 0.03; t test) was found in means between the resistome of mites and the household dust from which they emanated. No significant correlations (P = 0.23 and P = 0.22; Mantel test) were observed between the microbiome and resistome of mite and dust samples. There was not a significant difference (P = 0.54; t-test) between the means of ARGs for homes with and without a history of antibiotic use.
BRD-810 is a highly selective MCL1 inhibitor with optimized in vivo clearance and robust efficacy in solid and hematological tumor models
Authors: Rauh Ulrike , Wei Guo , Serrano-Wu Michael , Kosmidis Georgios , Kaulfuss Stefan , Siegel Franziska , Thede Kai , McFarland James , Lemke Christopher T. , Werbeck Nicolas , Nowak-Reppel Katrin , Pilari Sabine , Menz Stephan , Ocker Matthias , Zhang Weiqun , Davis Kyle , Poncet-Montange Guillaume , Roth Jennifer , Daniels Douglas , Kaushik Virendar K. , Hubbard Brian , Ziegelbauer Karl , Golub Todd R.
Published: August 2024

The MCL1 gene is frequently amplified in cancer and codes for the antiapoptotic protein myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1), which confers resistance to the current standard of care. Therefore, MCL1 is an attractive anticancer target. Here we describe BRD-810 as a potent and selective MCL1 inhibitor and its key design principle of rapid systemic clearance to potentially minimize area under the curve-driven toxicities associated with MCL1 inhibition. BRD-810 induced rapid cell killing within 4 h in vitro but, in the same 4-h window, had no impact on cell viability or troponin I release in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, even at suprapharmacologic concentrations. In vivo BRD-810 induced efficacy in xenograft hematological and solid tumor models despite the short residence time of BRD-810 in plasma. In totality, our data support the hypothesis that short-term inhibition of MCL1 with BRD-810 can induce apoptosis in tumor cells while maintaining an acceptable safety profile. We, therefore, intend to advance BRD-810 to clinical trials.
A recognition-induced three-dimensional bipedal DNA walker for highly sensitive detection of APE1
Authors: Liu Qingyi , Zhang Qiongdan , Zhang Yuting , Tian Fanghong , Long Kang , Yang Yupei , Wang Wei , Peng Caiyun , Wang Huizhen
Published: August 2024

The proposed 3D bipedal DNA walker demonstrates a highly sensitive detection capability for APE1 and holds promise for future screening of other potential APE1 inhibitors.
Multifunctional silver nanoparticle embedded eri silk cocoon scaffolds against burn wounds-associated infection
Authors: Dam Paulami , Shaw Shubhajit , Mondal Rittick , Chakraborty Joydeep , Bhattacharjee Trinankur , Sen Ipsita Kumar , Manna Sanjeet , Sadat Abdul , Suin Supratim , Sarkar Hironmoy , Ertas Yavuz Nuri , Mandal Amit Kumar
Published: August 2024

Antimicrobial wound dressings offer enhanced efficacy compared to conventional dressing platforms by limiting bacterial infections, expediting the healing process, and creating a barrier against additional wound contamination.
Research progress of functional MXene in inhibiting lithium/zinc metal battery dendrites
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Ning Mengxin , Sun Min , Li Bin , Liang Yachuan , Li Zijiong
Published: August 2024

The progress of MXene in inhibiting the growth of lithium and zinc anode dendrites is summarized and an overview on the current challenges of MXene is provided.
Experimental and computational study of a packed-bed bioreactor for the continuous production of succinic acid
Authors: Zacharopoulos Ioannis , Tao Min , Theodoropoulos Constantinos
Published: August 2024

In this work we present a packed-bed bioreactor system packed, with immobilised cells in sodium alginate beads, for the biological conversion of glycerol to succinic acid.
A guide to bullvalene stereodynamics
Authors: Ives Robert A. , Maturi William , Gill Matthew T. , Rankine Conor , McGonigal Paul R.
Published: August 2024

Population-weighted principal moments of inertia and exit vectors analyses of shapeshifting bullvalenes reveals the diversity in their 3D structures.
Synthesis of “all-in-one” hypercrosslinked organic polymers: experimental and kinetic models for CO2 chemical fixation and iodine adsorption
Authors: Liu Xuanbo , Hao Yongjing , Yan Xiuli , Zhang Yuhang , Wang Xionglei , Zhu Zheng , Yang Jiajia , Li Shuangshuo , Chang Tao , Qin Shenjun
Published: August 2024

A series of “all-in-one” hypercrosslinked polymers have been constructed by Friedel–Crafts alkylation and quaternization reactions, which exhibit superior CO2 conversion performance and effective iodine adsorption capacity.
84.0% energy-efficient nitrate conversion by a defective (Fe,Cu,Ni)2O3 electrocatalyst
Authors: Gemeda Tadele Negash , Kuo Dong-Hau , Ha Quoc-Nam , Gultom Noto Susanto , Wolde Girma Sisay
Published: August 2024

Decentralized ammonia (NH3) production as a way of environmental remediation for nitrate (NO3−) removal is a current issue due to the massive impact of nitrate on human well-being and the environment.
Advancements in thermoelectric materials: optimization strategies for enhancing energy conversion
Authors: Han Haiwei , Zhao Lijun , Wu Xinmeng , Zuo Bin , Bian Shunuo , Li Tao , Liu Xinyue , Jiang Yaohong , Chen Chunyan , Bi Jiali , Xu Junhua , Yu Lihua
Published: August 2024

This review summarizes key strategies for optimizing thermoelectric materials to enhance energy conversion efficiency.
New concepts in the roles of AMPK in adipocyte stem cell biology
Authors: Pollard Alice E.
Published: August 2024

Obesity is a major risk factor for many life-threatening diseases. Adipose tissue dysfunction is emerging as a driving factor in the transition from excess adiposity to comorbidities such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer. However, the transition from healthy adipose expansion to the development of these conditions is poorly understood. Adipose stem cells, residing in the vasculature and stromal regions of subcutaneous and visceral depots, are responsible for the expansion and maintenance of organ function, and are now recognised as key mediators of pathological transformation. Impaired tissue expansion drives inflammation, dysregulation of endocrine function and the deposition of lipids in the liver, muscle and around vital organs, where it is toxic. Contrary to previous hypotheses, it is the promotion of healthy adipose tissue expansion and function, not inhibition of adipogenesis, that presents the most attractive therapeutic strategy in the treatment of metabolic disease. AMP-activated protein kinase, a master regulator of energy homeostasis, has been regarded as one such target, due to its central role in adipose tissue lipid metabolism, and its apparent inhibition of adipogenesis. However, recent studies utilising AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-specific compounds highlight a more subtle, time-dependent role for AMPK in the process of adipogenesis, and in a previously unexplored repression of leptin, independent of adipocyte maturity. In this article, I discuss historic evidence for AMPK-mediated adipogenesis inhibition and the multi-faceted roles for AMPK in adipose tissue.
Multi‐parameter identification method of induction motor based on coupling and small signal injection
Authors: Zhong Zhihong , Fang Xiaochun , Lin Fei , Yang Zhongping
Published: August 2024

Sensorless induction motor control has been widely applied to the rail transit field. However, achieving a safe stop of a train using electric braking without applying air braking has been an urgent problem to be solved. The current research only considers the stability of the speed identification in the low‐speed region and does not consider the impact of inaccurate parameters on the stability, which cannot ensure the stable braking and parking of the train under all working conditions. To address this problem, the coupling relationship between the motor speed and the stator resistance is used and an adaptive rate of them is designed based on the Lyapunov stability design law. In addition, aiming to reduce the torque ripple, a torque ripple elimination link is designed to cancel the torque ripple caused by the small‐signal injection. Experiments show that the proposed parallel identification strategy of speed, stator resistance, and rotor resistance can ensure the system operation stability in the low‐ and zero‐speed regions without increasing the torque ripple.
Influence of inclination angle on the pollution flashover voltage of contaminated silicone rubber
Authors: Lu Hailiang , Wang Wei , Zhang Yirui , Shao Keren , Wu Wenhua , Zhang Hu , Yuan Tian , Li Chun , Wen Xishan , Lan Lei
Published: August 2024

V‐shaped composite insulator strings exhibit excellent resistance to pollution and wind deviation, resulting in their widespread use in transmission lines. The correlation between inclination angle of the shed surface and pollution flashover voltage can reflect the pollution flashover characteristics of V‐shaped composite insulator strings. Therefore, the relationship between inclination angle and pollution flashover voltage was studied through artificial pollution testing methods, and the relationship between inclination angle and degree of wetting was studied using the method of adding water to increase weight. The results of this study indicated that as the inclination angle increased within the range of 0°–180°, the degree of wetting on the surface of contaminated silicone rubber gradually decreased, whereas the pollution flashover voltage continuously increased. A model of water droplet collision and wetting on the surface of contaminated silicone rubber at different inclination angles was established. This model revealed that the gravity‐induced difference in the wetting states of the surface of contaminated silicone rubber under different inclination angles was responsible for the variation in pollution flashover voltages, with the maximum variation being 116.52%. The results of this study can inform the design and operation of V‐shaped composite insulators.
Optimization and Characterization of Curcumin-Loaded Liposomes: Enhancing Bioavailability through Ethanol Injection Method
Authors: Ma Jiayi
Published: August 2024

Curcumin, extracted from ginger, is renowned for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer. However, its instability and susceptibility to environmental factors lead to low bioavailability, hindering its use as an ideal oral preparation. To overcome this, this study explores the encapsulation of curcumin in liposomes to enhance its bioavailability, providing a viable drug carrier for clinical applications. Liposomes, due to their distinctive structure-activity relationship, facilitate increase their absorption and utilization in the body. This study utilized the ethanol injection method to prepare curcumin, with a focus on optimizing encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and polydispersion index intending to ascertain the most favorable preparation conditions. Extensive testing determined the optimal component content in curcumin liposomes and control tests were conducted in diverse environments to refine the data on curcumin. The optimal preparation process identified involves a cholesterol to lecithin ratio of 1:3, a curcumin to lecithin ratio of 1:12, a phosphate-buffered paline concentration of 0.2mol/L, a pH of 6.5, an addition amount of 30ml, and a water bath temperature of 45 ℃. Under these conditions, we achieved an optimal encapsulation efficiency of 77.58%, a particle size of 153.9nm, a polydispersion index of 0.180, and a Zeta potential of -11.3mV.
Preparation of nitric oxide in carbon dioxide reference gas for food industry
Authors: Hu Delong , Yang Xuemei , Ren Tingting , Zou Qian
Published: August 2024

This article presents a weighing preparation method for reference gases of nitric oxide (NO) in carbon dioxide (CO2). High-purity standard gases - NO and CO2 are used as raw materials. The relative expanded uncertainty of concentration analytic results of NO in CO2 reference gases is 3% (k=2), which proves excellent uniformity and stability of the prepared reference gases that can be used for accuracy evaluation of analytic instruments applied to detection of NO in food additive CO2. The preparation method can also be applied to prepare other reference gases with variety of concentrations and components.
A Study on the Influence of Pulse Wave Shape and Pulse Rate Variation on the Menstrual Cycle and Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Lian Cuiting , Yang Lin , Li Ziwei , Zhao Hongyang , Li Yashuang , Hao Dongmei , Li Guangfei , Yang Yimin , Li Xuwen
Published: August 2024

Background: Pulse wave, as a carrier of human hemodynamic parameters, can reflect the hemodynamic state of the menstrual cycle. Objective: To explore the influence of pulse wave shape and pulse rate variation on menstrual cycle and dysmenorrhea. Methods: The pulse waveform data of 20 women during the whole menstrual cycle were collected and monitored, and the waveform characteristics and pulse rate variation characteristics were calculated. Results: The characteristic parameters of waveform and pulse rate variation increased first and then decreased with the development of the menstrual cycle. Characteristics were associated with dysmenorrhea at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the physiological significance of pulse wave characteristics and heart rate variability parameters in relation to the menstrual cycle and dysmenorrhea. These results provide new insights into the physiological mechanisms underlying pulse wave changes during the menstrual cycle and offer potential guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of dysmenorrhea.
Emerging Strategies for Pulp Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Zhang Shiying
Published: August 2024

Irreversible process pulpitis has brought great pain to patients, and traditional treatment methods have some limitations. Pulp regeneration therapy aims to restore the function of damaged tooth hard tissue and pulp, and can be divided into young permanent tooth apical tissue regeneration and mature permanent tooth pulp regeneration. Root tip induction and revascularization can be used to induce the closure of apical foramen in young permanent teeth. The former has a wide range of applications, but there are problems such as long treatment cycles and low success rates. Revascularization is an emerging method in recent years that has achieved good clinical results. For mature permanent teeth, the ability of autogenous regeneration is limited, and Stem-cell therapy, utilizing tissue engineering techniques, can promote pulp regeneration, but it is still in the experimental research stage. Different types of scaffolds and growth factors play an important role in pulp regeneration. At present, there is a lack of unified induction and comprehensive clinical and experimental evaluation of methods for pulp regeneration. Therefore, this article reviews the strategies for pulp regeneration and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of each method, in order to improve the success rate and effectiveness of clinical application.
Factors influencing the leasing fees of hunting grounds in Hungary
Authors: Abauji Norbert , Troján Szabolcs , Vadváriné Gál Éva , Marosán Miklós
Published: August 2024

The history of hunting customs and traditions, as well as game management, in Hungary is long and rich, forming an essential part of Hungarian culture. By the end of the 20th century, changes had been introduced to the political and social structures, as had been the case in the field of hunting. In Hungary, the right to hunt is an integral part of land ownership. Those who own land that is classified as hunting land are entitled to exercise this right. Furthermore, landowners may lease this right within the boundaries of the hunting area established by the relevant hunting authority. The lease shall be concluded by a lease contract between the parties, namely the landowner and the hunters’ association. The Hungarian Parliament enacted Act LV of 1996, which modernised the decree on game protection, game management, and hunting. Furthermore, the act delineates the fundamental elements of a hunting lease contract, yet it lacks sufficient detail regarding the leasing fee. Since 1996, a method for determining the leasing fee for hunting has been lacking. This is despite the fact that there has been a need for such a method for more than 25 years. The current situation is such that the contracting parties and the public authorities are unable to determine the leasing fee for hunting in a realistic manner. This lack of clarity has resulted in disagreements between the contracting parties. Furthermore, the current situation is such that there is no accurate and useable method for determining the leasing fee for hunting. A nationwide data collection has commenced among Hungarian hunting associations, based on a literature review and the methodology. The objective is to determine which factors influence the leasing fees and to what extent. The hedonic price method, which has already proven its worth in previous similar research, has been employed to draw up a multivariate regression equation of national validity. This permits the examination of the situation in all counties, and thus the establishment of whether the leasing fee used in the leasing contract of a particular hunting ground matches its characteristics. The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive and transparent model for the determination of leasing fees for hunting, based on a synthesis of national and international literature.
Impact of the microalgae-bacteria interaction on maize (Zea mays L.) health and yield
Authors: Solomon Wogene , Janda Tibor , Molnar Zoltan
Published: August 2024

Microbial biofertilizers, which include microorganisms that improve soil nutrients and make them easier to cultivate, are eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilisers, encouraging plant growth and supporting sustainable agriculture. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the health of crops measured by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and yield, influenced by the combination of biomass from specific cyanobacteria (MACC-612, Nostoc linckia) and plant growth promoter bacteria (PGPB). Using a factorial design in a complete randomized block configuration, four replications were performed. The experimental design included the testing of three concentrations of microalgae (untreated, 0.3 g/L N. linckia, and 1 g/L N. linckia) and two PGPBs (untreated, Azospirillum lipoferum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens). Experiments in the field were conducted for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023). The results show that the combined application of N. linckia and PGPB to soil treatment has significantly improved plant health and yield characteristics. The combined use of 0.3 g/L N. linckia and A. lipoferum has improved the health of plants (NDVI), seed count per cob, thousand-seed weight, and total yields, achieving a significant increase of yield by 1.4 fold for 2021, 1.37 fold for 2022, and 1.39 fold for 2023. These results demonstrate that applying low concentrations of N. linckia (0.3 g/L) along with A. lipoferum provide a costeffective solution without compromising the benefits. Consequently, the integration of cyanobacteria and PGPB represents a promising approach to improve crop growth and yield while minimizing environmental impacts.
Numerical investigation of monohull ship type effect on ocean waste collection behavior
Authors: Sugianto Erik , Ahmad Pradana Febyan , Prasutiyon Hadi , Dwisetiono  , Prayogi Urip
Published: August 2024

In this paper an attempt has been made to assess how effective waste-collecting use monohull ship with conveyor in the front. Numerical investigation based on Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) for predicting the flow pattern characteristics, velocity contour, and ship resistance. The focus of the present study is the impact of mohohull ship front shape on waste collection in calm water through the application of numerical methods. The three variations of the front of the monohull used are hardchine type, round bilge type, and monomaran type. It is done using speed variations of 1 to 4 knots. The results show round bilge type has the smallest total resistance value than others. In addition, analysis of the flow pattern in front of mohohull shows that monomaran type is the easiest to make waste closer to conveyor. From analysis of velocity contours also shows that monomaran type has fastest to make the waste close to conveyor.
The Siulak fault segment an important role in the presence of geo-diversity in Sungai Penuh for the proposed geo-tourism site
Authors: Utama Hari Wiki , Heriberta  , Emilia  , Adriadi Ade
Published: August 2024

Sungai Penuh is one of the municipality or regency in the Jambi Province, Indonesia which is traversed by the Siulak Fault segment. The fault zone has geodiversity and the related of biodiversity. Therefore, this site could be proposed as one of the geo-tourism site which of course its use based on sustainable development. The aim of the study is to provide up to date information the presence of geodiversity, such as geothermal features manifestation, geological landscape, and the mass movement as geological hazard. In the Sungai Penuh has geodiversity to proposed geo-tourism that four site, which is Sungai Medang Hot Spring, Semurup Hot Spring, Kerinci Lake landscape, Panorama Peak. Sungai Penuh Basin landscape, and Tanco isolated hill are related to the four geo-tourism. The geodiversity provides a demand for tourism-loving communities to preserve geological heritage in the concept of geological conservation to be proposed as a geo-tourism site. So that, this role can be later have a positive impact on the community around geo-tourism objects based on sustainable development. In this effort to conserve geological heritage, of course, geo-tourism objects must have a good impact on geo-tourists, such as making signboards about geo-tourism objects in the form of understanding storytelling.
Welchen Einfluss haben Frührehabilitation und Reha-Management auf das
Outcome nach Polytrauma?
Authors: Lehmann Franziska , Heikenroth Cornelia , Choi Kyung-Eun , Schmidt Jörg
Published: August 2024

Patienten mit Polytrauma und anderen schweren muskuloskelettalen Verletzungen
sind häufig dauerhaft in ihrer Funktionalität und Lebensqualität beeinträchtigt.
Daraus resultieren Langzeitschäden mit hohen Kosten für die Sozialsysteme. Eine
narrative Übersicht soll zeigen, wie sich eine gezielte Koordination im
Rehabilitationsprozess von der Frührehabilitation bis über ein langfristiges
Reha-Management bei Patienten der Normalbevölkerung mit schweren
muskuloskelettalen Verletzungen auswirkt. Eine systematische Datenbankrecherche
in MEDLINE und der Cochrane Library identifizierte Studien zu
Mehrfachverletzten, in denen das Outcome von Frührehabilitationen und
Reha-Management mit anderen Versorgungsarten verglichen wurden. Ausgeschlossen
wurden Studien zu überwiegend Verletzungen des Nervensystems, Soldaten und
leichte Verletzungen mit einem ISS unter 9 oder AIS unter 3, sowie
Monoverletzungen. 4 Studien wurden eingeschlossen und ausgewertet. Sie
betrachteten die Funktionalität, Lebensqualität, psychische Beeinträchtigungen
und die Kosten. Während die Behandlungs- und Gesamtkosten für Frührehabilitation
und Reha-Management höher ausfielen, konnten im Gruppenvergleich keine besseren
Ergebnisse für die Funktionsentwicklung, psychische Verfassung und
Lebensqualität nachgewiesen werden. Eine Effektunterschätzung ist aufgrund
geringer Gruppendifferenzen und kleiner Anzahl der eingeschlossenen
Einzelstudien möglich. Die Studienlage ist unzureichend, um Aussagen zur
Effektivität der Interventionen geben zu können. Zukünftige Arbeiten sind
notwendig und sollten die Strukturen der Regelversorgung und nationale
Unterschiede der Sozialversicherungssysteme, sowie der gewählten Maßnahmen des
Reha-Managements stärker berücksichtigen.
Direct endoscopic necrosectomy: Pilot study of a new dedicated device
Authors: Ligresti Dario , Binda Cecilia , Fugazza Alessandro , Maida Marcello , Traina Mario , Anderloni Andrea , Fabbri Carlo , Tarantino Ilaria
Published: August 2024

Background and study aims Direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN)
represents the first-line treatment for walled-off necrosis (WON). However, DEN has a
non-negligible rate of overall adverse events (AE) and is time-consuming due to the lack of
dedicated devices. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a
novel dedicated device for DEN named Necrolit.

Patients and methods In this multicenter retrospective
analysis,16 patients with WON who underwent DEN using Necrolit were compared with a control
group treated with non-dedicated devices. Technical success, AEs, clinical success, number of
procedures per patient, procedure time, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. Necrolit
technical performance indicators were also studied.

Results Technical success was obtained in all patients in both
groups. In the Necrolit group, the overall AE rate was 10.1% vs. 15.9% in the control group.
Clinical success was 100% in the Necrolit group vs. 81.3% in the control group. Patients
treated with Necrolit underwent a slightly lower mean number of procedures (4.1 ± 2.3 vs. 5.1
± 1.9) with comparable mean procedure time (67.8 ± 39 minutes vs. 70.1 ± 32.6 minutes). Mean
duration of hospital stay was 39.4 days (± 30.9) in the Necrolit group vs. 43 days (± 29.4) in
the control group. Device-related technical performance was rated positively.

Conclusions DEN with Necrolit appears feasible and safe.
High-level cognition is supported by information-rich but compressible brain activity patterns
Authors: Owen Lucy L. W. , Manning Jeremy R.
Published: August 2024

To efficiently yet reliably represent and process information, our brains need to produce information-rich signals that differentiate between moments or cognitive states, while also being robust to noise or corruption. For many, though not all, natural systems, these two properties are often inversely related: More information-rich signals are less robust, and vice versa. Here, we examined how these properties change with ongoing cognitive demands. To this end, we applied dimensionality reduction algorithms and pattern classifiers to functional neuroimaging data collected as participants listened to a story, temporally scrambled versions of the story, or underwent a resting state scanning session. We considered two primary aspects of the neural data recorded in these different experimental conditions. First, we treated the maximum achievable decoding accuracy across participants as an indicator of the “informativeness” of the recorded patterns. Second, we treated the number of features (components) required to achieve a threshold decoding accuracy as a proxy for the “compressibility” of the neural patterns (where fewer components indicate greater compression). Overall, we found that the peak decoding accuracy (achievable without restricting the numbers of features) was highest in the intact (unscrambled) story listening condition. However, the number of features required to achieve comparable classification accuracy was also lowest in the intact story listening condition. Taken together, our work suggests that our brain networks flexibly reconfigure according to ongoing task demands and that the activity patterns associated with higher-order cognition and high engagement are both more informative and more compressible than the activity patterns associated with lower-order tasks and lower engagement.
Cochlear implant induced changes in cortical networks associated with tinnitus severity
Authors: Shoushtarian Mehrnaz , Esmaelpoor Jamal , Bravo Michelle M G , Fallon James B
Published: August 2024

Objective. We investigated tinnitus-related cortical networks in cochlear implant users who experience tinnitus and whose perception of tinnitus changes with use of their implant. Tinnitus, the perception of unwanted sounds which are not present externally, can be a debilitating condition. In individuals with cochlear implants, use of the implant is known to modulate tinnitus, often improving symptoms but worsening them in some cases. Little is known about underlying cortical changes with use of the implant, which lead to changes in tinnitus perception. In this study we investigated whether changes in brain networks with the cochlear implant turned on and off, were associated with changes in tinnitus perception, as rated subjectively. Approach. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, we recorded cortical activity at rest, from 14 cochlear implant users who experienced tinnitus. Recordings were performed with the cochlear implant turned off and on. For each condition, participants rated the loudness and annoyance of their tinnitus using a visual rating scale. Changes in neural synchrony have been reported in humans and animal models of tinnitus. To assess neural synchrony, functional connectivity networks with the implant turned on and off, were compared using two network features: node strength and diversity coefficient. Main results. Changes in subjective ratings of loudness were significantly correlated with changes in node strength, averaged across occipital channels (

r
=
−
0.65
,

 

p
=
0.01

). Changes in both loudness and annoyance were significantly correlated with changes in diversity coefficient averaged across all channels (

r
=
−
0.79
,
p
<
0.001
 
and
 
r
=
−
0.86
,
p
<
0.001

). More distributed connectivity with the implant on, compared to implant off, was associated with a reduction in tinnitus loudness and annoyance. Significance. A better understanding of neural mechanisms underlying tinnitus suppression with cochlear implant use, could lead to their application as a tinnitus treatment and pave the way for effective use of other less invasive stimulation-based treatments.
Identifying neural correlates of balance impairment in traumatic brain injury using partial least squares correlation analysis
Authors: Handiru Vikram Shenoy , Suviseshamuthu Easter Selvan , Saleh Soha , Su Haiyan , Yue Guang , Allexandre Didier
Published: August 2024

Objective. Balance impairment is one of the most debilitating consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). To study the neurophysiological underpinnings of balance impairment, the brain functional connectivity during perturbation tasks can provide new insights. To better characterize the association between the task-relevant functional connectivity and the degree of balance deficits in TBI, the analysis needs to be performed on the data stratified based on the balance impairment. However, such stratification is not straightforward, and it warrants a data-driven approach. Approach. We conducted a study to assess the balance control using a computerized posturography platform in 17 individuals with TBI and 15 age-matched healthy controls. We stratified the TBI participants into balance-impaired and non-impaired TBI using k-means clustering of either center of pressure (COP) displacement during a balance perturbation task or Berg Balance Scale score as a functional outcome measure. We analyzed brain functional connectivity using the imaginary part of coherence across different cortical regions in various frequency bands. These connectivity features are then studied using the mean-centered partial least squares correlation analysis, which is a multivariate statistical framework with the advantage of handling more features than the number of samples, thus making it suitable for a small-sample study. Main results. Based on the nonparametric significance testing using permutation and bootstrap procedure, we noticed that the weakened theta-band connectivity strength in the following regions of interest significantly contributed to distinguishing balance impaired from non-impaired population, regardless of the type of stratification: left middle frontal gyrus, right paracentral lobule, precuneus, and bilateral middle occipital gyri. Significance. Identifying neural regions linked to balance impairment enhances our understanding of TBI-related balance dysfunction and could inform new treatment strategies. Future work will explore the impact of balance platform training on sensorimotor and visuomotor connectivity.
Evaluating mangrove community forestry outcomes: a mixed synthetic control and field-based approach
Authors: Surattee Irfan Khan , Naing Aung Kyaw , Agarwal Shivani , Than Maung Maung , Webb Edward L
Published: August 2024

Contemporary evaluations of outcomes in human-managed systems have been constrained by a lack of counterfactual analysis. Community forestry (CF), a widely adopted strategy to achieve both conservation and management in coupled human-environment systems, is no exception, and counterfactual analysis would greatly enhance CF research. We used a mixed method approach incorporating quantification of deforestation and forest regrowth rates, synthetic control analysis, and focus groups discussions to evaluate mangrove CF outcomes in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar, from to 1990–2021. CF resulted in an overall increase in net forest gain and reduction in net forest loss across sites. More than two-thirds of CF sites had superior outcomes relative to synthetic controls for at least one metric (deforestation or forest regrowth); however, CF tended to perform better for only one outcome while avoiding underperformance in the other. The annual rate of forest regrowth in CFs accelerated beginning three years prior to certification and peaked two years after certification, likely related to pre-certification engagement with the Forest Department or non-government organizations. Moreover, control sites near CFs experienced more rapid forest regrowth than controls further from CFs, suggesting spillover effects. The predominant challenge facing successful CF management was illegal extraction and overharvesting, and poor performing CFs experienced a complex array of challenges facing forest regrowth, likely related to the private nature of individual land claims within the CFs. Most supporting factors for CF were related to community management capacity, strongly indicating a need for extended close engagement with competent government and non-government actors to develop long-term management and governance capacities, which are sustainably funded. Our mixed-method approach can be replicated in other human-managed systems to evaluate the biophysical impacts of policies and gain insights into the underlying drivers of outcomes.
Fuzzy lattices assisted EJAYA Q-learning for automated pulmonary diseases classification
Authors: Kukker Amit , Sharma Rajneesh , Pandey Gaurav , Faseehuddin Mohammad
Published: August 2024

This work proposes a novel technique called Enhanced JAYA (EJAYA) assisted Q-Learning for the classification of pulmonary diseases, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB) sub-classes using chest x-ray images. The work introduces Fuzzy lattices formation to handle real time (non-linear and non-stationary) data based feature extraction using Schrödinger equation. Features based adaptive classification is made possible through the Q-learning algorithm wherein optimal Q-values selection is done via EJAYA optimization algorithm. Fuzzy lattice is formed using x-ray image pixels and lattice Kinetic Energy (K.E.) is calculated using the Schrödinger equation. Feature vector lattices having highest K.E. have been used as an input features for the classifier. The classifier has been employed for pneumonia classification (normal, mild and severe) and Tuberculosis detection (presence or absence). A total of 3000 images have been used for pneumonia classification yielding an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision and F-scores of 97.90%, 98.43%, 97.25%, 97.78% and 98.10%, respectively. For Tuberculosis 600 samples have been used. The achived accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision and F-score are 95.50%, 96.39%, 94.40% 95.52% and 95.95%, respectively. Computational time are 40.96 and 39.98 s for pneumonia and TB classification. Classifier learning rate (training accuracy) for pneumonia classes (normal, mild and severe) are 97.907%, 95.375% and 96.391%, respectively and for tuberculosis (present and absent) are 96.928% and 95.905%, respectively. The results have been compared with contemporary classification techniques which shows superiority of the proposed approach in terms of accuracy and speed of classification. The technique could serve as a fast and accurate tool for automated pneumonia and tuberculosis classification.
Pig-derived ECM-SIS provides a novel matrix gel for tumor modeling
Authors: Wu Yanhua , Wang Hao , Qu Changbo , Deng Xuesong , Li Na , Yue Sile , Xu Wenjing , Chen Yinghua , Zhou Ming
Published: August 2024

The absence of effective extracellular matrix to mimic the natural tumor microenvironment remains a significant obstacle in cancer research. Matrigel, abundant in various biological matrix components, is limited in its application due to its high cost. This has prompted researchers to explore alternative matrix substitutes. Here, we have investigated the effects of the extracellular matrix derived from pig small intestinal submucosa (ECM-SIS) in xenograft tumor modeling. Our results showed that the pig-derived ECM-SIS effectively promotes the establishment of xenograft tumor models, with a tumor formation rate comparable to that of Matrigel. Furthermore, we showed that the pig-derived ECM-SIS exhibited lower immune rejection and fewer infiltrating macrophages than Matrigel. Gene sequencing analysis demonstrated only a 0.5% difference in genes between pig-derived ECM-SIS and Matrigel during the process of tumor tissue formation. These differentially expressed genes primarily participate in cellular processes, biological regulation, and metabolic processes. These findings emphasize the potential of pig-derived ECM-SIS as a cost-effective option for tumor modeling in cancer research.
Influence of reinforcement on vibration control in adhesively bonded single lap joints: a numerical and experimental validation
Authors: Akkasali Naveen Kumar , Biswas Sandhyarani
Published: August 2024

In this growing world, it is imperative to employ innovative techniques that effectively manage the structural response of materials without inducing adverse effects on the original structure. This can be achieved mainly by changing the material and geometrical features of the adhesive. In this work, an attempt has been made to control the eigenvalues of adhesively bonded single-lap joints (SLJs) by reinforcing them with polymer patches. Numerical techniques were utilized to adhere the polymer patches to the single-lap bonded joints using ABAQUS software. Subsequently, the eigenvalue responses of SLJs, both with and without patches, were experimentally well agreed with the numerical predictions. The validated numerical model was then used to investigate its structural response by modifying the parameters such as patch shape, patch position, and adhesive geometry. Additionally, it has been observed that a square-shaped polymer patch at the overlapping edge is more effective in reducing the eigenvalues compared to patches of different shapes and positions. The eigenvalue response follows a declining trend as the adhesive thickness increases, forming thicker bonds.
Introduction
Authors: Oade Stephanie
Published: August 2024

The Introduction sets out the key aims and ambitions of the volume; principally, that the book may further the integration of classical music into the sphere of reception studies. It proposes an analytical style that equally balances text and music, with the result that a shared concern—the nature of the lyric genre and ideas of lyricism—may be considered from a dual perspective. It positions the volume within current trends, outlines the methodological approaches and practical limitations of the volume, and offers an overview of the chapters that follow.
Allopolyploidy enhances survival advantages for urban environments in the native plant genus Commelina
Authors: Shimomai Hina , Taichi Nakata , Katsuhara Koki R , Kato Seiji , Ushimaru Atushi , Ohmido Nobuko
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Urbanization-induced environmental changes affect the geographical distribution of natural plant species. This study focused on how polyploidization, a dynamic genome change, influences the survival and distribution of Commelina communis (Cc) and its subspecies C. communis f. ciliata (Ccfc), which have variable chromosome numbers (e.g. Cc, 2n = 88 for Cc; Ccfc, 2n = 46 for Ccfc). The aim was to investigate polyploidization effects on natural plant distribution in urban environments.

Methods

The geographical distribution across urban–rural gradients was investigated at a total of 218 sites in Japan. Stomata size and density were measured and compared between Cc and Ccfc. Flow cytometry determined genome size and polyploidy. Chromosome karyotyping was performed using the genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) method.

Key Results

Urban areas were exclusively dominated by Cc, while Cc and Ccfc coexisted in rural areas. Cc had larger and fewer stomata and a genome size more than twice that of Ccfc. GISH results indicated that Cc possesses Ccfc and another unknown genome, suggesting allopolyploidy.

Conclusions

Our results show that the ploidy difference affects the geographical distribution, stomata traits and genome size between two distinct taxa in the genus Commelina, C. communis as a neo-tetraploid and C. communis f. ciliata, the diploid. Cc is an allopolyploid and is therefore not only polyploidy but also has an additional genome that provides new sets of genes and alleles, contributing to Cc having enhanced survival potentials in urban environments compared with Ccfc. This is the first investigation to clarify the distribution difference related to urban environments, the difference in stomata traits and genome size, and to study chromosome composition in Commelina species.