bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncogenic PIK3CA recruits myeloid‐derived suppressor cells to shape the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment in luminal breast cancer through the 5‐lipoxygenase‐dependent arachidonic acid pathway
Authors: Li Xingchen , Chen Guidong , Wang Fanchen , Guo Xiaojing , Zhang Rui , Liu Pengpeng , Dong Li , Yu Wenwen , Wang Huan , Wang Hailong , Yu Jinpu
Published: November 2023

Background: Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations (PIK3CAmut) frequently occur in a higher proportion in luminal breast cancer (LBC), especially in refractory advanced cases, and are associated with changes in tumour cellular metabolism. Nevertheless, its effect on the progression of the immune microenvironment (TIME) within tumours and vital molecular events remains veiled.

Methods: Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) and single‐cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) was used to describe the landscape of TIME in PIK3CAmut LBC. The PIK3CA mutant cell lines were established using CRISPER/Cas9 system. The gene expression levels, protein secretion and activity of signaling pathways were measured by real‐time RT‐PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence staining or western blotting. GSEA analysis, transwell chemotaxis assay, live cell imaging, flow cytometry metabolite analysis targeting arachidonic acid, Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, and Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were used to investigate the underlying function and mechanism of the PI3K/5‐LOX/LTB4 axis.

Results: PIK3CAmut LBC cells can induce an immunosuppressive TIME by recruiting myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and excluding cytotoxic T cells via the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism pathway. Mechanistically, PIK3CAmut activates the transcription of 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX) in a STAT3‐dependent manner, which in turn directly results in high LTB4 production, binding to BLT2 on MDSCs and promoting their infiltration. Since a suppressive TIME is a critical barrier for the success of cancer immunotherapy, the strategies that can convert “cold” tumours into “hot” tumours were compared. Targeted therapy against the PI3K/5‐LOX/LTB4 axis synergizing with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy achieved dramatic shrinkage in vivo.

Conclusions: The results emphasize that PIK3CAmut can induce immune evasion by recruiting MDSCs through the 5‐LOX‐dependent AA pathway, and combination targeted therapy with ICB may provide a promising treatment option for refractory advanced LBC patients.
Growth differentiation factor‐15 and the effect of empagliflozin in heart failure: Findings from the EMPEROR program
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Packer Milton , Butler Javed , Filippatos Gerasimos , Pocock Stuart J. , Januzzi James L. , Sattar Naveed , Maldonado Sandra González , Panova‐Noeva Marina , Sumin Mikhail , Masson Serge , Anker Stefan D. , Zannad Faiez
Published: November 2023

Aims

Growth differentiation factor‐15 (GDF‐15) is upregulated in part in response to cardiomyocyte stretch and stress, and it exerts a protective role that is mediated by its action to suppress signalling through insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) and enhance signalling through adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve outcomes in heart failure, which has been experimentally linked to AMPK. This study aimed at evaluating the associations of GDF‐15 with baseline characteristics, the prognostic significance of GDF‐15, and the effect of empagliflozin on GDF‐15 in patients with heart failure with a reduced and preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and results

Growth differentiation factor‐15 was determined in serum samples from the EMPEROR‐Reduced and EMPEROR‐Preserved trials. Cox regression and mixed models for repeated measures were used to study the association with outcomes and the effect of empagliflozin on GDF‐15, respectively. We studied 1124 patients (560 placebo and 564 empagliflozin) with median GDF‐15 levels at baseline of 2442 (interquartile range 1603–3780) pg/ml. Patients with higher GDF‐15 levels were typically older men with more severe symptoms, higher N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels, worse kidney function and who were prescribed metformin. Baseline levels of GDF‐15 were well correlated with levels of IGF‐binding protein 7 (rho = 0.64). Higher levels of GDF‐15 were independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalizations, and worse kidney outcomes. When considered as a continuous variable, for each doubling in GDF‐15, the adjusted hazard ratio for cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization was 1.40 (95% confidence interval 1.15–1.71; p < 0.001). The relative effect of empagliflozin on cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure was most pronounced in patients with higher baseline levels of GDF‐15 (interaction p‐trend = 0.031). At week 52, when compared with placebo, empagliflozin increased GDF‐15 by an additional 8% (p = 0.020), an effect that was primarily seen in patients not receiving metformin, a known AMPK activator.

Conclusions

Growth differentiation factor‐15 is a marker of worse heart failure severity, is an independent predictor of major heart failure outcomes and may be associated with more pronounced benefits of empagliflozin. GDF‐15 is increased among metformin users, and empagliflozin was associated with an increase in GDF‐15 levels, primarily in patients not receiving metformin.
Bifunctional Iodoazolium Salts: Searching for Cooperation Between Halogen Bonding and Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Givaudan David , Biletskyi Bohdan , Recupido Antonio , Héran Virginie , Chuzel Olivier , Constantieux Thierry , Parrain Jean‐Luc , Bugaut Xavier
Published: November 2023

Non‐covalent interactions play an important role in all sub‐fields of chemistry, including catalysis, where interactions of different natures can work together to improve reactivitiy and selectivity. Several families of molecules that incorporate both hydrogen bond (HB) and halogen bonding (XB) donors have already been studied. However, there is a lack of data on how grafting HB donors to iodoazolium salts could impact their association and reactivity properties. Herein, we disclose the synthesis of a library of iodoazolium salts bearing varied HB donors, along with a study of their physico‐chemical properties using different techniques (X‐ray diffraction, 31P NMR, ITC) and their behavior in catalysis. Even though no clear‐cut evidence of cooperation between XB and HB could be obtained through physico‐chemical evaluations, a iodoazolium salt bearing a urea function displayed better conversion and product selectivity in a Ritter reaction than all other activators lacking one or the other function.
Design and experimental analysis of fractal antennae with ground‐defected structure for expected 6G and 5G mm‐wave communication and wireless applications
Authors: Raj Arun , Mandal Durbadal
Published: November 2023

This article proposes modified fractal antennae for wideband applications. The proposed antennas have a resonance frequency range of 10–40 GHz. Modified fractal antennae are designed and fabricated with a height of 1.6 mm, substrate width, and length of 35 mm2. The simulated result shows that the peak gain is increased by 6–8 dBi for the proposed designs DGS 1 and DGS 2 concerning fractal antennae FA 1 FA 2. Based on the proposed designs, the designed DGS 1 and DGS 2 antennae radiate power with a peak directivity of 8.58–13.3 in dBi concerning fractal antennae FA 1 FA 2. The proposed antennas with expected 6G and 5G NR bands have more radiation concerning resonate frequencies such as 14, 30, and 37 GHz, and 14, 17.1, 19.5, 30, 33.2, and 36.92 GHz in the 10–40 GHz range with Phi = 0°, Phi = 90°, and Theta = 90° concerning designs DGS 1 and DGS 2. At frequencies in the mm‐wave range, the antenna has more fluctuations, and current distribution is concentrated on fractal slots, in which antennas have more radiation. Proposed antennae have pencil beam properties required for advanced 5G mm‐wave communication. A more radiating antenna has a maximum return loss of 27 and 30 dB for designs DGS 1 and DGS 2, respectively. Moreover, the bandwidths covered in the 5G NR and expected 6G frequency ranges are 13.5–16.8 GHz, 27–38.1 GHz, and 12.63–14.68 GHz, 15.3–40 GHz, concerning designs DGS 1 and DGS 2. The proposed antennae have multiband, which cover more applications in the n257, n258, n259, n260, and n261 5G NR bands and expected 6G bands with the ground‐based radio navigation applications, and so forth. The proposed fabricated antennas also cover 5G and expected 6G applications with good matching. The proposed antennae have been simulated using CST, and the results of the fabricated antenna have been validated using the vector network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, and power sensor.
Performance comparison of alternative stochastic volatility models and its determinants in energy futures: COVID‐19 and Russia–Ukraine conflict features
Authors: Fernandes Mário Correia , Dias José Carlos , Nunes João Pedro Vidal
Published: November 2023

This paper studies the volatility dynamics of futures contracts on crude oil, natural gas, and gasoline. An appropriate Bayesian model comparison exercise between seven stochastic volatility (SV) models is estimated using daily prices for our futures contracts between 2005 and 2023. Moreover, to assess the impacts of COVID‐19 and the Russia–Ukraine conflict on volatility, we analyze these two subsamples. Overall, we find that: (i) the Bayes factor shows that the SV model with ‐distributed innovations outperforms the competing models; (ii) crude oil contracts with different expiry dates may require the introduction of leverage effects; (iii) the ‐distributed innovations remain the appropriate model for the COVID‐19 subsample, while jumps are needed in the conflict period; and (iv) other Bayesian criteria more appropriate to short‐term predictive ability—such as the conditional and the observed‐date deviance information criterion—suggest other rank order to model our futures contracts, despite the agreements for the best models.
A rare case of perineal neuralgia treated with ultrasound‐guided nerve block combined with water separation
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Min , Jiang Rui , Zhu Zhao‐Qiong , Li Guang‐Cai
Published: November 2023

A middle‐aged man experienced intermittent acupuncture‐like pain in the skin of the right scrotum and medial thigh 1 month after undergoing laparoscopic high ligation of the right hernial sac for a right indirect inguinal hernia in November 2020, and the pain persisted for 6 months. Under ultrasound guidance, ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerve block and local adhesion water separation were performed with a mixture of 0.25% lidocaine (6 mL) plus prednisolone acetate (10 mg), and the same drugs and methods were repeated five times once a week. After five treatments, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was reduced from 7 before treatment to 1. During the follow‐up period, at 3 months after the end of treatment, the VAS score remained at 0, and this score was sustained at 0 even at the 6‐month follow‐up. These outcomes indicate that ultrasound‐guided nerve block combined with water separation technology can effectively alleviate neuralgia caused by surgical adhesion, which holds important clinical significance in managing such conditions.
Reflections on peripartum hysterectomy: A 10‐year retrospective observational study in Northeast China
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Shuo
Published: November 2023

Objective

To explore the change trends in incidence and leading factors to peripartum hysterectomy (PH) at a regional tertiary medical center in northeast China.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of all PH cases conducted at Shengjing Hospital between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2021. Information on maternal characteristics of pregnancy and delivery, indications of PH, inventions before hysterectomy, complications, and maternal and neonatal outcomes obtained from the Shengjing Hospital Information System were analyzed.

Results

Among a total of 157 553 deliveries, there were 127 cases of PH (overall PH incidence: 0.85/1000 deliveries); 120 patients (94.49%) underwent hysterectomy after cesarean section, and seven (5.51%) underwent vaginal delivery (P < 0.001). Abnormal placentation was the leading indication for PH (101, 79.53%), including placenta previa (PP) with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) (93, 73.23%), PP alone (5, 3.94%), and PAS alone (3, 2.36%). Among the patients who underwent PH with abnormal placentation, 92.08% had at least one cesarean section (P < 0.001) and 20.19% had bladder injury (P = 0.044). All maternal deaths (n = 2) occurred in referral patients, and the maternal mortality rate was 1.57/100 hysterectomies.

Conclusion

Abnormal placentation was the primary indication for PH. For such patients, adequate assessment of their condition and complete communication are strongly recommended. The identification of high‐risk groups for postpartum hemorrhage, timely and effective rescue, and referral are equally important for avoiding PH.
Biodegradable AZ91 magnesium alloy/sirolimus/poly D, L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid‐based substrate for cardiovascular device application
Authors: Mohanta Monalisha , Ramdhun Yugesh , Thirugnanam Arunachalam , Gupta Ritvesh , Verma Devendra , Deepak Thirumalai , Babu Anju R.
Published: November 2023

Biodegradable drug‐eluting stents (DESs) are gaining importance owing to their attractive features, such as complete drug release to the target site. Magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising materials for future biodegradable DESs. However, there are few explorations using biodegradable Mg for cardiovascular stent application. In this present study, sirolimus‐loaded poly D, L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA)‐coated/ sirolimus‐fixed/AZ91 Mg alloy‐based substrate was developed via a layer‐by‐layer approach for cardiovascular stent application. The AZ91 Mg alloy was prepared through the squeeze casting technique. The casted AZ91 Mg alloy (Mg) was alkali‐treated to provide macroporous networks to hold the sirolimus and PLGA layers. The systematic characterization was investigated via electrochemical, optical, physicochemical, and in‐vitro biological characteristics. The presence of the Mg17Al12 phase in the Mg sample was found in the x‐ray diffraction system (XRD) spectrum which influences the corrosion behavior of the developed substrate. The alkali treatment increases the substrate's hydrophilicity which was confirmed through static contact angle measurement. The anti‐corrosion characteristic of casted‐AZ91 Mg alloy (Mg) was slightly less than the sirolimus‐loaded PLGA‐coated alkali‐treated AZ91 Mg alloy (Mg/Na/S/P) substrate. However, dissolution rates for both substrates were found to be controlled at cell culture conditions. Radiographic densities of AZ91 Mg alloy substrates (Mg, Mg/Na, and Mg/Na/S/P) were measured to be 0.795 ± 0.015, 0.742 ± 0.01, and 0.712 ± 0.017, respectively. The star‐shaped structure of 12% sirolimus/PLGA ensures the bioavailability of the drugs. Sirolimus release kinetic was fitted up to 80% with the “Higuchi model” for Mg samples, whereas Mg/Na/S/P showed 45% fitting with a zero‐order mechanism. The Mg/Na/S/P substrate showed a 70% antithrombotic effect compared to control. Further, alkali treatment enhances the antibacterial characteristic of AZ91 Mg alloy. Also, the alkali‐treated sirolimus‐loaded substrates (Mg/Na/S and Mg/Na/S/P) inhibit the valvular interstitial cell's growth significantly in in‐vitro. Hence, the results imply that sirolimus‐loaded PLGA‐coated AZ91 Mg alloy‐based substrate can be a potential candidate for cardiovascular stent application.
Electronic structure of Li1,2,3+,0,– and nature of the bonding in Li2,3+,0,–
Authors: Dunning Thom H. , Xu Lu T.
Published: November 2023

The current study of the small lithium molecules Li2+,0,− and Li3+,0,− focuses on the nature of the bonding in these molecules as well as their structures and energetics (bond energies, ionization energies, and electron affinities). Valence CASSCF (2s,2p) calculations incorporate nondynamical electron correlation in the calculations, while the corresponding multireference configuration interaction and coupled cluster calculations incorporate dynamical electron correlation. Treatment of nondynamical correlation is critical for properly describing the Li2,3+,0,− molecules as well as the Li− anion with dynamical correlation, in general, only fine‐tuning the predictions. All lithium molecules and ions are bound, with the Li3+ and Li2+ ions being the most strongly bound, followed by Li3−, Li2, Li2− and Li3. The minimum energy structures of Li3+,0,− are, respectively, an equilateral triangle, an isosceles triangle, and a linear structure. The results of SCGVB calculations are analyzed to obtain insights into the nature of the bonding in these molecules. An important finding of this work is that interstitial orbitals, a concept first put forward by McAdon and Goddard in 1985, play an essential role in the bonding of all lithium molecules considered here except for Li2. The interstitial orbitals found in the Li3+,0 molecules likely give rise to the non‐nuclear attractors/maxima observed in these molecules.
Obesity paradox in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Kang Danbee , Ahn Jin Seok , Guallar Eliseo , Cho Juhee , Lee Ho Yun
Published: November 2023

Background

The obesity paradox in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has been observed, but its underlying mechanism is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate whether body composition affects the prognostic impact of obesity, as determined by body mass index (BMI), on survival.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated the data collected from Asian patients who were treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer between October 2015 and October 2021. We used abdominal cross‐sectional imaging to calculate the skeletal muscle and visceral fat indices (cm2/m2) by dividing the cross‐sectional areas of the skeletal muscle and visceral fat by the height squared. Cox proportional‐hazards regression was performed to determine the correlation between BMI according to the Asia‐Pacific classification, body composition metrics and overall survival.

Results

We analysed the data of 820 patients (630 men and 190 women, with a mean age of 64.3 years [standard deviation: 10.4 years]) and observed 572 (69.8%) deaths with the 1‐year mortality rate of 0.58 (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.62). Obese BMI was associated with longer overall survival, independent of clinical covariates (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.52–0.80). The prognostic value of obese BMI remained after additional adjustments for skeletal muscle index (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.87) or visceral fat index (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval: 0.41–0.70). No association was observed between sex and the impact of BMI on overall survival (P‐value for interaction >0.05).

Conclusions

In Asian patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitors, obese BMI was associated with favourable overall survival independent of skeletal muscle or visceral fat mass.
Primary renal leukaemia in a young adult male as an extramedullary presentation of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Jain Punit , Jain Poonam , Ohgami Robert S. , Pawar Veena , Sehgal Kunal , Chaudhari Pradnya , Nikalji Ravindra , Singh Tejinder , Khandelwal Vipin , Khare Sanjay , Lokhande Vaishali , Haridas Ashwathy , Jessani Laxman , Khandelwal Kanika
Published: November 2023

Primary renal involvement by T lymphoblasts is rare among adults with T acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. We report a 28‐year‐old man presenting with acute renal failure due to infiltration by T lymphoblasts and his response to paediatric‐inspired modified BFM‐90 protocol. The patient achieved an initial complete remission (CR) but developed central nervous system relapse. He achieved CR2 with cranial irradiation and intrathecal chemotherapy. He underwent a haploidentical transplant in CR2 and remains in remission post‐transplant day 330. An early kidney biopsy helped confirm the diagnosis. Such presentations remain responsive to modified BFM‐90. An early allotransplant in CR2 remains the standard of care.
Non‐tariff measures and household welfare: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Martey Edward , Onumah Edward Ebo , Onumah Justina Adwoa , Fiankor Dela‐Dem Doe
Published: November 2023

Most studies on the impacts of non‐tariff measures (NTMs) on economic outcomes are at the macro‐level with limited micro‐level studies. This study uses primary data on 604 commercial farm households in Ghana to examine the relationship between NTMs and household welfare outcomes. The results show that NTMs are positively associated with assets, household expenditure and income but negatively associated with food expenditure, household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and poverty probability index (PPI). We find that the results are not likely to be driven by unobserved heterogeneity. Our results suggest that the potential mechanisms through which NTMs influence welfare outcomes are household income and expenditure. The main implication of the study is that a reduction in the number of customs formalities and the cost of testing and certification can facilitate trade and contribute to the economic development of commercial farm households.
Epiphyseal cartilage vascular architecture at the distal humeral osteochondritis dissecans predilection site in juvenile pigs
Authors: Tóth Ferenc , Nissi Mikko J. , Armstrong Alexandra R. , Buko Erick O. , Johnson Casey P.
Published: November 2023

Failure of endochondral ossification due to interruption of the vascular supply to the epiphyseal cartilage is a critical step in the development of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Herein we describe the vascular architecture of the distal humeral epiphyseal cartilage in pigs and identify characteristic features that have been associated with sites predisposed to OCD development across species. Distal humeral specimens were harvested from pigs (n = 5, ages = 1, 10, 18, 30, and, 42 days old) and imaged at 9.4T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 3D gradient recalled echo sequence. The MRI data were processed using a quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) pipeline to visualize the vascular architecture. Specimens were also evaluated histologically to identify the presence of ischemic epiphyseal cartilage necrosis (osteochondrosis [OC]‐latens) and associated failure of endochondral ossification (OC‐manifesta). The QSM data enabled visualization of two distinct vascular beds arising from the perichondrium at the lateral and medial aspects of the distal humeral epiphysis. Elongated vessels originating from these beds coursed axially to supply the lateral and medial thirds of epiphyseal cartilage. At 18 days of age and older, a shift from perichondrial to transosseous blood supply was noted axially, which appeared more pronounced on the lateral side. This shift coincided with histologic identification of OC‐latens (30‐ and 42‐day‐old specimens) and OC‐manifesta (18‐ and 42‐day‐old specimens) lesions in the corresponding regions. The vascular anatomy and its evolution at the distal humeral epiphysis closely resembles that previously reported at predilection sites of knee OCD, suggesting a shared pathophysiology between the knee and elbow joints.
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) detects femoral head ischemia in a piglet model of Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease
Authors: Buko Erick O. , Bhave Sampada , Moeller Steen , Laine Jennifer C. , Tóth Ferenc , Johnson Casey P.
Published: November 2023

There is a clinical need for alternatives to gadolinium contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to facilitate early detection and assessment of femoral head ischemia in pediatric patients with Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease (LCPD), a juvenile form of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The purpose of this study was to determine if intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), a noncontrast‐enhanced MRI method to simultaneously measure tissue perfusion and diffusion, can detect femoral head ischemia using a piglet model of LCPD. Twelve 6‐week‐old piglets underwent unilateral hip surgery to induce complete femoral head ischemia. The unoperated, contralateral femoral head served as a perfused control. The bilateral hips of the piglets were imaged in vivo at 3T MRI using IVIM and contrast‐enhanced MRI 1 week after surgery. Median apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and IVIM parameters (diffusion coefficient: Ds; perfusion coefficient: Df; perfusion fraction: f; and perfusion flux: f*Df) were compared between regions of interest comprising the epiphyseal bone marrow of the ischemic and control femoral heads. Contrast‐enhanced MRI confirmed complete femoral head ischemia in 11/12 piglets. IVIM perfusion fraction (f) and flux (f*Df) were significantly decreased in the ischemic versus control femoral heads: on average, f decreased 47 ± 27% (Δf = −0.055 ± 0.034; p = 0.0003) and f*Df decreased 50 ± 27% (Δf*Df = −0.59 ± 0.49 × 10−3 mm2/s; p = 0.0026). In contrast, IVIM diffusion coefficient (Ds) and ADC were significantly increased in the ischemic versus control femoral heads: on average, Ds increased 78 ± 21% (ΔDs = 0.60 ± 0.14 × 10−3 mm2/s; p < 0.0001) and ADC increased 60 ± 36% (ΔADC = 0.50 ± 0.23 × 10−3 mm2/s; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, IVIM is sensitive in detecting bone marrow ischemia in a piglet model of LCPD.
A review on mannosylerythritol lipids and their properties, applications and roles in the circular economy
Authors: Zulkifli Wan Nur Fatihah Wan Muhammad , Hayes Douglas G. , Maurad Zulina Abdul , Zan Arniza Mohd
Published: November 2023

Mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) is a microbial surface‐active glycolipid biosurfactant produced by numerous microorganisms. MEL is produced as a major product by Pseudozyma sp. and as a minor product by Ustilago sp. MEL has recently received much practical attention due to its structural diversity, broad biochemical functions, and biocompatibility with the environment. In this review, the production of MEL from various feedstocks, and antimicrobial and antiadhesive properties are discussed. Furthermore, the applications of MEL as an antimicrobial agent in food, moisturizer in cosmetics, as an apoptotic agent in pharmaceuticals, and as a wetting agent in agriculture applications are highlighted. Finally, an overview of MEL production from waste materials presents huge potential for increasing the necessary change to a circular economy.
Laser‐Textured Surfaces: A Way to Control Biofilm Formation?
Authors: Schwibbert Karin , Richter Anja M. , Krüger Jörg , Bonse Jörn
Published: November 2023

Bacterial biofilms pose serious problems in medical and industrial settings. One of the major societal challenges lies in the increasing resistance of bacteria against biocides used in antimicrobial treatments, e.g., via overabundant use in medicine, industry, and agriculture or cleaning and disinfection in private households. Hence, new efficient bacteria‐repellent strategies avoiding the use of biocides are strongly desired. One promising route to achieve bacteria‐repellent surfaces lies in the contactless and aseptic large‐area laser‐processing of technical surfaces. Tailored surface textures, enabled by different laser‐processing strategies that result in topographic scales ranging from nanometers to micrometers may provide a solution to this challenge. This article presents a current state‐of‐the‐art review of laser‐surface subtractive texturing approaches for controlling the biofilm formation for different bacterial strains and in different environments. Based on specific properties of bacteria and laser‐processed surfaces, the challenges of anti‐microbial surface designs are discussed, and future directions will be outlined.
Local ecological knowledge (LEK) suggests overfishing and sequential depletion of Peruvian coastal groundfish
Authors: Castagnino Fabio , Estévez Rodrigo A. , Caillaux Matías , Velez-Zuazo Ximena , Gelcich Stefan
Published: November 2023

Objective

Fish populations targeted by recreational and artisanal fisheries remain largely unassessed in low- and middle-income countries. This generally results in a lack of regulatory action from government agencies, thus aggravating the risk of overfishing. In this context, sources of historical information, such as local ecological knowledge (LEK), are key to providing insight on the status of fish populations and informing management. Systematized elicitation processes have increasingly shown an ability to produce quantitative indicators while reducing biases and caveats inherent to expert knowledge. In this study, we assessed changes in composition of the catch, species abundance, and geographical distribution of the catch for 10 data-poor coastal groundfish species of Peru using LEK.

Methods

We designed and conducted a structured elicitation process to gather LEK on these species from 40 recreational and commercial spearfishers in Peru. We then used the obtained data to develop a set of indices and analyzed them statistically to identify trends and the magnitude of changes over time, if any, between the years 1960 and 2019.

Result

Our results show a significant decline in the relative participation (a species' catch proportion relative to the total catch) and abundance of seven assessed species in the catch as well as a major reduction in their geographical distribution. For some species, decreases in relative participation within the catch and decreases in average daily catch, a measure that may indicate changes in abundance, were statistically significant across the time span of the study. Average daily catch was between 1% and 15% of their historical high values. Some species have experienced a reduction of 60–100% in the geographical distribution of their catch.

Conclusion

Results suggests a scenario of overfishing and sequential depletion of the Galapagos Sheephead Wrasse Semicossyphus darwini, Pacific Goliath Grouper Epinephelus quinquefasciatus, Harlequin Wrasse Bodianus eclancheri, Grape-eye Seabass Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos, Chino Medialuna ancietae, Pacific Beakfish Oplegnathus insignis, and Broomtail Grouper Mycteroperca xenarcha. We highlight how the application of expert elicitation methods can help to build LEK-based fishery indicators that are useful for assessing data-poor fisheries and providing critical information to prompt management discussions.
Multistability of equilibrium points and periodic solutions for Clifford‐valued memristive Cohen–Grossberg neural networks with mixed delays
Authors: Li Jing , Zhao Hongzhen , Zhang Yan , Zhu Shaotao , Zhang Yuzhan
Published: November 2023

Based on the relevant theories of M‐matrix and the Lyapunov stability technique, this paper investigates the multistability of equilibrium points and periodic solutions for Clifford‐valued memristive Cohen–Grossberg neural networks. With the help of Cauchy convergence criterion, the exponential stability inequality is derived. The system has
locally exponentially stable equilibrium points and periodic solutions, which greatly increases the number of solutions compared with the existing Cohen–Grossberg neural networks, where the
is a Clifford‐valued and there is no limitation of linearity and monotonicity for activation functions. Furthermore, the attraction basins of stable periodic solutions are obtained, and it is proved that the basins can be enlarged. It is worth mentioning that the results can also be used to discuss the multistability of equilibrium points, periodic solutions, and almost periodic solutions for real‐valued, complex‐valued, and quaternion‐valued memristive Cohen–Grossberg neural networks. Finally, two numerical examples with simulations are taken to verify the theoretical analysis.
Utilizing deep learning techniques to improve image quality and noise reduction in preclinical low‐dose PET images in the sinogram domain
Authors: Manoj Doss Kishore Krishnagiri , Chen Jyh‐Cheng
Published: November 2023

Background

Low‐dose positron emission tomography (LD‐PET) imaging is commonly employed in preclinical research to minimize radiation exposure to animal subjects. However, LD‐PET images often exhibit poor quality and high noise levels due to the low signal‐to‐noise ratio. Deep learning (DL) techniques such as generative adversarial networks (GANs) and convolutional neural network (CNN) have the capability to enhance the quality of images derived from noisy or low‐quality PET data, which encodes critical information about radioactivity distribution in the body.

Purpose

Our objective was to optimize the image quality and reduce noise in preclinical PET images by utilizing the sinogram domain as input for DL models, resulting in improved image quality as compared to LD‐PET images.

Methods

A GAN and CNN model were utilized to predict high‐dose (HD) preclinical PET sinograms from the corresponding LD preclinical PET sinograms. In order to generate the datasets, experiments were conducted on micro‐phantoms, animal subjects (rats), and virtual simulations. The quality of DL‐generated images was weighted by performing the following quantitative measures: structural similarity index measure (SSIM), root mean squared error (RMSE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR). Additionally, DL input and output were both subjected to a spatial resolution calculation of full width half maximum (FWHM) and full width tenth maximum (FWTM). DL outcomes were then compared with the conventional denoising algorithms such as non‐local means (NLM), block‐matching, and 3D filtering (BM3D).

Results

The DL models effectively learned image features and produced high‐quality images, as reflected in the quantitative metrics. Notably, the FWHM and FWTM values of DL PET images exhibited significantly improved accuracy compared to LD, NLM, and BM3D PET images, and just as precise as HD PET images. The MSE loss underscored the excellent performance of the models, indicating that the models performed well. To further improve the training, the generator loss (G loss) was increased to a value higher than the discriminator loss (D loss), thereby achieving convergence in the GAN model.

Conclusions

The sinograms generated by the GAN network closely resembled real HD preclinical PET sinograms and were more realistic than LD. There was a noticeable improvement in image quality and noise factor in the predicted HD images. Importantly, DL networks did not fully compromise the spatial resolution of the images.
Comparison of high-throughput sequencing methods for bacterial microbiota profiling in catfish aquaculture
Authors: Older Caitlin E. , Yamamoto Fernando Y. , Griffin Matt J. , Ware Cynthia , Heckman Taylor I. , Soto Esteban , Bosworth Brian G. , Waldbieser Geoffrey C.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Bacterial community profiling in aquaculture can be useful for monitoring environmental conditions that may lead to disease outbreaks, understanding the impact of dietary treatments on fish health, and identifying microbes that have potential as probiotics. Microbiota characterization is commonly performed with high-throughput sequencing using short-read platforms (i.e., Illumina) targeting variable regions of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Long-read platforms (i.e., Oxford Nanopore Technologies [ONT]) enable sequencing of full-length 16S rRNA genes. While short-read platforms are highly accurate, long-read platforms sacrifice sequence quality in exchange for longer read lengths.

Methods

Herein, a typical short-read approach (Illumina MiSeq; V4 region of 16S rRNA gene) was compared with two near-full-length 16S rRNA gene ONT protocols (ONT Custom and ONT 16S). Sequencing was performed on a mock community composed of fish-relevant bacteria, in addition to samples (digesta, gill, skin) obtained from 10 hybrid catfish (female Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus × male Blue Catfish I. furcatus) and their environment (pond and holding tank). Fish were euthanized with either an overdose of MS-222 or cranial concussion and subsequent pithing to enable comparisons of these sequencing protocols in the context of a realistic experimental design.

Result

The ONT Custom protocol best recapitulated the theoretical composition of the mock community, followed by the ONT 16S and Illumina MiSeq protocols. Phylum-level composition was consistent within sample type across sequencing methods. However, at lower levels there were biases for several taxa, particularly in pond samples. Euthanasia method also appeared to introduce differences, primarily on the cutaneous communities. The three sequencing methods consistently identified significant differences between euthanasia methods, with Illumina MiSeq revealing the greatest differences. While all strategies performed comparably for digesta, skin, and water samples, the ONT strategies underperformed for gill samples.

Conclusion

Depending on application, results indicate that near-full-length 16S rRNA gene nanopore sequencing is a viable option for aquaculture microbiota studies.
A bi‐fidelity model for hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Zio Souleymane , Rochinha Fernando A.
Published: November 2023

Hydraulic fracture, whether a natural phenomenon or an engineered process, consists of a highly pressurized flow evolving within a rock and, when necessary, fracturing such a medium. Particularly, in the context of oil and gas exploitation, a mixture of water and proppant is injected through a well to improve the oil extraction conditions by artificially increasing the local permeability. From a modeling standpoint, it is fundamental to acknowledge that this complex flow involves, among other disciplines, fracture mechanics, fluid dynamics, non‐Newtonian flow, solid mechanics, and flow in porous media. Therefore, explicitly or not, a model bears multiple scales and multiple physics, leading to a non‐linear moving boundary mathematical problem that is hard to solve through analytical techniques. Amongst them, the Pseudo‐3D, which computes fracture evolution in reservoirs confined by symmetric stress barriers, is frequently employed in the oil and gas industry domain. The different assumptions made to obtain the P3D model lead to inaccurate predictions, like the overestimation of fracture height for important operating conditions. We propose a model discrepancy term in a multi‐fidelity approach to correct such drawbacks. The main difficulty associated is constructing a mapping between the inputs and outputs that faithfully represents the error between high and low fidelity models. In this paper, we investigated the performance of a nonlinear multi‐fidelity approach relying on Gaussian Processes. We present a careful analysis to assess the good performance of such a proposition and also present results involving Uncertainty Quantification, which is made feasible by using the bi‐fidelity surrogate.
Detunable wireless Litzcage coil for human head MRI at 1.5 T
Authors: Zhu Haoqin , Lang Michael L. , Yang Yijin , Martin Melanie , Zhang Gong , Zhang Qiang , Chen Yuanyuan , Yan Xinqiang
Published: November 2023

Inductively coupled radiofrequency (RF) coils are an inexpensive and simple method to realize wireless RF coils in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can significantly ease the MRI scan setup and improve patient comfort because they do not require bulky components such as cables, baluns, preamplifiers, and connectors. However, volume‐type wireless coils are typically operated in transmit/receive mode because detuning such coils is much more challenging due to their complex structure and multiple resonant modes. Meanwhile, adding too many detuning circuits to a wireless coil would decrease the coil's quality factor, impair the signal‐to‐noise ratio, and increase the cost. In this work, we proposed, constructed, and tested a novel wireless volume coil based on the Litzcage design for 1.5‐T head imaging. Being an inductively coupled coil, it has a much simpler structure, resulting in a lighter weight and less bulky design. Despite its simpler structure, it exhibits comparable imaging performance with a commercial receive array, providing an alternative to conventional wired coils with a high cost and complex structure. The unique figure‐of‐8 conductor pattern within the rungs ensures that the proposed wireless Litzcage can be efficiently detuned with minimal detuning circuits.
PrEP prescription in indiana 2017−2022: Implications for clinical practice
Authors: Carter Gregory , Tavares Taran
Published: November 2023

The Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative is poised to eradicate HIV through increasing screening and linkage to care. Despite this, the rate of HIV testing remains inadequate, and effective preventive measures like pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are not adequately prescribed. A retrospective chart review was conducted to include 2017 through July 2022 from a large nonprofit health care system in the Midwest. Inclusion criteria included an HIV‐negative diagnosis between 2017 and July 2022. Additional information includes gender, age, race/ethnicity, the primary payment method, the facility where screening occurred, history of PrEP prescription, and the provider who documented sexual health screening. Most patients were female (73%, n = 3366), followed by 27% (n = 1242) who identified as male. The majority identified as white (52.4%, n = 2415), and patients who identified as Black represented 45.3% (n = 2087) of the sample. Of the participants in the sample, n = 3030 (65.8%) did not have a documented sexual health assessment at the time of HIV screening. Black patients were 0.40 times less likely to report a PrEP prescription than their white counterparts. Patients screened by the provider and identified with infectious disease via a sexual mode of transmission demonstrated three times increased odds of being prescribed PrEP. This research highlights the importance of updating medical records systems to capture salient sexual health factors. Ongoing professional development should be made readily available so providers can conduct comprehensive sexual health assessments.
A phylogenetic evaluation of non‐random medicinal plants selection around an African biosphere reserve
Authors: Moutouama Jacob K. , Gaoue Orou G.
Published: November 2023

Theory in ethnobiology suggests that the selection of medicinal plants by local people in a given region is not random and evolutionary closely related species may have similar medicinal uses. Additionally, plants selection by local people is often driven by plant therapeutic efficacy, plant availability, plant versatility or local knowledge on medicinal plants.

We tested the hypothesis of non‐random selection of medicinal plants as well as the potential mechanisms explaining such non‐random plants selection. We also tested for phylogenetic signal in medicinal plants. Our study was based in four villages across Benin, West Africa, where the local communities have deep knowledge about medicinal plants. We installed 91 plots around these four villages to establish the total list of plant species and their abundance. We then conducted ethnobotanical surveys in the same villages to identify medicinal plants used in the local pharmacopoeia. To test whether the selection of medicinal plants used in the region was non‐random and whether plant selection was driven by plant therapeutic efficacy, plant availability, plant versatility or local knowledge, we used a generalized linear model. Furthermore, we used the D‐statistic to test whether evolutionary closely related species are more commonly used as medicinal than other species.

We found support for non‐random medicinal plant selection. Such a non‐random plant selection was driven by plant medicinal versatility. Plant availability and secondary compounds have no significant influence on plant selection. Local people's knowledge on medicinal plants was significantly affected by individuals' literacy but not by their gender, their age or the ethnic group they belong to. We found a weak phylogenetic signal in medicinal plant uses.

Our study reveals that the most used families are not necessarily the ones that have more secondary compounds or that are the most available to the local people, but are the most versatile plants. The high level of medicinal flora used at the local scale, which contrasts with the country‐level analysis found by previous studies, suggests new methodological guidance in testing the theory of non‐random medicinal plants selection.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Effect of interfacial morphology on electromagnetic shielding performance of poly (l‐lactide)/polydimethylsiloxane/multi‐walled carbon nanotube composites with honeycomb like conductive networks
Authors: Tang Yi , Wang Ye , Huang Ming‐Lu , Wang Ming
Published: November 2023

The construction of effective conductive networks can enhance the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance of the conductive polymer composites (CPCs). Herein, poly (l‐lactide) (PLLA) micro‐particles were used as a volume‐occupying phase to design and prepare the PLLA/polydimethylsiloxane/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PLLA/PDMS/MWCNT) composites with honeycomb‐like conductive networks. The interfacial morphology of the composites was adjusted by changing the surface morphology of the PLLA micro‐particles. The effects of the morphology and particle size of the PLLA phase on the EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of the composites were investigated in this study. The results indicate that the PLLA micro‐particles with regular shape and rough surface can effectively improve the EMI shielding performance of the PLLA/PDMS/MWCNT composites with the same filler loadings and the particle size of PLLA micro‐particles. Specifically, the EMI SE of the composites with etched 300‐μm spherical micro‐particles with rough surface can achieve 35.1 dB, which is 15% higher than the EMI SE of 30.6 dB for the composites with the 300‐μm irregular micro‐particles. In addition, the R values of the composites with honeycomb‐like conductive networks are below 0.5, indicating absorption dominated shielding mechanism.

Highlights

Micro‐particle surface tunes the interfacial structure of the honeycomb‐like samples.

Micro‐particles with different sizes endow different EMI SE for the composites.

Samples with regular micro‐particles have higher EMI SE than irregular ones.

The samples with etched micro‐particles have the highest EMI SE.

The honeycomb‐like samples show an absorption‐dominated shielding mechanism.