bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postharvest dehydration of red grapes: impact of temperature and water‐loss conditions on free and glycosylated volatile metabolites of exocarp and epicarp of Nebbiolo and Aleatico varieties
Authors: Piombino Paola , Pittari Elisabetta , Genovese Alessandro , Bellincontro Andrea , Moio Luigi
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Postharvest dehydration affects the metabolism of grapes, impacting odorous secondary metabolites and therefore the features of the corresponding passito wines – high‐quality products with winemaking practices linked to specific territories and related autochthonous grape varieties. Water loss and temperature conditions are the main variables of the dehydration process. This study assessed how they impacted the patterns of free and glycosylated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the exocarp (pulp) and epicarp (skin) in Nebbiolo and Aleatico, a neutral and semi‐aromatic red grape variety, respectively. Dehydration parameters were set in tunnel conditions, and VOCs were quantitatively analyzed by solid phase extraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

For Nebbiolo grapes, weight loss had a greater impact on free volatiles than dehydration temperature, with a 20% weight loss increasing total VOCs in both exocarp and epicarp. Low temperature (10 °C) significantly increased (P < 0.05) the glycosylated VOCs' terpene content. In Aleatico grapes, weight loss was key in modulating free volatiles, with 30% weight loss and 15 °C leading to significant increases in VOCs, especially exocarp terpenes, acids and benzenoids. More stressful dehydration (30% weight loss at 25 °C) resulted in higher aroma precursor concentrations.

CONCLUSION

These findings can assist passito wine production in preserving varietal aromas of original grapes trough optimized dehydration conditions, preventing sensory homologation occurring because of strong uncontrolled dehydration. They can also promote optimization of energy consumption, thus fostering financial and environmental sustainability. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Quinoa snack elaborated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL 1964 sourdough increases the mineral bioavailability in mice
Authors: Sandez Penidez Sergio H. , De Moreno De Le Blanc Alejandra , Gerez Carla L. , Rollán Graciela C.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Consumption of pseudocereal‐based foods decreased in phytate concentration can provide better nutrition concerning mineral bioavailability. This study aimed to evaluate the mineral bioavailability of quinoa sourdough‐based snacks in a murine model. The mice were divided into five groups. One group was fed with basal snacks; three control groups received quinoa‐based snacks made from non‐fermented dough, dough without inoculum, and chemically acidified dough; and the test group (GF) received quinoa snacks elaborated from sourdough fermented by a phytase‐positive strain, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL 1964. Food intake, body weight, and mineral concentration in blood and organs (liver, kidney, and femur) were determined.

RESULTS

Food consumption increased during the feeding period and had the highest (16.2–24.5%) consumption in the GF group. Body weight also increased during the 6‐weeks of trial. The GF group showed higher (6.0–10.2%) body weight compared with the other groups from the fifth week. The concentrations of iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in blood, iron and phosphorus in the liver, manganese and magnesium in the kidney, and calcium and phosphorus in the femur increased significantly (1.1–2.7‐fold) in the GF group compared to the control groups.

CONCLUSION

The diet that includes quinoa snacks elaborated with sourdough fermented by phytase‐positive strain L. plantarum CRL 1964 increased the concentrations of minerals in the blood, liver, kidney, and femur of mice, counteracting the antinutritional effects of phytate. This study demonstrates that the diminution in phytate content and the consequent biofortification in minerals are a suitable tool for producing novel foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
To assess the attitudes of Irish patients attending a pigmented lesion clinic and healthcare staff employed in an academic hospital to biobanking, a quantitative study
Authors: Bowe Stephanie , Quigley Claire , Victory Liana , Storan Eoin
Published: August 2024

Background

A Biobank is a collection of biospecimens or biological samples and corresponding patient data points which are used for the purposes of medical research. Patient participation and support is imperative to biobank research.

Objectives

We aim to quantitatively assess the attitudes of Irish patients attending a pigmented lesion clinic (PLC) in an Irish dermatology centre and staff working at an academic teaching hospital, to biobanking.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed to Healthcare staff working in an Academic Hospital and members of the Irish Association of Dermatology via their hospital email address. Patients who attended PLC January–April 2023, and patients previously diagnosed with melanoma January 2019–January 2021 were asked to complete the questionnaire. Respondents from a market research company, Bounce insights, was sent a modified questionnaire via a survey.

Results

In total there were 426 respondents of ages; 16–<18 years = 31 (7%), 18–35 years = 105 (25%), 36–65 years = 191 (45%) and >65 years = 99 (23%). There were 166 (39%) males and 260 (61%) females. Of the 426 total respondents there were 180 (42%) previous healthcare workers. The number of total participants who were aware of biobanks was 130 (31%), no = 283 (66%), not sure = 13 (3%). Over 20% (84) of participants had donated a biospecimen previously. Healthcare workers reported a positive response in 84% (102) but only 46% (72) of the Bounce marketing respondents felt similarly (p = <0.001). Over 60% of healthcare staff, 16% of all patients and 21% of the Bounce marketing group were aware of Biobanks. In total 83% (352) of all respondents were willing to donate a biospecimen following a medical procedure but 78% (331) were willing to donate an additional blood sample and that number fell to 57% (242) when asked if they would donate an additional tissue sample purely for the purposes of research. The number who would encourage a family member to donate a biospecimen was; yes = 241 (56.5%), no = 41 (9.6%) and not sure = 144 (34%). Interestingly age was related to individuals' initial impression of biobanks (X2 (6, N = 426) = 32, p = <0.001), to a willingness to donate a biospecimen (p = <0.039) and to a desire to be informed if their specimen was disposed of (p = <0.001).

Conclusions

In Ireland, the majority of patients, healthcare workers and other members of the public are willing to donate biospecimens for the purposes of research.
Cannot outrun the past: age, nutrition, and cohort influence horn size in pronghorn
Authors: Tafelmeyer Lee E. , LaSharr Tayler N. , Binfet Justin , Bredehoft Molly , Hiatt Greg , Lutz Daryl , Mitchell Carl D. , Monteith Kevin L.
Published: August 2024

In North America, most ungulate species exhibit life‐history traits typical of long‐lived, iteroparous species wherein young males tend to prioritize essential life functions including body growth and maintenance that constrains allocation of resources to horn, antler, and pronghorn growth. As a result, males of most ungulate species require several years of growth before reaching asymptotic body size and thereafter, peak weapon size is attained. Unique among ungulate species in North America, pronghorn possess a suite of life‐history traits resulting in a precocious (i.e., unusually early development) pace of life relative to other North American ungulates. We tested the hypothesis that the fast pace of life of pronghorn extends to precocious development of large horns, and evaluated how horn size was affected by environmental conditions during the year they were grown and the potential for cohort effects associated with environmental signatures during the year of birth. We evaluated the influence of age and the environment on horn size of pronghorn using data collected from 1,789 male pronghorn harvested from 2019 to 2022 in Wyoming, USA. Pronghorn attained 95% of their peak horn size by 3.5 years old. Climatic conditions influenced horn growth through cohort effects and year of growth pathways. Snow depth during the year of birth positively influenced horn size, whereas the effects of environmental conditions during the year of horn growth were dependent on age. For young animals, snow depth and moderate drought positively influenced horn size during the year of horn growth, but the effect was negligible for prime aged and old animals. The precocious nature of pronghorn extended to their horn growth characteristics, resulting in early attainment of a large proportion of their peak horn size. The unique ecology of pronghorn and rapid attainment of size early in life can allow for greater flexibility to balance hunter opportunity and production of large‐horned males for pronghorn as compared with other ungulates.
Hop distance to body height ratio outperforms limb symmetry index in predicting second anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Khoygani Mohammad Rahimi , Esmaeili Hamed
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The ability of current return‐to‐sport (RTS) tests to predict second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries (ACLI) in athletes with a history of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is unclear. This study aimed to prospectively assess the risk of a second ACLI by identifying the most significant deviation in hop test results in professional athletes after ACLR compared to healthy peers.

Methods

A total of 30 professional athletes with a history of ACLR and 30 healthy professional athletes participated in this study. Participants performed 10 functional hop tests, and the subsequent limb symmetry index (LSI) was compared between the groups. After a 3‐year follow‐up, the re‐injury rate was assessed among the ACLR group. Fourteen ACLR athletes who sustained a second ACLI were included and matched with 14 controls from the healthy group. The LSI and the hop distance to body height percentage (D/H) were compared between the groups.

Results

Statistical analyses confirmed a significant decrease in LSI in the ACLR group compared to the healthy group in the triple hop for distance (p = .023). In re‐injured ACLR athletes, seven different hop tests showed a significant decrease in the D/H index compared to the healthy controls. Meanwhile, for LSI, only the triple cross‐over hop for distance (p = .045) showed a significant increase in the healthy group.

Conclusion

Before clearing athletes for RTS, assessing functional hop test results using the hop distance to body height ratio, aligned with normative data from healthy controls, could further enhance the prediction of reduced graft rupture risk.

Level of Evidence

Level I.
Evaluation of Pediatric Posterior Glottic Diastasis Using Dynamic Voice Computed Tomography
Authors: Noble Anisha R. , Fleck Robert J. , Maksimoski Matthew T. , McElfresh Kevin , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Tabangin Meredith E. , de Alarcón Alessandro
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Posterior glottic diastasis (PGD) is an underappreciated etiology of dysphonia in patients with prior airway reconstruction or prolonged intubation. In endoscopic posterior cricoid reduction (ePCR), cricoid is removed to minimize the posterior glottic gap. Dynamic voice computed tomography (DVCT) permits visualization of the posterior glottis, estimating the amount of cricoid to be removed. Posterior glottic gaps in patients undergoing ePCR were compared to non‐dysphonic patients to describe pediatric PGD and establish surgical parameters for ePCR.

Methods

DVCTs performed in non‐dysphonic patients and dysphonic patients undergoing ePCR from 2014 to 2023 were reviewed. EPCR operative reports were queried. Pre‐ and postoperative Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) and Consensus Auditory‐Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V) scores and aerodynamic measures were reviewed.

Results

Seventeen pediatric patients who underwent ePCR and 19 non‐dysphonic patients were included. Posterior glottic gaps were significantly larger in the dysphonic group (median 2.4 mm [IQR: 2.0, 2.8] vs. 1.3 mm [IQR: 1.1, 1.7], p < 0.001). Mean width of the cricoid removed was 1.6 mm (SD 0.4 mm). Mean (SD) pre‐ and postoperative pVHI scores were 55.5 (19.9) and 34.6 (16.0; p < 0.001). Mean (SD) pre‐ and postoperative CAPE‐V scores were 52.7 (15.4) and 36.5 (20.4; p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Children in this cohort tolerated an average 1.3 mm posterior glottic gap without dysphonia. Dysphonic patients with PGD had a median 2.4 mm gap and underwent cricoid reduction by 1.6 mm. All ePCR patients demonstrated improvement in dysphonia. Results seek to optimize the management of pediatric PGD and present a safe and effective amount of cricoid to remove during ePCR.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:5139–5144, 2024
Versatility of the supraclavicular artery island flap for head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Ru Yiyu , Ye Fan , Chen Xiaojing , Ye Jianying , Liu Rongrong , Lin Renyu , Chen Jianfu , Wu Peng , Li He
Published: August 2024

Objective

To present our experience using the supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) for head and neck reconstruction.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review to identify patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction with SCAIF at our institution. The following data were collected: age, sex, surgical indications, flap harvest time, flap dimensions, length of hospital stay, complications, and clinical outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐three patients underwent SCAIF reconstruction, of whom four underwent pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction simultaneously. Twenty flaps were used to repair pharyngeal or esophageal defects following resection for tonsillar, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, and cervical esophageal cancers. Five flaps were used for tracheal reconstruction following resection for tracheal or thyroid gland cancer. Seven flaps were used for reconstruction of cervical skin defects or fistulas related to a previous treatment. One flap for tracheal stenosis following tracheotomy. The mean age of the patients was 60.69 ± 11.47 years. The mean flap harvest time was 32.00 ± 4.44 min. The mean flap size was 10.16 ± 3.91 × 5.78 ± 0.68 cm. The mean length of hospital stay is 24.84 ± 13.78 days. Three patients had partial necrosis of the distal portion of the flap, which resolved with anti‐infection therapy and local wound care. One patient developed a fistula that was resolved with wound care and further surgical intervention. Complete flap loss or major complications were not observed. No donor site complication or compromised shoulder function was observed.

Conclusion

The SCAIF can be successfully used to reconstruct head and neck defects with good outcomes and limited morbidity.

Level of Evidence

4.
Patchiness of plankton communities at fronts explained by Lagrangian history of upwelled water parcels
Authors: Gangrade Shailja , Mangolte Inès
Published: August 2024

The transport of plankton by highly dynamic (sub)mesoscale currents—often associated with fronts and eddies—shapes the structure of plankton communities on the same time scales as biotic processes, such as growth and predation (days–weeks). The resulting biophysical couplings generate heterogeneities in their finescale distributions (1–10 km), or “patchiness.” Here, we test the hypothesis that cross‐frontal plankton patchiness at a front found 200–250 km offshore in the California Current System was influenced by wind‐driven upwelling conditions upstream of the front. We show that in situ Eulerian measurements (cross‐frontal transects) can be interpreted in a Lagrangian framework by using satellite‐derived current velocities to trace water parcels backward in time to their coastal origins. We find that the majority of the water parcels sampled at this front originated along the central California coast during different episodic wind‐driven upwelling pulses and followed various trajectories before converging temporarily at the front. In response to nutrient injections at the coast, plankton communities transformed during their journeys from the coast to the sampling zone, with a succession of phytoplankton and zooplankton blooms. The cross‐frontal sampling captured the convergence of these distinct water parcels at different points in their biological histories, which resulted in the observed spatial patchiness. Our results suggest that identifying the processes controlling frontal plankton communities requires understanding them in the context of their spatial and temporal histories. In particular, Lagrangian approaches should be more widely applied to understand critical ecological patterns in highly dynamic systems.
Unraveling the Remarkable Influence of Square Antiprism Geometry on Highly Efficient Far‐Red Emission of Eu3+ in Borotellurate Phosphors for Versatile Utilizations
Authors: Li Hong , Niu Yingfan , Liu Conglin , Jiang Hongming , Li Junpeng , Wu Jianze , Huang Shuping , Zhang Hongzhi , Zhu Jing
Published: August 2024

Eu3+‐activated red‐emitting inorganic phosphors have been favored highly for their classical 5D0→7FJ (J = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) emissions. However, the fatal drawbacks of poor luminous efficacy and weak 5D0→7F4 transition persist, resulting in the ongoing challenge of achieving far‐red emission. This research reports series of highly efficient far‐red phosphors LnTeBO5 (Ln = La3+, Y3+, Gd3+):Eu3+ with anomalously strong 5D0→7F4 transition, resulting from the distorted square antiprism [Ln/EuO8]. Both the luminous efficacy and thermal stability can be greatly enhanced via the simple composition variation. [Ln/EuO8] square antiprism‐triggered 5D0→7F2,4 transitions are elucidated in depth, acquiring ultra‐high luminous efficacy (IQE = 95%, EQE = 40%, and AE = 42%) and near‐zero thermal quenching (99%@150°C and 98%@200°C). Subsequently, the versatile utilizations in indoor lighting, plant growth lighting, and security ink are illustrated. This finding establishes a deep understanding for constructing high‐quality far‐red phosphors via the Eu3+‐centered structural units of square antiprism.
Surface Immobilization of Oxidized Carboxymethyl Cellulose on Polyurethane for Sustained Drug Delivery
Authors: Somani Manali , Verma Chetna , Nonglang Flavius Phrangsngi , Bhan Surya , Gupta Bhuvanesh
Published: August 2024

Polyurethane (PU) has a diverse array of customized physical, chemical, mechanical, and structural characteristics, rendering it a superb option for biomedical applications. The current study involves modifying the polyurethane surface by the process of aminolysis (aminolyzed polyurethane; PU‐A), followed by covalently immobilizing Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) polymer utilizing Schiff base chemistry. Oxidation of CMC periodically leads to the creation of dialdehyde groups along the CMC chain. When the aldehyde groups on the OCMC contact the amine group on a modified PU surface, they form an imine bond. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques are employed to analyze and confirm the immobilization of OCMC on aminolyzed PU film (PU‐O). The OCMC gel incorporates Nitrofurantoin (NF) and immobilizes it on the PU surface (PU‐ON), creating an antibacterial PU surface. The confirmation of medication incorporation is achieved using EDX analysis. The varying doses of NF have demonstrated concentration‐dependent bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, in addition to sustained release. The proposed polyurethane (PU‐ON) surface exhibited excellent infection resistance in in vivo testing. The material exhibited biocompatibility and is well‐suited for biomedical applications.
Approximation of a two‐dimensional Gross–Pitaevskii equation with a periodic potential in the tight‐binding limit
Authors: Gilg Steffen , Schneider Guido
Published: August 2024

The Gross–Pitaevskii (GP) equation is a model for the description of the dynamics of Bose–Einstein condensates. Here, we consider the GP equation in a two‐dimensional setting with an external periodic potential in the ‐direction and a harmonic oscillator potential in the ‐direction in the so‐called tight‐binding limit. We prove error estimates which show that in this limit the original system can be approximated by a discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The paper is a first attempt to generalize the results from [19] obtained in the one‐dimensional setting to higher space dimensions and more general interaction potentials. Such a generalization is a non‐trivial task due to the oscillations in the external periodic potential which become singular in the tight‐binding limit and cause some irregularity of the solutions which are harder to handle in higher space dimensions. To overcome these difficulties, we work in anisotropic Sobolev spaces. Moreover, additional non‐resonance conditions have to be satisfied in the two‐dimensional case.
Hyers–Ulam stability of unbounded closable operators in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Majumdar Arup , Johnson P. Sam , Mohapatra Ram N.
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we discuss the Hyers–Ulam stability of closable (unbounded) operators with some examples. We also present results pertaining to the Hyers–Ulam stability of the sum and product of closable operators to have the Hyers–Ulam stability and the necessary and sufficient conditions of the Schur complement and the quadratic complement of block matrix in order to have the Hyers–Ulam stability.
Dopamine Pathway and Parkinson's Risk Variants Are Associated with Levodopa‐Induced Dyskinesia
Authors: Sosero Yuri L. , Bandres‐Ciga Sara , Ferwerda Bart , Tocino Maria T.P. , Belloso Dìaz R. , Gómez‐Garre Pilar , Faouzi Johann , Taba Pille , Pavelka Lukas , Marques Tainà M. , Gomes Clarissa P.C. , Kolodkin Alexey , May Patrick , Milanowski Lukasz M. , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Uitti Ryan J. , Heutink Peter , van Hilten Jacobus J. , Simon David K. , Eberly Shirley , Alvarez Ignacio , Krohn Lynne , Yu Eric , Freeman Kathryn , Rudakou Uladzislau , Ruskey Jennifer A. , Asayesh Farnaz , Menéndez‐Gonzàlez Manuel , Pastor Pau , Ross Owen A. , Krüger Rejko ,   the NCER‐PD Consortium, Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Koks Sulev , Mir Pablo , De Bie Rob M.A. , Iwaki Hirotaka , Gan‐Or Ziv ,   the International Parkinson's Disease Genomic Consortium
Published: August 2024

Background

Levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) is a common adverse effect of levodopa, one of the main therapeutics used to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous evidence suggests a connection between LID and a disruption of the dopaminergic system as well as genes implicated in PD, including GBA1 and LRRK2.

Objectives

Our goal was to investigate the effects of genetic variants on risk and time to LID.

Methods

We performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and analyses focused on GBA1 and LRRK2 variants. We also calculated polygenic risk scores (PRS) including risk variants for PD and variants in genes involved in the dopaminergic transmission pathway. To test the influence of genetics on LID risk we used logistic regression, and to examine its impact on time to LID we performed Cox regression including 1612 PD patients with and 3175 without LID.

Results

We found that GBA1 variants were associated with LID risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–2.26; P = 0.0017) and LRRK2 variants with reduced time to LID onset (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.42; 95% CI, 1.09–1.84; P = 0.0098). The fourth quartile of the PD PRS was associated with increased LID risk (ORfourth_quartile = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.03–1.56; P = 0.0210). The third and fourth dopamine pathway PRS quartiles were associated with a reduced time to development of LID (HRthird_quartile = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.07–1.79; P = 0.0128; HRfourth_quartile = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.06–1.78; P = 0.0147).

Conclusions

This study suggests that variants implicated in PD and in the dopaminergic transmission pathway play a role in the risk/time to develop LID. Further studies will be necessary to examine how these findings can inform clinical care. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Feasibility of capturing vessel expansion with 4D‐CTA: Phantom study to determine reproducibility, spatial and temporal resolution
Authors: Linden Sabine M. L. , Stam Lotte B. , Aquarius René , Hering Alessa , de Korte Chris L. , Prokop Mathias , Boogaarts Hieronymus D. , Meijer Frederick J. A. , Oostveen Luuk J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Dynamic Computed Tomography Angiography (4D CTA) has the potential of providing insight into the biomechanical properties of the vessel wall, by capturing motion of the vessel wall. For vascular pathologies, like intracranial aneurysms, this could potentially refine diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decision‐making.

Purpose

The objective of this research is to determine the feasibility of a 4D CTA scanner for accurately measuring harmonic diameter changes in an in‐vitro simulated vessel.

Methods

A silicon tube was exposed to a simulated heartbeat. Simulated heart rates between 40 and 100 beats‐per‐minute (bpm) were tested and the flow amplitude was varied, resulting in various changes of tube diameter. A 320‐detector row CT system with ECG‐gating captured three consecutive cycles of expansion. Image registration was used to calculate the diameter change. A vascular echography set‐up was used as a reference, using a 9 MHz linear array transducer. The reproducibility of 4D CTA was represented by the Pearson correlation (r) between the three consecutive diameter change patterns, captured by 4D CTA. The peak value similarity (pvs) was calculated between the 4D CTA and US measurements for increasing frequencies and was chosen as a measure of temporal resolution. Spatial resolution was represented by the Sum of the Relative Percentual Difference (SRPD) between 4D CTA and US diameter change patterns for increasing amplitudes.

Results

The reproducibility of 4D CTA measurements was good (r ≥ 0.9) if the diameter change was larger than 0.3 mm, moderate (0.7 ≤ r < 0.9) if the diameter change was between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, and low (r < 0.7) if the diameter change was smaller than 0.1 mm. Regarding the temporal resolution, the amplitude of 4D CTA was similar to the US measurements (pvs ≥ 90%) for the frequencies of 40 and 50 bpm. Frequencies between 60 and 80 bpm result in a moderate similarity (70% ≤ pvs < 90%). A low similarity (pvs < 70%) is observed for 90 and 100 bpm. Regarding the spatial resolution, diameter changes above 0.30 mm result in SRPDs consistently below 50%.

Conclusion

In a phantom setting, 4D CTA can be used to reliably capture reproducible tube diameter changes exceeding 0.30 mm. Low pulsation frequencies (40 or 50 bpm) provide an accurate measurement of the maximum tube diameter change.
Utility of the Clustering Index method for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders as compared with needle electromyography
Authors: Kanbayashi Takamichi , Ogawa Go , Uesugi Haruo , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Stålberg Erik , Sonoo Masahiro
Published: August 2024

Introduction/Aims

Concentric needle electromyography (CNEMG) is an essential examination for evaluating neuromuscular disorders, although pain is a drawback. Clustering Index (CI) method is a non‐invasive quantitative analysis for surface electromyography (SEMG) that evaluates whether the signal area is clustered into the few large motor unit potentials (MUPs) or is evenly distributed. However, the diagnostic yield of the CI method in comparison with CNEMG is not known. In this study, we aimed to compare the sensitivity of the CI method with MUP parameters in CNEMG for diagnosing neurogenic or myogenic disorders.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients for whom both SEMG and CNEMG were performed on the same tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. In CNEMG, seven MUP parameters were evaluated, including size index (SI) and revised size indices for neurogenic (rSIn) and myogenic (rSIm) disorders.

Results

Identified were 21 patients with neurogenic and 21 patients with myogenic disorders. Control data were constructed from 30 control subjects. The sensitivities of the CI method for the neurogenic and myogenic groups were 76% and 62%, respectively, which were not significantly different from MUP parameters, except for being significantly higher than those of amplitude and duration for myopathy (24%). Among MUP parameters, the sensitivities of rSIn (62%) and rSIm (57%) for myopathy were significantly higher than those of amplitude and duration. The CI method significantly correlated with the strength of the TA muscle in myopathy.

Discussion

The CI method, having comparable diagnostic yields to MUP parameters, is promising as a non‐invasive diagnostic measure.
Abnormal dynamics of functional connectivity density and effective connectivity in overactive bladder
Authors: Long Zuo , Shuangkun Wang , Tian Tian , Hua Gu , Biao Wang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study aims to analyze alterations in dynamic functional connectivity density (dFCD) and effective connectivity (dEC) patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), hypothesizing that overactive bladder (OAB) patients will exhibit distinct dFCD and dEC patterns, reflecting altered neural communication underlying the OAB.

Methods

Forty‐three female OAB patients and 40 female healthy controls (HC) underwent resting‐state fMRI. Sliding window correlation was used to calculate the variability of the dFCD. The changes in dFCD‐based dEC between the two groups were examined using Granger causal analysis. To describe the time‐varying Granger causality, a sliding‐window approach was utilized to divide time courses into a group of windows. We adopted a k‐means clustering method to cluster all matrices into discrete connectivity states.

Results

Compared with HC, OAB females consistently had a dFCD (decreased) in the left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) (p < 0.05, GRF corrected). In state 1, OAB patients had excitatory effective connections from bilateral ACC to left mPFC in comparison to HC. In state 2, there was an increase in dEC from the SMA to the mPFC. Participants with OAB showed significantly more inhibitory dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) connections between the left ACC and the right ACC in state 4, as well as an excitatory dEC connection between the right dlPFC and the left ACC in state 2 (p < 0.05, GRF corrected).

Conclusion

OAB patients demonstrate significant alterations in dFCD and dEC patterns, which may be indicative of the neural mechanisms involved in OAB pathophysiology.
Correlation between myelin basic protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid and motor speed in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Enokida Takako , Hattori Kotaro , Ota Miho , Tatsumi Megumi , Hidese Shinsuke , Sato Noriko , Hoshino Mikio , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: August 2024

Alterations in the white matter have been implicated in schizophrenia. Myelin basic protein (MBP), a component of the myelin sheath, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been suggested as a biomarker for white matter damage in demyelinating diseases. This prompted us to examine the CSF‐MBP levels in patients with schizophrenia. We analyzed the CSF‐MBP levels in 152 patients with schizophrenia and 117 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. A significant positive correlation between age and CSF‐MBP levels was observed both in the patients (p < 0.001) and controls (p = 0.014). No significant difference was observed in the CSF‐MBP levels between the two groups. However, among a subsample of the patients (N = 32), a significantly negative correlation was observed between CSF‐MBP and age‐adjusted motor speed score of the brief assessment of cognition in schizophrenia (ρ = −0.59, p < 0.001). Further, among patients who underwent diffusional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (N = 27), the CSF‐MBP levels showed a significantly negative correlation with the mean kurtosis value in the right temporo‐parietal region (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that the CSF‐MBP level has limited utility as a diagnostic marker; however, higher CSF‐MBP levels are associated with poorer motor speed, which may be associated with regional white matter damage in the brain in patients with schizophrenia.
Application of iterative elastic reverse time migration to shear horizontal ultrasonic echo data obtained at a concrete step specimen
Authors: Grohmann Maria , Niederleithinger Ernst , Büttner Christoph , Buske Stefan
Published: August 2024

The ultrasonic echo technique is broadly applied in non‐destructive testing (NDT) of concrete structures involving tasks such as measuring thickness, determining geometry and locating built‐in elements. To address the challenge of enhancing ultrasonic imaging for complex concrete constructions, we adapted a seismic imaging algorithm – reverse time migration (RTM) – for NDT in civil engineering. Unlike the traditionally applied synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT), RTM takes into account the full wavefield including primary and reflected arrivals as well as multiples. This capability enables RTM to effectively handle all wave phenomena, unlimited by changes in velocity and reflector inclinations. This paper concentrates on applying and evaluating a two‐dimensional elastic RTM algorithm that specifically addresses horizontally polarized shear (SH) waves only, as these are predominantly used in ultrasonic NDT of concrete structures. The elastic SH RTM algorithm was deployed for imaging real ultrasonic echo SH‐wave data obtained at a concrete specimen exhibiting a complex back wall geometry and containing four tendon ducts. As these features are frequently encountered in practical NDT scenarios, their precise imaging holds significant importance. By applying the elastic SH RTM algorithm, we successfully reproduced nearly all reflectors within the concrete specimen. In particular, we were capable of accurately reconstructing all vertically oriented reflectors as well as the circular cross sections of three tendon ducts, which was not achievable with traditional SAFT imaging. These findings demonstrate that elastic SH RTM holds the ability to considerably improve the imaging of complex concrete geometries, marking a crucial advancement for accurate, high‐quality ultrasonic NDT in civil engineering.
Being diagnosed with a rhabdomyosarcoma in the era of artificial intelligence: Whom can we trust?
Authors: Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Bernasconi Alice , Lasalvia Paolo , Bisogno Gianni , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Trama Annalisa , Chiaravalli Stefano , Bergamaschi Luca , Casanova Michela , Massimino Maura , Ferrari Andrea
Published: August 2024

In the era of big data, young patients may be overwhelmed by artificial intelligence‐based tools, like chatbots. Five clinical experts were asked to evaluate the performance of the most currently used chatbots in providing information on a rare cancer affecting young people, like rhabdomyosarcoma. Generally speaking, despite their high performance in giving general information about the disease, these chatbots were considered by the experts to be inadequate in providing suggestions on cancer treatments and specialized centers, and also lacking in “sensitivity.” Efforts are planned by the pediatric oncology community to improve the quality of data used to train these tools.
International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Global Mapping Program: Analysis of healthcare centers in countries of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Oncology (SLAOP)
Authors: Gorostegui‐Obanos Maite , Chantada Luisa , Filho Nevicolino Pereira Carvalho , Gonzalez‐Ramella Oscar , Serrano B María J. , Valencia Diana , Sampor Claudia , Macedo Carla , Ramirez Oscar , Sardinas Susan , Lezcano Eva , Calderón Patricia , Gamboa Yessika , Fu Ligia , Gómez Wendy , Schelotto Magdalena , Ugaz Cecilia , Lobos Pablo , Moreno Katiuska , Palma Julia , Sánchez Gisella , Moschella Filomena , Gassant Pascale Yola Heurtelou , Velasquez Thelma , Quintero Karina , Forteza Mariuska , Villarroel Milena , Moreno Florencia , Alabi Soad Fuentes , Vasquez Liliana , Lowe Jennifer , Cappellano Andrea , Challinor Julia , Chantada Guillermo L.
Published: August 2024

Background

The International Society of Paediatric Oncology Society Global Mapping Program aims to describe the local pediatric oncology capacities. Here, we report the data from Latin America.

Methods

A 10‐question survey was distributed among chairs of pediatric oncology services. Centers were classified according to patient volume into high‐ (HVC; 100 or more new cases per year), medium‐ (MVC; 31–99 cases), and low‐volume centers (LVC; 30 cases or less), respectively. National referral centers (NRC) were identified.

Results

Total 307 centers in 20 countries were identified (271 responded), and 264 responses were evaluable, accounting for 78% of the expected cases (21,359 cases per year). Seventy‐seven percent of patients are treated in public centers, including additional support by civil society organizations. We found that 66% of the patients are treated in 70 centers of excellence, including 21 NRC. There was a median of one pediatric oncologist every 21 newly diagnosed patients (44 for NRC), and in 84% of the centers, nurses rotated to other services. A palliative care team was lacking in 25% of the centers. LVC with public funding have significantly lower probability of having a palliative care team or trained pediatric oncology surgeons. Psychosocial, pharmacy, and nutrition services were available in more than 93% of the centers. No radiotherapy facility was available on campus in nine of 21 NRC.

Conclusions

Most children with cancer in Latin America are treated in public HVC. There is a scarcity of pediatric oncologists, specialized nurses and surgeons, and palliative care teams, especially in centers with public funding.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participation gaps within a pediatric leukemia clinical trial cohort
Authors: Aziz‐Bose Rahela , Cernik Colin , Umaretiya Puja J. , Ilcisin Lenka , Kelly Colleen A. , Valenzuela Ariana , Bruce Charlotte , de Cuba Stephanie Ettinger , Cole Peter D. , Gennarini Lisa M. , Kahn Justine M. , Kelly Kara M. , Michon Bruno , Tran Thai‐Hoa , Welch Jennifer J. G. , Silverman Lewis B. , Bona Kira
Published: August 2024

Poverty‐exposed children with cancer are more likely to experience adverse outcomes. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits improve food insecurity and child health outcomes, and could be used to mitigate disparities. We conducted a secondary analysis of parent‐reported data collected in a frontline pediatric leukemia trial (NCT03020030) to assess SNAP eligibility (proxied by other means‐tested program participation) and participation. At diagnosis, 105/287 families (37%) were SNAP‐eligible, of whom 53 (50%) were SNAP participants. At 6 months, 104/257 families (41%) were SNAP‐eligible, and 59 (57%) were SNAP participants. Interventions to increase benefits participation during childhood cancer treatment represent an immediate opportunity to reduce disparities.
Synthesis of multicomponent boron nitride/carbon nanotube conjugated hybrid composite nanosol aqueous sizing agent to improve mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of carbon fiber composites
Authors: Wu Yunhuan , Li Weiwen , Quan Guipeng , Ao Yuhui , Xiao Linghan , Liu Yujing
Published: August 2024

Interfacial and thermal conductivity issues of carbon fiber composites pose key challenges that restrict their application in the industry. Hence, we prepared an aqueous sizing agent modified with nanosol of boron nitride (BN) and carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrids using sol–gel method to synergistically enhance the interfacial performance and thermal conductivity of carbon fiber (CF) composites. Compared to the unsized CF composites, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), interfacial shear strength (IFSS), flexural strength and thermal conductivity of the sized composites were increased by 47.0%, 41.4%, 51.0% and 49.5%, respectively. This was attributed to the fact that the BN/CNT nanoparticles contained in the sizing agent increased the specific surface area of the fibers, enlarged the interfacial phase region for stress transfer, and facilitated the formation of strong chemical/physical interactions among the fibers and resin. Additionally, BN and CNT nanoparticles formed a three‐dimensional thermally conductive network on the fiber surface, which promoted the formation of a good heat transfer path between the fibers and resin. This work presents an effective strategy for fabricating CF composites with exceptional mechanical performance and thermal conductivity.

Highlights

A BN/CNT nanohybrid sol is prepared by sol–gel method.

A sizing agent is fabricated by modifying WEP through BN/CNT nanohybridised sols.

Sizing agent promotes a good thermal conductivity path between CF and resin.

Sizing agent enhances the mechanical properties of CF composites.
Low‐velocity impact damage behavior of glass fiber reinforced composites with different crack propagation
Authors: Yang Shun , Wei Ying , Yin Hongfeng , Li Dawei , Xue Feibiao , Song Fang , Liu Ziqiang
Published: August 2024

Glass fiber‐reinforced resin matrix composites are widely used and studied for their good mechanical and impact resistance properties. In this paper, five glass fiber reinforced nylon 6 (PA6)‐based composites were prepared by mechanical blending combined with the molding process. The flexural strength, shear strength, pendulum impact strength, and low‐velocity impact properties of five composites were comparatively investigated. The crack extension modes of the composites were characterized and analyzed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and computerized X‐ray tomography (XCT), and the effects of different crack extension modes on the mechanical and impact resistance properties of the composites were researched. Experimental results show that: (1) Cracks in the composite material mainly exist in two expansion modes: transverse propagation parallel to the direction of fiber layup and longitudinal propagation perpendicular to the direction of fiber layup; (2) Different crack extension modes will cause different damage situations to the composites, however, the crack extension mode has minimal impact on the flexural, shear and pendulum impact strength of the composites; (3) The flexural and shear strengths of the composites co‐reinforced using fly ash and glass fibers were preferably 484.5 and 46.1 MPa; (4) The crack extension mode has a significant impact on low‐velocity impact performances of the composite material. The composite co‐reinforced with glass beads (GB) and glass fibers had the best impact resistance, with maximum impact force (Pmax), residual impact force (Pr), and absorbed energy (Ea) of 7015.2 N, 6273.6 N and 15.4 J, respectively.

Highlights

The propagation of cracks inside the composites was observed using SEM and XCT etc.

A relationship between crack propagation mode and low‐velocity impact resistance of composites was established.

The low‐velocity impact properties of composites are carefully analyzed.
A stiffness prediction method for variable cross‐section CFRP laminated beam
Authors: Yang Yuxing , Liu Zhen , Zheng Zhi , Zhang Leqiang , Bao Yongjie , Chen Chen
Published: August 2024

To efficiently design the stiffness of the laminated composite blade‐like structure, an analytical method to assess deformation of variable cross‐section laminated beam under cantilever bending load was developed, in which a local ply density matrix method was introduced to characterize the ply‐up in arbitrary cross‐section after ply drop‐off process and infinitesimal element segment method was used to convert complex variable cross‐section specimen into local equal cross‐section beam structure. The model was validated by the cantilever beam experiment with relative predicted error of stiffness of 5.7%. Inner and outer ply drop‐off models were analyzed using the proposed analytical method. The results show that: (1) stiffness of the outer ply drop‐off model is the highest, at 13.07 N/mm, while that of the inner ply drop‐off model 2 is the lowest, about 17.8% lower than the outer ply drop‐off model; (2) maximum relative deformation difference between the inner ply drop‐off model 2 and outer ply drop‐off model is 21.7% at the free side of the cantilever beam. It indicates that anti‐deformation ability of the variable cross‐section laminated structure can be efficiently designed by the proposed analytical method, especially for the section close to the free side.

Highlights

Developed a bending stiffness prediction method for composite beam.

Variable cross‐section feature of the composite laminate was considered.

Local ply density matrix method was introduced to characterize ply drop‐off.

Proposed method was validated by cantilever beam bending experiment.

Inner and outer ply drop‐off models were compared by the proposed method.
Thermal protective and hydrophobic coating on polyimide resin matrix composites surface for improved aging resistance
Authors: Fan Zhaoyang , Xiong Chao , Yin Junhui , Zou Youchun , Zhang Yu , Zhu Xiujie
Published: August 2024

Polyimide composites are easily degraded in high temperature and high humidity environments for long service, which reduces their reliability and stability in aerospace, electronic components, weapons, and other fields. In this paper, the inorganic and organic multiphase double‐layer coating was prepared. The insulating layer was made of vinyl polysilazane resin as the base material and hollow glass microspheres as the filler. The hydrophobic layer consisted of polydimethylsiloxane as the base material, hollow phenolic microspheres, and nano‐TiO2 as the filler. The heat resistance, hydrophobic properties, and aging resistance of the coated polyimide resin matrix composites were studied. The results showed that the thickness of the double‐layer coating was about 200 μm. Under the 200°C thermal insulation test, the maximum temperature drop can be achieved at 59.7°C. After adding 5 wt% TiO2, the static contact angle of composites was increased from 86.2° to 127.7°. Significantly, the hydrophobic performance was improved by 48.1%, which was due to the construction of micro‐nano structures in the surface layer coating. In the accelerated hydrothermal aging tests, the bending properties of coated composite materials can be improved by 8.5%, 3.2%, and 8.7% in water, alkali, and acid environments, respectively. The moisture absorption of glass fiber and the pyrolysis of polyimide led to the degradation of the mechanical properties. The existence of heat‐resistant and hydrophobic coating could effectively eliminate this adverse effect, which was of great significance for polyimide composites to cope with various service environments.

Highlights

A novel coating consisting of thermal insulating and hydrophobic layers was developed on glass fiber reinforced polyimide composites (G/PI) composites.

The maximum temperature drop of coating can be achieved at 59.7°C.

The static contact angle of coated G/PI composites was increased from 86.2° to 127.7°.

In the aging tests, the protective effect of the coating resulted in improved mechanical strengths of G/PI composites.

The microscopic damage morphology was performed to analyze the anti‐aging properties of the coating.