bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI detection of free‐contrast agent nanoparticles
Authors: Garello Francesca , Cavallari Eleonora , Capozza Martina , Ribodino Marta , Parolisi Roberta , Buffo Annalisa , Terreno Enzo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The integration of nanotechnology into biomedical imaging has significantly advanced diagnostic and theranostic capabilities. However, nanoparticle detection in imaging relies on functionalization with appropriate probes. In this work, a new approach to visualize free‐label nanoparticles using MRI and MRS techniques is described, consisting of detecting by 1H CSI specific proton signals belonging to the components naturally present in most of the nanosystems used in preclinical and clinical research.

Methods

Three different nanosystems, namely lipid‐based micelles, liposomes, and perfluorocarbon‐based nanoemulsions, were synthesized, characterized by high resolution NMR and then visualized by 1H CSI at 300 MHz. Subsequently the best 1H CSI performing system was administered to murine models of cancer to evaluate the possibility of tracking the nanosystem by looking at its proton associated signal. Furthermore, an in vitro comparison between 1H CSI and 19F MRI was carried out.

Results

The study successfully demonstrates the feasibility of detecting nanoparticles using MRI/MRS without probe functionalization, employing 1H CSI. Among the nanosystems tested, the perfluorocarbon‐based nanoemulsion exhibited the highest SNR. Consequently, it was evaluated in vivo, where its detection was achievable within tumors and inflamed regions via 1H CSI, and in lymph nodes via PRESS.

Conclusions

These findings present a promising avenue for nanoparticle imaging in biomedical applications, offering potential enhancements to diagnostic and theranostic procedures. This non‐invasive approach has the capacity to advance imaging techniques and expand the scope of nanoparticle‐based biomedical research. Further exploration is necessary to fully explore the implications and applications of this method.
Examination of methods to separate overlapping metabolites at 7T
Authors: Bell Tiffany K. , Goerzen Dana , Near Jamie , Harris Ashley D.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Neurochemicals of interest quantified by MRS are often composites of overlapping signals. At higher field strengths (i.e., 7T), there is better separation of these signals. As the availability of higher field strengths is increasing, it is important to re‐evaluate the separability of overlapping metabolite signals.

Methods

This study compares the ability of stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM‐8; TE = 8 ms), short‐TE semi‐LASER (sLASER‐34; TE = 34 ms), and long‐TE semi‐LASER (sLASER‐105; TE = 105 ms) acquisitions to separate the commonly acquired neurochemicals at 7T (Glx, consisting of glutamate and glutamine; total N‐acetyl aspartate, consisting of N‐acetyl aspartate and N‐acetylaspartylglutamate; total creatine, consisting of creatine and phosphocreatine; and total choline, consisting of choline, phosphocholine, and glycerophosphocholine).

Results

sLASER‐34 produced the lowest fit errors for most neurochemicals; however, STEAM‐8 had better within‐subject reproducibility and required fewer subjects to detect a change between groups. However, this is dependent on the neurochemical of interest.

Conclusion

We recommend short‐TE STEAM for separation of most standard neurochemicals at 7T over short‐TE or long‐TE sLASER.
Epoxidharz aus Orangen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: September 2024

Abfälle aus der Lebensmittelindustrie liefern Rohstoffe für die Kunststofftechnik und tragen so dazu bei, Ressourcen zu schonen.
Weiche Elektronen, harte Löcher
Authors: Blicker Luca
Published: September 2024

Das Konzept der weichen Säuren und Basen (HSAB‐Konzept) stimmt manchmal nicht mit Experimenten überein. Ein Chemiker schlägt daher ein neues Konzept vor.
The mediating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between academic resilience and test anxiety in a sample of Turkish adolescents
Authors: Türk Fulya
Published: September 2024

Test anxiety negatively affects the academic development and psychological health of adolescents. High test anxiety may cause a decrease in the academic performance of adolescents. In this study, the role of psychological resilience in the relationship between test anxiety and academic resilience was examined. This study was conducted with a total of 565 adolescents (65.5% female and 34.5% male) aged between 12 and 19 in Turkiye (with a mean age of 14.04 and a standard deviation of 1.43). Adolescents completed Test Anxiety–Acceptance and Action Questionnaire‐Adolescents, Westside Test Anxiety Scale, and The Academic Resiliency Scale. For data analysis, the Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling were utilized to examine the relationships between variables. Acording to the results of the study, there was a positive relationship between academic resilience and psychological flexibility, a negative relationship between psychological flexibility and test anxiety, and a significant negative relationship between psychological flexibility and test anxiety. Academic resilience was found to predict psychological resilience positively and test anxiety negatively. In addition, psychological resilience had a significant negative effect on test anxiety. Academic resilience and psychological resilience explained 52% of the variance in test anxiety. psychological flexibility alone accounts for approximately 49% of the variance, while academic resilience independently explains about 36% of the variance in test anxiety. In addition, the significant mediating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between academic resilience and test anxiety was confirmed. According to these results, it seems important to improve both academic resilience and psychological in adolescents to reduce test anxiety.
Nanoscale Synergy: Unveiling Gas Sensing Paradigms Through First Principles Exploration of Vertical Hexagonal Boron Nitride/Graphene Heterostructures
Authors: Mondal Prianka , Khanom Mst. Shamima , Ahmed Farid
Published: September 2024

Modern civilization relies on rapid and accurate gas molecule identification at low concentrations for environmental surveillance, civilian security, healthcare evaluation, and inside atmospheric control. Density functional theory simulations are used to study the adsorption of CH4, CO2, PH3, N2O, NH3, O3, and SO2 gas molecules on a vertical hexagonal boron nitride/graphene heterostructure using the CASTEP code. Negative adsorption energy is only detected for NH3, O3, and SO2 gases. Our adsorption energy measurements show that the heterostructure is sensitive to NH3, O3, and SO2 gas molecules but insensitive to other gas molecules, as shown by the positive results. Further electrical and optical properties are only performed on gas‐adsorbed structures. It is found that the pure heterostructure acts like a semiconductor and has a band gap of 1.742 eV, which changes when gas is absorbed. Each of the structures has high absorption coefficients in the UV region, making them promising candidates for optoelectronic devices. The determination of the adsorbed gas type can be achieved by measuring the peak intensity and peak position of reflection or absorption. Heterostructures exhibit superior sensing capabilities for NH3 compared to other gases because of their enhanced adsorption energy, distinctive electrical band gap, and notable optical characteristics.
Molecular Docking, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Benzimidazole‐Pyridine Derivatives as Potential Aromatase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Sabale Prafulla , Sayyad Nusrat , Sabale Vidya , Begum Touseef , Murali Prakash Jatla , Gobalakriahnan P. , Hemalatha K. , Parupathi Prashanth , Kumar Reddy Konatham Teja , Kolli Deepti , Ali Alshehri Mohammed , Obaidur Rab Safia , Bin Emran Talha
Published: September 2024

This study describes the synthesis of N5‐(4‐(1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)phenyl)‐N2‐phenylpyridine‐2,5‐diamine derivatives from Orthophenylenediamine (1) and 4‐aminobenzoic acid (2) and all the synthesized chemical moieties screened against a panel of cancer cell lines resulted in the identification compound 6 a with good anti‐cancer potential and a GI50 of 2.95 μM, 3.35 μM, 2.27 μM, 8.46 nM and 1.56 μM against MDAMB‐231, MCF‐7, A‐549, NCI‐H23 and A‐498 respectively. As the second greatest cause of death globally, cancer continues to pose a serious threat to public health. An essential enzyme called aromatase catalyses the last, rate‐limiting step in the production of oestrogens. As a well‐researched endocrine therapeutic strategy, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) efficiently block the production of oestrogen, which is necessary for aromatase activity.
Microtubules Disruption Alters the Cellular Structures and Mechanics Depending on Underlying Chemical Cues
Authors: Abdellatef Shimaa A. , Wang Hongxin , Nakanishi Jun
Published: September 2024

The extracellular matrix determines cell morphology and stiffness by manipulating the cytoskeleton. The impacts of extracellular matrix cues, including the mechanical and topographical cues on microtubules and their role in biological behaviors, are previously studied. However, there is a lack of understanding about how microtubules (MTs) are affected by environmental chemical cues, such as extracellular matrix density. Specifically, it is crucial to understand the connection between cellular morphology and mechanics induced by chemical cues and the role of microtubules in these cellular responses. To address this, surfaces with high and low cRGD (cyclic Arginine‐Glycine‐Aspartic acid) peptide ligand densities are used. The cRGD is diluted with a bioinert ligand to prevent surface native cellular remodeling. The cellular morphology, actin, and microtubules differ on these surfaces. Confocal fluorescence microscopes and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to determine the structural and mechanical cellular responses with and without microtubules. Microtubules are vital as an intracellular scaffold in elongated morphology correlated with low cRGD compared to rounded morphology in high cRGD substrates. The contributions of MTs to nucleus morphology and cellular mechanics are based on the underlying cRGD densities. Finally, this study reveals a significant correlation between MTs, actin networks, and vimentin in response to the underlying densities of cRGD.
Enhanced Photothermal‐Assisted Hydrogen Production via a Porous Carbon@MoS2/ZnIn2S4 Type II‐S‐Scheme Tandem Heterostructure
Authors: Li Ning , Ma Yong , Ma Jiafeng , Chang Qing , Fan Xiangqian , Liu Lei , Xue Chaorui , Hao Caihong , Zhang Huayang , Hu Shengliang , Wang Shaobin
Published: September 2024

MoS2/ZnIn2S4 flower‐like heterostructures into porous carbon (PC@MoS2/ZIS) are embedded. This ternary heterostructure demonstrates enhanced light absorption across a broad spectral range from 200 to 2500 nm. It features both Type‐II and S‐scheme dual heterojunction interfaces, which facilitate the generation, separation, and transfer of photoinduced carriers. The PC enveloped by MoS2/ZIS composite microspheres serves as a photothermal source, providing additional energy to the carriers. This process accelerates charge separation and migration, enhancing photothermal‐assisted photocatalytic H2 evolution. The optimal H2 evolution rate for PC@MoS2/ZIS reaches an impressive 18.79 mmol g−1 h−1, with an apparent quantum efficiency of 14.1% at 400 nm. This work presents a promising approach for effectively integrating multicomponent heterostructures with photothermal effects, offering innovative strategies for efficient solar energy utilization and conversion.
Tailoring Wetting Properties of Organic Hole‐Transport Interlayers for Slot‐Die‐Coated Perovskite Solar Modules
Authors: Le Thai Son , Chuyko Irina A. , Luchnikov Lev O. , Ilicheva Ekaterina A. , Sukhorukova Polina K. , Balakirev Dmitry O. , Saratovsky Nikita S. , Alekseev Aleksandr O. , Kozlov Sergey S. , Muratov Dmitry S. , Voronov Victor A. , Gostishchev Pavel A. , Kiselev Dmitry A. , Ilina Tatiana S. , Vasilev Anton A. , Polyakov Alexander Y. , Svidchenko Evgenia A. , Maloshitskaya Olga A. , Luponosov Yuriy N. , Saranin Danila S.
Published: September 2024

The strategy of incorporating self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) with anchoring groups is an effective and promising method for interface engineering in perovskite solar cells with metal oxide charge‐transporting layers. However, coating SAM layers in upscaled perovskite solar modules (PSMs) using slot‐die coating is challenging due to the low viscosity and wettability of the solutions. In this study, a triphenylamine‐based polymer poly([{5‐[4‐(diphenylamino)phenyl]‐2‐thienyl}(4‐fluorophenyl)methylene]malononitrile) (pTPA)–TDP, blended with SAM based on 5‐[4‐[4‐(diphenylamino)phenyl]thiophene‐2‐carboxylic acid, is integrated to address these challenges. And, p–i–n‐oriented PSMs on 50 × 50 mm2 substrates (12 sub‐cells) are fabricated with a NiO hole‐transport layer and organic interlayers for surface modification. Wetting angle mapping shows that ununiform regions of the slot‐die‐coated SAM has extreme hydrophobicity, causing absorber thickness fluctuations and macro‐defects at buried interfaces. The blended interlayer at the NiO/perovskite junction homogenizes surface wettability and mitigates lattice strain, enabling the effective use of SAM properties on large surfaces. This improved energy level alignment, enhancing the power conversion efficiency of the modules from 13.98% to 15.83% and stability (ISOS‐L‐2, T80 period) from 500 to 1630 h. In these results, the complex effects of using SAM in slot‐die‐coating technology for large‐scale perovskite photovoltaics are highlighted.
Water‐Soluble, Spin‐Cast‐Based Crystalline Poly(Methacrylic Acid) Film as a Reversible Li‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Son Minjin , Kim Hyeongjun , Lee Minju , Na Jonggeon , Kwak Sang Kyu , Kang Seok Ju
Published: September 2024

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer anodes are proposed as potential reversible anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their simple thin‐film formation process and cost‐effectiveness. Nevertheless, challenges such as the use of toxic aprotic solvents and the irreversible consumption of Li ions during the initial cycle need to be addressed to improve their performance. Herein, a water‐soluble poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) polymer processed using a simple spin‐casting method as a reversible LIB anode is presented. Unlike the PMMA anode, the conjugated carbonyl groups of the crystalline PMAA polymer readily form a chain backbone during ex situ thermal annealing, demonstrating a reversible capacity. The mechanism underlying the superior electrochemical characteristics of the PMAA anode is revealed using grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction and theoretical calculations. In particular, the highly crystalline cyclic anhydride PMAA polymer induced by thermal annealing shows enhanced interactions between Li ions and CO groups during operation, resulting in improved electrochemical properties. The resulting crystalline cyclic anhydride PMAA anode achieves a capacity of ≈427.7 mAh g−1 and retains a reversible specific capacity of 156 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles, indicating that it is a promising polymeric anode for next‐generation LIBs.
Antiviral Activity of Carbon Dots: Strategies and Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Innocenzi Plinio , De Forni Davide , Lori Franco
Published: September 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic profoundly changes the perception of the impact of viral diseases on society and the consequent need to develop new and more effective technologies in vaccines and antivirals. Thus, research in the field of antivirals has received a new and strong impetus by considering new approaches and innovative methodologies. One example has been the numerous published studies on antiviral nanosystems developed from nanoparticles, among the most promising of which are carbon dots (C‐dots). C‐dots are effective antivirals due to multiple mechanisms of action. They are also, in general, water‐soluble and noncytotoxic. However, the data reported in the literature are still fragmented and cover different families of viruses and types of C‐dots. Therefore, a comparative study is needed to identify possible strategies for designing C‐dots with antiviral activity. This article aims to provide a comparative and critical analysis of the published data on C‐dots and their antiviral properties against various types of viruses. By exploring the relationship between the composition and properties of C‐dots, this article aims to shed light on the mechanism of their antiviral activity. The review has highlighted the potential of C‐dots as antiviral agents and would serve as a basis for further research in this field.
Genome‐wide association study and KASP marker development for starch quality traits in wheat
Authors: Tian Yousheng , Liu Pengpeng , Zhang Xin , Liu Yichen , Kong Dezhen , Nie Yingbin , Xu Hongjun , Han Xinnian , Sang Wei , Li Weihua
Published: September 2024

Starch is the main component of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) flour, and its quality directly affects the processing quality of the final product. To investigate the genetic basis of starch, this study assessed the starch quality traits of 341 winter wheat varieties/lines grown in Emin and Qitai during the years 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. A genome‐wide association study was conducted with the genotype data obtained from wheat 40K breeding chips using the mixed linear model. Wheat starch quality traits exhibited coefficients of variation ranging from 1.43% to 23.66% and broad‐sense heritabilities between 0.37 and 0.87. All traits followed an approximately normal distribution, except for T. There were highly significant correlations among starch quality traits, with the strongest correlation observed between final viscosity (FV) and trough viscosity (TV) (r = 0.748), followed by peak viscosity and breakdown (BD) (r = 0.679). Thirty‐four single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers significantly and stably associated with starch quality traits were identified, clustering in 31 genetic loci. These included one locus for TV, six loci for BD, three loci for FV, two loci for peak time (PT), 12 loci for T, five loci for falling number, and two loci for damaged starch. One PT‐related block of 410 kb was identified in the region of 596 Mb on chromosome 5A, where significant phenotypic differences were observed between different haplotypes. One Kompetitive allele‐specific PCR (KASP) marker for T was developed on chromosome 7B, and two KASP markers for BD were developed on chromosome 7A. Four candidate genes possibly affecting BD during grain development were identified on chromosome 7A, including TraesCS7A02G225100.1, TraesCS7A02G225900.1, TraesCS7A02G226400.1, and TraesCS7A02G257100.1. The results have significant implications for utilizing marker‐assisted selection in breeding to improve wheat starch quality.
Bestimmung des Untersuchungsgegenstandes
Authors: Seim Jonathan
Published: September 2024

Die Beantwortung der Frage, wer beteiligt werden sollte, ist maßgeblich vom Kontext abhängig, in welchem die Frage gestellt wird. Daher widmet sich Kapitel 2 auf Basis sozial- und rechtswissenschaftlicher Literatur zum einen der Erarbeitung einer akkuraten Arbeitsdefinition von Bürger:innenbeteiligungsverfahren und zum anderen der detaillierten Darstellung ihrer Binnenpluralität. Sowohl eine Abgrenzung von anderen Partizipationsformen als auch ein Wissen um die Vielfalt unterschiedlichster Formate der Bürger:innenbeteiligung sind für eine zufriedenstellende Beantwortung der Forschungsfrage unerlässlich.
Beteiligungsregelungen in der Praxis
Authors: Seim Jonathan
Published: September 2024

Kapitel 3 nimmt anhand kommunaler Leitlinien für Bürger:innenbeteiligung und den Registrierungsmodalitäten von kommunalen Online- Beteiligungsplattformen eine ausführliche empirische Bestandsaufnahme von Inklusionspraktiken vor. Dabei offenbart sich ein recht diffuses und in Teilen widersprüchliches Bild. Die Bestandsaufnahme begründet zum einen die praktische Relevanz der Forschungsfrage und arbeitet zum anderen eine Menge möglicher Antworten heraus.
Theoretischer Hintergrund: Demos-Problem
Authors: Seim Jonathan
Published: September 2024

Kapitel 4 widmet sich der Darstellung der Debatte zum sogenannten Demos-Problem, welche zentrale Grundlage für die Beantwortung der Forschungsfrage darstellt. Primär wird herausgearbeitet, was an diesem Problem eigentlich neu ist, dass dieses Gegenstand der Demokratietheorie sein sollte und dass es sich dabei keineswegs um ein unlösbares Problem handelt. Von besonderer Relevanz für die weiteren Ausführungen ist zweierlei. Zum einen wird herausgearbeitet, dass die Beantwortung der Demos- Frage in der Regel die Begründung sowohl von Inklusionskriterien erster Ebene als auch von Kompetenzkriterien zweiter Ebene voraussetzt. Zum anderen wird die Möglichkeit der Kontextsensitivität von Inklusionsfragen im Allgemeinen und der Demos- Frage im Besonderen aufgezeigt. Damit ist gemeint, dass diese Fragen mitunter je nach Kontext unterschiedlich beantworten werden müssen.
Die Inklusion der primären Gruppe
Authors: Seim Jonathan
Published: September 2024

Die Forschungsfrage, wer an Bürger:innenbeteiligungsverfahren, beteiligt werden sollte, wird in den Kapiteln 6 und 7 beantwortet. Die Antwort besteht aus zwei Teilen und Kapitel 6 widmet sich der Inklusion der primären Gruppe. Dabei wird von dem zuvor herausgearbeiteten Ziel der Verfahren, die demokratischer Responsivität zu verbessern, ausgegangen. Es wird argumentiert, dass die primär zu inkludierende Gruppe all diejenigen umfasst, welche ein Recht auf demokratische Responsivität haben. Für diese Gruppe gelten die gleichen Inklusionskriterien erster Ebene wie für den Demos der einschlägigen Forschungsliteratur. Doch die Kompetenzvoraussetzungen zweiter Ebene können im Kontext unverbindliche Bürger:innenbeteiligungsverfahren niedriger als im Kontext verbindlicher Entscheidungsverfahren sein.
A generalization of a theorem of Brass and Schmeisser
Authors: Szostok Tomasz
Published: September 2024

Let n be an odd positive integer. It was proved by Brass and Schmeisser that for every quadrature $$\mathcal {Q}=\alpha _1f(x_1)+\dots +\alpha _mf(x_m)$$

Q
=

α
1

f

(

x
1

)

+
⋯
+

α
m

f

(

x
m

)

(with positive weights) of order at least $$n+1$$

n
+
1

and for every $$n-$$

n
-

convex function f,  the value of Q on f lies between the values of Gauss-Legendre and Gauss-Lobatto quadratures of order $$n+1$$

n
+
1

calculated for the same function f. We generalize this result in two directions, replacing Q by an integral with respect to a given measure and allowing the number n to any positive integer (for even n Gauss-Radau quadratures replace Gauss-Legendre and Gauss-Lobatto ones).
Improved ground truth annotation by multimodal image registration from 3D ultrasound to histopathology for resected tongue carcinoma
Authors: Bekedam N. M. , van Alphen M. J. A. , de Cuba E. M. V. , Karssemakers L. H. E. , Karakullukcu M. B. , Smeele L. E.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study’s objectives are (1) to investigate the registration accuracy from intraoperative ultrasound (US) to histopathological images, (2) to assess the agreement and correlation between measurements in registered 3D US and histopathology, and (3) to train a nnUNet model for automatic segmentation of 3D US volumes of resected tongue specimens.

Methods

Ten 3D US volumes were acquired, including the corresponding digitalized histopathological images (n = 29). Based on corresponding landmarks, the registrations between 3D US and histopathology images were calculated and evaluated using the target registration error (TRE). Tumor thickness and resection margins were measured based on three annotations: (1) manual histopathological tumor annotation (HTA), manual 3D US tumor annotation, and (2) the HTA registered in the 3D US. The agreement and correlation were computed between the measurements based on the HTA and those based on the manual US and registered HTA in US. A deep-learning model with nnUNet was trained on 151 3D US volumes. Segmentation metrics quantified the model’s performance.

Results

The median TRE was 0.42 mm. The smallest mean difference was between registered HTA in US and histopathology with 2.16 mm (95% CI − 1.31; 5.63) and a correlation of 0.924 (p < 0.001). The nnUNet predicted the tumor with a Dice similarity coefficient of 0.621, an average surface distance of 1.15 mm, and a Hausdorff distance of 3.70 mm.

Conclusion

Multimodal image registration enabled the HTA’s registration in the US images and improved the agreement and correlation between the modalities. In the future, this could be used to annotate ground truth labels accurately.
Preliminary antifibrotic and vasoconstrictor effects of adrenaline in Schlemm’s canal and suprachoroidal minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Luo Jinyuan , Fajardo-Sanchez Julia , Qin Mengqi , Patel Brihitejas , Mahtani Karishma , Ho Henrietta , Yu-Wai-Man Cynthia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To investigate the antifibrotic and vasoconstrictor effects of adrenaline in Schlemm’s canal and suprachoroidal minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

Methods

Human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells were treated with different concentrations of adrenaline (0%, 0.0005%, 0.01%), and we measured the effects on contractility, cell viability and the expression of key cell cycle and fibrosis genes. Adrenaline 0.05% was also injected intracamerally in five primary open-angle glaucoma patients undergoing iStent inject or MINIject surgery combined with phacoemulsification. All patients were assessed for ocular and systemic adverse reactions, including the effects on intraoperative pupil size, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and anterior segment OCT results.

Results

Adrenaline significantly reduced the contractility of TM cells in a dose-dependent manner (87.8%, 80.6%, 7.9% matrix contraction with adrenaline 0%, 0.0005%, 0.01%, respectively). Adrenaline did not exhibit any significant cytotoxicity even at high concentrations (P > 0.05). Adrenaline 0.01% significantly downregulated the expression of key cell cycle genes in the G2 and M phases, and also decreased the expression of MRTFB and ACTA2 genes (P < 0.05). Intracameral injections of adrenaline 0.05% in the five MIGS patients did not result in any ocular or systemic adverse effects.

Conclusion

We recommend intracameral injections of adrenaline 0.05% as a cheap and safe drug to be used before MIGS insertion. Adrenaline decreases the risk of bleeding from the trabecular meshwork and also exhibits antifibrotic effects by arresting the cell cycle, thereby increasing the postoperative success rates in MIGS.

Key message

What is known

Fibrosis is the main cause of surgical failure in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil are too toxic to be used inside the eye.

What is new

Adrenaline reduced the contractility of trabecular meshwork cells and inhibited the expression of key cell cycle genes and fibrosis genes, without significant cytotoxicity.

Intracameral injection of adrenaline 0.05% did not result in any ocular or systemic adverse reactions in MIGS patients.
Psammoma bodies in thyroid: are they always indicative of malignancy? A multi-institutional study
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Agarwal Shipra , Erkilic Suna , Hang Jen-Fan , Jalaly Jalal B. , Khanafshar Elham , Ladenheim Alexander , Baloch Zubair
Published: September 2024

Traditionally, psammoma bodies (PB) have been considered as tale-tell evidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and are frequently encountered in classic and other subtypes of PTCs. However, the presence of PBs in the thyroid gland does not always indicate malignancy. The leading hypothesis on their origin suggests that PB are remnants of papillary structures that have undergone thrombosis, necrosis, and subsequent calcification. From January 2010 to May 2024, 26 patients with psammoma bodies associated with benign thyroid lesions, mainly thyroid follicular nodular disease (TFND), Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), Graves’ disease, and follicular adenomas, were found. The case cohort included 16 females and 10 males with a median age of 49.3 years. The series included 12 TFND, two HT, and 12 follicular adenomas (11 out of 12 were oncocytic adenomas). Twenty-four out of 26 underwent total thyroidectomy. In 24 out of 26 cases, the entire lobes and parenchyma were included and serial cuts at multiple levels were performed in cases with PB but without any evidence of malignancy. Even though the detection of PB is associated with a malignant thyroid lesion, especially PTC and its subtypes, our multi-institutional series showed that in a minority PB can be found in a variety of benign thyroid lesions. Evaluation of the entire thyroid parenchyma at multiple levels is mandatory to exclude sub-centimeter papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Innovations to overcome the current waste problem caused by single-use plastics in the pursuit of a circular economy
Authors: Altenburger Luisa Marie , Yerokhin Stella-Maria , Mayer Leonard , Dijkstra-Silva Samanthi
Published: September 2024

Plastic production continues to increase each year, yet only 9% are successfully recycled. This has impacted natural habitats and ecosystems, due to an uncontrolled amount of waste. The food industry is a major contributor to plastic waste. To counter this problem, the demand for environmentally sustainable alternatives, i.e. bio-based plastics, in the pursuit of a circular economy is increasing. As such, this problem is interconnected and at the resource nexus of particularly, food, material, waste, and ecosystem. This systematic review provides an overview of different innovations regarding materials and additives for bio-based plastics for packaging in the food industry. The paper argues that a majority of materials for bio-based plastics originate from the food industry’s value chain and utilizing these resources is essential to reduce waste and to create more value, essentially addressing the problem with a focus on the resource nexus. Moreover, the importance of developing biodegradable and recyclable plastics to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste is also highlighted, especially in the context of single-use food packaging. These findings and conclusions cumulated into a framework to differentiate the various materials and classify them regarding their biodegradability properties, origin (plant- or animal-based industry by-products and raw materials) and end-of-life scenarios. This contributes to the academic literature and practice by categorizing different kinds of materials, which might be labelled environmentally sustainable, particularly biodegradable, but which might not always be the case and critically discussing implications of this.
Improved regularity and analyticity of Cannone-Karch solutions of the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations on the torus
Authors: Ambrose David M. , Lopes Filho Milton C. , Nussenzveig Lopes Helena J.
Published: September 2024

We consider the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations, with initial data having second derivatives in the space of pseudomeasures. Solutions of this system with such data have been shown to exist previously by Cannone and Karch. As the Navier–Stokes equations are a parabolic system, the solutions gain regularity at positive times. We demonstrate an improved gain of regularity at positive times as compared to that demonstrated by Cannone and Karch. We further demonstrate that the solutions are analytic at all positive times, with lower bounds given for the radius of analyticity.
Fortschreitende Parkinson-Krankheit
Authors: Hirschbichler Stephanie , Foki Thomas
Published: September 2024

Die Prävalenz der Parkinson-Erkrankung nimmt stetig zu. Parallel steigt auch die Anzahl jener Patient:innen mit motorischen Wirkfluktuationen, bei denen trotz optimierter oraler/transdermaler Behandlung keine ausreichende Symptomkontrolle mehr möglich ist. Typischerweise korreliert dies mit reduzierter Lebensqualität. Für diese Gruppe von Patient:innen hat sich die therapeutische Palette zunehmend erweitert. Neben der tiefen Hirnstimulation, den jejunal verabreichbaren Levodopa-Präparaten (Levodopa–Carbidopa-Intestinal-Gel [LCIG], Levodopa–Carbidopa–Entacapon-Intestinal-Gel [LECIG]) sowie der ebenfalls pumpengesteuert subkutanen Verabreichung von Apomorphin steht nun neu kontinuierlich subkutan verabreichbares Foslevodopa/Foscarbidopa als innovative gerätegestützte Therapie zur Verfügung.

Im folgenden Artikel werden die entsprechenden Verfahren und ihre Vor- und Nachteile erörtert und die neue Foslevodopa/Foscarbidopa-Behandlung anhand eines Fallbeispiels näher beleuchtet. Entscheidend für einen Therapieerfolg ist es, geeignete Patient:innen dem passenden Verfahren zuzuführen. Zum raschen und sensitiven Screening hat sich die „5-2-1-Faustregel“ in der Praxis bewährt, anhand derer eine prinzipielle Eignung für ein gerätegestütztes Verfahren zuverlässig erhoben werden kann.
Five-year survival of class II restorations with and without base bulk-fill composite: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Leinonen Jukka , Vähänikkilä Hannu , Luksepp Remo , Anttonen Vuokko
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine the survival of class II composite restorations in premolars and molars with and without base bulk-fill composite in general dental practice.

Materials and methods

We collected data from the electronic patient files of the Public Dental Services in the City of Oulu, Finland. The timespan of data collection was from August 15th, 2002, to August 9th, 2018. The data consisted of class II composite restorations both with and without base bulk-fill composite. We compared the survival of these restorations using Kaplan–Meier survival curves, the log-rank test, survival rates, and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Results

We observed 297 restorations in 96 patients. The five-year survival rates for restorations with and without base bulk-fill composite were comparable in premolars (77.5% and 77.4%, respectively) but different in molars (69.9% and 57.8%, respectively, p = 0.069). In molars, the restorations with base bulk-fill composite exhibited a higher survival rate in 14 patients, whereas in 11 patients the restorations without base bulk-fill composites exhibited a higher survival rate. In 24 patients the survival rates were similar for restorations with and without the base bulk-fill composite (p = 0.246).

Conclusions

The restorations with and without base bulk-fill composite had similar longevity.

Clinical relevance

Base bulk-fill composites are safe to use in general practice due to their similar survival rates compared to conventional composites.
Evolving capabilities of computed tomography imaging for transcatheter valvular heart interventions – new opportunities for precision medicine
Authors: Androshchuk Vitaliy , Montarello Natalie , Lahoti Nishant , Hill Samuel Joseph , Zhou Can , Patterson Tiffany , Redwood Simon , Niederer Steven , Lamata Pablo , De Vecchi Adelaide , Rajani Ronak
Published: September 2024

The last decade has witnessed a substantial growth in percutaneous treatment options for heart valve disease. The development in these innovative therapies has been mirrored by advances in multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). MDCT plays a central role in obtaining detailed pre-procedural anatomical information, helping to inform clinical decisions surrounding procedural planning, improve clinical outcomes and prevent potential complications. Improvements in MDCT image acquisition and processing techniques have led to increased application of advanced analytics in routine clinical care. Workflow implementation of patient-specific computational modeling, fluid dynamics, 3D printing, extended reality, extracellular volume mapping and artificial intelligence are shaping the landscape for delivering patient-specific care. This review will provide an insight of key innovations in the field of MDCT for planning transcatheter heart valve interventions.
Sharp Gaussian upper bounds for Schrödinger semigroups on the half-line
Authors: Holst Paul , Vogt Hendrik
Published: September 2024

In 1998, V. Liskevich and Y. Semenov proved sharp Gaussian upper bounds for Schrödinger semigroups on $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

with potentials satisfying a global Kato class condition. Using similar basic ideas we show sharp Gaussian upper bounds for Schrödinger semigroups on the half-line, also assuming a suitable global Kato class condition. Our proof strategy includes a new technique of weighted ultracontractivity estimates.
Healthy Communities for Youth: A Cost Analysis of a Community-Level Program to Prevent Youth Violence
Authors: Pan Zhongzhe , Chapman Derek A. , Sullivan Terri N. , Bishop Diane L. , Kimmel April D.
Published: September 2024

Youth violence is a national public health concern in USA, especially in resource-constrained urban communities. Between 2018 and 2021, the Healthy Communities for Youth (HCFY) program addressed youth violence prevention in select economically marginalized urban communities, with the HCFY program reducing the likelihood of youth-involved violent crime. Leveraging costs from program expense reports, this study analyzes the costs of the HCFY program in order to inform policymaking and the program’s future ongoing implementation. Total HCFY program costs were $821,000 ($290,100 annually including program start-up costs) over the 34-month project period. Operationalization costs contributed the largest share (64.8%), with 45% attributable to intervention coordinators. In the intervention community, the program costs $100 per capita, $1100 per youth-involved crime case, and $8100 per youth-involved violent crime case. Findings were sensitive to the number of youth-involved crime or violent crime cases and costs of high-level program leadership and self-evaluation analysts, with the per youth-involved violent crime case cost ranging between $700 and $1600 over the program period. Analysis of HCFY program costs is an important step in determining the affordability of a community-level program to prevent youth violence in resource-limited urban communities.
“If They Help Us, We Can Help Them”: First Nations Peoples Identify Intercultural Health Communication Problems and Solutions in Hospital in Northern Australia
Authors: Kerrigan Vicki , McGrath Stuart Yiwarr , Baker Rachel Dikul , Burrunali Jeanette , Ralph Anna P. , Herdman Rarrtjiwuy Melanie , Alley Tiana , Armstrong Emily
Published: September 2024

Effective intercultural communication between First Nations peoples and healthcare providers in colonised countries is required to deliver equitable healthcare and improve patient experiences and health outcomes. This paper presents First Nations peoples’ perspectives and proposed solutions to problematic communication experiences at Royal Darwin Hospital in northern Australia. The study’s methodological foundations comprise decolonising principles rooted in Critical Race Theory, Freirean pedagogy, and cultural safety. Eleven individuals from diverse First Nations backgrounds receiving treatment at the largest hospital in the Northern Territory, participated in in-depth interviews conducted in their preferred languages. Data were inductively analysed, adapted from a constructivist grounded theory approach and guided by First Nations knowledges. First Nations patients at Royal Darwin Hospital described a culturally unsafe hospital due to ineffective intercultural communication. Patient “counterstories” recounted instances of confusion, aggression, healthcare provider resistance to shared decision-making opportunities, pressure to abandon cultural protocols, and institutional neglect. Poor communication incited anger among staff and patients, and contributed to experiences of racism, missed appointments, clinical mistakes, patients prematurely discharging before completing treatment, and patients experiencing financial troubles and homelessness. In a spirit of generosity, patients proposed solutions focused on relationship building and mutual understanding so that new decolonised systems, which draw on First Nations and Western knowledges, can be codesigned. This study serves as a call to action for policymakers, administrators, and healthcare providers to prioritise improving intercultural communication by addressing the behaviour of staff and changing systemically racist policies in the pursuit of health equity and cultural safety for First Nations peoples.
Interleukin-5: an indicator of mild cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - a comprehensive investigation ranging from bioinformatics analysis to clinical research
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhu Wenwen , Yang Shufang , Niu Tong , Fareeduddin Mohammed Farooqui Huzaifa , Song Bing , Wang Hongxiao , Li Sumei , Wang Jumei , Xu Linlin , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Haoqiang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Neuroinflammation constitutes an underlying mechanism for cognitive impairment. Here, we endeavor to scrutinize the potential contribution of interleukin-5 (IL-5) towards mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and to assess its diagnostic value for MCI in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

RNA-seq was used to explore the potential neuroinflammation factors in the hippocampus of diabetic mice with cognitive decline. Additionally, the promising risk factor was verified in animals. Finally, the association between IL-5 levels and cognitive function and its diagnostic value for MCI were assessed.

Results

In animals, up-regulated IL-5 mRNA and protein levels were detected by RNA-seq and (or) verified experiments in the hippocampus of diabetic db/db mice with cognitive decline, compared to those of db/m mice without diabetes. In human, compared to diabetic patients without MCI, those with MCI demonstrate elevated levels of IL-5. It is natively associated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, reflecting global cognitive function, and positively correlated with Trail Making Test A (TMTA) scores, reflecting information processing speed. Furthermore, an elevated level of IL-5 is identified as a risk factor for MCI, and a factor that influences TMTA scores. Finally, it is recommended that the cut-off value for IL-5 in the diagnosis of MCI is 22.98 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 68.6% and specificity of 72.9%.

Conclusions

IL-5 is considered a risk factor for MCI in T2DM patients and is associated with their performance in information processing speed. Moreover, an elevated level of IL-5 is a plausible biomarker for MCI in T2DM patients.
A single bout of physical exercise improves 1-hour post-load plasma glucose in healthy young adults
Authors: Moffa Simona , Sorice Gian Pio , Di Giuseppe Gianfranco , Cinti Francesca , Ciccarelli Gea , Soldovieri Laura , Brunetti Michela , Sonnino Rebecca , Nista Enrico C. , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Mezza Teresa , Giaccari Andrea
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Physical exercise is a key component in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy glucose metabolism even in healthy subjects. To date, no studies have investigated the effect of a single bout of aerobic physical exercise on glucose metabolism in young, moderately active, healthy adults.

Methods

We performed an OGTT 7 days before and 24 h after a single bout of physical exercise, to evaluate 1-hour post-load plasma glucose and surrogate indexes of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion.

Results

Glucose levels were significantly reduced after exercise at baseline and one hour after glucose load; similarly, insulin was significantly lower 1 h after glucose load. We found a significant increase in the Matsuda index, confirmed by OGIS index, QUICKI index, and by significant reduction in HOMA-IR. Conversely, we observed a trend to increase in HOMA-B.

Conclusion

This is the first study to evaluate the effect of a single bout of exercise on 1-hour glucose levels following OGTT. We found a significant reduction in 1-hour glucose levels following OGTT together with an increased insulin sensitivity. A single 30-minute bout of aerobic exercise also seemed to improve the insulin secretion pattern. Modifications in beta cell secretory capacity during exercise are likely secondary to an improvement in insulin action in insulin dependent tissues.
Cardiometabolic comorbidities and cardiovascular events in “non-functioning” adrenal incidentalomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Favero Vittoria , Parazzoli Chiara , Bernasconi Davide Paolo , Chiodini Iacopo
Published: September 2024

Objective

Recent studies investigated the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH), diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or prediabetes, dyslipidemia (DL), metabolic syndrome (MS) and cardiovascular events (CVE) in patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI). We aimed to investigate the available literature to determine the prevalence of AH, DM, DM and/or prediabetes (Composite DM, C-DM), DL, MS and CVE in patients with NFAI as compared to patients without adrenal incidentalomas (AI).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A meta-analysis was performed using studies that evaluated the prevalence of AH, DM, C-DM, DL, MS and CVE in patients with NFAI versus matched subjects without AI. A random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird) was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) for each outcome.

Results

Among the 36 available studies, 19 studies provided the necessary data (4716 subjects, mean age 57.6 ± 4.6). The association between AH, DM, C-DM, DL, MS and CVE was reported in 18 (4546 subjects), 7 (1743 subjects), 5 (4315 subjects), 11 (3820 subjects), 8 (1170 subjects) and 5 (2972 subjects), respectively. The presence of NFAI was associated with AH (OR 1.87, 95%CI 1.39–2.51), C-DM (OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.70–2.45) and MS (OR 2.89, 95%CI 1.93–4.32), but not with DM, DL and CVE.

Conclusions

Patients with NFAI have higher prevalence of AH, C-DM and MS than control subjects without NFAI.
Pre-Service Teachers’ Approaches in Solving Mathematics Tasks with ChatGPT
Authors: Noster Norbert , Gerber Sebastian , Siller Hans-Stefan
Published: September 2024

The use of large language models like ChatGPT is widely discussed for educational purposes. Using this technology requires teachers to have appropriate competences that incorporate knowledge of how to make use of this technology. In this study, we investigate pre-service teachers’ knowledge through the lens of the KTMT model (“Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics with Technology” model), a domain-specific variant of the TPACK-model. One component is represented in mathematical fidelity as knowledge of the mathematical accuracy of the technology, which in case of large language models is of special interest, as it may produce erroneous but plausible-sounding information. Furthermore, prompting techniques are of interest as technological knowledge, which influence mathematical fidelity. For this study, eleven pre-service teachers were asked to solve four different mathematical tasks with the help of ChatGPT. The chatlogs and information provided in an interview after working on the tasks are analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results show that both correct and incorrect answers were produced for all tasks. The rate of pre-service teachers providing an incorrect answer is high when having been presented with an incorrect answer generated by the large language model. Despite having access to ChatGPT as a tool, many of the participants were not able to provide correct answers to all tasks. Furthermore, the mathematical fidelity was often over- and, in some cases, underrated. The mathematical knowledge seems to have changed while working with ChatGPT. Based on the applied prompting techniques, the pre-service teachers showed a deficiency in technological knowledge.