bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upconversion Luminescence and Thermosensitive Properties of NaGd(PO3)4:Yb3+/Er3+
Authors: Zhong Jiu-Ping , Xu Jintao , Zhu Shanlin , Liao Canyuan , Zhao Weijun , Zhong Xingyuan , Wang Zijun
Published: August 2024

High-sensitivity temperature measurement has attracted extensive attention in both fundamental studies and practical applications. This study develops a series of upconversion (UC) phosphors composed of NaGd(PO3)4 (NGP) doped with 20 at% Yb3+ and various concentration of Er3+ (0.5 at% as the optimal concentration) synthesized by high-temperature solid-state method. Comprehensive analysis using such as X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement verifies their crystal structure and evenly distributed lanthanide dopants. Under 980 nm laser excitation, the phosphors show characteristic Er3+ upconverison green and red emission bands, both arising from two-photon processes. Fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) analysis based on the thermally coupled states demonstrates the thermal sensing ability feasibly in a wide temperature range of 200-600 K. The thermal sensitivity is relatively high with the maximum absolute thermal sensitivity Sa of 0.53% K-1 (523 K) and the maximum relative thermal sensitivity Sr of 2.60% K-1. The phosphors also exhibit high repeatability as thermal sensors reaching 97%. These findings postulate the potential of NGP:Yb/Er as a promising candidate in optical thermal sensing applications.
Critical factors for precise and efficient RNA cleavage by RNase Y in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Le Scornet Alexandre , Jousselin Ambre , Baumas Kamila , Kostova Gergana , Durand Sylvain , Poljak Leonora , Barriot Roland , Coutant Eve , Pigearias Romain , Tejero Gabriel , Lootvoet Jonas , Péllisier Céline , Munoz Gladys , Condon Ciarán , Redder Peter
Published: August 2024

Cellular processes require precise and specific gene regulation, in which continuous mRNA degradation is a major element. The mRNA degradation mechanisms should be able to degrade a wide range of different RNA substrates with high efficiency, but should at the same time be limited, to avoid killing the cell by elimination of all cellular RNA. RNase Y is a major endoribonuclease found in most Firmicutes, including Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. However, the molecular interactions that direct RNase Y to cleave the correct RNA molecules at the correct position remain unknown. In this work we have identified transcripts that are homologs in S. aureus and B. subtilis, and are RNase Y targets in both bacteria. Two such transcript pairs were used as models to show a functional overlap between the S. aureus and the B. subtilis RNase Y, which highlighted the importance of the nucleotide sequence of the RNA molecule itself in the RNase Y targeting process. Cleavage efficiency is driven by the primary nucleotide sequence immediately downstream of the cleavage site and base-pairing in a secondary structure a few nucleotides downstream. Cleavage positioning is roughly localised by the downstream secondary structure and fine-tuned by the nucleotide immediately upstream of the cleavage. The identified elements were sufficient for RNase Y-dependent cleavage, since the sequence elements from one of the model transcripts were able to convert an exogenous non-target transcript into a target for RNase Y.
An architecture for COVID-19 analysis and detection using big data, AI, and data architectures
Authors: Alghamdi Ahmed Mohammed , Al Shehri Waleed A. , Almalki Jameel , Jannah Najlaa , Alsubaei Faisal S.
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 epidemic is affecting individuals in many ways and continues to spread all over the world. Vaccines and traditional medical techniques are still being researched. In diagnosis and therapy, biological and digital technology is used to overcome the fear of this disease. Despite recovery in many patients, COVID-19 does not have a definite cure or a vaccine that provides permanent protection for a large number of people. Current methods focus on prevention, monitoring, and management of the spread of the disease. As a result, new technologies for combating COVID-19 are being developed. Though unreliable due to a lack of sufficient COVID-19 datasets, inconsistencies in the datasets availability, non-aggregation of the database because of conflicting data formats, incomplete information, and distortion, they are a step in the right direction. Furthermore, the privacy and confidentiality of people’s medical data are only partially ensured. As a result, this research study proposes a novel, cooperative approach that combines big data analytics with relevant Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques and blockchain to create a system for analyzing and detecting COVID-19 instances. Based on these technologies, the reliability, affordability, and prominence of dealing with the above problems required time. The architecture of the proposed model will analyze different data sources for preliminary diagnosis, detect the affected area, and localize the abnormalities. Furthermore, the blockchain approach supports the decentralization of the central repository so that it is accessible to every stakeholder. The model proposed in this study describes the four-layered architecture. The purpose of the proposed architecture is to utilize the latest technologies to provide a reliable solution during the pandemic; the proposed architecture was sufficient to cover all the current issues, including data security. The layers are unique and individually responsible for handling steps required for data acquisition, storage, analysis, and reporting using blockchain principles in a decentralized P2P network. A systematic review of the technologies to use in the pandemic covers all possible solutions that can cover the issue best and provide a secure solution to the pandemic.
Brain MRI detection and classification: Harnessing convolutional neural networks and multi-level thresholding
Authors: Kamireddy Rasool Reddy , Kandala Rajesh N. V. P. S. , Dhuli Ravindra , Polinati Srinivasu , Sonti Kamesh , Tadeusiewicz Ryszard , Pławiak Paweł
Published: August 2024

Brain tumor detection in clinical applications is a complex and challenging task due to the intricate structures of the human brain. Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging is widely preferred for this purpose because of its ability to provide detailed images of soft brain tissues, including brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood vessels. However, accurately detecting brain tumors from MR images remains an open problem for researchers due to the variations in tumor characteristics such as intensity, texture, size, shape, and location. To address these issues, we propose a method that combines multi-level thresholding and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). Initially, we enhance the contrast of brain MR images using intensity transformations, which highlight the infected regions in the images. Then, we use the suggested CNN architecture to classify the enhanced MR images into normal and abnormal categories. Finally, we employ multi-level thresholding based on Tsallis entropy (TE) and differential evolution (DE) to detect tumor region(s) from the abnormal images. To refine the results, we apply morphological operations to minimize distortions caused by thresholding. The proposed method is evaluated using the widely used Harvard Medical School (HMS) dataset, and the results demonstrate promising performance with 99.5% classification accuracy and 92.84% dice similarity coefficient. Our approach outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods in brain tumor detection and automated disease diagnosis from MR images.
Sub-concussive head impacts from heading footballs do not acutely alter brain excitability as compared to a control group
Authors: Hamel Raphael , Waltzing Baptiste Maxime , Massey Tom , Blenkinsop James , McConnell Leah , Osborne Kieran , Sesay Karamo , Stoneman Finn , Carter Adam , Maaroufi Hajar , Jenkinson Ned
Published: August 2024

Background

Repeated sub-concussive head impacts are a growing brain health concern, but their possible biomarkers remain elusive. One impediment is the lack of a randomised controlled human experimental model to study their effects on the human brain.

Objectives

This work had two objectives. The first one was to provide a randomised controlled human experimental model to study the acute effects of head impacts on brain functions. To achieve this, this work’s second objective was to investigate if head impacts from heading footballs acutely alter brain excitability by increasing corticospinal inhibition as compared to a control group.

Methods

In practised and unpractised young healthy adults, transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess corticospinal silent period (CSP) duration and corticospinal excitability (CSE) before and immediately after performing headings by returning 20 hand-thrown balls directed to the head (Headings; n = 30) or the dominant foot (Control; n = 30). Moreover, the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ) was used to assess the symptoms of head impacts. Head acceleration was also assessed in subgroups of participants.

Results

The intervention lengthened CSP duration in both the Headings (6.4 ± 7.5%) and Control groups (4.6 ± 2.6%), with no difference in lengthening between the two groups. Moreover, CSE was not altered by the intervention and did not differ between groups. However, performing headings increased headaches and dizziness symptoms and resulted in greater head acceleration upon each football throw (12.5 ± 1.9g) as compared to the control intervention (5.5 ± 1.3g).

Conclusions

The results suggest that head impacts from football headings do not acutely alter brain excitability as compared to a control intervention. However, the results also suggest that the present protocol can be used as an experimental model to investigate the acute effects of head impacts on the human brain.
Strengthening research networks: Insights from a clinical research network in Brazil
Authors: Lopes Juliana Freitas , Couto Arnaldo Cézar , Daher André , Fonseca Bruna de Paula
Published: August 2024

Clinical Research Networks (CRNs) are means to improve healthcare delivery, quality of care and patient outcomes. The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Latin America’s leading health research organization, has established a CRN to promote interaction and collaboration among its clinical research experts. After a decade of operation, a revitalization process was undertaken out of the need to improve its functionality. This study aimed to describe the evaluation process of the Fiocruz Clinical Research Network (RFPC) by gathering the opinions and perspectives of its members and identifying the network structure. The goal was to improve scientific collaboration and member engagement, thereby increasing the integration, effectiveness, and impact of clinical research conducted at the institution. Clinical research professionals at Fiocruz were invited to participate in an online questionnaire to collect information about their professional experience, the benefits and constraints of participating in research networks, relevant discussion topics, and the challenges of complying with Good Clinical Practices (GCP). With the help of social network analysis, a deeper understanding of the dynamics and structure of professional communication networks was obtained. The questionnaire was completed by 122 professionals (response rate 50.4%), with most respondents being principal investigators (PIs) with more than 10 years of professional experience (24.6%). Participation in research networks was considered beneficial, particularly in working groups (48.4%), and as an opportunity to exchange experiences with other professionals (44.3%). Almost half of the participants (48.4%) did not identify any barriers to participating in a network. Topics that required further discussion included data management, biorepositories and biobanks, and ethical and regulatory issues. Challenges to conducting clinical research with GCP standards included strategic support and funding, staffing and training, data management, infrastructure, quality management, and collaboration. Communication within the research network was loosely structured, with the most experienced professionals holding central positions. This analysis provided valuable insights to support the management of the RFPC. It highlighted the internal community’s interests and expectations, identified key areas for improvement in GCP implementation, and influential professionals who could improve information sharing and national integration. The findings have far-reaching implications that can be applied in different contexts. They contribute to the ongoing discussion on the establishment and management of research networks.
Intravital two-photon microscopy of the native mouse thymus
Authors: Seyedhassantehrani Negar , Burns Christian S. , Verrinder Ruth , Okafor Victoria , Abbasizadeh Nastaran , Spencer Joel A.
Published: August 2024

The thymus, a key organ in the adaptive immune system, is sensitive to a variety of insults including cytotoxic preconditioning, which leads to atrophy, compression of the blood vascular system, and alterations in hemodynamics. Although the thymus has innate regenerative capabilities, the production of T cells relies on the trafficking of lymphoid progenitors from the bone marrow through the altered thymic blood vascular system. Our understanding of thymic blood vascular hemodynamics is limited due to technical challenges associated with accessing the native thymus in live mice. To overcome this challenge, we developed an intravital two-photon imaging method to visualize the native thymus in vivo and investigated functional changes to the vascular system following sublethal irradiation. We quantified blood flow velocity and shear rate in cortical blood vessels and identified a subtle but significant increase in vessel leakage and diameter ~24 hrs post-sublethal irradiation. Ex vivo whole organ imaging of optically cleared thymus lobes confirmed a disruption of the thymus vascular structure, resulting in an increase in blood vessel diameter and vessel area, and concurrent thymic atrophy. This novel two-photon intravital imaging method enables a new paradigm for directly investigating the thymic microenvironment in vivo.
Risk preference as an outcome of evolutionarily adaptive learning mechanisms: An evolutionary simulation under diverse risky environments
Authors: Homma Shogo , Takezawa Masanori
Published: August 2024

The optimization of cognitive and learning mechanisms can reveal complicated behavioral phenomena. In this study, we focused on reinforcement learning, which uses different learning rules for positive and negative reward prediction errors. We attempted to relate the evolved learning bias to the complex features of risk preference such as domain-specific behavior manifests and the relatively stable domain-general factor underlying behaviors. The simulations of the evolution of the two learning rates under diverse risky environments showed that the positive learning rate evolved on average to be higher than the negative one, when agents experienced both tasks where risk aversion was more rewarding and risk seeking was more rewarding. This evolution enabled agents to flexibly choose more reward behaviors depending on the task type. The evolved agents also demonstrated behavioral patterns described by the prospect theory. Our simulations captured two aspects of the evolution of risk preference: the domain-specific aspect, behavior acquired through learning in a specific context; and the implicit domain-general aspect, corresponding to the learning rates shaped through evolution to adaptively behave in a wide range of environments. These results imply that our framework of learning under the innate constraint may be useful in understanding the complicated behavioral phenomena.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their metabolites in bronchoalveolar lavage and urine samples from patients with inhalation injury throughout their hospitalization: A prospective pilot study
Authors: Vyklicka Katerina , Gregor Petr , Lipovy Bretislav , Raska Filip , Kukucka Petr , Kohoutek Jiri , Pribylova Petra , Čupr Pavel , Borilova Linhartova Petra
Published: August 2024

Background

Specific toxic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their metabolites, may affect the inhalation injury (INHI) grade, patients’ status, and prognosis for recovery. This pilot prospective study aimed to: i) evaluate the suitability of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for determination of PAHs in the LRT and of urine for determination of hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PAHs) in patients with INHI, ii) describe the dynamic changes in the levels of these toxic compounds, and iii) correlate these findings with clinical variables of the patients with INHI.

Methods

The BAL and urine samples from 10 patients with INHI were obtained on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 of hospitalization, if possible, and PAHs (BAL) and OH-PAHs (urine) were analyzed using chromatographic methods (GC-MS and HPLC).

Results

Concentrations of analyzed PAHs were in most cases and time points below the limit of quantification in BAL samples. Nine OH-PAHs were detected in the urine samples; however, their concentrations sharply decreased within the first three days of the hospitalization. On Day 14, the total amount of OH-PAHs in urine was higher in surviving patients with High-grade INHI (≥3) than in those with Low-grade INHI (<3, p = 0.032). Finally, a significant correlation between certain OH-PAHs and clinical variables (AST/ALT, TBSA, ABSI) from Day 1 of the hospitalization was observed (p<0.05).

Conclusions

BAL samples are not suitable for the analysis of PAHs. However, the OH-PAHs levels in urine can be measured reliably and were correlated with several clinical variables. Moreover, High-grade INHI was associated with higher total concentrations of OH-PAHs in urine.
Novel combinatorial approach: Harnessing HIV protease inhibitors to enhance amphotericin B’s antifungal efficacy in cryptococcosis
Authors: Alkashef Nour M. , Seleem Mohamed N.
Published: August 2024

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection that is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, particularly among individuals with compromised immune systems, such as HIV patients. Amphotericin B (AmB) is the first-line treatment mainly combined with flucytosine. The scarcity and the prohibitive cost of this regimen urge the use of fluconazole as an alternative, leading to increased rates of treatment failure and relapses. Therefore, there is a critical need for efficient and cost-effective therapy to enhance the efficacy of AmB. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of the HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) to synergize the activity of AmB in the treatment of cryptococcosis. Five PIs (ritonavir, atazanavir, saquinavir, lopinavir, and nelfinavir) were found to synergistically potentiate the killing activity of AmB against Cryptococcus strains with ƩFICI ranging between 0.09 and 0.5 against 20 clinical isolates. This synergistic activity was further confirmed in a time-kill assay, where different AmB/PIs combinations exhibited fungicidal activity within 24 hrs. Additionally, PIs in combination with AmB exhibited an extended post-antifungal effect on treated cryptococcal cells for approximately 10 hrs compared to 4 hours with AmB alone. This promising activity against cryptococcal cells did not exhibit increased cytotoxicity towards treated kidney cells, ruling out the risk of drug combination-induced nephrotoxicity. Finally, we evaluated the efficacy of AmB/PIs combinations in the Caenorhabditis elegans model of cryptococcosis, where these combinations significantly reduced the fungal burden of the treated nematodes by approximately 2.44 Log10 CFU (92.4%) compared to the untreated worms and 1.40 Log10 ((39.4%) compared to AmB alone. The cost-effectiveness and accessibility of PIs in resource-limited geographical areas compared to other antifungal agents, such as flucytosine, make them an appealing choice for combination therapy.
EFFECT OF CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY WITH OR WITHOUT DIAPHRAGM MANUAL THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN
Authors: Ahmad Sohail; PT Dr. M. Ammar
Published: August 2024

Background: Majority of people experience lower back pain at any point of life which lasts for longer period. Physiotherapists employ different therapeutic options to treat chronic non-specific low back pain.

Aims and Objectives: To determine the effect of conventional physical therapy with or without diaphragm manual therapy in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Material and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in which patient was kept blind. A total of 34 male patients were selected from two clinical settings in Faisalabad.Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. Patients were divided into two groups at random. Group A received conventional physical therapy as well as Diaphragm Manual Therapy, while Group B received conventional physical therapy as well as Sham Diaphragm Manual Therapy. Numerical Pain Rating Scale, lumbar range of motion, Oswestry Disability Index and the Short Form 12 Health Survey Questionnaire were evaluated before and after treatment.

Results: Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS V.25. Mean age in group A and group B was 40.58+9.26 and 41.58+8.55 respectively. Improvement was observed for NPRS, lumbar ROM, ODI and SF-12 in both groups (p<0.05). Significant improvement was observed in NPRS, lumbar ROM, ODI and SF-12 at post treatment readings (p<0.05) in Conventional Physical Therapy and Diaphragm Manual Therapy group.

Conclusion: Both groups were shown to be effective in improving NPRS, all lumbar ROMs, ODI and SF-12 scores. But, significant improvement was demonstrated in Conventional Physical Therapy and Diaphragm Manual Therapy for all dependent variables in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Trial Registration ID: NCT05299216
The Impact of Social Investment on Sustainable Social Transformation in the Low - Income Communities in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Frashishiko Armando Wayne
Published: August 2024

The study was carried out to investigate the impact of social investment on sustainable social transformation in the low income communities in Harare. It was an in – depth exploration of the relevance and applicability of social investment as development approachand solution creation mechanisms for addressing social risks and economic complexities facing the low income communities in Harare. The study employed a qualitative research approach and Case Study research design. Purposive sampling method was applied in the selection of the participants of the study who were drawn from the low income communities in the Western side of Harare Central Business District (CBD). In – depth interview and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used to generate qualitative data, while Thematic Content Analysis was utilised to analyse data in line with the research objectives of the study. The findings of the study revealed that, with the rising social pathologies in Zimbabwe, social investment provides aneffective approach which can effectively addressing the socio – economic uncertainly and volatility impacting the low income communities around the country. The results also revealed that social investment approach holds the promise of creating sustainable and liveable cities and communities. It was recommended that solutions orientation needs to be calibrated towards a people – centred approach. Objectivity and relevance were also recommended.
Indicios digitales de laboralidad
Authors: Coppoletta Sebastián
Published: August 2024

El desarrollo de nuevas formas de trabajo basadas en la tecnología hace necesario reconocer indicios digitales de laboralidad. En este ensayo se propone como comienzo de ese desarrollo un regreso a la teoría marxiana sobre el trabajo alienado, aplicando al tratamiento de los datos los mismos conceptos que Marx utilizó para las mercancías.
Strategies to reduce bladder tumor recurrences following surgery for upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Head Dennis J. , Raman Jay D.
Published: August 2024

The incidence of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has been on the rise and the malignancy is more commonly managed surgically as higher proportions of in situ disease are being detected. One challenge facing urologists is the high rate of post-treatment intravesical recurrence (IVR) of UTUC (23 – 50%). Genomic research indicated that cells of recurrent bladder lesions are most often clonally derived from the primary UTUC and are likely to seed into the bladder after tumor manipulation. This calls for effective strategies to prevent the spread of UTUC. The methods we discuss here are the use of a ureteral access sheath during diagnostic ureteroscopy, application and timing of intravesical chemoprophylaxis, early ureteral ligation distal to UTUC, and formal bladder cuff excision. Urologic surgeons should aim to achieve a reduced rate of IVR when applying these techniques.
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF DEVELOPING THE RUSSIAN INNOVATION SYSTEM
Authors: Maltseva Anastasia ,   Additional office of “Sberbank”, Mostovshchikova Irina ,   South Ural State University
Published: August 2024

This article examines the main problems and prospects for the development of Russia's national in-novation system, which is designed to ensure the country's competitiveness in attracting resources and developing innovation. The sanctions on the Russian economy and the international geopolitical situation have forced Russia to look for non-standard ways of developing innovation and adapting the current innovation system. Increasing the ef-ficiency of the national innovation system is a key task for the state. This study identifies current problems in de-veloping the Russian innovation system and promising methods for solving them. An assessment of Russia's posi-tion in global innovation rankings was carried out, and a comparative analysis was carried out with other countries based on the values of the main sub-indices. This made it possible to identify a number of key problems (difficul-ties in attracting financing for the creation of innovation, the low quality of human resources, the poor regulatory framework, and the low wages of researchers and teachers in universities) and to offer practical recommendations for eliminating them. The economic impact of the proposed recommendations was also assessed.
THE ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT EFFECTIVENESS: SMEs IN THE METALLURGICAL INDUSTRY
Authors: Ust’yanceva Varvara ,   South Ural State University, Podshivalova Mariya , Podshivalov Dmitry ,   South Ural State University,   South Ural State University
Published: August 2024

Under sanctions pressure, manufacturing industries are gaining strategic importance, and import substitution programs are becoming key drivers of development in the medium term. The Russian government sees the development and strengthening of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in industry as one way to achieve its goals. However, empirical data indicating the effectiveness of budget expenditure in this direc-tion have not been well studied. In particular, this applies to such indirect support as state demand in metallur-gy. The elimination of this gap was the goal of this study, which was conducted using data from two regions with developed metallurgy – Chelyabinsk and Sverdlovsk. Information from the SPARK database was used as initial data, namely, financial statements of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that have the metallur-gical production as their main type of activity (OKVED 24). The analysis period was three crisis periods: 2009–2010, 2014–2015, 2020–2021, since SME support strongest during crises. To assess the effectiveness of support measures, classical financial indicators were used, including indicators of profitability, liquidity, and financial stability. The assessment was carried out using ratings, average statistical values, and comparative analysis (in particular, SMEs with and without state orders were compared). The results show that state orders as a measure to support demand in crisis periods is significant primarily for small businesses, which indicates the efficiency of support. In relation to medium-sized companies, the effectiveness depends more often on the regional institutional environment and market conditions. Finally, with regard to micro businesses, the state orders should be recognized as ineffective, requiring further improvement.
ANALISIS KEPUASAN TERHADAP LAYANAN APLIKASI DOLTINUKU DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING-PARTIAL LEAST SQUARE (SEM-PLS)
Authors: Ul Haq Hasna Faridah Dhiya , Suparti Suparti , Hakim Arief Rachman
Published: August 2024

Doltinuku is an application that is used to buy and sell products and services online from MSME in Gedawang, Banyumanik Sub-District, Semarang City which was just launched in June 2021. Because this application is still new, this application needs to be developed by looking at users' satisfaction. This study wants to determine Doltinuku customer satisfaction using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) method. PLS is an alternative method of SEM that is able to handle variance-based problems. In this study, customer satisfaction is measured through variables such as Quality, Information, Reputation, and Trust. Based on the results of the analysis, variables that have a significant effect on customer satisfaction are variable Quality and Reputation and have influence of 70.9% on satisfaction whose value is obtained from the R2 value. Then the variables that have no significant effect are variable Information and variable Trust.
Breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cha Han Gyu
Published: August 2024

Breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) is a rare but serious disease that originates from the lining of the breast implant capsule. Alongside BIA-anaplastic large cell lymphoma, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety communication in 2022 regarding BIA-SCC to alert healthcare providers and patients. Although only a few cases have been reported, the high mortality and poor prognosis associated with BIA-SCC underscore the severity of the disease. This review discusses the current knowledge of BIA-SCC, including its pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and treatment options based on reported cases.
Pannexin1 deletion in lymphatic endothelium affects lymphatic function in a sex‐dependent manner
Authors: Ehrlich Avigail , Pelli Graziano , Pick Robert , Clochard Linda , Molica Filippo , Kwak Brenda R.
Published: August 2024

The lymphatic network of capillaries and collecting vessels ensures tissue fluid homeostasis, absorption of dietary fats and trafficking of immune cells. Pannexin1 (Panx1) channels allow for the passage of ions and small metabolites between the cytosol and extracellular environment. Panx1 channels regulate the pathophysiological function of several tissues in a sex‐dependent manner. Here, we studied the role of Panx1 in lymphatic function, and potential sex‐dependent differences therein, in Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl and Panx1fl/fl control mice. Panx1 expression was higher in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) of male mice. Lymphatic vessel morphology was not affected in Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl male and female mice. Lymphatic drainage was decreased by 25% in male Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl mice, but was similar in females of both genotypes. Accordingly, only male Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl mice exhibited tail swelling, pointing to interstitial fluid accumulation in males upon Panx1 deletion in LECs. Moreover, serum triglyceride and free fatty acid levels raised less in Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl mice of both sexes in an oral lipid tolerance test. Finally, the percentage of migratory dendritic cells arriving in draining lymph nodes was increased in Prox1‐CreERT2Panx1fl/fl female mice, but was comparable between male mice of both genotypes. Our results point to a LEC‐specific role for Panx1 in the functions of the lymphatic system.
AI in Europe – Is Regulation the Answer to Being a Laggard?
Authors: Bertschek Irene , Wambach Achim
Published: August 2024

AI is characterized by the features of a general purpose technology and thus has the potential to spur innovation and productivity across sectors. While large digital U.S. companies are dominant players in the development of AI models, Europe is lagging behind. The European Union has agreed on the AI Act in order to allow for innovation, in particular for SMEs, and to prevent harm to society. However, regulation may have ambiguous effects on the state of the digital economy in Europe and of AI in particular. We point out these potential effects and suggest measures to speed up AI development and usage in Europe. We thereby build on recommendations of the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation (EFI) as well as the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
Der Kaiser, das Berliner Schloss und der deutsche Kolonialismus
Authors: Kreienbaum Jonas
Published: August 2024

Der Artikel knüpft an die Debatten um die Rolle Wilhelms II. im Kaiserreich und des Humboldt Forums an und fragt nach der Bedeutung des Monarchen und des Berliner Schlosses für den deutschen Kolonialismus. Dazu nimmt er drei konkrete Episoden in den Blick: Er beginnt mit einer Untersuchung des Genozids an den Herero und der Frage, welchen Anteil der Kaiser an der extremen Radikalisierung der Gewalt in Deutsch-Südwestafrika hatte. Anschließend rückt mit dem „Erwerb“ von Kiautschou auf dem chinesischen Festland jene Episode in den Blick, in der Wilhelm II. wohl am eindeutigsten an der Vergrößerung des deutschen Kolonialreiches beteiligt war. Schließlich widmet sich der dritte Abschnitt den Besuchen von Friedrich Maharero (1896) und Tupua Tamasese Lealofi (1910/11) in Berlin, denen der Monarch zwar Audienzen im Berliner Schloss gewährte, die aber nur als Teil sogenannter Völkerschauen nach Deutschland reisen konnten. Insgesamt, so das Argument des Artikels, engagierte sich der Kaiser sehr viel mehr, wenn es um „Weltpolitik“ in Asien ging als um die afrikanischen Kolonien, die ihn kaum interessierten. Hier spielte er vor allem als Symbolfigur eine Rolle, die das Kaiserreich verkörperte, aber weniger als Akteur mit einer eigenen kolonialpolitischen Agenda. Ebenso kam dem Berliner Schloss eine primär symbolische Funktion zu, während die zentralen Entscheidungen der Kolonialpolitik andernorts getroffen wurden.
Lipid profile and mortality in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roshanravan Neda , Seyed Ghiasi Nikan , Ghaffari Samad , Ghasemnezhad Saadatlou Saeid , Seifimansour Sina , Hamzezadeh Sina , Naseri Amirreza , Ghanivash Amin , Mosharkesh Erfan , Nasiri Ehsan , Javanshir Elnaz , Banisefid Erfan
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a life-threatening disease. Considering the availability and accessibility of assessing the serum lipids, this study aims to define the predictive value of lipid profile, as well as the history of lipid disorders, for the mortality of PTE patients.

Content

Clinical studies, in which the relation of lipid profile, including triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol, as well as history of imbalance of lipids, with mortality of PTE patients was reported, were included. Non-English articles, reviews, letters, editorials, and non-English papers were excluded. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools and CMA 4 was utilized for the quantitative synthesis. Out of 3,724 records, six studies were included in this systematic review. Lipid profile is suggested as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with PTE so higher initial serum HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol levels were associated with lower mortality rates in PTE patients. In addition, dyslipidemia was found to be associated with mortality of PTE patients. Based on the quantitative synthesis, there was a greater serum level of HDL in the survival group (standardized mean difference: −0.98; 95 % CI: −1.22 to −0.75; p-value<0.01).

Summary and Outlook

Mortality is lower in PTE patients with greater serum lipid levels; therefore, the early prognosis of PTE may be ascertained by measuring serum lipids within the first 24 h of admission.
Leonhard Med, a trusted research environment for processing sensitive research data
Authors: Okoniewski Michal J. , Wiegand Anna , Schmid Diana Coman , Bolliger Christian , Bovino Cristian , Belluco Mattia , Wüst Thomas , Byrde Olivier , Maffioletti Sergio , Rinn Bernd
Published: August 2024

This paper provides an overview of the development and operation of the Leonhard Med Trusted Research Environment (TRE) at ETH Zurich. Leonhard Med gives scientific researchers the ability to securely work on sensitive research data. We give an overview of the user perspective, the legal framework for processing sensitive data, design history, current status, and operations. Leonhard Med is an efficient, highly secure Trusted Research Environment for data processing, hosted at ETH Zurich and operated by the Scientific IT Services (SIS) of ETH. It provides a full stack of security controls that allow researchers to store, access, manage, and process sensitive data according to Swiss legislation and ETH Zurich Data Protection policies. In addition, Leonhard Med fulfills the BioMedIT Information Security Policies and is compatible with international data protection laws and therefore can be utilized within the scope of national and international collaboration research projects. Initially designed as a “bare-metal” High-Performance Computing (HPC) platform to achieve maximum performance, Leonhard Med was later re-designed as a virtualized, private cloud platform to offer more flexibility to its customers. Sensitive data can be analyzed in secure, segregated spaces called tenants. Technical and Organizational Measures (TOMs) are in place to assure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data. At the same time, Leonhard Med ensures broad access to cutting-edge research software, especially for the analysis of human -omics data and other personalized health applications.
Direct, age- and gender-specific reference intervals: applying a modified M-estimator of the Yeo-Johnson transformation to clinical real-world data
Authors: Blatter Tobias Ueli , Nakas Christos Theodoros , Leichtle Alexander Benedikt
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Reference intervals for the general clinical practice are expected to cover non-pathological values, but also reflect the underlying biological variation present in age- and gender-specific patient populations. Reference intervals can be inferred from routine patient data measured in high capacity using parametric approaches. Stratified reference distributions are obtained which may be transformed to normality via e.g. a Yeo-Johnson transformation. The estimation of the optimal transformation parameter for Yeo-Johnson through maximum likelihood can be highly influenced by the presence of outlying observations, resulting in biased reference interval estimates.

Methods

To reduce the influence of outlying observations on parametric reference interval estimation, a reweighted M-estimator approach for the Yeo-Johnson (YJ) transformation was utilised to achieve central normality in stratified reference populations for a variety of laboratory test results. The reweighted M-estimator for the YJ transformation offers a robust parametric approach to infer relevant reference intervals.

Results

The proposed method showcases robustness up to 15 % of outliers present in routine patient data, highlighting the applicability of the reweighted M-estimator in laboratory medicine. Furthermore, reference intervals are personalised based on the patients’ age and gender for a variety of analytes from routine patient data collected in a tertiary hospital, robustly reducing the dimensionality of the data for more data-driven approaches.

Conclusions

The method shows the advantages for estimating reference intervals directly and parametrically from routine patient data in order to provide expected reference ranges. This approach to locally inferred reference intervals allows a more nuanced comparison of patients’ test results.
Substrate-induced hybridization of plasmon modes in the composite nanostructure of nanodisk array/thin film for spectrum modulation
Authors: Liang Yuzhang , Chu Shuwen , Wei Xinran , Wei Haonan , Cheng Sun , Han Yi , Peng Wei
Published: August 2024

Hybridization coupling among plasmon modes is an effective approach to manipulate near-field properties thus optical spectral shapes of plasmonic nanostructures. Generally, mode hybridization coupling is achieved by modifying the topography and dimensions of nanostructures themselves, with few concerns about substrate-induced manipulation. Herein, we propose a composite nanostructure consisting of a gold (Au) nanodisk array and a thin Au film supported by a dielectric substrate. In this configuration, both the refractive index of the dielectric substrate and thin gold film’s thickness mediate the interaction of plasmon modes supported by upper and lower interfaces of the composite nanostructure, resulting in two hybridized plasmon modes. We systematically investigate the relationship between optical fields at the top surface of plasmon modes before and after the hybridization coupling. Specifically, the near-field amplitude at the top surface of the unhybridized modes is stronger than that of individual hybridized mode, and lower than the near-field summation of these two hybridized modes. This work not only provides a straightforward strategy for generating two plasmon modes in a nanostructure but also elucidates the variation of the optical field during the hybridization process, which is of crucial significance for applications, such as upconversion enhancement and multi-resonance sensing.
Request for confirmation sequences in German
Authors: Deppermann Arnulf , Gubina Alexandra , König Katharina , Pfeiffer Martin
Published: August 2024

In request for confirmation (RfC) sequences, interlocutors negotiate their social positions regarding access and rights to knowledge. The article presents an overview of a quantitative analysis of 200 RfCs and their responses in German conversations to highlight the relevant linguistic resources speakers of the language deployed to position themselves vis-à-vis a confirmable proposition. In German RfCs, modal particles and tags play an important role in expressing the requester’s epistemic stance; explicit inference marking is used less frequently. Responses usually include response tokens (among others doch as a token specialized for disconfirming negatively formatted RfCs) and an expansion. The article shows that such expansions do important work to tailor the response to the situated informational needs of the requester in a cooperative way beyond the constraints of type-conformity.
Textsortenspezifische Abhängigkeit der Schreibflüssigkeit bei Grundschulkindern
Authors: Springstein Sander , Stephany Sabine
Published: August 2024

An essential prerequisite for a fully developed writing ability is the effortless mastery of lower-level writing skills. These include, in particular, writing fluency, since fluent writing frees up sufficient cognitive capacity for other demanding higher-order processes of text production, such as planning and revising a text or tailoring it to a particular audience. Despite its relevance, writing fluency – in contrast to reading fluency – has so far only played a minor role in both writing research and classroom practice. This article first defines the construct of writing fluency and then elaborates on its two components: transcription fluency and text generation fluency. While transcription fluency is fairly well defined in the existing literature, text generation fluency remains underspecified, particularly from a linguistic point of view. How ideas are fluently translated into language is not sufficiently addressed by cognitive models of writing processes. It remains unclear which linguistic knowledge is most relevant for writing processes; what is known is that part of it is knowledge of genre-specific text patterns. Within the framework of an explorative empirical study, the influence of different text genres on the text generation fluency of primary school students was investigated to shed more light on this component. We found that text genre has an influence on text generation fluency, in particular in more competent writers, whereas there appears to be no such influence in weaker writers. The latter can be explained by the fact that in texts of weaker writers, the content appears to have been written more associatively and that there are hardly any genre-specific patterns and linguistic elements irrespective of the text genre they were asked to produce.
Comparative Study of Spray-Drying and Freeze-Drying Techniques for Increasing Fenofibrate’s Solubility and Dissolution Rate
Authors: Nikam Aarti P. , Meshram Pawan D. , Vanjari Archana V. , Mundada Saurabh V.
Published: August 2024

Background:Fenofibrate (FF) is a BCS class II compound whose poor solubility poses challenges in drug delivery and bioavailability. Solid self-micro emulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SMEDDS) have emerged as a promising solution to address these issues. These systems are aimed at enhancing the solubility and dissolution rates of poorly soluble drugs, such as FF, by formulating them into solid dosage forms.

Methods:FF solubility was investigated in various oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants to identify the most suitable components for formulating S-SMEDDS. The preparation of S-SMEDDS was carefully evaluated according to parameters including drug content, morphological characteristics, and structural features. Two methods, freeze-drying, and spray-drying, were compared for their efficacy in producing S-SMEDDS. Additionally, in vitro dissolution studies were conducted to assess the dissolution rates of FF-loaded S-SMEDDS tablets compared with conventional tablets.

Results:Among the oils tested, oleic oil achieved the highest FF solubility, whereas Tween 80 and Transcutol HP were identified as the optimal surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively. The preparation method significantly influenced the properties of S-SMEDDS. Freeze-drying outperformed the other methods by enhancing dissolution rates, primarily through increased surface area. Moreover, the solid-state characteristics of S-SMEDDS were dependent on the polymer concentration and processing method. In vitro dissolution studies demonstrated that FF-loaded S-SMEDDS tablets exhibited faster drug release than conventional tablets, owing to the inclusion of the super disintegrating agent CCS and the S-SMEDDS component. Freeze-drying was superior to spray-drying in enhancing dissolution, albeit with potentially higher production costs.

Conclusions:The study highlights the potential of S-SMEDDS to overcome the solubility and bioavailability challenges associated with FF. Freeze-drying emerged as the preferred method for producing S-SMEDDS, because of its superior dissolution enhancement capabilities, despite potentially higher production costs, whereas spray-dried S-SMEDDS offers economic and environmental benefits, but may achieve lower dissolution rates. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of formulation strategy in enhancing the efficacy of poorly soluble drugs such as FF.
The Russian Ecology of Leaving Earth
Authors: Yessenova Saulesh
Published: August 2024

The space age has generated a profound uncertainty of experience between technology and utopianism. This essay makes a critical intervention in this uncertainty by examining a historically constructed tension between dwelling at and departing from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Attention to this tension that underwrote the Soviet colonial project of conquering the cosmos and the terrestrial environment exposes the utopian vision of space travel and the ontology of a deflating present as a dialectic that questions the space age as a state of soon-to-be-leaving Earth.