bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wertigkeit von Patient-Reported Outcome Measures zur Bewertung des Versorgungsvorteils der Sprachprozessorumversorgung bei Patient/-innen mit Cochleaimplantaten
Authors: Lailach Susen , Lenz Alexander , Zahnert Thomas , Neudert Marcus
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund

Bei mit einem Cochleaimplantat (CI) versorgten Patient/-innen sollte alle 6 Jahre die Versorgung mit einem neuen Sprachprozessor geprüft werden. Ziel der Analyse ist die Erfassung des subjektiven und audiologischen Nutzens durch die Umversorgung.

Methodik

Das Sprachverstehen und der subjektive Nutzen wurden von 99 Patient/-innen mit dem alten sowie dem neuen Sprachprozessor nach 4‑wöchiger Tragezeit analysiert. Das Sprachverstehen wurde mittels Freiburger Einsilbertest in Ruhe (FBE) bei 65 dB sowie 80 dB und Oldenburger Satztest (OlSa) bei 65 dB Störgeräusch und adaptivem Sprachschallpegel ermittelt. Zur Erfassung der subjektiven Hörbeeinträchtigung wurde der Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB), zur Bewertung der subjektiven Zufriedenheit der Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire (APSQ) herangezogen.

Ergebnisse

Die Sprachprozessorumversorgung führte zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung des Sprachverstehens in Ruhe bei 65 dB (mittlere Differenz 8,9 ± 25,9 Prozentpunkte, p < 0,001) und 80 dB (mittlere Differenz 8,1 ± 29,7 Prozentpunkte, p < 0,001) sowie im Störgeräusch (mittlere Differenz 3,2 ± 10,7 dB S/N, Signal-Rausch-Abstand; p = 0,006). Anhand des APHAB konnte eine signifikante Verbesserung (mittlere Differenz 0,07 ± 0,16; p < 0,001) der Hörbeeinträchtigung in allen Hörsituationen nachgewiesen werden. Der APSQ zeigte eine signifikant höhere Zufriedenheit der Patient/-innen mit dem neuen Sprachprozessor (mittlere Differenz: 0,42 ± 1,26; p = 0,006). Bei vergleichender Bewertung des Versorgungsvorteils anhand subjektiver und sprachaudiometrischer Ergebnisse konnte ein Anteil von 35–42 % der Patient/-innen identifiziert werden, welcher subjektiv von der Umversorgung profitierte, jedoch keinen sprachaudiometrisch messbaren Versorgungsvorteil hatte.

Schlussfolgerung

Es zeigte sich eine signifikante Verbesserung des audiologisch messbaren und subjektiv reflektierten Sprachverstehens sowie der Zufriedenheit der Patient/-innen nach Umversorgung. Bei Patient/-innen mit nur geringer Verbesserung des audiologisch messbaren Sprachverstehens sollte zusätzlich der subjektive Nutzen mit validierten Messinstrumenten erfasst werden, um gegenüber den Kostenträgern eine Umversorgung zu begründen.
Lumbar puncture position in infants—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Renko Marjo
Published: August 2023

To analyze the optimal lumbar puncture position in infants. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Infants (age < 1 year). December 2022 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials focusing on lumbar puncture positions were included. Other lumbar puncture position than standard lateral decubitus position. First puncture success and overall success rate. Secondary outcome was desaturation during puncture and procedure-related harms. Risk of bias 2.0 assessment was performed. Outcomes are reported as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We screened 225 abstracts, and six studies were included. Four studies compared sitting position, one study head elevated lateral position, and one study prone position to lateral position. Risk of bias was high in two studies. First puncture success rate in sitting position (RR 1.00, CI: 0.78–1.18; 2 studies) and overall success rate in sitting position were similar to lateral position (RR 0.97, CI: 0.87–1.17; 3 studies). First attempt success rate was higher in elevated lateral position (RR 1.48, CI: 1.14–1.92; 1 study) and in prone position (RR 1.09, CI: 1.00–1.17; 1 study).

  Conclusion: Sitting position seems to be equally effective in terms of first attempt and overall success in lumbar puncture than standard lateral position. Elevated lateral position and prone positions had better first attempt success than standard lateral position, but these were assessed only in one study each and thus further studies in these positions are needed.

  Trial registration: This review was registered in PROSPERO. ID: CRD42022382953.

What is Known:•  Success rate in lumbar puncture has been poor and first attempt success rate has varied between 50 to 80% in literature.•  Optimal lumbar puncture positions for infants have been debated between sitting and lateral decubitus position mostly.

What is New:•  This is the first meta-analysis focused on lumbar puncture positions in infants, and it found that sitting position was equal to standard lateral position.• Prone position and head elevated lateral positions had higher first puncture success rates, but these were assessed both only in one study, which creates uncertainty to the finding.
The relationship between antidepressants and breast cancer: evidence from Mendelian randomization
Authors: Niu Dong , Li Chenchen , Yan Xiaoyu , Qu Haoran , Zheng Yuling
Published: August 2023

Background

The use of antidepressants has increased over the years, but the relationship between antidepressant use and the risk of breast cancer is not uniform because of confounding factors. We aimed to assess the effect of antidepressants on breast cancer risk using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.stet

Methods

Secondary data analysis was performed on pooled data from genome-wide association studies based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms that were highly correlated with antidepressants, SSRI drugs, and serotonin and prolactin levels were selected as instrumental variables to evaluate the association between antidepressants and SSRI drugs and prolactin levels with breast cancer and ER+/ER- breast cancer. We then performed a test of the hypothesis that SSRI drugs elevate prolactin concentrations. We performed two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses using inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, and weighted median methods, respectively.

Results

There was no significant risk association between antidepressant and SSRI use and the development of breast cancer, ER-positive or ER-negative breast cancer (P > 0.05), and serotonin concentration was not associated with breast cancer risk (P > 0.05). There was a positive causal relationship between prolactin levels and breast cancer (IVW, P = 0.02, OR = 1.058) and ER-positive breast cancer (Weighted median, P = 0.043, OR = 1.141; IVW, P = 0.009, OR = 1.125). Results in SSRI medication and prolactin levels showed no association between SSRI analogs and prolactin levels (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Large MR analysis showed that antidepressants as well as SSRI drugs were not associated with breast cancer risk and the SSRI-prolactin-breast cancer hypothesis did not hold in our analysis.
Co-movements between forward prices and resource availability in hydro-dominated electricity markets
Authors: Kleiven Andreas , Risanger Simon , Fleten Stein-Erik
Published: August 2023

Hydropower producers estimate the opportunity value of their water, known as a water value, by comparing current prices to future opportunities. When hydropower dominates the energy mix, the system’s hydrological state predominantly governs supply and thus prices. Despite this intuitive relationship, industry practice is to assume that inflow to reservoirs and prices are independent when they establish operational policies 1–2 years ahead. To investigate the impact of this assumption, we formulate the hydropower scheduling problem as a Markov decision process and develop a novel price model that considers the joint dynamics of forward prices and inflows. We find that producers underestimate their water value when they ignore co-movements between price and inflow. The dependency makes producers more willing to postpone generation and tolerate slightly higher spillage risk. This is because high inflow periods tend to observe low prices and the reservoir capacity is limited. Nevertheless, a case study of a hydropower plant with industry data suggests modest economic losses in practice. Our numerical results suggest a potential gain of 0.17% in expected revenue and approximately unchanged revenue variance if producers consider the co-movements when establishing an operational policy.
Mathematical modeling, analysis and control in soft robotics: a survey
Authors: Ortigosa-Martínez Rogelio , Martínez-Frutos Jesús , Mora-Corral Carlos , Pedregal Pablo , Periago Francisco
Published: August 2023

This paper reviews some recent advances in mathematical modeling, analysis and control, both from the theoretical and numerical viewpoints, in the emergent field of soft robotics. The presentation is not focused on specific prototypes of soft robots, but in a more general description of soft smart materials. The goal is to provide a unified and rigorous mathematical approach to open-loop control strategies for soft materials that hopefully might lay the seeds for future research in this field.
Geochemical and mineralogical evaluations of coal, shale, and mine waste overburden from Makum coalfield of the Northeast India
Authors: Bhuyan Nilotpol , Islam Nazrul , Saikia Monikankana , Hower James C. , Saikia Binoy K.
Published: August 2023

The Cenozoic-age Makum coal from northeastern India offers numerous research opportunities because of its diverse geochemical and geological characteristics. Due to its high sulfur content, the coal has been found to be less useful for industrial purposes. It can, however, serve as a hub for ongoing research on coal-based derivative products. The aim of this research work is to investigate the mineralogical and geochemical compositions of the coal, mine overburden (MOB) and shale samples taken from the Makum coal field and also on establishing a mutual relationship between them. To characterize the geochemical controlling factors of the Makum coal field, the study employs coal petrography, FTIR, mineralogical, and geochemical analysis. According to X-ray diffraction analysis, the major minerals like quartz, kaolinite, haematite, illite, pyrite, and calcite are present in coal and MOB. Pyrite is observed by SEM–EDS analysis as cubic-shaped particles that are smaller than a few µm in size. The presence of sulfide minerals represents a phase of pyrite mineralization. The petrography study was used to better understand the environment that existed during the formation of the plant material, which aids us in determining the quantity of detrital mineral sediment contained in the coal. According to the ICP-MS analysis, the samples indicate significant levels of rare earth elements including yttrium. The present study reveals higher concentrations of potential hazardous elements in the coal samples, with V, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn content in coal being considerably enriched compared to world-average concentrations. The correlation analysis reveals that the potential hazardous elements like Co, Ni, As, and Cu are associated with pyrite as they have strong affinity towards pyrite. Thus, numerous minerals and rare earth elements (REEs) exist, opening up a fresh avenue for more research in the area. This study also assists researchers in understanding the significance of Makum coal and provides numerous ideas for coal characterization.
Consistency of Supervisory Interpretations of Stop-Search Justification in London: A Vignette Assessment Analysis
Authors: Brittain Andy , Sims Christopher , Harinam Vincent , Strang Heather
Published: August 2023

Research Question

Do police supervisors reach different conclusions about the legality of a decision to stop and search in survey vignettes using similar facts with the ethnicity of subjects described as either black or white?

Data

We utilize a vignette survey design, presenting 15 real-world stop and search examples from within the South Basic Command Unit policing area to 118 frontline uniformed supervisors (Sergeants and Inspectors) in the Metropolitan Police Service of London.

Methods

We introduce a randomised characteristic assignment of the ethnicity of the subject featured in the vignette to compare officer decision-making when the suspect is black or white. Using both Likert scale and free-text responses, a combination of descriptive statistics, inferential methods, and text mining is applied to the survey data.

Findings

We found no substantive difference in the justification of stop and search powers by officers between white suspects and black suspects. We did find substantial variability in supervisor assessments of whether vignettes provided sufficient legal grounds for conducting a stop and search.

Conclusions

Within the limits of the methodology, we conclude that there is no racial disparity in perceptions of legal thresholds for conducting searches across a range of circumstances. We must also conclude that there is a substantial range of opinion regarding different specific circumstances that are understood to provide a threshold of sufficient evidence to search.
Existential Terrorism: Can Terrorists Destroy Humanity?
Authors: Kallenborn Zachary , Ackerman Gary
Published: August 2023

Mass-casualty terrorism and terrorism involving unconventional weapons have received extensive academic and policy attention, yet few academics have considered the broader question of whether such behaviours could pose a plausible risk to humanity’s survival or continued flourishing. Despite several terrorist and other violent non-state actors having evinced an interest in causing existential harm to humanity, their ambition has historically vastly outweighed their capability. Nonetheless, three pathways to existential harm exist: existential attack, existential spoilers and systemic harm. Each pathway varies in its risk dynamics considerably. Although an existential attack is plausible, it would require extraordinary levels of terrorist capability. Conversely, modest terrorist capabilities might be sufficient to spoil risk mitigation measures or cause systemic harm, but such actions would only result in existential harm under highly contingent circumstances. Overall, we conclude that the likelihood of terrorism causing existential harm is extremely low, at least in the near to medium term, but it is theoretically possible for terrorists to intentionally destroy humanity.
Uniform spectral gap and orthogeodesic counting for strong convergence of Kleinian groups
Authors: Liu Beibei , Vargas Pallete Franco
Published: August 2023

We show convergence of small eigenvalues for geometrically finite hyperbolic n-manifolds under strong limits. For a class of convergent convex sets in a strongly convergent sequence of Kleinian groups, we use the spectral gap of the limit manifold and the exponentially mixing property of the geodesic flow along the strongly convergent sequence to find asymptotically uniform counting formulas for the number of orthogeodesics between the convex sets. In particular, this provides asymptotically uniform counting formulas (with respect to length) for orthogeodesics between converging Margulis tubes, geodesic loops based at converging basepoints, and primitive closed geodesics.
Evaluation of an antigen-test–based strategy to reduce duration of transmission-based precautions for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in hospitalized patients
Authors: Schrank Gregory M. , Harris-Williams Michelle , Schiavone Kelly , Lusby Martha C. , Dove Cindy , Leekha Surbhi
Published: August 2023

An academic hospital implemented a severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen-test–based strategy to facilitate discontinuation of precautions for patients admitted with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Of 171 patients that underwent antigen testing, 68% had an initial negative test performed a median of 5 days after admission. Antigen testing reduced isolation time by 144 hours.
Translator as Historical Re-Narrator: The Case of the Persian Translation of Clements Markham's History of Persia
Authors: Delzendehrooy Somaye
Published: August 2023

This paper examines Mirza Rahim Khan's Persian translation (1885) of Clement Markham's A General Sketch of the History of Persia (1874) as a historical event. To this end, this article looks at two copies of the translation manuscripts: one written by the translator, which also includes revisions of his first draft, and the other an illuminated copy presented to Naser al-Din Shah, the fourth Qajar shah. A close comparative examination of the texts shows the translation reverberates three distinct voices: the writer, the translator, and his patron, the shah. The translator's shifts of meaning show that the changes, far from being slight and local, affect the whole text, resulting in a different narrative, mostly conforming to the ruling system. However, there are cases where Mirza Rahim expresses his dissident voice in the translation. Furthermore, this examination also reveals the socio-political condition under which the translation took place, shedding light on aspects of Qajar rule only revealed by analyzing translations of the time.
The faceless and vulnerable other – the visual portrayal of older people on German online news sites within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Myrczik Janina , Schwender Clemens , Franke Annette , Kessler Eva-Marie
Published: August 2023

Recent studies provide evidence that the coverage of older people's issues in the mass media during the COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by a (re-)emergence of negative stereotypes surrounding the question of age. However, these studies primarily relied on written materials. As visual imagery has the power to attract greater attention than words, this study set out to investigate the visual portrayal of older adults in the mass media. Via web crawling, we identified a total of 3,560 articles with keywords such as ‘older adults’ and ‘COVID-19 pandemic’ in the four most popular online news sites in Germany during the first phase of the pandemic. We applied visual content analysis to assess the frequency of a diverse set of characteristics of older adults in the cover photos of the articles in question (N = 604). Older individuals were most often depicted as physically weak, alone, professionally taken care of, passive, living at home or in a nursing home, and cognitively inactive. The images – mostly of female passing persons – were characterised by a stereotypical presentation that evokes distance to the subject by cropping out any faces. Our results reflect findings on the negative media representation of older adults as homogenously vulnerable in verbal materials during the COVID-19 pandemic in contrast to increasingly diverse representations in pre-pandemic times. This stereotypical misrepresentation of older adults can be interpreted as visual ageism, which is amplified by their visual othering. Our findings demonstrate the need for the media to reflect upon these practices as negative age stereotypes have an impact on mental health for people of all ages.
Validation of a French Translation of the Altruism Scale for Children
Authors: Rose Lucie , Caetta Florent , Chokron Sylvie , Kovarski Klara
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Altruistic behavior is a subset of prosocial behavior, aimed at intentionally benefitting another while incurring a cost to the actor. It develops throughout childhood as underlying social–emotional and cognitive mechanisms become mature. Prosocial behavior in childhood is considered as a predictor of later well-being and academic achievement, yet educators and clinicians have few means of measuring it. This study aimed to translate and validate a French version of the Altruism Scale for Children originally developed in English by Swank et al. (2020) that focuses on altruistic behavior with individuals varying in closeness and animals. Children aged 7 through 11 from public and private elementary schools in France ( N = 743), all following the same core curriculum, completed the 30-item questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted on the obtained data. The final French version of the Altruism Scale for Children contains 20 questions and distinguishes two facets of altruistic intention, namely, toward close and more distant social contacts. It can be considered as a useful instrument to gain a better understanding of a child’s prosocial behavior throughout contexts.
Organic Compounds, Radiocarbon, Trace Elements and Atmospheric Transport Illuminating Sources of Elemental Carbon in a 300‐Year Svalbard Ice Core
Authors: Ruppel M. M. , Khedr M. , Liu X. , Beaudon E. , Szidat S. , Tunved P. , Ström J. , Koponen H. , Sippula O. , Isaksson E. , Gallet J.‐C. , Hermanson M. , Manninen S. , Schnelle‐Kreis J.
Published: August 2023

Black carbon (BC) particles produced by incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels warm the atmosphere and decrease the reflectivity of snow and ice, hastening their melt. Although the significance of BC in Arctic climate change is widely acknowledged, observations on its deposition and sources are few. We present BC source types in a 300‐year (1700–2005) Svalbard ice core by analysis of particle‐bound organic compounds, radiocarbon, and trace elements. According to the radiocarbon results, 58% of the deposited elemental carbon (EC, thermal‐optical proxy of BC) is of non‐fossil origin throughout the record, while the organic compounds suggest a higher percentage (68%). The contribution of fossil fuels to EC is suggested to have been elevated between 1860 and 1920, particularly based on the organics and trace element data. A second increase in fossil fuel sources seems to have occurred near the end of the record: according to radiocarbon measurements between 1960 and 1990, while the organics and trace element data suggest that the contribution of fossil fuels has increased since the 1970s to the end of the record, along with observed increasing EC deposition. Modeled atmospheric transport between 1948 and 2004 shows that increasing EC deposition observed at the glacier during that period can be associated with increased atmospheric transport from Far East Asia. Further observational BC source data are essential to help target climate change mitigation efforts. The combination of robust radiocarbon with organic compound analyses requiring low sample amounts seems a promising approach for comprehensive Arctic BC source apportionment.
Two Distinct Magma Storage Regions at Ambrym Volcano Detected by Satellite Geodesy
Authors: Shreve T. , Zhan Y. , Le Mével H. , Roman D. , Moussallam Y.
Published: August 2023

The flux of eruptible magma into a magmatic plumbing system influences eruption size and timing. If magma transfer is possible between two hydraulically‐connected magma lenses, system destabilization can tap a larger magma volume than stored in any one melt lens. This study identifies two distinct magma reservoirs beneath Ambrym, a basaltic island volcano in Vanuatu, during the time period February 2019 to January 2022. Using InSAR time series and a data assimilation approach, we estimate pressure changes within two reservoirs (located 5–7 and 4–6 km b.s.l.). Furthermore, a theoretical model demonstrates that the reservoirs may not currently be hydraulically connected, despite evidence of physical mixing of magma derived from each reservoir during the December 2018 eruption. These findings further our understanding of how magmatic plumbing systems at basaltic calderas may change after rift‐zone eruptions.
Microbiota influences host exercise capacity via modulation of skeletal muscle glucose metabolism in mice
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Kim Youn Ju , Kim Yong Jae , Baek Ji Hyeon , Kim Hak Su , Kim Il Yong , Seong Je Kyung
Published: August 2023

The microbiota enhances exercise performance and regulates host physiology and energy metabolism by producing beneficial metabolites via bacterial fermentation. In this study, we discovered that germ-free (GF) mice had a reduced capacity for aerobic exercise as well as low oxygen consumption rates and glucose availability. Surprisingly, GF mice showed lower body weight gain and lower fat mass than specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice. Therefore, we hypothesized that these paradoxical phenotypes could be mediated by a compensatory increase in lipolysis in adipose tissues owing to impaired glucose utilization in skeletal muscle. Our data revealed that gut microbiota depletion impairs host aerobic exercise capacity via the deterioration of glucose storage and utilization. The improved browning ability of GF mice may have contributed to the lean phenotype and negatively affected energy generation. These adaptations limit obesity in GF mice but impede their immediate fuel supply during exercise, resulting in decreased exercise performance.
Exosomal PGAM1 promotes prostate cancer angiogenesis and metastasis by interacting with ACTG1
Authors: Luo Jun-qi , Yang Tao-wei , Wu Jun , Lai Hou-hua , Zou Li-bin , Chen Wen-bin , Zhou Xu-min , Lv Dao-jun , Cen Sheng-ren , Long Zi-ning , Mao Yi-you , Zheng Peng-xiang , Su Xiao-hong , Xian Zhi-yong , Shu Fang-peng , Mao Xiang-ming
Published: August 2023

Tumor-derived exosomes and their contents promote cancer metastasis. Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) is involved in various cancer-related processes. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of exosomal PGAM1 in prostate cancer (PCa) metastasis remains unclear. In this study, we performed in vitro and in vivo to determine the functions of exosomal PGAM1 in the angiogenesis of patients with metastatic PCa. We performed Glutathione-S-transferase pulldown, co-immunoprecipitation, western blotting and gelatin degradation assays to determine the pathway mediating the effect of exosomal PGAM1 in PCa. Our results revealed a significant increase in exosomal PGAM1 levels in the plasma of patients with metastatic PCa compared to patients with non-metastatic PCa. Furthermore, PGAM1 was a key factor initiating PCa cell metastasis by promoting invadopodia formation and could be conveyed by exosomes from PCa cells to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, exosomal PGAM1 could bind to γ-actin (ACTG1), which promotes podosome formation and neovascular sprouting in HUVECs. In vivo results revealed exosomal PGAM1 enhanced lung metastasis in nude mice injected with PCa cells via the tail vein. In summary, exosomal PGAM1 promotes angiogenesis and could be used as a liquid biopsy marker for PCa metastasis.
Histone acetylation by HBO1 (KAT7) activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling to promote leukemogenesis in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Wang Hao , Qiu Yingqi , Zhang Honghao , Chang Ning , Hu Yuxing , Chen Jianyu , Hu Rong , Liao Peiyun , Li Zhongwei , Yang Yulu , Cen Qingyan , Ding Xiangyang , Li Meifang , Xie Xiaoling , Li Yuhua
Published: August 2023

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is an aggressive hematological disorder with a dismal prognosis. The dysregulation of histone acetylation is of great significance in the pathogenesis and progression of B-ALL. Regarded as a fundamental acetyltransferase gene, the role of HBO1 (lysine acetyltransferase 7/KAT7) in B-ALL has not been investigated. Herein, we found that HBO1 expression was elevated in human B-ALL cells and associated with poor disease-free survival. Strikingly, HBO1 knockdown inhibited viability, proliferation, and G1-S cycle progression in B-ALL cells, while provoking apoptosis. In contrast, ectopic overexpression of HBO1 enhanced cell viability and proliferation but inhibited apoptotic activation. The results of in vivo experiments also certificated the inhibitory effect of HBO1 knockdown on tumor growth. Mechanistically, HBO1 acetylated histone H3K14, H4K8, and H4K12, followed by upregulating CTNNB1 expression, resulting in activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, a novel small molecule inhibitor of HBO1, WM-3835, potently inhibited the progression of B-ALL. Our data identified HBO1 as an efficacious regulator of CTNNB1 with therapeutic potential in B-ALL.
Cyclical dermal micro-niche switching governs the morphological infradian rhythm of mouse zigzag hair
Authors: Takeo Makoto , Toyoshima Koh-ei , Fujimoto Riho , Iga Tomoyo , Takase Miki , Ogawa Miho , Tsuji Takashi
Published: August 2023

Biological rhythms are involved in almost all types of biological processes, not only physiological processes but also morphogenesis. Currently, how periodic morphological patterns of tissues/organs in multicellular organisms form is not fully understood. Here, using mouse zigzag hair, which has 3 bends, we found that a change in the combination of hair progenitors and their micro-niche and subsequent bend formation occur every three days. Chimeric loss-of-function and gain-of-function of Ptn and Aff3, which are upregulated immediately before bend formation, resulted in defects in the downward movement of the micro-niche and the rhythm of bend formation in an in vivo hair reconstitution assay. Our study demonstrates the periodic change in the combination between progenitors and micro-niche, which is vital for the unique infradian rhythm.
Non-invasive electromechanical assessment during atrial fibrillation identifies underlying atrial myopathy alterations with early prognostic value
Authors: Enríquez-Vázquez Daniel , Quintanilla Jorge G. , García-Escolano Alba , Couselo-Seijas Marinela , Simón-Chica Ana , Lee Peter , Alfonso-Almazán José Manuel , Mahía Patricia , Redondo-Rodríguez Andrés , Modrego Javier , Ortega-Hernández Adriana , Marcos-Alberca Pedro , Magni Ricardo , Calvo Enrique , Gómez-Gordo Rubén , Yan Ping , La Rosa Giulio , Bustamante-Madrión José , Pérez-García Carlos Nicolás , Martín-Sánchez F. Javier , Calvo David , de la Hera Jesús M. , García-Torrent María Jesús , García-Osuna Álvaro , Ordonez-Llanos Jordi , Vázquez Jesús , Pérez-Villacastín Julián , Pérez-Castellano Nicasio , Loew Leslie M. , Sánchez-González Javier , Gómez-Garre Dulcenombre , Filgueiras-Rama David
Published: August 2023

Electromechanical characterization during atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a significant gap in the understanding of AF-related atrial myopathy. This study reports mechanistic insights into the electromechanical remodeling process associated with AF progression and further demonstrates its prognostic value in the clinic. In pigs, sequential electromechanical assessment during AF progression shows a progressive decrease in mechanical activity and early dissociation from its electrical counterpart. Atrial tissue samples from animals with AF reveal an abnormal increase in cardiomyocytes death and alterations in calcium handling proteins. High-throughput quantitative proteomics and immunoblotting analyses at different stages of AF progression identify downregulation of contractile proteins and progressive increase in atrial fibrosis. Moreover, advanced optical mapping techniques, applied to whole heart preparations during AF, demonstrate that AF-related remodeling decreases the frequency threshold for dissociation between transmembrane voltage signals and intracellular calcium transients compared to healthy controls. Single cell simulations of human atrial cardiomyocytes also confirm the experimental results. In patients, non-invasive assessment of the atrial electromechanical relationship further demonstrate that atrial electromechanical dissociation is an early prognostic indicator for acute and long-term rhythm control.
Structures and immune recognition of Env trimers from two Asia prevalent HIV-1 CRFs
Authors: Niu Jun , Wang Qi , Zhao Wenwen , Meng Bing , Xu Youwei , Zhang Xianfang , Feng Yi , Qi Qilian , Hao Yanling , Zhang Xuan , Liu Ying , Xiang Jiangchao , Shao Yiming , Yang Bei
Published: August 2023

Structure-guided immunofocusing HIV-1 vaccine design entails a comprehensive understanding of Envs from diverse HIV-1 subtypes, including circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of Envs from two Asia prevalent CRFs (CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC) at 3.0 and 3.5 Å. We compare the structures and glycosylation patterns of Envs from different subtypes and perform cross-clade statistical analyses to reveal the unique features of CRF01_AE V1 region, which are associated with the resistance to certain bNAbs. We also solve a 4.1 Å cryo-EM structure of CRF01_AE Env in complex with F6, the first bNAb from CRF01_AE-infected individuals. F6 recognizes a gp120-gp41 spanning epitope to allosterically destabilize the Env trimer apex and weaken inter-protomer packing, which in turn hinders the receptor binding and induces Env trimer disassembly, demonstrating a dual mechanism of neutralization. These findings broaden our understanding of CRF Envs and shed lights on immunofocusing HIV-1 vaccine design.
Visible-light-driven reversible shuttle vicinal dihalogenation using lead halide perovskite quantum dot catalysts
Authors: Li Yonglong , Gao Yangxuan , Deng Zhijie , Cao Yutao , Wang Teng , Wang Ying , Zhang Cancan , Yuan Mingjian , Xie Wei
Published: August 2023

Dihalogenation of alkenes to the high-added value vicinal dihalides is a prominent process in modern synthetic chemistry. However, their effective conversion still requires the use of expensive and hazardous agents, sacrificial half-reaction coupling or primary energy input. Here, we show a photocatalytically assisted shuttle (p-shuttle) strategy for redox-neutral and reversible vicinal dihalogenation using low-cost and stable 1,2-dihaloethane under visible light illumination. Energetic hot electrons from metal-halide perovskite QDs enable the challenging photocatalytic reactions. Ultrafast laser transient absorption spectroscopy have unveiled the energy matching of the hot electrons with the high reduction potential of 1,2-dihaloethane, via two consecutive photoexcitation process. Powered by the sustainable energy as the only energy input, our new catalytic system using metal-halide perovskite QDs for dibromination, dichlorination and even unexplored hetero-dihalogenation, shows good tolerance with a wide range of alkenes at room temperature. In contrast to homogeneous photocatalysts, chalcogenide QDs and other semiconductor catalysts, perovskite QDs deliver previously unattainable performance in photoredox shuttle vicinal dihalogenation with the turnover number over 120,000. This work provides new opportunities in visible-light-driven heterogeneous catalysis for unlocking novel chemical transformations.
Proteomic profiling across breast cancer cell lines and models
Authors: Kalocsay Marian , Berberich Matthew J. , Everley Robert A. , Nariya Maulik K. , Chung Mirra , Gaudio Benjamin , Victor Chiara , Bradshaw Gary A. , Eisert Robyn J. , Hafner Marc , Sorger Peter K. , Mills Caitlin E. , Subramanian Kartik
Published: August 2023

We performed quantitative proteomics on 60 human-derived breast cancer cell line models to a depth of ~13,000 proteins. The resulting high-throughput datasets were assessed for quality and reproducibility. We used the datasets to identify and characterize the subtypes of breast cancer and showed that they conform to known transcriptional subtypes, revealing that molecular subtypes are preserved even in under-sampled protein feature sets. All datasets are freely available as public resources on the LINCS portal. We anticipate that these datasets, either in isolation or in combination with complimentary measurements such as genomics, transcriptomics and phosphoproteomics, can be mined for the purpose of predicting drug response, informing cell line specific context in models of signalling pathways, and identifying markers of sensitivity or resistance to therapeutics.
Passive performance evaluation and validation of a viscous impeller pump for subpulmonary fontan circulatory support
Authors: Yang Weiguang , Conover Timothy A. , Figliola Richard S. , Giridharan Guruprasad A. , Marsden Alison L. , Rodefeld Mark D.
Published: August 2023

Patients with single ventricle defects undergoing the Fontan procedure eventually face Fontan failure. Long-term cavopulmonary assist devices using rotary pump technologies are currently being developed as a subpulmonary power source to prevent and treat Fontan failure. Low hydraulic resistance is a critical safety requirement in the event of pump failure (0 RPM) as a modest 2 mmHg cavopulmonary pressure drop can compromise patient hemodynamics. The goal of this study is therefore to assess the passive performance of a viscous impeller pump (VIP) we are developing for Fontan patients, and validate flow simulations against in-vitro data. Two different blade heights (1.09 mm vs 1.62 mm) and a blank housing model were tested using a mock circulatory loop (MCL) with cardiac output ranging from 3 to 11 L/min. Three-dimensional flow simulations were performed and compared against MCL data. In-silico and MCL results demonstrated a pressure drop of < 2 mmHg at a cardiac output of 7 L/min for both blade heights. There was good agreement between simulation and MCL results for pressure loss (mean difference − 0.23 mmHg 95% CI [0.24–0.71]). Compared to the blank housing model, low wall shear stress area and oscillatory shear index on the pump surface were low, and mean washout times were within 2 s. This study demonstrated the low resistance characteristic of current VIP designs in the failed condition that results in clinically acceptable minimal pressure loss without increased washout time as compared to a blank housing model under normal cardiac output in Fontan patients.
Ultrafast inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by 254-nm UV-C irradiation on porous and non-porous media of medical interest using an omnidirectional chamber
Authors: Maubert Bertrand , Theillière Camille , Jany Prescillia , Bourlet Thomas , Deschamps Jérôme , Pozzetto Bruno , Singh Fateh , Gadea Emilie
Published: August 2023

Covid-19 has spurred a renewed interest in decontamination techniques for air, objects and surfaces. Beginning in 2020, urgent effort was done to permit the reuse of UV-C for inactivating SARS-CoV-2. However, those studies diverged widely on the dose necessary to reach this goal; until today, the real value of the sensitivity of the virus to a 254-nm illumination is not known precisely. In this study, decontamination was performed in an original UV-C large decontamination chamber (UVCab, ON-LIGHT, France) delivering an omnidirectional irradiation with an average dose of 50 mJ/cm2 in 60 s. Viral inactivation was checked by both cell culture and PCR test. SARS-CoV-2 was inactivated by UV-C light within 3 s on both porous (disposable gown) and non-porous (stainless steel and apron) surfaces. For the porous surface, an irradiation of 5 min was needed to achieve a completely negative PCR signal. The Z value estimating the sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 to UV-C in the experimental conditions of our cabinet was shown to be > 0.5820 m2/J. These results illustrate the ability of this apparatus to inactivate rapidly and definitively high loads of SARS-CoV-2 deposited on porous or non-porous supports and opens new perspectives on material decontamination using UV-C.
The effect of maternal educational status, antenatal care and resumption of menses on postpartum contraceptive use in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu , Tegegne Kirubel Dagnaw , Kassaw Mesfine Wudu
Published: August 2023

The postpartum period is a crucial starting point for the delivery of family planning services. To date, there are numerous primary studies in Ethiopia on postpartum contraceptive use and related factors. However, the results of key variables are inconsistent, making it difficult to use the results to advance the service dimensions of postpartum contraceptive use in the country. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was required to summarize this inconsistency and compile the best available evidence on the impact of maternal educational status, antenatal care and menstrual resumption on postpartum contraceptive use in Ethiopia. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and the repositories of online research institutes were searched. Data were extracted with Microsoft Excel and analyzed with the statistical software STATA (version 14). Data on the study area, design, population, sample size, and observed frequency were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. To obtain the pooled effect size, a meta-analysis was performed using a weighted inverse variance random effects model. Cochran's Q X2 test, and I2 statistics were used to test for heterogeneity, estimate the total quantity, and measure the variability attributed to heterogeneity. A mixed-effects meta-regression analysis was performed to identify possible sources of heterogeneity. To examine publication bias, the Eggers regression test and the Beggs correlation test were used at a p-value threshold of 0.001. Of the 654 articles reviewed, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the final analysis includes 11,263 study participants. In Ethiopia, postpartum contraceptive use correlated significantly with maternal educational status (OR = 3.121:95% CI 2.127–4.115), antenatal care follow-up (OR = 3.286; 95% CI 2.353–4.220), and return of the mother's menses (OR = 3.492; 95% CI 1.843–6.615). A uniform meta-regression was performed based on publication year (p = 0.821), sample size (p = 0.989), and city of residence (p = 0.104), which revealed that none of these factors are significant. The use of postpartum contraceptives was found to be better among mothers who are educated, attended antenatal appointments, and resumed their menstrual cycle. Based on our research, we strongly recommended that antenatal care use and maternal educational accessibility need to improve. For family planning professionals, removing barriers to menstruation resumption should be a key priority.
Overlooking probabilistic mapping renders urban flood risk management inequitable
Authors: Bodoque José M. , Esteban-Muñoz Álvaro , Ballesteros-Cánovas Juan A.
Published: August 2023

Characterizing flood-related hazards has mostly relied on deterministic approaches or, occasionally, on particular uncertainty sources, resulting in fragmented approaches. To analyze flood hazard uncertainties, a fully integrated floodplain modeling information system has been developed. We assessed the most relevant uncertainty sources influencing the European Floods Directive’s third cycle (2022–2027) concerning extreme flood scenarios (a 500-year flood) and compared the results to a deterministic approach. Flood hazards outputs noticeably differed between probabilistic and deterministic approaches. Due to flood quantiles and floodplain roughness characterization, the flood area is highly variable and subject to substantial uncertainty, depending on the chosen approach. Model convergence required a large number of simulations, even though flow velocity and water depth did not always converge at the cell level. Our findings show that deterministic flood hazard mapping is insufficiently trustworthy for flood risk management, which has major implications for the European Floods Directive’s implementation.
Machine learning-based inverse design methods considering data characteristics and design space size in materials design and manufacturing: a review
Authors: Lee Junhyeong , Park Donggeun , Lee Mingyu , Lee Hugon , Park Kundo , Lee Ikjin , Ryu Seunghwa
Published: August 2023

This review offers a guideline for selecting the ML-based inverse design method, considering data characteristics and design space size. It categorizes challenges and underscores the proper methods, with a focus on composites and its manufacturing.
Specific interaction based drug loading strategies
Authors: Yu Haoqi , Zhang Shuhui , Yang Huiru , Miao Jiamin , Ma Xu , Xiong Wei , Chen Gang , Ji Tianjiao
Published: August 2023

This mini-review introduces drug loading strategies based on specific interactions. The interactions can be from drugs and their targets, such as tetrodotoxin with a sodium channel, and biomolecular recognition, such as ligand–receptor recognition.
A fully printed ultrafast Si/WS2 quantum dot photodetector with very high responsivity over the UV to near-infrared region
Authors: Debnath Subhankar , Ghosh Koushik , Meyyappan M. , Giri P. K.
Published: August 2023

Additive manufacturing such as 2D printing is a cost-effective alternative to the conventional microdevice fabrication processes. We developed a high performance Si/WS2 quantum dot-based heterostructure photodetector by a simple printing process.
Fully biomass-based biodegradable polymers from lignin and raw castor oil: lignin-graft-castor oil
Authors: Kim Sundol , Chung Hoyong
Published: August 2023

Synthesis of 100 % Biomass-based Biodegradable Polymers and their properties.
SiO2/Zn0.4Co0.6Fe2O4 aerogel: an efficient and reusable superparamagnetic adsorbent for oily water remediation
Authors: Shehata Fagr A. , El-Kalliny Amer S. , Attia Mohamed S. , Gad-Allah Tarek A.
Published: August 2023

Magnetic SiO2/Zn0.4Co0.6Fe2O4 aerogels were successfully prepared by sol–gel method with two different drying steps: ambient pressure drying (APD) and freeze-drying (FD).
The Impact of Telehealth on the Efficacy of Sound Production Treatment
Authors: Kallhoff Lydia , Mauszycki Shannon , Rose Brooke , Wambaugh Julie
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

This investigation was designed to systematically examine the acquisition, maintenance, and response generalization effects of Sound Production Treatment (SPT) delivered via telehealth in comparison to existing in-person outcomes for SPT.

Method:

A multiple-baseline design across behaviors and participants was used with two individuals with chronic apraxia of speech (AOS) and aphasia. Accuracy of target speech sounds in treated and untreated words within phrases served as the dependent variable.

Results:

Both participants demonstrated positive gains for treatment and generalization items. Participant 1 demonstrated gains for both sets of treatment items with the application of treatment, but production accuracy at 2 and 6 weeks posttreatment was inconsistent. Participant 2 demonstrated large gains for both sets of treatment items with good maintenance at 2 and 6 weeks posttreatment. Effect sizes for both participants were similar to the traditional (in-person) SPT effect size benchmarks.

Conclusions:

The positive outcomes from this study indicate that individuals with AOS can benefit from SPT delivered via telehealth. These findings warrant further research examining the effects of SPT through telehealth and should include individuals with AOS with varying severity. This investigation serves as the first telehealth study to systematically examine treatment outcomes for SPT.
Labor productivity assessment of three different mechanized harvest systems in Colombian oil palm crops
Authors: Mosquera-Montoya Mauricio , Munévar Martínez Daniel Eduardo , Ruíz Álvarez Elizabeth , Fontanilla-Díaz Carlos Andrés , Salamanca Óscar Hernán , Obregón Esguerra José María
Published: August 2023

Labor shortages are increasingly problematic in rural areas worldwide and, in particular, in the oil palm sector in Colombia. Therefore, alternative methods and systems that increase labor productivity, such as using machines for collecting and lifting fresh fruit bunches (FFB), are needed. In oil palm cultivation, the most labor-intensive process is harvesting. We aimed to assess the labor productivity (in t · FFB/person/day) of three harvesting systems using mechanized lifting systems (harvest A: manual cutting, manual harvesting using meshes, carts, and livestock and lifting using a hydraulic arm; harvest B: manual cutting, manual harvest using a tractor, and lifting using a side-turning container; and harvest C: manual cutting, mechanized harvest using a tractor-grabber, and lifting using a side-turning container). Two bunch density scenarios were considered. Data were collected from adult palm crops in three oil palm plantations in the Eastern Plains of Colombia, and similar crop yields were obtained. Labor productivity was 1.20–2.53 t · FFB/person/day depending on the FFB density and the harvest system. Finally, the cost per ton harvested was $ 8.9–$ 16.6 per ton, being lower in the systems that demanded fewer personnel. The highest labor productivity and the lowest cost per ton harvested were obtained for harvest C.