bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of major congenital heart disease in pregestational maternal diabetes is modified by hemoglobin A1c
Authors: He R. , Hornberger L. K. , Kaur A. , Crawford S. , Boehme C. , McBrien A. , Eckersley L.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The association between pregestational diabetes mellitus (PDM) and risk of congenital heart disease (CHD) is well recognized; however, the importance of glycemic control and other coexisting risk factors during pregnancy is less clear. We sought to determine the relative risk (RR) of major CHD (mCHD) among offspring from pregnancies complicated by PDM and the effect of first‐trimester glycemic control on mCHD risk.

Methods

We determined the incidence of mCHD (requiring surgery within 1 year of birth or resulting in pregnancy termination or fetal demise) among registered births in Alberta, Canada. Linkage of diabetes status, maximum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at < 16 weeks' gestation and other covariates was performed using data from the Alberta Perinatal Health Program registry. Risk of mCHD according to HbA1c was estimated as an adjusted RR (aRR), calculated using log‐binomial modeling.

Results

Of 1412 cases of mCHD in 594 773 (2.37/1000) births in the study period, mCHD was present in 48/7497 with PDM (6.4/1000; RR, 2.8 (95% CI, 2.1–3.7); P < 0.0001). In the entire cohort, increased maternal age (aRR, 1.03 (95% CI, 1.02–1.04); P < 0.0001) and multiple gestation (aRR, 1.37 (95% CI, 1.1–1.8); P = 0.02) were also associated with mCHD risk, whereas maternal prepregnancy weight > 91 kg was not. The stratified risk for mCHD associated with HbA1c ≤ 6.1%, > 6.1–8.0% and > 8.0% was 4.2/1000, 6.8/1000 and 17.1/1000 PDM/gestational diabetes mellitus births, respectively; the aRR of mCHD associated with PDM and HbA1c > 8.0% was 8.5 (95% CI, 5.0–14.4) compared to those without diabetes and 5.5 (95% CI, 1.6–19.4) compared to PDM with normal HbA1c (≤ 6.1%).

Conclusions

PDM is associated with a RR of 2.8 for mCHD, increasing to 8.5 in those with HbA1c > 8%. These data should facilitate refinement of referral indications for high‐risk pregnancy screening. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Non‐contact vacuum pumps
Authors: Raykov A. , Salikeev S. , Burmistrov A. , Fomina M.
Published: August 2023

An overview of the main methods for mathematical modeling of the working process of non‐contact vacuum pumps is given. The specifics and the main stages of mathematical model development for screw, scroll, claw and Roots vacuum pumps are considered. The results of mathematical modeling of pump characteristics are presented and compared with experimental data. The mathematical modeling technique presented here can be recommended for analyzing the influence of pump geometry and operating conditions on the pump characteristics of non‐contact oil‐free vacuum pumps.
New IBS coatings boost performance of petawatt laser mirrors
Authors: Willemsen Thomas , Chaulagain Uddhab , Borneis Stefan , Ebert Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

Simply put, the performance of a laser is just as high as the quality of its optics. Latest advances in petawatt laser technology have stimulated the development of large surface area, dielectrically coated mirrors to guide these demanding ultrashort pulse laser beams. We describe major achievements during the development and fabrication of ion beam sputtered 440 × 290 × 75 mm3 beam transport mirrors for the HAPLS laser at ELI Beam‐lines. A laser damage threshold greater than 0.9 J/cm2 was measured.
Bovine autosomal recessive alpha‐mannosidosis in an Aberdeen Angus herd from Argentina
Authors: Morris Winston E. , Delgado Fernando O. , Micheloud Juan F. , Garro Carlos J. , Olguin‐Perglione Cecilia , Ebinger Marem , Gimeno Eduardo J. , Garbaccio Sergio G. , Vilte Daniel A.
Published: August 2023

An outbreak of α‐mannosidosis in a bovine herd from Buenos Aires province is reported. Postmortem examination, histology, lectin histochemistry and electron microscopy were performed on five calves born with nervous signs. Hair samples from dams and calves were genetically analysed. The α‐mannosidase gene including exon 7 was amplified and sequenced. At postmortem examination, no gross changes were evident. Histologically, cytoplasmic neuronal vacuolation in the brain and cerebellum of the five calves, staining moderately to intensively, with lectin histochemistry was evident. Ultrastructurally, vacuoles containing finely granulated material in the cytoplasm of neurons, myelin degeneration and axonal swelling were seen in the brain. Genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous carrier state for 961T→C transition in the exon 7 of α‐mannosidosis gene of four cows, and a recessive homozygous state for 961T→C transition in the same genes in the calves analysed. This highlights the importance of identifying and removing animals carrying the α‐mannosidosis mutated gene.
Standing laryngeal tie‐forward as a successful treatment of cleft palate in a 3‐month‐old foal
Authors: Lean Natasha E. , Sole‐Guitart Albert , Cuming Rosemary S. , Ahern Benjamin J.
Published: August 2023

A 3‐month‐old Warmblood colt was referred for evaluation of coughing and dysphagia. An asymmetrical, short defect of the soft palate and secondary aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed and surgically treated with a standing laryngeal tie‐forward procedure. Intraoperative endoscopy was used to guide the procedure and confirm appropriate epiglottic positioning. By 4 days post‐operatively, the dysphagia resolved. Upper respiratory tract endoscopy performed 2 days post‐operatively confirmed maintenance of the intraoperative laryngohyoid positioning. When contacted 2 years post‐operatively, the owner reported being satisfied with the outcome of surgery. Clinical signs of dysphagia had resolved in 4 days and pneumonia within 2 months of surgery. This report demonstrates that small cleft palate defects can be treated successfully in foals using a standing laryngeal tie‐forward. When used in appropriate cases, the technique provides a valid alternative to primary closure, which mitigates the need for general anaesthesia in a potentially high‐risk population.
The Quebrada Negra wetland study: An approach to understand plant diversity, hydrology, and hydrogeology of high‐Andean wetlands
Authors: Suárez Francisco , Sarabia Andrés , Sanzana Pedro , Latorre Claudio , Muñoz José F.
Published: August 2023

High‐Andean peatlands are high‐altitude wetland ecosystems found throughout the arid central Andes of South America. They form through the establishment of specialized grasses and cushion sedges that are well‐adapted to cold temperatures, in areas where groundwater emerges. The Silala River is a groundwater‐fed high‐Andean fluvial system, which emerges in various springs that generate wetlands, the Cajones and Orientales (Bolivia), the river's headwater sources, and the Quebrada Negra (Chile) being the most important. This article reviews detailed monitoring undertaken in the undisturbed Quebrada Negra wetland to provide insights into wetland processes, and to compare its functioning to that of the Bolivian wetlands, which were channelized a century ago. Vegetation composition was found to be similar among the three wetlands, and their spatiotemporal vegetation cover distribution showed strong seasonal and interannual variability. The channelized Bolivian wetlands have the highest annual actual evapotranspiration values (~700 mm, due to their higher vegetation vigor), as estimated using remote sensing, ~10% greater than that obtained in the undisturbed Quebrada Negra wetland. For the Quebrada Negra wetland, groundwater monitoring revealed that hydraulic head contours are consistent with the topography, although water sources to the wetland are complex to identify. While significant groundwater inflows arise at the wetland edges, upwelling and downwelling conditions are observed at various locations within the wetland, similar to other high‐Andean wetlands. The observations suggest that while the underlying groundwater discharge sustains the saturated conditions of the wetland, the spatial variability of groundwater inputs results in a negligible impact of channelization on wetland evapotranspiration.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
Intake and digestibility of two diets for nine‐banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus: Linnaeus, 1758) kept under human care
Authors: Pinke Testa Carolyne Assis Eigenheer , Rosa Patrícia Sammarco , de Castro Thiago Ferla Novais , Sartori Maria Márcia Pereira , Hippólito Alícia Giolo , Guimarães‐Okamoto Priscylla Tatiana Chalfun , Melchert Alessandra
Published: August 2023

The study aimed to evaluate metabolic parameters, nutrient intake, and absorption of two diets formulated for Dasypus novemcinctus armadillos under human care. Were studied two diets: D1—a diet with dry dog food, ground beef, and boiled chicken egg with shells; D2—a diet with the same ingredients as D1, with added banana and papaya. Both are mixed in water. The parameters analyzed were body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), maintenance energy requirement (MER), Lee index, biometrics, body condition score, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and cholesterol fractions for eight male armadillos. Dietary intake (DI) and efficiency, nutrient intake, metabolizable energy, and digestibility coefficient for the diets were evaluated in six male armadillos. The diet that included fruits showed higher BW, WG, MER, Lee index, and better glucose metabolism. Both diets promoted increases in WG and Lee Index, as well as improvements in glucose metabolism. The diet without fruit improved the lipid profile of the animals. D2 presented the highest DI, better dietary efficiency, and higher energy intake but also a lower crude fiber intake. However, it showed the best utilization of gross fiber and all other nutrients. In conclusion, the diets constituted an adequate nutritional option for captive armadillos and can be used in malnutrition and pathological processes recovery. Although both diets were adequate, the nonfruit diet was preferable due to the improved lipid profile.
First successful head‐start program of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in Thailand and proposed dietary strategy
Authors: Kanghae Hirun , Thongprajukaew Karun , Suraswadi Pinsak , Namwang Areeya , Reungkhajorn Aisawan , Wongwilai Guntaphon , Intaring Boontika , Chamnivikaipong Chankit
Published: August 2023

Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) hatchlings have previously been kept alive for over a year in captive conditions but these were the few survivors of initially larger groups. In this report, newly hatched leatherback sea turtles were randomly harvested from two nests in Thailand and successfully reared before release back to the wild. In captivity, the survival of the turtles decreased sharply during the first 4 or 5 months, and then steadied until the end of the 12‐month trial. The survival of yearlings from one nest was 13.3% and from the other nest 46.7%. Their growth was exponential, reaching 1.36−3.35 kg (n = 9) at the end of program. The causes of death of the reared turtles were accidents (25.0−38.5%) and infections from water and live food (61.5−75.0%). The dietary requirements of the turtles were investigated by determining the digestibility of protein and carbohydrate in vitro, using enzymes from the digestive tracts of hatchlings that had died in an accident (70.1−92.9 g body weight). The results indicated that the most suitable source of protein was wheat gluten, followed by soybean meal, nonruminant meat and bone meal, fish meal, nonruminant meat meal, pork meal, and skimmed milk, while suitable carbohydrate sources were mashed cassava, corn, wheat flour, and alpha starch, followed by cereal meal and rice flour. Findings from the current report provide a practical protocol for head‐starting leatherback sea turtles, and indicate the possible basis of an effective artificial diet for this species.
Bootstrapping the relativistic two-body problem
Authors: Dlapa Christoph , Kälin Gregor , Liu Zhengwen , Porto Rafael A.
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We describe the formalism to compute gravitational-wave observables for compact binaries via the effective field theory framework in combination with modern tools from collider physics. We put particular emphasis on solving the ‘multi-loop’ integration problem via the methodology of differential equations and expansion by regions. This allows us to bootstrap the two-body relativistic dynamics in the Post-Minkowskian (PM) expansion from boundary data evaluated in the near-static (soft) limit. We illustrate the procedure with the derivation of the total spacetime impulse in the scattering of non-spinning bodies to 4PM (three-loop) order, i.e. $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(G4), including conservative and dissipative effects.
Present and future constraints on flavor-dependent long-range interactions of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos
Authors: Agarwalla Sanjib Kumar , Bustamante Mauricio , Das Sudipta , Narang Ashish
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The discovery of new, flavor-dependent neutrino interactions would provide compelling evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model. We focus on interactions generated by the anomaly-free, gauged, abelian lepton-number symmetries, specificallyLe–Lμ,Le–Lτ, andLμ–Lτ, that introduce a new matter potential sourced by electrons and neutrons, potentially impacting neutrino flavor oscillations. We revisit, revamp, and improve the constraints on these interactions that can be placed via the flavor composition of the diffuse flux of high-energy astrophysical neutrinos, with TeV–PeV energies, i.e., the proportion ofνe,νμ, andντin the flux. Because we consider mediators of these new interactions to be ultra-light, lighter than 10−10eV, the interaction range is ultra-long, from km to Gpc, allowing vast numbers of electrons and neutrons in celestial bodies and the cosmological matter distribution to contribute to this new potential. We leverage the present-day and future sensitivity of high-energy neutrino telescopes and of oscillation experiments to estimate the constraints that could be placed on the coupling strength of these interactions. We find that, already today, the IceCube neutrino telescope demonstrates potential to constrain flavor-dependent long-range interactions significantly better than existing constraints, motivating further analysis. We also estimate the improvement in the sensitivity due to the next-generation neutrino telescopes such as IceCube-Gen2, Baikal-GVD, KM3NeT, P-ONE, and TAMBO.
The COP9 signalosome reduces neuroinflammation and attenuates ischemic neuronal stress in organotypic brain slice culture model
Authors: Tian Yuan , Milic Jelena , Monasor Laura Sebastián , Chakraborty Rahul , Wang Sijia , Yuan Yue , Asare Yaw , Behrends Christian , Tahirovic Sabina , Bernhagen Jürgen
Published: August 2023

The constitutive photomorphogenesis 9 (COP9) signalosome (CSN) is a deNEDDylase controlling ubiquitination activity of cullin-RING-E3 ligases (CRLs) and thus the levels of key cellular proteins. While the CSN and its catalytic subunit CSN5 have been extensively studied in cancer, its role in inflammatory and neurological diseases is less understood. Following verification that CSN5 is expressed in mouse and human brain, here we studied the role of the CSN in neuroinflammation and ischemic neuronal damage employing models of relevant brain-resident cell types, an ex vivo organotypic brain slice culture model, and the CRL NEDDylation state-modifying drugs MLN4924 and CSN5i-3, which mimic and inhibit, respectively, CSN5 deNEDDylase activity. Untargeted mass spectrometry-based proteomics revealed that MLN4924 and CSN5i-3 substantially alter the microglial proteome, including inflammation-related proteins. Applying these drugs and mimicking microglial and endothelial inflammation as well as ischemic neuronal stress by TNF and oxygen-glucose-deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/RO) treatment, respectively, we could link CSN5/CSN-mediated cullin deNEDDylation to reduction of microglial inflammation, attenuated cerebral endothelial inflammation, improved barrier integrity, as well as protection from ischemic stress-induced neuronal cell death. Specifically, MLN4924 reduced phagocytic activity, motility, and inflammatory cytokine expression of microglial cells, and this was linked to inhibition of inflammation-induced NF-κB and Akt signaling. Inversely, Csn5 knockdown and CSN5i-3 increased NF-κB signaling. Moreover, MLN4924 abrogated TNF-induced NF-κB signaling in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs) and rescued hCMEC monolayers from OGD/RO-triggered barrier leakage, while CSN5i-3 exacerbated permeability. In an ex vivo organotypic brain slice model of ischemia/reperfusion stress, MLN4924 protected from neuronal death, while CSN5i-3 impaired neuronal survival. Neuronal damage was attributable to microglial activation and inflammatory cytokines, as indicated by microglial shape tracking and TNF-blocking experiments. Our results indicate a protective role of the CSN in neuroinflammation via brain-resident cell types involved in ischemic brain disease and implicate CSN activity-mimicking deNEDDylating drugs as potential therapeutics.
Topological Ordered Rings and Measures
Authors: García-Pacheco Francisco Javier , Moreno-Frías M. A. , Murillo-Arcila Marina
Published: August 2023

Given a ring endowed with a ring order, we provide sufficient conditions for the order topology induced by the ring order to become a ring topology (analogous results for module orders are consequently derived). Finally, the notions of Radon and regular measures are transported to the scope of module-valued measures through module orders. Classical characterizations of these measures are obtained as well as the hereditariness of regularity for conditional ring-valued measures.
On Non-linear Mappings Preserving the Semi-inner Product
Authors: Kobos Tomasz , Wójcik Paweł
Published: August 2023

We say that a smooth normed space X has a property (SL), if every mapping $$f:X \rightarrow X$$

f
:
X
→
X

preserving the semi-inner product on X is linear. It is well known that every Hilbert space has the property (SL) and the same is true for every finite-dimensional smooth normed space. In this paper, we establish several new results concerning the property (SL). We give a simple example of a smooth and strictly convex Banach space which is isomorphic to the space $$\ell _p$$

ℓ
p

, but without the property (SL). Moreover, we provide a characterization of the property (SL) in the class of reflexive smooth Banach spaces in terms of subspaces of quotient spaces. As a consequence, we prove that the space $$\ell _p$$

ℓ
p

have the property (SL) for every $$1< p < \infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

. Finally, using a variant of the Gowers–Maurey space, we construct an infinite-dimensional uniformly smooth Banach space X such that every smooth Banach space isomorphic to X has the property (SL).
Incretins and microvascular complications of diabetes: neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy and microangiopathy
Authors: Goldney Jonathan , Sargeant Jack A. , Davies Melanie J.
Published: August 2023

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs, incretin mimetics) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is, incretin enhancers) are glucose-lowering therapies with proven cardiovascular safety, but their effect on microvascular disease is not fully understood. Both therapies increase GLP-1 receptor agonism, which is associated with attenuation of numerous pathological processes that may lead to microvascular benefits, including decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased inflammation and improved vascular function. DPP-4is also increase stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which is associated with neovascularisation and tissue repair. Rodent studies demonstrate several benefits of these agents in the prevention or reversal of nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy, but evidence from human populations is less clear. For nephropathy risk in human clinical trials, meta-analyses demonstrate that GLP-1RAs reduce the risk of a composite renal outcome (doubling of serum creatinine, eGFR reduction of 30%, end-stage renal disease or renal death), whereas the benefits of DPP-4is appear to be limited to reductions in the risk of albuminuria. The relationship between GLP-1RAs and retinopathy is less clear. Many large trials and meta-analyses show no effect, but an observed increase in the risk of retinopathy complications with semaglutide therapy (a GLP-1RA) in the SUSTAIN-6 trial warrants caution, particularly in individuals with baseline retinopathy. Similarly, DPP-4is are associated with increased retinopathy risk in both trials and meta-analysis. The association between GLP-1RAs and peripheral neuropathy is unclear due to little trial evidence. For DPP-4is, one trial and several observational studies show a reduced risk of peripheral neuropathy, with others reporting no effect. Evidence in other less-established microvascular outcomes, such as microvascular angina, cerebral small vessel disease, skeletal muscle microvascular disease and autonomic neuropathies (e.g. cardiac autonomic neuropathy, gastroparesis, erectile dysfunction), is sparse. In conclusion, GLP-1RAs are protective against nephropathy, whereas DPP-4is are protective against albuminuria and potentially peripheral neuropathy. Caution is advised with DPP-4is and semaglutide, particularly for patients with background retinopathy, due to increased risk of retinopathy. Well-designed trials powered for microvascular outcomes are needed to clarify associations of incretin therapies and microvascular diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Robust tool condition monitoring in Ti6Al4V milling based on specific force coefficients and growing self-organizing maps
Authors: Bernini Luca , Albertelli Paolo , Monno Michele
Published: August 2023

Tool condition monitoring (TCM) is a mean to optimize production systems trying to use cutting tool life at its best. Nevertheless, nowadays available TCM algorithms typically lack robustness in order to be consistently applied in industrial scenarios. In this paper, an unsupervised artificial intelligence technique, based on Growing Self-Organizing Maps (GSOM), is presented in synergy with real-time specific force coefficients (SFC) estimation through the regression of instantaneous cutting forces. The conceived approach allows robustly mapping the SFC, exploiting process parameters and similarity to manage the variability of their estimation due to unmodelled phenomena, like machine dynamics and tool run-out. The devised approach allowed detecting the tool end-of-life in cutting tests with variable lubrication, machine tool and cutting speed, through the adoption of a self-starting control chart running on real-time clustered data. The solution was validated through the comparison of the GSOM framework with respect to the optimized self-starting control chart applied without GSOM clustering. The GSOM reached a root mean squared percentage error (RMSPE) of 13.2% with respect to 56.1% obtained with the analogous control chart in a full-set optimization scenario. When optimised on tests for a unique machine tool and tested on another machine tool, GSOM scored an RMSPE of 34.5%, whereas the optimized control chart scored 64.5%.
Prediction of protein denaturation and weight loss in pork loin (muscle Longissimus dorsi) using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Szpicer Arkadiusz , Binkowska Weronika , Wojtasik-Kalinowska Iwona , Poltorak Andrzej
Published: August 2023

The article proposes using Computational Fluid Dynamics to predict protein denaturation and weight loss in pork loin samples during baking. The optimal conditions of heat treatment were determined to be at 181.55℃, 20% humidity, and a fan speed of 639.18 rpm. Following this process, the denaturation of various pork loin proteins was measured, and the weight loss was determined to be 12.21 ± 0.89%. In the laboratory study at the verification stage, it was found that myosin and actin denaturation and body weight loss did not differ significantly from the values predicted on the basis of the response surface model developed using simulation data. However, the degree of sarcoplasmic protein denaturation observed in the laboratory was lower than the model's predictions, while collagen denaturation was higher. The study suggests that computational fluid dynamics can be a useful tool for predicting protein denaturation and weight loss in pork loin samples and could improve product quality and consistency in the food industry.
Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction Increases Left Ventricular Sphericity in Adolescents Born Very Preterm
Authors: Liefke Jonas , Sepúlveda-Martinez Alvaro , Shakya Snehlata , Ehrenborg Katarina Steding , Arheden Håkan , Morsing Eva , Ley David , Heiberg Einar , Hedström Erik
Published: August 2023

Left ventricular shape alterations predict cardiovascular outcomes and have been observed in children born preterm and after fetal growth restriction (FGR). The aim was to investigate whether left ventricular shape is altered in adolescents born very preterm and if FGR has an additive effect. Adolescents born very preterm due to verified early-onset FGR and two control groups with birthweight appropriate for gestational age (AGA), born at similar gestational age and at term, respectively, underwent cardiac MRI. Principal component analysis was applied to find the modes of variation best explaining shape variability for end-diastole, end-systole, and for the combination of both, the latter indicative of function. Seventy adolescents were included (13–16 years; 49% males). Sphericity was increased for preterm FGR versus term AGA for end-diastole (36[0–60] vs − 42[− 82–8]; p = 0.01) and the combined analysis (27[− 23–94] vs − 51[− 119–11]; p = 0.01), as well as for preterm AGA versus term AGA for end-diastole (30[− 56–115] vs − 42[− 82–8]; p = 0.04), for end-systole (57[− 29–89] vs − 30[− 79–34]; p = 0.03), and the combined analysis (44[− 50–145] vs − 51[− 119–11]; p = 0.02). No group differences were observed for left ventricular mass or ejection fraction (all p ≥ 0.33). Sphericity was increased after very preterm birth and exacerbated by early-onset FGR, indicating an additive effect to that of very preterm birth on left ventricular remodeling. Increased sphericity may be a prognostic biomarker of future cardiovascular disease in this cohort that as of yet shows no signs of cardiac dysfunction using standard clinical measurements.
Establishment of an indirect ELISA for Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTB39A protein antibody
Authors: Wang Pu , Cai Yurong , Zhang Gang , Jiang Lingling , Li Yong
Published: August 2023

The MTB39A protein is a member of the unique Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) PE/PPE protein family and is the main candidate for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. The aim of this study was to establish a novel indirect ELISA (iELISA) method that uses antibodies against MTB. The MTB39A gene sequence was synthesized according to the MTB39A nucleotide sequence of the MTB H37Rv strain (GenBank accession number: NC_000962.3) and cloned into the pET28a( +) vector. After correct sequencing, it was transferred to Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) receptor cells for expression and purification, and the purified recombinant protein was identified by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. The purified MTB39A protein was used as the capture antibody, and a rabbit polyclonal antibody against the MTB MTB39A protein was used as the detection antibody to establish an indirect ELISA method. The ELISA conditions were optimized, and the optimal coating concentration of the MTB39A antigen was determined to be 0.5 μg/mL. The optimal dilution of MTB39A rabbit polyclonal antibody was 1:4096, and the optimal dilution of HRP-goat anti-rabbit IgG was 1:4000. The results showed that this indirect ELISA method has high sensitivity, specificity and efficacy for MTB39A protein detection. Moreover, this indirect ELISA method has optimal stability and can be used for the initial detection of MTB antibodies in clinical human and bovine serum samples. The establishment of this assay provides a new method for the rapid diagnosis of MTB and technical support for the prevention and control of tuberculosis.

Key points

• MTB MTB39A protein was expressed in a prokaryotic expression system.

• Rabbit polyclonal antibody against MTB39A was prepared.

• To establish an iELISA based on the MTB39A protein for the detection of MTB antibodies.
Simple method for determining quantum efficiency and background propagation loss in thulium-doped fibres
Authors: Buckthorpe Martin P. , Clarkson W. Andrew
Published: August 2023

A method for determining the quantum efficiency and background propagation loss in rare earth-doped silica fibres is presented. These parameters can be determined using straightforward measurements of slope efficiency and emission spectra at various lengths of active fibre. This method has been applied to a thulium-doped silica fibre with a structured ‘nested-ring’ doping profile. The quantum efficiency of this fibre was 1.93 ± 0.01 and the background propagation loss was 0.15 ± 0.01 dB/m. This characterisation method also allows the relative impact of these parameters on the slope efficiency of an all-fibre high-power system to be predicted. It was found that the non-ideal background propagation loss of this fibre results in a decrease of $$\sim $$
∼
18 percentage points on the predicted slope efficiency, whereas the quantum efficiency results in a decrease of $$\sim $$
∼
3 percentage points. The predicted slope efficiency with respect to absorbed pump power of 62 ± 2% for the all-fibre high-power system is consistent with the experimental result of 61.5%. This characterisation provides feedback to the fibre design and fabrication that for efficient power scaling, efforts to decrease the background propagation loss of this fibre can provide a greater increase in efficiency than efforts to further increase the quantum efficiency.
Societal costs of personality disorders among treatment-seeking patients in Norway: the relative contribution of specific DSM-5 categories
Authors: Sveen C. A. , Pedersen G. , Ulvestad D. A. , Zahl K. E. , Wilberg T. , Kvarstein E. H.
Published: August 2023

Personality disorders (PDs) are associated with high levels of societal costs, regardless of whether a single PD or a broad range of PDs have been studied. However, research on the relative contribution of specific PD-types on societal costs is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the possible contributions of the individual DSM-5 categories of PDs on the level of societal costs and its components (health service costs and productivity loss), while controlling for the impact of comorbid mental health and substance use disorders on these outcomes. Participants (n = 798) were retrieved from the quality register of the Norwegian Network for Personality Disorders—a collaboration of PD-treatment units within specialist mental health services. The patients were referred to treatment in the time-period 2017–2020. Costs were assessed using a structured interview covering the 6-month period prior to assessment. Diagnoses were determined by semi-structured diagnostic interviews (SCID-5-PD and M.I.N.I.). Statistics included multiple regression analyses. The main result was that no specific PD had a unique contribution to the high level of societal costs generally found among treatment-seeking patients with PDs. Borderline PD (BPD) was the only PD with significantly higher health service costs than the other PDs, while BPD, avoidant PD, and unspecified PD were independently associated with enhanced productivity loss. The differential cost-effects of specific PDs on the cost components were small. Several comorbid mental health and substance use disorders were significant contributors to costs, irrespective of PD status. The results underscore the importance of developing and implementing effective treatments for a broader range of PDs, to reduce the high levels of societal costs associated with all PDs.
Metabolomics targets tissue-specific responses in alleviating the negative effects of salinity in tef (Eragrostis tef) during germination
Authors: Haddadi Bahareh Sadat , Fang Rui , Girija Aiswarya , Kattupalli Divya , Widdowson Emma , Beckmann Manfred , Yadav Rattan , Mur Luis A. J.
Published: August 2023

Main conclusion

Salinity induced metabolite responses resulted in differential accumulation of flavonoids and antioxidant metabolites in shoots and roots suggesting improved antioxidant capacity in providing salt-adaptive phenotype of tef seedling.

Tef [(Eragrostis tef) (Zucc.) Trotter] is an important ‘cash crop’ of Ethiopia grown mainly for human food, and development of elite tef cultivars with better performance is vital to Ethiopian farmers and breeders. Soil salinity is one of the key constraints that affects tef yield in the Ethiopian lowlands and Rift valley where cultivation of tef is limited. Being a minor crop, the responses of tef towards salinity is unknown. Salinity involves physiological and metabolite reprogramming that can have major impact on germination and seedling establishment. Here we evaluate the in vitro effect of NaCl on tef germination and associate this with metabolomic approaches to suggest salt tolerance mechanisms. In this study, 19 tef varieties were screened for NaCl tolerance and were investigated using untargeted metabolomics. Screened tef varieties showed differential germination rates with NaCl treatment varying from < 20 to 100%. Viable seedlings exposed to NaCl exhibited purple-red pigment accumulation in the roots except for Beten and Tullu nasy varieties. Metabolite comparisons between shoots and roots showed significant differences and, in particular, roots of salt tolerant tef varieties accumulated flavonoid derivatives as well as sugars and cell wall associated metabolites. These metabolic changes were correlated with patterns of antioxidant capacities and total flavonoid content in shoots and roots and suggested a mitigating response by tef to salinity. Our study highlights the role of flavonoid accumulation following salt stress on tef seedlings and further these findings could be used as targets for selective tef breeding.
The role of environmental contextual cues in sequence learning: evidence from a virtual maze context
Authors: Koch Iring , Bock Otmar
Published: August 2023

Studies on sequence learning usually focus on single, isolated stimuli that are presented sequentially. For example, in the serial reaction time (RT) task, stimuli are either presented in a predictable sequence or in a random sequence, and better performance with the predictable sequence is taken as evidence for sequence-specific learning. Yet, little is known about the role of environmental context cues in sequence learning. If the target stimuli are embedded in a meaningful context, would this facilitate learning by providing helpful contextual associations or would it hinder learning by adding distracting stimuli? This question was examined in two studies. A pilot study compared sequence learning in a virtual maze with a horizontal vs. vertical maze context, in which arrow stimuli guide spatial lever movement responses that resulted in a corresponding virtual transport on the screen. The results showed only overall somewhat better performance with the vertical maze compared to the horizontal maze, but general practice effects and sequence-specific learning effects were the same for both contexts. The main study compared sequence learning with a maze context to sequence learning of arrows without a maze context. The results showed significantly better learning with maze context than without context. These data suggest that the maze context facilitated sequence learning by inducing a meaningful spatial representation (“mental map”) similar to that formed in wayfinding.
Kawasaki disease, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and adenoviral infection: a scoring system to guide differential diagnosis
Authors: Fabi Marianna , Dondi Arianna , Andreozzi Laura , Frazzoni Leonardo , Biserni Giovanni Battista , Ghiazza Francesco , Dajti Elton , Zagari Rocco Maurizio , Lanari Marcello
Published: August 2023

Children with Kawasaki disease (KD), Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and Adenovirus infections (AI) of the upper respiratory tract show overlapping features. This study aims to develop a scoring system based on clinical or laboratory parameters to differentiate KD or MIS-C from AI patients. Ninety pediatric patients diagnosed with KD (n = 30), MIS-C (n = 26), and AI (n = 34) admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Unit of S.Orsola University Hospital in Bologna, Italy, from April 2018 to December 2021 were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, and a scoring system was subsequently developed. A simple model (clinical score), including five clinical parameters, and a complex model (clinic-lab score), resulting from the addition of one laboratory parameter, were developed and yielded 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity with a score ≥2 and 98.3% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity with a score ≥3, respectively, for MIS-C and KD diagnosis, as compared to AI.

Conclusion: This scoring system, intended for both outpatients and inpatients, might limit overtesting, contribute to a more effective use of resources, and help the clinician not underestimate the true risk of KD or MIS-C among patients with an incidental Adenovirus detection.

What is Known:• Kawasaki Disease (KD), Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and adenoviral infections share overlapping clinical presentation in persistently febrile children, making differential diagnosis challenging.• Scoring systems have been developed to identify high-risk KD patients and discriminate KD from MIS-C patients.

What is New:• This is the first scoring model based on clinical criteria to distinguish adenoviral infection from KD and MIS-C.• The score might be used by general pediatricians before referring febrile children to the emergency department.
Braced Triangulations and Rigidity
Authors: Cruickshank James , Kastis Eleftherios , Kitson Derek , Schulze Bernd
Published: August 2023

We consider the problem of finding an inductive construction, based on vertex splitting, of triangulated spheres with a fixed number of additional edges (braces). We show that for any positive integer b there is such an inductive construction of triangulations with b braces, having finitely many base graphs. In particular we establish a bound for the maximum size of a base graph with b braces that is linear in b. In the case that $$b=1$$

b
=
1

or 2 we determine the list of base graphs explicitly. Using these results we show that doubly braced triangulations are (generically) minimally rigid in two distinct geometric contexts arising from a hypercylinder in $$\mathbb {R}^4$$

R

4

and a class of mixed norms on $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

.
Concerns and coping mechanisms of breast cancer survivor women from Asia: a scoping review
Authors: Sarang Bhakti , Bhandarkar Prashant , Parsekar Shradha S. , Patil Priti , Venghateri Jubina Balan , Ghoshal Rakhi , Veetil Deepa Kizhakke , Shah Priyansh , Gadgil Anita , Roy Nobhojit
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The incidence of breast cancer has increased significantly in Asia due to epidemiological transition and changes in human development indices. Advancement in medical technology has improved prognosis with a resultant increase in survivorship issues. The effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are influenced by the patient’s cultural beliefs and social systems. This scoping review aims to summarise concerns and coping mechanisms of women with breast cancer in Asia and understand gaps in the existing literature.

Methods

We performed a scoping review using the population-concept-context strategy. A systematic search of MEDLINE (PubMed, Web of Science), CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Embase was conducted for studies conducted in Asia on women diagnosed with breast cancer, identifying their concerns and coping mechanisms, published between January 2011 and January 2021. Data from included studies were reported using frequencies and percentages.

Results

We included 163 studies, of which most (81%) were conducted in hospital settings. Emotional and psychological concerns were reported in 80% of studies, followed by physical appearance and body-image concerns in 46%. Social support (59%), emotion-based coping (46%), spirituality, and problem-based coping (37%) were the major coping systems documented.

Conclusion

The mapped literature documented that anxiety, depression, and fear of cancer recurrence dominated women’s emotional concerns. Women coped with the help of social support, positive reappraisal, and faith in God and religion. Sensitization of caregivers, including healthcare professionals and family members, to context-specific concerns and inquiry into the patients’ available support systems is essential in strengthening breast cancer women’s recovery and coping.
A novel uncertainty-aware deep learning technique with an application on skin cancer diagnosis
Authors: Shamsi Afshar , Asgharnezhad Hamzeh , Bouchani Ziba , Jahanian Khadijeh , Saberi Morteza , Wang Xianzhi , Razzak Imran , Alizadehsani Roohallah , Mohammadi Arash , Alinejad-Rokny Hamid
Published: August 2023

Skin cancer, primarily resulting from the abnormal growth of skin cells, is among the most common cancer types. In recent decades, the incidence of skin cancer cases worldwide has risen significantly (one in every three newly diagnosed cancer cases is a skin cancer). Such an increase can be attributed to changes in our social and lifestyle habits coupled with devastating man-made alterations to the global ecosystem. Despite such a notable increase, diagnosis of skin cancer is still challenging, which becomes critical as its early detection is crucial for increasing the overall survival rate. This calls for advancements of innovative computer-aided systems to assist medical experts with their decision making. In this context, there has been a recent surge of interest in machine learning (ML), in particular, deep neural networks (DNNs), to provide complementary assistance to expert physicians. While DNNs have a high processing capacity far beyond that of human experts, their outputs are deterministic, i.e., providing estimates without prediction confidence. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop DNNs with uncertainty-awareness to provide confidence in their predictions. Monte Carlo dropout (MCD) is vastly used for uncertainty quantification; however, MCD suffers from overconfidence and being miss calibrated. In this paper, we use MCD algorithm to develop an uncertainty-aware DNN that assigns high predictive entropy to erroneous predictions and enable the model to optimize the hyper-parameters during training, which leads to more accurate uncertainty quantification. We use two synthetic (two moons and blobs) and a real dataset (skin cancer) to validate our algorithm. Our experiments on these datasets prove effectiveness of our approach in quantifying reliable uncertainty. Our method achieved 85.65 ± 0.18 prediction accuracy, 83.03 ± 0.25 uncertainty accuracy, and 1.93 ± 0.3 expected calibration error outperforming vanilla MCD and MCD with loss enhanced based on predicted entropy.
The evolution Navier–Stokes equations in a cube under Navier boundary conditions: rarefaction and uniqueness of global solutions
Authors: Falocchi Alessio , Gazzola Filippo
Published: August 2023

We study the evolution Navier–Stokes equations in a cube under Navier boundary conditions. For the related stationary Stokes problem, we determine explicitly all the eigenvectors, eigenvalues and the corresponding Weyl asymptotic. We introduce the notion of rarefaction, namely families of eigenvectors that weakly interact with each other through the nonlinearity. By combining the spectral analysis with rarefaction, we expand the solutions in Fourier series, making explicit some of their properties. We then suggest several new points of view in order to explain the striking difference in uniqueness results between 2D and 3D. First, we construct examples of solutions for which the nonlinearity plays a minor role, both in 2D and 3D. Second, we show that, if a solution is rarefied, then its energy is decreasing: hence, rarefaction may be seen as an almost two dimensional assumption. Finally, by exploiting the explicit form of the eigenvectors we provide a numerical explanation of the difficulty in using energy methods for general solutions of the 3D equations.
A novel cognitive neurosurgery approach for supramaximal resection of non-dominant precuneal gliomas: a case report
Authors: Bermúdez Garazi , Quiñones Ileana , Carrasco Alejandro , Gil-Robles Santiago , Amoruso Lucia , Mandonnet Emmanel , Carreiras Manuel , Catalán Gregorio , Pomposo Iñigo
Published: August 2023

Despite mounting evidence pointing to the contrary, classical neurosurgery presumes many cerebral regions are non-eloquent, and therefore, their excision is possible and safe. This is the case of the precuneus and posterior cingulate, two interacting hubs engaged during various cognitive functions, including reflective self-awareness; visuospatial and sensorimotor processing; and processing social cues. This inseparable duo ensures the cortico-subcortical connectivity that underlies these processes. An adult presenting a right precuneal low-grade glioma invading the posterior cingulum underwent awake craniotomy with direct electrical stimulation (DES). A supramaximal resection was achieved after locating the superior longitudinal fasciculus II. During surgery, we found sites of positive stimulation for line bisection and mentalizing tests that enabled the identification of surgical corridors and boundaries for lesion resection. When post-processing the intraoperative recordings, we further identified areas that positively responded to DES during the trail-making and mentalizing tests. In addition, a clear worsening of the patient’s self-assessment ability was observed throughout the surgery. An awake cognitive neurosurgery approach allowed supramaximal resection by reaching the cortico-subcortical functional limits. The mapping of complex functions such as social cognition and self-awareness is key to preserving patients’ postoperative cognitive health by maximizing the ability to resect the lesion and surrounding areas.
Voltammetric analysis of biological fluids: quantification of species in urine accounting for non-linear concentration effects
Authors: Doménech-Carbó Antonio , Doménech-Casasús Clara , Ramos David
Published: August 2023

Voltammetric sensing of analytes in biological fluids is frequently accompanied by non-linear effects due to the analyte/matrix interactions. A theoretical approach is developed to describe such effects when standard addition methods are applied. Several asymptotic models are described considering equilibrium-like and kinetic-like interaction models and possible co-diffusion effects. Experimental data for non-linear features which appear in voltammetric sensing of serotonin and noradrenalin in urine are in satisfactory agreement with theoretical predictions.