bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Intrauterine Blood Transfusion (IUT) for Infectious Etiologies
Authors: Munoz Jessian L. , Benitez Leticia , Buskmiller Cara , Nassr Ahmed A. , Belfort Michael A. , Cortes Magdalena Sanz , Donepudi Roopali V.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Congenital viral infection may result in fetal anemia and thrombocytopenia. While intrauterine blood transfusions (IUTs) are more commonly performed for Rh alloimmunization, reports using IUT for infection have varying success. Our primary objective was to characterize the outcomes of patients undergoing IUT for infectious etiologies at our center compared with Rh disease.

Study Design

This was a case series of patients undergoing IUT from 2012–2023. Infectious etiologies were identified by maternal serologies and confirmed by amniotic fluid polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Clinical outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records.

Results

During the study period, 70 patients underwent IUT, 34% (24/70) for Rh alloimmunization and 17% (12/70) for infection. Those with infectious etiologies were more likely to be diagnosed at earlier gestational ages (22 vs. 25 weeks, p = 0.04), with hydrops (75 vs. 33%, p = 0.03), and thrombocytopenia (27 ± 33 × 103 vs. 163 ± 112 × 103, p < 0.01). Perinatal death was significantly greater in cases of CMV (4/5, 80%) compared to parvovirus (1/7, 14%) or Rh alloimmunization (5/24, 21%) (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Anemias and thrombocytopenias related to fetal infection may be indications for IUT. Compared with Rh alloimmunization, IUT in fetal infections was performed significantly earlier, and hydrops were more common at the time of IUT. In the case of CMV, greater rates of IUFD (80%) were observed. Patients should be counseled on the various outcomes by indication.
Cryo‐EM and solid state NMR together provide a more comprehensive structural investigation of protein fibrils
Authors: Fonda Blake D. , Kato Masato , Li Yang , Murray Dylan T.
Published: September 2024

The tropomyosin 1 isoform I/C C‐terminal domain (Tm1‐LC) fibril structure is studied jointly with cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This study demonstrates the complementary nature of these two structural biology techniques. Chemical shift assignments from solid state NMR are used to determine the secondary structure at the level of individual amino acids, which is faithfully seen in cryo‐EM reconstructions. Additionally, solid state NMR demonstrates that the region not observed in the reconstructed cryo‐EM density is primarily in a highly mobile random coil conformation rather than adopting multiple rigid conformations. Overall, this study illustrates the benefit of investigations combining cryo‐EM and solid state NMR to investigate protein fibril structure.
MeCP2 is a naturally supercharged protein with cell membrane transduction capabilities
Authors: Beribisky Alexander V. , Huber Anna , Sarne Victoria , Spittler Andreas , Sukhbaatar Nyamdelger , Seipel Teresa , Laccone Franco , Steinkellner Hannes
Published: September 2024

The intrinsically disordered protein MeCP2 is a global transcriptional regulator encoded by the MECP2 gene. Although the structured domains of MeCP2 have been the subject of multiple studies, its unstructured regions have not been that extensively characterized. In this work, we show that MeCP2 possesses properties akin to those of supercharged proteins. By utilizing its unstructured portions, MeCP2 can successfully transduce across cell membranes and localize to heterochromatic foci in the nuclei, displaying uptake levels a third lower than a MeCP2 construct fused to the cell‐penetrating peptide TAT. MeCP2 uptake can further be enhanced by the addition of compounds that promote endosomal escape following cellular trafficking by means of macropinocytosis. Using a combination of in silico prediction algorithms and live‐cell imaging experiments, we mapped the sequence in MeCP2 responsible for its cellular incorporation, which bears a striking resemblance to TAT itself. Transduced MeCP2 was shown to interact with HDAC3. These findings provide valuable insight into the properties of MeCP2 and may be beneficial for devising future protein‐based treatment strategies.
Effect of Cu(II) and Conserved Copper Binding Sites on the Multicopper Oxidase CopA and Characterization of BioMnOx
Authors: Tang Wenwei , Huang Zuxun , Liu Yunying , Zeng Xinping
Published: September 2024

The microbial manganese removal process is believed to consist of the catalytic oxidation of Mn(II) by manganese oxidase. In this study, the multicopper oxidase CopA was purified and exhibited high manganese oxidation activity in vitro, and it was found that Cu(II) can significantly enhance its manganese oxidation activity. Gene site‐directed mutagenesis was used to mutate four conserved copper binding sites of CopA to obtain four mutant strains. The manganese removal efficiencies of the four strains were determined, and it was found that H120 is the catalytically active site of CopA. The loss of Cu(II) and the mutation of the conserved copper binding site H120 resulted in the loss of ethoxyformyl and quinone modifications, a reduction in the number of modifications, and a change in the position of modifications, eventually causing a decrease in protein activity from 85.87% to 70.1%. These results reveal that Cu(II) and H120 play an indispensable role in manganese oxidation by the multicopper oxidase CopA. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicates that biogenic manganese oxides produced by strains and by CopA were both composed of MnO2 and Mn3O4 and that the average valence of Mn was 3.2.
Systematic Study on Swelling/Delamination of Layered Metal Oxides with Quaternary Ammonium Ions: Production of Well‐Shaped/Oversized Unilamellar Nanosheets
Authors: Song Yeji , Sakai Nobuyuki , Ebina Yasuo , Iyi Nobuo , Kikuchi Takayuki , Ma Renzhi , Ishida Yasuhiro , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: September 2024

Enormous swelling of layered host compounds in an aqueous solution of various amines has been investigated as an important step in the synthesis of molecularly thin 2D nanosheets. However, a complete understanding of the reaction process has not been attained, which is the barrier for producing high‐quality unilamellar nanosheets. Here, the swelling and delamination behaviors of platelet single crystals of protonated layered metal oxides are systematically examined with a series of tetraalkylammonium (TAA) hydroxide solutions. Upon contact with the solutions, the crystals immediately underwent massive expansion by several tens to hundreds of times. The swollen crystals can be delaminated into elementary layers by the application of external shear force. The exfoliation behavior is dependent on TAA ions, especially in terms of yield and lateral size/shape of the delaminated nanosheets. The swollen crystals with TAA ions with longer alkyl chains are delaminated almost completely, but irregular and fractured small sheets are yielded. Such long alkyl chains become entangled on the oxide layer and resulting hydrophobic interactions may be responsible for the lateral fragmentation. It is found that replacement of aqueous solutions with organic solvents to suppress the hydrophobic interactions is effective to produce oversized nanosheets in rectangular shape with sharp edges.
Unveiling the Dual Impact of CuI Layer and Se Content in Sb2(S, Se)3 Photocathodes for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Chun Hao Zhe , Lie Stener , Ahmed Mahmoud G. , Wong Lydia H.
Published: September 2024

Sb2(S, Se)3 is a promising photocathode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) conversion of solar energy to hydrogen due to its excellent optoelectronic properties, stability, and low toxicity. For such applications, a p–i–n device architecture is favorable for efficient charge separation, with the p‐type layer improving hole extraction while the n‐type layer facilitates electron injection into the electrolyte for hydrogen evolution reaction. However, the lack of suitable p‐type layers for depositing a uniform layer of Sb2(S, Se)3 photocathode constrains the device architectures for PEC water splitting. In this work, various p‐type materials (e.g., NiO, CuS, and CuI) are investigated. Photocathodes fabricated on CuI demonstrate superior performance due to improved hole extraction and uniform growth of Sb2(S, Se)3 absorber layer. The Se/S ratio is adjusted to further fine‐tune the photocathode's absorption, influencing the efficiency of charge carriers’ injection and separation. The overall PEC performance reaches the maximum value when Se/S = 20%, achieving up to 4.2 mA cm−2 with stable photocurrents sustained for 120 min under standard illumination conditions, achieving the highest‐reported photocurrent among S‐rich‐solution‐processed Sb2(S, Se)3 photocathodes. In this work, new avenues are opened for the design of p–i–n Sb2(S, Se)3 PEC devices.
Development of high energy resolution crystal analyzers based on microporous ceramics for resonant inelastic x‐ray scattering program at High Energy Photon Source
Authors: Guo Zhiying , Diao Qianshun , Zhang Yujun , Jia Xun , Jin Shuoxue , Gan Xiaolong , Zhang Han , Tian Ye , Han Qingfu , Qian Haijie , Ishii Kenji , Xu Wei
Published: September 2024

The spherically bent x‐ray crystal analyzer is one of the key optical elements for performing high energy resolution hard x‐ray spectroscopies based on Rowland circle geometry. To meet the requirements of Resonant Inelastic X‐ray Scattering (RIXS) program at High Energy Photon Source (HEPS), the fourth‐generation high energy synchrotron in Beijing, China, high energy resolution crystal analyzers were fabricated. The fabrication processes of vacuum‐mounted flat‐diced crystal analyzers using home‐designed devices with microporous ceramics are presented. The energy resolution of the vacuum‐mounted crystal analyzers, for measuring Cu K‐edge RIXS, is benchmarked with that of the glued flat‐diced crystal analyzers. Both the gluing and vacuum‐mounting are proven to be reliable techniques for the routine production of spherical bent diced crystal analyzers with energy resolution of tens of meV, and with good focal properties and efficiency. In particular, the vacuum‐mounted technique will be beneficial for the RIXS techniques to target multiple elements of interest.
Logarithmically Enhanced Area-Laws for Fermions in Vanishing Magnetic Fields in Dimension Two
Authors: Pfeiffer Paul , Spitzer Wolfgang
Published: September 2024

We consider fermionic ground states of the Landau Hamiltonian, $$H_B$$

H
B

, in a constant magnetic field of strength $$B>0$$

B
>
0

in $${\mathbb {R}}^2$$

R

2

at some fixed Fermi energy $$\mu >0$$

μ
>
0

, described by the Fermi projection $$P_B:=1(H_B\le \mu )$$

P
B

:
=
1

(

H
B

≤
μ
)

. For some fixed bounded domain $$\Lambda \subset {\mathbb {R}}^2$$

Λ
⊂

R

2

with boundary set $$\partial \Lambda $$

∂
Λ

and an $$L>0$$

L
>
0

we restrict these ground states spatially to the scaled domain $$L \Lambda $$

L
Λ

and denote the corresponding localised Fermi projection by $$P_B(L\Lambda )$$

P
B

(
L
Λ
)

. Then we study the scaling of the Hilbert-space trace, $$\textrm{tr} f(P_B(L\Lambda ))$$

tr
f
(

P
B

(
L
Λ
)

)

, for polynomials f with $$f(0)=f(1)=0$$

f
(
0
)
=
f
(
1
)
=
0

of these localised ground states in the joint limit $$L\rightarrow \infty $$

L
→
∞

and $$B\rightarrow 0$$

B
→
0

. We obtain to leading order logarithmically enhanced area-laws depending on the size of LB. Roughly speaking, if 1/B tends to infinity faster than L, then we obtain the known enhanced area-law (by the Widom–Sobolev formula) of the form $$L \ln (L) a(f,\mu ) |\partial \Lambda |$$

L
ln
(
L
)
a
(
f
,
μ
)
|
∂
Λ
|

as $$L\rightarrow \infty $$

L
→
∞

for the (two-dimensional) Laplacian with Fermi projection $$1(H_0\le \mu )$$

1
(

H
0

≤
μ
)

. On the other hand, if L tends to infinity faster than 1/B, then we get an area law with an $$L \ln (\mu /B) a(f,\mu ) |\partial \Lambda |$$

L
ln
(
μ
/
B
)
a
(
f
,
μ
)
|
∂
Λ
|

asymptotic expansion as $$B\rightarrow 0$$

B
→
0

. The numerical coefficient $$a(f,\mu )$$

a
(
f
,
μ
)

in both cases is the same and depends solely on the function f and on $$\mu $$
μ
. The asymptotic result in the latter case is based upon the recent joint work of Leschke, Sobolev and the second named author [7] for fixed B, a proof of the sine-kernel asymptotics on a global scale, and on the enhanced area-law in dimension one by Landau and Widom. In the special but important case of a quadratic function f we are able to cover the full range of parameters B and L. In general, we have a smaller region of parameters (B, L) where we can prove the two-scale asymptotic expansion $$\textrm{tr} f(P_B(L\Lambda ))$$

tr
f
(

P
B

(
L
Λ
)

)

as $$L\rightarrow \infty $$

L
→
∞

and $$B\rightarrow 0$$

B
→
0

.
$$\varvec{q}$$-rational Functions and Interpolation with Complete Nevanlinna–Pick Kernels
Authors: Alpay Daniel , Cerejeiras Paula , Kaehler Uwe , Schneider Baruch
Published: September 2024

In this paper we introduce the concept of matrix-valued q-rational functions. In comparison to the classical case, we give different characterizations with principal emphasis on realizations and discuss algebraic manipulations. We also study the concept of Schur multipliers and complete Nevanlinna–Pick kernels in the context of q-deformed reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces and provide first applications in terms of an interpolation problem using Schur multipliers and complete Nevanlinna–Pick kernels.
On dihedral angle sums and number of facets for product polytopes
Authors: Korotov Sergey , Vatne Jon Eivind
Published: September 2024

In this paper we present a method for computing the dihedral angle sums (and their two-sided estimates) of cartesian and skew product polytopes provided the sums of dihedral angles (or their estimates) are known for the factors. In addition, a formula for computing the number of facets of such product polytopes is derived. The method proposed is very universal and illustrated by several examples. The estimates are in a full agreement with known results for prisms and hexahedra.
Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Patient Experience During Urodynamics: A Prospective Study
Authors: Kuang Ruby , Moldovan Christina , Drury Sydney , Wagner Hillary , Jellison Forrest , Staack Andrea
Published: September 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

Urodynamics (UDS) assesses voiding dysfunction using intravesical, vaginal, or rectal catheters, which can be distressing. This study was aimed at utilizing mindfulness to reduce anxiety and pain in patients undergoing UDS.

Methods

A single-institution randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 patients who underwent UDS. Patients were assigned to a mindfulness group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). Before UDS testing, all patients completed validated questionnaires assessing lower urinary tract symptoms (Urogenital Distress Inventory 6, UDI-6), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory 6, STAI-6), and pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS). The mindfulness group listened to a mindfulness audio prompt before UDS. All patients received standardized UDS education before UDS testing in a calm environment. After UDS testing, all patients completed validated UDS-perception questionnaires, STAI-6, Likert scale, and VAS surveys. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests, independent t tests, Wilcoxon, and Chi-squared tests.

Results

Both groups had similar demographics, history of prior UDS, anxiety, and baseline UDI-6 and STAI-6. Post-UDS, anxiety scores decreased in both groups, with the mindfulness group reporting significant improvement in “calmness” (mean 1.7, SD = 0.84) compared with the control group (mean 2.3, SD = 1.0, p < 0.05). The mindfulness group reported increased relaxation whereas the control group reported decreased relaxation post-UDS. Patients in both groups without a history of UDS had a significant improvement in total anxiety compared with those with a history of UDS.

Conclusion

Mindfulness meditation may improve calmness and relaxation for patients undergoing UDS.
A PDE1 inhibitor, vinpocetine, ameliorates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis in adenine-induced chronic kidney injury in rats by targeting the DNMT1/Klotho/β-catenin/Snail 1 and MMP-7 pathways
Authors: Abdelfattah Amira Mohammed , Mohammed Zeinab A. , Talaat Aliaa , Samy Walaa , Eldesoqui Mamdouh , Elgarhi Reham I.
Published: September 2024

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is present with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vinpocetine (Vinpo) is used for treating cerebrovascular deficits, exhibiting some kidney-beneficial effects; however, its role in TIF is uncertain. So, the aim of this study was to investigate its potential impact on adenine-induced fibrotic CKD and explore the underlying mechanistic aspects. Eighteen male Wistar rats were categorized into three groups (n = 6 each). Group I was kept as controls and given saline; group II received adenine (300 mg/kg, twice weekly, i.p.) for induction of the CKD model; and group III was administered Vinpo (20 mg/kg/d, orally) concurrently with adenine. All treatments were administered for 4 weeks. Vinpo revealed an improvement in renal function and an alleviation of inflammation triggered by adenine via diminishing serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels. Further, Vinpo repressed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with preserved E-cadherin mRNA expression and lowered gene and immune expression of fibronectin and vimentin, respectively, besides attenuating the elevated G2/M arrest-related molecules (renal Ki67 protein contents and p21 gene expression). Renal pathological alterations caused by adenine were attenuated upon Vinpo administration. Interestingly, Vinpo suppressed abnormal renal β-catenin immunoreactivity, Snail 1, and MMP-7 gene expression while simultaneously restored Klotho protein expression by downregulating DNA methyltransferase 1 enzyme (DNMT1) protein expression in the kidney. These data indicated that Vinpo effectively mitigated EMT and G2/M arrest-induced renal fibrosis in adenine-induced CKD rats by targeting DNMT1-associated Klotho suppression, subsequently inhibiting β-catenin and its fibrotic downstream genes.
Einstein–Yang–Mills Wormholes Haunted by a Phantom Field
Authors: Sobak Marko
Published: September 2024

In this article, we study wormhole spacetimes in the framework of the static spherically symmetric $${\textbf {SU}} (2)$$

SU
(
2
)

Einstein–Yang–Mills theory coupled to a phantom scalar field. We show rigorously the existence of an infinite sequence of symmetric wormhole solutions, labelled by the number of zeros of the Yang–Mills potential. These solutions have previously been discovered numerically. Mathematically, the problem resembles the pure Einstein–Yang–Mills system for black hole initial conditions, which was well-studied in the 90s. The main difference in the present work is that the coupling to the phantom field adds a non-trivial degree of complexity to the analysis. After proving the existence of the symmetric wormhole solutions, we also present numerical evidence for the existence of asymmetric ones.
Digitale Telemedizin zur Überwachung chronischer Netzhauterkrankungen – ein klinisches Werkzeug für die Zukunft?
Authors: Terheyden Jan Henrik , Mauschitz Matthias M. , Wintergerst Maximilian W. M. , Chang Petrus , Herrmann Philipp , Liegl Raffael , Ach Thomas , Finger Robert P. , Holz Frank G.
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Angesichts der prognostizierten Zunahme chronischer Netzhauterkrankungen und einer Unterversorgung der Bevölkerung könnte Telemedizin einen Beitrag leisten, Zugangsbarrieren zur Gesundheitsversorgung zu reduzieren und Behandlungsergebnisse zu verbessern.

Ziel der Arbeit

Literaturübersicht zur Fernüberwachung chronischer Netzhauterkrankungen.

Material und Methoden

Die medizinische Literatur wurde nach Arbeiten zur Fernüberwachung chronischer Netzhauterkrankungen durchsucht. Die Ergebnisse wurden in einer Übersichtsarbeit zusammengestellt.

Ergebnisse

Vier Hauptthemen in der Literatur sind: Validierungsstudien, Implementierungsstrategien, Akzeptanz‑/Zielgruppenanalysen und gesundheitsökonomische Analysen. Systeme zur Fernüberwachung basieren auf Sehfunktionstests, Bildgebung oder Patientenberichten und wurden bislang insbesondere bei der altersabhängigen Makuladegeneration (AMD) und der diabetischen Augenerkrankung (DAE) untersucht. Studien deuten auf positive Effekte hinsichtlich einer Optimierung der Versorgung und ein günstiges Sicherheitsprofil hin, jedoch fehlen für die Mehrzahl der berichteten Werkzeuge randomisierte, kontrollierte Studien.

Diskussion

Fernüberwachung könnte eine Ergänzung zu bestehenden Versorgungsstrukturen bei Patienten mit chronischen Netzhauterkrankungen, insbesondere AMD und DAE, darstellen. Vielversprechende Systeme basieren etwa auf der Übersehschärfe oder der optischen Kohärenztomographie, während selbstberichtete Daten bislang wenig eingesetzt werden. Derzeit ist jedoch noch keine ausreichende Evidenz für eine Anwendung von Fernüberwachungssystemen bei chronischen Netzhauterkrankungen in Europa gegeben, und weitere Studien zur Validierung von Fernüberwachungssystemen sind notwendig.
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system: a systematic literature review
Authors: Konitsioti Agni M. , Prüss Harald , Laurent Sarah , Fink Gereon R. , Heesen Christoph , Warnke Clemens
Published: September 2024

Importance

B-cell-targeting monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated safety and efficacy in multiple sclerosis or anti-aquaporin-4 IgG positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. However, these therapies do not facilitate drug-free remission, which may become possible with cell-based therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. CAR T-cell therapy holds promise for addressing other antibody-mediated CNS disorders, e.g., MOG-associated disease or autoimmune encephalitis.

Objective

To provide an overview of the current clinical knowledge on CAR T-cell therapy in central nervous system autoimmunity.

Evidence review

We searched PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and clinicaltrials.gov using the terms ‘CAR T cell’ and ‘multiple sclerosis/MS’ or ‘neuromyelitis optica/spectrum diseases/NMOSD’ or ‘MOG-associated disease/MOGAD ‘or’ autoimmune encephalitis’ or ‘neuroimmunology’.

Findings

An ongoing phase I clinical trial has indicated the safety and benefits of anti-BCMA CAR T cells in 12 patients with AQP4-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Case reports involving two individuals with progressive multiple sclerosis and one patient with stiff-person syndrome demonstrated a manageable safety profile following treatment with anti-CD19 CAR T cells. Recruitment has commenced for two larger studies in MS, and a phase I open-label basket study is underway to evaluate BCMA-directed CAR T cells in various antibody-associated inflammatory diseases, including MOG-associated disease. Preclinical research on NMDA receptor antibody autoimmune encephalitis treated with chimeric autoantibody receptor T cells generated promising data.

Conclusions and relevance

There is minimal evidence of the benefits of CAR T-cell therapy in individuals with central nervous system-directed autoimmunity. Nevertheless, multicenter controlled clinical trials with a manageable safety profile appear feasible and are warranted due to very promising case experiences.
Childhood lead exposure and sleep problems in adolescents: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Dai Ying , Halabicky Olivia M. , Ji Xiaopeng , Liu Jianghong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Childhood lead exposure is linked to poorer neurobehavioral function in adolescence, but the relationship between lead and adolescent sleep health remains inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate concurrent and longitudinal associations between lead exposure and multiple sleep health domains in adolescents.

Methods

A total of 972 adolescents from China Jintan Child Cohort were included in analyses. The Blood lead levels (BLLs) were assessed in two Waves, at ages 3–5 years (mean 6.50 ± 2.76 μg/dL) and 11–13 years (mean 3.12 ± 1.17 μg/dL). Sleep problems at age 11–13 were parent-reported via the Child Sleep Health Questionnaire (CSHQ) and self-reported by adolescents using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results

Both early and later BLLs were associated positively with parental reported sleep problems, including sleep onset delay, night waking, short duration, parasomnias, and disordered breathing. Sex-stratified analyzes showed that most adjusted associations between two-Wave BLLs and sleep outcomes (CSHQ and PSQI) remained statistically significant in males, with a minor increase in the magnitude of these associations. The association between Wave II BLLs and shorter self-reported sleep duration was only statistically significant in female adolescents. Compared to children with consistently low BLLs at both ages, those with persistently high BLLs at both ages had significantly shorter parental-reported sleep duration and worse sleep onset delay.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that both early and later childhood lead exposures link to more adolescent sleep problems, with recent BLLs showing stronger associations with poor adolescent sleep health reported by their parents.
Enhancing connectivity and coverage in wireless sensor networks: a hybrid comprehensive learning-Fick’s algorithm with particle swarm optimization for router node placement
Authors: Amer Dina A. , Soliman Sarah A. , Hassan Asmaa F. , Zamel Amr A.
Published: September 2024

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are essential for collecting and transmitting data in modern applications that rely on data, where effective network connectivity and coverage are crucial. The optimal placement of router nodes within WSNs is a fundamental challenge that significantly impacts network performance and reliability. Researchers have explored various approaches using metaheuristic algorithms to address these challenges and optimize WSN performance. This paper introduces a new hybrid algorithm, CFL-PSO, based on combining an enhanced Fick’s Law algorithm with comprehensive learning and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). CFL-PSO exploits the strengths of these techniques to strike a balance between network connectivity and coverage, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of WSNs. We evaluate the performance of CFL-PSO by benchmarking it against nine established algorithms, including the conventional Fick’s law algorithm (FLA), Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA), Multi-Verse Optimizer (MVO), Salp Swarm Optimization (SSO), War Strategy Optimization (WSO), Harris Hawk Optimization (HHO), African Vultures Optimization Algorithm (AVOA), Capuchin Search Algorithm (CapSA), Tunicate Swarm Algorithm (TSA), and PSO. The algorithm’s performance is extensively evaluated using 23 benchmark functions to assess its effectiveness in handling various optimization scenarios. Additionally, its performance on WSN router node placement is compared against the other methods, demonstrating its competitiveness in achieving optimal solutions. These analyses reveal that CFL-PSO outperforms the other algorithms in terms of network connectivity, client coverage, and convergence speed. To further validate CFL-PSO’s effectiveness, experimental studies were conducted using different numbers of clients, routers, deployment areas, and transmission ranges. The findings affirm the effectiveness of CFL-PSO as it consistently delivers favorable optimization results when compared to existing methods, highlighting its potential for enhancing WMN performance. Specifically, CFL-PSO achieves up to a 66.5% improvement in network connectivity, a 16.56% improvement in coverage, and a 21.4% improvement in the objective function value when compared to the standard FLA.
Digital exclusion as a barrier to accessing healthcare: a summary composite indicator and online tool to explore and quantify local differences in levels of exclusion
Authors: Mee Paul , Gussy Mark , Huntley Phil , Kenny Amanda , Jarratt Theo , Kenward Nigel , Ward Derek , Vaughan Aiden
Published: September 2024

Existing disparities in digital access were exacerbated with the accelerated shift to online provision of services during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for already disadvantaged groups. Metrics to quantify relative local differences in levels of digital exclusion are a necessary pre-requisite for the targeting of interventions to address these disparities. In this study we developed a composite indicator and an interactive dashboard ‘The Lincolnshire Digital Health Toolkit’ to explore digital exclusion in Lincolnshire, UK. To develop the indicator, individual variables were normalised and aggregated, intra-variable correlations explored, and factor analysis used to determine variable weightings. Three underlying factors were identified that explained a significant proportion of the variance in the original variables, the first two predominantly related to socioeconomic deprivation and lack of activity. In general, coastal areas in the east of the county had higher levels of digital exclusion, with significant local variation particularly within urban areas. Long travel times to reach medical facilities are an additional barrier in some communities. The toolkit has been used to support the evidence-based geographic targeting of interventions to address barriers to accessing digitally based health information and services. The impact of digital exclusion must be addressed to reduce marginalisation and isolation. The Lincolnshire Digital Health Toolkit provides a novel composite metric tailored to the conditions of this largely rural county and an interactive dashboard to support decisions on resource allocation.
Biocompatibility and antimicrobial effect of demineralised dentin matrix hydrogel for dental pulp preservation
Authors: Sultan Nessma , Camilleri Josette , Scheven Ben A.
Published: September 2024

Regeneration of dentin and preserving pulp vitality are essential targets for vital pulp therapy. Our study aimed to evaluate a novel biomimetic pulp capping agent with increased dentin regenerative activities. To produce demineralised dentin matrix (DDM) particles, human extracted teeth were ground and treated with ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid solution. DDM particles were added to sodium alginate and this combination was dripped into a 5% calcium chloride to obtain DDM hydrogel (DDMH). The eluants of both DDMH and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) were tested using an MTT assay to detect their cytotoxic effect on dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). Collagen-I (COL-I) gene expression was analysed on DPSC exposed to different dilutions of pulp capping material eluants by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Acridine orange staining was used to monitor the cell growth over the tested materials. Agar diffusion assay was utilised to test the antibacterial effect of DDMH and MTA compared to controls. MTT assay revealed that neat eluates of DDMH promoted DPSC viability. However, neat eluates of MTA were cytotoxic on DPSC after 72 h of culture. Moreover, DPSC were capable of growth and attached to the surface of DDMH, while they showed a marked reduction in their number when cultured on the MTA surface for one week, as shown by the acridine orange stain. In DPSC cultured with DDMH eluates, the COL-I gene was overexpressed compared to those cultured with MTA eluants. DDMH had significant antimicrobial activity in comparison to MTA after 24 h incubation. This in vitro study showed that DDMH could be an alternative pulp capping agent for regenerative endodontics.
Ocular genetics in the Japanese population
Authors: Hotta Yoshihiro , Torii Kaoruko , Takayama Masakazu
Published: September 2024

In today’s globalized society, ophthalmologists can examine people of different ethnicities regardless of where they live. The frequency of disease-causing genes varies according to a patient’s ethnic background. We explain genetic findings for Japanese patients with inherited eye diseases. Ocular genetics has made great advances over the past 30 years. For example, detecting mutations at nucleotide position 11778 in mitochondrial DNA was useful in the genetic diagnosis of Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). I evaluated the genotype-phenotype relationship in cases of corneal dystrophy and inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD). I identified the entire exon sequence of the eyes shut homolog (EYS) gene in patients with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP). EYS gene mutations are the most frequent cause of autosomal recessive RP. RPGRIP1 may be a common causative gene with early-onset severe retinal dystrophy, including Leber congenital amaurosis. However, some genes have complex structures that are difficult to analyze, including the OPN1LW/OPN1MW gene cluster in blue cone monochromacy and the IKBKG/NEMO genes in incontinentia pigmenti. This review will also present two cases with uniparental disomy, a case of IRD with double mutations, and a case with RP complicated with LHON-like neuropathy. Precise understanding of the effects of genetic variants may reveal differences in the clinical characteristics of patients with the same variant. When starting genome medicine, accurately diagnosing the patient, making accurate prediction, determining the genetic pattern, and providing genetic counseling are important. Above all, that both the doctors and patients understand genetic diseases correctly is important.
Characterization of an Advanced Blast Simulator for Investigation of Large Scale Blast Traumatic Brain Injury Studies
Authors: Nelson Allison J. , Ritzel David , Showalter Noah , Boppe Danny , Riegel Andy , VandeVord Pamela J.
Published: September 2024

Blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is a prominent military health concern. The pervasiveness and long-term impacts of this injury highlight the need for investigation of the physiological outcomes of bTBI. Preclinical models allow for the evaluation of behavioral and neuropathological sequelae associated with bTBI. Studies have implemented rodent models to investigate bTBI due to the relative small size and low cost; however, a large animal model with similar neuroanatomical structure to humans is essential for clinical translation. Small blast simulators are used to induce bTBI in rodents, but a large animal model demands a larger device. This study describes a large advanced blast simulator (ABS4) that is a gas-detonation-driven system consisting of 5 sections totaling 40 ft in length with a cross-section of 4 × 4 ft at the test section. It is highly suitable for large animals and human surrogate investigations. This work characterized the ABS4 in preparation of large-scale bTBI testing. An array of tests were conducted with target overpressures in the test section ranging from 10 to 50 psi, and the pressure-time profiles clearly illustrate the essential characteristics of a free-field blast wave, specifically a sharp peak pressure and a defined negative phase. Multiple blast tests conducted at the same target pressure produced very similar pressure profiles, exhibiting the reproducibility of the ABS4 system. With its extensive range of pressures and substantial size, the ABS4 will permit military-relevant translational blast testing.
Proposal for a framework for environmental zoning of areas near gold mines based on the distribution of potentially toxic elements, pollution indices, and bioindicators: a case study in Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: López Julián E. , Marín Juan F. , Saldarriaga Juan F.
Published: September 2024

Gold mining, even under strict environmental regulations, inevitably causes environmental impacts and liabilities. To address this, the study proposes a framework for environmental zoning around gold mines based on the distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), pollution indices, and bioindicators. Soil samples were collected from municipalities affected by gold mining projects, and concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Cr were measured. Then, the Pollution Load Index (PLI) was calculated. A plant model was used for the biomonitoring of PTEs, and the Plant Vigor Index (PVI) was determined. Finally, environmental zoning was proposed through geospatial analysis combining PTEs, PLI, and PVI values. The concentrations of PTEs were as follows: As ranged from 1.7 to 892, Cd from 0.1 to 65.2, Pb from 18.5 to 2345, and Cr from 5.4 to 118.4. Spearman’s rank correlation showed significant relations (ρ > 0.76) between bioindicators and PTE concentrations and PLI. The PVI correlated significantly with PTE concentrations (ρ − 0.41 to − 0.67) and PLI (ρ − 0.65). The municipalities were categorized into three zones: highly contaminated, moderately contaminated, and minimally contaminated. Overall, the environmental zoning maps serve as a management tool for environmental monitoring.
Disconnected Connections of Learning Beyond Formal Schooling Through Human–Computer–Human Interactions
Authors: Prestridge Sarah , Tan Seng Chee , Jacobsen Michele , Hoppe H. Ulrich , Angeli Charoula , Milrad Marcelo , Pangeni Shesha Kanta , Kovatcheva Eugenia , Kafyulilo Ayoub , Flanagan Brendan , Khaddage Ferial
Published: September 2024

This article originated from a working group on “Learning beyond formal schooling through human–computer–human interaction (HCHI)” convened at the UNESCO EDUSummIT 2023 in Kyoto (Japan). A polylogue approach was adopted by engaging eight co-authors whose diverse perspectives culminated in propositions that addressed the pivotal question: How should the connections between formal, non-formal, and informal learning be considered in a digitally mediated world? Formal learning is typically structured, organized and chronologically arranged institutional learning, whereas informal learning is associated with everyday learning across contexts throughout one’s life, and non-formal learning is a hybrid of these forms of learning. Considering the growing prominence of informal and non-formal learning in a digitally mediated world, the evolving learning ecosystem calls for a recalibration of the emphasis on formal learning. In this regard, HCHI has the potential to mediate human–human interactions, thereby bridging formal and informal learning. Our articulated position is to preserve the distinct boundaries and inherent complexities of each type of learning while creating opportunities or ‘bridges’ to authentically draw on the processes of each through meaningful actions. The polylogue yielded three propositions to bridge the connections between formal, non-formal and informal learning spaces in a digitally mediated world: (a) formal education institutions can establish strategic alliances and collaborations with learning organizations beyond the formal educational system, (b) the creation of digital learning communities within formal and non-formal spaces exemplify a paradigm of operation in an unregulated, student-centric cohesive space where the educator is a co-participant, (c) the recognition of the value of informal learning experiences by formal education institutions is critical, with emphasis on the learning process rather than the product.
Intraspecific Variation in the Alkaloids of Adalia decempunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae): Sex, Reproduction and Colour Pattern Polymorphism
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Nedvěd Oldřich , Sloggett John J.
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we examine intraspecific variation in the quantity of alkaloid chemical defence in field collected individuals of the polymorphic ladybird beetle Adalia decempunctata (10-spot ladybird). Like its more widely studied relative Adalia bipunctata (2-spot ladybird), A. decempunctata possesses the alkaloids adaline and adalinine, which are, respectively, the major and minor alkaloids of A. bipunctata. We focused especially on alkaloid concentration in relation to colour pattern morph, sex, and the relationship between female and egg parameters. There was a marked sexual dimorphism in the balance of the two alkaloids, with adaline predominating in females and adalinine predominating in males: in males, on average, over 70% of total alkaloid was adalinine. Females had a lower proportion of adalinine (< 10%) than their eggs (> 15%) and relationships between egg alkaloid and female alkaloid or fecundity were weak or non-existent. Colour pattern morph had a borderline (although not) significant relationship with adaline concentration and total alkaloid concentration, which could be further explored with laboratory reared individuals. The sexual dimorphism in alkaloid content, which seems likely due to differences in synthesis, might be related to their relative costs to the two sexes and might provide insight into the evolution of alkaloid diversity in ladybirds.
Assessing the Preservation Effectiveness: A Comparative Study of Plasma Activated Water with Various Preservatives on Capsicum annuum L. (Jalapeño and Pusa Jwala)
Authors: Rathore Vikas , Sharma Piyush , Venugopal Arun Prasath , Nema Sudhir Kumar
Published: September 2024

The study investigates the efficacy of plasma-activated water (PAW) in preserving green chillies (jalapeño and pusa jwala) and compared it with various household fruits and vegetables cleaners’ solutions. PAW was prepared using a pencil plasma jet with air as the plasma forming gas. The results of visual analysis revealed that PAW-treated chillies maintain their fresh appearance even after 21 days, exhibiting significantly lower spoilage compared to control (ultrapure milli-Q water) and fruits and vegetables cleaners’ solutions. PAW demonstrated antimicrobial properties, effectively reducing microbial growth and spoilage on chillies over the storage period. Physical attributes, such as weight loss and firmness, are evaluated. It has been observed that PAW-treated chillies exhibit lower weight loss and higher firmness, indicating better membrane integrity and moisture retention. Microbial resistance was notably higher in PAW-treated chillies compared to control and when cleaning solutions were used. CIELAB color analysis revealed that PAW-treated chillies retain greenness, and color, freshness, outperforming control and cleaners. Sensory evaluation, including visual inspection, smell, taste, and touch, consistently favored PAW-treated chillies, emphasizing their superiority in terms of enhancement in shelf-life. Biochemical analysis revealed that PAW-treated chillies either maintain or show enhancement in nutritional attributes such as soluble sugar, protein, and ascorbic acid concentrations. Phenol concentration (antioxidant activity) remained stable across treatments. Overall, the study underscores the positive impact of PAW treatment on preserving the membrane integrity, antimicrobial resistance, sensory quality, and nutritional attributes of green chillies, making PAW an alternative for extending their shelf life.
Is gastronomy crucial for UNESCO sites’ tourists? An important exploratory Italian study
Authors: Garofalo Antonio , Palmieri Nadia , Boccia Flavio
Published: September 2024

The paper analyses the role of gastronomic experiences as potential tourist attractions for local development. The decision to focus on a particular UNESCO site, as the Carolino aqueduct, is based on a perceived knowledge gap regarding the lack of tourists for the Carolino aqueduct. The work is based on quantitative data collection among potential visitors of the aqueduct Carolino. Altogether, 840 valid questionnaires were collected a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied. Findings reveal that that people’s motivation, supplied food, prior knowledge and past experiences influence the gastronomic experiences. The gastronomic experiences in turn affect both satisfaction with the destination and destination loyalty. Thus, gastronomic experiences should be useful path to support the tourism in a UNESCO site, as the aqueduct Carolino. When discussing issues related to the cultural heritage, the question arises as to how should enhance the cultural heritage for tourism reasons. The results of this research demonstrate that gastronomic experiences are imperative to the success of cultural heritage tourism.
The vasoprotective role of IGF-1 signaling in the cerebral microcirculation: prevention of cerebral microhemorrhages in aging
Authors: Stankovics Levente , Ungvari Anna , Fekete Mónika , Nyul-Toth Adam , Mukli Peter , Patai Roland , Csik Boglarka , Gulej Rafal , Conley Shannon , Csiszar Anna , Toth Peter
Published: September 2024

Aging is closely associated with various cerebrovascular pathologies that significantly impact brain function, with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) being a major contributor to cognitive decline in the elderly. Consequences of CSVD include cerebral microhemorrhages (CMH), which are small intracerebral bleeds resulting from the rupture of microvessels. CMHs are prevalent in aging populations, affecting approximately 50% of individuals over 80, and are linked to increased risks of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Hypertension is a primary risk factor for CMHs. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) adapt to hypertension by undergoing hypertrophy and producing extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which reinforce vessel walls. Myogenic autoregulation, which involves pressure-induced constriction, helps prevent excessive pressure from damaging the vulnerable microvasculature. However, aging impairs these adaptive mechanisms, weakening vessel walls and increasing susceptibility to damage. Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is crucial for vascular health, promoting VSMC hypertrophy, ECM production, and maintaining normal myogenic protection. IGF-1 also prevents microvascular senescence, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and regulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, which is vital for ECM remodeling and stabilization. IGF-1 deficiency, common in aging, compromises these protective mechanisms, increasing the risk of CMHs. This review explores the vasoprotective role of IGF-1 signaling in the cerebral microcirculation and its implications for preventing hypertension-induced CMHs in aging. Understanding and addressing the decline in IGF-1 signaling with age are crucial for maintaining cerebrovascular health and preventing hypertension-related vascular injuries in the aging population.
Subcutaneous edema segmentation on abdominal CT using multi-class labels and iterative annotation
Authors: Bhadra Sayantan , Liu Jianfei , Summers Ronald M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

Anasarca is a condition that results from organ dysfunctions, such as heart, kidney, or liver failure, characterized by the presence of edema throughout the body. The quantification of accumulated edema may have potential clinical benefits. This work focuses on accurately estimating the amount of edema non-invasively using abdominal CT scans, with minimal false positives. However, edema segmentation is challenging due to the complex appearance of edema and the lack of manually annotated volumes.

Methods:

We propose a weakly supervised approach for edema segmentation using initial edema labels from the current state-of-the-art method for edema segmentation (Intensity Prior), along with labels of surrounding tissues as anatomical priors. A multi-class 3D nnU-Net was employed as the segmentation network, and training was performed using an iterative annotation workflow.

Results:

We evaluated segmentation accuracy on a test set of 25 patients with edema. The average Dice Similarity Coefficient of the proposed method was similar to Intensity Prior (61.5% vs. 61.7%;

$$p=0.83$$

p
=
0.83

). However, the proposed method reduced the average False Positive Rate significantly, from 1.8% to 1.1% (

$$p<0.001$$

p
<
0.001

). Edema volumes computed using automated segmentation had a strong correlation with manual annotation (

$$R^2=0.87$$

R
2

=
0.87

).

Conclusion:

Weakly supervised learning using 3D multi-class labels and iterative annotation is an efficient way to perform high-quality edema segmentation with minimal false positives. Automated edema segmentation can produce edema volume estimates that are highly correlated with manual annotation. The proposed approach is promising for clinical applications to monitor anasarca using estimated edema volumes.