bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The involvement of caregivers of patients with dementia during mastoid surgery under local anaesthesia
Authors: Swords C , Patil S , Jog M , Yung M
Published: October 2021

Background

With a growing ageing population, there is a higher prevalence of dementia in patients with conditions that can be managed surgically. Patients with dementia undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia often have poorer outcomes than those without. Therefore, local anaesthesia can be an option.

Methods

Two patients with severe dementia and advanced cholesteatoma were identified for operative management. They were deemed too high risk to proceed with general anaesthesia. This article describes our experience of performing mastoid surgery under local anaesthesia in the presence of a primary carer in the operating theatre.

Results

The complete extirpation of cholesteatoma was achieved in both cases. The carers reported that local anaesthesia helped to facilitate communication and aid patient co-operation.

Conclusion

Our experience, albeit limited to two cases, illustrates an alternative individualised peri-operative strategy in the surgical management of patients with dementia and concurrent advanced cholesteatoma.
Characteristics that predict laryngeal penetration and aspiration in elderly patients following supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy: a videofluoroscopic study
Authors: Seino Y , Miyamoto S , Nakayama M , Yamashita T , Miles A , Allen J E
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study aimed to determine the incidence of laryngeal penetration and aspiration in elderly patients who underwent supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy for laryngeal cancer.

Method

A retrospective analysis of dynamic videofluoroscopic swallowing studies was performed in patients who had received supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy as a treatment for laryngeal cancers. Digital analysis of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies included measurements of displacement and timing related to swallowing safety.

Results

Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies from 52 patients were analysed. All participants were male and over 65 years old. Studies were performed five years after surgery. Among 52 videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, analysis showed that elevated pharyngeal constriction ratio (pharyngeal constriction ratio more than 0.0875, odds ratio = 5.2, p = 0.016), reduced pharyngoesophageal sphincter opening time (pharyngoesophageal sphincter open less than 0.6 seconds, odds ratio = 11.6, p = 0.00018) and reduced airway closure time (airway close less than 0.6 seconds, odds ratio = 10.6, p = 0.00057) were significantly associated with aspiration.

Conclusion

Deteriorated pharyngeal constriction, shortened airway closure and reduced pharyngoesophageal sphincter opening time are key factors for predicting laryngeal penetration or aspiration after supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy.
Cyberbiosecurity: An Emerging Field that has Ethical Implications for Clinical Neuroscience
Authors: Greenbaum Dov
Published: October 2021

Cyberbiosecurity is an emerging field that relates to the intersection of cybersecurity and the clinical and research practice in the biosciences. Beyond the concerns that usually arise in the areas of genomics, this paper highlights ethical concerns raised by cyberbiosecurity in clinical neuroscience. These concerns relate not only to the privacy of the data collected by imaging devices, but also the concern that patients using various stimulatory devices can be harmed by a hacker who either obfuscates the outputs or who interferes with the stimulatory process. The paper offers some suggestions as to how to rectify these increasingly dire concerns.
Collaborating with organized crime in the search for disappeared persons? Formalizing a humanitarian alternative for Mexico
Authors: Hernández Herrera Issa Cristina
Published: October 2021

The search for the more than 90,000 disappeared persons in Mexico has highlighted the need to establish relations of collaboration with organized crime groups in order to access not only relevant information to clarify the fate and whereabouts of the missing, but also territories under the control of organized crime groups for carrying out field searches. Given the ineffectiveness of formal, prosecutorial approaches and the considerable success of grassroots, victim-led search strategies, this paper argues for the need for a broader humanitarian approach to the search for the missing that is victim-centred and complementary to accountability mechanisms. The article advances a proposal to formalize this approach through the International Committee of the Red Cross's (ICRC) involvement in search activities, given the ICRC's unique organizational nature, expertise and humanitarian mandate.
Mesotrione: a new preemergence herbicide option for wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) control in wheat
Authors: Walsh Michael J. , Newman Peter , Chatfield Paul
Published: October 2021

Wild radish is the most problematic broadleaf weed in Australian grain production. The propensity of wild radish to evolve resistance to herbicides has led to high frequencies of multiple herbicide–resistant populations present in these grain production regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of mesotrione to selectively control wild radish in wheat. The initial dose response pot trials determined that at the highest mesotrione rate of 50 g ha−1 applied preemergence (PRE) was 30% more effective than when applied postemergence (POST) on wild radish. This same rate of mesotrione applied POST resulted in a 30% reduction in wheat biomass compared to 0% for the PRE application. Subsequent mesotrione PRE dose response trials identified a wheat selective rate range of >100 and <300 g ai ha−1 that provided greater than 85% wild radish control with less than 15% reduction in wheat growth. Field evaluations confirmed the efficacy of mesotrione at 100 to 150 g ai ha−1 in reducing wild radish populations by greater than 85% following PRE application and incorporation by wheat planting. Additionally, these field trials demonstrated the opportunity for season-long control of wild radish when mesotrione applied PRE was followed by bromoxynil applied POST. The sequential PRE application of mesotrione, a herbicide that inhibits p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, followed by POST application of bromoxynil, a herbicide that inhibits photosystem II, has the potential to provide 100% wild radish control with no effect on wheat growth.
Klinik, Diagnostik und Therapie proktologischer Beschwerden bei Patienten mit chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen
Authors: Misselwitz Benjamin , Rickenbacher Andreas , Brand Stephan
Published: October 2021

Zusammenfassung. Bei chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen (englisch: IBD) ist oft die Perianalregion betroffen. Aufgrund der grossen funktionellen Bedeutung des Anorektums führt dies meist zu einem grossen Leidensdruck der betroffenen Patienten. Die strukturierte Anamnese mit aktivem Erfragen auch tabuisierter Symptome wie Inkontinenz oder perianale Sekretionen ist daher sehr wichtig. Mehr als 30 % aller Patienten mit Morbus Crohn (englisch: CD) entwickeln im Verlauf perianale Fisteln. Perianale Fisteln können mit endoskopischem Ultraschall, MRI oder Untersuchung in Anästhesie weiter abgeklärt werden. Diese Untersuchungen liefern komplementäre Informationen. Die Fisteltherapie orientiert sich an Symptomen und hat kurzfristig die Besserung von Sekretion und Schmerzen, langfristig den Fistelverschluss unter Erhalt des Spinkterapparates zum Ziel. Bei akuten Fistelbeschwerden werden Antibiotika gegeben oder ein Seton eingelegt beziehungsweise ein Abszess gespalten. Für Infliximab als Anti-Tumornekrosefaktor-Antikörper konnte in einer randomisierten Studie eine Wirkung gegen Fistelbeschwerden nachgewiesen werden. Der chirurgische Fistelverschluss ist nur in der klinisch stabilen Situation möglich. Es stehen verschiedene Möglichkeiten zur Verfügung, die die Fistel 1) spalten, 2) diskonnektieren, 3) füllen beziehungsweise 4) abladieren, was individuell für den betroffenen Patienten ausgewählt werden muss. Die intraoperative Gabe von mesenchymalen Stammzellen eines Fremdspenders in und um den Fistelgang ist möglicherweise die effektivste Therapieoption, die aktuell aufgrund des grossen logistischen Aufwandes nur in wenigen Zentren angeboten wird. Die Stammzelltherapie ist momentan auf CD-Patienten mit maximal zwei Fistelausgängen beschränkt. Die Therapie von Fissuren und Hämorrhoiden bei IBD-Patienten ähnelt der von Patienten ohne Darmentzündung; Operationen sollten jedoch möglichst vermieden werden. Inkontinenz ist ein häufiges Problem bei IBD-Patienten, das zu massiven Alltagseinschränkungen führen kann. Die Therapie richtet sich gegen die Darmentzündung und umfasst Massnahmen zur Normalisierung der Stuhlkonsistenz beziehungsweise Darmmotilität. Krankheitsspezifische Therapiekonzepte für Inkontinenz bei IBD fehlen. Funktionelle Darmprobleme sind bei IBD-Patienten häufig, und eine dyssynerge Defäkationsstörung kann bei IBD-Patienten auch zu Stuhldrang (Urge) und Inkontinenz beitragen, und IBD-Patienten könnten von einer zielgerichteten Physiotherapie profitieren. IBD-Patienten haben ein erhöhtes Risiko für kolorektale Karzinome, Fistelkarzinome und möglicherweise auch Analkarzinome, und diese müssen in sinnvollen Abständen ausgeschlossen werden.
Lessons Learned – Beobachtungsstudie nach einem Jahr Sprechstunde «Häusliche Gewalt» am Universitären Notfallzentrum Bern
Authors: Blunier Simone , Utiger Sabina , Klukowska-Rötzler Jolanta , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Brodmann Maeder Monika , Müller Martin
Published: October 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die Zahl der Gewaltdelikte im Bereich häuslicher Gewalt steigt seit 2011 in der Schweiz kontinuierlich an. Das Universitäre Notfallzentrum Bern UNZ etablierte im November 2018 eine standardisierte Betreuung von Betroffenen von häuslicher Gewalt mit einer integrierten Nachkontrolle. In der vorliegenden retrospektiven Studie sind die Resultate sowie Herausforderungen ein Jahr nach der Einrichtung der Spezialsprechstunde zusammengetragen. Von den 53 primär im Notfallzentrum aufgrund HG behandelten Personen wurde 69,8 % (n = 37) ein Nachkontrolltermin angeboten. Spezifischen Subgruppen wurden weniger oft Nachkontrolltermine angeboten. Es zeigte sich, dass trotz Handlungsanleitung und Schulungen nicht alle Betroffenen gleich wahrgenommen werden.
CME: Mechanische Reanimationshilfe bei Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand CME-Fragen
Authors: Oechslin Luca , Casso Gabriele , Wyss Christophe
Published: October 2021

Zusammenfassung. Eine möglichst frühzeitige und qualitativ hochwertige kardiopulmonale Reanimation ist die effektivste Massnahme zur Senkung der Mortalität und Verbesserung des neurologischen Outcomes bei Herz-Kreislauf-Stillstand. Mit dem Ziel, die Reanimationsqualität zu verbessern, wurden verschiedene mechanische Reanimationshilfen (Assist Devices), die die manuelle Kompression ersetzen können, entwickelt. Wann diese eingesetzt werden können, ob sie zu einer Verbesserung des Outcomes führen und mit welchen Verletzungen sie einhergehen, wurde in mehreren Studien untersucht, worüber dieser Beitrag eine Übersicht schaffen soll.
The essential role of transcription factor Pitx3 in preventing mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurodegeneration and maintaining neuronal subtype identities during aging
Authors: Wang Ying , Chen Xi , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Song , Cai Huaibin , Le Weidong
Published: October 2021

Pituitary homeobox 3 (Pitx3) is required for the terminal differentiation of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons during neuronal development. However, whether Pitx3 contributes to the normal physiological function and cell-type identity of adult neurons remains unknown. To explore the role of Pitx3 in maintaining mature neurons, we selectively deleted Pitx3 in the mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons of Pitx3fl/fl/DATCreERT2 bigenic mice using a tamoxifen inducible CreERT2/loxp gene-targeting system. Pitx3fl/fl/DATCreERT2 mice developed age-dependent progressive motor deficits, concomitant with a rapid reduction of striatal dopamine (DA) content and a profound loss of mdDA neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) but not in the adjacent ventral tegmental area (VTA), recapitulating the canonical neuropathological features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mechanistic studies showed that Pitx3-deficiency significantly increased the number of cleaved caspase-3+ cells in SNc, which likely underwent neurodegeneration. Meanwhile, the vulnerability of SNc mdDA neurons was increased in Pitx3fl/fl/DATCreERT2 mice, as indicated by an early decline in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a1 (Aldh1a1) levels. Noticeably, somatic accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) was also significantly increased in the Pitx3-deficient neurons. Together, our data demonstrate that the loss of Pitx3 in fully differentiated mdDA neurons results in progressive neurodegeneration, indicating the importance of the Pitx3 gene in adult neuronal survival. Our findings also suggest that distinct Pitx3-dependent pathways exist in SNc and VTA mdDA neurons, correlating with the differential vulnerability of SNc and VTA mdDA neurons in the absence of Pitx3.
Robust design of a multirotor aerial vehicle
Authors: Dutta Abhishek
Published: October 2021

This paper introduces the methodology of systematic robust design of a multirotor vehicle as an example of how to carry out the robust design of a physical system. Robustness in aerial vehicles is highly desirable as it guarantees a desired level of performance even under environmental uncertainties. Thus far, robustness has been considered in terms of active control in the space of multirotor vehicles, but exploration of the design space itself is lacking. In this work, a conceptual design followed by a robust design is performed to come up with the specifications that lead to least uncertain performance of the multirotor vehicle with respect to stochastic wind disturbances.
Age differences in adaptation of medial-lateral gait parameters during split-belt treadmill walking
Authors: Fettrow Tyler , Hupfeld Kathleen , Reimann Hendrik , Choi Julia , Hass Chris , Seidler Rachael
Published: October 2021

The split-belt treadmill has been used to examine the adaptation of spatial and temporal gait parameters. Historically, similar studies have focused on anterior-posterior (AP) spatiotemporal gait parameters because this paradigm is primarily a perturbation in the AP direction, but it is important to understand whether and how medial-lateral (ML) control adapts in this scenario. The ML control of balance must be actively controlled and adapted in different walking environments. Furthermore, it is well established that older adults have balance difficulties. Therefore, we seek to determine whether ML balance adaptation differs in older age. We analyzed split belt induced changes in gait parameters including variables which inform us about ML balance control in younger and older adults. Our primary finding is that younger adults showed sustained asymmetric changes in these ML balance parameters during the split condition. Specifically, younger adults sustained a greater displacement between their fast stance foot and their upper body, relative to the slow stance foot, in the ML direction. This finding suggests that younger adults may be exploiting passive dynamics in the ML direction, which may be more metabolically efficient. Older adults did not display the same degree of asymmetry, suggesting older adults may be more concerned about maintaining a stable gait.
Role of NMDAR plasticity in a computational model of synaptic memory
Authors: Gribkova Ekaterina D. , Gillette Rhanor
Published: October 2021

A largely unexplored question in neuronal plasticity is whether synapses are capable of encoding and learning the timing of synaptic inputs. We address this question in a computational model of synaptic input time difference learning (SITDL), where N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) isoform expression in silent synapses is affected by time differences between glutamate and voltage signals. We suggest that differences between NMDARs’ glutamate and voltage gate conductances induce modifications of the synapse’s NMDAR isoform population, consequently changing the timing of synaptic response. NMDAR expression at individual synapses can encode the precise time difference between signals. Thus, SITDL enables the learning and reconstruction of signals across multiple synapses of a single neuron. In addition to plausibly predicting the roles of NMDARs in synaptic plasticity, SITDL can be usefully applied in artificial neural network models.
Automated segmentation by deep learning of loose connective tissue fibers to define safe dissection planes in robot-assisted gastrectomy
Authors: Kumazu Yuta , Kobayashi Nao , Kitamura Naoki , Rayan Elleuch , Neculoiu Paul , Misumi Toshihiro , Hojo Yudai , Nakamura Tatsuro , Kumamoto Tsutomu , Kurahashi Yasunori , Ishida Yoshinori , Masuda Munetaka , Shinohara Hisashi
Published: October 2021

The prediction of anatomical structures within the surgical field by artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to support surgeons’ experience and cognitive skills. We aimed to develop a deep-learning model to automatically segment loose connective tissue fibers (LCTFs) that define a safe dissection plane. The annotation was performed on video frames capturing a robot-assisted gastrectomy performed by trained surgeons. A deep-learning model based on U-net was developed to output segmentation results. Twenty randomly sampled frames were provided to evaluate model performance by comparing Recall and F1/Dice scores with a ground truth and with a two-item questionnaire on sensitivity and misrecognition that was completed by 20 surgeons. The model produced high Recall scores (mean 0.606, maximum 0.861). Mean F1/Dice scores reached 0.549 (range 0.335–0.691), showing acceptable spatial overlap of the objects. Surgeon evaluators gave a mean sensitivity score of 3.52 (with 88.0% assigning the highest score of 4; range 2.45–3.95). The mean misrecognition score was a low 0.14 (range 0–0.7), indicating very few acknowledged over-detection failures. Thus, AI can be trained to predict fine, difficult-to-discern anatomical structures at a level convincing to expert surgeons. This technology may help reduce adverse events by determining safe dissection planes.
Assessment of total and regional bone mineral density using bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in elderly population
Authors: Lu Hsueh-Kuan , Lai Chung-Liang , Lee Li-Wen , Chu Lee-Ping , Hsieh Kuen-Chang
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and height-adjusted resistance (R/H), reactance (Xc/H) and phase angle (PhA). A total of 61 male and 64 female subjects aged over 60 years were recruited from middle Taiwan. The R and Xc were measured using Bodystat Quadscan 4000 at a frequency of 50 kHz. BMD at the whole body, L2–L4 spine, and dual femur neck (DFN), denoted as BMDTotal, BMDL2–L4, and BMDDFN, were calculated using a Hologic DXA scanner. The R-Xc graph was used to assess vector shift among different levels of BMD. BMD was positively correlated with Xc/H and negatively correlated with R/H (p < 0.001). The General Linear Model (GLM) regression results were as follows: BMDTotal = 1.473–0.002 R/H + 0.007 Xc/H, r = 0.684; BMDL2–L4 = 1.526–0.002 R/H + 0.012 Xc/H, r = 0.655; BMDDFN = 1.304–0.002 R/H + Xc/H, r = 0.680; p < 0.0001. Distribution of vector in the R-Xc graph was significantly different for different levels of BMDTotal, BMDL2–L4 and BMDDFN. R/H and Xc/H were correlated with BMD in the elderly. The linear combination of R/H and Xc/H can effectively predict the BMD of the whole body, spine and proximal femur, indicating that BIVA may be used in clinical and home-use monitoring tool for screening BMD in the elderly in the future.
Adequate magnesium level as an associated factor of pre-diabetes and diabetes mellitus remission in patients with obesity submitted to bariatric surgery
Authors: Guerreiro Vanessa , Maia Isabel , Neves João Sérgio , Salazar Daniela , Ferreira Maria João , Mendonça Fernando , Silva Maria Manuel , Viana Sara , Costa Cláudia , Pedro Jorge , Varela Ana , Lau Eva , Freitas Paula , Carvalho Davide
Published: October 2021

Bariatric surgery (BS) can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), however, the evidence on the influence of preoperative serum magnesium levels on this reversal is scarce. To study the influence of preoperative serum magnesium levels on the pre-T2DM and T2DM remission one year after BS. Retrospective study carried out among 1656 patients with obesity who underwent BS in the Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João. T2DM and pre-T2DM remission were defined as being normal glycaemic measures of at least one year’s after BS and without pharmacological therapy. To assess the association between preoperative serum magnesium levels and pre- and T2DM remission, logistic regression models, crude and adjusted for sex, age and body mass index were computed. Patients with normoglycaemia presented hypomagnesaemia less often than those patients with pre-T2DM and T2DM (17.0% vs. 21.3% vs. 39.9%) (p < 0.001). One year after BS, 62.9% of patients with pre-T2DM or T2DM before BS showed remission. Adequate magnesium levels were positively associated with T2DM and pre-T2DM remission, one year after BS (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.34–2.38), independently of sex, age, and body mass index. Adequate preoperative serum magnesium levels showed to be an important clinical parameter for pre-T2DM and T2DM remission.
The effects of low pH on the taste and amino acid composition of tiger shrimp
Authors: Hsieh Hsueh-Han , Weerathunga Veran , Weerakkody W. Sanjaya , Huang Wei-Jen , Muller François L. L. , Benfield Mark C. , Hung Chin-Chang
Published: October 2021

Recent research has revealed that shrimp sensory quality may be affected by ocean acidification but we do not exactly know why. Here we conducted controlled pH exposure experiments on adult tiger shrimp, which were kept in 1000-L tanks continuously supplied with coastal seawater. We compared survival rate, carapace properties and flesh sensory properties and amino acid composition of shrimp exposed to pH 7.5 and pH 8.0 treatments for 28 days. Shrimp reared at pH 7.5 had a lower amino acid content (17.6% w/w) than those reared at pH 8.0 (19.5% w/w). Interestingly, the amino acids responsible for the umami taste, i.e. glutamate and aspartic acid, were present at significantly lower levels in the pH 7.5 than the pH 8.0 shrimp, and the pH 7.5 shrimp were also rated as less desirable in a blind quality test by 40 volunteer assessors. These results indicate that tiger shrimp may become less palatable in the future due to a lower production of some amino acids. Finally, tiger shrimp also had a lower survival rate over 28 days at pH 7.5 than at pH 8.0 (73% vs. 81%) suggesting that ocean acidification may affect both the quality and quantity of future shrimp resources.
Impact of immunohistochemistry-based subtyping of GATA3, CK20, CK5/6, and CK14 expression on survival after radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Bejrananda Tanan , Kanjanapradit Kanet , Saetang Jirakrit , Sangkhathat Surasak
Published: October 2021

Molecular subtyping of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) predicts disease progression and treatment response. However, standard subtyping based on transcriptomic analysis is relatively expensive. This study tried to use immunohistochemistry (IHC) to subtype MIBC based on GATA3, CK20, CK5/6, and CK14 protein expression. The IHC-based subtypes in MIBC subtypes were classified as luminal (GATA3+ CK5/6−, 38.6%), basal (GATA3−CK5/6+, 12.9%), mixed (GATA3+ CK5/6+, 37.9%), and double-negative (GATA3−CK5/6−, 10.6%) in 132 MIBC patients. All individual markers and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed against treatment outcomes after radical cystectomy. The mean patient age was 65.6 years, and the male to female ratio was 6.8:1. Positive IHC expression of GATA3, CK20, CK5/6, and CK14 were 80.3%, 50.8%, 42.4%, and 28.0%, respectively. Only GATA3 and CK5/6 were significantly associated with survival outcome (p values = 0.004 and 0.02). The mixed subtype was significantly better in 5-year OS at 42.8%, whereas the double-negative subtype had the worst prognosis (5-year OS 7.14%). The double-negative subtype had a hazard ratio of 3.29 (95% CI 1.71–6.32). Subtyping using GATA3 and CK5/6 was applicable in MIBCs, and patients with the double-negative subtype were at the highest risk and may require more intensive therapy.
Oxysterols in stored powders as potential health hazards
Authors: Chudy Sylwia , Teichert Joanna
Published: October 2021

Cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) have greater biological activity than cholesterol itself. Oxysterols reduce the nutritional value of foods and exhibit a wide range of biological activity, including pro-oxidant, carcinogenic, and cytotoxic properties. The most commonly detected oxysterols in foods are 7α-HC, 7β-HC, a product of their dehydrogenation 7-KC and α-CE, β-CE. The main dietary sources of oxysterols are eggs and egg-derived products, thermally processed milk and milk-based products, fried meat. This study aimed to measure the amount of cholesterol oxidation products in milk powder, egg powder and milk–egg powder during 24 months of storage. The changes in the selected oxysterols (determined by gas chromatography) were recorded. In milk powder, after the production process, the amount of cholesterol was 0.2 g 100 g−1 fat and in egg powder it was 3.4 g 100 g−1. After 6 months of storage, the dominant oxysterol in milk and egg powder was 7α-HC and in milk–egg powder it was 7-KC. After the storage period, oxysterols in powdered milk reached 1.81% of total cholesterol.  The most stable cholesterol was in the milk–egg mixture and its oxidation was the slowest. This study showed the presence of COPs in milk powder, egg powder and milk–egg powder and the effect of storage on cholesterol oxidation.
Traceability of the geographical origin of Siraitia grosvenorii based on multielement contents coupled with chemometric techniques
Authors: Huang Xiao-Ping , Lei Lei , Lei Shun-Xin , Zhu Wei-Wei , Yan Jun
Published: October 2021

Siraitia grosvenorii(LHG) is widely used as a medicinal and edible material around the world. The objective of this study was to develop an effective method for the authentication of the geographical origin of LHG in its main producing area Guangxi, China, which is identified as Chinese Protected Designation of Origin product, against other producing regions in China. The content of 14 elements (K, Na, Ca, P, Mg, Al, B, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Sr) of 114 LHG samples was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Multivariate analysis was then performed to classify the geographical origin of LHG samples. The contents of multielement display an obvious trend of clustering according to the geographical origin of LHG samples based on radar plot and principal component analysis. Finally, three supervised statistical techniques, including linear discriminant analysis (LDA),k-nearest neighbours (k-NN), and support vector machine (SVM), were applied to develop classification models. Finally, 40 unknown LHG samples were used to evaluate the predictive ability of model and discrimination rate of 100%, 97.5% and 100% were obtained for LDA,k-NN, and SVM, respectively. This study indicated that it is feasible to attribute unknown LHG samples to its geographical origin based on its multielement content coupled with chemometric techniques.
Indices reflecting muscle contraction performance during exercise based on a combined electromyography and mechanomyography approach
Authors: Fukuhara Shinichi , Kawashima Takaki , Oka Hisao
Published: October 2021

Electromyography (EMG) and mechanomyography (MMG) have been used to directly evaluate muscle function through the electromechanical aspect of muscle contraction. The purpose of this study was to establish new absolute indices to describe muscle contraction performance during dynamic exercise by combining EMG and displacement MMG (dMMG) measured simultaneously using our previously developed MMG/EMG hybrid transducer system. Study participants were eight healthy male non-athletes (controls) and eight male athletes. EMG and dMMG of the vastus medialis were measured for 30 s during four cycles of recumbent bicycle pedaling (30, 60, 90, and 120 W) and on passive joint movement. Total powers were calculated based on the time domain waveforms of both signals. Muscle contraction performance was verified with the slope of regression line (SRL) and the residual sum of squares (RSS) obtained from EMG and dMMG correlation. EMG and dMMG has increased with the work rate. Force and EMG were similar between groups, but dMMG showed a significant difference with load increase. Athletes had significantly higher SRL and significantly lower RSS than controls. The average value divided by SRL and RSS was higher in athletes than in controls. The indices presented by the combined approach of EMG and dMMG showed a clear contrast between the investigated groups and may be parameters that reflect muscle contraction performance during dynamic exercise.
Characterization of a murine model of endothelial dysfunction induced by chronic intraperitoneal administration of angiotensin II
Authors: Trejo-Moreno Celeste , Jiménez-Ferrer Enrique , Castro-Martínez Gabriela , Méndez-Martínez Marisol , Santana María Angélica , Arrellín-Rosas Gerardo , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Medina-Campos Omar Noel , Hernández-Téllez Beatriz , Ramírez-Pliego Oscar , Herrera-Ruiz Maribel , Cervantes-Torres Jacquelynne , Alvarado-Ojeda Zimri Aziel , Costet-Mejía Alejandro , Fragoso Gladis , Rosas-Salgado Gabriela
Published: October 2021

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a key factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Due to its chronic, life-threatening nature, ED only can be studied experimentally in animal models. Therefore, this work was aimed to characterize a murine model of ED induced by a daily intraperitoneal administration of angiotensin II (AGII) for 10 weeks. Oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular remodeling, hypertension, and damage to various target organs were evaluated in treated animals. The results indicated that a chronic intraperitoneal administration of AGII increases the production of systemic soluble VCAM, ROS and ICAM-1 expression, and the production of TNFα, IL1β, IL17A, IL4, TGFβ, and IL10 in the kidney, as well as blood pressure levels; it also promotes vascular remodeling and induces non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, glomerulosclerosis, and proliferative retinopathy. Therefore, the model herein proposed can be a representative model for ED; additionally, it is easy to implement, safe, rapid, and inexpensive.
Microbial diversity in Mediterranean sponges as revealed by metataxonomic analysis
Authors: Ruocco Nadia , Esposito Roberta , Zagami Giacomo , Bertolino Marco , De Matteo Sergio , Sonnessa Michele , Andreani Federico , Crispi Stefania , Zupo Valerio , Costantini Maria
Published: October 2021

Although the Mediterranean Sea covers approximately a 0.7% of the world’s ocean area, it represents a major reservoir of marine and coastal biodiversity. Among marine organisms, sponges (Porifera) are a key component of the deep-sea benthos, widely recognized as the dominant taxon in terms of species richness, spatial coverage, and biomass. Sponges are evolutionarily ancient, sessile filter-feeders that harbor a largely diverse microbial community within their internal mesohyl matrix. In the present work, we firstly aimed at exploring the biodiversity of marine sponges from four different areas of the Mediterranean: Faro Lake in Sicily and “Porto Paone”, “Secca delle fumose”, “Punta San Pancrazio” in the Gulf of Naples. Eight sponge species were collected from these sites and identified by morphological analysis and amplification of several conserved molecular markers (18S and 28S RNA ribosomal genes, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and internal transcribed spacer). In order to analyze the bacterial diversity of symbiotic communities among these different sampling sites, we also performed a metataxonomic analysis through an Illumina MiSeq platform, identifying more than 1500 bacterial taxa. Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) analysis revealed a great variability of the host-specific microbial communities. Our data highlight the occurrence of dominant and locally enriched microbes in the Mediterranean, together with the biotechnological potential of these sponges and their associated bacteria as sources of bioactive natural compounds.
Acidic fluids in the Earth’s lower crust
Authors: Samuel Vinod O. , Santosh M. , Jang Yirang , Kwon Sanghoon
Published: October 2021

Fluid flux through Earth’s surface and its interior causes geochemical cycling of elements in the Earth. Quantification of such process needs accurate knowledge about the composition and properties of the fluids. Knowledge about the fluids in Earth’s interior is scarce due to limitations in both experimental methods and thermodynamic modeling in high/ultrahigh pressure–temperature conditions. In this study, we present halogen (Cl, F) measurements in apatite grains from the mafic (metagabbro), and felsic (two-pyroxene granulite, charnockite, hornblende-biotite gneiss) rocks preserved in the Nilgiri Block, southern India. Previous experiments show that it is difficult to incorporate Cl in apatite compared to F at high pressure and temperature conditions. Based on regional trends in Cl and F content in apatite (with highest Cl content 2.95 wt%), we suggest the presence of acidic C–O–H fluids in the lower crust (~20–40 km deep) during the high-grade metamorphism of these rocks. These fluids are capable of causing extreme chemical alterations of minerals, especially refractory ones. They also have significant potential for mass transfer, causing extensive geochemical variations on a regional scale and altering the chemical and isotope records of rocks formed in the early Earth. Our findings have important relevance in understanding speciation triggered by acidic fluids in the lower crust, as well as the role of fluids in deep Earth processes.
Experimental study on the explosion characteristics of hydrogen-methane premixed gas in complex pipe networks
Authors: Jia Jinzhang , Chen Yinuo , Che Guangbo , Zhu Jinchao , Wang Fengxiao , Jia Peng
Published: October 2021

To explore the overpressure evolution laws and flame propagation characteristics in complex pipe networks after the addition of hydrogen to methane, we experimentally studied the explosive pressure wave and flame wave propagation laws for three different premixed gas mixtures with hydrogen-methane concentrations of 0, 10% and 20% when the equivalence ratio was 1. Experimental results indicate that the maximum explosion overpressure of the premixed gas increases with increasing distance from the explosion source, and it shows a gradually decreasing trend. In the complex pipe network, an overpressure zone is formed in the B–E–H and D–E sections of the network. The flame temperature is superimposed with the superimposition of the pressure, showing a trend of first increasing, then decreasing, then increasing, and finally decreasing in the complex pipe network. The flame arrival time increases with increasing distance, and the maximum flame speed shows a decreasing trend. The peak overpressure and maximum flame velocity of the premixed gas under a hydrogen volume fraction of 20% are 1.266 MPa and 168 m/s. The experimental research results could provide important theoretical guidelines for the prevention and control of fuel gas explosions in urban pipe networks.
CD157 signaling promotes survival of acute myeloid leukemia cells and modulates sensitivity to cytarabine through regulation of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1
Authors: Yakymiv Yuliya , Augeri Stefania , Bracci Cristiano , Marchisio Sara , Aydin Semra , D’Ardia Stefano , Massaia Massimo , Ferrero Enza , Ortolan Erika , Funaro Ada
Published: October 2021

CD157/BST-1 (a member of the ADP-ribosyl cyclase family) is expressed at variable levels in 97% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and is currently under investigation as a target for antibody-based immunotherapy. We used peripheral blood and bone marrow samples from patients with AML to analyse the impact of CD157-directed antibodies in AML survival and in response to cytarabine (AraC) ex vivo. The study was extended to the U937, THP1 and OCI-AML3 AML cell lines of which we engineered CD157-low versions by shRNA knockdown. CD157-targeting antibodies enhanced survival, decreased apoptosis and reduced AraC toxicity in AML blasts and cell lines. CD157 signaling activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways and increased expression of Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL anti-apoptotic proteins, while decreasing expression of Bax pro-apoptotic protein, thus preventing Caspase-3 activation. The primary CD157-mediated anti-apoptotic mechanism was Bak sequestration by Mcl-1. Indeed, the Mcl-1-specific inhibitor S63845 restored apoptosis by disrupting the interaction of Mcl-1 with Bim and Bak and significantly increased AraC toxicity in CD157-high but not in CD157-low AML cells. This study provides a new role for CD157 in AML cell survival, and indicates a potential role of CD157 as a predictive marker of response to therapies exploiting Mcl-1 pharmacological inhibition.
Selective and predicable amine conjugation sites by kinetic characterization under excess reagents
Authors: Huang Wei-Chun , Huang Li-Juan , Hsu Liang-Sheng , Huang Shih-Ting , Lo Wen-Ting , Wang Tzu-Fan , Sun Wei-Ting , Wei Win-Yin , Lee Ying-Shuan , Chuang Shih-Hsien , Lee Chao-Pin , Chou Ho-Hsuan , Chen Shu-Hui
Published: October 2021

The site selectivity for lysine conjugation on a native protein is difficult to control and characterize. Here, we applied mass spectrometry to examine the conjugation kinetics of Trastuzumab-IgG (Her-IgG) and α-lactalbumin under excess linker concentration ([L]0) based on the modified Michaelis–Menten equation, in which the initial rate constant per amine (kNH2 = Vmax/NH2/KM) was determined by the maximum reaction rate (Vmax/NH2) under saturated accessible sites and initial amine–linker affinity (1/KM). Reductive amination (RA) displayed 3–4 times greater Vmax/NH2 and a different panel of conjugation sites than that observed for N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (NHS) chemistry using the same length of polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers. Moreover, faster conversion power rendered RA site selectivity among accessible amine groups and a greater tunable range of linker/protein ratio for aldehyde-linkers compared to those of the same length of NHS-linkers. Single conjugation with high yield or poly-conjugations with site homogeneity was demonstrated by controlling [L]0 or gradual addition to minimize the [L]0/KM ratio. Formaldehyde, the shortest aldehyde-linker with the greatest 1/KM, exhibited the highest selectivity and was shown to be a suitable probe to predict conjugation profile of aldehyde-linkers. Four linkers on the few probe-predicted hot spots were elucidated by kinetically controlled RA with conserved drug efficacy when conjugated with the payload. This study provides insights into controlling factors for homogenous and predictable amine bioconjugation.
Pathophysiological and diagnostic importance of fatty acid-binding protein 1 in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Harada Tomonari , Araki Takeshi , Sunaga Hiroaki , Kagami Kazuki , Yoshida Kuniko , Kato Toshimitsu , Kawakami Ryo , Tomono Junichi , Wada Naoki , Iso Tatsuya , Kurabayashi Masahiko , Obokata Masaru
Published: October 2021

Elevated intracardiac pressure at rest and/or exercise is a fundamental abnormality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Fatty acid-binding protein 1 (FABP1) is proposed to be a sensitive biomarker for liver injury. We sought to determine whether FABP1 at rest would be elevated in HFpEF and would correlate with echocardiographic markers of intracardiac pressures at rest and during exercise. In this prospective study, subjects with HFpEF (n = 22) and control subjects without HF (n = 23) underwent resting FABP1 measurements and supine bicycle exercise echocardiography. Although levels of conventional hepatic enzymes were similar between groups, FABP1 levels were elevated in HFpEF compared to controls (45 [25–68] vs. 18 [14–24] ng/mL, p = 0.0008). FABP1 levels were correlated with radiographic and blood-based markers of congestion, hemodynamic derangements during peak exercise (E/e’, r = 0.50; right atrial pressure, r = 0.35; pulmonary artery systolic pressure, r = 0.46), reduced exercise cardiac output (r = − 0.49), and poor exercise workload achieved (r = − 0.40, all p < 0.05). FABP1 distinguished HFpEF from controls with an area under the curve of 0.79 (p = 0.003) and had an incremental diagnostic value over the H2FPEF score (p = 0.007). In conclusion, FABP1 could be a novel hepatic biomarker that associates with hemodynamic derangements, reduced cardiac output, and poor exercise capacity in HFpEF.
Polymerization kinetics of experimental resin composites functionalized with conventional (45S5) and a customized low-sodium fluoride-containing bioactive glass
Authors: Par Matej , Prskalo Katica , Tauböck Tobias T. , Skenderovic Hrvoje , Attin Thomas , Tarle Zrinka
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to investigate polymerization kinetics and curing light transmittance of two series of experimental dental resin composites filled with 0–40 wt% of either 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) or a customized low-Na F-containing BG. Polymerization kinetics in 0.1-mm and 2-mm thick layers were investigated through real-time degree of conversion measurements using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. FTIR spectra were continuously collected at a rate of 2 s−1 during light-curing (1340 mW/cm2). Light transmittance through 2-mm thick composite specimens was measured using a UV–Vis spectrometer at a rate of 20 s−1. Unlike BG 45S5, which led to a dose-dependent reduction in the rate and extent of polymerization, the customized low-Na F-containing BG showed a negligible influence on polymerization. The reduction in light transmittance of experimental composites due to the addition of the low-Na F-containing BG did not translate into impaired polymerization kinetics. Additionally, the comparison of polymerization kinetics between 0.1-mm and 2-mm thick layers revealed that polymerization inhibition identified for BG 45S5 was not mediated by an impaired light transmittance, indicating a direct effect of BG 45S5 on polymerization reaction. A customized low-Na F-containing BG showed favourable behaviour for being used as a functional filler in light-curing dental resin composites.
Exposure to respirable dust among workers fabricating aluminium trihydroxide-containing synthetic countertops
Authors: Vinnikov Denis , Blanc Paul D. , Raushanova Aizhan , Beisbekova Arailym , Abraham Jerrold L. , Zlobina Yelena
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study is to characterize personal exposure of workers to respirable particulate matter (PM) generated in cutting and other fabrication activities when fabricating acryl polymer/aluminium trihydroxide synthetic countertops. We collected 29 personal full-day samples of respirable PM from three workers in a small private workshop. We tested differences between- and within-worker variances of mass concentrations using the Kruskall-Wallis test. We used segmented regression to test the means and medians 15-min interval concentrations changes over time and to identify a breakpoint. Respirable PM concentrations ranged nearly 100-fold, from 0.280 to 25.4 mg/m3 with a median of 2.0 mg/m3 (1-min concentrations from 13,920 data points). There were no statistical difference in daily median or geometric mean concentrations among workers, whereas the concentrations were significantly higher on days with three versus two workers present. The 15-min median concentrations (n = 974 measures) increased until 2.35 h (beta 0.177; p < 0.05), representing a 0.70 mg increase in exposure per hour. This was followed by a plateau in concentrations. The high levels of respirable PM we observed among workers fabricating aluminium trihydroxide-containing synthetic countertops highlight an unmet early prevention need.
Quantum Fisher information of two atoms with dipole–dipole interaction under the environment of phase noise lasers
Authors: Chen Yu , Long Zheng-wen , He Zhi , Ji Shen-tong
Published: October 2021

We investigate the parameter estimation problems of two-atom system driven by the phase noise lasers (PNLs) environment. And we give a general method of numeric solution to handle the problems of atom system under the PNLs environment. The calculation results of this method on Quantum Fisher Information (QFI) are consistent with our former results. Moreover, we consider the dipole–dipole (d–d) interaction between the atoms under PNLs environment with the collective decay, and the results show that larger d–d interaction and smaller collective decay rate lead to larger QFI of the two-atom system. So the collective decay will destroy the QFI while the d–d interaction will preserve the QFI, these results can be used to protect the QFI of two-atom system driven by the PNLs environment.
GD2 CAR T cells against human glioblastoma
Authors: Prapa Malvina , Chiavelli Chiara , Golinelli Giulia , Grisendi Giulia , Bestagno Marco , Di Tinco Rosanna , Dall’Ora Massimiliano , Neri Giovanni , Candini Olivia , Spano Carlotta , Petrachi Tiziana , Bertoni Laura , Carnevale Gianluca , Pugliese Giuseppe , Depenni Roberta , Feletti Alberto , Iaccarino Corrado , Pavesi Giacomo , Dominici Massimo
Published: October 2021

Glioblastoma is the most malignant primary brain tumor and is still in need of effective medical treatment. We isolated patient-derived glioblastoma cells showing high GD2 antigen expression representing a potential target for CAR T strategy. Data highlighted a robust GD2 CAR antitumor potential in 2D and 3D glioblastoma models associated with a significant and CAR T-restricted increase of selected cytokines. Interestingly, immunosuppressant TGF β1, expressed in all co-cultures, did not influence antitumor activity. The orthotopic NOD/SCID models using primary glioblastoma cells reproduced human histopathological features. Considering still-conflicting data on the delivery route for targeting brain tumors, we compared intracerebral versus intravenous CAR T injections. We report that the intracerebral route significantly increased the length of survival time in a dose-dependent manner, without any side effects. Collectively, the proposed anti-GD2 CAR can counteract human glioblastoma potentially opening a new therapeutic option for a still incurable cancer.
Poor regulation implications in a low and middle income country based on PAH source apportionment and cancer risk assessment
Authors: Jaafar Wiaam , Zaherddine Vera , Hussein Fatima , Saliba Najat Aoun , Hayeck Nathalie
Published: October 2021

Uncontrolled sources are major contributors to air pollution and cancer risk in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Degradation of tetracycline over carbon nanosheet: high efficiency, mechanism and biotoxicity assessment
Authors: Liu Xiang , Hou Wenxin , Meng Xu , Bi Xiuru , Zhao Haiyu , Wang Zuo , Astruc Didier
Published: October 2021

The pollutant Reactive Red 2 is transformed into graphene-like carbon nanosheet (GCN) by simple pyrolysis, and this GCN nanocatalyst is shown to efficiently degrade tetracycline by peroxymonosulfate activationvianonradical oxidation processes.
Narrowband organic photodetectors – towards miniaturized, spectroscopic sensing
Authors: Wang Yazhong , Kublitski Jonas , Xing Shen , Dollinger Felix , Spoltore Donato , Benduhn Johannes , Leo Karl
Published: October 2021

Organic photodetectors can achieve narrowband photodetection within a single optoelectronic device. This comprehensive review summarizes and compares the different approaches, introduces their application fields, and outlines current challenges.