bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histo-pillar strip for optimal histogel block construction and biomarker analysis in 3D-lung cancer patient-derived organoids
Authors: Lee Sang-Yun , Lee Eunyoung , Ryu Ji-O , Kim Kyuhwan , Hwang Yongki , Ku Bosung , Moon Seok Whan , Moon Mi Hyoung , Kim Kyung Soo , Hyun Kwanyong , Lim Jeong Uk , Park Chan Kwon , Kim Sung Won , Yeo Chang Dong , Lee Dong Woo , Kim Seung Joon
Published: July 2024

This study proposed an optimized histogel construction method for histological analysis by applying lung cancer patient-derived organoids (PDOs) to the developed histo-pillar strip. Previously, there is the cultured PDOs damage problem during the histogel construction due to forced detachment of the Matrigel spots from the 96-well plate bottom. To address this issue, we cultured PDO on the proposed Histo-pillar strips and then immersed them in 4% paraformaldehyde fixation solution to self-isolate PDO without damage. The 4 μl patient-derived cell (PDC)/Matrigel mixtures were dispensed on the surface of a U-shaped histo-pillar strip, and the PDCs were aggregated by gravity and cultured into PDOs. Cultured PDOs were self-detached by simply immersing them in a paraformaldehyde fixing solution without physical processing, showing about two times higher cell recovery rate than conventional method. In addition, we proposed a method for embedding PDOs under conditions where the histogel temperature was maintained such that the histogel did not harden, thereby improving the problem of damaging the histogel block in the conventional sandwich histogel construction method. We performed histological and genotyping analyses using tumor tissues and PDOs from two patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the PDO culture and improved histogel block construction method using the histo-pillar strip proposed in this study can be employed as useful tools for the histological analysis of a limited number of PDCs.
Constructing three-dimensional GO/CNT@NMP aerogels towards primary lithium metal batteries
Authors: Yang Xuesong , Wang Yuao , Li Zhuo , Cheng Zhuoying , Gao Yinyi , Zhu Kai , Cao Dianxue
Published: July 2024

Graphene oxide (GO) can serve as cathode material for a viable primary lithium metal battery due to its richness in oxygen-containing functional groups. However, its application is hindered by non-conductivity of GO. Herein, a proposed electrode structure design strategy is carried to regulate the electron and ion conductivity of the graphene oxide aerogel (GO/CNT@NMP) electrode while retaining the original energy density. GO/CNT@NMP exhibits a discharge specific capacity of 703 mAh g−1 and an ultra-high energy density of 1655.76 Wh kg−1 at a low rate of 0.02 A g−1. Additionally, it achieves a maximum discharge rate of 1.4 A g−1, five times higher than the initial maximum discharge rate of GO. Characterization and electrochemical tests reveal that the excellent performance of GO/CNT@NMP can be attributed to its porous structure, high electrical conductivity, and large layer spacing. This study presents a potent strategy for the advancement of ultra-fast primary batteries, aiming to integrate ultra-high energy density and high-rate discharge capabilities.
Synthesis of Fe3O4 embedded LIG via laser ablation of PI/Fe(acac)3 film for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wu Dun , Wang Nan , Zhao Jiaming , Liu Jiaqi , Zhou Rudong , Cheng Junfeng , Liu Chunlin
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen production via electrocatalytic water splitting is generally considered as an efficient and eco-friendly strategy for energy storage. The exploration of novel electrocatalytic cathode material towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has never ended. Laser induced graphene (LIG), as a cheap and porous material with large surface area, not only can be used as a carrier of active substances for collaborative catalysis towards hydrogen evolution, but also can be directly used as catalytic electrode via heteroatoms doping. We synthesized Fe3O4 embedded LIG via laser ablation of polyimide (PI)/Fe(acac)3 film and tested its HER electrocatalytic performance. An overpotential of 269 mV was obtained under the current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a slight current decay in the 10 h chronoamperometric examination in 1 M KOH electrolyte. This work provides an insight into methods of optimizing electrochemical properties and improving catalytic activity of LIG based materials. The performance of our Fe3O4 embedded LIG demonstrates the potential of LIG based materials as next generation HER electrocatalyst.
Bang-bang optimal control in coherent spin dynamics of radical pairs in quantum biology
Authors: Abdulla Ugur G , Rodrigues Jose , Jimenez Pablo , Zhen Chenming , Martino Carlos
Published: July 2024

Optimal control of the external electromagnetic field input for the maximization of the quantum triplet-singlet yield of the radical pairs in biochemical reactions modeled by Schrödinger system with spin Hamiltonians given by the sum of Zeeman interaction and hyperfine coupling interaction terms are analyzed. Fréchet differentiability and Pontryagin Maximum Principle in Hilbert space is proved and the bang-bang structure of the optimal control is established. A closed optimality system of nonlinear differential equations for the identification of the bang-bang optimal control is revealed. Numerical methods for the identification of the bang-bang optimal control based on the Pontryagin maximum principle are developed. Numerical simulations are pursued, and the convergence and stability of the numerical methods are demonstrated. The results contribute towards understanding the structure-function relationship of the putative magnetoreceptor to manipulate and enhance quantum coherences at room temperature and leveraging biofidelic function to inspire novel quantum devices.
Conductive graphene-based coagulated composites for electronic printing applications
Authors: Sankar Manoj Aravind , R Prasanna
Published: July 2024

Graphene is gaining significance in applications such as sensors, antennas, photonics and spintronics. In particular, it is suitable for printing components and circuits affording the properties of high conductivity alongside flexibility, elasticity and wearability. For this application, graphene is typically customised into a fluidic form—ink or paint. This paper reports a novel, economical, scalable methodology for synthesising electrically conductive graphene-based coagulated composite that could be utilised in the above-mentioned applications. Composites are prepared from graphene powder/ink and screen-printing ink (GP–SPI and GI–SPI, respectively) at different mass ratios, and the optimal composition is identified by brush coating on paper in the form of rectangular strips. As a proof of concept, at optimum mass ratios, the GP–SPI and GI–SPI composites exhibit electrical conductivities ranging 0.068–0.702 mS m−1 and 0.0303–0.1746 μS m−1, in order. The as-prepared conductive composites are then screen-printed onto a square with an area of 1 cm2 on ceramic, FR4, glass, paper, polyester and wood substrates. The coagulated GP–SPI and GI–SPI composites are compatible with all these substrates and yield a conductive coating, demonstrating their suitability in multifaceted applications. Furthermore, the method proposed herein eliminates the need for rare/precious expensive materials, state-of-the art equipment, highly skilled personnel and costs associated with the same, thereby broadening the avenues for low-cost, fluidic graphene-based functional composites.
A kind of single-phase full bandgaps phononic crystals and experimental evidence
Authors: Liu Tianyan , Li Pengzhou , Zhang Kun , Peng Fanglan , Zhou Ding , Zhang Yumiao
Published: July 2024

The exceptional performance of locally resonant phononic crystals (PCs) in vibration attenuation and noise reduction within nuclear power plants has garnered widespread attention in scholarly circles. To address the need for improved predictive accuracy in substrate structures characterized by significant flexibility, a one-dimensional mechanical model rooted in the mass-spring chain paradigm has been established. This model offers a straightforward and accurate means of predicting the lower and upper frequencies of the initial bandgap within locally resonant phononic crystals. Moreover, the dynamic model elucidates modal characteristics and vibrational responses inherent to locally resonant phononic crystals. Utilizing the proposed model, a singular-phase phononic crystal structure boasting full bandgaps has been devised. This structure facilitates the omnidirectional acquisition of locally resonant bandgaps across an exceedingly low-frequency spectrum through the incorporation of cantilever beam elements. Such a design holds immense promise within the realm of large-scale mechanical vibration isolation. As a means of validation, steel samples embodying this phononic crystal model were fabricated. Experimental results demonstrated an insertion loss of approximately 18.67 dB, affirming the vibration isolation efficacy of the singular-phase phononic crystal configuration.
Effect of hybrid conductive fillers coating on woven jute fiber and its characterization
Authors: Krishnasamy Prabu , Goudilyan Mylsamy , C Kannan , G Rajamurugan , Ahamed M Arshath , Krishna Rohith , Vishwas R
Published: July 2024

Despite the recent developments in fiber coating technology during the last decade, the coating of natural fibers still poses challenges. The present work aims to develop a novel electrically conductive jute fiber (JF) through electroless nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) composite coating with hybrid reinforcements (graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and carbon black (CB)). Four different jute fiber-coated samples are prepared and identified as Ni-P/JF, Ni-P/GNPs/JF, Ni-P/CB/JF, and Ni-P/GNPs/CB/JF. The effect of hybrid reinforcements is studied through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and four-probe test to identify the morphological changes, elemental compositions, functional groups, phase structure and the electrical conductivity. A significant change was observed in the microstructure, diffraction peaks, and electrical conductivity of coated jute fiber with reinforcements. The best electrical conductivity of 13.141 S cm
−1 is exhibited by Ni-P/GNPs/JF, while the minimum is registered with the Ni-P/CB/JF sample (9.597 S cm
−1). The electrical conductivity of Ni-P composite coating with hybrid reinforcements (Ni-P/GNPs/CB/JF) is shown to be 17% higher and 19% lower than Ni-P/GNPs/JF and Ni-P/CB/JF samples, respectively.
The Naturalist’s Case for Error Theory
Authors: Joyce Richard
Published: July 2024

Moral naturalists maintain that moral properties (such as moral goodness, wrongness, evil, and praiseworthiness) can be accommodated within the scientific worldview. This chapter claims that moral naturalism is false, because moral normativity has features that the naturalistic worldview cannot deliver. It examines some kinds of normativity that pose no problem for the ontological naturalist, including hypothetical imperatives and categorical imperatives that are derived from human-made institutions. But these are not good contenders for providing moral normativity. Many basic moral properties are fundamentally treated as reason-supplying: when one says “Don’t do X because it’s morally wrong,” the moral wrongness of X is supposed to inherently provide a reason for refraining. No naturalistic property has this feature, however, and thus there is no place for moral wrongness in the natural world.
Epilogue
Authors: Joyce Richard
Published: July 2024

David Lewis claims that “strictly speaking” no moral properties exist, but that one may instead opt to speak “loosely,” referring to naturalistic properties that satisfy most but not all of what we might ordinarily think about moral properties. Thus although Lewis defends a version of moral naturalism, he allows that the moral error theorist might be warranted in maintaining their skepticism. This chapter-length epilogue explores this kind of ecumenical approach to metaethics. Along the way, two historical comparisons are examined: how the evolution of the word “magician” followed a different trajectory from that of “witch.” According to the ecumenical view, we should choose between moral naturalism and moral error theory on practical grounds (or “temperament,” as Lewis says). But this pragmatic approach would not automatically favor the naturalist, and, ultimately, practical considerations still speak in favor of taking an attitude of nondoxastic acceptance toward morality.
Egyptian Religious Traditions under Foreign Domination
Authors: Baum Robert M
Published: July 2024

This chapter analyzes the sustained interaction among Egyptian religions, already influenced by Greek and Nubian traditions, and new religious communities of Jews, Zoroastrians, and Christians. Egyptian religions continued to be practiced until the early sixth century, spreading Egyptian cults to the far reaches of the Roman Empire. Bitter struggles between Egyptian and Christian communities persisted throughout most of this period. Egypt became a center of Christian learning and practice as well as an important source of minority traditions within Christianity, the Monophysites and the Arians. Egyptian practices associated with the Isis cult and with incubation influenced Christian practice. Saint Anthony of the Desert and Pachomius played central roles in the development of the ascetic and monastic traditions.
Genomic privacy preservation in genome-wide association studies: taxonomy, limitations, challenges, and vision
Authors: Aherrahrou Noura , Tairi Hamid , Aherrahrou Zouhair
Published: July 2024

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) serve as a crucial tool for identifying genetic factors associated with specific traits. However, ethical constraints prevent the direct exchange of genetic information, prompting the need for privacy preservation solutions. To address these issues, earlier works are based on cryptographic mechanisms such as homomorphic encryption, secure multi-party computing, and differential privacy. Very recently, federated learning has emerged as a promising solution for enabling secure and collaborative GWAS computations. This work provides an extensive overview of existing methods for GWAS privacy preserving, with the main focus on collaborative and distributed approaches. This survey provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by existing methods, their limitations, and insights into designing efficient solutions.
PhysioFit: a software to quantify cell growth parameters and extracellular fluxes
Authors: Le Grégam Loïc , Guitton Yann , Bellvert Floriant , Heux Stéphanie , Jourdan Fabien , Portais Jean-Charles , Millard Pierre
Published: July 2024

Quantification of growth parameters and extracellular uptake and production fluxes is central in systems and synthetic biology. Fluxes can be estimated using various mathematical models by fitting time–course measurements of the concentration of cells and extracellular substrates and products. A single tool is available to non-computational biologists to calculate extracellular fluxes, but it is hardly interoperable and is limited to a single hard-coded growth model. We present our open-source flux calculation software, PhysioFit, which can be used with any growth model and is interoperable by design. PhysioFit includes some of the most common growth models, and advanced users can implement additional models to calculate extracellular fluxes and other growth parameters for metabolic systems or experimental setups that follow alternative kinetics. PhysioFit can be used as a Python library and offers a graphical user interface for intuitive use by end-users and a command-line interface to streamline integration into existing pipelines.

Availability and implementation

PhysioFit v3 is implemented in Python 3 and was tested on Windows, Unix, and MacOS platforms. The source code and the documentation are freely distributed under GPL3 license at https://github.com/MetaSys-LISBP/PhysioFit/ and https://physiofit.readthedocs.io/.
Joint structure learning and causal effect estimation for categorical graphical models
Authors: Castelletti Federico , Consonni Guido , Della Vedova Marco L
Published: July 2024

The scope of this paper is a multivariate setting involving categorical variables. Following an external manipulation of one variable, the goal is to evaluate the causal effect on an outcome of interest. A typical scenario involves a system of variables representing lifestyle, physical and mental features, symptoms, and risk factors, with the outcome being the presence or absence of a disease. These variables are interconnected in complex ways, allowing the effect of an intervention to propagate through multiple paths. A distinctive feature of our approach is the estimation of causal effects while accounting for uncertainty in both the dependence structure, which we represent through a directed acyclic graph (DAG), and the DAG-model parameters. Specifically, we propose a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm that targets the joint posterior over DAGs and parameters, based on an efficient reversible-jump proposal scheme. We validate our method through extensive simulation studies and demonstrate that it outperforms current state-of-the-art procedures in terms of estimation accuracy. Finally, we apply our methodology to analyze a dataset on depression and anxiety in undergraduate students.
Autoimmune ‘secondary synaptopathies’: do NMDAR antibodies cause a primary extra-synaptopathy?
Authors: Zhao Meng , Lynch David R , Irani Sarosh R
Published: July 2024

This scientific commentary refers to ‘NMDA receptor autoantibodies primarily impair the extrasynaptic compartment’ by Jamet et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae163).
Longitudinal network-based brain grey matter MRI measures are clinically relevant and sensitive to treatment effects in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Colato Elisa , Stutters Jonathan , Narayanan Sridar , Arnold Douglas L , Chataway Jeremy , Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott Claudia A M , Barkhof Frederik , Ciccarelli Olga , Eshaghi Arman , Chard Declan T
Published: July 2024

In multiple sclerosis clinical trials, MRI outcome measures are typically extracted at a whole-brain level, but pathology is not homogeneous across the brain and so whole-brain measures may overlook regional treatment effects. Data-driven methods, such as independent component analysis, have shown promise in identifying regional disease effects but can only be computed at a group level and cannot be applied prospectively. The aim of this work was to develop a technique to extract longitudinal independent component analysis network-based measures of co-varying grey matter volumes, derived from T1-weighted volumetric MRI, in individual study participants, and assess their association with disability progression and treatment effects in clinical trials. We used longitudinal MRI and clinical data from 5089 participants (22 045 visits) with multiple sclerosis from eight clinical trials. We included people with relapsing–remitting, primary and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. We used data from five negative clinical trials (2764 participants, 13 222 visits) to extract the independent component analysis-based measures. We then trained and cross-validated a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model (which can be applied prospectively to previously unseen data) to predict the independent component analysis measures from the same regional MRI volume measures and applied it to data from three positive clinical trials (2325 participants, 8823 visits). We used nested mixed-effect models to determine how networks differ across multiple sclerosis phenotypes are associated with disability progression and to test sensitivity to treatment effects. We found 17 consistent patterns of co-varying regional volumes. In the training cohort, volume loss was faster in four networks in people with secondary progressive compared with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis and three networks with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Volume changes were faster in secondary compared with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in four networks. In the combined positive trials cohort, eight independent component analysis networks and whole-brain grey matter volume measures showed treatment effects, and the magnitude of treatment–placebo differences in the network-based measures was consistently greater than with whole-brain grey matter volume measures. Longitudinal network-based analysis of grey matter volume changes is feasible using clinical trial data, showing differences cross-sectionally and longitudinally between multiple sclerosis phenotypes, associated with disability progression, and treatment effects. Future work is required to understand the pathological mechanisms underlying these regional changes.
What makes an event significant: an fMRI study on self-defining memories
Authors: Monsa Rotem , Dafni-Merom Amnon , Arzy Shahar
Published: July 2024

Self-defining memories are highly significant personal memories that contribute to an individual’s life story and identity. Previous research has identified 4 key subcomponents of self-defining memories: content, affect, specificity, and self-reflection. However, these components were not tested under functional neuroimaging. In this study, we first explored how self-defining memories distinguish themselves from everyday memories (non-self-defining) through their associated brain activity. Next, we evaluated the different self-defining memory subcomponents through their activity in the underlying brain system. Participants recalled both self-defining and non-self-defining memories under functional MRI and evaluated the 4 subcomponents for each memory. Multivoxel pattern analysis uncovered a brain system closely related to the default mode network to discriminate between self-defining and non-self-defining memories. Representational similarity analysis revealed the neural coding of each subcomponent. Self-reflection was coded mainly in the precuneus, middle and inferior frontal gyri, and cingulate, lateral occipital, and insular cortices. To a much lesser extent, content coding was primarily in the left angular gyrus and fusiform gyrus. No region was found to represent information on affect and specificity. Our findings highlight the marked difference in brain processing between significant and non-significant memories, and underscore self-reflection as a predominant factor in the formation and maintenance of self-defining memories, inviting a reassessment of what constitutes significant memories.
It is time to address the contribution of cholesterol in all apoB-containing lipoproteins to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Toth Peter P , Banach Maciej
Published: July 2024

On average, LDL particles are the most populous lipoprotein in serum under fasting conditions. For many reasons, it has been the primary target of lipid-lowering guidelines around the world. In the past 30 years, we have witnessed remarkable changes in each iteration of dyslipidaemia guidelines, with LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) targets becoming lower and lower among patients at high and very high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The world over, goal attainment rates are low, and hence, ASCVD prevalence remains unacceptably high. Inadequate LDL-C lowering is a major issue in contemporary cardiovascular (CV) medicine. Another issue that vexes even the most astute clinician is that of ‘residual risk’, meaning the excess risk that remains even after LDL-C is appropriately reduced. In recent years, an important new component of residual risk has emerged: triglyceride-enriched lipoproteins or remnant lipoproteins. These precursors to LDL particles can assume outsized importance among patients with derangements in triglyceride metabolism (e.g. genetic variants, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus) and may be more atherogenic than LDL species. Consequently, to reduce total risk for acute CV events, the time has come to include the entire spectrum of apoB-containing lipoproteins in approaches to both risk evaluation and treatment.
Candida albicans PPR proteins are required for the expression of respiratory Complex I subunits
Authors: Wenda Joanna Maria , Drzewicka Katarzyna , Mulica Patrycja , Tetaud Emmanuel , di Rago Jean Paul , Golik Paweł , Łabędzka-Dmoch Karolina
Published: July 2024

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins bind RNA and are present in mitochondria and chloroplasts of Eukaryota. In fungi, they are responsible for controlling mitochondrial genome expression, mainly on the posttranscriptional level. Candida albicans is a human opportunistic pathogen with a facultative anaerobic metabolism which, unlike the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, possesses mitochondrially encoded respiratory Complex I (CI) subunits and does not tolerate loss of mtDNA. We characterized the function of 4 PPR proteins of C. albicans that lack orthologs in S. cerevisiae and found that they are required for the expression of mitochondrially encoded CI subunits. We demonstrated that these proteins localize to mitochondria and are essential to maintain the respiratory capacity of cells. Deletion of genes encoding these PPR proteins results in changes in steady-state levels of mitochondrial RNAs and proteins. We demonstrated that C. albicans cells lacking CaPpr4, CaPpr11, and CaPpr13 proteins show no CI assembly, whereas the lack of CaPpr7p results in a decreased CI activity. CaPpr13p is required to maintain the bicistronic NAD4L–NAD5 mRNA, whereas the other 3 PPR proteins are likely involved in translation-related assembly of mitochondrially encoded CI subunits. In addition, we show that CaAep3p, which is an ortholog of ScAep3p, performs the evolutionary conserved function of controlling expression of the ATP8–ATP6 mRNA. We also show that C. albicans cells lacking PPR proteins express a higher level of the inducible alternative oxidase (AOX2) which likely rescues respiratory defects and compensates for oxidative stress.
Sociodemographic Determinants of Extreme Heat and Ozone Risk Among Older Adults in 3 Sun Belt Cities
Authors: Crank Peter J , O’Lenick Cassandra R , Baniassadi Amir , Sailor David J , Wilhelmi Olga , Hayden Mary
Published: July 2024

Background

Vulnerable populations across the United States are frequently exposed to extreme heat, which is becoming more intense due to a combination of climate change and urban-induced warming. Extreme heat can be particularly detrimental to the health and well-being of older citizens when it is combined with ozone. Although population-based studies have demonstrated associations between ozone, extreme heat, and human health, few studies focused on the role of social and behavioral factors that increase indoor risk and exposure among older adults.

Methods

We conducted a household survey that aimed to understand how older adults are affected by extreme heat and ozone pollution inside and outside of their homes across Houston, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. We examine contributing factors to the risk of self-reported health effects using a generalized linear mixed-effects regression model of telephone survey data of 909 older adults in 2017.

Results

We found an increased occurrence of self-reported symptoms for extreme heat with preexisting respiratory health conditions and a lack of air conditioning access; self-reported ozone symptoms were more likely with preexisting respiratory health conditions. The risk of heat-related symptoms was slightly higher in Los Angeles than Houston and Phoenix. We found several demographic, housing, and behavioral characteristics that influenced the risk of heat- and ozone-related symptoms.

Conclusions

The increased risk among older adults based on specific social and behavioral factors identified in this study can inform public health policy and help cities tailor their heat and ozone response plans to the specific needs of this vulnerable population.
Site-specific N-glycoproteomic analysis reveals up-regulated fucosylation in seminal plasma of asthenozoospermia
Authors: Xin Miaomiao , Li Cheng , You Shanshan , Zhu Bojing , Shen Jiechen , Dong Wenbo , Xue Xia , Shi Wenhao , Xiong Yao , Shi Juanzi , Sun Shisheng
Published: July 2024

N-linked glycoproteins are rich in seminal plasma, playing essential roles in supporting sperm function and fertilization process. The alteration of seminal plasma glycans and its correspond glycoproteins may lead to sperm dysfunction and even infertility. In present study, an integrative analysis of glycoproteomic and proteomic was performed to investigate the changes of site-specific glycans and glycoptoteins in seminal plasma of asthenozoospermia. By large scale profiling and quantifying 5,018 intact N-glycopeptides in seminal plasma, we identified 92 intact N-glycopeptides from 34 glycoproteins changed in asthenozoospermia. Especially, fucosylated glycans containing lewis x, lewis y and core fucosylation were significantly up-regulated in asthenozoospermia compared to healthy donors. The up-regulation of fucosylated glycans in seminal plasma may interfere sperm surface compositions and regulation of immune response, which subsequently disrupts sperm function. Three differentiated expression of seminal vesicle-specific glycoproteins (fibronectin, seminogelin-2, and glycodelin) were also detected with fucosylation alteration in seminal plasma of asthenozoospermia. The interpretation of the altered site-specific glycan structures provides data for the diagnosis and etiology analysis of male infertility, as well as providing new insights into the potential therapeutic targets for male infertility.
Surgical timing for asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy
Authors: Chen Xingfei , Ye Huilan , Dang Run , Yang Yiyu
Published: July 2024

This report describes a 4-year-old girl diagnosed with asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy who experienced severe respiratory distress and multiple complications after undergoing a corrective operation for a thoracic deformity. The optimal age for children with asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy to receive a corrective operation is between 6 and 12 years old. For children under 6 years old, the decision to undergo an operation should be carefully evaluated.
Iraq's Authoritarian Democracies: A Conceptual Framework through Tawfiq al-Suwaydi's Political Memoirs
Authors: Al-Kalisy Abdulla
Published: July 2024

Political memoirs have been typically utilized for their historical reference, neglecting the wide array of conceptualizations of the political sphere and the state that politicians' narratives represent. Critical discourse analysis methodologies, by focusing on perceptions and interpretations of discourse, provide the tools to uncover these conceptualizations of elites and those that represent the state. This is particularly important in states like Iraq, which struggle against hybridity, where the democratic system is actioned through authoritarianist tendencies that define the political sphere. This manipulation of an otherwise democratic structure requires an analysis of the conceptual framework that informs the manipulation. The political memoirs of Tawfiq al-Suwaydi, an Iraqi PM on multiple occasions throughout the Monarchy Era, cover significantly more than identity construction, confirmation of historical narratives, and his defenses. The discursive foundation of the state and the way it is actioned against a democratic system is qualified throughout his writing. In his narration, we will see a significant outpour of fundamentally authoritarian views of rule rooted in efficiency through domination and absolute control. Meanwhile, the democratic system was conceptualized as serving the purpose of appeasing an otherwise inconsolable people. This article highlights the way memoirs of political elites, through the justificatory and analytical language, are gateways to understanding the perceptions of rule upon which their mode of operation, and so the foundation of hybridity, is based. This aims to further illuminate oppressive continuities within the Iraqi political sphere as we have seen a return to a similar form of hybridity post-2003.
Examining the long-term impacts of ergot alkaloids on fetal heifer development and subsequent growth and reproductive performance
Authors: Haimon McKenzie L J , Poole Rebecca K , Newsome McKayla A , Brown Alecia R , Dudley Harrison , Poole Daniel H
Published: July 2024

Consumption of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (EI) results in poor reproductive performance in domestic livestock. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the effects of ergovaline exposure during mid-gestation (days 93 through 188 of gestation) on dam performance, the growing female fetus, and the subsequent growth and reproductive performance of the gestationally exposed heifer calves. Pregnant Angus and Simmental-Angus cows were blocked by age (2 to 3, to 7, and >7 y), body weight (BW), and breed; and then randomly assigned to graze either novel endophyte-infected tall fescue (EN; <5% infection rate; n = 27 year 1, n = 16 year 2) or toxic EI (99% infection rate; n = 27 year 1, n = 17 year 2). Weekly BW, body condition scores (BCS), hair coat scores, hair shedding scores (HSS), and blood samples for progesterone (P4) analysis were collected from mid-April through July of 2017 (year 1) and 2018 (year 2). Gestation length, birth weight, placental characteristics, heifer calf growth, onset of puberty, ovarian characteristics, and artificial insemination pregnancy rates were measured. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Cows grazing EI pastures had reduced average daily gain, reduced BCS, greater HSS, and decreased P4 concentrations compared to cows on EN pasture (P < 0.01). Birth weights were decreased for heifers whose dams were exposed to EI pastures during their second trimester (P < 0.01). Heifer pregnancy rates were not impacted by EI pasture exposure during gestation for either year of the study. However, a treatment-by-year effect was seen for the pregnancy rate for EI-exposed heifers in year 2; EI-exposed heifers in year 2 had increased pregnancy rates at two of the inseminations. Combined, these data reinforce that consumption of toxic EI during gestation can negatively impact both dam and offspring performance. More studies are needed to evaluate more parameters in an effort to elucidate the possible life-long impacts of ergovaline exposure during gestation.
Perforated neonatal appendicitis mimicking necrotizing enterocolitis in a premature neonate: a case report and literature review
Authors: Manasra Mahmoud R , Alhroob Thaer , Marrawani Mohammad , Batanje Dalia , Imran Yahya , Harahsha Moatz , Amleh Abdul-Karim , Zugayar Diaa
Published: July 2024

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) predominantly affects preterm infants and can mimic other conditions like acute appendicitis. Neonatal appendicitis (NA) is extremely rare, with an incidence of 0.04–0.2% and high fatality rates. Due to its rarity and resemblance to other neonatal conditions, NA diagnosis is often delayed. We report a case of a 2220-g male preterm neonate delivered at 31 + 5 weeks via urgent cesarean section due to chorioamnionitis, initially misdiagnosed with NEC but later found to have a perforated appendix. The neonate recovered well post-surgery, with the ileostomy reversed 10 weeks later. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for NA, as it requires different management than NEC. This case underscores the importance of considering NA in preterm infants with severe abdominal symptoms and emphasizes timely surgical intervention to improve outcomes. Additionally, it supports the hypothesis that localized NEC involving the appendix may have a better prognosis than generalized NEC.
Sudden onset presentation of giant primary thyroid hemangioma: a rare case report
Authors: Al-Maghrabi Haneen , Alardati Hosam , Waggass Ghouth , Aref Mohammed , Heaphy John
Published: July 2024

Hemangiomas are considered slow growing benign neoplasms. Primary thyroid hemangiomas are uncommon and may pose difficulty in diagnosis due to absence of distinctive imaging characteristics and related clinical symptoms. It is crucial to precisely identify these lesions to aid in implementing nonsurgical treatment plans rather than resorting to surgical procedures in certain cases. In this report we present a case of a 76-year-old female who presented with painless, rapid, and sudden notice of right-side neck swelling over a 1-day duration. Her radiological examinations raised the concern of a vascular lesion that was emoblized endovascularly. Then, it was surgically removed, which was eventually determined to be primary thyroid hemangioma. In addition, we present a literature review of previously published cases and discuss tumor pathophysiology, clinical presentations, radiology features, and differential diagnosis.
A Scoping Review of Military Combat Casualty Data on Submassive, Massive, and Supermassive Transfusions
Authors: Banerjee Rohan C , Castillejos Jasmine A , Krewson Sean P , Mina Karen R , Fisher Andrew D , April Michael D , Schauer Steven G
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Blood transfusions are common during combat casualty care, aiming to address the loss of blood volume that often accompanies severe battlefield injuries. This scoping review delves into the existing military combat casualty data to analyze the efficacy, challenges, and advances in the use of massive and super-massive transfusions in the management of critically injured warfighters.

Materials and Methods

We performed a scoping review of combat-related literature published between 2006 and 2023 pertaining to massive transfusions used during combat deployments. We utilized PubMed to identify relevant studies and utilized the PRISMA-ScR Checklist to conduct the review.

Results

We identified 53 studies that met the inclusion criteria with the majority being retrospective studies from registries used by the United States, British, French, and Dutch Militaries. Most of the studies focused on transfusion ratios, the movement of blood transfusions to more forward locations, implementation of massive transfusions with different fibrinogen-to-red blood cell ratios, the addition of recombinant factor VII, and the use of predictive models for transfusion. Lastly, we identified reports of improved survival for casualties with the rapid implementation of various blood products (warm fresh whole blood, cold-stored low titer group O blood, freeze-dried plasma, and component therapy) and literature relating to pediatric casualties and submassive transfusions. Notable findings include the establishment of hemodynamic and cell blood count parameters as predictors of the requirement for massive transfusions and the association of higher fibrinogen-to-red blood cell ratios with decreased mortality.

Conclusions

We identified 53 studies focused on blood transfusions from the Global War on Terrorism conflicts. The majority were related to transfusion ratios and the movement of blood transfusions to more forward locations. We highlight key lessons learned on the battlefield that have been translated into scientific developments and changes in civilian trauma methods.
Is pulsed saturation transfer sufficient for differentiating radiation necrosis from tumor progression in brain metastases?
Authors: Chan Rachel W , Lam Wilfred W , Chen Hanbo , Murray Leedan , Zhang Beibei , Theriault Aimee , Endre Ruby , Moon Sangkyu , Liebig Patrick , Maralani Pejman J , Tseng Chia-Lin , Myrehaug Sten , Detsky Jay , Lim-Fat Mary Jane , Roberto Katrina , Djayakarsana Daniel , Lingamoorthy Bharathy , Mehrabian Hatef , Khan Benazir Mir , Sahgal Arjun , Soliman Hany , Stanisz Greg J
Published: July 2024

Background

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the treatment of brain metastases delivers a high dose of radiation with excellent local control but comes with the risk of radiation necrosis (RN), which can be difficult to distinguish from tumor progression (TP). Magnetization transfer (MT) and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) are promising techniques for distinguishing RN from TP in brain metastases. Previous studies used a 2D continuous-wave (ie, block radiofrequency [RF] saturation) MT/CEST approach. The purpose of this study is to investigate a 3D pulsed saturation MT/CEST approach with perfusion MRI for distinguishing RN from TP in brain metastases.

Methods

The study included 73 patients scanned with MT/CEST MRI previously treated with SRS or fractionated SRS who developed enhancing lesions with uncertain diagnoses of RN or TP. Perfusion MRI was acquired in 49 of 73 patients. Clinical outcomes were determined by at least 6 months of follow-up or via pathologic confirmation (in 20% of the lesions).

Results

Univariable logistic regression resulted in significant variables of the quantitative MT parameter 1/(RA·T2A), with 5.9 ± 2.7 for RN and 6.5 ± 2.9 for TP. The highest AUC of 75% was obtained using a multivariable logistic regression model for MT/CEST parameters, which included the CEST parameters of AREXAmide,0.625µT (P = .013), AREXNOE,0.625µT (P = .008), 1/(RA·T2A) (P = .004), and T1 (P = .004). The perfusion rCBV parameter did not reach significance.

Conclusions

Pulsed saturation transfer was sufficient for achieving a multivariable AUC of 75% for differentiating between RN and TP in brain metastases, but had lower AUCs compared to previous studies that used a block RF approach.
Empagliflozin impact on experimentally induced acetaminophen toxicity: Imprint of mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, and cGAS/STING signal in amending liver insult
Authors: El‐Gohary Rehab M. , Abdeen Ahmed , Ibrahim Hoda A. , Taher Ehab S. , Ghabrial Maram M. , Younis Reham L. , Khattab Haidy , Seleem Monira A. , Alwutayd Khairiah M. , Mihaela Ostan , Ioan Banatean‐Dunea , El‐Nablaway Mohammad , Aldarmahi Ahmed A. , Ibrahim Ateya M. , Al‐Serwi Rasha H. , Ghalwash Asmaa A.
Published: July 2024

Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the most clinically relevant medications associated with acute liver damage. A prolific deal of research validated the hepatoprotective effect of empagliflozin (EMPA); however, its effect on APAP‐induced hepatotoxicity has still not been investigated. In this study, the prospective hepatoprotective impact of EMPA against APAP‐induced hepatotoxicity was investigated. Twenty‐eight Balb‐C mice were assigned to four groups: control, APAP, EMPA10/APAP, and EMPA25/APAP. At the end of the experiment, serum hepatotoxicity biomarkers, MDA level, and GSH content were estimated. Hepatic mitofusin‐2 (MFN2), optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1), and mitochondrial fission 1 protein (FIS1) were immunoassayed. PGC‐1α, cGAS, and STING mRNA expression were assessed by real‐time PCR. Histopathological changes and immunohistochemistry of INF‐β, p‐NF‐κB, and iNOS were evaluated. APAP treatment caused significant hepatic functional impairment and increased hepatic MDA levels, as well as a concomitant decrease in GSH content. Marked elevation in Drp1 and FIS1 levels, INF‐ß, p‐NF‐κB, and iNOS immunoreactivity, and reduction in MFN2 and OPA1 levels in the APAP‐injected group, PGC‐1α downregulation, and high expression of cGAS and STING were also documented. EMPA effectively ameliorated APAP‐generated structural and functional changes in the liver, restored redox homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamics balance, and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis, remarkably diminished hepatic expression of cGAS and STING, and elicited a reduction in hepatic inflammation. Moreover, the computational modeling data support the interaction of APAP with antioxidant system‐related proteins as well as the interactions of EMPA against Drp1, cGAS, IKKA, and iNOS proteins. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that EMPA has an ameliorative impact against APAP‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice via modulation of mitochondrial dynamics, biogenesis, and cGAS/STING‐dependent inflammation. Thus, this study concluded that EMPA could be a promising therapeutic modality for acute liver toxicity.
The dual role of a highly structured RNA (the S fragment) in the replication of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus
Authors: Ward Joseph C. , Lasecka‐Dykes Lidia , Dobson Samuel J. , Gold Sarah , Kingston Natalie J. , Herod Morgan R. , King Donald P. , Tuthill Tobias J. , Rowlands David J. , Stonehouse Nicola J.
Published: July 2024

Secondary and tertiary RNA structures play key roles in genome replication of single‐stranded positive sense RNA viruses. Complex, functional structures are particularly abundant in the untranslated regions of picornaviruses, where they are involved in initiation of translation, priming of new strand synthesis and genome circularization. The 5′ UTR of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV) is predicted to include a c. 360 nucleotide‐long stem‐loop, termed the short (S) fragment. This structure is highly conserved and essential for viral replication, but the precise function(s) are unclear. Here, we used selective 2′ hydroxyl acetylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) to experimentally determine aspects of the structure, alongside comparative genomic analyses to confirm structure conservation from a wide range of field isolates. To examine its role in virus replication in cell culture, we introduced a series of deletions to the distal and proximal regions of the stem‐loop. These truncations affected genome replication in a size‐dependent and, in some cases, host cell‐dependent manner. Furthermore, during the passage of viruses incorporating the largest tolerated deletion from the proximal region of the S fragment stem‐loop, an additional mutation was selected in the viral RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, 3Dpol. These data suggest that the S fragment and 3Dpol interact in the formation of the FMDV replication complex.
How Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State Relate to Patient Expectations and Satisfaction in Spine Surgery: A Review
Authors: Adindu Ebubechi , Singh Devender , Geck Matthew , Stokes John , Truumees Eeric
Published: July 2024

This narrative review seeks to enhance our comprehension of how Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) values in established Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) for spine surgery correspond with patient preoperative expectations and postoperative satisfaction. Through our literature search, we found that both MCID and PASS serve as dependable indicators of patient expectations. However, MCID may be more susceptible to a floor effect. This implies that PASS may offer a more accurate reflection of how patients anticipate surgery to address their symptoms. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that achieving MCID or PASS may not be an absolute prerequisite for patients to be satisfied with their treatment.