bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The continuously evolving phenotype of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Julia‐Palacios Natalia Alexandra , Kuseyri Hübschmann Oya , Olivella Mireia , Pons Roser , Horvath Gabriella , Lücke Thomas , Fung Cheuk‐Wing , Wong Suet‐Na , Cortès‐Saladelafont Elisenda , Rovira‐Remisa M. Mar , Yıldız Yılmaz , Mercimek‐Andrews Saadet , Assmann Birgit , Stevanović Galina , Manti Filippo , Brennenstuhl Heiko , Jung‐Klawitter Sabine , Jeltsch Kathrin , Sivri H. Serap , Garbade Sven F. , García‐Cazorla Àngels , Opladen Thomas
Published: March 2024

The objective of the study is to evaluate the evolving phenotype and genetic spectrum of patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) in long‐term follow‐up. Longitudinal clinical and biochemical data of 22 pediatric and 9 adult individuals with SSADHD from the patient registry of the International Working Group on Neurotransmitter related Disorders (iNTD) were studied with in silico analyses, pathogenicity scores and molecular modeling of ALDH5A1 variants. Leading initial symptoms, with onset in infancy, were developmental delay and hypotonia. Year of birth and specific initial symptoms influenced the diagnostic delay. Clinical phenotype of 26 individuals (median 12 years, range 1.8–33.4 years) showed a diversifying course in follow‐up: 77% behavioral problems, 76% coordination problems, 73% speech disorders, 58% epileptic seizures and 40% movement disorders. After ataxia, dystonia (19%), chorea (11%) and hypokinesia (15%) were the most frequent movement disorders. Involvement of the dentate nucleus in brain imaging was observed together with movement disorders or coordination problems. Short attention span (78.6%) and distractibility (71.4%) were the most frequently behavior traits mentioned by parents while impulsiveness, problems communicating wishes or needs and compulsive behavior were addressed as strongly interfering with family life. Treatment was mainly aimed to control epileptic seizures and psychiatric symptoms. Four new pathogenic variants were identified. In silico scoring system, protein activity and pathogenicity score revealed a high correlation. A genotype/phenotype correlation was not observed, even in siblings. This study presents the diversifying characteristics of disease phenotype during the disease course, highlighting movement disorders, widens the knowledge on the genotypic spectrum of SSADHD and emphasizes a reliable application of in silico approaches.
Difference in radiofrequency ablation profile between during sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation: Considerations in this era of high‐power short‐duration strategy
Authors: Hara Satoshi , Kusa Shigeki , Sato Yoshikazu , Ohya Hiroaki , Miwa Naoyuki , Hirano Hidenori , Ishizawa Taiki , Nakata Tadanori , Doi Junichi , Hachiya Hitoshi
Published: March 2024

Background

The concept of ablation index (AI) was introduced to evaluate radiofrequency (RF) ablation lesions. It is calculated from power, contact force (CF), and RF duration. However, other factors may also affect the quality of ablation lesions. To examine the difference in RF lesions made during sinus rhythm (SR) and atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Sixty patients underwent index pulmonary vein isolation during SR (n = 30, SR group) or AF (n = 30, AF group). All ablations were performed with a power of 50 W, a targeted CF of 5–15 g, and AI of 400–450 using Thermocool Smarttouch SF. The CF, AI, RF duration, temperature rise (Δtemp), impedance drop (Δimp), and the CF stability of each ablation point quantified as the standard deviation of the CF (CF‐SD) were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 3579 ablation points were analyzed, which included 1618 and 1961 points in the SR and the AF groups, respectively. Power, average CF, RF duration per point, and the resultant AI (389 ± 59 vs. 388 ± 57) were similar for the two rhythms. However, differences were seen in the CF‐SD (3.5 ± 2.2 vs. 3.8 ± 2.1 g, p < .01), Δtemp (3.8 ± 1.3 vs. 4.0 ± 1.3°C, p < .005), and Δimp (10.3 ± 5.8 vs. 9.4 ± 5.4 Ω, p < .005).

Conclusions

Despite similar AI, various RF parameters differed according to the underlying atrial rhythm. Ablation delivered during SR demonstrated less CF variability and temperature increase and greater impedance drop than during AF.
Efficacy of photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on clinical parameters and microbial composition in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients: A split‐mouth randomized clinical trial
Authors: Nie Min , Huang Peien , Peng Peiyao , Shen Daonan , Zhao Lei , Jiang Duan , Shen Yuqin , Wei Lai , Bible Paul W. , Yang Jingmei , Wang Jun , Wu Yafei
Published: March 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical parameters and microbial composition in subgingival plaque of periodontitis patients.

Methods

Seventeen patients were included in this split‐mouth randomized clinical trial. Sites with probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5 mm in combination with bleeding on probing in different quadrants were randomized into the control group, the group with a single PDT application right after SRP, and the group with three repeated PDT applications 1 week after SRP. The subgingival plaque was collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing at baseline, Week 2, and Week 8.

Results

Seventeen patients with 60 sites completed this 8‐week follow‐up, and 157 subgingival plaques were successfully analyzed by sequencing. Significant improvements were observed in two primary outcomes: PPD at Week 8 and subgingival microbial composition. Compared to the control group, the repeated‐PDT group showed a notable improvement in PPD, substantial alterations in the microbial profile, including a reduction in α‐diversity and anaerobic bacteria, and an increase in aerobic bacteria at Week 2. Secondary outcomes, such as clinical attachment level and sulcus bleeding index, also showed improvement at Week 8. Furthermore, both the single‐ and repeated‐PDT groups exhibited a decrease in periodontopathogens and an increase in beneficial bacteria compared with baseline.

Conclusion

PDT promotes changes in the microbial composition of periodontitis patients’ subgingival plaque in a direction favorable to periodontal health, and repeated PDT is a promising adjunctive therapy for periodontal treatment.
Agri‐mat and grass mulch effect on crop biomass yield in sandy loam and loam soils
Authors: Mgolozeli Sibongiseni , Nciizah Adornis D. , Wakindiki Isaiah I. C. , Onwona‐Agyeman Siaw
Published: March 2024

The role of agri‐mat mulch as a soil and water conservation technology for improved and sustainable plant production has not been explored. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of agri‐mats and grass mulch on crop biomass yield of maize and spinach under sandy loam and loam soils. The following five mulch treatments were established in two sites (Durban with loam soil and Pretoria with sandy loam soil) during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 planting seasons: (a) full agri‐mat mulch cover (100%AG), (b) half agri‐mat mulch cover, (c) bare (control), (d) six tons of grass mulch per hectare (6t.GM), and (e) three tons of grass mulch per hectare. Crop growth parameters such as number of leaves, leaf length, plant height, and crop biomass yield were measured in both planting seasons. The results indicate that the crop biomass yield (both spinach and maize) was higher under 100%AG treatment compared to other mulching treatments followed by 6t.GM in the Pretoria site. For the Durban site, the highest crop growth parameters and biomass yield for both spinach and maize was recorded under the 100%AG treatment. The 100%AG treatment produced 33% more spinach biomass yield during the 2018 growing season in Durban compared with the 6t.GM treatment, with no percentage differences in the 2019 growing season. In Pretoria, there was a 20% (2018) and 32% (2019) difference in spinach biomass yield between the highest and second‐highest performing treatments. As hypothesized, agri‐mats can effectively improve crop biomass yields in semiarid and humid agro‐ecological zones with different soil types.
Technical advances in motion‐robust MR thermometry
Authors: Kim Kisoo , Narsinh Kazim , Ozhinsky Eugene
Published: March 2024

Proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) MR thermometry is the most common method used in clinical thermal treatments because of its fast acquisition and high sensitivity to temperature. However, motion is the biggest obstacle in PRFS MR thermometry for monitoring thermal treatment in moving organs. This challenge arises because of the introduction of phase errors into the PRFS calculation through multiple methods, such as image misregistration, susceptibility changes in the magnetic field, and intraframe motion during MRI acquisition. Various approaches for motion correction have been developed for real‐time, motion‐robust, and volumetric MR thermometry. However, current technologies have inherent trade‐offs among volume coverage, processing time, and temperature accuracy. These tradeoffs should be considered and chosen according to the thermal treatment application. In hyperthermia treatment, precise temperature measurements are of increased importance rather than the requirement for exceedingly high temporal resolution. In contrast, ablation procedures require robust temporal resolution to accurately capture a rapid temperature rise. This paper presents a comprehensive review of current cutting‐edge MRI techniques for motion‐robust MR thermometry, and recommends which techniques are better suited for each thermal treatment. We expect that this study will help discern the selection of motion‐robust MR thermometry strategies and inspire the development of motion‐robust volumetric MR thermometry for practical use in clinics.
Pre‐excitation gradients for eddy current nulled convex optimized diffusion encoding (Pre‐ENCODE)
Authors: Middione Matthew J. , Loecher Michael , Cao Xiaozhi , Setsompop Kawin , Ennis Daniel B.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the use of pre‐excitation gradients for eddy current–nulled convex optimized diffusion encoding (Pre‐ENCODE) to mitigate eddy current–induced image distortions in diffusion‐weighted MRI (DWI).

Methods

DWI sequences using monopolar (MONO), ENCODE, and Pre‐ENCODE were evaluated in terms of the minimum achievable echo time (TE) and eddy current‐induced image distortions using simulations, phantom experiments, and in vivo DWI in volunteers ().

Results

Pre‐ENCODE provided a shorter TE than MONO (71.0 17.7ms vs. 77.6 22.9ms) and ENCODE (71.0 17.7ms vs. 86.2 14.2ms) in 100 of the simulated cases for a commercial 3T MRI system with b‐values ranging from 500 to 3000 s/mm and in‐plane spatial resolutions ranging from 1.0 to 3.0mm. Image distortion was estimated by intravoxel signal variance between diffusion encoding directions near the phantom edges and was significantly lower with Pre‐ENCODE than with MONO (10.1 vs. 22.7, ) and comparable to ENCODE (10.1 vs. 10.4, ). In vivo measurements of apparent diffusion coefficients were similar in global brain pixels (0.37 [0.28,1.45] mm/s vs. 0.38 [0.28,1.45]mm/s, ) and increased in edge brain pixels (0.80 [0.17,1.49] mm/s vs. 0.70 [0.18,1.48]mm/s, ) for MONO compared to Pre‐ENCODE.

Conclusion

Pre‐ENCODE mitigated eddy current–induced image distortions for diffusion imaging with a shorter TE than MONO and ENCODE.
Calcium mediated static and dynamic allostery in S100A12: Implications for target recognition by S100 proteins
Authors: Wang Qian , DiForte Christopher , Aleshintsev Aleksey , Elci Gianna , Bhattacharya Shibani , Bongiorno Angelo , Gupta Rupal
Published: March 2024

Structure and functions of S100 proteins are regulated by two distinct calcium binding EF hand motifs. In this work, we used solution‐state NMR spectroscopy to investigate the cooperativity between the two calcium binding sites and map the allosteric changes at the target binding site. To parse the contribution of the individual calcium binding events, variants of S100A12 were designed to selectively bind calcium to either the EF‐I (N63A) or EF‐II (E31A) loop, respectively. Detailed analysis of the backbone chemical shifts for wildtype protein and its mutants indicates that calcium binding to the canonical EF‐II loop is the principal trigger for the conformational switch between ‘closed’ apo to the ‘open’ Ca2+‐bound conformation of the protein. Elimination of binding in S100‐specific EF‐I loop has limited impact on the calcium binding affinity of the EF‐II loop and the concomitant structural rearrangement. In contrast, deletion of binding in the EF‐II loop significantly attenuates calcium affinity in the EF‐I loop and the structure adopts a ‘closed’ apo‐like conformation. Analysis of experimental amide nitrogen (15N) relaxation rates (R1, R2, and 15N–{1H} NOE) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrate that the calcium bound state is relatively floppy with pico–nanosecond motions induced in functionally relevant domains responsible for target recognition such as the hinge domain and the C‐terminal residues. Experimental relaxation studies combined with MD simulations show that while calcium binding in the EF‐I loop alone does not induce significant motions in the polypeptide chain, EF‐I regulates fluctuations in the polypeptide in the presence of bound calcium in the EF‐II loop. These results offer novel insights into the dynamic regulation of target recognition by calcium binding and unravels the role of cooperativity between the two calcium binding events in S100A12.
Energization‐Time Dependence of Electrical Properties of Anodized n‐GaN Grown on Si Substrates
Authors: Kamio Gaku , Fujioka Hiroshi , Maeda Narihiko
Published: March 2024

With a view to device applications as a new material, n‐GaN grown on Si substrates is anodized at 4 V in an electrolyte solution for different energization times (15–240 min), and the dependence of the changes in electrical properties on the anodization time is evaluated. Anodization at 4 V increases the resistivity of n‐GaN with increasing energization time. To investigate the origin of the increase in resistivity by anodization, the results of the temperature dependence of the Hall mobility and electron density are discussed. The Hall mobility decreases with increasing energization time. The decrease in Hall mobility is because anodization forms neutral defects and increases neutral‐impurity scattering. The electron density decreases with increasing energization time. The decrease in electron density occurs because anodization deepens the original donor level and generates a deeper level that captures electrons. Thus, anodization changes the electrical properties of n‐GaN grown on Si substrate, and their dependence on energization time is discussed in detail.
Two‐Dimensional Characterization of Au/Ni/Thin Heavily‐Mg‐Doped p‐/n‐GaN Structure under Applied Voltage by Scanning Internal Photoemission Microscopy
Authors: Imabayashi Hiroki , Yoshimura Haruto , Horikiri Fumimasa , Narita Yoshinobu , Fujikura Hajime , Ohta Hiroshi , Mishima Tomoyoshi , Shiojima Kenji
Published: March 2024

The two‐dimensional characterization of the Au/Ni/thin p+‐GaN/n−‐GaN structure, which is a part of a junction barrier Schottky structure, is demonstrated by scanning internal photoemission microscopy (SIPM) method. In the SIPM photoyield image using a blue laser, small photocurrents based on the internal photoemission effect by electron injection across the metal/semiconductor interface (from Ni to GaN) are detected in the center of the electrode. On the periphery, large photocurrents in the opposite direction are detected. These currents are caused by the hole injection from Ni into p+‐GaN layer and the electrical field in the laterally extended depletion layer at the edge. By using a violet laser, large photocurrents based on the fundamental absorption generated in the depletion layer of the n−‐GaN layer are uniformly detected over the electrode. It is conformed that SIPM can be available for quasi‐three‐dimensional characterization of this structure.
Identification of Antiviral Phytocompounds as Potential Anti‐Dengue Agents against DENV NS2B/NS3 Protease: An Integrated Molecular Modelling and Dynamics Approach
Authors: Sahoo Sthitaprajna , Purohit Priyanka , Samantaray Subhashish , Meher Biswa Ranjan
Published: March 2024

Dengue fever is one of the most dreaded viral diseases caused by the bite of femaleAedes aegyptiandAedes albopictusmosquitoes infected with the Dengue virus (DENV). No DENV antiviral drugs have been approved, yet they are desperately needed. The current study focuses on finding potential therapeutics from 8 medicinal plants reported to have activity against the DENV NS2B/NS3 protease in vitro. Eighty‐two phytocompounds were selected from eight different medicinal plants likeVernonia cinerea, Tridax procumbens, Cassia angustifolia, Lawsonia inermis, Dryobalanops aromatic, Punica granatum, Zingiber zerumbetandZizyphus‐jujuba. The top five phytocompounds (Epicatechin (EPI), Chrysoeriol (CHR), Apigenin (API), Quercetin‐3,4′‐Dimethylether (QUE), and Caffeic acid (CAF)) identified from toxicity evaluation and docking studies were further subjected to 100 ns long Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to study their structural stability and binding affinity through MM‐PBSA based free‐energy calculations. MD results revealed overall conformational stability with all the five phytocompounds. Furthermore, MM‐PBSA results suggest binding free energy values of −154.415 kJ/mol, −151.154 kJ/mol, −139.048 kJ/mol, −122.827 kJ/mol), and −120.622 kJ/mol for compound EPI, QUE, API, CAF, and CHR respectively by interacting with essential binding site residues. These compounds could thus be studied extensively to develop nature‐based therapeutic compounds as anti‐dengue agents for DENV2.
Translating NIA‐AA criteria into usual practice: Report from the ReDeMa Project
Authors: Sánchez‐Soblechero Antonio , Berbel Angel , Villarejo Alberto , Palmí‐Cortés Itziar , Vieira Alba , Gil‐Moreno María José , Fernández Cristina , Martín‐Montes Ãngel , Carreras María Teresa , Fernández Yolanda , Puertas Carolina , Blanco‐Palmero Victor , Llamas Sara , González‐Sánchez Marta , Lapeña Teresa , de Luis Pilar , Manzano Sagrario , Olazarán Javier
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Biomarker‐informed criteria were proposed for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association (NIA‐AA) in 2011; however, the adequacy of this criteria has not been sufficiently evaluated.

METHODS

ReDeMa (Red de Demencias de Madrid) is a regional cohort of patients attending memory and neurology clinics. Core cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were obtained, NIA‐AA diagnostic criteria were considered, and changes in diagnosis and management were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 233 patients were analyzed (mean age 70 years, 50% women, 73% AD). The diagnostic language was modified significantly, with a majority assumption of NIA‐AA definitions (69%). Confidence in diagnosis increased from 70% to 92% (p < 0.0005) and management was changed in 71% of patient/caregivers. The influence of neurologist's age or expertise on study results was minimal.

DISCUSSION

The NIA‐AA criteria are adequate and utile for usual practice in memory and neurology clinics, improving diagnostic confidence and significantly modifying patient management.

HIGHLIGHTS

Alzheimer's disease (AD) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers increase diagnostic certainty regardless of the neurologist.

AD CSF biomarkers lead to changes in disease management .

Biomarker‐enriched, 2011 NIA‐AA diagnostic criteria are adequate for usual practice.
New insights into nanomedicines for oral delivery of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogs
Authors: Pinto Soraia Filipa Tavares , Santos Hélder Almeida , Sarmento Bruno Filipe Carmelino Cardoso
Published: March 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that arises when the body cannot respond fully to insulin, leading to impaired glucose tolerance. Currently, the treatment embraces non‐pharmacological actions (e.g., diet and exercise) co‐associated with the administration of antidiabetic drugs. Metformin is the first‐line treatment for T2DM; nevertheless, alternative therapeutic strategies involving glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogs have been explored for managing the disease. GLP‐1 analogs trigger insulin secretion and suppress glucagon release in a glucose‐dependent manner thereby, reducing the risk of hyperglycemia. Additionally, GLP‐1 analogs have an extended plasma half‐life compared to the endogenous peptide due to their high resistance to degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4. However, GLP‐1 analogs are mainly administered via subcutaneous route, which can be inconvenient for the patients. Even considering an oral delivery approach, GLP‐1 analogs are exposed to the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the intestinal barriers (mucus and epithelium). Hereupon, there is an unmet need to develop non‐invasive oral transmucosal drug delivery strategies, such as the incorporation of GLP‐1 analogs into nanoplatforms, to overcome the GIT barriers. Nanotechnology has the potential to shield antidiabetic peptides against the acidic pH and enzymatic activity of the stomach. In addition, the nanoparticles can be coated and/or surface‐conjugated with mucodiffusive polymers and target intestinal ligands to improve their transport through the intestinal mucus and epithelium. This review focuses on the main hurdles associated with the oral administration of GLP‐1 and GLP‐1 analogs, and the nanosystems developed to improve the oral bioavailability of the antidiabetic peptides.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
The Practical Ethics of Urban Agriculture in Public Housing
Authors: Cohen Nevin , Stein Michael , Hancock Annie , Morales Alfonso
Published: March 2024

Urban agriculture planning encompasses ethical dimensions. In this paper, two cases of housing authority-led farming and gardening projects are presented. These cases, initiated by agencies in New York City, and Denver, Colorado, show that urban agriculture has multiple multidimensional benefits, including building skills, fostering community cohesion, educating residents, encouraging healthy eating and physical activity, and generally improving the day-to-day experiences of those living in public housing developments. Both cases illustrate various lessons about applied planning ethics and suggest necessary steps for the success of these projects. In these two cases, such situations unfold and produce new interactions. However, social problems persist, but so will opportunities. Attempts to harmonize competing claims is at the root of UA practices. The purpose of this paper is to show ethics-in-interaction in the two cases. We show how the ethics of UA requires consideration of the stated goal of urban agriculture projects and the implicit goals manifested in the process. Understanding the various impacts will shed light on the feasibility and sustainability of food system initiatives. If proven environmentally and economically sustainable, as well as successful in increasing the health, economic, and social outcomes of residents, public housing investment into sustainable development and food system initiatives similar to the two cases could act as a model for public housing redevelopment across the country.
Jerry Kaufman and Food Systems Planning Leadership: The APA Policy Guide as a Microcosm of Innovative Collaboration
Authors: Pothukuchi Kameshwari , Glosser Deanna
Published: March 2024

In 2007, the American Planning Association (APA) adopted the Policy Guide on Community and Regional Food Planning, less than a decade after the appearance of the landmark papers establishing community food systems as a legitimate topic for planners’ attention. This chapter traces the process of institutionalizing food planning within the country’s largest organization of professional planners, including related collaborations among the lead authors of the policy guide, and highlights the role of Jerry Kaufman’s visionary leadership in the process. Kaufman’s talent for bringing to planners’ attention topics of importance to communities and to professional practice that were previously ignored; his prodigious networks of current and former students, faculty colleagues, and professional planners; and his longtime leadership bridging academic and professional planning arenas all were key to the policy guide’s development and its adoption.
Urban Agriculture as a Public Good: Valuing Farming and Gardening in Philadelphia and Chicago
Authors: Vitiello Domenic
Published: March 2024

Cities in the United States have developed urban agriculture support systems with different priorities. These reflect the often-competing values ascribed and inscribed in cities’ urban farming and gardening landscapes. The institutional structures of U.S. cities’ urban agriculture support systems vary accordingly, with significant impacts and implications for equity and justice. Some treat farming and gardening as a public good, public space, valued for their community-building, environmental, public health, and other social benefits. Others have sought to extract more economic and redevelopment gains from urban agriculture. These represent divergent, often-opposing theories of what urban agriculture can yield, and what it should be.

In his early work on urban agriculture, Jerry Kaufman explored its community and economic development potential, raising questions with which planners continue to grapple. This chapter reflects on the evolution of urban agriculture planning, policy, and practice in two cities he studied intensively, Chicago and Philadelphia. It asks: How have different actors and institutions valued urban agriculture? How have those values manifested in practice? What goals and impacts can U.S. cities reasonably ask of urban farming and gardening? And how might planners and cities develop urban agriculture policies and support systems that promote greater equity and justice?
New Approaches to Generate Data to Measure the Progress of Decarbonization of the Building Stock in Europe and Spain
Authors: López-Mesa Belinda , Beltrán-Velamazán Carlos , Gómez-Gil Marta , Monzón-Chavarrías Marta , Espinosa-Fernández Almudena
Published: March 2024

The European Commission has initiated efforts to establish indicator frameworks for monitoring building renovation policies and the decarbonization progress of the building stock, to be developed by EU Member States. The chapter suggests that the use of emerging technologies can improve the quality and availability of data for this purpose, focusing on two specific technologies whose potential is explored for the case of Spain. These technologies are, on one hand, georeferencing and automated cross-referencing of existing data, and, on the other, the Digital Building Logbook (DBL). The results of the study show that georeferencing and automated cross-referencing applications include calculating solar potential and estimating energy production, consumption, and emissions using Urban Energy Models (UBEMs). The UBEM, applied to Spain, enables the collection of previously unavailable indicators, improving data availability and quality mainly in the subjects of ‘An overview of the general characteristics of the national building stock’ and ‘An overview of the energy characteristics of the national building stock’. Examining the feasibility of collecting indicators through the DBL indicates that close to 69% of all necessary indicators for monitoring building renovation policies can be obtained. However, challenges in realizing DBL's full potential involve undefined tool models, owner awareness, funding uncertainties, regulatory alignment, and technical hurdles for large-scale implementation.
Enhanced Coalescence Backdoor Attack Against DNN Based on Pixel Gradient
Authors: Yin Jianyao , Chen Honglong , Li Junjian , Gao Yudong
Published: March 2024

Deep learning has been widely used in many applications such as face recognition, autonomous driving, etc. However, deep learning models are vulnerable to various adversarial attacks, among which backdoor attack is emerging recently. Most of the existing backdoor attacks use the same trigger or the same trigger generation approach to generate the poisoned samples in the training and testing sets, which is also commonly adopted by many backdoor defense strategies. In this paper, we develop an enhanced backdoor attack (EBA) that aims to reveal the potential flaws of existing backdoor defense methods. We use a low-intensity trigger to embed the backdoor, while a high-intensity trigger to activate it. Furthermore, we propose an enhanced coalescence backdoor attack (ECBA) where multiple low-intensity incipient triggers are designed to train the backdoor model, and then, all incipient triggers are gathered on one sample and enhanced to launch the attack. Experiment results on three popular datasets show that our proposed attacks can achieve high attack success rates while maintaining the model classification accuracy of benign samples. Meanwhile, by hiding the incipient poisoned samples and preventing them from activating the backdoor, the proposed attack exhibits significant stealth and the ability to evade mainstream defense methods during the model training phase.
Antimicrobial resistance in wildlife: detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in Apennine wolves (Canis lupus italicus Altobello, 1921) from Central Italy
Authors: Di Francesco A. , Salvatore D. , Ranucci A. , Gobbi M. , Morandi B.
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to molecularly investigate the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in organ samples from 11 Apennine wolves (Canis lupus italicus) collected in Central Italy. Samples from lung, liver, spleen, kidney, tongue and intestine were investigated by PCRs targeting the following genes: tet(A), tet(B), tet(C), tet(D), tet(E), tet(G), tet(K), tet(L), tet(M), tet(O), tetA(P), tet(Q), tet(S), tet(X), sul1, sul2, sul3, blaCTX−M, blaSHV, blaTEM and mcr-1. A PCR positivity was highlighted for 13 out of the 21 tested genes; no positive results were obtained for tet(C), tet(D), tet(E), tet(G), sul3, blaCTX, blaSHV and mcr-1 genes. All 11 animals sampled showed positivity for one or more resistance genes. The results confirm the potential role of the wolf as an indicator and/or vector of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria or ARGs.
Entire Mitral Valve Reconstruction Using Porcine Extracellular Matrix: Adding a Ring Annuloplasty
Authors: Jedrzejczyk Johannes H. , Krog Stine , Skov Søren N. , Poulsen Karen B. , Sharghbin Mona , Benhassen Leila L. , Nielsen Sten L. , Hasenkam J. Michael , Tjørnild Marcell J.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the implications of inserting a flexible annuloplasty ring after reconstructing the entire mitral valve in a porcine model using a previously investigated tube graft design made of 2-ply small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (CorMatrix®).

Methods

An acute model with eight 80-kg pigs, each acting as its own control, was used. The entire mitral valve was reconstructed with a 2-ply small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix tube graft (CorMatrix®). Subsequently, a Simulus® flexible ring was inserted. The characterization was based on mitral annular geometry and valvular dynamics with sonomicrometry and echocardiography.

Results

After adding the ring annuloplasty, the in-plane annular dynamics were more constant throughout the cardiac cycle compared to the reconstruction alone. However, the commissure–commissure distance was statistically significantly decreased [35.0 ± 3.4 mm vs. 27.4 ± 1.9 mm, P < 0.001, diff =  − 7.6 mm, 95% CI, − 9.8 to (−5.4) mm] after ring insertion, changing the physiological annular D-shape into a circular shape which created folds at the coaptation zone resulting in a central regurgitant jet on color Doppler.

Conclusion

We successfully reconstructed the entire mitral valve using 2-ply small intestinal submucosal extracellular matrix (CorMatrix®) combined with a flexible annuloplasty. The annuloplasty reduced the unphysiological systolic widening previously found with this reconstructive technique. However, the Simulus flex ring changed the physiological annular D-shape into a circular shape and hindered a correct unfolding of the leaflets. Thus, we do not recommend a flexible ring in conjunction with this reconstructive technique; further investigations are needed to discover a more suitable remodelling annuloplasty.
Aerodynamic modeling of a delta-wing UAV for model-based navigation
Authors: Longobardi Pasquale , Skaloud Jan
Published: March 2024

This study aims to identify an optimal, as well as practical, parametric structure for a delta-wing UAV aerodynamic model for the purpose of model-based navigation. We present a comprehensive procedure for characterizing the aerodynamics of this platform, utilizing a hybrid approach that combines open-air wind-tunnel experiments with the processing of real flight data using filter error method. The experimental design employs Latin Hypercube Sampling to maximize the observability of aerodynamic coefficients while adhering to time constraints. Candidate aerodynamic models are selected through step-wise regression. Numerical values for model coefficients are determined experimentally and subsequently calibrated through a two-phase procedure using real flight data. We then compare these models by assessing their effectiveness in improving navigation in the absence of GNSS signal in four different test flights, with respect to conventional inertial coasting using the autopilot IMU. The experimental evidence demonstrates that the model-based navigation, utilizing the proposed aerodynamic model structures, significantly reduces positioning errors compared to traditional navigation methods during GNSS outages.
Feasibility of tension-free repair of inguinal hernia in senile patients under ultrasound-guided local nerve block
Authors: Wang Yongkun , Zhang Yang , Wu Zhen , Sun Hailin , Zhang Wei , Cai Ailan , Cui Zhaoqing , Sun Shanping
Published: March 2024

The clinical characteristics of open hernia repair under local nerve block guided by ultrasound and epidural anesthesia under daytime surgery mode were compared and analyzed, and the safety, rationality and effectiveness of tension-free repair of inguinal hernia in elderly patients under local nerve block guided by ultrasound were discussed. The clinical data of 200 patients who underwent inguinal hernia day surgery in Liaocheng People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January 2022 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 150 patients who underwent local anesthesia block surgery and 50 patients who underwent epidural surgery. The visual analog score of the ultrasound local anesthesia group was lower than that of the epidural surgery group at 4 h after operation. The time of getting out of bed and postoperative exhaust were shorter than those of epidural operation group. The recovery rate of unrestricted activity 2 weeks after surgery was higher than that in epidural surgery group (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative acute urinary retention between the two groups was lower in local ultrasound anesthesia group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The median follow-up time was 4(1–6) months, and the follow-up rate was 100%. Postoperative complications were seroma, wound infection, chronic pain and recurrence, and there was no statistical significance between the two groups (P > 0.05). No serious complications occurred in both groups. Compared with open epidural surgery, ultrasound-guided local nerve block tension-free day surgery in the elderly has the advantages of less pain, faster recovery, and is safe and feasible.
Adapting agroforestry to upland farming systems: narratives from smallholder farmers in Northwest Vietnam
Authors: Do Hoa , Whitney Cory , La Nguyen , Storm Hugo , Luedeling Eike
Published: March 2024

Fruit tree–based agroforestry has been promoted as an alternative farming practice in upland Northwest Vietnam to replace monocultures of staple crops. Although many studies have focused on evaluating the performance of agroforestry systems at the plot level, research on how farmers perceive and evaluate agroforestry considering whole-farm contexts is limited. We explored the perceptions and reasoned management decisions of agroforestry farmers to uncover challenges that hinder the wider use of agroforestry, and we assessed farmers’ strategies for effective management of adoption challenges. We combined the Q methodology and the systems thinking approach. With the Q methodology, we explored prevalent discourses among the members of the farming community on the impact of agroforestry. Systems thinking elucidated a system-wide understanding of farmers’ adaptive decision-making processes. By combining the two approaches, we uncovered the dynamics that shape farmers’ perceptions and the rationale behind their management of the adoption process. Through the Q method, we identified three distinct discourses among participants. Two of these discourses are in favor of agroforestry, highlighting its beneficial impacts on livelihoods and the environment, e.g., through diversification of household income and through soil erosion control. We also generated a collective development pathway outlining how farmers navigated and adapted agroforestry practices to overcome adoption challenges through a whole-system approach to farm resource management. We identified structural barriers, such as unstable farm-gate prices, that may need high-level interventions. Our study adds a new dimension to the assessment of agroforestry through farmers’ perspectives and contributes to the existing body of research on knowledge systems in agroforestry. Considering farmers’ views and their ways of reasoning during innovation processes may allow tailoring appropriate innovations by accounting for unique farm situations and local farming systems. Such locally generated knowledge will have relevance for real-world contexts and therefore be useful for guiding actions.
The effect of lacosamide on calcitonin gene-related peptide serum level in episodic migraine patients: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Elgamal Shimaa , Ahmed Sherihan Rezk , Nahas Mohamed M. , Hendawy Shimaa R. , Elshafei Osama , Zeinhom Mohamed G.
Published: March 2024

Background

Migraine affects 11–15% of people worldwide, and the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is released during the migraine attack, producing pulsating pain of migraine. Also, lacosamide reacts with collapsin-response mediator protein 2, preventing its phosphorylation and leading to the inhibition of CGRP release in the trigeminal system.

Objective

The primary outcome was the difference in the serum level of CGRP-LI after three months of treatment with either lacosamide and ibuprofen or ibuprofen alone in episodic migraine patients. The secondary outcomes were assessing safety and efficacy of lacosamide in episodic migraine patients.

Methods

We conducted an open-label randomized controlled trial on episodic migraine patients aged 10–55 years diagnosed according to (ICHD-3) in Kafr El-Sheikh University Hospital, Egypt. We assessed serum levels of CGRP-LI before and three months after treatment in our two groups, the lacosamide, and the control groups. We also assessed the side effects of treatment in each group, the percentage of patients who achieved ≥ 50% reduction in the migraine monthly days (MMD) frequency and the percentage of patients who achieved pain freedom within 2 h in ≥ 4 of 5 attacks in each group.

Results

200 episodic migraine patients completed the study. There was a statistically significantly higher reduction in the serum CGRP-LI level in the lacosamide group compared with the control group. In addition, lacosamide was well tolerated by patients. Also, the lacosamide group had statistically significant higher percentage of patients who achieved ≥ 50% reduction in the migraine monthly days (MMD) frequency and pain freedom within two hours in ≥ 4 of 5 attacks with P-values 0.002, 0.02 respectively.

Conclusion

The daily use of lacosamide 50 mg Bid for three months in episodic migraine patients was associated with a significant reduction in serum CGRP-LI, better clinical outcomes regarding frequency and duration of migraine attacks, and was well tolerated by patients. These results were derived from an open-label pilot study that needed to be thoroughly investigated by a large-scale, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Trial registration: We registered our trial on ClinicalTrials.gov, named after "The Lacosamide's Effect on Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide in Migraine Patients," and with a clinical trial number (NCT05632133)—August 8, 2023.
High-Throughput Extraction of Phase–Property Relationships from Literature Using Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models
Authors: Montanelli Luca , Venugopal Vineeth , Olivetti Elsa A. , Latypov Marat I.
Published: March 2024

Consolidating published research on aluminum alloys into insights about microstructure–property relationships can simplify and reduce the costs involved in alloy design. One critical design consideration for many heat-treatable alloys deriving superior properties from precipitation are phases as key microstructure constituents because they can have a decisive impact on the engineering properties of alloys. Here, we present a computational framework for high-throughput extraction of phases and their impact on properties from scientific papers. Our framework includes transformer-based and large language models to identify sentences with phase-property information in papers, recognize phase and property entities, and extract phase-property relationships and their “sentiment.” We demonstrate the application of our framework on aluminum alloys, for which we build a database of 7,675 phase–property relationships extracted from a corpus of almost 5000 full-text papers. We comment on the extracted relationships based on common metallurgical knowledge.
The ectopic mandibular canines can start tooth formation in three different locations: a case series study based on single orthopantomograms from 47 individuals
Authors: Svanholt P. , Svanholt M. , Thomsen J. , Kjær I.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

A former study on orthopantomograms from young children with abnormal dental development (not canine ectopia) demonstrated that the tooth bud of the mandibular canine, compared to a stable longitudinal canine axis, could be located normally, anteriorly or posteriorly, with close relation to the first premolar.

Aim

The aim of the present study is to analyse on orthopantomograms if the canine axis can demonstrate where the ectopic mandibular canine started tooth formation.

Materials

The material consists of orthopantomograms with ectopic mandibular canines and presence of primary mandibular canines from 47 cases (29 cases 9–21 years old and 18 cases with unknown ages). The primary canines demonstrated from minor apical resorption to more severe apical resorption.

Methods

Based on canine maturity, location of the canine axes and the interrelationships between the roots of the permanent canine and first premolar, the location from where the canine started tooth formation was determined. Canine maturity. Maturity stage below half root length and maturity stage above half root length revealed that 11 ectopic canines had less than half root length and 36 cases more than half root length. Canine axes. The canine axis, through the length of the primary canines Ax, is inserted on drawings of the orthopantomograms using the tracing programme Inkscape®. Interrelationship between roots. By visual inspection, the distance between the canine and first premolar was designated close distance, normal distance and extended distance.

Results

The results are divided into 3 groups. Group 1: The initial site of the permanent ectopic canine is located within the canine axis (6 cases). Group 2: The initial site of the permanent ectopic canine is located posterior to the canine axis (36 cases). Group 3: The initial site of the permanent ectopic canine is located anterior to the canine axis (5 cases).

Conclusion

The study explained that the canine axis could divide cases of ectopic canines into three groups according to the location from where tooth formation starts. For getting closer to the pattern of the ectopic canine eruption, it is necessary to analyse series of orthopantomograms taken from the same individual over several years.
Time to Change How We Measure Quality of Life and Well-Being in Autism: A Systematic Review
Authors: Simpson Kate , Paynter Jessica , Westerveld Marleen , van der Meer Larah , Patrick Lee , Hogg Gabrielle , Heussler Helen , Heyworth Melanie , Gable Alison , Chandran Hem Sid , Bowen Rachael , Adams Dawn
Published: March 2024

This review examines methods used to report on the QoL and/or well-being of autistic people. A search of four databases (June 2023) identified 256 studies that reported on the Qol and/or well-being of at least one autistic person. The quality of studies varied. Results were synthesised on who reported, who was reported on, how information was obtained including accommodations and community involvement. One-third used proxy informants, over 80% used generic measures of QoL and/or well-being, autistic people with intellectual impairment and communication disorders were underrepresented, one quarter included accommodations, and few studies included community involvement. Despite the growing research on QoL and well-being of autistic people, more accessible and inclusive research is required to understand autistic people’s experience.
Evaluation of pituitary function and metabolic parameters in patients with traumatic maxillofacial fractures
Authors: Daloglu O. O. , Unal M. C. , Kemaloglu C. A. , Bolatturk O. F. , Ozyazgan I. , Tanriverdi F. , Coruh A. , Kelestimur F.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study was designed to assess the pituitary functions of patients with traumatic maxillofacial fractures and compare the results with healthy controls.

Methods

Thirty patients (mean age, 38.14 ± 14.15 years; twenty-six male, four female) with a traumatic maxillofacial fracture at least 12 months ago (mean 27.5 ± 6.5 months) and thirty healthy controls (mean age, 42.77 ± 11.36 years; twenty-five male, five female) were included. None of the patients were unconscious following head trauma, and none required hospitalization in intensive care. Basal pituitary hormone levels of the patients were evaluated. All patients and controls had a glucagon stimulation test and an ACTH stimulation test to evaluate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the GH–IGF-1 axis.

Results

Five of thirty patients (16.6%) had isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency based on a glucagon stimulation test (GST). The mean peak GH level after GST in patients with hypopituitarism (0.54 ng/ml) was significantly lower than those without hypopituitarism (7.01 ng/ml) and healthy controls (11.70 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). No anterior pituitary hormone deficiency was found in the patients, except for GH.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to evaluate the presence of hypopituitarism in patients with traumatic maxillofacial fractures. Preliminary findings suggest that hypopituitarism and GH deficiency pose significant risks to these patients, particularly during the chronic phase of their trauma. However, these findings need to be validated in larger scale prospective studies with more patients.