bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating experiments and monitoring reveals extreme sensitivity of invasive winter annuals to precipitation
Authors: Rinella Matthew J. , Vermeire Lance T. , Angerer Jay P. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn arid and semiarid systems of western North America, the most damaging invasive plants are winter annuals. These plants are destroying wildlife habitat, reducing livestock production, and increasing wildfires. Monitoring these plants for lasting population changes is challenging because their abundances vary widely from year to year. Some of this variation is due to weather, and quantifying effects of weather is important for distinguishing transcient from lasting population changes and understanding effects of climate change. Fall and spring weather affect germination and seed production of the current generation of plants and, therefore, impact population sizes of subsequent generations of plants. Extensive data are required to estimate effects of fall and spring weather on multiple generations of plants. We used Bayesian statistics to integrate experimental and long‐term (31 years) monitoring data and quantify invasive annual grass [downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) and Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus Thunb.)] responses to weather. Bromes ranged from nearly absent to comprising half of total biomass depending on three previous years of weather. Brome biomass increased with precipitation one, two, and three falls prior to measurement. Fall precipitation is projected to increase, and a mere 6.5 mm increase, which is just 2% of mean annual precipitation, would increase brome biomass 40% (28%, 54%) (mean [95% CI]) according to our model. Increased fall precipitation could favor many invasive winter annual grasses and forbs. Dry spring conditions reduced brome biomass the current year but increased brome biomass one and likely two (p = 0.08) years later, perhaps because dry conditions weakened perennial competitors. This finding casts doubt on several one‐year precipitation experiments that concluded drier spring weather would reduce brome abundances. Integrating short‐term experiments and long‐term monitoring is useful for estimating invasive plant responses to the weather and characterizing their responses to climate change. Our research provides predictions of brome abundances that could improve monitoring efforts by helping land managers interpret population dynamics in the context of seasonal precipitation patterns.
The VEGF‐Mediated Cytoprotective Ability of MIF‐Licensed Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in House Dust Mite‐Induced Epithelial Damage
Authors: Dunbar Hazel , Hawthorne Ian J. , Tunstead Courteney , Dunlop Molly , Volkova Evelina , Weiss Daniel J. , Santos Claudia C. dos , Armstrong Michelle E. , Donnelly Seamas C. , English Karen 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTEnhancing mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapeutic efficacy through licensing with proinflammatory cytokines is now well established. We have previously shown that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)‐licensed MSCs exerted significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy in reducing inflammation in house dust mite (HDM)‐driven allergic asthma. Soluble mediators released into the MSC secretome boast cytoprotective properties equal to those associated with the cell itself. In asthma, epithelial barrier damage caused by the inhalation of allergens like HDM drives goblet cell hyperplasia. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role in the repair and maintenance of airway epithelial integrity. Human bone marrow‐derived MSCs expressed the MIF receptors CD74, CXCR2, and CXCR4. Endogenous MIF from high MIF expressing CATT7 bone marrow‐derived macrophages increased MSC production of VEGF through the MIF CXCR4 chemokine receptor, where preincubation with CXCR4 inhibitor mitigated this effect. CATT7‐MIF licensed MSC conditioned media containing increased levels of VEGF significantly enhanced bronchial epithelial wound healing via migration and proliferation in vitro. Blocking VEGFR2 or the use of mitomycin C abrogated this effect. Furthermore, CATT7‐MIF MSC CM significantly decreased goblet cell hyperplasia after the HDM challenge in vivo. This was confirmed to be VEGF‐dependent, as the use of anti‐human VEGF neutralising antibody abrogated this effect. Overall, this study highlights that MIF‐licenced MSCs show enhanced production of VEGF, which has the capacity to repair the lung epithelium.
First Total Synthesis of Deinococcucin A, a Key Glycolipid Found in Cell Membranes of Extremophilic Bacteria
Authors: Martins Jonathan , Bil Abed , Kovensky José , Toumieux Sylvestre , Laclef Sylvain 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDeinococcucin A is a secondary metabolite isolated from a gut bacteria of carpenter ant, member of extremophilic Deinoccocus family. The structure is a glycolipid containing N‐acetyl glucosamine, linked in α anomeric position to a chiral 2,3‐dihydroxypropanamide moiety. We succeeded a new strategy starting directly from N‐acetylglucosamine and transforming in an efficient manner an allyl group to the corresponding chiral α‐hydroxyamide. Three key steps were used: the oxidation of primary amine to nitrile using TCCA, as well as its hydrolysis to the corresponding amide using palladium (II) catalyzed conditions. The synthesis was completed in only 10 steps with an overall yield of 3 %.
A Review of Contemporary Image Guidance Techniques in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Alade Adebayo , Persad Melissa , Bitar George , Dragan Alina , Fotiadis Nicos , Shur Joshua , Wong Kee Howe , Ng‐Cheng‐Hin Brian , Paleri Vinidh , Harrington Kevin , Dafydd Derfel Ap 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundTraditional head and neck cancer treatment involves open surgery, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and conventional radiotherapy planning. Emerging techniques aim to improve precision and reduce associated toxicity and functional impairment in current practice. This review article describes four such adaptations in image guidance, tailored to next generation therapies.MethodsThis is a review of current literature, including feasibility studies from our cancer center, relating to: saline‐aided intra‐oral ultrasound‐guided retropharyngeal biopsy; intra‐oral ultrasound guided trans‐oral robotic surgery (TORS); ultrasound‐guided injection of “directly injected therapies”; and magnetic resonance imaging‐guided radiotherapy.ResultsPresented within the context of the wider literature, initial local experience and data indicate good technical outcomes and patient tolerance, and low technical complications in all four image guidance techniques.ConclusionInitial findings suggest a potentially important future role for these four image guidance techniques, on which next generation therapies are reliant. The broader implications on cross‐disciplinary collaboration are also explored herein.
Does preprocedural ultrasound prior to lumbar neuraxial anesthesia or analgesia increase first‐pass success in adults with obesity? A systematic review
Authors: Khoo Aaron K. , Huynh Annie , Pelecanos Anita , Eley Victoria A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsPreprocedural ultrasound (PPU) reduces the risk of technical failure in non‐obese patients and when technical difficulty is predicted. We conducted this review to determine if PPU improves first‐pass needle insertion success for neuraxial anesthesia in patients with obesity.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review without meta‐analysis, due to the small number of included studies. The study protocol was registered (PROSPERO: CRD42022368271). We conducted searches in MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library from January 1, 1980 to October 1, 2022 for peer‐reviewed randomized controlled or observational studies comparing PPU versus landmark techniques in patients with body mass index >30 kg/m2. The quality of evidence was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.ResultsThere were nine randomized controlled studies, comprising 866 patients having lumbo‐sacral neuraxial techniques. Three studies utilized a small handheld ultrasound device called Accuro™ and six utilized non‐handheld ultrasound devices. Certainty of evidence was low for improving the first‐pass success rate. There was evidence (moderate certainty) that PPU decreased number of passes, increased first insertion attempt success, and reduced number of insertion attempts. There was no evidence that PPU affected identifying time, needling time, or overall procedural time. There was no evidence that PPU influenced procedural failure rate (very low certainty evidence) and insufficient evidence to suggest that artificial intelligence‐supported handheld devices were superior to conventional ultrasound devices.ConclusionsIn patients with obesity, there is evidence of very‐low to moderate certainty that PPU improves markers of insertion success, with no indication of increased adverse effects. PPU should be used to reduce attempts. Further studies adhering to standardized outcome definitions are required for definitive recommendations.RegistrationThe study protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022368271).
Development and validation of the Fall Risk Assessment Scale for patients in rehabilitation hospitals: A methodological study
Authors: Rahimi Shoeleh , Khankeh Hamid Reza , Ebadi Abbas , Mohammadian Batol , Arsalani Narges , Fallahi‐Khoshknab Masoud , Akbarfahimi Nazila , Loni Elham 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsFalling is a serious threat for patient safety in hospitals. This study aimed to identify the risk factors of fall amongst rehabilitation patients and to use them for developing and validating the Persian version of Fall Risk Assessment Scale (FRAS).MethodsThe current methodological study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, based on the review of the literature and investigation of the medical records of 251 patients selected via purposive sampling, the risk factors of fall were extracted and the FRAS was developed accordingly. In the second phase, the face and content validities of the designed scale were determined by cognitive interview and Content Validity Index (CVI) and to evaluate the construct validity, known‐groups comparison was performed. Its inter‐rater reliability was analyzed using the weighted Kappa Coefficient (κ*). The study adhered to COSMIN guidelines.ResultsFall was significantly associated with disease diagnosis, used medications, history of fall, cognitive impairments, and three items of the Functional Independence Measure (toilet transfer, bed transfer, and shoer transfer). The CVI of the scale was 0.94. The risk for falls group had a significantly higher perceived fall risk than the no risk for falls group, thus establishing known‐group validity. Its weighted kappa coefficient was >0.85, its sensitivity was 73%, and its specificity was 82%.ConclusionThe valid and reliable FRAS may accurately assess the level of Fall Risk patients in Rehabilitation wards, helping to predict fall during hospitalization. So, enabling the planning and implementation of effective caring interventions.
Optimization of ANN Models Using Metaheuristic Algorithms for Prediction of Tailpipe Emissions in Biodiesel Engine
Authors: Suresh Shilpa , Barboza Augustine B. V. , Ashwini K. , Dinesha Pijakala 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTMachine learning techniques are gaining momentum in the present‐day context in most engineering applications due to their versatility and accuracy. They facilitate faster data processing coupled with a high degree of accuracy. They are extensively used in understanding and modeling engine combustion and emissions. Engine emissions significantly contribute to environmental degradation. In the current study, an effort has been made to compare the emissions recorded from a four‐stroke single‐cylinder biodiesel engine with those obtained using artificial neural network (ANN) models, where the hyperparameters have been optimized using nature‐inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithms like JAYA, WOA, ROA, and WaOA. The study was conducted using diesel and cardanol‐methanol‐diesel blends of B10M10, B20M10, and B30M10, by varying the fuel injection pressure from 180 bar (standard injection timing) to 220 bar with an interval of 20 bar. Furthermore, experiments were conducted with oxygen enrichment at concentrations of 3%, 5%, and 7% w/w on the standard oxygen concentration of air. The study showed a remarkable reduction of 59% in CO emissions at 220 bar fuel injection pressure with 7% w/w oxygen enrichment for the B30M10 blend as compared to 180 bar without oxygen enrichment. A similar reduction of 32.6% and 16.6% were observed for HC emissions and smoke opacity for the same operating conditions. However, a rising trend of 50% was observed for NOx emissions for the same blend and operating conditions. The findings indicate that the data recorded conforms with that obtained by using the ANN model optimized through these metaheuristic algorithms.
Characterization of Extracellular Matrix Derived From Porcine Organs Decellularized Using Different Methods
Authors: Dhandapani Vignesh , Boabekoa Pakindame , Borduas Martin , Vermette Patrick 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTRegenerative medicine has extended the capacity of medicine to a point where tissues and organs could potentially be manufactured. This could resolve issues associated with organ transplantation. The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a supportive scaffold and biochemical cues allowing cells to attach, proliferate, and differentiate. The ECM is composed of different fibrous proteins and proteoglycans. The extensive value of ECM lies in its dynamic microenvironment that aids in cell proliferation, differentiation, and regulation of intercellular communication. In this study, four methods were applied to decellularize porcine organs. The ECMs were characterized by histological methods illustrating the absence of nuclei and the presence of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen. Hematoxylin and eosin analysis of native pancreas revealed necrosis by auto‐digestion, also supported by a reduced dsDNA content, and could have led to the destruction of Type IV collagen, laminins, and other proteins in the resulting ECMs, as confirmed by mass spectrometry. DNA quantification of ECM revealed residual dsDNA contents lower than those of the native organs. Bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay showed a difference in protein content between organs. Mass spectrometry coupled with proteomic analysis highlighted a significant difference in the protein composition. The number of different proteins, in some cases with more than 2700, in the produced ECM depended on the applied decellularization technique. Polarization microscopy indicated differences in the orientation of collagen fibers. This study provides a multimodal approach to characterize ECMs produced using different decellularization techniques, aiding in finding a balance between maintaining the ultrastructure and composition of ECM, while removing cellular components.
Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) Under Salinity Stress: Effects on Antioxidant Capacity and Gill Structure
Authors: Andreyeva Aleksandra , Gostyukhina Olga , Gavruseva Tatyana , Sigacheva Tatyana , Tkachuk Anastasiya , Podolskaya Mariya , Chelebieva Elina , Kladchenko Ekaterina 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBivalve mollusks frequently experience salinity fluctuations that may drive oxidative stress (OS) in the organism. Here we investigated OS markers and histopathological changes in gills and hemolymph of Mediterranean mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 exposed to a wide range of salinities (6, 10, 14, 24, and 30 ppt). Mussels were captured at the shellfish farm with the salinity 18 ppt and then exposed to hypo‐ and hypersaline conditions in the laboratory. Indicators of redox balance in hemocytes (intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, DNA damage) and gills (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (PC), activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured. The effect of salinity stress on microstructure of gills has been evaluated as well. The results revealed induction of OS in tissues and cells of mussels for both experimental increase and decrease salinity modelings. Hemocytes showed higher sensitivity to osmotic stress compared to gills. In gills TBARS were stable in all experimental groups and PC increased only at salinity 6 ppt. The activity of SOD, CAT and GPx in gills decreased only in mussels acclimated to salinity 24 ppt and further salinisation up to 30 ppt was associated with the recovery of the activity of all enzymes. Major histopathological changes in gills upon salinity fluctuations included inflammatory reactions, circulatory alterations, regressive and progressive changes. Our findings clearly indicate that salinity fluctuations promote OS at cellular and tissue level and also affect microstructure of gills in mussels. The results provide new insights into the mechanisms of osmotic stress in bivalves.
Exploring the Association Between Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity and Quality of Life
Authors: Ensing Amy E. , Getahun Henok , Lin Rebecca Z. , Zhang Amy L. , Landes Emma K. , Lieu Judith E. C. 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and quality of life (QOL).Study DesignThis study was a cross‐sectional survey.MethodsPatients aged 2–18 years being evaluated for OSA were recruited from a pediatric otolaryngology clinic and sleep center. Participants completed the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Questionnaire (OSA‐18) and the PedsQL™ Multidimensional Fatigue Score (MFS).ResultsResponses of 18 control participants without OSA, 26 participants with clinically resolved OSA, 19 with non‐obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB), 29 with mild OSA, 21 with moderate OSA, and 27 with severe OSA were analyzed. OSA‐18 scores for controls were lower (indicating higher QOL) than patients with SDB (mean difference [MD] = −31.1; 95% CI −42.7 to −19.5), mild OSA (MD = −30.4; 95% CI −40.1 to −20.7), moderate OSA (MD = −23.6; 95% CI −34.5 to −12.7), or severe OSA (MD = −40.1; 95% CI −50.0 to −30.2). Participants with resolved OSA also had lower OSA‐18 scores than participants in the SDB and OSA groups. Few differences were observed between the SDB, mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA groups on either the OSA‐18 or PedsQL MFS, and these did not demonstrate a clear pattern. Linear regression of apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and OSA‐18 or PedsQL MFS scores revealed weak relationships (R2 < 0.1).ConclusionUsing both an OSA‐specific measure and generic fatigue measure, no consistent differences in QOL scores were found between children with varying OSA severities. Therefore, disease burden in pediatric patients with mild OSA and SDB should not be underestimated.Level of EvidenceLevel 3 Laryngoscope, 2024
The “Hedgehog‐Halo Sign” Is Associated with Gait Symptom Severity and Tap Response in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Ha Jongmok , Lee Suin , Kim Seongmi , Lee Jun Seok , Ahn Jong Hyeon , Cho Jin Whan , Fasano Alfonso , Youn Jinyoung 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundReduced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) clearance may play a vital role in the pathogenesis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), but the radiologic marker is yet to be elucidated.ObjectivesThis open‐label study presents two novel neuroimaging biomarkers based on enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVS) of the sub‐insular territory: the Hedgehog and Hedgehog‐Halo (H‐H) sign, designed to predict gait symptom severity and tap response in NPH.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 203 patients with possible NPH with baseline magnetic resonance imaging and gait analyses before and after lumbar puncture (LP). The Hedgehog/H‐H sign was scored using T2‐weighted images. The clinical severity at baseline and post‐tap gait improvement was compared in patients with and without Hedgehog/H‐H sign. The association between Hedgehog/H‐H sign and post‐tap gait outcomes was assessed using multivariate regression. The diagnostic performance of Hedgehog/H‐H sign was compared with conventional radiological markers.ResultsPatients with H‐H showed higher global disability and more severe gait impairment than those without any signs. Following LP, patients with Hedgehog/H‐H sign significantly improved in various gait parameters, unlike those with neither sign. Additionally, sub‐insular ePVS was significantly associated with post‐tap gait improvement after adjusting covariates. Finally, the Hedgehog/H‐H sign showed a higher performance than conventional markers in predicting post‐tap gait response.ConclusionsThe Hedgehog/H‐H sign is a useful neuroimaging biomarker related to the severity and tap response in NPH. This biomarker can be readily applied in clinical practice before undergoing LP, independent of conventional radiological signs. Further research is warranted to determine applicability in predicting post‐shunt gait response.
Simulating the onset of damage in DCDC tests using a novel gradient‐extended damage model for tension‐compression asymmetry
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Qinghua , Reese Stefanie , Brepols Tim 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn the present work, an existing framework for gradient‐extended damage is extended to simulate the damage onset in double cleavage drilled compression (DCDC) tests. The main idea is to consider the different evolution of the damage variable under tensile and compressive loading. More specifically, the star‐convex decomposition is exploited to split the strain energy into an active part and an inactive part, and only the active part drives the evolution of the damage variable in the compressive regime. A parameter adopted in the star‐convex decomposition is applied to calibrate the compressive strength independently from the tensile strength, such that the current model can simulate different types of the damage onset. Furthermore, the strengthening effect induced by damage hardening is discussed in this work.
A posteriori error estimates for a coupled piezoelectric model
Authors: Langer Ulrich , Repin Sergey , Samrowski Tatiana 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe paper addresses a coupled problem describing piezoelectric effects in an elastic body. In this context, we derive upper bounds for the distance between the exact solution and any approximation within the corresponding energy class of functions that satisfy the boundary conditions. These upper bounds are fully computable and do not involve mesh‐dependent constants. They vanish if and only if an approximate solution exactly matches the exact one, offering a practical measure of accuracy based on the natural energy norm associated with the studied coupled problem.