bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural health monitoring of glulam structures: analysis of durability and damage mechanisms
Authors: Greffier Guilhem , Espinosa Luis , Perrin Marianne , Eyma Florent 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn today’s environmental context, the use of glulam or Glued Laminated Timber (GLT) as an alternative to conventional building materials could reduce the carbon footprint of engineering structures. However, this material is sensitive to outdoor exposure with moisture content variations inducing internal stresses and cracks and high moisture content increasing the risks of decay. This study therefore focuses on the development of a protocol to evaluate the effect of climatic conditions on the mechanical performance of the material. For this purpose, GLT samples were equipped with embedded sensors. Moisture and deformation sensors can accurately track wet-dry (W/D) cycles and their effects on deformation at adhesive joints. Samples are stored outdoors and mechanical tests are carried out after 6 months of aging. The results show an average reduction in flexural strength of about 10% compared to unaged specimens. Shear tests on the adhesive joints show a decrease in strength of more than 20%. The study of the fracture mechanisms also indicates a link between the type of fracture and the aging conditions of the specimens. These tests also validated a monitoring protocol that will allow, in the long term, to evaluate the impact of these cycles on the mechanical performance of GLT.
Imaging characteristics of hip joint microinstability: a case–control study of hip arthroscopy patients
Authors: Vesey Renuka M. , MacDonald Andrew A. , Brick Matthew J. , Bacon Catherine J. , Foo Gen Lin , Lu Man , Lightfoot Nicholas , Blankenbaker Donna G. , Woodward Rebecca M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Hip microinstability is a clinical entity increasingly recognized and treated but challenging to diagnose with a lack of objective criteria. This study assessed the prevalence and diagnostic accuracy of different imaging findings for hip microinstability on radiograph and MR.

Methods
A retrospective case–control study of 224 hips treated with arthroscopic surgery by a single orthopedic surgeon, 112 hips with clinical microinstability and 112 controls without. Pre-operative radiograph and MRI/MRA imaging were evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists to assess morphological parameters and imaging signs reportedly associated with hip microinstability.

Results
Four imaging features reached significance as predictors of microinstability via three-step logistic regression: labral hyperplasia and decreased lateral center edge angle on MR (OR 2.45 and 0.93, respectively) and the absence of positive ischial spine sign and absence of osteophytes on radiographs (OR 0.47 and 0.28, respectively). Increased acetabular anteversion and absence of cam lesions were more likely in the microinstability group (p = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively), but not independent predictors. Labral tears, chondral loss, abnormal ligamentum teres, anterior capsule thinning, iliocapsularis to rectus femoris ratio, posterior crescent sign, cliff sign, and femoro-epiphyseal acetabular roof (FEAR) index were not associated with microinstabillity.

Conclusion
Imaging features may be predictive of hip microinstability in some cases. Decreased LCEA, increased acetabular anteversion, and labral hyperplasia were associated with microinstability in this study, while many other published imaging findings were not. Imaging remains complementary, but not definitive, in the diagnosis of hip microinstability.
Increased myositis and possible myocarditis in melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Gradone Allison L. , Ma Vincent T. , Vasbinder Alexi , Fecher Leslie A. , Yentz Sarah , Hayek Salim S. , Lao Christopher D. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-mediated myocarditis results in significant morbidity and mortality. At our institution, we noted an increased incidence of ICI-mediated myocarditis cases, leading to further investigation in our database of advanced melanoma patients treated with ICI therapy.

Methods
A single-center, retrospective cohort analysis of patients with advanced melanoma identified cases of ICI-mediated myocarditis and myositis.

Results
366 patients with advanced melanoma received a dose of ICI from September 2014 to October 2019. Of these patients, there were 0 cases of ICI-mediated myocarditis (0%, 95% CI 0%–1.0%) and 2 cases of ICI-mediated myositis (0.55%, 95% CI 0.07%–1.96%). From November 2019 to December 2021, an additional 246 patients with advanced melanoma were identified. Of these patients, 10 (4.1%, 95% CI 1.97%–7.35%) developed ICI-mediated myocarditis and 10 developed ICI-mediated myositis.

Conclusion
Our study suggests an increase in prevalence of ICI-mediated muscle damage including myositis and myocarditis in the COVID-19 era. Differentiation of these patients and further risk stratification may allow for development of guidelines for nuanced management of this serious complication.
Antitumor effects of intracranial injection of B7-H3-targeted Car-T and Car-Nk cells in a patient-derived glioblastoma xenograft model
Authors: Tachi Tetsuro , Kijima Noriyuki , Kuroda Hideki , Ikeda Syunya , Murakami Koki , Nakagawa Tomoyoshi , Yaga Moto , Nakagawa Kanji , Utsugi Reina , Hirayama Ryuichi , Okita Yoshiko , Kagawa Naoki , Kishima Haruhiko , Imai Chihaya , Hosen Naoki 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor for which novel therapies are needed. Recently, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been shown to be effective against GBM, but it is a personalized medicine and requires high cost and long time for the cell production. CAR-transduced natural killer (NK) cells can be used for "off-the-shelf" cellular immunotherapy because they do not induce graft-versus-host disease. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the anti-GBM effect of CAR-T or NK cells targeting B7-H3, which is known to be highly expressed in GBM.

Methods
CAR-T cells targeting B7-H3 were generated using previously reported anti-B7-H3 scFv sequences. Cord blood (CB)-derived NK cells transduced with the B7-H3 CAR were also generated. Their anti-GBM effect was analyzed in vitro. The antitumor effect of intracranial injection of the B7-H3 CAR-T or NK cells was investigated in an in vivo xenograft model with patient-derived GBM cells.

Results
Both B7-H3 CAR-T cells and CAR-NK cells exhibited marked cytotoxicity against patient-derived GBM cells in vitro. Furthermore, intracranial injection of CAR-T cells and CAR-NK cells targeting B7-H3 resulted in a significant antitumor effect against patient-derived GBM xenografts.

Conclusion
Not only CAR-T cells but also CB-derived CAR-NK cells targeting B7-H3 may have the potential to eliminate GBM cells.
Improving yield and irrigation water productivity of green beans under water stress with agricultural solid waste-based material of compacted rice straw as a sustainable organic soil mulch
Authors: Awad Amal E. , Abuarab Mohamed E. , Abdelraouf R. E. , Bakeer Gomaa A. , El-Shawadfy Mohamed A. , Ragab R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis research aimed at water saving in irrigation by applying deficit irrigation using two strategies, standard drip and partial root drying (PRD), while applying organic and plastic mulch over two growing seasons of green beans. A field experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023, using four irrigation treatments supplying 100% of the irrigation requirement (IRg), 75% IRg, 50% IRg, and 50% IRg—PRD, and four soil mulching treatments: uncovered soil (UC), plastic mulch (PM), rice straw mulch (RSM), and compacted rice straw mulch (CRSM). The combined effect of deficit irrigation strategies and soil mulching showed that the maximum irrigation water productivity (IWP) of 5.56 kg m−3 was achieved under 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM for both growing seasons, followed by 50% IRg—PRD & RSM and 50% IRg—PRD & PM, with 5.19 and 4.96 kg m−3, respectively. The highest yield of 8936 kg ha−1 was achieved with 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM, followed by 8914 kg ha−1 and 8898 kg ha−1 with 100% IRg & CRSM and 75% IRg & CRSM, respectively. The lowest yield of 6009 kg ha−1 was obtained with 50% IRg & UC. The highest soil moisture content was observed under 100% IRg & CRSM. The application of organic mulches was found to be particularly effective in conserving soil moisture due to enhanced infiltration, improved retention capacity, and suppression of weed growth, ultimately fostering optimal crop development and higher yield. The results of soil temperature variations beneath soil mulches showed that CRSM is effective in alleviating plant water stress, lowering the temperature below the cover and reducing water loss through evaporation from the soil surface. The combination of 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM produced plants with enhanced plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf area, pod length, and green bean weight, as well as the highest vegetative growth indices. Generally, the organic mulching increased soil temperature, soil moisture, IWP, and green bean production.
Transverse and oblique course of the vertebral artery over the medullospinal junction
Authors: Davidoiu Ana-Maria , Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Toader Corneliu , Rădoi Petrinel Mugurel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The vertebral artery (VA) pierces the dura mater and continues with the intradural V4 segment. Once entered into the dura mater, the VA ascends from the infero-lateral to the antero-superior side of the medulla. Scarce reports of VAs compressing the medullospinal junction (MSJ) are available. We therefore aimed to determine the incidence of a course of the AV over the MSJ.

Method
One hundred sixty-two archived CT angiogram files were documented in the study. We recorded the cases in which the VA crossed the MSJ. We assessed the VA as dominant, non-dominant or co-dominant.

Results
In 32 cases (19.75%), we identified intradural AVs on the ventral side of the MSJs. The incidence of this course of the VA was 17.1% in males and 23.81% in females. Of the 32 cases, the VA was non-dominant in 6, dominant in 14, and co-dominant in 12.

Conclusion
The VA course over the MSJ is not rare. Therefore, when specific neurological signs of MSJ or medulla compression are found, the course of the VA should be documented on CT or MRI angiograms.
Application of Vieth staging in forensic age estimation in the living using MRI of the distal radial epiphysis
Authors: Ekizoglu Oguzhan , Er Ali , Bozdag Mustafa , Grabherr Silke 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Forensic age estimation is crucial in various legal and civil contexts, particularly in regions experiencing significant migration and inadequate birth registration systems. This study evaluates the applicability of the Vieth staging system for forensic age estimation in the living using MRI of the distal radial epiphysis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 620 left wrist MRI scans from individuals aged 9.92 to 29.58 years. The study demonstrated high intra- and inter-observer agreement values (κ = 0.974 and κ = 0.961), confirming the method’s reliability. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between age and ossification stage for both sexes. The minimum ages observed for males were 9.92 years at stage 2, 15.00 years at stage 3, 15.00 years at stage 4, 17.00 years at stage 5, and 20.00 years at stage 6. For females, the minimum ages were 10.08 years at stage 2, 12.33 years at stage 3, 14.25 years at stage 4, 16.33 years at stage 5, and 18.42 years at stage 6. The study supports the applicability of the Vieth methodology for forensic age estimation in the living and suggests that MRI could be a non-invasive and potentially effective tool for determining critical age thresholds in forensic contexts. Further research is recommended to refine these methods and explore their applicability across different populations.
Determination of the optimal dose and dosing strategy for effective l-menthol oral rinsing during exercise in hot environments
Authors: Jeffries Owen , Jibi Godi , Clark Joe , Barwood Martin , Waldron Mark 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This multi-study programme investigated the optimal concentration of l-menthol delivered as an oral mouth rinse to modulate thermo-behaviour during exercise in a hot environment (35 °C).

Method
In study 1, 38 participants completed a survey to establish an effective and tolerable range of l-menthol concentration. 31 participants completed an RPE-protocol examining 1. the dose–response effect of l-menthol mouth rinse on exercise performance (n = 16) and 2. the temporal effectiveness of administering l-menthol in an incremental and decremental dosing pattern (n = 15). Power output, heart rate, body core temperature and thermal sensation were reported throughout.

Results
The optimal menthol concentration for peak power was between 0.01 and 0.1% (~ 6% increase, P < 0.05) and 0.5% (~ 9% increase, P < 0.05) with respect to control. Work completed was increased at 0.01% (~ 5%, P < 0.05), at 0.1% (~ 3%, P < 0.05) and had a detrimental effect at 0.5% (− 10% decrease, P < 0.05). There were no differences between an ascending dose protocol (0.01 to 0.5%), descending dose protocol (0.5–0.01%) or a constant 0.01% dose protocol. There were no reported differences in body core temperature or heart rate across trials (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
The optimal dose of l-menthol when delivered via oral rinsing is between 0.01 and 0.1%. At lower concentrations, l-menthol appears to be less effective and at higher concentrations (> 0.5%) l-menthol appears to elicit greater irritation and may not positively modulate thermo-behaviour during exercise in a hot environment.
Fire and ant interactions mediated by honeydew and extrafloral nectar in an australian tropical savanna
Authors: Oliveira Fernanda M. P. , Silva Carlos H. F. , Moir Melinda L. , Leal Inara R. , Andersen Alan N. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFire is a major disturbance affecting ecosystems globally, but its impact on mutualisms has received minimal attention. Here, we use a long-term field experiment to investigate the impact of different fire regimes on globally important ant–honeydew and ant–extrafloral nectar (EFN) mutualistic interactions in an Australian tropical savanna. These interactions provide ants with a key energy source, while their plant and hemipteran hosts receive protection services. We examined ant interactions on species of Eucalyptus (lacking EFNs) and Acacia (with EFNs) in three replicate plots each of burning every 2 and 3 years early in the dry season, burning late in the dry season every 2 years, and unburnt for > 25 years. The proportions of plants with ant–honeydew interactions in Acacia (44.6%) and Eucalyptus (36.3%) were double those of Acacia plants with ant–EFN interactions (18.9%). The most common ants, representing 85% of all interactions, were behaviourally dominant species of Oecophylla, Iridomyrmex and Papyrius. Fire promoted the incidence of ant interactions, especially those involving EFNs on Acacia, which occurred on only 3% of plants in unburnt plots compared with 24% in frequently burnt plots. Fire also promoted the relative incidence of behaviourally dominant ants, which are considered the highest quality mutualists. Contrary to expectations, frequent fire did not result in a switching of behaviourally dominant ant partners from forest-adapted Oecophylla to arid-adapted Iridomyrmex. Our findings that frequent fire increases ant interactions mediated by honeydew and extrafloral nectar, and promotes the quality of ant mutualists, have important implications for protective services provided by ants in highly fire-prone ecosystems.
Hormonal influence on maize inflorescence development and reproduction
Authors: Chaudhry Amina , Chen Zongliang , Gallavotti Andrea 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Key message
Different plant hormones contribute to maize reproductive success.

Abstract
Maize is a major crop species and significantly contributes directly and indirectly to human calorie uptake. Its success can be mainly attributed to its unisexual inflorescences, the tassel and the ear, whose formation is regulated by complex genetic and hormonal networks, and is influenced by environmental cues such as temperature, and nutrient and water availability. Traditional genetic analysis of classic developmental mutants, together with new molecular approaches, have shed light on many crucial aspects of maize reproductive development including the influence that phytohormones exert on key developmental steps leading to successful reproduction and seed yield. Here we will review both historical and recent findings concerning the main roles that phytohormones play in maize reproductive development, from the commitment to reproductive development to sexual reproduction.
Coccoloba uvifera L. associated with Scleroderma Bermudense Coker: a pantropical ectomycorrhizal symbiosis used in restoring of degraded coastal sand dunes
Authors: Bâ A. M. , Séne S. , Manokari M. , Galardis M. M. Bullaín , Sylla S. N. , Selosse M. A. , Shekhawat M. S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCoccoloba uvifera L. (Polygonacaeae), named also seagrape, is an ectomycorrhizal (ECM) Caribbean beach tree, introduced pantropically for stabilizing coastal soils and producing edible fruits. This review covers the pantropical distribution and micropropagation of seagrape as well as genetic diversity, functional traits and use of ECM symbioses in response to salinity, both in its native regions and areas where it has been introduced. The ECM fungal diversity associated with seagrape was found to be relatively low in its region of origin, with Scleroderma bermudense Coker being the predominant fungal species. In regions of introduction, seagrape predominantly associated with Scleroderma species, whereas S. bermudense was exclusively identified in Réunion and Senegal. The introduction of S. bermudense is likely through spores adhering to the seed coats of seagrape, suggesting a vertical transmission of ECM colonization in seagrape by S. bermudense. This ECM fungus demonstrated its capacity to enhance salt tolerance in seagrape seedlings by reducing Na concentration and increasing K and Ca levels, consequently promoting higher K/Na and Ca/Na ratios in the tissues of ECM seedlings vs. non-ECM plants in nursery conditions. Moreover, the ECM symbiosis positively influenced growth, photosynthetic and transpiration rates, chlorophyll fluorescence and content, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2, and water status, which improved the performance of ECM seagrape exposed to salt stress in planting conditions. The standardization of seagrape micropropagation emerges as a crucial tool for propagating homogeneous plant material in nursery and planting conditions. This review also explores the use of the ECM symbiosis between seagrape and S. bermudense as a strategy for restoring degraded coastal ecosystems in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and West African regions.
Oral health in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional survey in Sweden
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Burisch Johan , Pandis Nikolaos , Klinge Björn , Stavropoulos Andreas 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to assess oral health, including prevalence of periodontitis and rate of tooth loss, in a Swedish cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods
A questionnaire on general anamnestic and socio-economic aspects, IBD diagnosis, and various oral health aspects was distributed online. The analyses focused on the comparison between patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD) as well as on factors associated with self-reported severe periodontitis and tooth loss.

Results
Analyses were based on answers from 786 patients; 415 with UC, 371 with CD, 74% female. In both disease entities, high prevalence of severe periodontitis (i.e., 38.5%) was reported, and about 19% of the population had less than 20 remaining teeth and 6.5% a poor oral health-related quality of life. CD patients tended to be more severely affected than UC patients (p > 0.05 in the adjusted analysis). Almost 90% of CD patients were aware of being entitled to a bi-annual governmental financial support for dental care due to IBD; however, 1 out of 4 UC patients did not. Furthermore, IBD patients largely believe that the interest of their physicians in any oral lesions due to IBD diagnosis is low.

Conclusions
Severe periodontitis and high rate of tooth loss are frequent in Swedish IBD patients.

Clinical relevance
Even though IBD patients receive bi-annually some special financial support for dental care, it seems this is still not sufficient and more preventive measures appear necessary.
The diagnostic value and clinical relevance of high frequency ultrasound and shear wave elastography in systemic sclerosis: an observational monocentric study
Authors: Yu Shengnan , Peng Haiting , Yang Xiaoyun , Ma Sha , Yu Juan , Zuo Dachen , Li Fayou , Wang Juan , Yang Yonghong , Yin Zijing , Zhao Weiqing , Wang Jing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo unravel the features of skin involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) by high frequency ultrasound (HFU) and shear wave elastography (SWE). To assess the ultrasound capabilities to distinguish SSc patients from healthy controls (HCs). We recruited a cohort of SSc patients in this cross-sectional study. HFU and SWE were used to quantify skin thickness and skin stiffness. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound in SSc. The correlation analysis was used to evaluate the clinical relevance of ultrasound measurements in SSc. 20 consecutive SSc patients and 20 age-, gender- and body mass index-matched HCs were included. The skin thickness and stiffness were significantly greater in SSc patients compared with HCs. Patients with high disease activity had higher skin thickness and stiffness compared with patients with low disease activity. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the dorsum of middle fingers assessed by HFU was 0.847 (95% CI, 0.761–0.933). The AUC of the forearms and dorsum of hands assessed by SWE were 0.909 (95% CI, 0.829–0.989) and 0.879 (95% CI, 0.807–0.951). Further, the combined HFU and SWE tests displayed the best diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.980 (95% CI, 0.939–1.000). A significant positive correlation between the ultrasound measurements and the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) was observed. The application of ultrasound can assist with disease diagnosis, it is necessary to develop a standard operating protocol to help with future implementation of ultrasound in SSc.

Key Points• The application of HFU and SWE can assist with SSc diagnosis.• The skin thickness and stiffness measured by HFU and SWE positively correlate with mRSS.• HFU and SWE enable quantitative measurement of skin thickness and stiffness of different skin sites.