bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Development of a Novel Peristaltic Test Stand “Swallow-Sim” for the Mechanical Evaluation of Esophageal Stents
Authors: Berger Daniel Michael , Sehrt Jan T. , Brinkmann Thomas , Henrichs Niclas Norman , Bilec Oguzhan , Fuchs Karl-Hermann , Meining Alexander 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The development of medical products begins with the “in silico” phase, where the development and simulation of new stent types are carried out. This is followed by the “in vitro” phase. Here, tests are done in a test stand to obtain initial conclusions about the interaction of the environment. The approval process is completed in the “in vivo” phase, where testing in living beings happen. Here, preclinical studies are carried out in animals first, followed by clinical studies on patients. A big part of the development fails in this final phase, as this is where the interactions of all influences from the stent environment are investigated. Since this not only causes high costs for the developers but also unnecessarily destroys living resources in animal studies, this publication describes the development of a test stand called “Swallow-Sim” that superimposes the mechanical influences of the esophagus, the chemical stress caused by hydrochloric acid and increased body temperature. Furthermore, tests of the acting pressures are carried out using esophageal manometry, a temperature test of the test stand and a test run of the gastric juice. At the end of this publication, the results are evaluated with a six-week test of a Nickel Titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory stent, which loses much of its mechanical properties and is partially destroyed by the load. The results show a clear correlation with the findings from reality. The test stand should be further optimized and examined in more detail in further tests and subjected to a reality check.
Exploring the destructive synergy between IL-33 and Suilysin hemolysis on blood-brain barrier stability
Authors: Fu Yang , Jie Jing , Lei Liang , Liu Mengmeng , Wang Junjie , Lei Liancheng , Liu Hongtao 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus suis
type 2 (SS2) is a zoonotic pathogen capable of eliciting meningitis, presenting significant challenges to both the swine industry and public health. Suilysin (Sly), one of SS2 most potent virulence determinants, releases a surfeit of inflammatory agents following red blood cell lysis. Notably, while current research on Sly role in SS2-induced meningitis predominantly centers on its interaction with the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the repercussions of Sly hemolytic products on BBB function have largely been sidestepped. In this vein, our study delves into the ramifications of Sly-induced hemolysis on BBB integrity. We discern that Sly hemolytic derivatives exacerbate the permeability of Sly-induced
in vitro
BBB models. Within these Sly hemolytic products, Interleukin-33 (IL-33) disrupts the expression and distribution of Claudin-5 in brain microvascular endothelial cells, facilitating the release of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8), thereby amplifying BBB permeability. Preliminary mechanistic insights suggest that IL-33-driven expression of IL-6 and IL-8 is orchestrated by the p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, whereas matrix metalloproteinase 9 mediates IL-33-induced suppression of Claudin-5. To validate these
in vitro
findings, an SS2-infected mouse model was established, and upon intravenous administration of growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (ST2) antibodies,
in vivo
results further underscored the pivotal role of the IL-33/ST2 axis during SS2 cerebral invasion. In summation, this study pioneerly illuminates the involvement of Sly hemolytic products in SS2-mediated BBB compromise and spotlights the instrumental role and primary mechanism of IL-33 therein. These insights enrich our comprehension of SS2 meningitis pathogenesis, laying pivotal groundwork for therapeutic advancements against SS2-induced meningitis.

IMPORTANCE

The treatment of meningitis caused by
Streptococcus suis
type 2 (SS2) has always been a clinical challenge. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which SS2 breaches the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for the development of meningitis therapeutics. Suilysin (Sly) is one of the most important virulence factors of SS2, which can quickly lyse red blood cells and release large amounts of damage-associated molecular patterns, such as hemoglobin, IL-33, cyclophilin A, and so on. However, the impact of these hemolytic products on the function of BBB is unknown and ignored. This study is the first to investigate the effect of Sly hemolytic products on BBB function. The data are crucial for the study of the pathogenesis of SS2 meningitis and can provide an important reference for the development of meningitis therapeutics.
The efficacy of current treatment processes to remove, inactivate, or reduce environmental bloom-forming
Escherichia coli
Authors: Lau Melody , Monis Paul T. , King Brendon J. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
is excreted in high numbers from the intestinal tract of humans, other mammals, and birds. Traditionally, it had been thought that
E. coli
could grow only within human or animal hosts and would perish in the environment. Therefore, the presence of
E. coli
in water has become universally accepted as a key water quality indicator of fecal pollution. However, recent research challenges the assumption that the presence of
E. coli
in water is always an indicator of fecal contamination, with some types of
E. coli
having evolved to survive and grow in aquatic environments. These strains can form blooms in water storages, resulting in high
E. coli
counts even without fecal contamination. Although these bloom-forming strains lack virulence genes and pose little threat to public health, their presence in treated water triggers the same response as fecal-derived
E. coli
. Yet, little is known about the effectiveness of treatment processes in removing or inactivating them. This study evaluated the effectiveness of current treatment processes to remove bloom-forming strains, in comparison to fecal-derived strains, with conventional coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation and filtration investigated. Second, the effectiveness of current disinfection processes—chlorination, chloramination, and ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect bloom-forming strains in comparison to fecal-derived strains—was assessed. These experiments showed that the responses of bloom isolates were not significantly different from those of fecal
E. coli
strains. Therefore, commonly used water treatment and disinfection processes are effective to remove bloom-forming
E. coli
strains from water.

IMPORTANCE

The presence of
Escherichia coli
in water has long been used globally as a key indicator of fecal pollution and for quantifying water safety. Traditionally, it was believed that
E. coli
could only thrive within hosts and would perish outside, making its presence in water indicative of fecal contamination. However, recent research has unveiled strains of
E. coli
capable of surviving and proliferating in aquatic environments, forming blooms even in the absence of fecal contamination. While these bloom-forming strains lack the genes to be pathogenic, their detection in source or drinking water triggers the same response as fecal-derived
E. coli
. Yet, little is known about the efficacy of treatment processes in removing them. This study evaluated the effectiveness of conventional treatment and disinfection processes in removing bloom-forming strains compared to fecal-derived strains. Results indicate that these commonly used processes are equally effective against both types of
E. coli
, reassuring that bloom-forming
E. coli
strains can be eliminated from water.
Binding of IscU and TusA to different but competing sites of IscS influences the activity of IscS and directs sulfur to the respective biomolecular synthesis pathway
Authors: Olivieri Paolo , Klabes Moritz , Crack Jason C. , Lehmann Angelika , Bennett Sophie P. , Le Brun Nick E. , Leimkühler Silke 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

All sulfur transfer pathways generally have in common an
l
-cysteine desulfurase as the initial sulfur-mobilizing enzyme, which serves as a sulfur donor for the biosynthesis of numerous sulfur-containing biomolecules in the cell. In
Escherichia coli
, the housekeeping
l
-cysteine desulfurase IscS functions as a hub for sulfur transfer through interactions with several partner proteins, which bind at different sites on IscS. So far, the interaction sites of IscU, Fdx, CyaY, and IscX involved in iron sulfur (Fe-S) cluster assembly, TusA, required for molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis and mnm
5
s
2
U34 transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications, and ThiI, involved in both the biosynthesis of thiamine and s
4
U8 tRNA modifications, have been mapped. Previous studies have suggested that IscS partner proteins bind only one at a time, with the exception of Fe-S cluster assembly, which involves the formation of a ternary complex involving IscS, IscU, and one of CyaY, Fdx, or IscX. Here, we show that the affinity of TusA for IscS is similar to but lower than that of IscU and that these proteins compete for binding to IscS. We show that heterocomplexes involving the IscS dimer and single IscU and TusA molecules are readily formed and that binding of both TusA and IscU to IscS affects its
l
-cysteine desulfurase activity. A model is proposed in which the delivery of sulfur to different sulfur-requiring pathways is controlled by sulfur acceptor protein levels, IscS-binding affinities, and acceptor protein-modulated IscS desulfurase activity.

IMPORTANCE

Iron-sulfur clusters are evolutionarily ancient prosthetic groups. The housekeeping
l
-cysteine desulfurase IscS functions as a central core for sulfur transfer through interactions with several partner proteins, which bind at different sites on each IscS monomer with different affinities and partially overlapping binding sites. We show that heterocomplexes involving the IscS dimer and single IscU and TusA molecules at each site of the dimer are formed, thereby influencing the activity of IscS.
The anatomy of $$K^+\rightarrow \pi ^+\nu {\bar{\nu }}$$ distributions
Authors: Gorbahn Martin , Moldanazarova Ulserik , Sieja Kai Henryk , Stamou Emmanuel , Tabet Mustafa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe excellent experimental prospects to measure the invisible mass spectrum of the $$K^+\rightarrow \pi ^+\nu {\bar{\nu }}$$

K
+

→

π
+

ν

ν

¯

decay opens a new path to test generalised quark–neutrino interactions with flavour changing $$s\rightarrow d$$

s
→
d

transitions and as such to novel probes of Physics beyond the Standard Model. Such signals can be a consequence of new lepton-number violating or lepton-number conserving interactions, with their interpretations depending on the Majorana versus Dirac nature of the neutrinos. Furthermore, the possible existence of new massive sterile neutrinos can be tested via their distinctive imprints in the invariant mass spectrum. Within the model-independent framework of the weak effective theory at dimension-six, we study the New Physics effects of Majorana and Dirac neutrinos on the differential distribution of $$K^+\rightarrow \pi ^+\nu {\bar{\nu }}$$

K
+

→

π
+

ν

ν

¯

allowing for lepton-number violating interactions and potential new sterile neutrinos. We determine the current and expected future sensitivity on the corresponding $$\Delta S=1$$

Δ
S
=
1

neutral-current Wilson coefficients using the distribution measured by the NA62 collaboration and accounting for expected improvements based on the HIKE experiment. We present single-operator fits and also determine correlations among different type of operators. Even though we focus on $$s\rightarrow d\nu \nu $$

s
→
d
ν
ν

transitions, the operator bases for Majorana and Dirac and the classification of lepton-number-violating/conserving interactions is applicable also for the study of $$b\rightarrow s/d\nu \nu $$

b
→
s
/
d
ν
ν

and $$c\rightarrow u\nu \nu $$

c
→
u
ν
ν

transitions relevant in current phenomenology.
Xstar atomic database: the PyXstar package
Authors: Mendoza Claudio , Kallman Timothy R. , Ballhausen Ralf , Ogorzałek Anna , Dannen Randall , García Javier A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We present a progress report on the development of , a Python package to manage the data (input, output, intermediate, atomic database, and model-grids) associated with the xstar code for treating photoionized and collisionally ionized plasmas. The modular structure and database retrieval scheme are described, and its functionality is illustrated with Python functions and classes for performing database searches. We briefly compare with two other Python spectrum modeling tools: and .

Graphic abstract
Clinical Outcomes of Oral vs. Transdermal Estrogen for Endometrial Preparation for Frozen Thawed Embryo Transfer in HRT-FET Cycles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Humaidan Peter , Murdia Kshitiz , Chandra Vipin , Bhoi Nihar , Suwalka Isha , Punhani Ritu 
Published: July 2024

Background and Purpose: Among different routes of estrogen formulations, the transdermal route has obtained popularity in recent years for endometrial preparation in hormone replacement (HRT) frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. However, no clear evidence is available regarding clinical outcome of the transdermal route. This meta-analysis investigated the clinical outcomes of oral versus transdermal estrogen for endometrial preparation for FET in HRT-FET cycles. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed for all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) before May 30, 2022, in electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Trip Database, Worldwide Science, and Google Scholar. Outcomes, including endometrial thickness, implantation rate (IR), miscarriage rate (MR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and live birth rate (LBR), were measured using pooled odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Seven studies involving a total of 898 IVF patients were included in the meta-analysis. In a pooled analysis, endometrial thickness (ET) was more in the transdermal group as compared to the oral estrogen group ([Formula: see text]; 95% [Formula: see text]–0.31). However, no significant association for IR ([Formula: see text]; 95% [Formula: see text]–1.38), CPR ([Formula: see text]; 95% [Formula: see text]–1.31), MR ([Formula: see text]; 95% [Formula: see text]–2.06), and LBR ([Formula: see text]; 95% [Formula: see text]–1.23) was found between oral versus transdermal estrogen groups. Conclusions: In HRT-FET cycles using oral or transdermal estrogen, no significant difference was seen in clinical outcomes of IR, CPR, and LBR rates; however, a trend for a higher endometrial thickness was noted in the transdermal group.
The Efficacy of Medical Treatment on Endometrioma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lim Y.C. , Hassan S. , Razali N. , Hamdan M. 
Published: July 2024

Background: Ovarian endometriomas have been shown to have a negative effect on fertility. There is a dilemma on the timing for surgery either before or after the fertility treatment. By delaying surgical treatment for infertile patients with endometriomas, medical treatment has become an important choice for these patients. The objectives of this review were to compare the efficacy of medical treatment on endometrioma size and endometriosis-associated pelvic pain (EAPP). Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis examining women who have endometrioma and underwent medical therapy for endometrioma size reduction. The primary outcome measure was endometrioma size reduction. Secondary outcome measures EAPP. Results: We included 14 studies for the meta-analysis. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis examining women with endometrioma who underwent medical therapy for endometrioma size reduction. The primary outcome measure was endometrioma size reduction. Secondary outcome measure is EAPP. The majority of the studies were non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 9/14), and five were RCTs. Women who received medical treatment have a significant endometrioma size reduction in diameter compared to women not receiving any medical treatment or placebo (MD −9.66[Formula: see text]mm; 95% CI [−13.85, −5.46], three studies, 467 women, [Formula: see text]%) and a reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) for EAPP (MD −2.64; 95% CI [−3.31, −1.97], two studies, 338 women, [Formula: see text]%). Women who received dienogest (DNG) treatment have a significant endometrioma size reduction in diameter (MD −4.61[Formula: see text]mm; 95% CI [−9.08, −0.15], three studies, 220 women, [Formula: see text]%). Compared to women receiving other medical treatments, women receiving DNG treatment had more VAS reduction of EAPP (MD −0.46; 95% CI [−0.62, −0.31], four studies, 451 women, [Formula: see text]%). Conclusions: The use of medical therapy is associated with endometrioma size reduction and a reduction in endometriosis-related pain when compared with no medical treatment given. With the availability of various medical options, surgery can thus be avoided to minimize the risk of damage to the ovarian reserves.
Structural and Spectroscopic Analysis of Reddish-Orange Emitting (Y1−x)2WO6:xEu3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.11) Nanophosphors for Anti-Counterfeiting Application
Authors: Gupt Udayan , H. B. Premkumar , Nunez John Peter J. , Hadimani Ravi L. , Dayal Vijaylakshmi , Prabhu T. Niranjana 
Published: July 2024

Exploring luminescent materials that meet the necessary specifications for anti-counterfeiting applications has been the focus of extensive research. In this study, we delve into a double perovskite-structured material, (Y1−x)2WO6:xEu3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.11), synthesized via a chemical combustion method. The crystallographic studies using the X-ray diffraction pattern confirm the crystallization of the nanophosphors into the monoclinic phase with a P2/c space group. The Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies provide insights into the nature of chemical bonding within the material. UV visible spectra are analysed to determine the optical energy gap. Notably, the photoluminescence emission spectra of the Eu3+ incorporated phosphors exhibit a distinct emission peak at 609 nm, corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 electric dipole transition of the Eu3+ ions. The optimal photoluminescence intensity is observed for the x = 0.07 nanophosphor, with estimated chroma coordinates of (0.500, 0.316), placing it in the reddish-orange region of the chromaticity diagram. The incorporation of Eu3+ enhances magnetization, attributed to the presence of Eu3+ ions in the 7F2 state. The luminance stability is a critical factor for long-term performance, the x = 0.07 phosphor was analysed under rigorous physical and chemical testing and is found to be stable, making it a favourable candidate as a luminescence pigment for anti-counterfeiting applications.
Impact on Outcome of Different Mechanisms, Baseline Degree and Changes of Mitral Regurgitation in Patients With Aortic Stenosis Who Underwent Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Melillo Francesco , Tavernese Annamaria , Rizza Vincenzo , Putortì Francesco , Preda Alberto , Ancona Francesco , Ingallina Giacomo , Stella Stefano , Colombo Antonio , Ancona Marco , Chieffo Alaide , Buzzatti Nicola , Castiglioni Alessandro , De Bonis Michele , Maisano Francesco , Montorfano Matteo , Agricola Eustachio 
Published: July 2024

Background
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is frequent in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Although primary MR is an established negative prognostic factor, whether different mechanisms of MR have different effects on outcome is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the MR mechanism in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods and Results
This is a retrospective observational study of patients who underwent TAVR for severe aortic stenosis in a high‐volume tertiary care center. Echocardiographic comprehensive MR assessment was performed at baseline and within 3 months post TAVR. The study population was divided into 4 groups according to MR mechanism: Group I: fibro‐calcific leaflet degeneration; Group II: prolapse/flail; Group III: ventricular secondary MR (functional MR); and Group IV: atrial functional MR. The study end point was a combination of death from cardiovascular cause and heart failure–related hospitalization.

The study population included 427 patients (mean age 81.7±6.5 years; 71% primary MR; 62% ≥moderate MR). At 3‐year follow‐up, survival free from the composite end point significantly differs according to MR mechanism: it was higher in group IV (atrial functional MR, 96.6%) compared with group I (80.4%,
P
=0.002) and group II patients (60.7%,
P
=0.001), and group III (84.8%,
P
=0.037); patients with MR due to leaflet prolapse showed poorer prognosis compared with patients with functional MR (group III,
P
=0.023 and group IV,
P
=0.001) and with group I (
P
=0.040). Overall, severe MR after TAVR identified patients with poorer prognosis and was significantly more frequent in group II (46.4%,
P
=0.001).

Conclusions
In patients undergoing TAVR, preprocedural identification of MR mechanism and mechanism provides prognostic insights.
Predictors of Complete Oral Intake in Patients With Stroke After Tracheostomy
Authors: Tsuzuki Keita , Mori Naoki , Hayami Yuki , Oshima Osamu , Sugawara Hidekazu , Tsuji Tetsuya 
Published: July 2024

Background
Tracheostomy procedures inhibit swallowing, although details of subsequent recovery of oral intake remain unknown. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate factors influencing dysphagia improvement in patients with subacute stroke after tracheostomy.

Methods and Results

The study included 117 patients who underwent tracheostomy after subacute stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, or endogenous subarachnoid hemorrhage and received care at 2 convalescent rehabilitation wards in urban and suburban Japan between 2015 and 2022. The primary outcome measure was the achievement of complete oral intake. Patient demographics, Functional Independence Measure scores, body mass index, food intake level scale scores, and the presence of severe white matter hyperintensities on imaging were retrospectively collected from medical records. Statistical analysis involved univariate logistic regression to identify potential predictors and multivariate logistic regression to refine the model while accounting for multicollinearity. In total, 47% of patients achieved complete oral intake on discharge. Sex, days from onset to admission, Functional Independence Measure motor and cognitive scores, body mass index, food intake level scale scores, and severe white matter hyperintensities were identified as potential predictors in the univariate analysis. However, multivariate logistic regression identified only food intake level scale scores (odds ratio [OR], 3.687 [95% CI, 1.519–8.949];
P
=0.004) and severe white matter hyperintensities (OR, 0.302 [95% CI, 0.096–0.956];
P
=0.042) as significant predictors of complete oral intake.

Conclusions
In patients with subacute stroke undergoing tracheostomy, the level of oral intake on admission and severe white matter hyperintensities on imaging may be better predictors of complete oral intake. However, prospective studies with larger sample sizes and more comprehensive data are warranted to confirm these findings.