bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring oak processionary caterpillar induced lepidopterism (part 2): ex vivo bio-assays unmask the role of TRPV1
Authors: Seldeslachts Andrea , Undheim Eivind Andreas Baste , Vriens Joris , Tytgat Jan , Peigneur Steve 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs human skin comes into contact with the tiny hairs or setae of the oak processionary caterpillar, Thaumetopoea processionea, a silent yet intense chemical confrontation occurs. The result is a mix of issues: skin rashes and an intense itching that typically lasts days and weeks after the contact. This discomfort poses a significant health threat not only to humans but also to animals. In Western Europe, the alarming increase in outbreaks extends beyond areas near infested trees due to the dispersion of the setae. Predictions indicate a sustained rise in outbreaks, fueled by global changes favoring the caterpillar’s survival and distribution. Currently, the absence of an efficient treatment persists due to significant gaps in our comprehension of the pathophysiology associated with this envenomation. Here, we explored the interaction between the venom extract derived from the setae of T. processionea and voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels and receptors. By conducting electrophysiological analyses, we discovered ex vivo evidence highlighting the significant role of TPTX1-Tp1, a peptide toxin from T. processionea, in modulating TRPV1. TPTX1-Tp1 is a secapin-like peptide and demonstrates a unique ability to modulate TRPV1 channels in the presence of capsaicin, leading to cell depolarization, itch and inflammatory responses. This discovery opens new avenues for developing a topical medication, suggesting the incorporation of a TRPV1 blocker as a potential solution for the local effects caused by T. processionea.
Insertion Algorithms for Gelfand $$S_n$$-Graphs
Authors: Marberg Eric , Zhang Yifeng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe two tableaux assigned by the Robinson–Schensted correspondence are equal if and only if the input permutation is an involution, so the RS algorithm restricts to a bijection between involutions in the symmetric group and standard tableaux. Beissinger found a concise way of formulating this restricted map, which involves adding an extra cell at the end of a row after a Schensted insertion process. We show that by changing this algorithm slightly to add cells at the end of columns rather than rows, one obtains a different bijection from involutions to standard tableaux. Both maps have an interesting connection to representation theory. Specifically, our insertion algorithms classify the molecules (and conjecturally the cells) in the pair of W-graphs associated with the unique equivalence class of perfect models for a generic symmetric group.
Analytical examination of shuttle-based storage and retrieval systems with multiple-capacity lifts
Authors: Eder Michael 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe unbroken trend towards e-commerce and the ever-increasing demands on storage technology present the providers of storage systems with ever greater challenges. One way to meet these requirements is to significantly enhance warehouses’ handling systems. Multiple capacity lifts in tier-captive single-aisle shuttle-based storage and retrieval systems (SBS/RS) are a method to raise the throughput performance of such systems. Therefore, a straightforward calculation approach is presented based on a cycle time model combined with a time-continuous single open Markovian queue with limited capacity. A comparison of the invented approach to a discrete-event simulation (DES) is made to validate it. Finally, a numerical example of the influences of the different handling capacities and their usage in the design process of SBS/RS is depicted. The result is that with double the handling capacity, the throughput increases by about $$50\%$$

50
%

. Another result is sorting the stops within one handling cycle, which leads to a significantly higher throughput.
Characterization of biotinylated human ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein reference materials
Authors: Stocks Bradley B. , Thibeault Marie-Pier , L’Abbé Denis , Umer Muhammad , Liu Yali , Stuible Matthew , Durocher Yves , Melanson Jeremy E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAccurate diagnostic and serology assays are required for the continued management of the COVID-19 pandemic yet spike protein mutations and intellectual property concerns with antigens and antibodies used in various test kits render comparability assessments difficult. As the use of common, well-characterized reagents can help address this lack of standardization, the National Research Council Canada has produced two protein reference materials (RMs) for use in SARS-CoV-2 serology assays: biotinylated human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 RM, ACE2-1, and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein RM, OMIC-1. Reference values were assigned through a combination of amino acid analysis via isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry following acid hydrolysis, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry at 280 nm. Vial-to-vial homogeneity was established using UV–Vis measurements, and protein oligomeric status, monitored by size exclusion liquid chromatography (LC-SEC), was used to evaluate transportation, storage, and freeze–thaw stabilities. The molar protein concentration in ACE2-1 was 25.3 ± 1.7 µmol L−1 (k = 2, 95% CI) and consisted almost exclusively (98%) of monomeric ACE2, while OMIC-1 contained 5.4 ± 0.5 µmol L−1 (k = 2) spike protein in a mostly (82%) trimeric form. Glycoprotein molar mass determination by LC-SEC with multi-angle light scattering detection facilitated calculation of corresponding mass concentrations. To confirm protein functionality, the binding of OMIC-1 to immobilized ACE2-1 was investigated with surface plasmon resonance and the resulting dissociation constant, KD ~ 4.4 nM, was consistent with literature values.
Graphical Abstract
Metaplastic neuromodulation via transcranial direct current stimulation has no effect on corticospinal excitability and neuromuscular fatigue
Authors: Boda Madison R. , Otieno Lavender A. , Smith Ashleigh E. , Goldsworthy Mitchell R. , Sidhu Simranjit K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation tool with potential for managing neuromuscular fatigue, possibly due to alterations in corticospinal excitability. However, inconsistencies in intra- and inter- individual variability responsiveness to tDCS limit its clinical use. Emerging evidence suggests harnessing homeostatic metaplasticity induced via tDCS may reduce variability and boost its outcomes, yet little is known regarding its influence on neuromuscular fatigue in healthy adults. We explored whether cathodal tDCS (ctDCS) prior to exercise combined with anodal tDCS (atDCS) could augment corticospinal excitability and attenuate neuromuscular fatigue. 15 young healthy adults (6 males, 22 ± 4 years) participated in four pseudo-randomised neuromodulation sessions: sham stimulation prior and during exercise, sham stimulation prior and atDCS during exercise, ctDCS prior and atDCS during exercise, ctDCS prior and sham stimulation during exercise. The exercise constituted an intermittent maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) for 10 min. Neuromuscular fatigue was quantified as an attenuation in MVC force, while motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude provided an assessment of corticospinal excitability. MEP amplitude increased during the fatiguing exercise, whilst across time, force decreased. There were no differences in MEP amplitudes or force between neuromodulation sessions. These outcomes highlight the ambiguity of harnessing metaplasticity to ameliorate neuromuscular fatigue in young healthy individuals.
Importance of complex sponges as habitat and feeding substrata for coral reef fishes
Authors: Coppock Amy G. , Kingsford Michael J. , Jones Geoffrey P. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCoral reef fishes are usually assumed to be most strongly associated with reef-building corals. However, sponges can be a significant structural component of coral reef ecosystems and their framework can enhance the local abundance and biodiversity of fish assemblages. Little is known regarding the range of fish species using complex sponges as either shelter or feeding substrata. Here we use a combination of stationary video cameras and focal animal sampling to document fish species positively associated with complex sponges in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea. Stationary cameras identified 45 fish species using the sponges for either shelter, feeding substrata or as sites for ambush predation. A guild of 10 individual fish species from five families (Blenniidae, Chaetodontidae, Gobiidae, Labridae and Pomacentridae) were observed to quantify sponge and other habitat use and compared with habitat availability to determine the level of sponge selectivity. One species, Pleurosicya elongata (the Slender Spongegoby), lived in obligate association with Ianthella basta (Elephant Ear sponge), and there was a positive relationship between sponge size and number of resident fish, however this was not significant for all life stages. Five other fish species appeared to preferentially select sponges as habitat (Amblyglyphidodon aureus, Chaetodon kleinii, Coradion chrysozonus, Escenius prooculis and Pomacentrus nigromanus), while for others, sponge use appeared incidental. When selectivity indices were calculated for specific sponge species it was apparent that some fishes exhibited preferences for particular sponge species or growth forms. These results suggest more fish species may be reliant on sponges than is widely appreciated.
Intramedullary headless screw fixation for fractures of the proximal phalanges of the hand: a three-year follow-up
Authors: Nietlispach Viviane , Besmens Inga S. , Medina Gontier Julie , Labèr Raffael , Frauenfelder Thomas , Calcagni Maurizio 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of trans-articular intramedullary fixation using cannulated headless screws for proximal phalanx fractures in the hand.

Background
Various surgical techniques have been described for the fixation of proximal phalanx fractures, with Kirschner wires, plates, and screws being commonly used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of trans-articular intramedullary fixation using cannulated headless screws for proximal phalanx fractures in the hand. Methods Eight patients, with nine proximal phalanx fractures, treated with intramedullary screw fixation, were included for a follow-up visit three years post-surgery. Subjective and objective outcome measures were assessed using the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ), active range of motion (aROM), grip strength, conventional X-rays, and digital tomosynthesis images.

Methods
Eight patients, with nine proximal phalanx fractures, treated with intramedullary screw fixation, were included for a follow-up visit three years post-surgery. Subjective and objective outcome measures were assessed using the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ), active range of motion (aROM), grip strength, conventional X-rays, and digital tomosynthesis images.

Results
We observed a mean MHQ score of 83%, a total aROM of 216.4°, and a Jamar grip strength of 29.9 kg in the injured hand. Digital tomosynthesis revealed complete fracture consolidation in all cases. Joint arthrosis was detected in only one case, attributed to a misplaced screw.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate favorable long-term clinical outcomes, including range of motion, grip strength, patient satisfaction, and prevention of joint damage, with the use of intramedullary headless screw fixation.
Level of evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic
Whole pelvis vs. hemi pelvis elective nodal radiotherapy in patients with PSMA-positive nodal recurrence after radical prostatectomy - a retrospective multi-institutional propensity score analysis
Authors: Trapp Christian , Aebersold Daniel M. , Belka Claus , Casuscelli Jozefina , Emmett Louise , Eze Chukwuka , Fanti Stefano , Farolfi Andrea , Fendler Wolfgang , Grosu Anca-Ligia , Guckenberger Matthias , Hruby George , Kirste Simon , Koerber Stefan A. , Kroeze Stephanie , Peeken Jan C. , Rogowski Paul , Scharl Sophia , Shelan Mohamed , Spohn Simon K. B. , Strouthos Iosif , Unterrainer Lena , Vogel Marco , Wiegel Thomas , Zamboglou Constantinos , Schmidt-Hegemann Nina-Sophie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Despite growing evidence for bilateral pelvic radiotherapy (whole pelvis RT, WPRT) there is almost no data on unilateral RT (hemi pelvis RT, HPRT) in patients with nodal recurrent prostate cancer after prostatectomy. Nevertheless, in clinical practice HPRT is sometimes used with the intention to reduce side effects compared to WPRT. Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography / computed tomography (PSMA-PET/CT) is currently the best imaging modality in this clinical situation. This analysis compares PSMA-PET/CT based WPRT and HPRT.

Methods
A propensity score matching was performed in a multi-institutional retrospective dataset of 273 patients treated with pelvic RT due to nodal recurrence (214 WPRT, 59 HPRT). In total, 102 patients (51 in each group) were included in the final analysis. Biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) defined as prostate specific antigen (PSA) < post-RT nadir + 0.2ng/ml, metastasis-free survival (MFS) and nodal recurrence-free survival (NRFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log rank test.

Results
Median follow-up was 29 months. After propensity matching, both groups were mostly well balanced. However, in the WPRT group there were still significantly more patients with additional local recurrences and biochemical persistence after prostatectomy. There were no significant differences between both groups in BRFS (p = .97), MFS (p = .43) and NRFS (p = .43). After two years, BRFS, MFS and NRFS were 61%, 86% and 88% in the WPRT group and 57%, 90% and 82% in the HPRT group, respectively. Application of a boost to lymph node metastases, a higher RT dose to the lymphatic pathways (> 50 Gy EQD2α/β=1.5 Gy) and concomitant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) were significantly associated with longer BRFS in uni- and multivariate analysis.

Conclusions
Overall, this analysis presents the outcome of HPRT in nodal recurrent prostate cancer patients and shows that it can result in a similar oncologic outcome compared to WPRT. Nevertheless, patients in the WPRT may have been at a higher risk for progression due to some persistent imbalances between the groups. Therefore, further research should prospectively evaluate which subgroups of patients are suitable for HPRT and if HPRT leads to a clinically significant reduction in toxicity.
Safety and Effectiveness of Irreversible Electroporation in Lymph Node Metastases
Authors: Narayanan Govindarajan , Mahendra Ashwin M. , Gentile Nicole T. , Schiro Brian J. , Gandhi Ripal T. , Peña Constantino S. , Dijkstra Madelon 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Demonstrating the safety and efficacy of percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) for the treatment of lymph node metastases.

Materials and Methods
An IRB-approved, single-center retrospective review was performed on patients with lymph node metastases gastrointestinal, and genitourinary primary cancers. Primary objective safety was evaluated by assessing complications graded according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification, and efficacy was determined by tumor response on follow-up imaging and local progression-free survival (LPFS). Secondary outcome measures were technical success (complete ablation with an adequate ablative margin > 5 mm), length of hospital stay and distant progression-free survival (DPFS).

Results
Nineteen patients underwent percutaneous IRE between June 2018 and February 2023 for lymph node metastases, close to critical structures, such as vasculature, bowel, or nerves. The technical success was achieved in all cases. Complications occurred in four patients (21.1%), including two self-limiting grade 1 hematomas, a grade 1 abdominal pain, and grade 2 nerve pain treated with medication. Seventeen patients were hospitalized overnight, one patient stayed two nights and another patient stayed fourteen nights. Median follow-up was 25.5 months. Median time to local progression was 24.1 months (95% CI: 0–52.8) with 1-, 2-, and 5-year LPFS of 57.9%, 57.9% and 20.7%, respectively. Median time to distant progression was 4.3 months (95% CI: 0.3–8.3) with 1-, 2-, and 5-year DPFS of 31.6%, 13.2% and 13.2%, respectively.

Conclusion
IRE is a safe and effective minimally-invasive treatment for lymph node metastases in locations, where temperature dependent ablation may be contraindicated. Care should be taken when employing IRE near nerves.

Graphical Abstract
Same same, but different: exploring the enigmatic role of the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in invertebrate physiology
Authors: Pirger Zsolt , Urbán Péter , Gálik Bence , Kiss Bence , Tapodi Antal , Schmidt János , Tóth Gábor K. , Koene Joris M. , Kemenes György , Reglődi Dóra , Kiss Tibor , Fodor István 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEvidence has been accumulating that elements of the vertebrate pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) system are missing in non-chordate genomes, which is at odds with the partial sequence-, immunohistochemical-, and physiological data in the literature. Multilevel experiments were performed on the great pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) to explore the role of PACAP in invertebrates. Screening of neuronal transcriptome and genome data did not reveal homologs to the elements of vertebrate PACAP system. Despite this, immunohistochemical investigations with an anti-human PAC1 receptor antibody yielded a positive signal in the neuronal elements in the heart. Although Western blotting of proteins extracted from the nervous system found a relevant band for PACAP-38, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometric analyses revealed no corresponding peptide fragments. Similarly to the effects reported in vertebrates, PACAP-38 significantly increased cAMP synthesis in the heart and had a positive ionotropic effect on heart preparations. Moreover, it significantly modulated the effects of serotonin and acetylcholine. Homologs to members of Cluster B receptors, which have shared common evolutionary origin with the vertebrate PACAP receptors, PTHRs, and GCGRs, were identified and shown not to be expressed in the heart, which does not support a potential role in the mediation of PACAP-induced effects. Our findings support the notion that the PACAP system emerged after the protostome-deuterostome divergence. Using antibodies against vertebrate proteins is again highlighted to have little/no value in invertebrate studies. The physiological effects of vertebrate PACAP peptides in protostomes, no matter how similar they are to those in vertebrates, should be considered non-specific.
An alternative approach of TUNEL assay to specifically characterize DNA fragmentation in cell model systems
Authors: Naselli Flores , Cardinale Paola Sofia , Volpes Sara , Martino Chiara , Cruciata Ilenia , Valenti Rossella , Luparello Claudio , Caradonna Fabio , Chiarelli Roberto 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDNA damage is one of the most important effects induced by chemical agents. We report a comparative analysis of DNA fragmentation on three different cell lines using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, generally applied to detect apoptosis. Our approach combines cytogenetic techniques and investigation in detached cellular structures, recovered from the culture medium with the aim to compare the DNA fragmentation of three different cell line even beyond the cells adherent to substrate. Consequently, we detect any fragmentation points on single chromosomes, whole nuclei and other cellular structures. Cells were exposed to resveratrol (RSV) and doxorubicin (Doxo), in single and combined treatments. Control and treated astrocytes showed DNA damage in condensed nuclei and detached structures. Caco-2 cells showed fragmented DNA only after Doxo-treatment, while controls showed fragmented chromosomes, indicating DNA damage in replicating cells. MDA-MB-231 cells showed nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation above all after RSV-treatment and related to detached structures. This model proved to perform a grading of genomic instability (GI). Astrocytes show a hybrid level of GI. Caco-2 cells showed fragmented metaphase chromosomes, proving that the DNA damage was transmitted to the daughter cells probably due to an absence of DNA repair mechanisms. Instead, MDA–MB-231 cells showed few or no fragmented metaphase, suggesting a probable activation of DNA repair mechanisms. By applying this alternative approach of TUNEL test, we obtained data that can more specifically characterize DNA fragmentation for a suitable application in various fields.
Development of autonomic heart rate modulations during childhood and adolescence
Authors: Helánová Kateřina , Šišáková Martina , Hnatkova Katerina , Novotný Tomáš , Andršová Irena , Malik Marek 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAutonomic control of heart rate is well known in adult subjects, but limited data are available on the development of the heart rate control during childhood and adolescence. Continuous 12-lead electrocardiograms were recorded in 1045 healthy children and adolescents (550 females) aged 4 to 19 years during postural manoeuvres involving repeated 10-min supine, unsupported sitting, and unsupported standing positions. In each position, heart rate was measured, and heart rate variability indices were evaluated (SDNN, RMSSD, and high (HF) and low (LF) frequency components were obtained). Quasi-normalized HF frequency components were defined as qnHF = HF/(HF + LF). These measurements were, among others, related to age using linear regressions. In supine position, heart rate decreases per year of age were significant in both sexes but lower in females than in males. In standing position, these decreases per year of age were substantially lowered. RMSSD and qnHF indices were independent of age in supine position but significantly decreased with age in sitting and standing positions. Correspondingly, LF/HF proportions showed steep increases with age in sitting and standing positions but not in the supine position. The study suggests that baseline supine parasympathetic influence shows little developmental changes during childhood and adolescence but that in young children, sympathetic branch is less responsive to vagal influence. While vagal influences modulate cardiac periods in young and older children equally, they are less able to suppress the sympathetic influence in younger children.