bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineered Silica Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Delivery
Authors: Zhang Yue , Yu Yingjie , Yang Yannan , Wang Yue , Yu Chengzhong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe development of nucleic acid‐based drugs holds great promise for therapeutic applications, but their effective delivery into cells is hindered by poor cellular membrane permeability and inherent instability. To overcome these challenges, delivery vehicles are required to protect and deliver nucleic acids efficiently. Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have emerged as promising nanovectors and recently bioregulators for gene delivery due to their unique advantages. In this review, a summary of recent advancements in the design of SiNPs for nucleic acid delivery and their applications is provided, mainly according to the specific type of nucleic acids. First, the structural characteristics and working mechanisms of various types of nucleic acids are introduced and classified according to their functions. Subsequently, for each nucleic acid type, the use of SiNPs for enhancing delivery performance and their biomedical applications are summarized. The tailored design of SiNPs for selected type of nucleic acid delivery will be highlighted considering the characteristics of nucleic acids. Lastly, the limitations in current research and personal perspectives on future directions in this field are presented. It is expected this opportune review will provide insights into a burgeoning research area for the development of next‐generation SiNP‐based nucleic acid delivery systems.
Scattering three closed strings off a Dp-brane in pure spinor formalism
Authors: Bischof Andreas , Haack Michael , Stieberger Stephan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
We compute the disk amplitude of three closed strings in the pure spinor formalism. Among others, this amplitude probes tree-level gravitational interactions in the presence of Dp-branes. After disentangling holomorphic and anti-holomorphic closed string coordinates on the disk by means of introducing monodromy phases we find a compact expression for the disk amplitude of three closed strings in terms of open superstring six-point amplitudes. Furthermore, we provide the low-energy expansion (in the inverse string tension) of our amplitude and discuss some relevant Dp-brane couplings associated to it. Finally, we write down an expression for the general structure of the disk amplitude of any number nc of closed strings in terms of pure open string amplitudes involving 2nc open strings.
Decreased eukaryotic initiation factors expression upon temozolomide treatment—potential novel implications for eIFs in glioma therapy
Authors: Krassnig Stefanie , Leber Stefan L. , Orthmann Andrea , Golob-Schwarzl Nicole , Huber Heinrich Johann , Wohlrab Christina , Skofler Christina , Pennauer Mirjam , Raicht Andrea , Birkl-Toeglhofer Anna Maria , Naumann Michael , Mahdy-Ali Kariem , von Campe Gord , Leoni Marlene , Alcaniz Joshua , Hoffmann Jens , Wälchli Thomas , Weis Serge , Benesch Martin , Haybaeck Johannes 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Since glioma therapy is currently still limited until today, new treatment options for this heterogeneous group of tumours are of great interest. Eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) are altered in various cancer entities, including gliomas. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the potential of eIFs as novel targets in glioma treatment.

Methods
We evaluated eIF protein expression and regulation in 22 glioblastoma patient-derived xenografts (GBM PDX) after treatment with established cytostatics and with regards to mutation profile analyses of GBM PDX.

Results
We observed decreased expression of several eIFs upon temozolomide (TMZ) treatment independent from the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ AKT/ mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway. These effects of TMZ treatment were not present in TMZ-resistant PDX. Combination therapy of regorafenib and TMZ re- established the eIF/AKT/mTOR axis.

Conclusion
Our study provides novel insights into chemotherapeutic effects on eIF regulation in gliomas and suggests that eIFs are interesting candidates for future research to improve glioma therapy.
Monolithic tapered Yb-doped fiber chirped pulse amplifier delivering 126 μJ and 207 MW femtosecond laser with near diffraction-limited beam quality
Authors: Wang Tao , Ren Bo , Li Can , Guo Kun , Leng Jinyong , Zhou Pu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this work, a high-energy and high peak power chirped pulse amplification system with near diffraction-limited beam quality based on tapered confined-doped fiber (TCF) is experimentally demonstrated. The TCF has a core numerical aperture of 0.07 with core/cladding diameter of 35/250 µm at the thin end and 56/400 μm at the thick end. With a backward-pumping configuration, a maximum single pulse energy of 177.9 μJ at a repetition rate of 504 kHz is realized, corresponding to an average power of 89.7 W. Through partially compensating for the accumulated nonlinear phase during the amplification process via adjusting the high order dispersion of the stretching chirped fiber Bragg grating, the duration of the amplified pulse is compressed to 401 fs with a pulse energy of 126.3 μJ and a peak power of 207 MW, which to the best of our knowledge represents the highest peak power ever reported from a monolithic ultrafast fiber laser. At the highest energy, the polarization extinction ratio and the M2 factor were respectively measured to be ~ 19 dB and 1.20. In addition, the corresponding intensity noise properties as well as the short- and long-term stability were also examined, verifying a stable operation of the system. It is believed that the demonstrated laser source could find important applications in, for example, advanced manufacturing and photomedicine.
Graphical Abstract
Vegan diet - alternative protein sources as potential allergy risk
Authors: Jappe Uta 
Published: October 2023

ZusammenfassungBackground: As a vegan diet is per definition a plant-based diet, consumers rely on plant protein sources in order to substitute animal proteins. Plant protein sources commonly used in this context are the following: cereals, like wheat (Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum), oat flakes; pseudo cereals like quinoa; nuts and oil seeds like cashew (Anacardium occidentale), hazelnut (Corylus avellana), walnut (Juglans regia); seeds like psyllium seeds (Plantago ovata), sesame (Sesamum indicum), and chia seed (Salvia hispanica).Methods: In order to assess the allergy risk posed by vegan diet, a literature search focusing on the composition of this particular diet and whether the respective foods are potentially allergenic was performed.Results: At first glance, it is evident for allergologists that these protein sources are well-known allergen sources. Particularly nuts and legumes harbour storage proteins, oleosins, and lipid trans- fer proteins that as such are associated with severe allergic reactions to food. In addition, there is increasing evidence that the simultaneous consumption of several of these foods may produce a summation effect where many single allergens of high allergenic potential sum up, thereby inducing anaphylaxis. Furthermore, food processing - or the lack of it - puts patients with pollen-associated food allergy at risk to react to some of the plant foods used in vegan diets.Conclusion: Therefore, individuals with a history of atopy should be educated regarding the allergy risk of a vegan diet.Cite this as Jappe U. Vegan diet - alternative protein sources as potential allergy risk. Allergo J Int 2023;32:251-7https://doi.org/10.1007/s40629-023-00248-7
Evaluation of appropriate transmission-based precautions for non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses
Authors: Falk Cassandra L. , Dumkow Lisa E. , Geyer Abigail C. , Schmidt Kyle J. , Egwuatu Nnaemeka E. , Langholz Jennifer M. , Jameson Andrew P. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Appropriateness of transmission-based precautions after positive result for a non-SARS-CoV-2 virus was evaluated. Most patients (77.2%) lacked appropriate precautions within 3 hours of virus detection; 36.9% remained without appropriate precautions during their stay. With recent cessation of universal masking, adherence to infection control best practices is needed to optimize safety.
Of autocratic incrementalism and inadvertent inspirations: the interaction between the European Court of Justice and national lawmakers in the rule of law crisis in Poland
Authors: Bornemann Jonas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe European Court of Justice (ECJ) is often viewed as a revered champion of opposition to autocratic reforms in the Member States. In the context of the rule of law crisis in Poland, however, its resolute support for judicial independence contrasts notably with the limited improvements for judges on the ground. As the present investigation suggests, this discrepancy can be explained by a mode of incremental adjustments at national level that has allowed Polish lawmakers to repeatedly neutralise the effects of the Court’s interventions. Resulting from this strategy are several instances of mutually responsive interaction between the Court of Justice and autocratic national lawmakers that have shaped developments in the rule of law crisis, both at national and supranational level. At national level, lawmakers have incrementally adjusted reforms to comply – at least superficially – with supranational judicial interventions, whereas the Court refined its interpretation of supranational safeguards of judicial independence in response to incremental adjustments in Polish law. Yet, more recently, this interaction of inadvertent mutual inspiration may have come to a halt. Rather than changing national law to superficially respond to supranational judicial interventions, Polish authorities may increasingly deny the Court’s authority to adjudicate in matters of judicial independence in the Member States altogether.
Variation in the clinical management of self-harm by area-level socio-economic deprivation: findings from the multicenter study of self-harm in England
Authors: Geulayov G. , Casey D. , Bale L. , Brand F. , Clements C. , Kapur N. , Ness J. , Waters K. , White S. , Hawton K. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated disparities in the clinical management of self-harm following hospital presentation with self-harm according to level of socio-economic deprivation (SED) in England.Methods108 092 presentations to hospitals (by 57 306 individuals) after self-harm in the Multicenter Study of Self-harm spanning 17 years. Area-level SED was based on the English Index of Multiple Deprivation. Information about indicators of clinical care was obtained from each hospital's self-harm monitoring systems. We assessed the associations of SED with indicators of care using mixed effect models.ResultsControlling for confounders, psychosocial assessment and admission to a general medical ward were less likely for presentations by patients living in more deprived areas relative to presentations by patients from the least deprived areas. Referral for outpatient mental health care was less likely for presentations by patients from the two most deprived localities (most deprived: adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 0.77, 95% CI 0.71–0.83, p < 0.0001; 2nd most deprived: aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.74–0.87, p < 0.0001). Referral to substance use services and ‘other’ services increased with increased SED. Overall, referral for aftercare was less likely following presentations by patients living in the two most deprived areas (most deprived: aOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78–0.92, p < 0.0001; 2nd most deprived: aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.94, p = 0.001).ConclusionsSED is associated with differential care for patients who self-harm in England. Inequalities in care may exacerbate the risk of adverse outcomes in this disadvantaged population. Further work is needed to understand the reasons for these differences and ways of providing more equitable care.
Health technology assessment (HTA) readiness in Uganda: stakeholder’s perceptions on the potential application of HTA to support national universal health coverage efforts
Authors: Mayora Chrispus , Kazibwe Joseph , Ssempala Richard , Nakimuli Brenda , Ssennyonjo Aloysius , Ekirapa Elizabeth , Byakika Sarah , Aliti Tom , Musila Timothy , Gad Mohamed , Vassall Anna , Ruiz Francis , Ssengooba Freddie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Health technology assessment (HTA) is an area that remains less implemented in low- and lower middle-income countries. The aim of the study is to understand the perceptions of stakeholders in Uganda toward HTA and its role in decision making, in order to inform its potential implementation in the country.

Methods
The study takes a cross-sectional mixed methods approach, utilizing an adapted version of the International Decision Support Initiative questionnaire with both semi-structured and open-ended questions. We interviewed thirty key informants from different stakeholder institutions in Uganda that support policy and decision making in the health sector.

Results
All participants perceived HTA as an important tool for decision making. Allocative efficiency was regarded as the most important use of HTA receiving the highest average score (8.8 out of 10), followed by quality of healthcare (7.8/10), transparency (7.6/10), budget control (7.5/10), and equity (6.5/10). There was concern that some of the uses of HTA may not be achieved in reality if there was political interference during the HTA process. The study participants identified development partners as the most likely potential users of HTA (66.7 percent of participants), followed by Ministry of Health (43.3 percent).

Conclusion
Interviewed stakeholders in Uganda viewed the role of HTA positively, suggesting that there exists a promising environment for the establishment and operationalization of HTA as a tool for decision making within the health sector. However, sustainable development and application of HTA in Uganda will require adequate capacity both to undertake HTAs and to support their use and uptake.
Risk of severe outcomes among Omicron sub-lineages BA.4.6, BA.2.75, and BQ.1 compared to BA.5 in England
Authors: Seghezzo Giulia , Nash Sophie G. , Aziz Nurin A. , Hope Russell , Bernal Jamie L. , Gallagher Eileen , Dabrera Gavin , Thelwall Simon 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Since the emergence of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2021, a number of sub-lineages have arisen and circulated internationally. Little is known about the relative severity of Omicron sub-lineages BA.2.75, BA.4.6, and BQ.1. We undertook a case–control analysis to determine the clinical severity of these lineages relative to BA.5, using whole genome sequenced, PCR-confirmed infections, between 1 August 2022 and 27 November 2022, among those who presented to emergency care in England 14 days after and up to one day prior to the positive specimen. A total of 10,375 episodes were included in the analysis; of which, 5,207 (50.2%) were admitted to the hospital or died. Multivariable conditional regression analyses found no evidence of greater odds of hospital admission or death among those with BA.2.75 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84–1.09) and BA.4.6 (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.88– 1.17) or BQ.1 (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.94–1.13) compared to BA.5. Future lineages may not follow the same trend and there remains a need for continued surveillance of COVID-19 variants and their clinical outcomes to inform the public health response.
Protecting the environment in armed conflict: Evaluating the US perspective
Authors: Biggerstaff W. Casey , Schmitt Michael N. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article outlines and evaluates the US perspective on how treaty and customary international law protect the natural environment during international armed conflict. It surveys the relevant treaties to which the United States is a party and examines US views on their pertinent provisions. It then assesses claims that the environmental obligations residing in the 1977 Additional Protocol I to the 1949 Geneva Conventions have attained customary status, outlines the United States’ rejection of those claims, and evaluates the reasonableness thereof. Finally, it highlights ambiguities in certain US environmental positions, the resolution of which would bring much-needed clarity to the law.
Isolation of Enterococcus faecium and determination of its mechanism for promoting the growth and development of Drosophila
Authors: Li Yujuan , Pan Lei , Li Pengcheng , Gao Fuguo , Wang Lei , Chen Jian , Li Zhichao , Gao Yongheng , Gong Yumei , Jin Faguang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntestinal symbiotic microorganisms have a strong capacity to regulate the physiological functions of their host, and Drosophila serves as a useful model. Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) is a member of the normal intestinal flora of animals. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as E. faecium can promote the growth and development of Drosophila, but the mechanism of regulation of Drosophila is poorly understood. In this study, we found that E. faecium used a carbon source to produce probiotic acids. E. faecium is a symbiotic bacterium for Drosophila, and adult flies passed on parental flora to offspring. E. faecium promoted the growth and development of Drosophila, especially under poor nutritional conditions. E. faecium shortened the developmental process for Drosophila and accelerated the transformation from larva to pupa. Finally, E. faecium promoted the growth and development of Drosophila through TOR and insulin signalling pathways.
Low-melting point agarose as embedding medium for MALDI mass spectrometry imaging and laser-capture microdissection-based proteomics
Authors: Greco Francesco , Pardini Luca Fidia , Botto Asia , McDonnell Liam Andrew 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe combination of MALDI mass spectrometry imaging, laser-capture microdissection, and quantitative proteomics allows the identification and characterization of molecularly distinct tissue compartments. Such workflows are typically performed using consecutive tissue sections, and so reliable sectioning and mounting of high-quality tissue sections is a prerequisite of such investigations. Embedding media facilitate the sectioning process but can introduce contaminants which may adversely affect either the mass spectrometry imaging or proteomics analyses. Seven low-temperature embedding media were tested in terms of embedding temperature and cutting performance. The two media that provided the best results (5% gelatin and 2% low-melting point agarose) were compared with non-embedded tissue by both MALDI mass spectrometry imaging of lipids and laser-capture microdissection followed by bottom-up proteomics. Two out of the seven tested media (5% gelatin and 2% low-melting point agarose) provided the best performances on terms of mechanical properties. These media allowed for low-temperature embedding and for the collection of high-quality consecutive sections. Comparisons with non-embedded tissues revealed that both embedding media had no discernable effect on proteomics analysis; 5% gelatin showed a light ion suppression effect in the MALDI mass spectrometry imaging experiments, 2% agarose performed similarly to the non-embedded tissue. 2% low-melting point agarose is proposed for tissue embedding in experiments involving MALDI mass spectrometry imaging of lipids and laser-capture microdissection, proteomics of consecutive tissue sections.
Genetic and molecular analysis of leaf blast resistance in Tetep derived line RIL4 and its relationship to genes at Pita/Pita2 locus
Authors: Biswas B. , Thakur K. , Pote T. D. , Sharma K. D. , Krishnan S. Gopala , Singh A. K. , Sharma T. R. , Rathour R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Vietnamese indica landrace ‘Tetep’ is known worldwide for its durable and broad spectrum-resistance to blast. We performed genetic and molecular analyses of leaf blast resistance in a Tetep derived recombinant inbred line ‘RIL4’ which is resistant to both leaf and neck blast. Phenotypic analysis of segregating F2 progenies suggested that leaf blast resistance in RIL4 was controlled by a dominant gene tentatively designated as Pi-l(t). The gene was mapped to a 2.4 cm region close to the centromere of chromosome 12. The search for the gene content in the equivalent genomic region of reference cv. Nipponbare revealed the presence of five NBS-LRR genes, two of which corresponded to the alleles of Pita and Pi67 genes previously identified from Tetep. The two other genes, LOC_Os12g17090, and LOC_Os12g17490 represented the homologs of stripe rust resistance gene Yr10. The allelic tests with Pita2 and Pi67 lines suggested that the leaf blast resistance gene in RIL4 is either allelic or tightly linked to these genes. The genomic position of the leaf blast resistance gene in RIL4 perfectly coincided with the genomic position of a neck blast resistance gene Pb2 previously identified from this line suggesting that the same gene confers resistance to leaf and neck blast. The present results were discussed in juxtaposition with past studies on the genes of Pita/Pita2 resistance gene complex.
Miniaturization of frequency selective surface by 2.5-dimensional meandered split ring cells for application in L-band
Authors: Khajevandi Amir , Oraizi Homayoon 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this research article, A miniaturized hexagonal split-ring 2.5-dimensional (2.5-D) unit cell is proposed for frequency selective surface (FSS) applications. The 2.5-D FSS provides efficient usage of the available surfaces and optimum increased current paths by connecting its two sides through vias. The size of the FSS unit cell is $$0.026{{\varvec{\uplambda}}}_{0}\times 0.026{{\varvec{\uplambda}}}_{0}$$

0.026

λ

0

×
0.026

λ

0

at the resonance frequency of 1.25 GHz. The proposed FSS has good angle stability due to its small size. The effects of variation of FSS geometry parameters on transmission zero are investigated, namely, the control of bandwidth and roll-off of frequency response by these parameters is studied. An equivalent circuit is obtained for the proposed structure to predict its frequency response, which agrees very well with the results of full-wave simulations. A prototype model of the proposed FSS structure is designed, simulated, fabricated, and tested as proof of concept.
Coastal fishers’ livelihood adaptations to extreme weather events: an analysis of household strategies in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam
Authors: Pham Thi Lam , Saizen Izuru 
Published: October 2023

AbstractExtreme weather events (EWEs) pose significant threats to fishery-based livelihoods in Quang Ngai (QN) Province, Vietnam. This study describes the types of livelihood adaptations (LAs) that coastal fishers in QN have practiced in response to EWEs and find the varieties in these adaptation strategy choices. In this study, we investigated livelihood adaptation strategies in coastal areas through a household survey and analysis of the collected data using MS Excel. Two sample strategies were used, stratified and random sampling, to select 229 coastal fishers from 11 communes; and data are collected through designed questionnaires. The current study employed statistical disaggregation and comparative methods to analyze coastal fishers’ adaptation strategy choices in QN Province. A range of adaptation strategies were identified consisting of five reactive LAs and eight anticipatory LAs practiced differently by coastal fishers. Among the eight anticipatory LAs, discontinuing production for a certain time is a novel adaptation in QN Province. In addition, a divergence in conducting LAs by production forms was found. On-sand farming and offshore fishers invest in advanced technologies and facilities as adaptive measures. By contrast, fishers who farm in estuaries, lagoons, and nearshore fishing fishers are more likely to change and diversify their jobs. The study’s key findings about livelihood adaptation measures and their differences are significant for improving coastal fisher’s livelihoods in Vietnam. Any efforts at local and national levels in developing mitigation strategies for the impact of EWEs may consider the coastal fisher’s adaptation choices.