bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Definition of sensory and instrumental thresholds of acceptability for selection of cassava genotypes with improved boiling properties
Authors: Iragaba Paula , Adinsi Laurent , Delgado Luis Fernando , Nanyonjo Ann Ritah , Nuwamanya Ephraim , Wembabazi Enoch , Kanaabi Michael , Honfozo Laurenda , Hotegni Francis , Djibril‐Moussa Imayath , Londoño Luis Fernando , Bugaud Christophe , Dufour Dominique , Kawuki Robert Sezi , Akissoé Noël , Tran Thierry 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDConsumers of boiled cassava in Africa, Latin America and Asia use specific preference criteria to evaluate its cooking quality, in terms of texture, colour and taste. To improve adoption rates of improved cassava varieties intended for consumption after boiling, these preference criteria need to be determined, quantified and integrated as post‐harvest quality traits in the target product profile of boiled cassava, so that breeding programs may screen candidate varieties based on both agronomic traits and consumer preference traits.RESULTSSurveys of various end‐user groups identified seven priority quality attributes of boiled cassava covering root preparation, visual aspect, taste and texture. Three populations of contrasted cassava genotypes, from good‐cooking to bad‐cooking, in three countries (Uganda, Benin, Colombia) were then characterized according to these quality attributes by sensory quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and by standard instrumental methods. Consumers' preferences of the texture attributes mealiness and hardness were also determined. By analysis of correlations, the consumers' preferences scores were translated into thresholds of acceptability in terms of QDA scores, then in terms of instrumental measurements (water absorption during boiling and texture analysis). The thresholds of acceptability were used to identify among the Colombian and Benin populations promising genotypes for boiled cassava quality.CONCLUSIONThis work demonstrates the steps of determining priority quality attributes for boiled cassava and establishing their corresponding quantitative thresholds of acceptability. The information can then be included in boiled cassava target product profiles used by cassava breeders, for better selection and adoption rates of new varieties. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Achilles tendinopathy research has a gender data gap: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schuppisser Martina Vera , Mondini Trissino da Lodi Camilla , Albanese Jacopo , Candrian Christian , Filardo Giuseppe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeA persisting gender bias has been recently highlighted in orthopaedics and sports medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the volume of gender‐specific data and gender‐specific results in the treatment of a common tendon disease, Achilles tendinopathy.MethodsPubmed, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched to identify all clinical studies focusing on Achilles tendinopathy treatment. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment‐Achilles (VISA‐A) data of women and men of the studies that disaggregated results by gender were collected, and a meta‐analysis was conducted. Treatment response within and in between gender categories was evaluated, focusing on overall gender‐disaggregated data, as well as within each of the three treatment categories: conservative treatment, injective treatment and surgical treatment. A formal risk of bias analysis was conducted using Downs and Black's grading system.ResultsOut of the 8796 papers screened, 178 were included after the screening. The number of female study participants grew from 20% up to 1990 to 48% in the years 2019–2022. Only 373 out of 3423 (11%) female patients and 685 of 4352 (16%) male patients were found in sex‐disaggregated studies. A meta‐analysis was conducted on the 14 papers that reported sex‐disaggregated data for VAS and VISA‐A. The meta‐analysis revealed that there was no difference in the overall treatment response between women and men and that both genders showed an overall significant treatment benefit in terms of VAS and VISA‐A values. However, significant differences were documented within the treatment categories. While no differences were found in surgical studies, in conservative treatment studies, men experienced lower posttreatment VAS values (p = 0.004). The largest difference was found in injective treatments, with men experiencing a larger change in VAS values (men = −3.0, women = −1.0, p = 0.016) and higher posttreatment VISA‐A values (p = 0.032).ConclusionThis systematic review and meta‐analysis showed a lack of awareness of the importance of sex‐specific data within Achilles tendinopathy treatment research. The proportion of female study subjects has grown over the years, but there is still a large data gap caused by the absence of sex‐disaggregated data. The omission of sex‐disaggregated data causes the loss of valuable knowledge on the true effectiveness of current Achilles tendinopathy treatment. The results of this study indicate that women profit less from available treatments, particularly injective approaches, which prompts further research for treatment adaptation by gender.Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Barbed sutures and skin adhesives improve wound closure in hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Romanini Emilio , Zanoli Gustavo A. , Ascione Tiziana , Balato Giovanni , Baldini Andrea , Foglia Emanuela , Pellegrini Antonio V. , Verde Francesco , Zaffagnini Stefano 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to formulate evidence‐based recommendations for optimising wound management in hip and knee arthroplasty by exploring alternative methods such as barbed sutures and skin adhesives.MethodsA Delphi panel, comprising seven orthopaedic surgeons, one musculoskeletal infectious disease specialist, and one health economics expert, was convened to evaluate the use of barbed sutures and skin adhesives for wound closure in hip and knee arthroplasty. Two systematic reviews informed the development of questionnaires, with panelists ranking their agreement on statements using a 5‐point Likert scale. Consensus was achieved if ≥75% agreement. Unresolved statements were revisited in a second round.ResultsConsensus was reached on 11 statements, providing evidence‐based recommendations. The expert panel advocates for a multilayer watertight technique using barbed sutures to prevent surgical site infections (SSI), reduce complications, shorten surgical times, optimise resources and improve cosmetic appearance. For skin closure, the panel recommends topical adhesives to decrease wound dehiscence, enhance cosmetic appearance, promote patient compliance, prevent SSIs, and optimise resources.ConclusionThe Delphi consensus by Italian total joint arthroplasty experts underscores the pivotal role of barbed sutures and skin adhesives in optimising outcomes. While guiding clinical decision‐making, these recommendations are not prescriptive and should be adapted to local practices. The study encourages further research to enhance current evidence.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Innovative Architecture for Phosphor‐in‐Glass Films Enabling Superior Luminance and Color Quality Laser‐Driven White Light
Authors: Wang Guo‐Juan , Zhu Qiang‐Qiang , Nie Shan‐Jun , Zhai Yue , Fang Shuang‐Qiang , Kang Juan , Wang Le 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLaser‐driven white light exhibits exceptional brightness and directionality, making it particularly well‐suited for spotlight applications. Yet, attaining high‐quality white light remains challenging due to the sluggish heat dispersion and inconsistent light uniformity of color converters. In this study, an innovative phosphor‐in‐glass (PiG) film architecture is introduced, aiming to achieve superior quality laser‐driven light, where the traditional Y3(Ga,Al)5O12:Ce3+ (YAGG:Ce3+) PiG film is topped with a Al2O3‐in‐glass (AiG) film. The heightened thermal conductivity of the AiG film facilitates quicker dissipation of heat, consequently elevating the luminescence saturation threshold from 14 to 16 W mm−2 and luminous flux from 1243.8 to 1475.9 lm. The increased light scattering attributed to the AiG film also effectively disperses both laser and emitted light, significantly enhancing the angular consistency of color rendering index (Ra). This improvement is evident as the coefficient of variation (Cv) decreases dramatically from 16.69% to 0.25%. Moreover, by integrating CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ (CASN:Eu2+) into the PiG film and fine‐tuning the YAGG:Ce3+ and CASN:Eu2+ ratio, a high‐quality laser‐driven white light achieving an impressive color rendering index (Ra) of 88.7 and offering an adjustable correlated color temperature (CCT) has been developed. This innovation holds tremendous potential as a versatile spotlight solution for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Hyaluronan‐Sphingosine Polymersomes for Treatment of Ocular Neovascularization: Synthesis and Evaluation
Authors: Yetisgin Abuzer Alp , Durak Saliha , Kutlu Ozlem , Cetinel Sibel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOcular neovascularization is a hallmark of several sight‐threatening diseases, including diabetic retinopathy and age‐related macular degeneration. Currently, available treatments are limited and often associated with side effects. Therefore, a novel approach to ocular neovascularization treatment through utilization of polymersomes from self‐assembled sphingosine‐grafted hyaluronic acid (HA‐Sph) amphiphilic polymers is presented. The polymersomes are generated in spherical morphologies and sizes between 97.95 ‐ 161.9 nm with homogenous size distributions. Experiments reveal that HA‐Sph polymersomes, with concentrations ≥150 µg mL−1, significantly inhibit the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), while concurrently promoting the proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells. The polymersomes demonstrate gradual disintegration in vitro, leading to sustained release of sphingosine, which prolongs the inhibition of HUVEC proliferation (from 87.5% at 24 h to 35.2% viability at 96 h). The efficacy of polymersomes in inhibiting angiogenesis is confirmed through tube formation assay, revealing a substantial reduction in tube length compared to the control group. The findings also validate the ocular penetration capability of polymersomes through ex vivo whole porcine eye ocular penetration study, indicating their suitability for topical administration. Potentially, HA‐Sph polymersomes can be harnessed to develop intricate drug delivery systems that protect the retina and effectively treat ocular diseases.
13C isotopic labeling to decipher the iron corrosion mechanisms in a carbonated anoxic environment
Authors: Lotz Hélène , Neff Delphine , Mercier‐Bion Florence , Bataillon Christian , Nuns Nicolas , Dillmann Philippe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA two‐step corrosion experiment was performed on a ferritic steel (Armco) in a synthetic solution representing the Callovo–Oxfordian at 120°C. After the development of a carbonated corrosion product layer (CPL) during the first 15 days of the experimental step, corrosion front progression was investigated using 13C marked carbonate species during the second 15 days experimental step. CPL was characterized at each step, in terms of morphology (scanning electron microscopy), composition (energy‐dispersive spectroscopy), and structure (µ‐Raman). 13C corrosion product locations were analyzed by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Results evidenced that after a step of generalized corrosion, iron corrosion continues locally at the metal/CPL interface. These results suggest that although a protective siderite layer formed on the iron surface after 15 days, a local dissolution of the carbonate layer at the M/CPL interface occurred. A galvanic effect is developed between the bared surface (anode) and the covered one (cathode). This activates iron oxidation. The precipitation of carbonate corrosion products to the metal/CPL interface is possible by the diffusion of 13CO32− ions from the bulk through the siderite layer.
Study on the passive behavior of 304 stainless steel under temperature variation
Authors: Liu Xuehui , Sui Yongqiang , Zhang Huixia , Liu Yapeng , Li Xiangbo , Hou Jian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, the passive behavior of 304 stainless steel (SS) in NaCl solution is studied by electrochemical methods and surface analysis. The polarization measurement results show that the pitting potential (Ep) has a simple linear relationship with the temperature increase. Scanning Kelvin probe results show that the surface potential difference on the surface of 304 SS is well correlated with the temperature. Scanning electron microscope results show that the rupture of the passive film accelerates with the increase of temperature. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows that the high temperature causes more oxidation on the surface of 304 SS, leading more Cr3+ oxidized to Cr6+ at high temperature.
Characterizing living ocular bacterial communities and the effects of antibiotic perturbation in house finches
Authors: Weitzman Chava L. , Hawley Dana M. , Rostama Bahman , May Meghan , Belden Lisa K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDNA‐based methods to measure the abundance and relative abundance of bacterial taxa can be skewed by the presence of dead or transient bacteria. Consequently, the active, functional members of the community may be a small subset of the detected bacterial community. This mismatch can make inferences about the roles of communities in host health difficult and can be particularly problematic for low‐abundance microbiomes, such as those on conjunctival surfaces. In this study, we manipulated bacterial communities on bird conjunctiva with a bacteriostatic antibiotic, reducing bacterial activity while preserving viability, to identify the living and active conjunctival communities using comparisons of 16S ribosomal DNA and RNA in paired samples. DNA amplicons included many more sequence variants than RNA amplicons from the same communities, with consequent differences in diversity. While we found that changes in communities in DNA samples broadly represent shifts in the living (RNA‐amplicon) communities, assessments of community function may be better described by RNA samples, reducing background noise from dead cells. We further used these data to test RNA:DNA ratios, used in other microbiological contexts, to detect shifts in bacterial activity after antibiotic disruption but were unable to detect changes in bacterial activity with this method.
Two‐sided networks coordination for manufacturing technology standards' diffusion from home to host countries: A one‐leader and multiple‐followers Stackelberg game with multiple objectives
Authors: Zhou Qing , Wu Zhengyi , Chen Wenchong , Chen Wenqing , Liang Yao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAn optimization model is necessary to depict and induce the volatility and irregularity of manufacturing technology standard (MTS) diffusion processes to ensure that the standard can be widely adopted by related stakeholders in host countries. This paper clarifies the two‐sided network coordination of MTS's transactional diffusion, consisting of new product diffusion among users and new technology diffusion among local suppliers. A procurement contract is introduced to connect and coordinate the two‐sided networks. The manufacturer from the home country is responsible for the contract design, which aims to maximize its net revenue by considering the product diffusion processes. Local suppliers determine whether to accept the contract. The decision‐making objectives of the contract acceptance for each local supplier are to maximize the net revenue and minimize workload fluctuation. The new standard‐based products are produced and sold by the manufacturer. The corresponding local supplier adopts new standard‐based technologies and supplies components for final product production if a contract is accepted. Therefore, a one‐leader and multiple‐follower Stackelberg game is proposed to figure out the best solution after coordinating the multiple objectives of each participant. The contract design and the contract acceptance are the leader and the follower, respectively. Analytical solutions under a specific MTS for refrigerator production are developed incorporating a nested Non‐dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm‐II. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can efficiently coordinate the two‐sided networks of MTS diffusion and balance the net revenue of all related stakeholders.
Defining the Genetic Landscape of Congenital Mirror Movements in 80 Affected Individuals
Authors: Collins Hutchinson Meagan L. , St‐Onge Judith , Schlienger Sabrina , Boudrahem‐Addour Nassima , Mougharbel Lina , Michaud Jean‐Francois , Lloyd Clara , Bruneau Elena , Roux Cedric , Sahly Ahmed N. , Osterman Bradley , Myers Kenneth A. , Rouleau Guy A. , Jimenez Cruz Daniel Alexander , Rivière Jean‐Baptiste , Accogli Andrea , Charron Frederic , Srour Myriam 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundCongenital mirror movements (CMM) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary movements from one side of the body that mirror voluntary movements on the opposite side. To date, five genes have been associated with CMM, namely DCC, RAD51, NTN1, ARHGEF7, and DNAL4.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to characterize the genetic landscape of CMM in a large group of 80 affected individuals.MethodsWe screened 80 individuals with CMM from 43 families for pathogenic variants in CMM genes. In large CMM families, we tested for presence of pathogenic variants in multiple affected and unaffected individuals. In addition, we evaluated the impact of three missense DCC variants on binding between DCC and Netrin‐1 in vitro.ResultsCausal pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were found in 35% of probands overall, and 70% with familial CMM. The most common causal gene was DCC, responsible for 28% of CMM probands and 80% of solved cases. RAD51, NTN1, and ARHGEF7 were rare causes of CMM, responsible for 2% each. Penetrance of CMM in DCC pathogenic variant carriers was 68% and higher in males than females (74% vs. 54%). The three tested missense variants (p.Ile164Thr; p.Asn176Ser; and p.Arg1343His) bind Netrin‐1 similarly to wild type DCC.ConclusionsA genetic etiology can be identified in one third of CMM individuals, with DCC being the most common gene involved. Two thirds of CMM individuals were unsolved, highlighting that CMM is genetically heterogeneous and other CMM genes are yet to be discovered. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Buspirone and Zolmitriptan Combination for Dyskinesia: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: LeWitt Peter A. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Christensen Kenneth Vielsted , Tan Riswanto , Pretorius Anél , Thomsen Mikael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPreclinical evidence suggests that co‐administration of the 5‐HT1A agonist buspirone and the 5‐HT1B/1D agonist zolmitriptan act synergistically to reduce dyskinesia to a greater extent than that achieved by either drug alone.ObjectivesAssess the therapeutic potential of a fixed‐dose buspirone and zolmitriptan combination in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with levodopa‐induced dyskinesia.MethodsSingle‐center, randomized, placebo‐controlled, two‐way crossover study (NCT02439203) of a fixed‐dose buspirone/zolmitriptan regimen (10/1.25 mg three times a day) in 30 patients with PD experiencing at least moderately disabling peak‐effect dyskinesia.ResultsSeven days of treatment with buspirone/zolmitriptan added to levodopa significantly reduced dyskinesia as assessed by Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale scores versus placebo (mean treatment effect vs. placebo: −4.2 [−6.1, −2.3]) without significantly worsening Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III (ON) scores (mean treatment effect vs. placebo: 0.6 [−0.1, 1.3]). No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsIn this proof‐of‐concept study, addition of buspirone/zolmitriptan to the patients’ PD medication regimen significantly reduced dyskinesia severity without worsening motor function. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Sidebands in CEST MR—How to recognize and avoid them
Authors: Schüre Jan‐Rüdiger , Weinmüller Simon , Kamm Lukas , Herz Kai , Zaiss Moritz 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeClinical scanners require pulsed CEST sequences to maintain amplifier and specific absorption rate limits. During off‐resonant RF irradiation and interpulse delay, the magnetization can accumulate specific relative phases within the pulse train. In this work, we show that these phases are important to consider, as they can lead to unexpected artifacts when no interpulse gradient spoiling is performed during the saturation train.MethodsWe investigated sideband artifacts using a CEST‐3D snapshot gradient‐echo sequence at 3 T. Initially, Bloch‐McConnell simulations were carried out with Pulseq‐CEST, while measurements were performed in vitro and in vivo.ResultsSidebands can be hidden in Z‐spectra, and their structure becomes clearly visible only at high sampling. Sidebands are further influenced by B0 inhomogeneities and the RF phase cycling within the pulse train. In vivo, sidebands are mostly visible in liquid compartments such as CSF. Multi‐pulse sidebands can be suppressed by interpulse gradient spoiling.ConclusionWe provide new insights into sidebands occurring in pulsed CEST experiments and show that, similar as in imaging sequences, gradient and RF spoiling play an important role. Gradient spoiling avoids misinterpretations of sidebands as CEST effects especially in liquid environments including pathological tissue or for CEST resonances close to water. It is recommended to simulate pulsed CEST sequences in advance to avoid artifacts.
In vivo monitoring of renal tubule volume fraction using dynamic parametric MRI
Authors: Tasbihi Ehsan , Gladytz Thomas , Millward Jason M. , Periquito Joāo S. , Starke Ludger , Waiczies Sonia , Cantow Kathleen , Seeliger Erdmann , Niendorf Thoralf 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeThe increasing incidence of kidney diseases is a global concern, and current biomarkers and treatments are inadequate. Changes in renal tubule luminal volume fraction (TVF) serve as a rapid biomarker for kidney disease and improve understanding of renal (patho)physiology. This study uses the amplitude of the long T2 component as a surrogate for TVF in rats, by applying multiexponential analysis of the T2‐driven signal decay to examine micromorphological changes in renal tissue.MethodsSimulations were conducted to identify a low mean absolute error (MAE) protocol and an accelerated protocol customized for the in vivo study of T2 mapping of the rat kidney at 9.4 T. We then validated our bi‐exponential approach in a phantom mimicking the relaxation properties of renal tissue. This was followed by a proof‐of‐principle demonstration using in vivo data obtained during a transient increase of renal pelvis and tubular pressure.ResultsUsing the low MAE protocol, our approach achieved an accuracy of MAE < 1% on the mechanical phantom. The T2 mapping protocol customized for in vivo study achieved an accuracy of MAE < 3%. Transiently increasing pressure in the renal pelvis and tubules led to significant changes in TVF in renal compartments: ΔTVFcortex = 4.9%, ΔTVFouter_medulla = 4.5%, and ΔTVFinner_medulla = −14.6%.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that our approach is promising for research into quantitative assessment of renal TVF in in vivo applications. Ultimately, these investigations have the potential to help reveal mechanism in acute renal injury that may lead to chronic kidney disease, which will support research into renal disorders.