bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and antibacterial properties of copper oxide nanoparticles: a study on the effect of calcination temperature
Authors: Motshekga Sarah Constance 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Nanoparticles of copper oxide were synthesized by the simple precipitation method. The influence of calcination temperature on the structural characteristics and antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles were evaluated. The nanoparticles were analyzed by Bruner-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and pore size analyzer, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. The findings demonstrated the formation of copper oxide nanoparticles showing a monoclinic phase. Before calcination, the nanoparticles showed a high BET surface area with rod shape morphology and size range between 18–70 nm and after calcination, irregular spherical-like morphology with size range of 20–200 nm was observed. However, it was evident that the BET surface area decreased gradually with increasing calcination temperature, while the nanoparticle size increased forming an irregular spherical shape. Subsequently, the copper oxide nanoparticles demonstrated that they are highly effective for bacteria inactivation. The inactivation activity was found to be more effective with uncalcined nanoparticles than with calcined nanoparticles. This was due to the large nanoparticle sizes and the decrease in surface area obtained after calcination. Thus, it was noted that calcination of the as-prepared nanoparticles significantly affects the structural and antibacterial properties. Hence, for antibacterial application, calcination was not necessary as the nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial results.
Chern-Weil theory for ∞-local systems
Authors: Arias Abad Camilo , Pineda Montoya Santiago , Quintero Vélez Alexander 
Published: January 2024

Let

G
G

be a compact connected Lie group with Lie algebra

g

\mathfrak {g}

. We show that the category

L
o
c

∞

⁡
(
B
G
)

\operatorname {\mathbf {Loc}} _\infty (BG)

of

∞
\infty

-local systems on the classifying space of

G
G

can be described infinitesimally as the category

I
n
f

L
o
c

∞

(

g

)

{\operatorname {\mathbf {Inf}\mathbf {Loc}}} _{\infty }(\mathfrak {g})

of basic

g

\mathfrak {g}

-

L
∞

L_\infty

spaces. Moreover, we show that, given a principal bundle

π
:
P
→
X

\pi \colon P \to X

with structure group

G
G

and any connection

θ
\theta

on

P
P

, there is a differntial graded (DG) functor

C
W

θ

:

I
n
f

L
o
c

∞

(

g

)
⟶

L
o
c

∞

(
X
)
,

\begin{equation*} \mathscr {CW}_{\theta } \colon \mathbf {Inf}\mathbf {Loc}_{\infty }(\mathfrak {g}) \longrightarrow \mathbf {Loc}_{\infty }(X), \end{equation*}

which corresponds to the pullback functor by the classifying map of

P
P

. The DG functors associated to different connections are related by an

A
∞

A_\infty

-natural isomorphism. This construction provides a categorification of the Chern-Weil homomorphism, which is recovered by applying the functor

C
W

θ

\mathscr {CW}_{\theta }

to the endomorphisms of the constant

∞
\infty

-local system.
What Should Go With This Word Here: Connecting Lexical Collocations and Rhetorical Moves in Narrative Stories
Authors: Jiang Yishi , Lu Xiaofei , Liu Fengkai , Zhang Jianxin , Jin Tan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
An emerging body of corpus-based genre analysis studies has examined the connection between different types of formulaic language and rhetorical moves in various genres of academic writing. The current study extends this body of research into the understudied genre of narrative stories and the understudied phraseological unit of lexical collocations. Specifically, we compiled a corpus of narrative stories written by expert writers, extracted a list of frequent collocations from the corpus, developed a rhetorical move framework for narrative stories, examined the distribution of rhetorical stages and moves in the corpus, and explored the connection between collocations and rhetorical moves in the corpus. The findings of our research culminated in an online interface for searching the corpus for collocations and exploring their use in sentences realizing different rhetorical stages and moves in context. We discuss the potential pedagogical value of our findings and the resulting online interface for promoting learner awareness of the connection between linguistic features and rhetorical functions in narrative stories in genre-based pedagogy.
A simple refined DNA minimizer operator enables 2-fold faster computation
Authors: Pan Chenxu , Reinert Knut 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Motivation
The minimizer concept is a data structure for sequence sketching. The standard canonical minimizer selects a subset of k-mers from the given DNA sequence by comparing the forward and reverse k-mers in a window simultaneously according to a predefined selection scheme. It is widely employed by sequence analysis such as read mapping and assembly. k-mer density, k-mer repetitiveness (e.g. k-mer bias), and computational efficiency are three critical measurements for minimizer selection schemes. However, there exist trade-offs between kinds of minimizer variants. Generic, effective, and efficient are always the requirements for high-performance minimizer algorithms.

Results
We propose a simple minimizer operator as a refinement of the standard canonical minimizer. It takes only a few operations to compute. However, it can improve the k-mer repetitiveness, especially for the lexicographic order. It applies to other selection schemes of total orders (e.g. random orders). Moreover, it is computationally efficient and the density is close to that of the standard minimizer. The refined minimizer may benefit high-performance applications like binning and read mapping.

Availability and implementation
The source code of the benchmark in this work is available at the github repository https://github.com/xp3i4/mini_benchmark
Activation of interleukin 33-NFκB axis in granulosa cells during atresia and its role in disposal of atretic follicles
Authors: Wu Jean , Carlock Colin , Tatum Kiana , Shim Junbo , Zhou Cindy , Lou Yahuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
It has been previously shown that the cytokine interleukin 33 is required for two processes, i.e., autophagic digestion of granulosa cells and recruitment of macrophages into atretic follicles, for full disposal of atretic follicles. Now, this study shows that activation of interleukin 33-suppression of tumorigenicity 2–Nuclear Factor ĸB (NFκB) axis in granulosa in early atretic follicles may regulate those two events. Injection of human chorionic gonadotropin has been shown to induce a transient peak of interleukin 33 expression with synchronized atresia. In this model, interleukin 33-independent expression of suppression of tumorigenicity 2 in granulosa cells was detected in early atretic follicles before macrophage invasion. The activation of NFκB pathway in ovaries was further demonstrated in vivo in Tg mice with luciferase-reporter for NFκB activation; the activation was microscopically localized to granulosa cells in early atretic follicles. Importantly, antibody blockage of interleukin 33 or interleukin 33 Knock-out (KO) (Il33−/−) not only inhibited NFκB activity in ovaries, but it also altered expression of two key genes, i.e., reduction in proinflammatory interleukin6 (IL6) expression, and a surge of potential autophagy-inhibitory mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) expression in atretic follicles. By contrast, apoptosis and other genes, such as interleukin1β (IL1β) were not affected. In conclusion, in parallel to apoptosis, atresia signals also trigger activation of the interleukin 33-suppression of tumorigenicity 2–NFκB pathway in granulosa, which leads to (1) down-regulated expression of mTOR that is a negative regulator of autophagy and (2) up-regulated expression of proinflammatory IL6.
Lymph node examination and survival in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: retrospective study
Authors: Goess Ruediger , Jäger Carsten , Perinel Julie , Pergolini Ilaria , Demir Elke , Safak Okan , Scheufele Florian , Schorn Stephan , Muckenhuber Alexander , Adham Mustapha , Novotny Alexander , Ceyhan Güralp O , Friess Helmut , Demir Ihsan Ekin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The minimum number of examined lymph nodes (ELN) required for adequate staging and best prediction of survival has not been established in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of ELN on staging and survival in PDAC.

Methods
Patients undergoing partial or total pancreatectomy for PDAC at two European university hospitals between 2007 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariate Cox regression model and survival analyses were performed to verify adequate staging.

Results
Overall 341 (73 per cent) patients showed lymph node metastasis (N1/N2), whereas 125 (27 per cent) patients had no lymph node involvement (N0). With increasing number of ELN, the proportion of positive lymph nodes increased. The minimum number of ELN needed to detect lymph node involvement was 21. In multivariate analysis, examination of &lt;21 lymph nodes was a significant negative predictor for survival. Examination of ≥21 ELN reversed this effect and ruled out possible misclassification.

Conclusion
The number of ELN affects survival in PDAC. Possible misclassification was identified when &lt;21 lymph nodes were examined. Therefore, at least 21 lymph nodes must be examined to avoid false lymph node classification in all types of resection.
Treatment of moderate-to-severe alopecia areata in patients over the age of 65 years with baricitinib
Authors: Tang Gia Toan , Triwongwaranat Daranporn , Sinclair Rodney , Joseph Shobha , Eisman Samantha , Rathnayake Deepani , Varathan Vanathy , Trindade de Carvalho Lara , Bhoyrul Bevin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Baricitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that has been approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration for the treatment of severe alopecia areata (AA) in adults. However, the clinical trials that demonstrated the efficacy of baricitinib in the treatment of severe AA did not include men aged &gt; 60 years or women aged &gt; 70 years. We retrospectively assessed the efficacy and safety of baricitinib in 14 patients aged ≥ 65 years with moderate-to-severe AA. After a mean (SD) duration of 18.5 (11.9) months, a 72% reduction in mean Severity of Alopecia Tool score from baseline was observed. Partial or complete eyebrow and eyelash hair was observed in 57% and 43% of patients, respectively. The adverse effects of baricitinib were mild. No cases of venous thromboembolism, major adverse cardiovascular events or malignancy were reported.
The future of work and working time: introduction to special issue
Authors: Burchell Brendan , Deakin Simon , Rubery Jill , Spencer David A 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This introduction to the special issue on the future of work and working time offers an overview of issues of relevance to present-day debates on working time. The aim is to bring together two divergent debates, the first on working time reduction for full-time workers and the second on the diversification and fragmentation of working time. It considers the history of working time including the forces that led to the establishment of the standard employment relationship and to reductions in standard working hours. It addresses contemporary trends and examines why there has been both a stalling of working time reduction and a diversification of working time norms. Some limitations of focussing only on clock time are considered as well as some of the benefits, from more meaningful work to better health and well-being, that stem from both regular and non-excessive working time. The final section turns to the case for reform: it argues that policies are required to address the fragmentation of working time, and that these policies should be combined with a focus on shortening standard working hours that could increase the sustainability of working time in a dual-earner society and even limit the supply of labour for jobs offering only fragmented working time.
The risk of CKD progression remains high in patients treated with ACE inhibitors and ARBs, MRAs and SGLT2 inhibitors. Have we already achieved the therapeutic ceiling in CKD? (The CON part)
Authors: Trillini Matias , Ruggenenti Piero 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT
Renin-Angiotensin-System (RAS) inhibitors remained the only effective nephro-protective treatments until recent landmark trials showed that sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and non-steroid mineral receptor antagonists added-on RAS inhibitor therapy dramatically slowed renal disease progression in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, despite this impressive advancement, a substantial proportion of patients remains at high risk of renal and cardiovascular events. Thus, we are still far from achieving the therapeutic ceiling in CKD. However, we are entering a new era in the management of patients with CKD with innovative methodological approaches to test disease-modifying medications in the context of personalized medicine.
Improved Outcomes Associated With Teduglutide Use in Patients With Both Short Bowel Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Siu Rex K , Karime Christian , Hashash Jana G , Kinnucan Jami , Picco Michael F , Farraye Francis A 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Crohn’s disease (CD) with short bowel syndrome (SBS) can present as chronic intestinal failure (CIF) often requiring nutritional support. Teduglutide is a treatment option for these patients. We investigated clinical outcomes of CD-CIF patients with SBS treated with teduglutide.

Methods
Adults with CD-CIF and SBS who received teduglutide were identified at a tertiary care academic center between 2012 and 2023. Data was collected retrospectively. Primary outcome measured was reduction in parenteral support (PS) by ≥20% volume, with PS defined as utilization of parenteral nutrition (PN) or intravenous fluids (IVF). Several secondary outcomes included immunosuppressive medication changes, subjective symptom improvement, and stool output.

Results
We identified 32 patients with CD-CIF and SBS receiving teduglutide. Comparing clinical outcomes before and after teduglutide, 26 of 32 patients achieved the primary outcome of ≥20% PS reduction. A decrease was seen in patients requiring PN + IVF, with corresponding increases in patients requiring PN only and IVF only. Among all 3 groups, a total of 23 patients received PN prior to teduglutide, which decreased to 14 following teduglutide. Weekly PN volume reduced from 7.00 to 3.55 L and weekly frequency decreased from 7.00 to 3.00 instances (P &lt; .01). Reductions in weekly volume and frequency were observed among all patients receiving IVF support (25 vs 15). Secondary outcomes showed improvement in patient reported subjective symptoms (84.4%), stool output (90.6%), patients meeting criteria for diarrhea/high ostomy output (27 vs 14), and use of unique antidiarrheal medications (3.0 vs 2.0).

Conclusions
This retrospective case series demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in patients with CD-CIF and SBS treated with teduglutide resulting in decreased PS requirements, antidiarrheal medications requirement, and stool output without significant effects on immunosuppressive therapy.
Cybersecurity when working from home during COVID-19: considering the human factors
Authors: Whitty Monica T , Moustafa Nour , Grobler Marthie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This research examined the lives of Australian employees who moved to work from home during COVID-19. Taking a unique approach to cybersecurity, we sought to gain insights into the intermingling of individuals’ personal lives and technology to inform policies and educational programmes. The study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis to understand 27 participants’ lived experiences under lockdown. We found that psychological (e.g. stress, anxiety, confidence, motivation) and sociological (e.g. sharing physical spaces, digital divide) factors impacted employees’ likelihood and ability to engage in effective cybersecurity practices. So did new ways of using technology (e.g. teaching via Zoom), which elucidated unexpected but significant security concerns (e.g. naked children in virtual classrooms). We suggest that cyber educators and policymakers take a Vygotskian approach, which considers that social interaction is central to learning. This assumption means that personal factors must be considered instead of a ‘one-size-fits-all approach’. We argue that organizations should think about approaches that consider the employees’ psychological state before training (and perhaps find ways to reduce anxiety), helping employees redesign their home workspaces to ensure privacy and concentration, and updating employees’ digital devices. Practitioners and scholars can also apply these results post-COVID-19, especially if the ‘new working normal’ provides options for employees to work from home.
Clinical and radiological features of malformed mesiodens in the nasopalatine canal: an observational study
Authors: Kim Yu-Ri , Lee Yu-Min , Huh Kyung-Hoe , Yi Won-Jin , Heo Min-Suk , Lee Sam-Sun , Kim Jo-Eun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study is to investigate the morphological changes that occur when mesiodens is located within the nasopalatine canal, as well as clinical characteristics.

Methods
Clinical records and CT images of patients who had mesiodens in the nasopalatine canal were retrospectively analysed. In addition to demographic information, clinical symptoms and complications associated with extraction of mesiodens were recorded. Using CT images, number, location, size, and tooth morphology were evaluated.

Results
This study included 32 patients and 38 mesiodens within the nasopalatine canal. Supernumerary teeth exhibited a characteristic feature of thin and elongated shape in the canal (narrow width and elongation were observed in 96.6% and 53.3% of the patients, respectively). Fusion was found in 4 patients and dilaceration in 12. A complication occurred in 2 patients, which was tooth remnant, not a neurologic complication. Only 5 mesiodens could be detected in the nasopalatine canal on panoramic images.

Conclusions
Morphological abnormalities in mesiodens within the nasopalatine canal were frequently detected, and these could be effectively diagnosed through 3D imaging analysis.
National adoption of an esophageal cell collection device for Barrett’s esophagus surveillance: impact on delay to investigation and pathological findings
Authors: Chien Siobhan , Glen Paul , Penman Ian , Bryce Gavin , Cruickshank Neil , Miller Michael , Crumley Andrew , Fletcher Jonathan , Phull Perminder , Gunjaca Ivan , Robertson Kevin , Apollos Jeyakumar , Fullarton Grant ,   the CytoSCOT group
Published: January 2024

Summary
High quality Barrett’s esophagus surveillance is crucial to detect early neoplastic changes. An esophageal cell collection device (OCCD) was introduced as a triage tool for Barrett’s surveillance. This study aims to evaluate whether the Scottish OCCD program (CytoSCOT) has reduced delays to Barrett’s surveillance, and whether delayed surveillance negatively impacts endoscopic pathology. All patients undergoing OCCD testing for Barrett’s surveillance across 11 Scottish health boards between 14/9/2020 and 13/9/2022 were identified. Patients were dichotomised into two groups (Year 1 vs. Year 2), with individual records interrogated to record demographics, recommended surveillance interval, time from last endoscopy to OCCD test, and OCCD result. Patients were deemed high-risk if the OCCD demonstrated atypia and/or p53 positivity. Further analysis was performed on patients who underwent endoscopy within 12 months of OCCD testing. A total of 3223 OCCD tests were included in the analysis (1478 in Year 1; 1745 in Year 2). In Year 1 versus Year 2, there was a longer median delay to surveillance (9 vs. 5 months; P &lt; 0.001), increased proportion of patients with delayed surveillance (72.6% vs. 57.0%; P &lt; 0.001), and more high-risk patients (12.0% vs. 5.3%; P &lt; 0.001). 425/3223 patients (13.2%) were further investigated with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 57.9% of which were high-risk. As surveillance delay increased beyond 24 months, high-risk patients were significantly more likely to develop dysplasia or malignancy (P = 0.004). Delayed Barrett’s esophagus surveillance beyond 24 months is associated with increased risk of pre-cancerous pathology. The CytoSCOT program has reduced delays in surveillance, promoting earlier detection of dysplasia and reducing burden on endoscopy services.
The limited antegrade subintimal tracking technique to retrieve a trapped rotablator burr: a case report
Authors: Maznyczka Annette , Mozid Abdul 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundBurr entrapment is a rare, but potentially serious complication of rotablation. This report describes the percutaneous options available for Rota burr retrieval.Case summaryA 62-year-old Caucasian man with stable angina presented for percutaneous coronary intervention. Attempted rotablation with a 1.75 mm burr resulted in Rota burr entrapment, in the heavily calcified proximal right coronary artery. A chronic total occlusion angioplasty technique (limited antegrade subintimal tracking) was successfully used to remove the trapped Rota burr, by enabling subintimal dilatation to externally crush plaque and dislodge the burr. The angioplasty procedure was then completed using the wire that had a short subintimal passage, before re-entering the true lumen.DiscussionThe mechanism for Rota burr entrapment, in this case, was initiating rotablation on the heavily calcified lesion and not more proximal to allow a pecking motion. The learning points are (i) to start the rotablator several millimetres proximal to the actual lesion, and (ii) if unable to wire alongside a trapped Rota burr in the true lumen, then subintimal crossing and balloon dilatation in the subintimal space may work to dislodge the burr.
Ablation of atrial flutter in a patient after Fontan procedure: a case report of challenging access to the common atrium
Authors: Maslova Vera , Demming Thomas , Nonnenmacher Marc , Voges Inga , Lyan Evgeny 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
In patients with a total cavopulmonary connection in Fontan circulation, the access to the common atrium (CA) during a catheter ablation can be challenging, even in the presence of fenestration in an intra-atrial lateral tunnel (IALT). In our department, the fenestration is typically marked with metal clips (MCs). To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous report of balloonoplasty of clipped fenestration.

Case summary
A 19-year-old male with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) was scheduled for catheter ablation of recurrent atrial tachycardia. He was diagnosed with HLHS prenatally and underwent a stepwise surgical palliation. Fontan circulation was completed with the creation of a fenestrated IALT. The fenestration was marked by four MCs. During the ablation procedure, the passage of the steerable sheath with mapping catheter to the CA was prevented by a small fenestration size and rigidness of the edges of the fenestration caused by the MCs. Multiple attempts to dilate the fenestration using a peripheric angioplasty balloon failed. Only angioplasty with the ‘balloon-against-dilator’ technique was finally successful. Activation map showed a counterclockwise atrial flutter in the CA; successful ablation was performed.

Discussion
We present a case of challenging access to the CA through a clipped fenestration in a polytetrafluoroethylene baffle for atrial tachycardia ablation. Even though a tunnel fenestration in Fontan patients facilitates access to the CA, the passage of a steerable introducer with a mapping catheter may be challenging due to diameter mismatch and the rigidity of its edges caused by MCs. The balloon-against-dilator technique might be helpful when conventional balloon angioplasty fails.