bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistence of Methionine Side Chain Mobility at Low Temperatures in a Nine‐Residue Low Complexity Peptide, as Probed by 2H Solid‐State NMR
Authors: Vugmeyster Liliya , Ostrovsky Dmitry , Rodgers Aryana , Gwin Kirsten , Smirnov Serge L. , McKnight C. James , Fu Riqiang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMethionine side chains are flexible entities which play important roles in defining hydrophobic interfaces. We utilize deuterium static solid‐state NMR to assess rotameric inter‐conversions and other dynamic modes of the methionine in the context of a nine‐residue random‐coil peptide (RC9) with the low‐complexity sequence GGKGMGFGL. The measurements in the temperature range of 313 to 161 K demonstrate that the rotameric interconversions in the hydrated solid powder state persist to temperatures below 200 K. Removal of solvation significantly reduces the rate of the rotameric motions. We employed 2H NMR line shape analysis, longitudinal and rotation frame relaxation, and chemical exchange saturation transfer methods and found that the combination of multiple techniques creates a significantly more refined model in comparison with a single technique. Further, we compare the most essential features of the dynamics in RC9 to two different methionine‐containing systems, characterized previously. Namely, the M35 of hydrated amyloid‐β1–40 in the three‐fold symmetric polymorph as well as Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC)‐methionine amino acid with the bulky hydrophobic group. The comparison suggests that the driving force for the enhanced methionine side chain mobility in RC9 is the thermodynamic factor stemming from distributions of rotameric populations, rather than the increase in the rate constant.
Shaking table tests of sliding‐prone blocks subjected to unidirectional and bidirectional ground and floor motions
Authors: Liu Pei , Chen Hao‐Tian , Zhang Yuan‐Ming , Yang Wei‐Guo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFreestanding museum collections with low friction coefficients and high aspect ratios may be damaged due to excessive sliding displacements during earthquakes. However, several key issues have not been adequately addressed, such as the friction and sliding behavior of museum collections under actual conditions. Unidirectional and bidirectional shaking table tests were conducted to determine the maximum sliding displacements (MSDs) of a freestanding glass block on sandpaper, which had the lowest friction coefficient among forty‐two contact interfaces in slow‐pull tests. Fourteen far‐field and fourteen near‐fault pulse‐like ground motion records were applied with peak ground accelerations (PGAs) of the major components scaled from 0.05 to 0.6 g. Shaking table tests of a full‐scale three‐story reinforced concrete frame structure containing glass blocks were carried out. Seismic fragility curves corresponding to the sliding failure of the glass block were generated based on the experimental results considering the friction coefficient uncertainty. The results show that the influence of the bidirectional interaction on the MSD is more significant for near‐fault pulse‐like ground motions than far‐field ground motions. For a specific ground motion record, the sliding displacement of the glass block may not increase with the increase of the PGA or peak floor acceleration due to the friction coefficient uncertainty, but this has a negligible influence on the fragility. A clearance around sliding‐prone museum collections with friction coefficients larger than 0.20 is recommended to ensure that the probability of exceedance is lower than 5%.
Research on the impact of pre‐existing geological fractures on hydraulic fracturing in high in situ stress environments
Authors: Chang Xin , Qiu Guozhou , Li Jing , Guo Yintong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe formation of complex fracture network is a difficult problem in the process of deep rock reservoir reconstruction, and the key to the generation of intricate fracture systems in deep reservoirs is to communicate more pre‐existing fractures through hydraulic fracturing, so as to enhance oil recovery. At present, there are few studies on the interactions of hydraulic fractures with pre‐existing fractures under high stress. Therefore, this research studied the influence of the number of pre‐existing fractures on the characteristics of hydraulic fractures by using advanced hydraulic fracturing instruments, and then analyzed the characteristics of hydraulic fractures under different pre‐existing fracture number based on three‐dimensional topography scanning technology and three‐dimensional square box fractal dimension calculation method. Based on the three‐dimensional finite element discrete element method, further research is carried out. The laboratory test findings indicated that the increase of pre‐existing fractures will make the pump pressure curve more stable during the test, and will significantly improve the roughness of hydraulic fractures. The numerical simulation indicated that as the quantity of pre‐existing fractures grows, the fracture area and width also increase, and in instances of a substantial quantity of pre‐existing fractures, the hydraulic fractures are prone to bifurcation, which contributes to the development of intricate fracture networks. With the increase of natural fracture angle, the fracture width decreased, but the fracture area increased. In this study, the influence of the number of pre‐existing fractures on hydraulic fracturing was studied through laboratory tests and numerical simulations, which provided theoretical reference for engineering practice.
Exploring the potential of stratum corneum biomarkers for assessing psychological distress in health care workers: An observational pilot study
Authors: Emal Lima M. , Tamminga Sietske J. , Schaafsma Frederieke G. , Jakasa Ivone , Peremin Ines , Kirschbaum Clemens , van der Molen Henk F. , Kezic Sanja 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundsThe detection of biomarkers of a stress response in the stratum corneum (SC) could be used as objective assessment of early stress symptoms and monitoring of stress reduction interventions in health care workers (HCWs).AimThe aim of this study is to explore SC biomarkers of immune and hormonal response and skin barrier for assessment of psychological distress (PD) in HCWs.MethodsTwenty‐five female HCWs and 25 non‐HCWs participated. SC samples were collected using adhesive tapes at baseline and 3−5 days later (T1). We analyzed 24 biomarkers (immunological, vascular, hormones, and natural moisturizing factors). Stress symptoms were assessed using three scales of Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. The study involved: identifying SC biomarkers, correlating stress symptoms and biomarkers at baseline and T1, examining stress symptoms between the groups with a Mann‐Whitney test, comparing stress symptoms and biomarkers between groups using Ordinary Least Regression and investigating temporal variability of SC biomarkers at baseline and T1 using a Wilcoxon‐signed rank.ResultsFourteen SC biomarkers were identified. We found correlations between general stress and “IL18” (r = 0.55) physical stress and “IL1b” (r = 0.36) and cognitive stress and “MIP3a” (r = 0.38) at baseline and general stress and cortisol (r = −0.49), physical stress and cortisol (r = −0.60) and cortisone (r = −0.67) at T1. We found no differences in stress symptoms and biomarkers between the groups, except for “MIP3a” at baseline. Differences in the biomarker levels between two time points were found for “TARC,” “VEGFA,” “ILRA,” “IL1RA/IL1a,” “NMF,” and “DHEA.”ConclusionThe SC can be suitable biological material to assess biomarkers related to immune response, hormonal response, and skin barrier function. The SC biomarkers, showed strong, moderate and weak correlations with stress symptoms. Notably, these associations include cytokines of innate immunity and well‐known stress hormones, cortisol and cortisone.
Experimental and simulation studies on the no‐load performance assessment of a domestic solar dryer
Authors: Shimpy  , Kumar Mahesh , Kumar Anil 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSolar dryers have been tested with various simple and complex design modifications for better efficiencies. This article attempts to investigate the effect of a very simple design modification on the no‐load performance of a natural convection domestic solar dryer (NCDSD). A direct‐type domestic solar dryer has been developed with an air cavity surrounding the drying chamber. To compare the effect of air cavity, a domestic solar dryer without air cavity has also been developed and both the dryers were tested simultaneously under the climate of Hisar, India. The values of thermal efficiency were calculated along with convective heat transfer coefficient from absorber plate to the drying air. Both the dryers were also analyzed by developing finite element models in COMSOL multiphysics computer software. The no‐load thermal efficiency for the domestic solar dryer without and with air cavity was found to be 22.68% and 34.08%, respectively. The values of coefficient of correlation for modeled and actual drying tray temperatures for dryer without and with air cavity were 0.980466 and 0.9833917, respectively. The proposed finite element model would be helpful in the design and development of NCDSDs.
Nucleic acid drug and delivery techniques for disease therapy: Present situation and future prospect
Authors: Wang Tianjiao , Tang Youhong , Tao Yuandong , Zhou Huixia , Ding Dan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOver the two decades, RNA drugs have gradually made their way from bench to bed. Initially, RNA was not an ideal drug since RNA molecules degrade easily and have a relatively short half‐life in the circulation system. Nevertheless, the chemical modification extended the half‐life of RNA in recent years, which makes RNA drugs a new star in drug discovery industry. RNA molecules hold many properties that facilitate their application as therapeutic drugs. RNAs could fold to form complex conformations to bind to proteins, small molecules, or other nucleic acids, and some even form catalytic centers. Protein‐encoding RNAs are the carriers of genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, and various types of non‐coding RNAs cooperate in the transcription and translation of genetic information through various mechanisms. To date, three mainstream RNA therapies have drawn widespread attention: (1) messenger RNA that encodes therapeutic proteins or vaccine antigens; (2) small interfering RNA, microRNA (miRNA), antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit the activity of pathogenic RNAs; and (3) aptamers that regulate protein activity. Here, we summarized the current research and perspectives of RNA therapies, which may provide innovative highlights for cancer therapy.
Evaluating CAPO®: A biocompatibility, transparency, and fitment assessment for use with CEREBO® in traumatic intracranial injury detection
Authors: Malik Shilpa , Lavania Anupam , Shukla Dhaval , Shah Jaimin , Raj Sumit , Murugan S. S. , Sathya T. N. , Goswami Arpana , Kumaravel T. S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHealthcare‐associated infections (HAIs) are a global concern affecting millions of patients, requiring robust infection prevention and control measures. In particular, patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are highly susceptible to nosocomial infections, emphasizing the importance of infection control. Non‐invasive near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device, CEREBO® integrated with a disposable component CAPO® has emerged as a valuable tool for TBI patient triage and this study evaluated the safety and efficacy of this combination. Biocompatibility tests confirmed safety and transparency assessments demonstrated excellent light transmission. Clinical evaluation with 598 enrollments demonstrated high accuracy of CEREBO® in detecting traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. During these evaluations, the cap fitted well and moved smoothly with the probes demonstrating appropriate flexibility. These findings support the efficacy of the CAPO® and CEREBO® combination, potentially improving infection control and enhancing intracranial hemorrhage detection for TBI patient triage. Ultimately, this can lead to better healthcare outcomes and reduced global HAIs.
Photoacoustic imaging of squirrel monkey cortical responses induced by peripheral mechanical stimulation
Authors: Chang Kai‐Wei , Karthikesh Madhumithra Subramanian , Zhu Yunhao , Hudson Heather M. , Barbay Scott , Bundy David , Guggenmos David J. , Frost Shawn , Nudo Randolph J. , Wang Xueding , Yang Xinmai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNon‐human primates (NHPs) are crucial models for studies of neuronal activity. Emerging photoacoustic imaging modalities offer excellent tools for studying NHP brains with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. In this research, a photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) device was used to provide a label‐free quantitative characterization of cerebral hemodynamic changes due to peripheral mechanical stimulation. A 5 × 5 mm area within the somatosensory cortex region of an adult squirrel monkey was imaged. A deep, fully connected neural network was characterized and applied to the PAM images of the cortex to enhance the vessel structures after mechanical stimulation on the forelimb digits. The quality of the PAM images was improved significantly with a neural network while preserving the hemodynamic responses. The functional responses to the mechanical stimulation were characterized based on the improved PAM images. This study demonstrates capability of PAM combined with machine learning for functional imaging of the NHP brain.
The Value of Amide Proton Transfer MRI in the Diagnosis of Malignant and Benign Urinary Bladder Lesions: Comparison With Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging
Authors: Li Jing‐Lu , Xu Yun , Xiang Yong‐Sheng , Wu Peng , Shen Ai‐Jun , Wang Pei‐Jun , Wang Fang 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundConventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has certain limitations in distinguishing between malignant and benign urinary bladder (UB) lesions. Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging may provide more diagnostic information than diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) to distinguish between malignant and benign UB.PurposeTo investigate the potential of APT imaging in the diagnosis of malignant and benign UB lesions and to compare its diagnostic efficacy with that of conventional DWI.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsEighty patients with UB lesions.Field Strength/SequenceA 3.0 T/turbo spin echo (TSE) T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted imaging, single‐shot echo planar DWI, and three‐dimensional TSE APT imaging.AssessmentPatients underwent radical cystectomy or transurethral resection of the bladder lesions within 2 weeks after CT urography and MRI examination. APT signal intensity in UB lesions was quantified by the asymmetric magnetization transfer ratio (MTRasym). MTRasym and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured and compared between malignant and benign UB lesions.Statistical TestsKolmogorov–Smirnov test, Student's t test or Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman rank correlation coefficient, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), Delong test, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The significance threshold was set at P < 0.05.ResultsThirty‐two patients had pathologically confirmed benign UB lesions, including 2 bladder leiomyomas, 1 submucosal amyloidosis, 1 inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and 28 inflammatory lesions, and 48 patients had pathologically confirmed urothelial carcinoma. Urothelial carcinomas showed significantly higher MTRasym values (1.53% [0.74%] vs. 0.85% [0.23%]) and significantly lower ADC values (1.24 ± 0.34 × 10−3 mm2/s vs. 1.43 ± 0.22 × 10−3 mm2/s) than benign UB lesions. The MTRasym value (AUC = 0.928) was significantly better in differentiating urothelial carcinoma from benign UB lesions than the ADC value (AUC = 0.722).Data ConclusionAPT imaging may have value in discriminating malignant from benign UB lesions and has better diagnostic performance than DWI.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
The relationship between DNA mismatch repair gene and other prognostic parameters in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Urganci Nil , Kepil Nuray , Ergun Sefa , Bakkaloglu Oguz Kaan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe aim of the study was to determine DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins by immunohistochemically using MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 antibodies in patients diagnosed as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and to assess its relationship with histopathological and clinical prognostic parameters. Fifty cases with a diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection, were included in the study. Demographic and histopathological features of the patients were collected from the medical records. The relationships between microsatellite status and prognostic parameters were determined. The mean age of the patients was 66.5 ± 9.5 years (range: 47–87) and male/female ratio was 1.63 (31/19). No errors were detected in DNA MMR proteins in any of the cases, and were classified as microsatellite stable. The mean tumor diameter was 4.01 ± 1.77 cm and 74% of the tumors were localized in the pancreatic head. All of the cases had lymphatic invasion, whereas vascular invasion was detected in only 78% and perineural invasion in 98% of the patients. When the relationship between prognostic parameters and survival was evaluated, statistically significant correlation was observed in patient age and histopathological parameters such as tumor diameter, status of surgical margins, and vascular invasion (p < 0.05). Age, tumor size, presence of tumor at surgical margins, vascular invasion, and adjuvant treatment were correlated with survival. Although microsatellite instability was not detected in our cases, it is important to determine the microsatellite status by immunohistochemistry for predicting the chemotherapy response and determining the immunotherapy option in pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
Exploring the Feasibility of At‐Home Lung Ultra‐Portable Ultrasound: Parent‐Performed Pediatric Lung Imaging
Authors: Malia Laurie , Nye Megan L. , Kessler David O. 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo determine if caregivers would be able to successfully perform in home lung ultrasounds on their children without direct supervision after undergoing a basic tutorial that would allow for expert interpretation.MethodsA prospective exploratory single‐center cohort study was conducted on patients (0–18 years) presenting to a pediatric emergency department with a respiratory complaint or COVID‐related illness. Caregivers underwent a brief hands‐on session and were instructed to scan the lungs daily for 7 days. Images were assessed using a modified POCUS IQ score. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data and bivariate analysis was used to compare groups.ResultsEighteen patients were enrolled; the average age of the parent scanner was 31.9 years and 78% were female. Of all participants, 77.8% scanned on day one. Parents were able to successfully perform some part of the daily scan session for an average of 3.8 out of 7 days. The average POCUS IQ score overall was 6.7 (out of 12).ConclusionOur study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of caregiver ability to obtain adequate lung ultrasound images, at home under no guidance, using the Butterfly iQ probe. Further studies are needed to investigate the accessibility of ultra‐portable ultrasound and the ability to integrate with the at‐home hospital model, specifically in the pediatric population.
Chronic urticaria as a manifestation of multicentric Castleman disease treated with rituximab
Authors: Yolanda Osorio‐Aragón I. , Ximena Milián‐Solís , Cristina Berumen‐Glinz , Estefanía Vargas C. , Elisa Vega‐Memije M. , Jose Andrade‐Rojas J. , Fernanda Contreras‐Solis M. , Isaac González‐Hernández 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe present the case of a 26‐year‐old female with chronic urticaria (CU) with systemic symptoms in whom comprehensive laboratory and imaging studies led to the diagnosis of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease. Treatment with rituximab induced resolution of CU. The association between these two entities is rare, and common autoimmune and autoinflammatory pathways may be involved in their production. Our case also emphasized the association of CU with an underlying systemic disease.
Derotational distal femoral osteotomy improves subjective function and patellar tracking after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in recurrent patellar dislocation patients with increased femoral anteversion: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Daofeng , Zheng Tong , Cao Yanwei , Zhang Zhijun , Di Menglinqian , Fu Qizhen , Sun Jianzhong , Zhang Hui 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to systematically review and quantitatively analyse the clinical outcomes of combined derotational distal femoral osteotomy (D‐DFO) and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL‐R) in the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) with increased femoral anteversion angle (FAA).MethodsThis study was performed in line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) and AMSTAR (Assessing the Methodological Quality Of Systematic Reviews) Guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify studies reporting clinical outcomes of combined D‐DFO and MPFL‐R in RPD patients with increased FAA. Data on patient‐reported outcome measures, radiological parameters, patellar tracking as revealed by J‐sign and complications were extracted based on the inclusion criteria. The Methodological Index for Non‐Randomized Study score was used for quality assessment. Review Manager and R statistical software were used to perform the statistical analysis.ResultsEleven studies with a total of 569 knees in 553 patients were included. Patients were predominantly female (79%). The weighted mean of FAA decreased from 33.6° to 13.0° (weighted mean difference = 20.59; p < 0.00001) after the combined procedure. Significant improvements (p < 0.00001) were identified in the Lysholm score (weighted mean: 55.5 vs. 80.4), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score (weighted mean: 52.8 vs. 78.6) and Kujala score (weighted mean: 54.5 vs. 80.6). The incidence of residual J‐sign ranged from 14.3% to 38.3% with an overall pooled rate of 28.2% (95% confidence interval = 22.8%–33.6%). The overall redislocation rate was 1.1%. No patients experienced surgical site infection or bone nonunion. Two studies compared the clinical outcomes of MPFL‐R with and without D‐DFO. Compared with isolated MPFL‐R, the combined procedure yielded a better Lysholm score (weighted mean: 84.9 vs. 79.3, p < 0.0001), IKDC score (weighted mean: 84.1 vs. 79.9, p = 0.001), Kujala score (weighted mean: 84.3 vs. 79.4, p < 0.0001) and a lower residual J‐sign rate (26/97 [26.8%] vs. 44/105 [41.9%], p = 0.02), respectively.ConclusionThe combination of D‐DFO and MPFL‐R led to improved clinical outcomes and a low redislocation rate in patients with RPD and increased FAA. Additional D‐DFO can achieve more favourable results in subjective function and patellar tracking than isolated MPFL‐R in the setting of excessive FAA.Level of Evidence: Level IV.