bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contralateral internal mammary artery perforator flap for large inner chest wall defect repair and immediate breast reconstruction after excision of large malignant inner breast tumors
Authors: Sun Jingjing , Wu Xiaodong , Yang Jing , Liang Jiahui , Ren Min 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesLarge breast tumor resection can cause chest wall defects that are difficult to close. A combination of oncoplastic techniques is required to repair chest wall defects and immediately reconstruct the breast. In this report, we present the use of the contralateral internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap to repair large chest wall defects and perform breast reconstruction for a series of patients.MethodsBetween July 2013 and June 2020, 10 patients and 4 patients underwent chest wall defect repair and breast reconstruction, respectively, with contralateral IMAP flaps. The average body mass index was 26.9 kg/m2 (range: 21.5–33.7 kg/m2). Tumor sizes varied from 2.5 × 1.5 × 0.8 to 9.5 × 6.0 × 4.0 cm3. Defect sizes ranged from 16 × 10 to 8 × 4 cm2. All patients underwent multiple imaging examinations to exclude abnormalities. Primary outcomes included complete tumor resection and flap survival. Secondary outcomes included the BREAST‐Q results and bilateral breast symmetry measurements.ResultsAll flaps exhibited good postoperative survival and were between 20 × 12 and 10 × 5 cm2. Two patients experienced minor complications that did not influence outcomes. No obvious donor site complications were observed. The BREAST‐Q results indicated favorable reconstructive efficacy, with “satisfaction with breasts,” “physical well‐being (chest),” and “satisfaction with the outcome” scores of 77.8 (range: 58–87), 83.2 (range: 77–89), and 80.1 (range: 70–88), respectively. No signs of tumor recurrence were observed during a median follow‐up period of 53.5 months (range: 6–83 months). However, poor postoperative bilateral breast symmetry was observed (vertical extent: 0.63 [range: 0.36–0.88]; horizontal extent: 0.64 [range: 0.41–0.80]).ConclusionsIMAP flaps are reliable options for chest wall defect repair and breast reconstruction for selected patients with locally advanced breast cancer and inner breast tumors. Despite poor postoperative bilateral breast symmetry, most patients reported excellent outcomes.
Identification of atypical T4SS effector proteins mediating bacterial defense
Authors: Shen Xi , Yang Zixiang , Li Zihan , Xiong Dan , Liao Jinxing , He Weimei , Shen Danyu , Shao Xiaolong , Niu Ben , He Yongxing , Gao Yong‐Gui , Qian Guoliang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTo remain competitive, proteobacteria use various contact‐dependent weapon systems to defend against microbial competitors. The bacterial‐killing type IV secretion system (T4SS) is one such powerful weapon. It commonly controls the killing/competition between species by secreting the lethal T4SS effector (T4E) proteins carrying conserved XVIPCD domains into competing cells. In this study, we sought knowledge to understand whether the bacterial‐killing T4SS‐producing bacteria encode T4E‐like proteins and further explore their biological functions. To achieve this, we designed a T4E‐guided approach to discover T4E‐like proteins that are designated as atypical T4Es. Initially, this approach required scientists to perform simple BlastP search to identify T4E homologs that lack the XVIPCD domain in the genomes of T4SS‐producing bacteria. These homologous genes were then screened in Escherichia coli to identify antibacterial candidates (atypical T4Es) and their neighboring detoxification proteins, followed by testing their gene cotranscription and validating their physical interactions. Using this approach, we did discover two atypical T4E proteins from the plant‐beneficial Lysobacter enzymogenes and the phytopathogen Xanthomonas citri. We also provided substantial evidence to show that the atypical T4E protein Le1637‐mediated bacterial defense in interspecies interactions between L. enzymogenes and its competitors. Therefore, the newly designed T4E‐guided approach holds promise for detecting functional atypical T4E proteins in bacterial cells.
Finite‐time observer‐based fault detection with nonfragile control design for switched nonlinear networked systems with time‐delays
Authors: Velmurugan Dhanya , Arumugam Arunkumar , Arumugam Karthick 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe strategy of observer‐based nonfragile control and fault‐detection over finite‐time horizon has been examined for a class of uncertain switched nonlinear networked control systems (NNCSs) contingent with time varying delays inferred by the networks from sensor to controller and controller to actuator. Also, in this study, an observer‐based fault detection control has been designed for the NNCSs. By making use of fault detection control as residual generator, the conveyed fault detection problem is then transformed into attenuation problem. By employing multiple Lyapunov function and average dwell time (ADT) approach, sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) ensures the finite‐time boundedness (FTB) criterion of the resulting switched NNCSs with a prescribed disturbance attenuation. Subsequently, the preferred LMIs constraints realizes the controller and observer gains. Finally, two numerical examples are proffered to showcase the efficacity of the proposed technique.
Mechanical and vibrational study of raw and surface‐treated ramie fiber hybridized carbon fiber epoxy composites
Authors: Samuel Senthamizh Selvan , Issac Selvaraj Rajay Vedaraj 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHybrid polymer composites' lightweight, biodegradability, damping, and cost‐effectiveness have made them popular in recent decades. This study evaluated the raw and alkali‐treated hybrid composite's free vibration studies and mechanical properties by changing the ramie fiber layers (core) from two to four and keeping the carbon fiber layers (top and bottom) constant. Thus, to enhance the mechanical properties, the ramie fiber was treated prior with 2, 3, and 4 wt% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). These composites were characterized chemically, mechanically, morphologically, and vibrationally via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, flexural and tensile tests, field emission scanning electron microscope, and free vibration setup, respectively. The tensile and flexural samples were loaded under quasistatic conditions and tested at 1 and 2 mm/min to evaluate tensile and flexural properties, respectively, and a free vibration test built the natural frequencies and reliable damping factor using clamped‐clamped and clamped‐free boundary conditions. Two layers of carbon fiber (exterior layer) and two layers of ramie fiber (core layer) at 3 wt% NaOH produced maximum tensile strength (523 MPa) and flexural modulus (68,869 MPa) among natural and hybrid composite combinations. This study shows that hybridization and alkaline treatment improve composite material mechanical properties in a specific ratio.Highlights
Mechanical and vibration analysis of carbon/ramie hybrid composites was studied.
Ramie fiber's surface treatment was carried out in NaOH at 2, 3, and 4 wt%.
Surface treatment uplifts mechanical and vibration properties than untreated.
Ramie fiber's chemical consequences were analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscope tests.
Surface treatment at 3 wt% builds higher mechanical and vibrational properties.
Prescribing cascades in ambulatory care: A structured synthesis of evidence
Authors: Shahid Faiza , Doherty Ann , Wallace Emma , Schmiedl Sven , Alexander G. Caleb , Dreischulte Tobias 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe strength of evidence for specific ambulatory care prescribing cascades, in which a marker drug is used to treat an adverse event caused by an index drug, has not been well characterized. To perform a structured, systematic, and transparent review of the evidence supporting ambulatory care prescribing cascades. Ninety‐four potential prescribing cascades identified through a previously published systematic review. Systematic search of the literature to further characterize prescribing cascades. (1) Grading of evidence based on observational studies investigating associations between index and marker drugs, including: Level I—strong evidence [i.e. multiple high‐quality studies]; Level II—moderate evidence [i.e. single high‐quality study]; Level III—fair evidence [no high‐quality studies but one or more moderate‐quality studies]; and Level IV—poor evidence [other]. (2) Listing of the adverse event associated with the index drug in the product's United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label. (3) Synthesis of the evidence supporting mechanisms linking index drugs and associated adverse events. Of 99 potential cascades, 94 were supported by one or more confirmatory observational studies and were therefore included in this review. The 94 cascades related to 30 types of adverse drug reactions affecting 10 different anatomic/physiologic systems and were investigated by a total of 88 confirmatory studies, including prescription sequential symmetry analysis (n = 51), cohort (n = 30), and case–control (n = 7) studies. Overall, the evidence from observational studies was strong for 18 (19.1%) prescribing cascades, moderate for 61 (64.9%), fair for 13 (13.8%), and poor for 2 (2.1%). Although the evidence supporting mechanisms that link index drugs and associated adverse events was variable, FDA labels included information about the adverse event associated with the index drug for most (n = 86) but not all of the 94 prescribing cascades. Although we identified 18 of 94 prescribing cascades supported by strong clinical evidence and most adverse events associated with index drugs are included in FDA label, the evidentiary basis for prescribing cascades varies, with many requiring further evidence of clinical relevance.
Preparation of soluble colorless poly(amide‐imide) films with high glass transition temperature and low coefficient of thermal expansion by coordination interaction of Li cations
Authors: Xing Jinglei , Zhu Ge , Fang Xingzhong , Chen Guofei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTo meet the needs of high heat‐resistant and colorless polyimide (CPI) films, a series of poly(amide‐imide) (PAI) films were synthesized by copolymerization of 1,2,3,4‐cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (CBDA), terephthaloyl chloride (TPC), 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 2,2′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFDB) with the addition of lithium chloride (LiCl) for ionic coordination. The coordination of Li cations with carbonyl groups significantly reduced the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and improved the mechanical properties. Moreover, by adjusting the ratio of CBDA and TPC, all PAI films exhibited high glass transition temperature (Tg), low CTE and high transparency. Among these PAI films, PAI‐6‐2Li exhibited excellent comprehensive performance with a high Tg of 363 °C, low CTE of 6.4 ppm/K, high transmittance of 84% at 400 nm and tensile modulus of 7.2 GPa, which was expected to be used in the field of flexible displays.
Carbon‐cycling microorganisms in permafrost and their responses to a warming climate: A review
Authors: Yang Sizhong , Wen Xi , Wu Tonghua , Wu Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoming , Jin Xiaoying , Li Xiaoying , Yang Xue , Yang Ling , Wang Hongwei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGlobal climate warming is accelerating permafrost degradation. The large amounts of soil organic matter in permafrost‐affected soils are prone to increased microbial decomposition in a warming climate. Along with permafrost degradation, changes to the soil microbiome play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding and in predicting the feedback of permafrost carbon. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge of carbon‐cycling microbial ecology in permafrost regions. Microbiomes in degrading permafrost exhibit variations across spatial and temporal scales. Among the short‐term, rapid degradation scenarios, thermokarst lakes have distinct biogeochemical conditions promoting emission of greenhouse gases. Additionally, extreme climatic events can trigger drastic changes in microbial consortia and activity. Notably, environmental conditions appear to exert a dominant influence on microbial assembly in permafrost ecosystems. Furthermore, as the global climate is closely connected to various permafrost regions, it will be crucial to extend our understanding beyond local scales, for example by conducting comparative and integrative studies between Arctic permafrost and alpine permafrost on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau at global and continental scales. These comparative studies will enhance our understanding of microbial functioning in degrading permafrost ecosystems and help inform effective strategies for managing and mitigating the impacts of climate change on permafrost regions.
Syntenic analysis of ACCase loci and target‐site‐resistance mutations in cyhalofop‐butyl resistant Echinochloa crus‐galli var. crus‐galli in Japan
Authors: Iwakami Satoshi , Ishizawa Hinata , Sugiura Kai , Kashiwagi Keisuke , Oga Toshiya , Niwayama Shota , Uchino Akira 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDRecently, suspected cyhalofop‐butyl‐resistant populations of allohexaploid weed Echinochloa crus‐galli var. crus‐galli were discovered in rice fields in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Analyzing the target‐site ACCase genes of cyhalofop‐butyl helps understand the resistance mechanism. However, in E. crus‐galli, the presence of multiple ACCase genes and the lack of detailed gene investigations have complicated the analysis of target‐site genes. Therefore, in this study, we characterized the herbicide response of E. crus‐galli lines and thoroughly characterized the ACCase genes, including the evaluation of gene mutations in the ACCase genes of each line.RESULTFour suspected resistant lines collected from Aichi Prefecture showed varying degrees of resistance to cyhalofop‐butyl and other FOP‐class ACCase inhibitors but were sensitive to herbicides with other modes of action. Through genomic analysis, six ACCase loci were identified in the E. crus‐galli genome. We renamed each gene based on its syntenic relationship with other ACCase genes in the Poaceae species. RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed that all ACCase genes, except the pseudogenized copy ACCase2A, were transcribed at a similar level in the shoots of E. crus‐galli. Mutations known to confer resistance to FOP‐class herbicides, that is W1999C, W2027C/S and I2041N, were found in all resistant lines in either ACCase1A, ACCase1B or ACCase2C.CONCLUSIONIn this study, we found that the E. crus‐galli lines were resistant exclusively to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides, with a target‐site resistance mutation in the ACCase gene. Characterization of ACCase loci in E. crus‐galli provides a basis for further research on ACCase herbicide resistance in Echinochloa spp. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Gastrodin synergistically increases migration of interleukin‐13 receptor α2 chimeric antigen receptor T cell to the brain against glioblastoma multiforme: A preclinical study
Authors: Huang Shuai , Bai Yue , An Zhijing , Xu Chang , Zhang Can , Wang Fang , Zhong Chunlong , Zhong Xiaosong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTherapy with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cells involves using reformative T lymphocytes that have three domains, antigen recognition, transmembrane, and costimulating to achieve the therapeutic purpose. CAR‐T therapy on malignant hematologic has been successful; however, its effectiveness in patients with solid tumors is still limited. Few studies exist confirming the efficacy of natural products on the function of CAR‐T cells. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of gastrodin (GAS) on CAR‐T cells that target interleukin‐13 receptor α2 antigen (IL‐13Rα2 CAR‐T) in the brain against glioblastoma multiforme. Migration of IL‐13Rα2 CAR‐T was evaluated using the Transwell assay. The effects of GAS on IL‐13Rα2 CAR‐T cells were assessed both in vitro and situ glioblastoma models. The cytoskeleton was stained with Fluorescein 5‐isothiocyanate (FITC)‐phalloidin. Cytokines expression in cells was determined by flow cytometry and ELISA assay. Western blotting was used to detect the S1P1 expression, and quantitative PCR assay was used to determine the IL‐13Rα2 gene level. GAS increased the migratory and destructive capacity of IL‐13Rα2 CAR‐T cells with no effect on cytokine release. By increasing the expression of S1P1, GAS encouraged the entry of CAR‐T cells into the brain and bone marrow. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes related to skeletal migration such as add2 and gng8 showed increased expression in GAS‐treated CAR‐T cells. We found that GAS synergistically improves the mobility of IL‐13Rα2 CAR‐T, enhancing their ability to recognize the tumor antigen of glioblastoma, which could be advantageous for the application of CAR‐T for the treatment of solid tumors.
A large‐scale survey reveals agro‐ecological factors influence spatio‐temporal distribution and epidemics of maize leaf blight: Implications for prioritizing sustainable management options
Authors: Terefe Habtamu , Mengesha Getachew G. , Yitayih Getnet , Bogale Girma A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionProductivity of maize (Zea mays L.) is predominantly constrained by diseases, weeds, and insect pests. The northern leaf blight (NLB) disease, caused by Exserohilum turcicum, inflicts significant maize yield losses in the tropics and humid tropics, including Ethiopia. A large‐scale field survey was conducted to assess the spatio‐temporal distribution of maize NLB in southern Ethiopia, and to determine the association of maize farming practices and agro‐ecological factors with NLB epidemics during 2016–2019.Materials and MethodsA total of 814 maize farms were assessed in 12 major maize‐producing districts. During the assessment, data related to the disease, crop, farming practices and agro‐ecological factors were collected. The associations of disease severity with independent factors were determined using the ordinal logistic regression model.ResultsThe results showed that all studied districts and zones recorded high (≥85%) NLB prevalence over the 4 years, and the disease continues to be a major threat to maize production. Variable disease severity was recorded across districts/zones during the study periods. The highest (75.45%) mean severity was recorded from Boreda, followed by Konso (75.36%), Bonke (71.61%) and Derashe (71.30%), while Mihirab Abaya (33.25%) and Arba Minch (38.285%) districts recorded the lowest mean severity. In the multiple regression model, zone, altitude, cropping year, land preparation, NPS fertilization, weeding practice, growth stage and cropping system were highly significantly (p < 0.0001) associated with disease severity.ConclusionMaize cultivation at an altitude of ≤1500 m with intermediate to good weeding practices, recommended NPS (51–100 kg ha–1) fertilization, mixed‐ and intercropping systems, sparse plant (≤20 plants m‒2) population, and vegetative to blistering growth stages had significant relationships with low (≤25, 26%–50%) disease severity, and can be considered as management options to reduce NLB pressure and yield losses to sustainably ensure maize production and productivity.
Time and phase alignment of distributed gateways: Theoretical analysis and experimental demonstration
Authors: Mollaymeri Eriserdi , Delamotte Thomas , Knopp Andreas 
Published: September 2023

SummaryVery high throughput satellite systems have recently been developed to offer high‐speed connectivity, especially in remote areas, planes, and ships. The high data rates can be achieved by using a multibeam approach with an aggressive reuse of the available frequency resources. Due to the high number of user beams, the system must support a large aggregated bandwidth. Multiple‐gateway architectures are a necessary solution to sustain the immense bandwidth requirements. Multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) feeder links have been proposed to address the ground segment design challenges of multiple‐gateway architectures. The deployment costs and the link availability performance can in particular benefit from this approach. However, to coordinate the operation of multiple gateways, high precision time and phase synchronization is necessary. In this paper, the effect of time and phase misalignment in
MIMO feeder links is studied. The performance limitation due to imperfect time and phase distribution is analyzed. Synchronization via optical fiber is considered in this study. The accuracy of time distribution was verified through laboratory measurements. The impact of the residual timing error on the achievable system bandwidth was assessed. Results showed that several GHz of bandwidth can be supported. On the other hand, a recently proposed phase synchronization approach is considered as a promising candidate for MIMO feeder links. Its phase stability performance is assessed, and it is emphasized that requirements in terms of link outage are fulfilled.
Enhancing Cancer Chemo‐Immunotherapy: Innovative Approaches for Overcoming Immunosuppression by Functional Nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Li Li , Xu Zhi Ping 
Published: September 2023

AbstractChemotherapy is a critical modality in cancer therapy to combat malignant cell proliferation by directly attacking cancer cells and inducing immunogenic cell death, serving as a vital component of multi‐modal treatment strategies for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. However, chemotherapy may inadvertently contribute to the immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment (TME), inducing the suppression of antitumor immune responses, which can ultimately affect therapeutic efficacy. Chemo‐immunotherapy, combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy in cancer treatment, has emerged as a ground‐breaking approach to target and eliminate malignant tumors and revolutionize the treatment landscape, offering promising, durable responses for various malignancies. Notably, functional nanomaterials have substantially contributed to chemo‐immunotherapy by co‐delivering chemo‐immunotherapeutic agents and modulating TME. In this review, recent advancements in chemo‐immunotherapy are thus summarized to enhance treatment effectiveness, achieved by reversing the immunosuppressive TME (ITME) through the exploitation of immunotherapeutic drugs, or immunoregulatory nanomaterials. The effects of two‐way immunomodulation and the causes of immunoaugmentation and suppression during chemotherapy are illustrated. The current strategies of chemo‐immunotherapy to surmount the ITME and the functional materials to target and regulate the ITME are discussed and compared. The perspective on tumor immunosuppression reversal strategy is finally proposed.
Persistent microperforate hymen as a rare maternal cause of dystocia in a ewe
Authors: Sofi Khursheed Ahmad , Malik Asloob Ahmad , Parrah Jalal Ud Din 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSuccessful management of obstetrical emergency, such as dystocia, is essential to prevent huge economic loss to sheep farming. Dystocia can lead to mortality of both the dam and the fetus, if timely correct diagnosis and feasible intervention are delayed. The present case describes an uncommon obstetrical emergency, that is, dystocia due to a rare condition of persistent microperforate hymen as a maternal factor for dystocia. A primiparous, crossbred ewe (aged 1.5 years) was presented at our clinic as an obstetrical emergency at full term. After a complete history was taken, a physical (including per vaginum) examination was performed. This allowed a diagnosis of a persistent microperforate hymen. Management included excision of the transverse band followed by assisted delivery. The ewe recovered successfully, and survived along with its lamb, at least until the post‐operative check at 3 weeks.