bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective evaluation of percutaneous 3D-navigated screw fixation for fragility fractures of the sacrum: technical notes and four-year experience
Authors: Kramer Andreas , Naisan Martin , Kindel Stefan , Richter Marcus , Ringel Florian , Hartung Philipp 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe incidence of fragility fractures of the sacrum is increasing due to demographic changes. In this study, we introduce the 3D-navigated monoportal percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation (PSS) as a technical advancement for treating fragility fractures of the sacrum. We included all patients who underwent the 3D-navigated monoportal PSS for fragility fractures of the sacrum. The fractures were classified using the Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis score (FFP). We provide a step-by-step illustration of the surgical technique. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of the investigated technique. Forty-six patients (36 female, 10 male) with a median age of 81.5 years were included in the study. The fracture classification revealed 23 FFP2 (50%), 5 FFP3 (11%), and 18 FFP4 (39%) fractures. In 35 cases (76%), only transsacral screws were implanted in S1 and S2, with an average incision-to-suture time of 52.6 min. The remaining eleven patients underwent additional anterior pelvic ring fixation, lumbar instrumentation, or kyphoplasty. There were no instances of nerve root, vascular, or pelvic organ injuries. The median postoperative in-hospital stay was six days. Out of the 36 patients who were followed up, four patients required revision surgery due to screw loosening. No significant risk factor for screw loosening was identified in the multiple regression analysis. The presented monoportal PSS technique for fragility fractures of the sacrum is a promising minimally invasive approach with a low complication rate and excellent short-term outcomes.
Unveiling the functional epitopes of cobra venom cytotoxin by immunoinformatics and epitope-omic analyses
Authors: Hiu Jia Jin , Fung Jared Kah Yin , Tan Hock Siew , Yap Michelle Khai Khun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractApproximate 70% of cobra venom is composed of cytotoxin (CTX), which is responsible for the dermonecrotic symptoms of cobra envenomation. However, CTX is generally low in immunogenicity, and the antivenom is ineffective in attenuating its in vivo toxicity. Furthermore, little is known about its epitope properties for empirical antivenom therapy. This study aimed to determine the epitope sequences of CTX using the immunoinformatic analyses and epitope-omics profiling. A conserved CTX was used in this study to determine its T-cell and B-cell epitope sequences using immunoinformatic tools and molecular docking simulation with different Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLAs). The potential T-cell and B-cell epitopes were 'KLVPLFY,' 'CPAGKNLCY,' 'MFMVSTPTK,' and 'DVCPKNSLL.' Molecular docking simulations disclosed that the HLA-B62 supertype exhibited the greatest binding affinity towards cobra venom cytotoxin. The namely L7, G18, K19, N20, M25, K33, V43, C44, K46, N47, and S48 of CTX exhibited prominent intermolecular interactions with HLA-B62. The multi-enzymatic-limited-digestion/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MELD/LC–MS) also revealed three potential epitope sequences as 'LVPLFYK,' 'MFMVS,' and ‘TVPVKR’. From different epitope mapping approaches, we concluded four potential epitope sites of CTX as ‘KLVPLFYK’, ‘AGKNL’, ‘MFMVSTPKVPV’ and ‘DVCPKNSLL’. Site-directed mutagenesis of these epitopes confirmed their locations at the functional loops of CTX. These epitope sequences are crucial to CTX’s structural folding and cytotoxicity. The results concluded the epitopes that resided within the functional loops constituted potential targets to fabricate synthetic epitopes for CTX-targeted antivenom production.
Rejuvenating effects of young extracellular vesicles in aged rats and in cellular models of human senescence
Authors: Grigorian Shamagian Lilian , Rogers Russell G. , Luther Kristin , Angert David , Echavez Antonio , Liu Weixin , Middleton Ryan , Antes Travis , Valle Jackelyn , Fourier Mario , Sanchez Liz , Jaghatspanyan Eva , Mariscal Javier , Zhang Rui , Marbán Eduardo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRejuvenation of an old organism was achieved in heterochronic parabiosis experiments, implicating different soluble factors in this effect. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the secretory effectors of many cells, including cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) with demonstrated anti-senescent effect. 1. To determine the role of EVs (versus other blood fractions) on the rejuvenating effect of the young blood. 2. To evaluate the anti-aging properties of therapeutically administered EVs secreted by young-CDCs in an old organism. Neonatal blood fractioned in 4 components (whole blood, serum, EV-depleted serum and purified EVs) was used to treat old human cardiac stromal cells (CSPCs). CDCs were generated from neonatal rat hearts and the secreted CDC-EVs were purified. CDC-EVs were then tested in naturally-aged rats, using monthly injections over 4-months period. For validation in human samples, pediatric CDC-EVs were tested in aged human CSPCs and progeric fibroblasts. While the purified EVs reproduced the rejuvenating effects of the whole blood, CSPCs treated with EV-depleted serum exhibited the highest degree of senescence. Treatment with young CDC-EVs induce structural and functional improvements in the heart, lungs, skeletal muscle, and kidneys of old rats, while favorably modulating glucose metabolism and anti-senescence pathways. Lifespan was prolonged. EVs secreted by young CDCs exert broad-ranging anti-aging effects in aged rodents and in cellular models of human senescence. Our work not only identifies CDC-EVs as possible therapeutic candidates for a wide range of age-related pathologies, but also raises the question of whether EVs function as endogenous modulators of senescence.
Simulation analysis of visual perception model based on pulse coupled neural network
Authors: Li Mingdong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPulse-coupled neural networks perform well in many fields such as information retrieval, depth estimation and object detection. Based on pulse coupled neural network (PCNN) theory, this paper constructs a visual perception model framework and builds a real image reproduction platform. The model firstly analyzes the structure and generalization ability of neural network multi-class classifier, uses the minimax criterion of feature space as the splitting criterion of visual perception decision node, which solves the generalization problem of neural network learning algorithm. In the simulation process, the initial threshold is optimized by the two-dimensional maximum inter-class variance method, and in order to improve the real-time performance of the algorithm, the fast recurrence formula of neural network is derived and given. The PCNN image segmentation method based on genetic algorithm is analyzed. The genetic algorithm improves the loop termination condition and the adaptive setting of model parameters of PCNN image segmentation algorithm, but the PCNN image segmentation algorithm still has the problem of complexity. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposed an IGA-PCNN image segmentation method combining the improved algorithm and PCNN model. Firstly, it used the improved immune genetic algorithm to adaptively obtain the optimal threshold, and then replaced the dynamic threshold in PCNN model with the optimal threshold, and finally used the pulse coupling characteristics of PCNN model to complete the image segmentation. From the coupling characteristics of PCNN, junction close space of image and gray level characteristics, it determined the local gray mean square error of image connection strength coefficient. The feature extraction and object segmentation properties of PCNN come from the spike frequency of neurons, and the number of neurons in PCNN is equal to the number of pixels in the input image. In addition, the spatial and gray value differences of pixels should be considered comprehensively to determine their connection matrix. Digital experiments show that the multi-scale multi-task pulse coupled neural network model can shorten the total training time by 17 h, improve the comprehensive accuracy of the task test data set by 1.04%, and shorten the detection time of each image by 4.8 s compared with the series network model of multiple single tasks. Compared with the traditional PCNN algorithm, it has the advantages of fast visual perception and clear target contour segmentation, and effectively improves the anti-interference performance of the model.
Safety risk assessment of loess tunnel construction under complex environment based on game theory-cloud model
Authors: Han Bing , Jia Wei , Feng Weixing , Liu Liu , Zhang Zhe , Guo Yinhu , Niu Mingjie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDue to the impact of the surrounding environment, the safety impact factors encountered during the construction of loess tunnels are complex and numerous, which causes frequent accidents, and there is a lack of safety risk assessment methods applicable to the construction of loess tunnels under complex environment. Based on the Luochuan tunnel project of the Xi’an–Yan’an High-Speed Railway, this paper analyzes the impact factors of loess tunnel construction risks, and 15 main impact factors involving subjective and objective factors are selected to establish the safety risk assessment system of loess tunnel construction under complex environment. To determine the weight of the impact factors, this paper introduces the combination weighting method based on game theory for the first time. Then, the risk assessment model of loess tunnel construction safety is established by using the conventional cloud model theory. Finally, the model is applied to the supporting project for verification. The results show that support and lining have the largest impact on tunnel construction safety, followed by construction management, surrounding rock grade, harmful engineering ground, monitoring measurement, forepoling, and construction method. The assessment result is consistent with the actual construction risk degree, which proves that the assessment result of the model is accurate and reliable, and the model has guiding significance for the safety risk assessment of loess tunnel construction under complex environment.
Feeding in predator naïve crayfish is influenced by cues from a fish predator
Authors: Musil Martin , Let Marek , Roje Sara , Drozd Bořek , Kouba Antonín 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this study, we experimentally evaluated how the feeding behaviour of marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis is influenced by cues from conspecifics and the round goby Neogobius melanostomus, a fish predator, in tanks that permitted chemical communication but not visual recognition. We used four experimental groups with different combinations in two sub-tanks. The first sub-tank always contained a crayfish and prey (40 individuals of the water louse Asellus aquaticus). The other sub-tanks were set up as follows: (i) empty, serving as a control (C); (ii) with a conspecific crayfish (Cr); (iii) with a round goby (G) to simulate predator-only odour; and (iv) a round goby and three small conspecific crayfish (G + Cr) to simulate the presence of a predator and/or the alarm odour. Two sub-treatments were defined for the fourth group, categorised as ‘injured’ or ‘not injured’ depending on whether prey crayfish were visibly injured or not, respectively. We observed a significant decline in the consumption of water lice in the G and G + Cr treatments compared to the C and Cr treatments (up to 47% on average). There were no significant differences in consumption between the G and G + Cr treatments, or C and Cr treatments. No significant differences in food consumption parameters were detected between sub-treatments with ‘injured’ and ‘not injured’ conspecific crayfish. Knowledge of modifications in the feeding behaviour of marbled crayfish in the presence of round goby (and fish predators in general) is essential for ecologists attempting to understand the changes and impacts occurring in invaded freshwater ecosystems.
In vivo impact of tubulin polymerization promoting protein (Tppp) knockout to the airway inflammatory response
Authors: Endres Tori , Duesler Lori , Corey Deborah A. , Kelley Thomas J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMicrotubule dysfunction has been implicated as a mediator of inflammation in multiple diseases such as disorders of the cardiovascular and neurologic systems. Tubulin polymerization promoting protein (Tppp) facilitates microtubule elongation and regulates tubulin acetylation through inhibition of cytosolic deacetylase enzymes. Pathologic alterations in microtubule structure and dynamics have been described in cystic fibrosis (CF) and associated with inflammation, however the causality and mechanism remain unclear. Likewise, Tppp has been identified as a potential modifier of CF airway disease severity. Here we directly assess the impact of microtubule dysfunction on infection and inflammation by interrogating wild type and a Tppp knockout mouse model (Tppp − / −). Mice are challenged with a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-laden agarose beads and assessed for bacterial clearance and inflammatory markers. Tppp − / − mouse model demonstrate impaired bacterial clearance and an elevated inflammatory response compared to control mice. These data are consistent with the hypothesis microtubule dysregulation is sufficient to lead to CF-like airway responses in mice.
The effects of daptomycin on cell wall biosynthesis in Enterococcal faecalis
Authors: Rimal Binayak , Chang James , Liu Chengyin , Rashid Raiyan , Singh Manmilan , Kim Sung Joon 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDaptomycin is a cyclic lipodepsipeptide antibiotic reserved for the treatment of serious infections by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. Its mode of action is considered to be multifaceted, encompassing the targeting and depolarization of bacterial cell membranes, alongside the inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis. To characterize the daptomycin mode of action, 15N cross-polarization at magic-angle spinning NMR measurements were performed on intact whole cells of Staphylococcus aureus grown in the presence of a sub-inhibitory concentration of daptomycin in a chemically defined media containing l-[ϵ-15N]Lys. Daptomycin-treated cells showed a reduction in the lysyl-ε-amide intensity that was consistent with cell wall thinning. However, the reduced lysyl-ε-amine intensity at 10 ppm indicated that the daptomycin-treated cells did not accumulate in Park’s nucleotide, the cytoplasmic peptidoglycan (PG) precursor. Consequently, daptomycin did not inhibit the transglycosylation step of PG biosynthesis. To further elucidate the daptomycin mode of action, the PG composition of daptomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecalis grown in the presence of daptomycin was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sixty-nine muropeptide ions correspond to PG with varying degrees of modifications including crosslinking, acetylation, alanylation, and 1,6-anhydrous ring formation at MurNAc were quantified. Analysis showed that the cell walls of daptomycin-treated E. faecalis had a significant reduction in PG crosslinking which was accompanied by an increase in lytic transglycosylase activities and a decrease in PG-stem modifications by the carboxypeptidases. The changes in PG composition suggest that daptomycin inhibits cell wall biosynthesis by impeding the incorporation of nascent PG into the cell walls by transpeptidases and maturation by carboxypeptidases. As a result, the newly formed cell walls become highly susceptible to degradation by the autolysins, resulting in thinning of the cell wall.
Enhanced adsorption capacity of ZIF-8 for chemical warfare agent simulants caused by its morphology and surface charge
Authors: Oh Sojin , Lee Sujeong , Lee Gihyun , Oh Moonhyun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe effective separation of toxic chemicals, including chemical warfare agents (CWAs), from the environment via adsorption is of great importance because such chemicals pose a significant threat to humans and ecosystems. To this end, the development of effective porous adsorbents for CWA removal has received significant attention. Understanding the specific interactions between adsorbents and CWAs must precede for the development of effective adsorbents. Herein, we report the relationship between the adsorption capacity of porous ZIF-8 and its morphological and surface characteristics. Four types of ZIF-8, which have different morphologies (such as cubic, rhombic dodecahedron, and leaf- and plate-shaped samples), were selectively prepared. The four types of ZIF-8 were found to have different surface charges owing to dissimilarly exposed components on the surfaces and additionally incorporated components. The specific surface charges of ZIF-8 were found to be closely related to their adsorption capacities for CWA simulants such as 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) and dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP). Cubic ZIF-8, with the most positive surface charge among four ZIF-8 samples, exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for CEES and DMMP via the effective polar interaction. Moreover, ZIF-8 exhibited excellent recyclability without losing its adsorption capacity and without critical morphological or structural changes.
Capybara density and climatic factors as modulators of Ehrlichia prevalence in questing ticks in the Iberá wetlands, Argentina
Authors: Eberhardt Ayelen T. , Manzoli Darío E. , Fernandez Camilo , Zurvera Daniel , Monje Lucas D. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe evaluated the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in unfed capybara ticks, Amblyomma dubitatum, and explored its association with capybaras density, ticks density and environmental variables. We observed that in the Iberá wetlands ecoregion A. dubitatum is infected by "Candidatus Ehrlichia hydrochoerus” and in a lesser extent with an Ehrlichia species closely related to Ehrlichia chaffeensis. The frequency of "Ca. Ehrlichia hydrochoerus" presence in A. dubitatum was not associated with vector abundance, but the probability of finding "Ca. Ehrlichia hydrochoerus"-infected ticks increased when the density of capybaras was low two months before. We hypothesize that when the density of capybaras decreases, A. dubitatum immature stages may seek out alternative hosts one of which could exhibit high realized reservoir competence for "Ca. Ehrlichia hydrochoerus", leading to an increased prevalence of this ehrlichiae in questing A. dubitatum. High minimum temperatures and high cumulative rainfall in the time period previous to tick collection (15 to 60 days) were positively correlated with the prevalence of "Ca. Ehrlichia hydrochoerus" infection in A. dubitatum. Our results suggest that a combination of factors (both biological and abiotic) could raise the risk of human exposure to tick-borne Ehrlichia in the Iberá wetlands ecoregion.
Laminoplasty in Motion: Evolving Techniques and Complications
Authors: Singleton Ian M. , Piple Amit S. , Crawford Ben , Mittal Ashish , Rosinski Alexander A. , Kondrashov Dimitriy G. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCervical laminoplasty is an increasingly popular surgical option for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Over the past few decades, there have been substantial developments in both surgical technique and hardware options. As the field of cervical surgery rapidly evolves, there is a timely need to reassess the evolving complications associated with newer techniques. This review aims to synthesize the available literature on cervical laminoplasty and associated mechanical complications pertaining to different laminoplasty hinge fixation options.
Reality Faced by Dental Students during COVID-19 Pandemic Situation
Authors: Bhosale Trupti , Mathew Roshni , Hegde Amitha M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic was causing an unfavorable effect on the education and mental health of students. Much information about this virus is available, but its effect on mental health has been overlooked during this pandemic. Also, disruption in the academic year had led to more of virtual learning. The pros and cons of virtual learning need to be assessed, there is a need to evaluate whether there has been a shift in approach toward dental practice.So in our survey, we evaluated the mental health, efficiency of virtual learning, and attitude toward future dental practices among dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the mental health, efficiency of virtual learning, and attitude toward future dental practices among dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods In this study, we included 87 final-year dental undergraduate students from A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS). The study was conducted through online questionnaire using google link.
Results In our survey, we found that many of the student's mental health was affected as they experienced certain level of depression, isolation, and mood swings, which affected their sleeping pattern. So we can consider counseling sessions for the students. We also found that virtual learning is a convenient alternative, but it also has some drawbacks as it caused physical discomforts like eye strain, back pain, etc. The students' responses were overwhelmingly positive with regard to future dental practices, but they felt there is a need to treat patients with protective equipment and guidance.
Conclusions Our study showed that this pandemic had hampered the mental health status of students in some ways. Also, it showed that virtual learning is helpful and is a convenient alternative, but it has some drawbacks as it causes physical discomforts. The students' responses were overwhelmingly positive with regard to future dental practices, but they need to treat patients with protective equipment.The Covid pandemic waves had made it difficult to control the situation, which resulted in extended periods of lockdown. Hence, these factors should be considered for the benefit of students in order to manage any future outbreaks in a better way.
Perceived service quality and student satisfaction in higher learning institutions in Tanzania
Authors: Bwachele Victor William , Chong Yee-Lee , Krishnapillai Gengeswari 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDespite policy efforts to promote higher learning in Tanzania, reports show persistent student dissatisfaction, revealing the extant inadequate quality measurement models. The study examined the fundamental elements causing dissatisfaction using an extended SERVQUAL model with additional variables, perceived transparency mediated by trust. Researchers collected quantitative data from 398 third-year higher learning students. The structural equations modelling result shows that reliability, perceived transparency, and trust in an institution significantly predict satisfaction. Further, trust partially mediates the influence of perceived transparency on student satisfaction. Evidence from this study suggests that education policy geared to promote the expertise of service providers and punctuality of service offering, transparency in service offering, and social responsibility of service provision is adequate for student satisfaction. Future research can look into a cross-level of economic development, groups of students—analysis of satisfaction determinants, and test the transparency—trust-based SERVIQUAL Model in quality struggling sectors in Tanzania and other developing countries. Also, studies can test how satisfaction mediates the effect of quality on academic performance.