bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane vesicle biogenesis determines their protein composition
Authors: Zavan Lauren , Fang Haoyun , Johnston Ella L. , Whitchurch Cynthia , Greening David W. , Hill Andrew F. , Kaparakis‐Liaskos Maria 
Published: February 2023

AbstractGram‐negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and contain bacterial cargo including nucleic acids and proteins. The proteome of OMVs can be altered by various factors including bacterial growth stage, growth conditions, and environmental factors. However, it is currently unknown if the mechanism of OMV biogenesis can determine their proteome. In this study, we examined whether the mechanisms of OMV biogenesis influenced the production and protein composition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa OMVs. OMVs were isolated from three P. aeruginosa strains that produced OMVs either by budding alone, by explosive cell lysis, or by both budding and explosive cell lysis. We identified that the mechanism of OMV biogenesis dictated OMV quantity. Furthermore, a global proteomic analysis comparing the proteome of OMVs to their parent bacteria showed significant differences in the identification of proteins in bacteria and OMVs. Finally, we determined that the mechanism of OMV biogenesis influenced the protein composition of OMVs, as OMVs released by distinct mechanisms of biogenesis differed significantly from one another in their proteome and functional enrichment analysis. Overall, our findings reveal that the mechanism of OMV biogenesis is a main factor that determines the OMV proteome which may affect their subsequent biological functions.
Development of an item bank for measuring prosthetic mobility in people with lower limb amputation: The Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS‐M)
Authors: Hafner Brian J. , Amtmann Dagmar , Morgan Sara J. , Abrahamson Daniel C. , Askew Robert L. , Bamer Alyssa M. , Salem Rana , Gaunaurd Ignacio A. , Gailey Robert S. ,   Collaborators (PLUS‐M Advisory Panel), Czerniecki Joseph M. , Fatone Stefania , Fergason John R. , Fothergill Ian , Kelly Valerie E. , Weber Eric L. , Whiteneck Gale G. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundAchieving mobility with a prosthesis is a common post‐amputation rehabilitation goal and primary outcome in prosthetic research studies. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) available to measure prosthetic mobility have practical and psychometric limitations that inhibit their use in clinical care and research.ObjectiveTo develop a brief, clinically meaningful, and psychometrically robust PROM to measure prosthetic mobility.DesignA cross‐sectional study was conducted to administer previously developed candidate items to a national sample of lower limb prosthesis users. Items were calibrated to an item response theory model and two fixed‐length short forms were created. Instruments were assessed for readability, effective range of measurement, agreement with the full item bank, ceiling and floor effects, convergent validity, and known groups validity.SettingParticipants were recruited using flyers posted in hospitals and prosthetics clinics across the United States, magazine advertisements, notices posted to consumer websites, and direct mailings.ParticipantsAdult prosthesis users (N = 1091) with unilateral lower limb amputation due to traumatic or dysvascular causes.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresCandidate items (N = 105) were administered along with the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Brief Profile, Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire – Mobility Subscale, and Activities‐Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and questions created to characterize respondents.ResultsA bank of 44 calibrated self‐report items, termed the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS‐M), was produced. Clinical and statistical criteria were used to select items for 7‐ and 12‐item short forms. PLUS‐M instruments had an 8th grade reading level, measured with precision across a wide range of respondents, exhibited little‐to‐no ceiling or floor effects, correlated expectedly with scores from existing PROMs, and differentiated between groups of respondents expected to have different levels of mobility.ConclusionThe PLUS‐M appears to be well suited to measuring prosthetic mobility in people with lower limb amputation. PLUS‐M instruments are recommended for use in clinical and research settings.
Perceptions of stroke survivors regarding factors affecting adoption of technology and exergames for rehabilitation
Authors: Krishnan Shilpa , Mandala Mahender A. , Wolf Steven L. , Howard Ayanna , Kesar Trisha M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundTask‐specific motor training and repetitive practice are essential components of clinical rehabilitation. Emerging evidence suggests that incorporating gaming interfaces (also referred to as “exergames”), including virtual reality and augmented reality (VR/AR)‐based interfaces for motor training, can enhance the engagement and efficacy of poststroke rehabilitation.ObjectiveTo investigate perceptions of individuals with stroke regarding technology and exergames for rehabilitation.DesignThis qualitative phenomenological study included a convenience sample of 11 individuals with stroke (61.7 ± 12.4 years, 6 women and 5 men, 63.5 ± 41.2 months post stroke).SettingCommunity.InterventionsN/A.Outcome MeasuresSemistructured open‐ended focus‐group interviews to understand their perceptions on technology and exergames to improve recovery were coded using thematic content analysis.ResultsIndividuals with stroke were comfortable using smartphones, computers, and rehabilitation technologies but had limited experiences using exergames and VR/AR devices. Individuals with stroke were motivated to use technologies and exergames to improve their functional recovery. Participants identified facilitators (eg, enhancing functional recovery, feedback, therapist supervision) and barriers (eg, safety, inaccessibility, inadequate knowledge) to adopting exergames in their daily lives. Participants wanted the exergames to be customizable, goal oriented, and enjoyable to maintain their engagement. They were willing to use exergames to improve their functional recovery but indicated that these games could not replace the therapist's supervision.ConclusionsDespite having limited experiences with exergames, people post stroke perceived that exergames could promote functional recovery. The perspectives gained from the present study can inform user‐centered game design for neurorehabilitation.
Effects of mirror therapy on spasticity and sensory impairment after stroke: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Muñoz‐Gómez Elena , Inglés Marta , Aguilar‐Rodríguez Marta , Sempere‐Rubio Núria , Mollà‐Casanova Sara , Serra‐Añó Pilar 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo review and synthesize existing evidence on the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) compared to active exercise‐based interventions (ie, cross‐training and conventional exercise) for reducing spasticity and sensory impairment in stroke survivors.TypeSystematic Review and Metanalysis.Literature SurveyPubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), were searched.MethodologyRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated MT effectiveness in improving spasticity and sensory impairment in stroke survivors compared to a control group.SynthesisFifteen RCTs (653 volunteers) were included. Spasticity improvements achieved with MT were similar to those obtained with cross‐training (standard mean difference [SMD]: 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.43 to 0.68). In addition, when further combined with conventional exercise, spasticity improved similarly in both groups (SMD: 0.10, 95% CI: −0.16, 0.36). Lastly, when MT plus exercise was compared to exercise alone, spasticity decreased in both groups (SMD: 0.16, 95% CI: −0.16 to 0.48). Nevertheless, none of the Interventions seem effective on sensory impairment (SMD: 0.27, 95% CI: −0.28 to 0.81).ConclusionsMT is equally effective as other exercise therapies, such as cross‐training and conventional exercise, for improving spasticity in stroke survivors, whereas none of the explored interventions yielded beneficial effects on sensory impairment. Further well‐designed RCTs are needed to confirm the results.
Instrumental dead space: A glass ceiling for extremely low birth weight preterm infants? A dead space washout bench study
Authors: Danan Claude , Tauzin Manon , Jung Camille , Carbonnier Benjamin , Dassieu Gilles , Decobert Fabrice , Caeymaex Laurence 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundWhen ventilating extremely low birth weight infants, clinicians face the problem of instrumental dead space, which is often larger than tidal volume. Hence, aggressive ventilation is necessary to achieve CO2 removal. Continuous tracheal gas insufflation can wash out CO2 from dead space and might also have an impact on O2 and water vapor transport. The objective of this bench study is to test the impact of instrumental dead space on the transport of CO2, O2, and water vapor and the ability of continuous tracheal gas insufflation to remedy this problem during small tidal volume ventilation.MethodsA test‐lung located in an incubator at 37°C was ventilated with pressure levels needed to reach different tidal volumes from 1.5 to 5 mL. End‐tidal CO2 at the test‐lung exit, O2 concentration, and relative humidity in the test‐lung were measured for each tidal volume with and without a 0.2 L/min continuous tracheal gas insufflation flow.ResultsCO2 clearance was improved by continuous tracheal gas insufflation allowing a 28%–44% of tidal volume reduction. With continuous tracheal gas insufflation, time to reach desired O2 concentration was reduced from 20% to 80% and relative humidity was restored. These results are inversely related to tidal volume and are particularly critical below 3 mL.ConclusionFor the smallest tidal volumes, reduction of instrumental dead space seems mandatory for CO2, O2, and water vapor transfer. Continuous tracheal gas insufflation improved CO2 clearance, time to reach desired O2 concentration and humidification of airways and, thus, may be an option to protect lung development.
A prognostic baseline blood biomarker and tumor growth kinetics integrated model in paclitaxel/platinum treated advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Ojara Francis Williams , Henrich Andrea , Frances Nicolas , Nassar Yomna M. , Huisinga Wilhelm , Hartung Niklas , Geiger Kimberly , Holdenrieder Stefan , Joerger Markus , Kloft Charlotte 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPaclitaxel/platinum chemotherapy, the backbone of standard first‐line treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), exhibits high interpatient variability in treatment response and high toxicity burden. Baseline blood biomarker concentrations and tumor size (sum of diameters) at week 8 relative to baseline (RS8) are widely investigated prognostic factors. However, joint analysis of data on demographic/clinical characteristics, blood biomarker levels, and chemotherapy exposure‐driven early tumor response for improved prediction of overall survival (OS) is clinically not established. We developed a Weibull time‐to‐event model to predict OS, leveraging data from 365 patients receiving paclitaxel/platinum combination chemotherapy once every three weeks for ≤six cycles. A developed tumor growth inhibition model, combining linear tumor growth and first‐order paclitaxel area under the concentration‐time curve‐induced tumor decay, was used to derive individual RS8. The median model‐derived RS8 in all patients was a 20.0% tumor size reduction (range from −78% to +15%). Whereas baseline carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin fragments, and thyroid stimulating hormone levels were not significantly associated with OS in a subset of 221 patients, and lactate dehydrogenase, interleukin‐6 and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio levels were significant only in univariate analyses (p value < 0.05); C‐reactive protein (CRP) in combination with RS8 most significantly affected OS (p value < 0.01). Compared to the median population OS of 11.3 months, OS was 128% longer at the 5th percentile levels of both covariates and 60% shorter at their 95th percentiles levels. The combined paclitaxel exposure‐driven RS8 and baseline blood CRP concentrations enables early individual prognostic predictions for different paclitaxel dosing regimens, forming the basis for treatment decision and optimizing paclitaxel/platinum‐based advanced NSCLC chemotherapy.
Carnosol inhibits KGN cells oxidative stress and apoptosis and attenuates polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes in mice through Keap1‐mediated Nrf2/HO‐1 activation
Authors: Ji Rui , Jia Fangyuan , Chen Xin , Gao Yue , Yang Jing 
Published: February 2023

AbstractExcessive oxidative stress and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells lead to abnormal follicular development and ovulation disorders in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Carnosol is a plant‐derived polyphenol that has been proven to exhibit several cell protective effects. In this study, we established hyperandrogenic PCOS models both in vitro and in vivo. In the human ovarian granulosa cell line, KGN cells, decreased viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and apoptosis induced by DHT were partly reversed by carnosol. Western blotting results showed that carnosol treatment inhibited the DHT‐activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by activating nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1). Knockdown of Nrf2 by transfecting with siRNA or inhibiting HO‐1 by zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) blocked the protective effects of carnosol. Computational modeling and pull‐down assay results confirmed the direct binding of carnosol to kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1). In vivo results showed that the intraperitoneal administration of carnosol (50 and 100 mg/kg) improved estrous cycle disorders, polycystic ovary, and decreased elevated androgen in the PCOS mice. In summary, Carnosol has an effective role in inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis in DHT‐treated KGN cells and protecting against mouse PCOS phenotypes through the Keap1‐mediated activation of Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling.
Cornuside, by regulating the AGEs‐RAGE‐IκBα‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway, ameliorates cognitive impairment associated with brain aging
Authors: Yu Lei , Che Ruomei , Zhang Weiku , Xu Jiekun , Lian Wenwen , He Jun , Tu Shuxin , Bai Xue , He Xiaoli 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAnti‐Alzheimer's disease (AD) drugs can only change the symptoms of cognitive impairment in a short time but cannot prevent or completely cure AD. Thus, a more effective drug is urgently needed. Cornuside is extracted from Corni Fructus, a traditional Chinese medicine that plays an important role in treating dementia and other age‐related diseases. Thus, the study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of Cornuside on the D‐galactose (D‐Gal) induced aging mice accompanied by cognitive decline. Initially, we found that Cornuside improved the learning and memory abilities of D‐Gal‐treated mice in behavioral experiments. Pharmacological experiments indicated that Cornuside acted on anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. Cornuside also reversed acetylcholin esterase (AChE) activity. Meanwhile, pathology tests showed that Cornuside had a protective effect on neuron damage. Cornuside increased the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and down‐regulated the expression of receptor for advanced glycosylation end products (RAGE), ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) respectively. Further studies claimed that Cornuside had important effects on the expression of IκBα and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2). These effects might be achieved through regulating the AGEs‐RAGE‐IκBα‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway, among which, ERK1/2 might be the key protein. The study provides direct preclinical evidence for the research of Cornuside, which may become an excellent candidate drug for the treatment of aging‐related AD.
Overcoming the Trade‐Off between Optical Transmittance and Areal Capacitance of Transparent Supercapacitors for Practical Application
Authors: Ryu Ilhwan , Choe Geunpyo , Kwon Hyemin , Hong Dajung , Yim Sanggyu 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIt is substantially challenging for transition metal oxide nanoparticle (NP)‐based electrodes for supercapacitors to achieve high transparency and large capacity simultaneously due to the inherent trade‐off between optical transmittance (T) and areal capacitance (CA). This study demonstrates how this trade‐off limitation can be overcome by replacing some electrode NPs with transparent tin oxide (SnO2) NPs. Although SnO2 NPs are non‐capacitive, they provide effective paths for charge transport, which simultaneously increase the CA and T550nm of the manganese oxide (Mn3O4) NP electrode from 11.7 to 13.4 mF cm−2 and 82.1% to 87.4%, respectively, when 25 wt% of Mn3O4 are replaced by SnO2. The obtained CA values at a given T are higher than those of the transparent electrodes previously reported. An energy storage window fabricated using the mixed‐NP electrodes exhibits the highest energy density among transparent supercapacitors previously reported. The improved energy density enables the window to operate various electronic devices for a considerable amount of time, demonstrating its applicability in constructing a reliable and space‐efficient building‐integrated power supply system.
Synthesis and Nanostructure Investigation of Hybrid β‐Ga2O3/ZnGa2O4 Nanocomposite Networks with Narrow‐Band Green Luminescence and High Initial Electrochemical Capacity
Authors: Wolff Niklas , Braniste Tudor , Krüger Helge , Mangelsen Sebastian , Islam Md Redwanul , Schürmann Ulrich , Saure Lena M. , Schütt Fabian , Hansen Sandra , Terraschke Huayna , Adelung Rainer , Tiginyanu Ion , Kienle Lorenz 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe material design of functional “aero”‐networks offers a facile approach to optical, catalytical, or and electrochemical applications based on multiscale morphologies, high large reactive area, and prominent material diversity. Here in this paper, the synthesis and structural characterization of a hybrid β‐Ga2O3/ZnGa2O4 nanocomposite aero‐network are presented. The nanocomposite networks are studied on multiscale with respect to their micro‐ and nanostructure by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and are characterized for their photoluminescent response to UV light excitation and their electrochemical performance with Li‐ion conversion reaction. The structural investigations reveal the simultaneous transformation of the precursor aero‐GaN(ZnO) network into hollow architectures composed of β‐Ga2O3 and ZnGa2O4 nanocrystals with a phase ratio of ≈1:2. The photoluminescence of hybrid aero‐β‐Ga2O3/ZnGa2O4 nanocomposite networks demonstrates narrow band (λem = 504 nm) green light emission of ZnGa2O4 under UV light excitation (λex = 300 nm). The evaluation of the metal‐oxide network performance for electrochemical application for Li‐ion batteries shows high initial capacities of ≈714 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 paired with exceptional rate performance even at high current densities of 4 A g−1 with 347 mAh g−1. This study provides is an exciting showcase example of novel networked materials and demonstrates the opportunities of tailored micro‐/nanostructures for diverse applications a diversity of possible applications.
Automatic testbed with a visual motion tracking system for airborne wind energy applications
Authors: Castro‐Fernández I. , DeLosRíos‐Navarrete F. , Borobia‐Moreno R. , Fernández‐Jiménez M. , García‐Cousillas H. , Zas‐Bustingorri M. , Ghobaissi A. T. , López‐Vega F. , Best K. , Cavallaro R. , Sánchez‐Arriaga G. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe architecture and a flight test campaign of a small‐scale testbed aimed at aerodynamic and dynamic characterization of airborne wind energy systems are presented. The testbed involves a two‐line rigid‐framed delta kite and an automatic ground station for the lateral control of the kite and reel‐in/reel‐out of the two tethers. The environment, and the states of the kite, the tethers and the actuators are measured by a set of on‐ground and onboard sensors that include, among others, an inertial measurement unit, GNSS receivers, load cells, actuator encoders, a wind station, and a visual motion tracking (VMT) system based on three cameras and an artificial neural network (YOLOv2). The results of a 5‐min flight, including the take‐off, cross‐wind flight, and landing, were used to analyze the capabilities of the testbed. It was shown that the time derivative of the kite course angle exhibits a linear correlation with both the delayed steering input and the delayed differential tether tension, being the dispersion lower for the latter. The intrinsic and extrinsic calibrations proposed for the VMT system led to a good agreement between the estimation of the kite position and course angle provided by the VMT system and the onboard computer. Moreover, although the YOLOv2 algorithm failed in the detection of the kite within around 5% of the images, the simultaneous non‐detection from the three cameras was below 0.1% during the full flight. Such a reliability suggests that a VMT system can be used as a redundant or backup sensor for the GNSS.
A Bayesian hierarchical assessment of night shift working for offshore wind farms
Authors: Anderson Fraser , McMillan David , Dawid Rafael , Garcia Cava David 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis article presents a Bayesian data‐modelling approach to assessing operational efficiency at offshore wind farms. Input data are provided by an operational database provided by a large offshore wind farm which employs an advanced data management system. We explore the combination of datasets making up the database, using them to train a Bayesian hierarchical model which predicts weekly lost production from corrective maintenance and time‐based availability. The approach is used to investigate the effect of technician work shift patterns, specifically addressing a strategy involving night shifts for corrective maintenance which was employed at the site throughout the winter. It was found that, for this particular site, there is an approximate annual increase in time‐based technical availability of 0.64%. We explore the effect of modelling assumptions on cost savings; specifically, we explore variations in failure rate, price of electricity, number of technicians working night shift, extra staff wages, months of the year employing 24/7 working and extra vessel provision. Results vary quite significantly among the scenarios investigated, exemplifying the need to consider the question on a farm‐by‐farm basis.