bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association of Multiple Sensory Impairment and Telomere Length: The Health ABC Study
Authors: Vohra Varun , Cheng Michael Z. , Xue Qian‐Li , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Lane Andrew P. , Agrawal Yuri , Rowan Nicholas R. 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to characterize the associations of sensory impairments, including olfaction (OI), vision (VI), hearing (HI), and touch (TI), with telomere length (TL) in a group of community‐dwelling older adults who participated in the Health ABC study.MethodsAcross 1603 participants, OI was classified with the Brief Smell Identification Test (<11), HI with pure‐tone averages (<25 dB), VI with visual acuity (20/50 or worse), and TI with monofilament testing (inability to detect three of four touches). Shorter TL was defined as the lowest quartile of sample TLs. Adjusted multivariable regressions were used to examine the cross‐sectional association between the modality, severity, and number of sensory impairments with TL.ResultsParticipants had an average age of 77.4 ± 2.84 years, and 89.7% (n = 1438) had at least one or more sensory impairments. Severe OI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.19, 2.6]) was independently associated with increased odds of shorter TL. Additionally, having one (OR = 2.79, 95% CI = [1.69, 4.70]), two (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = [1.51, 4.26]), three (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = [1.79, 5.36]), or four impairments (OR = 3.72, 95% CI = [1.52, 7.33]) was associated with increased odds of shorter TL in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionSevere OI and TI appear to be particularly robust markers of shortened TL. Additionally, multiple sensory impairment is strongly associated with shortened TL, suggesting that sensory dysfunction may represent a unique biomarker of unhealthy aging.Level of EvidenceLevel II Laryngoscope, 133:3132–3138, 2023
Plant litter predicts the changing trajectories of plant communities following grazing exclusion
Authors: Zhang Chunping , Zhang Yongchao , Qin Yan , Niu Decao , Fu Hua , Elser James J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLitter decomposition is a key component of global biogeochemical cycles that affects the availability of soil nutrients for plant productivity. Significant variations in litter decomposability between plant taxa are attributed to diverse functional traits including litter quality, plant nutrient production, and nutrient resorption efficiency which should influence the ecological fitness of plants in the community. However, no reports to date have explored the relationships between litter decomposition and plant community dynamics, that is, plant succession and interspecific competition. We conducted a litter decomposition experiment that focused on 21 plant species in an alpine meadow. The litter decomposition rates of these species were compared with their initial litter quality and nutrient use efficiencies to examine whether the plant litter indicators of the community structures were altered following grazing exclusion. We found that among these 21 plant species, those with higher nutrient use efficiencies had a lower litter decomposition rate. Meanwhile, lower decomposition rates were correlated with higher plant importance values, and this correlation became stronger over time in plant communities following grazing exclusion, except for dominant species. Our results suggested that litter decomposability can be used to predict the changing trajectories of plant communities following grazing exclusion, except for dominant species.
Nigral Pathology Contributes to Microstructural Integrity of Striatal and Frontal Tracts in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Lin Chen‐Pei , Knoop Lydian E.J. , Frigerio Irene , Bol John G.J.M. , Rozemuller Annemieke J.M. , Berendse Henk W. , Pouwels Petra J.W. , van de Berg Wilma D.J. , Jonkman Laura E. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundMotor and cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with dopaminergic dysfunction that stems from substantia nigra (SN) degeneration and concomitant α‐synuclein accumulation. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect microstructural alterations of the SN and its tracts to (sub)cortical regions, but their pathological sensitivity is still poorly understood.ObjectiveTo unravel the pathological substrate(s) underlying microstructural alterations of SN, and its tracts to the dorsal striatum and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in PD.MethodsCombining post‐mortem in situ MRI and histopathology, T1‐weighted and diffusion MRI, and neuropathological samples of nine PD, six PD with dementia (PDD), five dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and 10 control donors were collected. From diffusion MRI, mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were derived from the SN, and tracts between the SN and caudate nucleus, putamen, and DLPFC. Phosphorylated‐Ser129‐α‐synuclein and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry was included to quantify nigral Lewy pathology and dopaminergic degeneration, respectively.ResultsCompared to controls, PD and PDD/DLB showed increased MD of the SN and SN‐DLPFC tract, as well as increased FA of the SN‐caudate nucleus tract. Both PD and PDD/DLB showed nigral Lewy pathology and dopaminergic loss compared to controls. Increased MD of the SN and FA of SN‐caudate nucleus tract were associated with SN dopaminergic loss. Whereas increased MD of the SN‐DLPFC tract was associated with increased SN Lewy neurite load.ConclusionsIn PD and PDD/DLB, diffusion MRI captures microstructural alterations of the SN and tracts to the dorsal striatum and DLPFC, which differentially associates with SN dopaminergic degeneration and Lewy neurite pathology. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Patient‐specific quality assurance for deformable IMRT/IMPT dose accumulation: Proposition and validation of energy conservation based validation criterion
Authors: Wu Xin , Amstutz Florian , Weber Damien C. , Unkelbach Jan , Lomax Antony J. , Zhang Ye 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundDeformable image registration (DIR)‐based dose accumulation (DDA) is regularly used in adaptive radiotherapy research. However, the applicability and reliability of DDA for direct clinical usage are still being debated. One primary concern is the validity of DDA, particularly for scenarios with substantial anatomical changes, for which energy‐conservation problems were observed in conceptual studies.PurposeWe present and validate an energy‐conservation (EC)‐based DDA validation workflow and further investigate its usefulness for actual patient data, specifically for lung cancer cases.MethodsFor five non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, DDA based on five selective DIR methods were calculated for five different treatment plans, which include one intensity‐modulated photon therapy (IMRT), two intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT), and two combined proton‐photon therapy (CPPT) plans. All plans were optimized on the planning CT (planCT) acquired in deep inspiration breath‐hold (DIBH) and were re‐optimized on the repeated DIBH CTs of three later fractions. The resulting fractional doses were warped back to the planCT using each DIR. An EC‐based validation of the accumulation process was implemented and applied to all DDA results. Correlations between relative organ mass/volume variations and the extent of EC violation were then studied using Bayesian linear regression (BLR).ResultsFor most OARs, EC violation within 10% is observed. However, for the PTVs and GTVs with substantial regression, severe overestimation of the fractional energy was found regardless of treatment type and applied DIR method. BLR results show that EC violation is linearly correlated to the relative mass variation (R^2 > 0.95) and volume variation (R^2 > 0.60).ConclusionDDA results should be used with caution in regions with high mass/volume variation for intensity‐based DIRs. EC‐based validation is a useful approach to provide patient‐specific quality assurance of the validity of DDA in radiotherapy.
Reliability polynomials of consecutive‐k‐out‐of‐n:Fsystems have unbounded roots
Authors: Jianu Marilena , Dăuş Leonard , Drăgoi Vlad‐Florin , Beiu Valeriu 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis article studies the roots of the reliability polynomials of linear consecutive‐k‐out‐of‐n:Fsystems. We prove that these roots are unbounded in the complex plane, for any fixed . In the particular case , we show that the reliability polynomials have only real roots and highlight the closure of these roots by establishing their explicit formulas. We also point out that in this case, for any fixedn, the nonzero roots of the reliability polynomial are distinct numbers.
The NIH pediatric/young adult chordoma clinic and natural history study: Making advances in a very rare tumor
Authors: John Liny , Smith Hannah , Ilanchezhian Maran , Lockridge Robin , Reilly Karlyne M. , Raygada Margarita , Dombi Eva , Sandler Abby , Thomas Barbara J. , Glod John , Miettinen Markku , Allen Taryn , Sommer Josh , Levy Joan , Lozinsky Shannon , Dix David , Bouffet Eric , MacDonald Shannon , Mukherjee Debraj , Snyderman Carl H. , Rowan Nicholas R. , Malyapa Robert , Park Deric M. , Heery Christopher , Gardner Paul A. , Cote Gregory M. , Fuller Sarah , Butman John A. , Jackson Sadhana , Gulley James L. , Widemann Brigitte C. , Wedekind Mary Frances 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundChordomas are rare tumors arising from the skull base and spine, with approximately 20 pediatric chordoma cases in the Unitedn States per year. The natural history and optimal treatment of pediatric chordomas, especially poorly differentiated and dedifferentiated subtypes, is incompletely understood. Herein, we present findings from our first National Cancer Institute (NCI) chordoma clinic and a retrospective analysis of published cases of pediatric poorly differentiated chordomas (PDC) and dedifferentiated chordomas (DC).MethodsPatients less than 40 years old with chordoma were enrolled on the NCI Natural History and Biospecimens Acquisitions Study for Children and Adults with Rare Solid Tumors protocol (NCT03739827). Chordoma experts reviewed patient records, evaluated patients, and provided treatment recommendations. Patient‐reported outcomes, biospecimens, and volumetric tumor analyses were collected. A literature review for pediatric PDC and DC was conducted.ResultsTwelve patients (median age: 14 years) attended the clinic, including four patients with active disease and three patients with PDC responsive to systemic therapy. Consensus treatment, management, and recommendations were provided to patients. Literature review returned 45 pediatric cases of PDC or DC with variable treatments and outcomes.ConclusionsA multidisciplinary expert clinic was feasible and successful in improving understanding of pediatric chordoma. While multimodal approaches have all been employed, treatment for PDC has been inconsistent and a recommended standardized treatment approach has not been defined. Centralized efforts, inclusive of specialized chordoma‐focused clinics, natural history studies, and prospective analyses will help in the standardization of care for this challenging disease.
The influence of yarn fiber volume fraction, shear angle, and yarn spacing on crack propagation resistance of plain‐woven fabric‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Arikan Volkan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of fabric parameters on crack propagation in plain‐woven e‐glass reinforced epoxy composite plates. Through numerical analyses, the study contributes to understanding the effect of fabric structure on crack propagation and adopting a more precise approach in the design of composite materials. The yarn fiber volume fraction, shear angle, and yarn spacing parameters were selected as variables for the plain‐woven fabric, and material properties were determined for each parameter using the composite homogenization method. A finite element model was created using the Ansys software package, and stress intensity factors (SIFs) and tear stress values were obtained under mode I loading to investigate the effects of fabric structure on crack propagation. The results showed that as the yarn fiber volume fraction ratio increased, the SIF values decreased and the T‐stress values increased. When evaluated according to the shear angle of the yarn, the lowest SIF value was obtained for the 0‐degree shear angle. The same was observed for T‐stress values as well. Additionally, compared to the fabric structure aligned along the X‐axis, a significant decrease occurred in the SIF value due to the perpendicular fiber density increase to the crack propagation direction with symmetric orientation.
A novel use of Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) as inoculative agent of baculoviruses
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Cárdenas Oscar Giovanni , Adán Ángeles , Medina Pilar , Muñoz Delia , Caballero Primitivo , Garzón Agustín 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlphabaculoviruses are Lepidoptera‐specific virulent pathogens that infect numerous pests, including the Spodoptera complex. Due to their low environmental persistence, the traditional use of Alphabaculoviruses as bioinsecticides consist in high‐rate spray applications with repeated treatments. Several abiotic and biotic factors can foster its dispersion, promoting their persistence in the agroecosystem. Amongst biotic factors, predatory arthropods can disperse the viruses by excretion after preying on infected individuals. Therefore, this study focused on promoting predator's ingestion of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV)‐treated diets, and the later exposition of the insect host to leaf surfaces contaminated with predator excreta. The virus–host–predator system studied was Spodoptera littoralis nucleopolyhedrovirus (SpliNPV), Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) and Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter). The infective potential of N. tenuis feces and the retention time of SpliNPV were assessed under laboratory conditions after feeding on treated diets (sucrose solution and Ephestia kuehniella eggs).ResultsMortality of S. littoralis larvae was lower via N. tenuis excretion than in positive control (spray application) in the first infection cycle, together with a delay in host death. In the second infection cycle, both SpliNPV‐treated diets triggered 100% mortality. Both diets allowed the transmission of SpliNPV, with a faster excretion via sucrose solution compared to E. kuehniella eggs. SpliNPV remained in N. tenuis digestive tract and was viable after excretion at least for 9 days for both diets.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the potential of the predator N. tenuis as inoculative agent of baculoviruses, representing a new alternative that, along with inundative applications, might contribute to improve pest management strategies. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Urolithin A: A promising selective estrogen receptor modulator and 27‐hydroxycholesterol attenuator in breast cancer
Authors: Vini Ravindran , Jaikumar Vishnu Sunil , Remadevi Viji , Ravindran Swathy , Azeez Juberiya M. , Sasikumar Anjana , Sundaram Shankar , Sreeja Sreeharshan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐HC) is an oxysterol that acts as an endogenous selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), and its adverse effects on breast cancer via the estrogen receptor (ER) have provided new insights into the pathology of cholesterol–linked breast cancer. Our earlier in vitro experiments showed that the methanolic extract of pomegranate could exhibit SERM properties and compete with 27‐HC. The major constituents of pomegranate are ellagitannins and ellagic acid, which are converted into urolithins by the colonic microbiota. In recent years, urolithins, especially urolithin A (UA) and urolithin B (UB), have been reported to have a plethora of advantageous effects, including antiproliferative and estrogenic activities. In this study, we attempted to determine the potential of urolithins in antagonizing and counteracting the adverse effects of 27‐HC in breast cancer cells. Our findings suggested that UA had an antiproliferative capacity and attenuated the proliferative effects of 27‐HC, resulting in subsequent loss of membrane potential and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Further, UA induced estrogen response element (ERE) transcriptional activity and modulated estrogen‐responsive genes, exhibiting a SERM‐like response concerning receptor binding. Our in vivo hollow fiber assay results showed a loss of cell viability in breast cancer cells upon UA consumption, as well as a reduction in 27‐HC‐induced proliferative activity. Additionally, it was shown that UA did not induce uterine proliferation or alter blood biochemical parameters. Based on these findings, we can conclude that UA has the potential to act as a potent estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) modulator and 27‐HC antagonist. UA is safe to consume and is very well tolerated. This study further opens up the potential of UA as ER modulator and its benefits in estrogen‐dependent tissues.
The effects of Capsicum annuum supplementation on lipid profiles in adults with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hjazi Ahmed 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe electiveness of Capsicum annuum supplementation in controlling dyslipidemia in adults has been unclear. Therefore, this meta‐analysis focuses on the relationship between C. annuum supplementation and lipid profile in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to March 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the administration of C. annuum compared to control on lipid markers in adults with MetS and related disorders were examined. Pooled effect sizes were reported as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results of four eligible RCTs showed that C. annuum supplementation could significantly reduce total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −4.98 mg/dL, 95% CI: −7.08 to −2.88, p ≤ 0.001) levels, but did not regulate triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. In summary, the present findings suggest the beneficial effects of C. annuum supplementation on the reduction of plasma levels of TC. However, to draw a firm link between C. annuum supplementation and lipid profile, more trials with adequate sample sizes, specifically in subjects with dyslipidemia are warranted.
Quantum Key Distribution Using a Quantum Emitter in Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Al‐Juboori Ali , Zeng Helen Zhi Jie , Nguyen Minh Anh Phan , Ai Xiaoyu , Laucht Arne , Solntsev Alexander , Toth Milos , Malaney Robert , Aharonovich Igor 
Published: June 2023

AbstractQuantum key distribution (QKD) is considered the most immediate application to be widely implemented among a variety of potential quantum technologies. QKD enables sharing secret keys between distant users by using photons as information carriers. An ongoing endeavor is to implement these protocols in practice in a robust, and compact manner so as to be efficiently deployable in a range of real‐world scenarios. Single photon sources (SPS) in solid‐state materials are prime candidates in this respect. This article demonstrates a room temperature, discrete‐variable quantum key distribution system using a bright single photon source in hexagonal‐boron nitride, operating in free‐space. Employing an easily interchangeable photon source system, keys with one million bits length, and a secret key of approximately 70000 bits, at a quantum bit error rate of 6%, with ε‐security of 10−10are generated. This study demonstrates the first proof of concept finite‐key BB84 QKD system realized with hBN defects.
Diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis
Authors: Nadrous Anthony , Sonavane Sushilkumar , Khoor Andras , Yu‐Lee Mateus Alejandra , Lee Augustine 
Published: June 2023

Key messageDiffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis (DPM) is an ultra‐rare pulmonary disease characterized by innumerable bilateral minute meningothelial‐like nodules, sometimes presenting a characteristic ‘cheerio‐sign’ on imaging. Most patients with DPM are asymptomatic and experience no disease progression. Although little is known about its nature, DPM may be associated with pulmonary malignancies, mostly lung adenocarcinoma.
Bio‐fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Alysicarpus vaginalis Extract: Preparation, Characterization and Comparative in vitro Antibacterial Evaluations
Authors: Mishra Krishna N. , Mohapatra Debadatta , Chaubey Pratibha , Sahu Alakh N. , Kumar Shailendra , Upadhyay Harish C. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractGreen synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the Alysicarpus vaginalis alcoholic extract as a reducing agent and a capping ligand was carried out. Notable peaks of λmax 442–602 nm indicated the reduction of silver ions to elemental AgNPs. Particle size (Zavg) was in the range of 32.3±0.76 to 252.3±0.342 nm). The negative Zeta potential (ZP, −2.9±0.31 to −21.7±0.13 mV) and low polydispersity index (PDI, 0.181±0.02 to 0.635±0.02) supported the homogeneous nature of AgNPs. Further, crystalline spherical nature of AgNPs with a smooth surface was confirmed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies. The AgNPs showed 1.2 to 1.4‐fold enhanced antibacterial activity than extract (6–10 mm zone of inhibition) against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica ser. Typhi by disc diffusion assay. The AgNP formulation F9 showed equal (against Gram‐positive L. monocytogenes) or even better (against Gram‐negative S. enterica Typhi) antimicrobial activity than the positive control, ciprofloxacin. Further investigations on F9 are suggested in order to develop a broad‐spectrum, cost‐effective antibacterial formulation of natural origin. This study represents a significant step forward in the field of bio‐fabrication and presents a promising alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods for the production of antimicrobial AgNPs.
Boron and Sodium Doping of Polymeric Carbon Nitride Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Shmila Tirza , Mondal Sanjit , Barzilai Shmuel , Karjule Neeta , Volokh Michael , Shalom Menny 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPolymeric carbon nitride is a promising photoanode material for water‐splitting and organic transformation‐based photochemical cells. Despite achieving significant progress in performance, these materials still exhibit low photoactivity compared to inorganic photoanodic materials because of a moderate visible light response, poor charge separation, and slow oxidation kinetics. Here, the synthesis of a sodium‐ and boron‐doped carbon nitride layer with excellent activity as a photoanode in a water‐splitting photoelectrochemical cell is reported. The new synthesis consists of the direct growth of carbon nitride (CN) monomers from a hot precursor solution, enabling control over the monomer‐to‐dopant ratio, thus determining the final CN properties. The introduction of Na and B as dopants results in a dense CN layer with a packed morphology, better charge separation thanks to the in situ formation of an electron density gradient, and an extended visible light response up to 550 nm. The optimized photoanode exhibits state‐of‐the‐art performance: photocurrent densities with and without a hole scavenger of about 1.5 and 0.9 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), and maximal external quantum efficiencies of 56% and 24%, respectively, alongside an onset potential of 0.3 V.