bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lymphedema prevention and immediate breast reconstruction with simultaneous gastroepiploic vascularized lymph node transfer and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap: A case report
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Escandón Joseph M. , Manrique Oscar J. , Gutierrez‐Arana Jessica , Mayer Horacio F. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBreast cancer‐related lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been documented in 6%–55% of patients, mostly occurring within the next 3 years after radiation or surgery. We present a case of a 53‐year‐old patient with hormone positive, stage IB, left breast invasive ductal carcinoma treated with immediate lymphatic and microvascular breast reconstruction (MBR) using vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) for lymphedema prevention. A deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap (18.3 × 11.2‐cm) and simultaneous prophylactic gastroepiploic‐VLNT (7 × 3‐cm), orthotopically inset in the axilla, were used for reconstruction following mastectomy and radical ALND. The procedure was uneventful. The patient did not display increased postoperative arm circumferences. ICG lymphography did not show any changes at 2‐ and 3‐years after surgery. Preventive lymphatic reconstruction with GE‐VLNT and immediate MBR using the DIEP flap offers a new possibility for the primary prevention of lymphedema and simultaneous immediate autologous breast reconstruction without the risk of iatrogenic lymphedema. Further studies will be directed to unveil the external validity of these findings and the risk reduction rate of this approach.
Influence of ultrasound focus depth on the association between echo intensity and intramuscular adipose tissue
Authors: Fukumoto Yoshihiro , Taniguchi Masashi , Hirono Tetsuya , Yagi Masahide , Yamagata Momoko , Nakai Ryusuke , Asai Tsuyoshi , Yamada Yosuke , Kimura Misaka , Ichihashi Noriaki 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsAttenuation of the ultrasound (US) wave is a serious limitation of echo intensity (EI) on B‐mode US. The aim of this study was to determine whether the focus depth of US images influences the depth‐dependent attenuation of EI and the relationship between EI and intramuscular adipose tissues (IntraMAT).MethodsThe rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI) of the right thigh were studied in 135 adults (92 older, 43 younger). The EI on US images was measured at three focus depth conditions: top of the image, center of the RF, and center of the VI. The depth of the region of interest (ROI) was measured. IntraMAT was calculated using water and fat images based on the two‐point Dixon technique with a 3.0‐T magnetic resonance imaging scanner.ResultsThe correlation between EI and IntraMAT was stronger in the focus RF and VI conditions than in the focus top condition and stronger for RF than for VI. The depth of the ROI influenced the IntraMAT‐adjusted residual EI more in the focus top condition than in the focus RF and VI conditions, and influenced VI more strongly than it did RF.DiscussionBy mitigating EI attenuation, EI with a focus depth adjusted to the ROI reflected IntraMAT more accurately than that without adjustment. However, it may not completely prevent the potential influence of depth‐dependent attenuation of EI, especially for deeper muscles such as the VI.
Light‐tunable optical cell manipulation via photoactive azobenzene‐containing thin film bio‐substrate
Authors: Lefebvre Olivier , Pinto Sandra , Lahlil Khalid , Peretti Jacques , Smadja Claire , Randriamampita Clotilde , Lambert Mireille , Fabbri Filippo 
Published: July 2022

AbstractLive real‐time study of the local and collective cellular biomechanical responses requires the fine and selective manipulation of the cellular environment. One innovative pathway is the use of photoactive bio‐substrates such as azobenzene‐containing materials, which exhibit specific photomechanical properties, to optically trigger the local, mechanical stimulation of cells. Mechanically stimulated cells exhibit major morphological modifications and area shrinkage, which are dependent on the illumination. This demonstrates the capabilities of photomechanically active substrates to study the phenomena resulting from the mechanical interaction of cells with their environment.
vDANE: Using virtualization for improving video quality with Server and Network Assisted DASH
Authors: Kalan Reza Shokri , Clayman Stuart , Sayıt Muge 
Published: July 2022

SummaryNetwork Function Virtualization (NFV) offers flexibility in traffic engineering and network resource management, by taking advantage of Software Defined Networking (SDN). By using these network technologies, it is possible to enhance the performance of video streaming applications by placing network functions in suitable locations and rerouting flows. Our study addresses the “virtual cache placement” problem in dynamic networks, where traffic patterns and attachment points of the clients are changing rapidly. The cache placement is done by determining how many virtual caches are necessary to be able to provide acceptable service to the clients, as well as where to place those caches to meet demand. To this end, we provide a heuristic solution by taking advantage of NFV‐SDN and having the assistance of Server and Network Assisted DASH (SAND). Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms can improve the video client rebuffering by 150%–270% and also can provide an 8%–12% increase in average bitrate received by the client, compared to a number of benchmark algorithms. The obtained results indicate that the co‐operation between the client and the operator of an SDN‐enabled network, by exchanging client and network information, allows network resources to be efficiently used, and as a consequence, the Quality of Experience (QoE) on the client's side is improved.
Weight gain among US adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic through May 2021
Authors: Freedman David S. , Kompaniyets Lyudmyla , Daymont Carrie , Zhao Lixia , Blanck Heidi M. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectiveThere have been conflicting reports concerning weight gain among adults during the COVID‐19 epidemic. Although early studies reported large weight increases, several of these analyses were based on convenience samples or self‐reported information. The objective of the current study is to examine the pandemic‐related weight increase associated with the pandemic through May 2021.MethodsA total of 4.25 million adults (18 to 84 years) in an electronic health record database who had at least two weight measurements between January 2019 and February 2020 and one after June 2020 were selected. Weight changes before and after March 2020 were contrasted using mixed‐effects regression models.ResultsCompared with the pre‐pandemic weight trend, there was a small increase (0.1 kg) in weight in the first year of the pandemic (March 2020 through March 2021). Weight changes during the pandemic varied by sex, age, and initial BMI, but the largest mean increase across these characteristics was < 1.3 kg. Weight increases were generally greatest among women, adults with BMI of 30 or 35 kg/m2, and younger adults.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the mean weight gain among adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic may be small.
Non‐articulated hybrid glass and carbon‐reinforced shank tube for bio‐medical applications
Authors: Vasanthanathan Arunachalam , Amudhan Kannan , Govinthan Chithambara Moorthy , Niranjan Rajendran , Praveen Arumugam 
Published: July 2022

AbstractGlobally, the most prevalent reasons of lower extremity amputation are diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, trauma, tumors and congenital abnormalities. Though modern lower limb prosthetic devices are available in the market, affordability for amputees in developing and underdeveloped nations is a concern, so it is required to make it more accessible with more economical options. This research is an initiative to develop a composite shank tube by filament winding technique as an alternative to conventional metallic tubes for prosthetic components. The composite materials used for this study included glass fiber/epoxy and hybrid fiber (glass + carbon)/epoxy. The composite tubes were manually fabricated and were subjected to axial compression test to estimate the loading bearing and energy absorption capacities. The composite's material properties were determined as per ASTM standards. The obtained properties and experimental data were used to carry out simulations for the composite tubes with ANSYS® 2021 software package under quasistatic loading conditions. Based on the research that was done, the overall performance of Hybrid Fiber tube in terms of peak loads and energy absorption indexes looks good, and there is a high possibility that they could be used as a load‐bearing part in a lower limb prosthetic system.
Dynamic mechanical analysis of continuous carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketones under multi‐consecutive temperature scans
Authors: Li Shiping , Zhang Yibei , Chen Wujun , Chen Longlong , Fang Guangqiang , Peng Fujun 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe study analyzed the dynamics mechanical properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) under multi‐consecutive temperature scans and establish an evaluation model of storage modulus to facilitate application in high/low temperature. The dynamic mechanical properties of CF/PEEK laminate sheets obtained via hot‐pressing procedure were subjected to a dynamic mechanical cycle test. The micromorphology and microstructure were observed with a scanning electron microscopy. The structural evolution of CF/PEEK and the interface between carbon fiber and PEEK matrix were analyzed. The characteristic variation of storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss factor are discussed and the damping properties are studied in different temperature ranges. The results show that the dynamic mechanical properties of CF/PEEK were become stabilized after the first temperature scan, while the glass transition temperature remained basically unchanged. The storage modulus of the material increased by 15.8% and the peak value of the loss factor curve increased by 14.4%. Based on the experimental data, an evaluation model of the storage modulus was formulated and validated by the test results obtained to provide an accurately predicting the dynamic mechanical properties of CF/PEEK and expand its engineering applications.
Enhanced seedling growth by 3‐n‐pentadecylphenolethanolamide is mediated by fatty acid amide hydrolases in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Arias‐Gaguancela Omar , Adhikari Bikash , Aziz Mina , Chapman Kent D. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractFatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a conserved amidase that is known to modulate the levels of endogenous N‐acylethanolamines (NAEs) in both plants and animals. The activity of FAAH is enhanced in vitro by synthetic phenoxyacylethanolamides resulting in greater hydrolysis of NAEs. Previously, 3‐n‐pentadecylphenolethanolamide (PDP‐EA) was shown to exert positive effects on the development of Arabidopsis seedlings by enhancing Arabidopsis FAAH (AtFAAH) activity. However, there is little information regarding FAAH activity and the impact of PDP‐EA in the development of seedlings of other plant species. Here, we examined the effects of PDP‐EA on growth of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv Coker 312) seedlings including two lines of transgenic seedlings overexpressing AtFAAH. Independent transgenic events showed accelerated true‐leaf emergence compared with non‐transgenic controls. Exogenous applications of PDP‐EA led to increases in overall seedling growth in AtFAAH transgenic lines. These enhanced‐growth phenotypes coincided with elevated FAAH activities toward NAEs and NAE oxylipins. Conversely, the endogenous contents of NAEs and NAE‐oxylipin species, especially linoleoylethanolamide and 9‐hydroxy linoleoylethanolamide, were lower in PDP‐EA treated seedlings than in controls. Further, transcripts for endogenous cotton FAAH genes were increased following PDP‐EA exposure. Collectively, our data corroborate that the enhancement of FAAH enzyme activity by PDP‐EA stimulates NAE‐hydrolysis and that this results in enhanced growth in seedlings of a perennial crop species, extending the role of NAE metabolism in seedling development beyond the model annual plant species, Arabidopsis thaliana.
Core packing of well‐defined X‐ray and NMR structures is the same
Authors: Grigas Alex T. , Liu Zhuoyi , Regan Lynne , O'Hern Corey S. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractNumerous studies have investigated the differences and similarities between protein structures determined by solution NMR spectroscopy and those determined by X‐ray crystallography. A fundamental question is whether any observed differences are due to differing methodologies or to differences in the behavior of proteins in solution versus in the crystalline state. Here, we compare the properties of the hydrophobic cores of high‐resolution protein crystal structures and those in NMR structures, determined using increasing numbers and types of restraints. Prior studies have reported that many NMR structures have denser cores compared with those of high‐resolution X‐ray crystal structures. Our current work investigates this result in more detail and finds that these NMR structures tend to violate basic features of protein stereochemistry, such as small non‐bonded atomic overlaps and few Ramachandran and sidechain dihedral angle outliers. We find that NMR structures solved with more restraints, and which do not significantly violate stereochemistry, have hydrophobic cores that have a similar size and packing fraction as their counterparts determined by X‐ray crystallography at high resolution. These results lead us to conclude that, at least regarding the core packing properties, high‐quality structures determined by NMR and X‐ray crystallography are the same, and the differences reported earlier are most likely a consequence of methodology, rather than fundamental differences between the protein in the two different environments.
The dynamics of t1 adenosine binding on human Argonaute 2: Understanding recognition with conformational selection
Authors: Rinaldi Silvia , Colombo Giorgio , Paladino Antonella 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe control of expression in genetic regulation is a fundamental process for cell life. In RNA‐mediated silencing, human Argonaute‐2 protein (hAgo2) uses sequence information encoded in small RNAs (guide) to identify complementary sites in messenger RNAs (target) for repression. The specificity of this molecular recognition lies at the basis of the mechanisms that control the expression of thousands of genes, which necessarily requires a fine tuning of complex events. Among these, the binding of the first nucleotide of the target RNA (t1) is emerging as an important modulator of hAgo2‐mediated machinery. Using atomistic molecular dynamics‐derived analyses, we address the mechanism behind t1‐dependent regulation and study the impact of different t1 nucleotides (t1A, t1C, t1G, t1U) on the conformational dynamics of both hAgo2 and guide–target RNAs. Only when an adenine is found at this position, t1 directly interacts with a specific hAgo2 binding pocket, favoring the stabilization of target binding. Our findings show that hAgo2 exploits a dynamic recognition mechanism of the t1‐target thanks to a modulation of RNA conformations. Here, t1‐adenine is the only nucleobase endowed with a dual binding mode: a T‐shape and a co‐planar conformation, respectively, orthogonal and parallel to the following base‐pairs of guide–target duplex. This triggers a composite set of molecular interactions that stabilizes distinctive conformational ensembles. Our comparative analyses show characteristic traits of local and global dynamic interplay between hAgo2 and the RNA molecules and highlight how t1A binding acts as a molecular switch for target recognition and complex stabilization. Implications for future mechanistic studies are discussed.
Increased cytokine gene expression and cognition risk associated with androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Verma Shiv , Kushwaha Prem Prakash , Shankar Eswar , Ponsky Lee E. , Gupta Sanjay 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a standard treatment modality for locally advanced, high‐risk, and metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer. Long‐term ADT treatment likely develops side‐effects that include changes in cognition or onset of dementia. However, the molecular understanding of this effect remains elusive. We attempt to establish a link between ADT and changes in cognitive function using patient databases and bioinformatics analyses.MethodsGene expression profiling was performed using RNA sequencing data from Alzheimer patient cohort and compared with the data from advanced‐stage prostate cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant antiandrogen therapy. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using the Ingenuity knowledge database.ResultsA total of 1952 DEGs in the Alzheimer patient cohort and 101 DEGs were identified in ADT treated prostate cancer patients. Comparing both data sets provided a subset of 33 commonly expressed genes involving cytokine‐cytokine signaling with an over representation of cytokine‐cytokine receptor interaction, inflammatory cytokines, signaling by interleukins together with alterations in the circulating lymphocyte repertoire, adaptive immune responses, regulation of cytokine production, and changes in T‐cell subsets. Additionally, lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor, and toll‐like receptors were identified as upstream transcriptional regulators of these pathways. The most commonly expressed genes viz. IL‐17A, CCL2, IL‐10, IL‐6, IL‐1RN, LIF/LIFR were further validated by quantitative RT‐PCR exhibited higher expression in antiandrogen treated neuronal, glial, and androgen‐responsive prostate cancer cells, compared to no‐androgen antagonist treatment.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that changes in cytokine signaling under the influence of ADT in prostate cancer patients may be linked with cognitive impairment presenting new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic development in combating brain deficits.
Differential effects of TRPM4 channel inhibitors on Guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle excitability and contractility: Novel 4‐chloro‐2‐[2‐(2‐chloro‐phenoxy)‐acetylamino]‐benzoic acid (CBA) versus classical 9‐phenanthrol
Authors: Malysz John , Maxwell Sarah E. , Petkov Georgi V. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractNon‐selective cation channels in urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) are thought to mediate increases in cellular excitability and contractility. For transient receptor potential melastatin type‐4 (TRPM4) channels, the evidence primarily relies on the inhibitor 9‐phenanthrol, which exhibits pharmacological limitations. Recently, 4‐chloro‐2‐[2‐(2‐chloro‐phenoxy)‐acetylamino]‐benzoic acid (CBA) has been discovered as a novel TRPM4 channel blocker. We examined how, in comparison to 9‐phenanthrol, CBA affects the excitability of freshly isolated guinea pig UBSM cells and the contractility of UBSM strips. Additionally, non‐selective TRPM4 channel inhibitor flufenamic acid (FFA) and potentiator BTP2 (also known as YM‐58483) were studied in UBSM cells. Unlike robust inhibition for 9‐phenanthrol already known, CBA (up to 100 μM) displayed either no or a very weak reduction (<20%) in spontaneous phasic, 20 mM KCl‐induced, and electrical field stimulated contractions. For 300 μM CBA, reductions were higher except for an increase in the frequency of KCl‐induced contractions. In UBSM cells, examined under amphotericin B‐perforated patch‐clamp, CBA (30 μM) did not affect the membrane potential (I = 0) or voltage step‐induced whole‐cell cation currents, sensitive to 9‐phenanthrol. The currents were not inhibited by FFA (100 μM), increased by BTP2 (10 μM), nor enhanced under a strongly depolarizing holding voltage of −16 or + 6 mV (vs. −74 mV). None of the three compounds affected the cell capacitance, unlike 9‐phenanthrol. In summary, the novel inhibitor CBA and nonselective FFA did not mimic the inhibitory properties of 9‐phenanthrol on UBSM function. These results suggest that TRPM4 channels, although expressed in UBSM, play a distinct role rather than direct regulation of excitability and contractility.
Long‐term outcomes of robot‐assisted radical thymectomy for large thymomas: A propensity matched analysis
Authors: Bongiolatti Stefano , Salvicchi Alberto , Puzhlyiakov Valerij , Cipollini Fabrizio , Viggiano Domenico , Gonfiotti Alessandro , Voltolini Luca 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term results of robot‐assisted (RATS) thymectomy in the treatment of large thymomas, defined as larger than 5 cm.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 106 thymectomies from 2010 to 2020, creating two groups based on the surgical approach (open or RATS) and size. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox‐regression were used to estimate and identify risk factors of oncological outcomes. To perform a well‐balanced analysis, a propensity score matched (PSM) analysis was conducted for large thymomas.ResultsFrom 2015, we performed 54 RATS thymectomies: 53.7% (n = 29) for small and 46.3% (n = 25) for large thymomas. Conversions were similar and all patients had a complete resection. The overall (82% vs. 92%, p = 0.57) and disease‐free survival were comparable between RATS and open (92.5% vs. 93%, p = 0.67), outcomes confirmed after PSM for large thymomas.ConclusionsRATS thymectomy could be considered a valid option in selected patients with large thymomas.
Dynamic surface control with a nonlinear disturbance observer for multi‐degree of freedom underactuated mechanical systems
Authors: Ding Feng , Huang Jian , Xu WenXia , Yang Chenguang , Sun Chong , Ai Yong 
Published: July 2022

AbstractUnderactuated systems are extensively utilized in practice while attracting a huge deal of attention in theoretical studies. There are few robust control strategies for general underactuated systems because of the variety of their dynamic models. A dynamic surface control strategy with a nonlinear disturbance observer is proposed in this study, to stabilize multi‐degree of freedom underactuated systems. In such systems the number of underactuated degrees of freedom is not higher compared to the actuated ones. A disturbance observer is utilized to dispose of the uncertain disturbance and cross terms in dynamic model which may cause failure to the controller. Then, a dynamic surface control strategy is presented which is not sensitive to the diversity of dynamic models. The stability of whole system is proven by Lyapunov‐based method. The control law is successfully applied to nonlinear underactuated systems in benchmark cascade form such as two‐translational oscillator with rotational actuator, crane, wheeled inverted pendulum. The effectiveness of proposed controllers are illustrated by MATLAB simulation results. Finally, comparative studies are presented to verify the superiority of the proposed method.