bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PCSSHO: An implementation of Percentage of Circle Search and Spotted Hyena Optimizer for multi‐constraint load balancing and routing framework in FANET
Authors: Ilango Poonguzhali , Sivarajan Nagarajan , RaviChandran Anitha , Arunachalam Rajesh
Published: March 2024

Flying ad hoc network (FANET) is a technology that has seen tremendous growth in the past years due to its application in various military and civil developments. Conventional topology‐aided routing schemes are not suitable for large‐scale FANETs. This is because of the higher mobility rate in UAVs with the architecture differences. Hence, several path entries in routing become invalid and the neighboring nodes can be occupied before the interruption. Hence, it is very important to solve the afore‐explained issues in FANET. Initially, the task is assigned to the UAVs. These tasks are performed by satisfying the demands such as timing, congestion, and energy to attain the effective load‐balancing performance. Then, the optimal clustering and cluster head (CH) selection are performed using the developed Percentage of Circle Search and Spotted Hyena Optimizer (PCSSHO) in the communication path. Here, the feature selection is done based on constraints like position, speed, moving direction, height variation, link quality, and inter‐ and intra‐cluster distance. Then, the developed PCSSHO model performs routing by considering different constraints such as “end‐to‐end delay, delivery ratio, power consumption, and link quality.” Thus, the recommenced load balancing model in FANET secures an enhanced performance rate than the conventional load balancing frameworks.
Exploring cognitive progression subtypes in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Ding Huitong , Wang Biqi , Hamel Alexander P. , Karjadi Cody , Ang Ting F. A. , Au Rhoda , Lin Honghuang
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by complex underlying neuropathology that is not fully understood. This study aimed to identify cognitive progression subtypes and examine their correlation with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Participants of this study were recruited from the Framingham Heart Study. The Subtype and Stage Inference (SuStaIn) method was used to identify cognitive progression subtypes based on eight cognitive domains.

RESULTS

Three cognitive progression subtypes were identified, including verbal learning (Subtype 1), abstract reasoning (Subtype 2), and visual memory (Subtype 3). These subtypes represent different domains of cognitive decline during the progression of AD. Significant differences in age of onset among the different subtypes were also observed. A higher SuStaIn stage was significantly associated with increased mortality risk.

DISCUSSION

This study provides a characterization of AD heterogeneity in cognitive progression, emphasizing the importance of developing personalized approaches for risk stratification and intervention.

Highlights

We used the Subtype and Stage Inference (SuStaIn) method to identify three cognitive progression subtypes.

Different subtypes have significant variations in age of onset.

Higher stages of progression are associated with increased mortality risk.
Biogeographical patterns of species richness in stream diatoms from southwestern South America
Authors: Zamorano Daniel , Labra Fabio A. , Matthaei Christoph D. , Romero Úrsula
Published: March 2024

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) hypothesis has been validated for many taxon groups, but so far, stream diatoms have not conformed to this pattern. Research on diatoms that includes data from South America is lacking, and our study aims to address this knowledge gap. Previous studies have successfully explained stream diatom species richness by considering niche dimensionality of physicochemical variables. Moreover, in southwestern South America, the observed biogeographical pattern differs from LDG and has been shown to be determined by historical factors. We used a dataset comprising 373 records of stream diatom communities located between 35° S and 52° S latitude, southwestern South America. The dataset included physicochemical river water variables, climate data, and ice sheet cover from the Last Glacial Maximum. We explored geographical patterns of diatom species richness and evaluated 12 different causal mechanisms, including climate‐related theories, physicochemical and climatical exploratory analyses, historical factors, and niche dimensionality. A metacommunity analysis was conducted to evaluate the possible nested structure due to historical factors. We observed an increase in diatom species richness from south to north. Models containing both physicochemical and climatic predictors explained the highest proportion of variation in the data. Silica, which was correlated with latitude, and flow velocity, which did not show any spatial pattern, were the most important predictors. Historical factors and nested structure did not play any role. Contrary to what has been reported in the literature, we found no support for climate‐related explanations of species richness. Instead, theories related to niche dimensionality and local factors provided better explanations, consistent with previous related research. We suggest that the increase in diatom richness in the north of our study region is due to a higher nutrient supply in these rivers, rather than a due to larger species pool in the area.
Cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin for patients with heart failure across the spectrum of ejection fraction: A pooled analysis of DAPA‐HF and DELIVER data
Authors: Davis Jason A. , Booth David , McEwan Phil , Solomon Scott D. , McMurray John J.V. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Comin‐Colet Josep , Bachus Erasmus , Chen Jieling
Published: March 2024

Aim

To assess the cost‐effectiveness of dapagliflozin in addition to usual care, compared with usual care alone, in a large population of patients with heart failure (HF), spanning the full range of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods and results

Patient‐level data were pooled from HF trials (DAPA‐HF, DELIVER) to generate a population including HF with reduced, mildly reduced and preserved LVEF, to increase statistical power and enable exploration of interactions among LVEF, renal function and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels, as they are relevant determinants of health status in this population. Survival and HF recurrent event risk equations were derived and applied to a lifetime horizon Markov model with health states defined by Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire total symptom score quartiles; costs and utilities were in the UK setting. The base case incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was £6470 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained, well below the UK willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) threshold of £20 000/QALY gained. In interaction sensitivity analyses, the highest ICER was observed for elderly patients with preserved LVEF (£16 624/QALY gained), and ranged to a region of dominance (increased QALYs, decreased costs) for patients with poorer renal function and reduced/mildly reduced LVEF. Results across the patient characteristic interaction plane were mostly between £5000 and £10 000/QALY gained.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin plus usual care, versus usual care alone, yielded results well below the WTP threshold for the UK across a heterogeneous population of patients with HF including the full spectrum of LVEF, and is likely a cost‐effective intervention.
Is your system fit for purpose? Female athlete health considerations for rugby injury and illness surveillance systems
Authors: Moore Isabel S. , McCarthy‐Ryan Molly , Palmer Debbie , Perkins Joanna , Verhagen Evert
Published: March 2024

This review discusses female‐specific health considerations in injury and illness surveillance and provides rugby‐specific recommendations for future surveillance. Identifying priority injury and illness problems by determining those problems with the highest rates within women's rugby may highlight different priorities than sex comparisons between men's and women's rugby. Whilst sports exposure is the primary risk for health problems in sports injury and illness surveillance, female athletes have health domains that should also be considered. Alongside female athlete health domains, studies investigating rugby injuries and illnesses highlight the need to broaden the health problem definition typically used in rugby injury and illness surveillance. Using a non‐time‐loss health problem definition, recording female‐specific population characteristics, embedding female athlete health domains and having up‐to‐date injury and illness coding systems should be prioritized within surveillance systems to begin to shed light on potential interactions between sports exposure, health domains and, injuries and illnesses. We call for a collaborative approach across women's rugby to facilitate large injury and illness datasets to be generated and enable granular level categorization and analysis, which may be necessary for certain female athlete health domains. Applying these recommendations will ensure injury and illness surveillance systems improve risk identification and better inform injury and illness prevention strategies in women's rugby.
Study on the strain response of slopes containing cavities under the effect of strong earthquakes
Authors: Wang Xiaoqun , Huang Qiang , Wang Yupei , Xiao Lie , Feng Lin
Published: March 2024

The weak points in a slope often control its deformation and failure mode. Under the action of earthquakes, the complex influence of seismic waves on slopes with cavities is rarely considered. By studying the strain response of this kind of slope, the triggering mechanism of the slope under a strong earthquake can be further discussed. On the basis of the existing research, a shaking table test of a slope model with a cavity structure is carried out. The following conclusions were made: (1) Under the condition of a strong earthquake, the initial crack of the slope with cavities mainly occurs around the cavities, the top of the slope, and the boundary of the slope. (2) During the vibration process, the peak air pressure in a cavity has a good correlation with the peak strain in the surrounding material. The peak strain appears just after the peak air pressure, indicating that the sudden change in the air pressure in the cavity will lead to significant tensile damage to the cavity wall. Repeated air pressure changes in the cavity cause progressive damage to the slope near the cavity structure, accelerating fracture expansion and leading to the fracture penetrating the slope boundary. (3) The overall failure of the slope is somewhat related to the development of cracks around the cavity structure, but failure does not necessarily occur along the cavity zone. The failure site is closely related to the free surface condition and the upper slope structure.
Development of a visual‐perceptual method to assess body image: A cross‐cultural validation in Canadian and Spanish women
Authors: Corno Giulia , Paquette Amélia , Burychka Diana , Miragall Marta , Rivard Marie‐Christine , Baños Rosa M. , Bouchard Stéphane
Published: March 2024

The objectives of this study were (a) to explore the preliminary cross‐cultural validity of a visual‐perceptual method to assess body image; (b) to examine potential differences and similarities in body image phenomena between women from two Western countries (i.e., Canada and Spain). 201 self‐identified women participated in this cross‐sectional study. Ideal, normal, and self‐perceived body sizes were assessed using a visual‐perceptual method, whereas body dissatisfaction was measured using both a visual‐perceptual method and a questionnaire. Visual‐perceptual body dissatisfaction was significantly correlated with questionnaire body dissatisfaction, suggesting a preliminary convergent validity between the two assessment methods. Women in both countries were dissatisfied with their bodies. Compared to their self‐perceived body, all women chose a significantly thinner visual representation of their “normal” and ideal body. These results may suggest a shift towards the “thin” body as not only ideal, but also normative. This study provides the first evidence for the cross‐cultural validity of a visual‐perceptual body image assessment tool. The results of the current study confirm the presence of “normative discontent”, and suggest more cross‐country similarities than differences among women from these two Western societies.
Influence of baking conditions and initial flavour load on the evolution of flavours in cookies
Authors: Abedi Fidele M. , Hwisa Nagiat , Cadwallader Keith R. , Takhar Pawan S.
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the impact of baking conditions and initial concentrations of flavourings on the evolution of three key flavourings (benzaldehyde, butyl butyryl lactate, and vanillin) in cookies during baking and subsequent storage. Controlled baking experiments were conducted at two temperatures (130°C and 160°C) with varying initial flavouring concentrations. The results reveal that baking at the higher temperature (160°C) led to a substantial loss of benzaldehyde and butyl butyryl lactate, resulting in a significantly lower proportion of these compounds in the final product compared to baking at 130°C. In contrast, vanillin showed greater stability at the higher temperature, with its proportion in the final product remaining stable or increasing compared to the lower temperature. Specifically, the proportion of benzaldehyde decreased from 18.33% in the dough to 4.31% after 2 weeks of storage for cookies baked at 160°C, whereas the proportion of vanillin increased from 47.24% to 61.38% in the same period. Statistical analysis, employing ANOVA and Tukey–Kramer HSD tests, confirmed the significant effect of baking temperature on the evolution of flavour compounds (p < 0.05). These analyses further revealed the notable influence of initial flavouring concentrations on the changes in benzaldehyde across all tested temperatures, as well as on butyl butyryl lactate and vanillin specifically at 130°C. These results offer valuable insights on how the baking process can be optimized to enhance the sensory profile of cookies and highlight the importance of temperature control and initial flavouring mix design.
Changes in climate, vegetation cover and vegetation composition affect runoff generation in the Gulf of Guinea Basin
Authors: Nkiaka Elias , Okafor Gloria Chinwendu
Published: March 2024

Although considerable effort has been deployed to understand the impact of climate variability and vegetation change on runoff in major basins across Africa, such studies are scarce in the Gulf of Guinea Basin (GGB). This study combines the Budyko framework and elasticity concept along with geospatial data to fill this research gap in 44 nested sub‐basins in the GGB. Annual rainfall from 1982 to 2021 show significant decreasing and increasing trends in the northern and southern parts of the GGB, respectively. Annual potential evapotranspiration (PET) also shows significant increasing trends with higher magnitudes observed in the northern parts of the GGB. Changing trends in climate variables corroborates with shift to arid and wetter conditions in the north and south, respectively. From 2000 to 2020 vegetation cover estimated using enhanced vegetation index (EVI) shows significant increasing trends in all sub‐basins including those experiencing a decline in annual rainfall. Vegetation composition measured using vegetation continuous fields (VCFs) from 2000 to 2020 show an increase in tree canopy cover (TC), a decline in short vegetation cover and marginal changes in bare ground cover (BG). Elasticity coefficients show that a 10% increase in annual rainfall and PET may lead to a 33% increase and 24% decline in runoff, respectively. On the other hand, a 10% increase in EVI may lead to a 4% decline in runoff while a 10% increase in TC, SV and BG may reduce runoff by 4% and increase runoff by 3% and 2%, respectively. Even though changes are marginal, decomposing vegetation into different parameters using EVI and VCFs may lead to different hydrological effects on runoff which is one of the novelties of this study that may be used for implementing nature‐based solutions. The study also demonstrates that freely available geospatial data together with analytical methods are a promising approach for understanding the impact of climate variability and vegetation change on hydrology in data‐scarce regions.
Cultural humility, counseling alliance, and counseling outcome among LGBTQ+ clients
Authors: Ratanashevorn Rattanakorn , Kim So Rin , Kashubeck‐West Susan , Ojanen Timo T.
Published: March 2024

Literature suggests LGBTQ+ cultural competencies and cultural humility as critical components to providing counseling services to LGBTQ+ clients. Previous research has shown that cultural humility leads to better counseling outcomes through the counseling alliance in sexual minority clients. This study investigated the relationships among cultural humility, counseling alliance, and counseling outcome among 584 LGBTQ+ counseling clients (38.5% were non‐cisgender). The results revealed that all three constructs were positively related to one another. Counseling alliance mediated the relationship between cultural humility and counseling outcome. The overall mediation model indicated that cultural humility had direct and indirect effects accounting for 58% of the variance in counseling outcome when controlling for gender, sexual orientation, and level of education. The findings underscore the importance of cultivating cultural humility among counselors working with LGBTQ+ clients to improve counseling alliance and counseling outcomes.
The effects of biological and chemical silver nanoparticles along with aerobic and anaerobic training protocols on tissues: Morphological and histopathological evaluation
Authors: Ziaolhagh Sayyed‐Javad , Mirkatuli Hanieh Alsadat , Baghbani Mohammadhasan , Safari Miromid , Jokandan Seyyed Shaban Ehsani , Ameli Nima , Yahyaei Behrooz
Published: March 2024

Nanotechnology and its byproducts are used increasingly considering its global nanotechnology market size and many applications in the health field. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of aerobic and anaerobic exercises on cellular uptake of nanoparticles in body tissues. Fusarium oxysporum was used to synthesize biological AgNPs in silver nitrate solution and UV–vis spectrophotometer; XRD and TEM were used to confirm production of nanoparticles. Moreover, 45 male Wistar rats were purchased and randomly divided into 9 equal groups including healthy control groups, aerobic preparation, anaerobic preparation, biological AgNPs, chemical AgNPs, biological AgNPs+aerobic preparation, biological AgNPs+anaerobic preparation, chemical AgNPs+ aerobic preparation, chemical AgNPs+anaerobic preparation. In order to induce aerobic and anaerobic preparation and to create tissue adaptations, male rats completed two types of aerobic and anaerobic protocols three sessions per week for 10 weeks. At the end of the study, sampling was done for histopathology study. The size and shape of AgNPs was 20–30 nm and spherical to polygonal, respectively. The results showed that anaerobic exercise was significantly effective in weight loss. The chemical nanoparticle group led to more intensive tissue degradation in all variables and there were no significant tissue changes in the aerobic, anaerobic, the biological nanoparticles + aerobic and anaerobic groups. It seems that biological AgNPs are more effective than chemical AgNPs on body tissues and chemical AgNPs lead to more tissue damage in most variables.

Research Highlights

There were severe degradative histological effects in the chemical AgNPs groups compare biological AgNPs groups, in terms of most variables.
Novel 9H‐flouren containing indoline scaffolds: Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial assays, and molecular docking study
Authors: Gangapuram Balraju , Tanguturi Prakash Gupta , Gohil Nisarg , Bhattacharjee Gargi , Singh Vijai , Rajani Dhanaji P. , Bhosale Rajesh , Yadav Jhillu Singh
Published: March 2024

9H fluoren containing indoline scaffolds were developed by coupling indoline amine with α‐carboxylic acid group of amino acids in the presence of the peptide coupling reagent hexafluorophosphate benzotriazole tetramethyluronium (HBTU). All eight (12a–12h) synthesized indoline scaffolds were analyzed for their potent antibacterial and antifungal activities. The antibacterial assay revealed that compounds 12a, 12b, and 12e have shown excellent activity against pathogenic strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values as low as between 25 and 125 μg/mL. The antifungal activity of all synthesized indoline scaffolds were moderate compared with used standard drugs. The molecular docking study of 12a, 12b, and 12e with various antibacterial target proteins from different bacterial strains revealed outstanding interactions which ultimately support antibacterial results.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection triggers more potent antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) responses than mRNA‐, vector‐, and inactivated virus‐based COVID‐19 vaccines
Authors: Zedan Hadeel T. , Smatti Maria K. , Al‐Sadeq Duaa W. , Al Khatib Hebah A. , Nicolai Eleonora , Pieri Massimo , Bernardini Sergio , Hssain Ali Ait , Taleb Sara , Qotba Hamda , Issa Khodr , Abu Raddad Laith J. , Althani Asmaa A. , Nasrallah Gheyath K. , Yassine Hadi M.
Published: March 2024

Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are elicited after infection and vaccination and have been well studied. However, their antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) functionality is still poorly characterized. Here, we investigated ADCC activity in convalescent sera from infected patients with wild‐type (WT) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) or omicron variant compared with three coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine platforms and postvaccination breakthrough infection (BTI). We analyzed ADCC activity targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins in convalescent sera following WT SARS‐CoV‐2‐infection (n = 91), including symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, omicron‐infection (n = 8), COVID‐19 vaccination with messenger RNA‐ (mRNA)‐ (BNT162b2 or mRNA‐1273, n = 77), adenovirus vector‐ (n = 41), and inactivated virus‐ (n = 46) based vaccines, as well as post‐mRNA vaccination BTI caused by omicron (n = 28). Correlations between ADCC, binding, and NAb titers were reported. ADCC was elicited within the first month postinfection and ‐vaccination and remained detectable for ≥3 months. WT‐infected symptomatic patients had higher S‐specific ADCC levels than asymptomatic and vaccinated individuals. Also, no difference in N‐specific ADCC activity was seen between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, but the levels were higher than the inactivated vaccine. Notably, omicron infection showed reduced overall ADCC activity compared to WT SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Although post‐mRNA vaccination BTI elicited high levels of binding and NAbs, ADCC activity was significantly reduced. Also, there was no difference in ADCC levels across the four vaccines, although NAbs and binding antibody titers were significantly higher in mRNA‐vaccinated individuals. All evaluated vaccine platforms are inferior in inducing ADCC compared to natural infection with WT SARS‐CoV‐2. The inactivated virus‐based vaccine can induce N‐specific ADCC activity, but its relevance to clinical outcomes requires further investigation. Our data suggest that ADCC could be used to estimate the extra‐neutralization level against COVID‐19 and provides evidence that vaccination should focus on other Fc‐effector functions besides NAbs. Also, the decreased susceptibility of the omicron variant to ADCC offers valuable guidance for forthcoming efforts to identify the specific targets of antibodies facilitating ADCC.
Longitudinal analysis of CSF HIV RNA in untreated people with HIV: Identification of CSF controllers
Authors: Trunfio Mattia , Tang Bin , Okwuegbuna Oluwakemi , Iudicello Jennifer E. , Bharti Ajay , Moore David J. , Gelman Benjamin B. , Morgello Susan , Patel Payal B. , Rubin Leah H. , Ances Beau M. , Gianella Sara , Heaton Robert K. , Ellis Ronald J. , Letendre Scott L.
Published: March 2024

Interindividual variation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA setpoint in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and its determinants are poorly understood, but relevant for HIV neuropathology, brain reservoirs, viral escape, and reseeding after antiretroviral interruptions. Longitudinal multicentric study on demographic, clinical, and laboratory correlates of CSF HIV RNA in 2000 follow‐up visits from 597 people with HIV (PWH) off antiretroviral therapy (ART) and with plasma HIV RNA > the lower limit of quantification (LLQ). Factors associated with CSF control (CSFC; CSF HIV RNA < LLQ while plasma HIV RNA > LLQ) and with CSF/plasma discordance (CSF > plasma HIV RNA > LLQ) were also assessed through mixed‐effects models. Posthoc and sensitivity analyses were performed for persistent CSFC and ART‐naïve participants, respectively. Over a median follow‐up of 2.1 years, CSF HIV RNA was associated with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, CSF leukocytes, blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, biomarkers of iron and lipid metabolism, serum globulins, past exposure to lamivudine, and plasma HIV RNA (model p < 0.0001). CSFC (persistent in 7.7% over 3 years) and CSF/plasma discordance (persistent in <0.01% over 1 year) were variably associated with the same parameters (model p < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses confirmed most of the previous associations in participants never exposed to ART. Persistent CSFC was associated with higher CD4+ T‐cell count nadir (p < 0.001), lower serum globulins (p = 0.003), and lower CSF leukocytes (p < 0.001). Without ART, one in 13 PWH had persistently undetectable CSF HIV RNA, while persistent CSF/plasma discordance was extremely rare over years. Immune responses, inflammation, BBB permeability, and iron and lipid metabolism were all associated with HIV replication in CSF.
Identification of inositol monophosphatase as a broad‐spectrum antiviral target of ivermectin
Authors: Jitobaom Kunlakanya , Peerapen Paleerath , Boonyuen Usa , Meewan Ittipat , Boonarkart Chompunuch , Sirihongthong Thanyaporn , Thongon Songkran , Thongboonkerd Visith , Auewarakul Prasert
Published: March 2024

Ivermectin has broad‐spectrum antiviral activities. Despite the failure in clinical application of COVID‐19, it can serve as a lead compound for the development of more effective broad‐spectrum antivirals, for which a better understanding of its antiviral mechanisms is essential. We thus searched for potential novel targets of ivermectin in host cells by label‐free thermal proteomic profiling using Huh‐7 cells. Inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) was found among the proteins with shifted thermal stability by ivermectin. Ivermectin could inhibit IMPase activity and reduce cellular myo‐inositol and phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate levels. On the other hand, inositol could impair the antiviral activity of ivermectin and lithium, an IMPase inhibitor with known antiviral activity. As phosphatidylinositol phosphate is crucial for the replication of many RNA viruses, inhibition of cellular myo‐inositol biosynthesis may be an important antiviral mechanism of ivermectin. Hence, inhibition of IMPase could serve as a potential target for broad‐spectrum antiviral development.
Epidemiological characteristics of Epstein‐Barr virus infection in children and distribution of disease spectrum in hospitalized patients in shandong province
Authors: Wu Dan , Wang Juan , Zeng Qian , Wang Ling , Lv Xin
Published: March 2024

This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection in children and the distribution of disease spectrum in hospitalized patients in Shandong Province. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of children with EBV infection admitted to hospitals in Shandong Province from January 2022 to December 2022. The epidemiological characteristics, including age, gender, and clinical manifestations, were analyzed. The detection rate of EBV antibodies and the seropositivity rates of different antibodies were also examined. A total of 7124 children with EBV infection were included in this study, with an average age of 7.5 years. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.43:1. Among the patients, the positive detection rate of EBV antibodies was 78.40%. The seropositivity rate of Epstein‐Barr viral capsid antigen‐Immunoglobin G antibodies was 57.09%. The highest incidence of EBV infection was observed in the age group 36−72 months. The urban positive rate was higher than that in rural areas. EBV infection in children in Shandong Province exhibits specific epidemiological characteristics, with a higher incidence in the age group of 36−72 months. Fever, sore throat, and fatigue are the main clinical manifestations. The detection rate of EBV antibodies is relatively high among hospitalized patients. These findings provide valuable information for controlling the transmission of children with suspected Epstein‐Barr virus infection.
Significant difference in femoral torsion between coronal plane alignment of the knee type 1 and 4
Authors: Ziegenhorn Jonas , Kirschberg Julia , Heinecke Markus , von Eisenhart‐Rothe Rüdiger , Matziolis Georg
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to find out whether the torsions of the femur and tibia are dependent on the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) type.

Methods

Five hundred patients (1000 legs) were included, who received a whole leg standing three‐dimensional (3D) radiograph using EOS imaging (EOS Imaging, Paris, France). SterEOS software was used for digital reconstruction. Femoral and tibial torsions were determined by analysing 3D reconstructions of each leg. Femoral torsion was defined as the angle between the femoral neck axis (FNA) and the posterior condylar axis (PCA). Tibial torsion was defined as the angle between the axis tangent to the posterior part of the tibia plateau and the transmalleolar axis. Arithmetic hip–knee–ankle angle (aHKA) and joint‐line obliquity (JLO) were also determined, allowing each leg to be assigned one of nine possible phenotypes according to CPAK.

Results

The mean femoral torsion in CPAK type 1 was significantly higher (+ 2.6° ± 0.8°) than in CPAK type 4 (p = 0.02). All other CPAK types did not differ in the degree of femoral torsions. No differences could be demonstrated for the tibial torsion.

Conclusion

There is a correlation between the coronal alignment of the lower limb and femoral torsion. This may provide the basis for extending the CPAK classification beyond the coronal plane.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Neutral Block Copolymer Assisted Gene Delivery using Hydrodynamic Limb Vein Injection
Authors: Guen Yann Le , Delecourt Gwendoline , Gall Tony Le , Du Haiqin , Illy Nicolas , Huin Cécile , Bennevault Véronique , Midoux Patrick , Montier Tristan , Guégan Philippe
Published: March 2024

Three different amphiphilic block copolymer families are synthesized to investigate new opportunities to enhance gene delivery via Hydrodynamic Limb Vein (HLV) injections. First a polyoxazoline‐based family containing mostly one poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PMeOx) block and a second block POx with an ethyl (EtOx), isopropyl (iPrOx) or phenyl substituent (PhOx) is synthesized. Then an ABC poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐b‐poly(2‐n‐propyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐b‐poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) triblock copolymer is synthesized, with a thermosensitive middle block. Finally, polyglycidol‐b‐polybutylenoxide‐b‐polyglycidol copolymers with various molar masses and amphiphilic balance are produced. The simple architecture of neutral amphiphilic triblock copolymer is not sufficient to obtain enhanced in vivo gene transfection. Double or triple amphiphilic neutral block copolymers are improving the in vivo transfection performances through HLV administration as far as a block having an lower critical solution temperature is incorporated in the vector. The molar mass of the copolymer does not seem to affect the vector performances in a significant manner.
Mucus‐Mimicking Mucin‐Based Hydrogels by Tandem Chemical and Physical Crosslinking
Authors: Porfiryeva Natalia N. , Zlotver Ivan , Davidovich‐Pinhas Maya , Sosnik Alejandro
Published: March 2024

Mucosal tissues represent a major interface between the body and the external environment and are covered by a highly hydrated mucins gel called mucus. Mucus lubricates, protects and modulates the moisture levels of the tissue and is capitalized in transmucosal drug delivery. Pharmaceutical researchers often use freshly excised animal mucosal membranes to assess mucoadhesion and muco‐penetration of pharmaceutical formulations which may struggle with limited accessibility, reproducibility, and ethical questions. Aiming to develop a platform for the rationale study of the interaction of drugs and delivery systems with mucosal tissues, in this work mucus‐mimicking mucin‐based hydrogels are synthesized by the tandem chemical and physical crosslinking of mucin aqueous solutions. Chemical crosslinking is achieved with glutaraldehyde (0.3% and 0.75% w/v), while physical crosslinking by one or two freeze‐thawing cycles. Hydrogels after one freeze‐thawing cycle show water content of 97.6–98.1%, density of 0.0529‐0.0648 g cm⁻3, and storage and loss moduli of ≈40–60 and ≈3–5 Pa, respectively, that resemble the properties of native gastrointestinal mucus. The mechanical stability of the hydrogels increases over the number of freeze‐thawing cycles. Overall results highlight the potential of this simple, reproducible, and scalable method to produce artificial mucus‐mimicking hydrogels for different applications in pharmaceutical research.
Preimplantation genetic testing as a means of preventing hereditary congenital myasthenic syndrome caused by RAPSN
Authors: Zhang Zhiping , Zhang Xueluo , Xue Huiqin , Chu Liming , Hu Lina , Bi Xingyu , Zhu Pengfei , Zhang Dongdong , Chen Jiayao , Cui Xiangrong , Kong Lingyin , Liang Bo , Wu Xueqing
Published: March 2024

Background

Congenital myasthenic syndrome is a heterogeneous group of inherited neuromuscular transmission disorders. Variants in RAPSN are a common cause of CMS, accounting for approximately 14%–27% of all CMS cases. Whether preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease (PGT‐M) could be used to prevent the potential birth of CMS‐affected children is unclear.

Methods

Application of WES (whole‐exome sequencing) for carrier testing and guidance for the PGT‐M in the absence of a genetically characterized index patient as well as assisted reproductive technology were employed to prevent the occurrence of birth defects in subsequent pregnancy. The clinical phenotypes of stillborn fetuses were also assessed.

Results

The family carried two likely pathogenic variants in RAPSN(NM_005055.5): c.133G>A (p.V45M) and c.280G>A (p.E94K). And the potential birth of CMS‐affected child was successfully prevented, allowing the family to have offspring devoid of disease‐associated variants and exhibiting a normal phenotype.

Conclusion

This report constitutes the first documented case of achieving a CMS‐free offspring through PGT‐M in a CMS‐affected family. By broadening the known variant spectrum of RAPSN in the Chinese population, our findings underscore the feasibility and effectiveness of PGT‐M for preventing CMS, offering valuable insights for similarly affected families.
Optimal control in reducing side effects during and after chemotherapy of solid tumors
Authors: Joorsara Zeinab , Hosseini Seyed Mohammad , Esmaili Sakine
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we discuss the effect of optimal chemotherapy doses on solid tumor during treatment and cancer recurrence after the end of treatment. First, an optimal control problem is designed. Then, by changing the control range, the objective function, and adding a control to the previous problem, three new optimal control problems are constructed. We pursue two critical ideas for the success of the drug delivery system to the patient: minimizing the normalized global population density of cancer cells during treatment and at the end of treatment and minimizing side effects during treatment. The optimal control problem is considered with two linear and quadratic objective functions. These models are solved by a well‐established numerical method with high accuracy and a low discretization cost. The numerical results have confirmed that reducing the total dose of the cytotoxic drugs during the treatment period leads to a rapid recurrence of cancer shortly after the end of the treatment period.
Study finds salary gap for STEM doctorates with disabilities
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2024

A study analyzing data from over 80,000 U.S. doctoral graduates in science, technology, engineering, and medicine reveals that scientists with disabilities earn approximately $14,000 less annually than scientists without disabilities (https://bit.ly/3SrLlxE). The study, led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center, used data from the 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients. The study analyzed information from individuals who obtained research doctorates between 1973 and 2017.
Chaotic‐quasi‐opposition based whale optimization technique applied to multi‐objective complementary scheduling of grid connected hydro‐thermal–wind–solar‐electric vehicle system
Authors: Paul Chandan , Roy Provas Kumar , Mukherjee V.
Published: March 2024

The sources of fossil fuel are impoverishing in upcoming future. In the current research scenario, sincere effort has been taken worldwide to explore the use of renewable energy sources in electrical power system for the economic benefits and environmental consciousness. The main contribution of the proposed work is first, to find optimal hydro‐thermal scheduling (HTS) with wind, solar, and electric vehicles (EVs) for variable load. The target is to find out maximum utilization of renewable energy sources for economic power generation with less emission. Thus, a new approach of EV to grid has been adopted with wind–solar based HTS system for improving grid reliability and resilience. Second, there is a requirement to overcome the local optima problems with less convergence speed. This is obtained by employing a relatively new methodology, known as chaotic‐quasi‐opposition‐based whale optimization algorithm (WOA) (CQOWOA). The proposed algorithm is tested on HTS and wind–solar‐electric vehicle‐based HTS (HTWSVS) for three different cases. Different nonlinearities like valve point effect of thermal units, transmission losses, spillage rate of hydro reservoir units and uncertainties of wind, solar as well as EV are considered to judge the effectiveness of the proposed CQOWOA technique on realistic problems. The presence of wind, solar, and EV energy sources with HTS is evident from the test results of CQOWOA, for multi‐objective problem where cost and emission both are reduced significantly. The robustness of the proposed solution has been verified by implementing the statistical analysis on two systems with least variation of mean and optimal values of cost with the tolerance of less than 0.025%. The comparative analysis of CQOWOA with the other optimization techniques validates its superiority on both the test systems by minimizing the generation cost and emission.
Laser Versus Cold Steel for Endoscopic Management of Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Liang Kevin Y. , Miller Katherine M. , Syed Faez , Li Hong , Tierney William S. , Nelson Rebecca C. , Benninger Michael S. , Bryson Paul C. , Lorenz Robert R.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Endoscopic management of subglottic stenosis (SGS) includes a wide range of techniques. This 17‐year review compares treatment outcomes between carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and cold steel.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Single tertiary care center.

Methods

A chart review was performed for all patients undergoing endoscopic treatment of SGS at Cleveland Clinic between July 12, 2000 and September 1, 2017. Data collected included demographics, stenosis etiology, stenosis severity, comorbidities, treatment modality, and airway procedure history. The primary endpoint was repeated treatment‐free survival (RTFS) within 2 years using a Kaplan‐Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

A total of 139 patients (median [interquartile range] aged 48.7 [37.8, 57.0] years; 83.4% female) were included in the analysis, with etiologies including idiopathic (56.8%), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (25.2%), and intubation (16.5%). All patients underwent either cold steel (107 patients) or CO2 laser (32 patients) lysis of stenosis with concurrent dilation. RTFS within 2 years was 50.2% for CO2 laser and 31.9% for cold steel (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.69, 0.96‐2.97, P = .07). In patients with no prior airway procedures, there was no difference in RTFS between laser and cold knife (P = .41). However, in patients with prior airway procedures, RTFS was significantly greater in the laser group, even after adjusting for age, smoking history, and stenosis etiology (50.0% vs 16.8%, adjusted HR and CI: 2.82, 1.14‐6.98, P = .025).

Conclusion

Endoscopic lysis of SGS with CO2 laser should be considered in revision cases.
Beyond lecanemab: Examining Phase III potential in Alzheimer's therapeutics
Authors: Osaka Hitoshi , Nishida Keiichiro , Kanazawa Tetsufumi
Published: March 2024

This review focuses on the development of therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer's dementia. While established treatments targeted acetylcholine and NMDA receptors, there is a growing demand for innovative therapies as the aging population increases. The paper highlights the US Food and Drug Administration's approval of aducanumab (Aduhelm) and lecanemab (Leqembi), emphasizing the developmental status of new treatments. Specifically, it covers seven principal drugs in Phase III trials, detailing their mechanisms of action, clinical trial specifics in the United States and Japan, and the current status of regulatory applications. The review focuses on amyloid removal (donanemab), tau protein mitigation (E2814), drug repositioning (Semaglutide, GV1001), and disease‐modifying small molecules (fosgonimeton, hydralazine, masitinib). However, Gantenerumab and Solanezumab, unsuccessful in Phase III, are not covered. While the future approval status remains uncertain, we hope these drugs will offer beneficial therapeutic effects for potential dementia patients.
Synthesis of salcaprozate sodium and its significance in enhancing pancreatic kininogenase absorption performance
Authors: Lv Zhong , Luo Qian‐Dong , Tang Zhang‐Yong , Lv Xiao‐Hu , Wu Tao , Huang Ling‐Kai , Tang Can
Published: March 2024

We conducted pharmacokinetic research wherein salcaprozate sodium (SNAC) was utilized as a penetration enhancer by incorporating it into pancreatic kininogenase (PK) to improve the bioavailability of pancreatic kininogenase enteric‐coated tablets. We conducted in vitro studies on PK using the Caco‐2 cell model and quantified PK levels using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. We conducted methodological verification by blending SNAC and PK powders into enteric‐coated capsules, and studied the pharmacokinetic characteristics. Based on the PK transport assay, the cumulative permeation rates of the test group that employed a SNAC to PK ratio of 32:1, 16:1, 8:1, 4:1, and 2:1 were 13.574%, 7.597%, 10.653%, 3.755%, and 2.523%, respectively. We conducted a uniformity test on the powder that contained a blend of SNAC and PK. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for both the power containing SNAC and the power not containing SNAC were less than 10%. Based on the methodological verification, in vivo pharmacokinetic study of PK met the experimental requirements. As indicated by the results of in vivo pharmacokinetic research on rats, the test group (This group used SNAC) had a PK AUC0–12 h of 5679.747 ng/L*h and t1/2 of 4.569 h, while the control group (This group did not use SNAC) had a PK AUC0–12 h of 4639.665 ng/L*h and t1/2 of 3.13 h. This study has established a low‐cost, environmentally friendly, and safe SNAC synthesis route with high process yield suitable for industrial production. SNAC demonstrates an absorption‐enhancing effect on PK, and the optimal ratio of SNAC to PK is determined to be 32:1.
Pectin From Fruit Peel Waste: A Sustainable Source for Production of Active Packaging Films
Authors: Kanatt Sweetie R.
Published: March 2024

Pectin from lemon and passion fruit peels was studied for its potential to serve as a source of biopolymer for preparation of active film. To develop a packaging film appropriate for fruits, different combinations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), pectin from lemon and passion fruit peel and rosemary essential oil (REO) were evaluated. Extensive characterisation of these films with respect to colour, thickness, moisture, opacity, UV absorption, tensile strength, elongation, swelling, solubility and thermal and chemical interactions was studied. Film prepared with PVA, lime and pectin peel (2:1:1 v/v) without REO and glycerol as plasticiser was found to be best based on the above properties. Additionally, the effectiveness of this film at extending the shelf life of strawberries and plums was evaluated. Physiological changes on storage were lesser in active packaged fruits as compared to unpackaged fruits. On basis of several spoilage indices studied, unpacked fruits had shelf life of less than 7 days, while those packed in active film were acceptable up to 15 days in case of strawberry and 45 in case of plums when stored at chilled temperature (6°C). Thus, use of the developed active packaging film would be beneficial for extending the marketable period of the fruits and enhancing its cost‐effectiveness.
Sampled‐data‐based disturbance compensation distributed optimization control for a class of multi‐agent systems
Authors: Yuan Ruonan , Zhao Zhi‐Liang , Chen Sen , Chai Tianyou
Published: March 2024

This article investigates the distributed optimization feedback control for a family of multi‐agent systems with external disturbances. For physical implementation in the scenario that only the sampled‐state information is available, a novel disturbance compensation distributed optimization control strategy is proposed by designing a sampled‐data‐based distributed protocol and a sampled‐data‐based disturbance compensator. The disturbances in the current sampling interval are compensated by an exact value at the time in the last sampling interval obtained by using the sampled data. It is proved that the states of agents converge to an arbitrarily small domain of the optimal point of the global cost function if the disturbances and their derivatives are bounded, and the sampling period is short enough. Besides, when disturbances are constants, all the agents' states converge to the optimal point asymptotically. Simulations consolidated the validity of the proposed method.