bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boron nitride quantum dots/polyvinyl butyral nanocomposite films for the enhanced photoluminescence and UV shielding properties
Authors: Emir Pinar , Kuru Duygu
Published: January 2024

The present investigation focused on the effect of boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs) as a filler on the optical properties of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) nanocomposites. Herein, polymer nanocomposite films with advanced UV protection and high photoluminescence properties were successfully synthesized. Polymer nanocomposite films were produced by adding BNQDs to the polymer in different ratios by a simple solution forming and casting method. The films were decomposed at different UV degradation times, and their UV protective properties were tested. The structural, morphological, optical and chemical interaction of BNQDs/PVB nanocomposites was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), micro‐Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet and visible (UV–Vis), and photoluminescence (PL) analyzes. As the amount of BNQDs in the polymer increased, the intensity of the bright images separated from the polymer also increased. TEM images confirmed the good distribution of quantum dots in PVB polymer matrix. Polymer composites doped with 0.25% and 0.4% BNQDs show excellent UV‐shielding properties as the transmittance in the UV region decreased about 69% and 95%, respectively. As the addition of BNQDs into the polymer increased, the PL emission of the pure PVB film, which showed almost no emission, increased significantly.
Ultralow Voltage Resistive Switching in Hafnium–Zirconium Oxide
Authors: Asif M. , Rakshit Rajib K. , Kumar Ashok
Published: January 2024

Ultralow SET and RESET voltage are essential for high‐density, low‐power, and small heat dissipation nonvolatile random‐access memory (NVRAM) elements. A nanoscale polycrystalline Hf0.75Zr0.25O2 (HZO) thin films on Pt/Si substrate are fabricated and investigated for suitability for bipolar resistive switching. The device illustrates monoclinic and tetragonal/orthorhombic phases with weak ferroelectricity and robust resistive switching. Small remanent polarization (≈0.1 μC cm−2) may assist in the height reduction of barrier height and ease the electron for transport. Remarkably, the Al/HZO/Pt/Si device, consisting of thin films with 10 and 5 nm thicknesses, exhibits a switching voltage below −30 mV from a low‐resistance state (LRS) to a high‐resistance state (HRS). It shows a significant ROFF/RON ratio of 106, making it suitable for low power consumption and minimal heat dissipation devices. Moreover, the utilization of an ultrathin film (5 nm) results in an improved reduction (< 0.7 V) of the operating window at the positive voltage.  Direct tunneling and the Fowler–Nordheim tunneling model are performed in current–voltage (I–V) data to study the charge transportation behavior over a trapezoidal and triangular potential barrier. These results of the HZO candidate may stimulate the futuristic nonvolatile resistive random‐access memory (ReRAM) in the optoelectronic industry.
Recent advances on environmentally sustainable valorization of spent mushroom substrate: A review
Authors: Kousar Aafia , Khan Hasnat Ayub , Farid Soban , Zhao Quanbao , Zeb Iftikhar
Published: January 2024

Commercial cultivation of edible mushrooms utilizes a large amount of lignocellulosic material as a substrate. After harvest, the leftover substrate, referred to as a spent mushroom substrate (SMS), largely remains biochemically unaltered. In light of the global rise in the number of edible mushroom production facilities, it is pertinent to sustainably manage the by‐products of the mushroom production process, particularly SMS. Following the principles of the circular economy, SMS has shown potential for a variety of applications: SMS can be used as substrate for a new cycle of mushroom cultivation or as animal feed, fertilizer, soil amendment, bioremediation agent or a substrate for renewable energy production such as biogas, bioethanol, biohydrogen, solid biofuel, bio‐crude and bio‐oil. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge in various applications, highlights recent developments in the field, discusses potential barriers and offers suggestions for the long‐term growth of the mushroom industry worldwide.
Chitosan based hybrid superabsorbent for controlled drug delivery application
Authors: Medha  , Sethi Sapna
Published: January 2024

In the present study, a hybrid chitosan‐alginate superabsorbent is prepared using maleic acid as a cross‐linker and acrylamide as a grafting agent using the free radical mechanism. The composite hydrogel shows good swelling capacity along with hemocompatibility and biocompatibility and hence it is utilized as a drug delivery device. The characterization techniques including x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermal analysis indicate the successful synthesis of stable hydrogel with rich functionalities. Metformin hydrochloride is used as a model drug which is used to treat diabetes. The drug encapsulation is done using the swelling diffusion method after the synthesis of hydrogel. The release of metformin from the drug‐loaded hydrogel at physiological pH highlights the role of non‐covalent interactions between the drug and hydrogel. In vitro release studies of Metformin from the drug‐loaded hydrogel show higher release profiles at intestinal pH (7.4) compared to stomach pH (1.2). The observed cumulative release is 82.71% at pH 7.4 and 45.67% at pH 1.2 after 10 h. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis reveals the effect of surface area, pore size, and pore volume of hydrogel on the drug release. The drug release from the hybrid chitosan‐alginate hydrogel is found to be more sustained in comparison to the pure chitosan hydrogel. For the present drug delivery system, the swelling‐controlled release is found to be more dominating than the pH‐controlled release. The synthesized hydrogel can be successfully employed as a potential drug delivery system for controlled drug delivery.
A perspective on emerging therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer: Focusing on molecular medicine and drug resistance
Authors: Kusumaningrum Anggraeni E. , Makaba Sarce , Ali Eyhab , Singh Mandeep , Fenjan Mohammed N. , Rasulova Irodakhon , Misra Neeti , Al‐ Musawi Sada G. , Alsalamy Ali
Published: January 2024

The majority of cancer cases are colorectal cancer, which is also the second largest cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Metastasis is the leading cause of death for patients with colorectal cancer. Metastatic colorectal cancer incidence are on the rise due to a tiny percentage of tumors developing resistant to medicines despite advances in treatment tactics. Cutting‐edge targeted medications are now the go‐to option for customized and all‐encompassing CRC care. Specifically, multitarget kinase inhibitors, antivascular endothelial growth factors, and epidermal growth factor receptors are widely used in clinical practice for CRC‐targeted treatments. Rare targets in metastatic colorectal cancer are becoming more well‐known due to developments in precision diagnostics and the extensive use of second‐generation sequencing technology. These targets include the KRAS mutation, the BRAF V600E mutation, the HER2 overexpression/amplification, and the MSI‐H/dMMR. Incorporating certain medications into clinical trials has significantly increased patient survival rates, opening new avenues and bringing fresh viewpoints for treating metastatic colorectal cancer. These focused therapies change how cancer is treated, giving patients new hope and better results. These markers can significantly transform and individualize therapy regimens. They could open the door to precisely customized and more effective medicines, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. The fast‐growing body of knowledge regarding the molecular biology of colorectal cancer and the latest developments in gene sequencing and molecular diagnostics are directly responsible for this advancement.
Antidiabetic features of AdipoAI, a novel AdipoR agonist
Authors: Ahuja Akash , Zboinski Elissa , das Siddhartha , Zhu Xiaofang , Ma Qian , Xie Ying , Tu Qisheng , Chen Jake
Published: January 2024

Adiponectin is an antidiabetic endogenous adipokine that plays a protective role against the unfavorable metabolic sequelae of obesity. Recent evidence suggests a sinister link between hypoadiponectinemia and development of insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes (T2D). Adiponectin's insulin‐sensitizing property is mediated through the specific adiponectin receptors R1 and R2, which activate the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) α pathways. AdipoAI is a novel synthetic analogue of endogenous adiponectin with possibly similar pharmacological effects. Thus, there is a need of orally active small molecules that activate Adipoq subunits, and their downstream signaling, which could ameliorate obesity related type 2 diabetes. In the study we aim to investigate the effects of AdipoAI on obesity and T2D. Through in‐vitro and in‐vivo analyses, we investigated the antidiabetic potentials of AdipoAI and compared it with AdipoRON, another orally active adiponectin receptors agonist. Our results showed that in‐vitro treatment of AdipoAI (0–5 µM) increased adiponectin receptor subunits AdipoR1/R2 with increase in AMPK and APPL1 protein expression in C2C12 myotubes. Similarly, in‐vivo, oral administration of AdipoAI (25 mg/kg) observed similar effects as that of AdipoRON (50 mg/kg) with improved control of blood glucose and insulin sensitivity in diet‐induced obesity (DIO) mice models. Further, AdipoAI significantly reduced epididymal fat content with decrease in inflammatory markers and increase in PPAR‐α and AMPK levels and exhibited hepatoprotective effects in liver. Further, AdipoAI and AdipoRON also observed similar results in adipose tissue. Thus, our results suggest that low doses of orally active small molecule agonist of adiponectin AdipoAI can be a promising therapeutic target for obesity and T2D.
Prognostic impact of in‐stent restenosis in normal weight, overweight, and obese patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Jones Davis , Spirito Alessandro , Sartori Samantha , Vogel Birgit , Edens Madison , Kamaleldin Karim , Pileggi Brunna , Baber Usman , Dangas George , Sharma Samin K. , Kini Annapoorna , Mehran Roxana
Published: January 2024

Background

Among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), in‐stent restenosis (ISR) is related with a worse prognosis, while higher body mass index (BMI) values are associated with better outcomes. It is unclear whether the prognostic impact of ISR varies in function of BMI.

Methods

Patients undergoing PCI at a large center from 2012 to 2019 not presenting with an acute myocardial infarction (MI) were included. Subjects with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 or treated with bare metal stents were excluded. Patients were stratified according to type of lesion treated (ISR vs. no‐ISR) and into four BMI categories: normal weight (BMI 18.5–25 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), class I obesity (30.0–34.9 kg/m2), class II–III obesity (≥35.0 kg/m2). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of all‐cause death, MI, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 1 year.

Results

Out of 16,234 patients, 3694 (23%) underwent PCI for ISR. ISR as compared to no‐ISR was associated with a consistent increased risk of MACE within the normal weight (18.8% vs. 7.8%, adj. hazard ratio (HR): 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51–2.64), overweight (19.1% vs. 6.4%, adj. HR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.91–2.88), class I obesity (18.3% vs. 6.8%, adj. HR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.47–2.57), and class II–III obesity (16.4% vs. 7.4%, adj. HR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.09–2.37) groups (interaction p‐value: 0.192). The ISR‐related risks were mostly driven by an excess of TVR.

Conclusions

At 1 year, ISR was associated with an increased risk of MACE irrespective of BMI, mostly due to an excess of TVR after ISR.
Development of Platinum Complexes for Tumor Chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Jin Suxing , Guo Yan , Wang Xiaoyong
Published: January 2024

Platinum complexes are potential antitumor drugs in chemotherapy. Their impact on tumor treatment could be greatly strengthened by combining with immunotherapy. Increasing evidences indicate that the antitumor activity of platinum complexes is not limited to chemical killing effects, but also extends to immunomodulatory actions. This review introduced the general concept of chemoimmunotherapy and summarized the progress of platinum complexes as chemoimmunotherapeutic agents in recent years. Platinum complexes could be developed into inducers of immunogenic cell death, blockers of immune checkpoint, regulators of immune signaling pathway, and modulators of tumor immune microenvironment, etc. The synergy between chemotherapeutic and immunomodulatory effects reinforces the antitumor activity of platinum complexes, and helps them circumvent the drug resistance and systemic toxicity. The exploration of platinum complexes for chemoimmunotherapy may create new opportunities to revive the discovery of metal anticancer drugs.
A systematic review of present and future pharmaco‐structural therapies for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sawan Mariem A. , Prabakaran Sindhu , D'Souza Melroy , Behbahani‐Nejad Omid , Gold Matthew E. , Williams Byron Robinson , Bilen Ozlem
Published: January 2024

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common contemporary, treatable, genetic disorder that can be compatible with normal longevity. While current medical therapies are ubiquitous, they are limited by a lack of solid evidence, are often inadequate, poorly tolerated, and do not alter the natural disease course. As such, there has long been a need for effective, evidence‐based, and targeted disease‐modifying therapies for HCM. In this review, we redefine HCM as a treatable condition, evaluate current strategies for therapeutic intervention, and discuss novel myosin inhibitors. The majority of patients with HCM have elevated left ventricular outflow tract gradients, which predicts worse symptoms and adverse outcomes. Conventional pharmacological therapies for symptomatic HCM can help improve symptoms but are often inadequate and poorly tolerated. Septal reduction therapies (surgical myectomy and alcohol septal ablation) can safely and effectively reduce refractory symptoms and improve outcomes in patients with obstructive HCM. However, they require expertise that is not universally available and are not without risks. Currently, available therapies do not alter the disease course or the progressive cardiac remodeling that ensues, nor subsequent heart failure and arrhythmias. This has been regarded as an unmet need in the care of HCM patients. Novel targeted pharmacotherapies, namely cardiac myosin inhibitors, have emerged to reverse key pathophysiological changes and alter disease course. Their favorable outcomes led to the early Food and Drug Administration approval of mavacamten, a first‐in‐class myosin modulator, changing the paradigm for the pharmacological treatment of HCM.
A Drug‐Drug Interaction Study to Evaluate the Impact of Rimegepant on OCT2‐ and MATE1‐Mediated Transport of Metformin in Healthy Participants
Authors: Bhardwaj Rajinder , Morris Beth , Matschke Kyle , Bertz Richard , Croop Robert , Liu Jing
Published: January 2024

Rimegepant is a calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonist approved for migraine treatment. This phase 1, open‐label, single‐center, fixed‐sequence study evaluated the effect of rimegepant on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of metformin. Twenty‐eight healthy participants received metformin 500 mg twice daily from Days 1 to 4 and Days 7 to 10, and once daily on Days 5 and 11. Rimegepant, 75 mg tablet, was administered once daily from Days 9 to 12. At pre‐specified time points, plasma metformin concentration, serum glucose levels, and safety and tolerability were evaluated. A 16% increase in the area under the plasma metformin concentration‐time curve (AUC) for 1 dosing interval (AUC0‐τ,ss), a statistically insignificant increase in maximum and minimum steady‐state metformin concentration (Cmax,ss and Cmin,ss), and a decrease in metformin renal clearance were observed on Day 11 following metformin‐rimegepant coadministration compared with metformin alone; however, the changes were not clinically relevant. Additionally, coadministration of rimegepant with metformin did not induce clinically meaningful change in the maximum observed glucose concentration (Gmax) or AUCgluc compared with metformin alone. Overall, rimegepant and metformin coadministration did not result in clinically relevant changes in metformin PK, renal clearance, or the antihyperglycemic effects of metformin. Rimegepant is considered safe for use with metformin.
Utility of Cytochrome P450 4F2 Genotyping to Assess Drug Interaction Risk for Brincidovovir, a Cytochrome P450 4F2 Substrate
Authors: Tippin Tim , Faison Shamia , Schuck Virna , Dunn John , Naderer Odin
Published: January 2024

Smallpox was eradicated in 1980 but remains a biothreat due to the potential release of variola virus into the general population. Brincidofovir, the second medicine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat smallpox, is metabolized by oxidative and hydrolytic pathways. The oxidative pathway is initiated by cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2), an enzyme lacking clinical probes for drug interaction studies. The aim of this work was to assess the impact of reduced activity CYP4F2 variants (rs2108622, C/T and T/T) on brincidofovir pharmacokinetics as a surrogate for drug inhibition.

Genotyping was performed on blood from healthy participants receiving oral (n = 261) and intravenous (IV, n = 49) brincidofovir across 6 phase 1 trials. Plasma concentrations were measured by validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methods.

After oral administration, subjects with the lowest activity CYP4F2 genotype (T/T) had up to 36% higher AUCinf and 29% higher Cmax while subjects with the moderate activity CYP4F2 genotype (C/T) had similar Cmax and AUCinf compared to those with the wild‐type genotype. Little to no increase in brincidofovir exposure parameters was observed following IV administration.

Based on the lack of significant increases in brincidofovir plasma concentrations in subjects with low activity CYP4F2, a clinically meaningful drug–drug interaction is not expected with CYP4F2 inhibitor and brincidofovir coadministration.
Exploiting hashing for concurrent query processing and indexing of current location of moving objects
Authors: Chaudhry Natalia , Yousaf Muhammad Murtaza
Published: January 2024

Due to recent developments in location‐based services and mobile computing, the need for indices for moving objects has been strengthened to improve the response time of a query operation. With a single index in place for managing both the update and query operations for moving objects, the index needs to be updated each time the object moves. This deteriorates the performance of concurrent query operations. It is critical to handle the conflicts between continuous update and query operations effectively using appropriate concurrency control protocol otherwise, inconsistent results will be reported. Many indices have been proposed in the literature for moving objects but they lack the support for processing concurrent operations. Further, the consistent indices in the literature are based on tree structure that have computationally expensive split/merge operations that can negatively affect the response time of query processing algorithms. Moreover such tree based indices are proposed for historical and future timeline data. As the scope of this article is on current timeline and concurrent continuous query operations, therefore, we exploit state of the art hash‐based indices in the literature and presented the two consistent versions. The comparative analysis of the indices is performed and meaningful findings are also presented along.
Parent experiences of specific learning disorder diagnosis: A scoping review
Authors: Anthony Hayley , Reupert Andrea , McLean Louise
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this review was to scope the quantity and methodological characteristics of the current literature examining parent and caregivers' perspectives of specific learning disorder (SLD) diagnosis, synthesise key findings and highlight gaps in the current literature. A systematic search was conducted for the period January 2013 to March 2023. Twenty‐three articles, representing 1796 parents and caregivers across seven countries, underwent data extraction. The review highlighted considerable variability regarding the main aim and scope of each included study and that most studies used qualitative or mixed method methodology. Three central parts of the diagnostic experience were identified: pathway to assessment, assessment process, and advocating and coordinating support post‐diagnosis. A final theme, broader social and political issues, was also identified. The findings highlight that parents of children with SLDs experienced a similar battle to obtain a diagnosis and access post‐diagnostic support as parents of children with other neurodevelopmental disorders. This provides some evidence that, internationally, parent needs in the time surrounding SLD diagnostic assessment are not being met, with substantial barriers to timely assessment and inadequate post‐diagnosis support. Future research and implications for practice are explored.
A transdiagnostic and translational framework for delineating the neuronal mechanisms of compulsive exercise in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Conn K. , Huang K. , Gorrell S. , Foldi C. J.
Published: January 2024

Objective

The development of novel treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN) requires a detailed understanding of the biological underpinnings of specific, commonly occurring symptoms, including compulsive exercise. There is considerable bio‐behavioral overlap between AN and obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), therefore it is plausible that similar mechanisms underlie compulsive behavior in both populations. While the association between these conditions is widely acknowledged, defining the shared mechanisms for compulsive behavior in AN and OCD requires a novel approach.

Methods

We present an argument that a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that underpin compulsive exercise in AN can be achieved in two critical ways. First, by applying a framework of the neuronal control of OCD to exercise behavior in AN, and second, by taking better advantage of the activity‐based anorexia (ABA) rodent model to directly test this framework in the context of feeding pathology.

Results

A cross‐disciplinary approach that spans preclinical, neuroimaging, and clinical research as well as compulsive neurocircuitry and behavior can advance our understanding of when, why, and how compulsive exercise develops in the context of AN and provide targets for novel treatment strategies.

Discussion

In this article, we (i) link the expression of compulsive behavior in AN and OCD via a transition between goal‐directed and habitual behavior, (ii) present disrupted cortico‐striatal circuitry as a key substrate for the development of compulsive behavior in both conditions, and (iii) highlight the utility of the ABA rodent model to better understand the mechanisms of compulsive behavior relevant to AN.

Public Significance

Individuals with AN who exercise compulsively are at risk of worse health outcomes and have poorer responses to standard treatments. However, when, why, and how compulsive exercise develops in AN remains inadequately understood. Identifying whether the neural circuitry underlying compulsive behavior in OCD also controls hyperactivity in the activity‐based anorexia model will aid in the development of novel eating disorder treatment strategies for this high‐risk population.
Valorization of spent coffee ground as a natural antioxidant and its use for sunflower oil shelf‐life extension
Authors: Bijla Laila , Hmitti Asma , Fadda Angela , Oubannin Samira , Gagour Jamila , Aissa Rabha , Laknifli Abdellatif , Sakar El Hassan , Gharby Said
Published: January 2024

In the present paper, spent coffee grounds (SCG) were investigated for their antioxidant capacity, chemical profiling, and their potential to extend the shelf‐life of refined sunflower oil (RSO). Ethanolic SCG extract (SCGE) ability to enhance RSO oxidation, during accelerated aging conditions, was examined at 60°C for 120 days. To this end, oxidative stability was evaluated for RSO added with SCGE (at 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03%) in the presence of a negative control (RSO without SCGE) and a positive one consisting in vitamin E (VE, a synthetic antioxidant) using the same concentrations (0.01%–0.03%). Our outcomes reveal that SCG were an important source of oil, protein, carbohydrates, minerals, pigments, phenolics, and flavonoid compounds, and they have high antioxidant capacity. SCGE at 0.03% increased RSO oxidative stability by reducing free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and conjugated dienes (CD) and trienes (CT) compared to the unenriched oil. However, both SCGE and VE had no significant effect (p < 0.05) on the fatty acids profile and iodine value. Furthermore, RSO enriched with SCGE had overall acceptability in the sensory evaluation. In conclusion, SCGE improved RSO oxidative stability, and therefore, it could be used as an efficient natural antioxidant to substitute VE during industrial processes.

Practical Application: It is widely accepted that synthetic antioxidants may be harmful to human health. In such a context, plant‐based natural antioxidants proved to be an excellent alternative. The valorization of SCG as a natural antioxidant may represent a cost‐effective and sustainable approach for the food industry. The addition of used coffee grounds to refined sunflower oil could enhance its shelf‐life, offering a potential alternative to synthetic antioxidants. This may also help to reduce the quantity of coffee waste produced, promoting a circular economy.
Temporal Covariance‐Involved Distributionally Robust Optimization for Photovoltaic–Hydrogen Integrated Energy System Scheduling Considering Source, Load Sides, and Market Uncertainties
Authors: Wang Yuwei , Jia Mengyao , Song Minghao , Shi Lin , Wang Yuchen , Wang Yiwei , Li Bingkang
Published: January 2024

Under the pressures of environmental pollution, solar energy and hydrogen have attracted widespread attention, thus promoting the development of photovoltaic–hydrogen integrated energy system. However, multiple uncertainties seriously interfere with the system's economic and stable operation. Therefore, this article proposes a temporal covariance‐involved distributionally robust optimization model for system scheduling considering multiple uncertainties from source, load sides, and market. First, the possible range of the uncertainties distribution is described by a novel moment‐based ambiguity set modified with temporal covariances. Second, the objective function is constructed as a min{sup} form to minimize the expected operation cost under the “worst‐case” distribution in the ambiguity set. Then, the constraints present a two‐stage structure. The first stage guarantees the operation feasibility under the forecasting scenario, and the second stage accounts for forecasting errors to formulate the rescheduling space for resisting uncertainties. Finally, the model is transformed into an easy‐to‐solve semidefinite programming. Simulation finds that the model 1) significantly reduces the average and standard deviation of system operation cost by 22.35% and 27.41%, respectively; 2) ensures 100% photovoltaic accommodation; and 3) maintains low conservativeness and complexity simultaneously. Above all, this study provides an effective approach for comprehensive ultilization of clean energies under multiple uncertainties.
Characteristics of deceased subjects transported to a postmortem imaging center due to unusual death related to epilepsy
Authors: Ito Yoshiki , Hata Nobuhiro , Maesawa Satoshi , Tanei Takafumi , Ishizaki Tomotaka , Mutoh Manabu , Hashida Miki , Kobayashi Yutaka , Saito Ryuta
Published: January 2024

Objective

Patients with epilepsy have high risk of experiencing uncommon causes of death. This study aimed to evaluate patients who underwent unusual deaths related to epilepsy and identify factors that may contribute to these deaths and may also include sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Methods

We analyzed 5291 cases in which a postmortem imaging (PMI) study was performed using plane CT, because of an unexplained death. A rapid troponin T assay was performed using peripheral blood samples. Clinical information including the cause of death suspected by the attending physician, body position, place of death, medical history, and antiseizure medications was evaluated.

Results

A total of 132 (2.6%) patients had an obvious history of epilepsy, while 5159 individuals had no history of epilepsy (97.4%). Cerebrovascular disease was the cause of death in 1.6% of patients in the group with epilepsy, and this was significantly lower than that in the non‐epilepsy group. However, drowning was significantly higher (9.1% vs. 4.4%). Unspecified cause of death was significantly more frequent in the epilepsy group (78.0% vs. 57.8%). Furthermore, the proportion of patients who demonstrated elevation of troponin T levels without prior cardiac disease was significantly higher in the epilepsy group (37.9% vs. 31.1%). At discovery of death, prone position was dominant (30.3%), with deaths occurring most commonly in the bedroom (49.2%). No antiseizure medication had been prescribed in 12% of cases, while 29.5% of patients were taking multiple antiseizure medications.

Significance

The prevalence of epilepsy in individuals experiencing unusual death was higher than in the general population. Despite PMI studies, no definitive cause of death was identified in a significant proportion of cases. The high troponin T levels may be explained by long intervals between death and examination or by higher incidence of myocardial damage at the time of death.

Plain Language Summary

This study investigated unusual deaths in epilepsy patients, analyzing 5291 postmortem imaging cases. The results showed that 132 cases (2.6%) had a clear history of epilepsy. In these cases, only 22% cases were explained after postmortem examination, which is less than in non‐epilepsy group (42.2%). Cerebrovascular disease was less common in the epilepsy group, while drowning was more common. Elevated troponin T levels, which suggest possibility of myocardial damage or long intervals between death and examination, were also more frequent in the epilepsy group compared to non‐epilepsy group.
Coal price forecasting using complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition and stacking‐based ensemble learning with semisupervised data processing
Authors: Tang Jing , Guo Yida , Han Yilin
Published: January 2024

Globally, coal is a critical energy source, and the profits of related enterprises are highly related to changes in the coal price. A robust coal purchasing cost forecasting method may enhance the coal purchasing strategies of coal‐consuming enterprises and obtain key information for reducing global carbon emissions. However, forecasting the price of coal is a challenging task due to the noise and high random fluctuation of coal price data. To overcome these obstacles, this research proposes a novel forecasting method combining data decomposition, semisupervised feature engineering, and ensemble learning to forecast coal prices. Initially, the Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) method is employed to decompose the coal price series to reduce the complexity. Second, considering the fluctuation of coal price is influenced by various factors (such as transportation cost and coal mine production), the proposed system incorporates an adaptive data fusion module to fuse data from multiple sources. Finally, a stacking‐based ensemble learning model is adopted in the method to increase the forecasting accuracy by combining the forecasting results of multiple models. The Bohai‐Rim Steam‐Coal Price Index was used to validate the proposed method, and the result of the case study shows that the proposed method provides superior performance than the other nine baseline models in all measured indices. The outcomes of ablation tests indicate the precision of each algorithm is improved by combining CEEMDAN, which proves that the decomposition algorithm is necessary.
Forecasting the containerized freight index with AIS data: A novel information combination method based on gray incidence analysis
Authors: Chen Yanhui , Feng Ailing , Chen Shun , Mi Jackson Jinhong
Published: January 2024

This paper uses the container shipping capacities of 11 major trade lanes, obtained from automatic identification system (AIS), to construct a common factor based on gray incidence analysis (GIA) in the aim of improving the predictability of containerized freight index. Our results show that the common factor generated by GIA consistently exhibits better out‐of‐sample prediction performances than principal component analysis (PCA) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), meaning that GIA can extract more useful information for forecasting freight index. Our main findings are first, GIA can evaluate the similarity between the predictors and the predicted value. Unlike popular information combination method PCA, which cannot extract the relevant information from the predictors, GIA can extract the most relevant information of the predictors to the predicted value. Second, different from LASSO, which drops some information, GIA maintains the most information, because the container shipping capacities of different lanes all impact the freight index. Third, AIS data do provide information increments for freight rate forecasting. This research explores a new field application of gray relational analysis in information combination and presents one application of GIA in big data processing. This research shows the usefulness of AIS information in predicting freight index. Additionally, this research enlightens the prediction of freight rate based on big data from AIS.
Agricultural market information: How much and who is willing to pay for it?
Authors: Zhllima Edvin , Xhoxhi Orjon , Skreli Engjell , Imami Drini
Published: January 2024

Access to an agricultural market information system (AMIS) is essential to reduce farmers' risk from market speculation related to information asymmetry. However, AMIS's sustainability depends on the users' needs and willingness to pay (WTP) for market information. This paper explores the WTP for market information among market‐oriented farmers, as well as its determinants. Data were collected through a structured survey with 479 farmers. A contingent dichotomous choice dual boundary estimation is used to measure WTP and a logistic regression is used to ascertain the main determinants of the stated WTP. Experienced losses, access to market information, use of non‐virtual means of information, and degree of farm specialization are the main determinants of the WTP. These findings are useful for establishing a feasible AMIS, and designing its services according to the characteristics, needs, capacities and preferences of the identified potential users.
Dimension‐based quantification of aging‐associated cerebral microvasculature determined by optical coherence tomography and two‐photon microscopy
Authors: Yan Feng , Alhajeri Zaid A. , Nyul‐Toth Adam , Wang Chen , Zhang Qinghao , Mercyshalinie Ebenezer Raj Selvaraj , Delfavero Jordan , Ahire Chetan , Mutembei Bornface M. , Tarantini Stefano , Csiszar Anna , Tang Qinggong
Published: January 2024

Cerebral microvascular health is a key biomarker for the study of natural aging and associated neurological diseases. Our aim is to quantify aging‐associated change of microvasculature at diverse dimensions in mice brain. We used optical coherence tomography (OCT) and two‐photon microscopy (TPM) to obtain nonaged and aged C57BL/6J mice cerebral microvascular images in vivo. Our results indicated that artery & vein, arteriole & venule, and capillary from nonaged and aged mice showed significant differences in density, diameter, complexity, perimeter, and tortuosity. OCT angiography and TPM provided the comprehensive quantification for arteriole and venule via compensating the limitation of each modality alone. We further demonstrated that arteriole and venule at specific dimensions exhibited negative correlations in most quantification analyses between nonaged and aged mice, which indicated that TPM and OCT were able to offer complementary vascular information to study the change of cerebral blood vessels in aging.
Rapid and robust bacterial species identification using hyperspectral microscopy and gram staining techniques
Authors: Zhou Yanzhong , Li Jieming , Li Zhen , Yin Hao , Zhu Siqi , Chen Zhenqiang
Published: January 2024

Gram staining can classify bacterial species into two large groups based on cell wall differences. Our study revealed that within the same gram group (gram‐positive or gram‐negative), subtle cell wall variations can alter staining outcomes, with the peptidoglycan layer and lipid content significantly influencing this effect. Thus, bacteria within the same group can also be differentiated by their spectra. Using hyperspectral microscopy, we identified six species of intestinal bacteria with 98.1% accuracy. Our study also demonstrated that selecting the right spectral band and background calibration can enhance the model's robustness and facilitate precise identification of varying sample batches. This method is suitable for analyzing bacterial community pathologies.
A molar view of goal direction and habit
Authors: Baum William M.
Published: January 2024

When we treat behavior within an evolutionary framework and as temporally extended flow, two fundamental questions arise: (a) What is an organism? and (b) What is behavior? An organism is a process that stays intact by constantly exchanging energy with the environment. It takes in resources and puts out waste. The behavior of an organism consists of those process parts of the organism process that make up the exchange. These activities serve the function of reproducing, which generally depends on surviving. Surviving and reproducing depend on responding to phylogenetically important events (PIEs). A PIE induces activities that enhance or mitigate the PIE. Organisms respond not only to a PIE but also to events that covary with the PIE. Both activities and environmental features may covary with a PIE. When either type of covariance is introduced to an organism, behavior adapts over time. The early stages of adaptation constitute what researchers call “goal direction,” and the later stages constitute what researchers call “habit.” Behavior and environment constitute a dynamic system, and manipulations of the covariances and environmental features of the system allow many experimental interventions. This molar approach allows experiments on goal direction and habit to be understood without appeal to everyday mentalistic terms.
Dysregulation of extracellular vesicle protein cargo in female myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome cases and sedentary controls in response to maximal exercise
Authors: Giloteaux Ludovic , Glass Katherine A. , Germain Arnaud , Franconi Carl J. , Zhang Sheng , Hanson Maureen R.
Published: January 2024

In healthy individuals, physical exercise improves cardiovascular health and muscle strength, alleviates fatigue and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Although exercise is suggested as a lifestyle intervention to manage various chronic illnesses, it negatively affects people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), who suffer from exercise intolerance. We hypothesized that altered extracellular vesicle (EV) signalling in ME/CFS patients after an exercise challenge may contribute to their prolonged and exacerbated negative response to exertion (post‐exertional malaise). EVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography from the plasma of 18 female ME/CFS patients and 17 age‐ and BMI‐matched female sedentary controls at three time points: before, 15 min, and 24 h after a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test. EVs were characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis and their protein cargo was quantified using Tandem Mass Tag‐based (TMT) proteomics. The results show that exercise affects the EV proteome in ME/CFS patients differently than in healthy individuals and that changes in EV proteins after exercise are strongly correlated with symptom severity in ME/CFS. Differentially abundant proteins in ME/CFS patients versus controls were involved in many pathways and systems, including coagulation processes, muscle contraction (both smooth and skeletal muscle), cytoskeletal proteins, the immune system and brain signalling.
Sex differences in sleep architecture in a mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Chiem Emily , Zhao Kevin , Stark Gemma , Ghiani Cristina A. , Colwell Christopher S. , Paul Ketema N.
Published: January 2024

Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are common features of Huntington's disease (HD). HD is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that affects men and women in equal numbers, but some epidemiological studies as well as preclinical work indicate there may be sex differences in disease presentation and progression. Since sex differences in HD could provide important insights to understand cellular and molecular mechanism(s), we used the bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse model of HD (BACHD) to examine whether sex differences in sleep/wake cycles are detectable in an animal model of the disease. Electroencephalography/electromyography (EEG/EMG) was used to measure sleep/wake states and polysomnographic patterns in young adult (12‐week‐old) male and female wild‐type and BACHD mice. Our findings show that male, but not female, BACHD mice exhibited increased variation in phases of the rhythms as compared to age‐ and sex‐matched wild‐types. For both rapid‐eye movement (REM) and non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, genotypic and sex differences were detected. In particular, the BACHD males spent less time in NREM sleep and exhibited a more fragmented sleep than the other groups. Finally, in response to 6 h of sleep deprivation, both genotypes and sexes displayed the predicted homeostatic responses to sleep loss. These findings suggest that females are relatively protected early in disease progression in this HD model.
Short‐term outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Real‐world evidence from a large‐scale inpatient database in Japan
Authors: Hondo Nao , Yamamoto Yuta , Nakabe Takayo , Otsubo Tetsuya , Kitazawa Masato , Nakamura Satoshi , Koyama Makoto , Miyazaki Satoru , Kataoka Masahiro , Soejima Yuji
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives

Robotic distal gastrectomy (RDG) has been widely performed throughout Japan since it became insured in 2018. This study aimed to evaluate the short‐term outcomes of RDG and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for gastric cancer using real‐world data.

Methods

A total of 4161 patients who underwent LDG (n = 3173) or RDG (n = 988) for gastric cancer between April 2018 and October 2022 were identified through the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination Database, which covers 42 national university hospitals. The primary outcome was postoperative in‐hospital mortality rate. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complication rates, time to diet resumption, and postoperative length of stay (LOS).

Results

In‐hospital mortality and postoperative complication rates in the RDG group were comparable with those in the LDG group (0.1% vs. 0.0%, p = 1.000, and 8.7% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.693, respectively). RDG was associated with a longer duration of anesthesia (325 vs. 262 min, p < 0.001), similar time to diet resumption (3 vs. 3 days, p < 0.001), and shorter postoperative LOS (10 vs. 11 days, p < 0.001) compared with LDG.

Conclusions

RDG was performed safely and provided shorter postoperative LOS, since it became covered by insurance in Japan.
Decreased posterior tibial slope is a risk factor for primary posterior cruciate ligament rupture and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failure: A systematic review
Authors: Nedaie Soroush , Vivekanantha Prushoth , O'Hara Kaylin , Slawaska‐Eng David , Cohen Dan , Abouali Jihad , Hoshino Yuichi , Nagai Kanto , Johnson Jansen , de SA Darren
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To determine bony knee morphological factors associated with primary posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture or PCL graft failure after PCL reconstruction.

Methods

Three databases, namely MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE, were searched on 30th May 2023. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R‐AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data such as receiver operating characteristic curve parameters, as well as p‐values for comparisons of values between patients with PCL pathology and control patients, were recorded.

Results

Nine studies comprising 1054 patients were included. Four studies reported that patients with PCL injury had flatter medial posterior tibial slopes (MTS) than controls, with mean values of 4.3 (range: 3.0–7.0) and 6.5 (range: 5.0–9.2) degrees, respectively. Two studies reported an MTS cutoff value ranging below 3.90–3.93° being a significant risk factor for primary PCL rupture or PCL graft failure. Two studies reported that shallow medial tibial depths were associated with primary PCL rupture, with mean values of 2.1 (range: 2.0–2.2) and 2.6 (range: 2.4–2.7) mm in PCL injury and control groups, respectively. Stenotic intercondylar notches and femoral condylar width were not consistently associated with PCL injuries.

Conclusion

Decreased MTS is associated with primary PCL rupture and graft failure after PCL reconstruction with values below 3.93° being considered as a significant risk factor. Less common risk factors include shallow medial tibial depth, while femoral condylar width and parameters with regards to the intercondylar notch, such as notch width, notch width index and intercondylar notch volume, demonstrated conflicting associations with primary or secondary PCL injuries.

Level of Evidence

Level III.