bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propelling Minimally Invasive Tissue Regeneration With Next‐Era Injectable Pre‐Formed Scaffolds
Authors: Liao Junhan , Timoshenko Anastasia B. , Cordova Domenic J. , Astudillo Potes Maria D. , Gaihre Bipin , Liu Xifeng , Elder Benjamin D. , Lu Lichun , Tilton Maryam
Published: June 2024

The growing aging population, with its associated chronic diseases, underscores the urgency for effective tissue regeneration strategies. Biomaterials play a pivotal role in the realm of tissue reconstruction and regeneration, with a distinct shift toward minimally invasive (MI) treatments. This transition, fueled by engineered biomaterials, steers away from invasive surgical procedures to embrace approaches offering reduced trauma, accelerated recovery, and cost‐effectiveness. In the realm of MI tissue repair and cargo delivery, various techniques are explored. While in situ polymerization is prominent, it is not without its challenges. This narrative review explores diverse biomaterials, fabrication methods, and biofunctionalization for injectable pre‐formed scaffolds, focusing on their unique advantages. The injectable pre‐formed scaffolds, exhibiting compressibility, controlled injection, and maintained mechanical integrity, emerge as promising alternative solutions to in situ polymerization challenges. The conclusion of this review emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary design facilitated by synergizing fields of materials science, advanced 3D biomanufacturing, mechanobiological studies, and innovative approaches for effective MI tissue regeneration.
Unbounding the Future: Designing NiAl‐Based Catalysts for Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Zhang Wenzheng , Zhao Huahua , Song Huanling , Chou Lingjun
Published: June 2024

Dry reforming of methane (DRM), the catalytic conversion of CH4 and CO2 into syngas (H2+CO), is an important process closely correlated to the environment and chemical industry. NiAl‐based catalysts have been reported to exhibit excellent activity, low cost, and environmental friendliness. At the same time, the rapid deactivation caused by carbon deposition, Ni sintering, and phase transformation exerts great challenges for its large‐scale applications. This review summarizes the recent advances in NiAl‐based catalysts for DRM, particularly focusing on the strategies to construct efficient and stable NiAl‐based catalysts. Firstly, the thermodynamics and elementary steps of DRM, including the activation of reactants and coke formation and elimination, are summarized. The roles of Al2O3 and its mixed oxides as the support, and the influences of the promoters employed in NiAl‐based catalysts over the DRM performance, are then illustrated. Finally, the design of anti‐coking and anti‐sintering NiAl‐based catalysts for DRM is suggested as feasible and promising by tailoring the structure and states of Ni and the modification of Al‐based supports including small Ni size, high Ni dispersion, proper basicity, strong metal‐support interaction (SMSI), active oxygen species as well as high phase stability.
British education research and its quality: An analysis of Research Excellence Framework submissions
Authors: Inglis Matthew , Foster Colin , Lortie‐Forgues Hugues , Stokoe Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

We analysed the full text of all journal articles returned to the education subpanel of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021). Using a latent Dirichlet allocation topic model, we identified 35 topics that collectively summarise the journal articles that research units, typically schools of education, selected for submission. We found that the topics which units wrote about in their submitted articles collectively explained a large proportion (84.1%) of the variance in the quality assessments they received from the REF's expert peer review process. Further, with the important caveat that we cannot attribute causality, we found that there were strong associations between what the subpanel perceived to be excellent research and the adoption of particular methods or approaches. Most notably, units that returned more interview‐based work typically received lower scores, and those which returned more analyses of large‐scale data and meta‐analyses typically received higher scores. Finally, we applied our 2021 model to articles submitted to the previous exercise, REF2014. We found that education research seems to have become less qualitative and more quantitative over time, and that our 2021 model could successfully predict the scores assigned by the REF2014 subpanel, suggesting a reasonable degree of between‐exercise consistency.
Enhancing doctor‐patient communication in surgical explanations: Designing effective facial expressions and gestures for animated physician characters
Authors: Kim Hwang Youn , Ali Ghazanfar , Hwang Jae‐In
Published: June 2024

Paying close attention to facial expressions, gestures, and communication techniques is essential when creating animated physician characters that are realistic and captivating when describing surgical procedures. This paper emphasizes the integration of appropriate emotions, co‐speech gestures when medical experts explain the medical procedure, and designing animated characters. We can achieve healthy doctor‐patient relationships and improvement of patients' understanding by depicting these components truthfully. We suggest two critical approaches to developing virtual medical experts by incorporating these elements. First, doctors can generate the contents of the surgical procedure with a virtual doctor. Second, patients can listen to the surgical procedure described by the virtual doctor and ask if they have any questions. Our system helps patients by considering their psychology and adding medical professionals' opinions. These improvements ensure the animated virtual agent is comforting, reassuring, and emotionally supportive. Through a user study, we evaluated our hypothesis and gained insight into improvements.
Pyrones Isolated from Annona Acutiflora Exhibit Promising Cytotoxic Effects on Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Folly Diogo , Candido da Silva Samille , Dinis Gabriela , Ouverney Gabriel , Freimann Wermelinger Guilherme , Silva Abreu Lucas , Kaufmann Robbs Bruno , Rocha Leandro
Published: June 2024

This work discusses the ongoing challenge of cancer, focusing on therapy issues such as chemotherapy resistance and adverse drug effects. It emphasizes the need for new anticancer agents with improved efficacy and fewer side effects, exploring natural products from plant sources. The Annonaceae family, specifically the Annona genus, is highlighted for its medicinal properties, including anti‐inflammatory and anticancer effects. The study focuses on the isolation and elucidation of the substances present in Annona acutiflora leaves. The methodology involves chromatographic and spectroscopy techniques. The isolated compounds, (6S)‐5′‐oxohepten‐1′E,3′E‐dienyl)‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one (1), (6R)‐5′‐oxohepten‐1′Z,3′E‐dienyl)‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one (2) and (6R)‐5′‐oxohepten‐1′Z,3′E‐dienyl)‐5,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one (3) were investigated for cytotoxicity assays on cancer cell lines and normal cells. Results show promising cytotoxic activity, particularly with compound 3, demonstrating potential activity against oral cancer (43.18 μM), hepatocarcinoma (17.24 μM), melanoma (5.39 μM), and colon cancer (59.03 μM). The compound outperforms carboplatin in selectivity against oral cancer (S. I. 2.15) and melanoma (S. I. 17.22). The study concludes by suggesting the potential of these α‐pyrones as effective and less toxic alternatives for cancer therapy.
Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure with SeaLA device in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Zulu , Chu Huimin , Chen Xinjing , Tao Ling , Yuan Yiqiang , Ru Leisheng , Wang Jianan , Fan Youqi , Hu Hongde , Wang Changqian , Chen Minglong , Huang Weijian , Zhou Daxin , Liu Xingpeng , Liang Ming , Liu Jing , Han Yaling
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The clinical efficacy and safety of a novel left atrial appendage (LAA) occluder of the SeaLA closure system in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) were reported.

Background

Patients with NVAF are at a higher risk of stroke compared to healthy individuals. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has emerged as a prominent strategy for reducing the risk of thrombosis in individuals with NVAF.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter study was conducted in NVAF patients with a high risk of stroke.

Results

The LAAC was successfully performed in 163 patients. The mean age was 66.93 ± 7.92 years, with a mean preoperative CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 4.17 ± 1.48. One patient with residual flow >3 mm was observed at the 6‐month follow‐up, confirmed by TEE. During the follow‐up, 2 severe pericardiac effusions were noted, and 2 ischemic strokes were observed. Four device‐related thromboses were resolved after anticoagulation treatment. There was no device embolism.

Conclusions

The LAAC with the SeaLA device demonstrates encouraging feasibility, safety, and efficacy outcomes.
Advancing Nitrile‐Aminothiol Strategy for Dual and Sequential Bioconjugation
Authors: Thombare Varsha J. , Wu Yimin , Pamulapati Kavya , Han Meiling , Tailhades Julien , Cryle Max J. , Roberts Kade D. , Velkov Tony , Li Jian , Patil Nitin A.
Published: June 2024

Nitrile‐aminothiol conjugation (NATC) stands out as a promising biocompatible ligation technique due to its high chemo‐selectivity. Herein we investigated the reactivity and substrate scope of NAT conjugation chemistry, thus developing a novel pH dependent orthogonal NATC as a valuable tool for chemical biology. The study of reaction kinetics elucidated that the combination of heteroaromatic nitrile and aminothiol groups led to the formation of an optimal bioorthogonal pairing, which is pH dependent. This pairing system was effectively utilized for sequential and dual conjugation. Subsequently, these rapid (≈1 h) and high yield (>90 %) conjugation strategies were successfully applied to a broad range of complex biomolecules, including oligonucleotides, chelates, small molecules and peptides. The effectiveness of this conjugation chemistry was demonstrated by synthesizing a fluorescently labelled antimicrobial peptide‐oligonucleotide complex as a dual conjugate to imaging in live cells. This first‐of‐its‐kind sequential NATC approach unveils unprecedented opportunities in modern chemical biology, showcasing exceptional adaptability in rapidly creating structurally complex bioconjugates. Furthermore, the results highlight its potential for versatile applications across fundamental and translational biomedical research.
An experimental mystery and a model experiment on ocean acidification – implemented in the KOALa student lab
Authors: Schäfer Xenia , Habig Sebastian
Published: June 2024

Klimaauswirkungen auf Ozean und Atmosphäre im Labor untersuchen: Der Arbeitstitel hinter dem Akronym KOALa ist Programm. Das Schülerlabor strebt an, das Bewusstsein für die Problematik der Ozeanversauerung sowie einen verantwortungsvollen Umgang mit Ressourcen zu schärfen und bietet zugleich fundierte Einblicke in naturwissenschaftliche Arbeitsweisen. Mithilfe einer experimentbasierten Adaption der Mystery‐Methode werden Schüler:innen an forschendes Lernen herangeführt und durch ein Modellexperiment zu den Auswirkungen der Verbrennung fossiler Brennstoffe auf die Meereschemie sensibilisiert. Dies soll zudem Analogiebildung und Transferfähigkeit stärken. Im Artikel werden Einblicke in die methodischen Besonderheiten, das Konzept und den Ablauf des Programms gegeben sowie erste Ergebnisse aus der wissenschaftlichen Begleitforschung zu Interessensquellen während der Ausübung naturwissenschaftlicher Tätigkeiten vorgestellt.
Interfacial regulation engineering in anode‐free rechargeable batteries
Authors: Hao Zhendong , Yan Liang , Li Wenjie , Zeng Yuhan , Dai Yuming , Cong Yuan , Ju Jia , Zhang Baosen
Published: June 2024

Anode‐free rechargeable batteries (AFRBs), equipped with bare collectors at the anode, are potential electrochemical energy storage technology attributed to their simplified cell configuration, high energy density, and cost reduction. Nevertheless, issues including insufficient Coulombic efficiency as well as the formation of the dendrites restrict their practical implementation. In recent years, various strategies have been proposed to overcome the critical issues of AFRBs. Among which, interfacial properties play key roles for achieving high stable AFRBs. In this review, an overview of AFRBs is discussed in the first part. Then, the main strategies based on interfacial regulation engineering toward high‐performance AFRBs are summarized including designing of current collectors, introducing of surface coating layers, modification of electrolytes, separators engineering, cathode materials regulation, and so forth. In addition, some future perspectives for developing AFRBs are proposed. This review will create new avenues on constructing stable AFRBs for advanced energy storage devices.
Clinical usefulness and acceptability of small‐bowel capsule endoscopy with panoramic imaging compared with axial imaging in Japanese patients
Authors: Hirata Issei , Tsuboi Akiyoshi , Matsubara Yuka , Sumioka Akihiko , Takasago Takeshi , Tanaka Hidenori , Yamashita Ken , Takigawa Hidehiko , Urabe Yuji , Oka Shiro
Published: June 2024

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the usefulness and acceptability of CapsoCam Plus (CapsoCam) in Japanese patients.

Methods

This retrospective single‐center study enrolled 930 patients with suspected small‐bowel bleeding (SSBB) who underwent capsule endoscopy. Thirty‐three patients using CapsoCam and PillCam SB3 (SB3) were matched using propensity score matching. The diagnostic yield and the acceptability of CapsoCam were evaluated.

Results

There was no SSBB case where capsule endoscopy was performed within 48 h of bleeding. CapsoCam had a significantly higher observation rate of the entire small bowel (97% vs. 73%, p = 0.006) and Vater's papilla (82% vs. 15%, p < 0.001) than SB3. The reading time of CapsoCam was significantly longer than that of SB3 (30 vs. 25 min, p < 0.001), and CapsoCam's time from the capsule endoscopy swallowing to read completion was longer than that of SB3 (37 vs. 12 h, p < 0.001). The two groups showed no difference in the capsule endoscopy findings according to the P classification. Notably, 85% of the patients using CapsoCam reported examination distress as “not at all” or “almost not,” and 94% reported swallowing difficulty as “very easy” or “easy.”

Conclusions

CapsoCam took time to read; however, it is a well‐tolerated examination with a high observation rate of Vater's papilla and entire small‐bowel mucosa. Detectability of bleeding sources was comparable in both modalities for cases of occult SSBB and overt SSBB more than 48 h after bleeding. CapsoCam is a useful modality for patients with SSBB.
Fishers' ecological knowledge points to fishing‐induced changes in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Poissant David , Coomes Oliver T. , Robinson Brian E. , Vargas Dávila Gladys
Published: June 2024

Scientists increasingly draw on fishers' ecological knowledge (FEK) to gain a better understanding of fish biology and ecology, and inform options for fisheries management. We report on a study of FEK among fishers along the Lower Ucayali River in Peru, a region of exceptional productivity and diversity, which is also a major supplier of fish to the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon. Given a lack of available scientific information on stock status, we sought to identify temporal changes in the composition and size of exploited species by interviewing fishers from 18 communities who vary in years of fishing experience since the mid‐1950s. We develop four FEK‐based indicators to assess changes in the fish assemblage and compare findings with landings data. We find an intensification of fishing gear deployed over time and spatiotemporal shifts in the fish assemblage and reported declines in species weight, which point to a fishing‐down process with declines across multiple species. This finding is reflected in a shifting baseline among our participants, whereby younger generations of fishers have different expectations regarding the distribution and size of species. Our study points to the importance of spillover effects from the nearby Pacaya‐Samira National Reserve and community initiatives to support the regional fishery. Reference to fishers' knowledge also suggests that species decline is likely underreported in aggregated landings data. Despite the dynamism and diversity of Amazonian floodplain fisheries, simple FEK‐based indicators can provide useful information for understanding fishing‐induced changes in the fish assemblage. Fishers hold valuable knowledge for fishery management and conservation initiatives in the region.
Factors limiting the potential range expansion of lodgepole pine in Interior Alaska
Authors: Walker Xanthe J. , Hart Sarah , Hansen Winslow D. , Jean Mélanie , Brown Carissa D. , Stuart Chapin F. , Hewitt Rebecca , Hollingsworth Teresa N. , Mack Michelle C. , Johnstone Jill F.
Published: June 2024

Understanding the factors influencing species range limits is increasingly crucial in anticipating migrations due to human‐caused climate change. In the boreal biome, ongoing climate change and the associated increases in the rate, size, and severity of disturbances may alter the distributions of boreal tree species. Notably, Interior Alaska lacks native pine, a biogeographical anomaly that carries implications for ecosystem structure and function. The current range of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) in the adjacent Yukon Territory may expand into Interior Alaska, particularly with human assistance. Evaluating the potential for pine expansion in Alaska requires testing constraints on range limits such as dispersal limitations, environmental tolerance limits, and positive or negative biotic interactions. In this study, we used field experiments with pine seeds and transplanted seedlings, complemented by model simulations, to assess the abiotic and biotic factors influencing lodgepole pine seedling establishment and growth after fire in Interior Alaska. We found that pine could successfully recruit, survive, grow, and reproduce across our broadly distributed network of experimental sites. Our results show that both mammalian herbivory and competition from native tree species are unlikely to constrain pine growth and that environmental conditions commonly found in Interior Alaska fall well within the tolerance limits for pine. If dispersal constraints are released, lodgepole pine could have a geographically expansive range in Alaska, and once established, its growth is sufficient to support pine‐dominated stands. Given the impacts of lodgepole pine on ecosystem processes such as increases in timber production, carbon sequestration, landscape flammability, and reduced forage quality, natural or human‐assisted migration of this species is likely to substantially alter responses of Alaskan forest ecosystems to climate change.
Pressure‐dimension index and left ventricular sphericity index following HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 implantation
Authors: Schnoering Luisa , Khattab Mohammad Amen , Akhyari Payam , Moza Ajay , Haneya Assad , Diab Abdel Hannan , Abugameh Ahmad , Lotfi Shahram , Zayat Rashad
Published: June 2024

Aims

This study aimed to compare the changes in the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) geometry and performance after the implantation of HeartMate II (HMII) and HeartMate 3 (HM3). In addition, we investigated whether the echocardiographic parameters LV sphericity index (LVSI) and the novel pressure‐dimension index (PDI) can predict post‐operative right ventricular failure (RVF).

Methods and results

Between 2012 and 2020, 46 patients [HMII (n = 22) and HM3 (n = 24)] met the study's criteria and had echocardiography tests pre‐operatively, 6 and 12 months post‐operatively. The LVSI and PDI were calculated together with the standard LV and RV echocardiographic parameters. The mean follow‐up was 24 ± 7 months. In both groups, the LV end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) significantly decreased 12 months post‐operatively compared with the pre‐operative values (HMII: 6.4 ± 1.4 cm vs. 5.7 ± 0.9 cm, P = 0.040; HM3: 6.7 ± 1.3 cm vs. 5.5 ± 0.9 cm, P < 0.01, respectively). RV function 12 months post‐operatively was better in the HM3 group than in the HMII group, as indicated by a significantly higher RV fractional area change (RVFAC) in the HM3 group than in the HMII group 12 months post‐operatively (35 ± 12% vs. 26 ± 16%, P = 0.039), significantly higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) in the HM3 group 12 months post‐operatively compared with the HMII group (13.9 ± 1.9 mm vs. 12.0 ± 2.1 mm, P = 0.002), and the tissue Doppler estimated tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV) was also significantly higher in the HM3 group 12 months post‐operatively compared with the HMII group (11.5 ± 2.7 mm/s vs. 9.9 ± 1.5 mm/s, P = 0.020). The LVSI value was significantly higher 12 months post‐operatively in the HMII group than in the HM3 group (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 0.8 ± 0.2, P = 0.001, respectively), indicating worse geometric changes. The PDI decreased 12 months post‐operatively in the HM3‐group compared with the baseline (3.4 ± 1.4 mmHg/cm2 vs. 2.0 ± 0.8 mmHg/cm2, P < 0.001). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, only the pre‐operative PDI was a predictor of post‐operative RVF [odds ratio: 3.84 (95% CI: 1.53–18.16, P = 0.022)]. The area under the curve for pre‐operative PDI was 0.912. The 2 year survival was significantly better in the HM3 group (log‐rank, P = 0.042).

Conclusions

The design of HM3 offered better geometrical preservation of the LV and enabled normal PDI values, leading to improved RV function, as indicated by better RVFAC, TAPSE, and TASV values. The use of pre‐operative PDI as an additional tool for established risk scores might offer a better pre‐operative predictor of RVF.
The Dead Unborn, Postmortem Privacy Cases, and Abortion Rights
Authors: Allen Anita L.
Published: June 2024

The privacy of the dead is an interesting area of concern for bioethicists. There is a legal doctrine that the dead can't have privacy rights, but also a body of contrary law ascribing privacy rights to the deceased and kin in relation to the deceased. As women's abortion privacy is under assault by American courts and legislatures, the implications of ascribing privacy rights to embryos and fetuses is more important than ever. Caution is called for in this domain.
Beneath the Sword of Damocles: Moral Obligations of Physicians in a Post‐Dobbs Landscape
Authors: Lyerly Anne Drapkin , Faden Ruth R. , Mello Michelle M.
Published: June 2024

Since the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization, a growing web of state laws restricts access to abortion. Here we consider how, ethically, doctors should respond when terminating a pregnancy is clinically indicated but state law imposes restrictions on doing so. We offer a typology of cases in which the dilemma emerges and a brief sketch of the current state of legal prohibitions against providing such care. We examine the issue from the standpoints of conscience, professional ethics, and civil disobedience and conclude that it is almost always morally permissible and praiseworthy to break the law and that, in a subset of cases, it is morally obligatory to do so. We further argue that health care institutions that employ or credential physicians to provide reproductive health care have an ethical duty to provide a basic suite of practical supports for them as they work to ethically resolve the dilemmas before them.
Troubling Trends in Health Misinformation Related to Gender‐Affirming Care
Authors: Shuster Stef M. , McNamara Meredithe
Published: June 2024

Amidst the misinformation climate about trans people and their health care that dominates policy and social discourse, autonomy‐based rationales for gender‐affirming care for trans and nonbinary youth are being called into question. In this commentary, which responds to “What Is the Aim of Pediatric ‘Gender‐Affirming’ Care?,” by Moti Gorin, we contextualize the virulent ideas circulating in misinformation campaigns that have become weaponized for unprecedented legal interference into standard health care. We conclude that the current legal justifications for upending gender‐affirming care gloss over how this health care field meets conventional evidentiary standards and aligns protocols with most other fields of medicine. Refusal to offer gender‐affirming care is more harmful than centralizing trans and nonbinary people's health autonomy.
Values and Evidence in Gender‐Affirming Care
Authors: Keyes Os , Dietz Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2024

This commentary responds to the article “What Is the Aim of Pediatric ‘Gender‐Affirming’ Care?,” by Moti Gorin, in the same issue of the journal. Gender‐affirming care is often treated as exceptional and subject to heightened scrutiny. This exceptionalization results in its being held to stricter evidentiary standards than other forms of medical interventions are. But values and value judgments are inextricable from the practice of evidence‐based medicine. For gender‐affirming care, values shape what counts as “strong” evidence, whether the legitimacy of transgender identity is assumed versus treated as something to be investigated, how to characterize the testimonial accounts of trans and gender‐nonconforming patients, and more. We argue that these kinds of questions are part of the practice of medicine, not exceptional to transgender people and gender‐affirming care. However, litigation of evidence for gender‐affirming care in state and national policy underscores the moral urgency of thinking carefully about what values ought to guide evidence.
Nancy S. Jecker, Zohar Lederman, and Anita Ho reply
Authors: Jecker Nancy S. , Lederman Zohar , Ho Anita
Published: June 2024

This letter replies to the letter “Colonial and Neocolonial Barriers to Companion Digital Humans in Africa,” by Luís Cordeiro‐Rodrigues, in the same, May‐June 2024, issue of the Hastings Center Report.
Minors Lack the Autonomy to Consent to Gender‐Affirming Care: Best Interests Must Be Primary
Authors: Bester Johan C.
Published: June 2024

What ethically justifies the provision of invasive and irreversible treatments to minors? In this commentary, I examine this question in response to Moti Gorin's article “What Is the Aim of Pediatric ‘Gender‐Affirming’ Care?,” which critiques autonomy‐based arguments for justification of gender‐affirming care in minors. Minors generally lack sufficient autonomy to make significant medical decisions or major life decisions. For this reason, parents are generally their decision‐makers, working with medical professionals to choose treatments that serve the best interests of the minor. Medical care in minors is justified by beneficence, not autonomy, and this should be no different for gender‐affirming care. This severely undermines autonomy‐based arguments for provision of gender‐affirming care to minors. Given the lack of conclusive evidence for benefit, the nature of the treatment, and the fact that gender dysphoria in minors resolves spontaneously in most cases, there is presently insufficient justification for provision of such care to minors.
The role of upfront neck dissection in definitive radiotherapy for locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Katano Atsuto , Yamashita Hideomi , Saito Yuki , Kobayashi Kenya
Published: June 2024

Background

Hypopharyngeal cancer, constituting 3%–5% of head and neck cancers, predominantly presents as squamous cell carcinoma, with a 5‐year overall survival rate of approximately 40%. Treatment modalities for locally advanced cases include chemoradiotherapy; however, the role of upfront neck dissection (UND) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UND on definitive radiotherapy in locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included consecutive patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who were treated in our department between January 2007 and June 2023. All patients underwent definitive radiotherapy (dRT) at a total dose of 70 Gy in 35 fractions. The patients were categorized into two groups: dRT (radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy) and UND‐dRT (surgical neck dissection followed by radiotherapy). Univariate Cox models and multivariate analyses were conducted to investigate the independent prognostic factors for overall survival and locoregional control rate.

Results

This study included 115 patients, predominantly male (109/115), with a median age of 66 years. Clinical stage and chemotherapy distribution differed significantly between the dRT and UND‐dRT groups. The 3‐year overall survival and locoregional control rates for all patients were 63.8% and was 63.3%, respectively. The UND‐dRT group exhibited a trend toward improved locoregional control, although this difference was not statistically significant. The multivariate analysis revealed that UND was an independent factor significantly associated with improved overall survival and locoregional control.

Conclusion

This study provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of UND in conjunction with definitive radiotherapy for locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Future research should focus on validating and refining these findings through well‐designed prospective multicenter trials.
Determining threshold air temperature of snowfall and rainfall in China mainland
Authors: Liu Yulian , Ren Guoyu
Published: June 2024

Separating existing historical precipitation data into solid and liquid precipitation remains a challenge in the study of climate change, extreme precipitation, and hydrological modelling. Based on historical daily air temperature and precipitation data, as well as visual observations of precipitation phase (weather phenomena records) in China mainland, this study proposed a snow‐day direct definition method (SDDM) to determine the threshold air temperature (TAT) of rainfall and snowfall, and analysed the spatial pattern and its influential factors. The main findings include: (1) the TAT based on the SDDM varied from −1.2 to 6.3°C, with a mean value of 2.8°C for the entire study region; (2) TAT was generally higher and more variable in the low‐latitude areas, and the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau was characterized by an abnormally high average TAT of 5.2°C, almost twice as large as that of the eastern monsoon region; (3) TAT exhibited a significant positive correlation with altitude and negative correlation with precipitation and relative humidity. The results presented in this paper have potential application for studies of large‐scale snowfall climatology and climate change, weather forecasting techniques, and hydrological model parameterization in areas with complex and diverse geographical and climatic conditions.
Feasibility and acceptability of a digital parent group chat intervention to prevent child and adolescent maltreatment in the Philippines
Authors: Jocson Rosanne M. , Alampay Liane Peña , Lachman Jamie M. , Reyes Jennel C. , Mamauag Bernice Landoy , Maramba Denise Hazelyn A. , Eagling‐Peche Stephanie , Han Qing , Calderon Francisco
Published: June 2024

This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of MaPaChat, a parent support intervention delivered using Viber group chat to caregivers in the Philippines during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Forty caregivers of children aged 4–17 from predominantly low‐income households participated in a culturally adapted version of the Parenting for Lifelong Health ParentChat programme. Feasibility was assessed by enrolment, attendance, and dropout rates. Semi‐structured interviews with caregivers and programme facilitators explored programme acceptability. A single‐group pre‐post design was used to explore changes in child maltreatment, positive parenting, parenting stress, and other secondary outcomes. The mean attendance rate was 82% and the dropout rate was 10%. Caregivers and facilitators found the programme helpful in enhancing parenting knowledge and skills and were satisfied with the programme delivery using Viber group chat but also reported experiencing technological challenges. Pre‐post comparisons suggested that the intervention has potential in reducing physical and emotional abuse and associated risk factors. The findings suggest that a parenting intervention delivered over digital group chat by trained community service providers may be a feasible and acceptable way to support caregivers in low‐resource settings.
Self‐efficacy beliefs as key ingredients to healthy and sustainable lifestyles. A five‐year longitudinal study on diet and physical activity habits of newly diagnosed patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Steca Patrizia , Adorni Roberta , Serino Silvia , D'Addario Marco
Published: June 2024

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and an unhealthy lifestyle notoriously accounts for a large percentage of their risk. Identifying resources to stimulate lifestyle changes is an essential goal of primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. Self‐efficacy beliefs are among the major psychological factors proven to impact health status and lifestyle. This study aimed to confirm the role of self‐efficacy beliefs by investigating their associations over 5 years of adherence to healthy lifestyles in terms of diet and physical activity in a sample of 275 newly diagnosed patients with acute coronary syndrome. Longitudinal profiles of lifestyles and self‐efficacy beliefs in their improvement were identified through latent class growth analysis. Correlations were then performed to explore the associations between lifestyles and self‐efficacy trajectories. Results showed a positive association between virtuous lifestyle profiles and high self‐efficacy in implementing behavioural change. Finally, two logistic regressions were performed to test the hypothesis that a high self‐efficacy profile would predict better lifestyles 5 years after the coronary event. This hypothesis was confirmed for diet. Overall, current findings confirm the importance of implementing repeated psychological interventions that promote patients' efficacy beliefs in self‐regulating their behaviour changes over time.
Is genotoxicity a suitable biomarker for monitoring anabolic‐androgenic steroids exposure in vivo? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pinto Thiago Guedes , Malacarne Ingra Tais , Takeshita Wilton Mitsunari , de Barros Viana Milena , Renno Ana Claudia Muniz , Ribeiro Daniel Araki
Published: June 2024

Steroids stand for a class of hormones (natural and synthetic) known to be helpful for a number of disorders. Despite the aforementioned beneficial effects of using these hormones, anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AAS) are also widely abused in a non‐therapeutic manner for muscle‐building and strength‐increasing properties that may lead to genotoxicity in different tissues. The present study aims to understand whether genotoxicity may be a suitable biomarker for AAS exposure in vivo in both experimental animal and human studies. All studies published in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases that presented data on DNA damage caused by AAS were analyzed. A total of 15 articles were included in this study, and after thoroughly reviewing the studies, a total of 8 articles were classified as Strong, 6 were classified as Moderate, and only 1 was classified as Weak, totaling 14 studies being considered either Strong or Moderate. This classification makes it possible to consider the present findings as reliable. The meta‐analysis data revealed a statistically significant difference in Wistar rat testis cells with AAS compared to control for tail length and % tail DNA (p < 0.001), so that the selected articles were considered homogeneous and the I2 of 0% indicated low heterogeneity. In summary, genotoxicity can be considered a suitable biomarker for monitoring AAS exposure as a result of DNA breakage and oxidative DNA damage.
The evolutionary paths of clinical psychology studies in the United States: A bibliometrics illustration of 69k publications
Authors: Gao Mingzhu , Lou Wen
Published: June 2024

Objective

We aim to uncover the hot topics and development trends in clinical psychology research in the United States.

Method

Utilizing bibliometric analysis, we examined clinical psychology papers published in the United States from 2010 to 2022 in the Web of Science database, employing citation analysis, content analysis, author analysis, and journal analysis.

Results

Our analysis revealed a significant increase in clinical psychology research, notably catalyzed by the 2019 COVID‐19 pandemic. This surge was particularly evident in studies addressing mental disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors, as well as psychological trauma related to issues like family conflict, elder abuse, and collective trauma. Furthermore, there was a distinct shift towards studying diverse populations, including gender and racial minorities, mothers, and adolescents. Therapeutic approaches, such as mindfulness‐based practices and AI‐assisted technologies, also gained prominence.

Conclusions

This study represents the first large‐scale bibliometric analysis in the field of clinical psychology in the United States. Our findings suggest that the COVID‐19 pandemic highlights the importance of studying psychological issues linked to major events. Also, researchers are increasingly focusing on minority groups. This trend, along with the use of new technologies like big data and artificial intelligence, guides future research in clinical psychology.

Public Health Significance Statement

The works in this review suggest that the changing landscape of clinical psychology, especially post‐COVID‐19. The increased research post‐pandemic emphasizes addressing psychological trauma arising from societal issues like family conflicts, elder abuse, and collective trauma. A positive shift towards inclusivity is evident in research, focusing on diverse groups like gender minorities, racial minorities, mothers, and adolescents. Additionally, the amplified focus on mental disorders like PTSD, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors during the pandemic stresses the need for tailored interventions and support systems. Exploring innovative methods such as mindfulness‐based practices and AI‐assisted technologies showcases the field's adaptability in mental health interventions.
Ultrasound manifestations of primary intestinal non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with liver metastasis in a child
Authors: Wang Xiao‐yi , Zhu Yu‐ting , Zheng Shuang , Xiao Fei , Zhu Yuan‐yuan , Che Shan , Hu Pei
Published: June 2024

Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor arising in lymph nodes or extra‐nodal lymphoid tissues, with an incidence of 8.3 per million. It accounts for approximately 7% of childhood and adolescent malignancies, second only to leukemia and brain tumors. Despite the gastrointestinal tract being the most common extra‐nodal site involved by lymphoma, primary intestinal lymphoma (PIL) is rare and typically affects middle‐aged men without specific clinical symptoms. Here, we present the case of a 2‐year‐old child indicative of PIL with the informed consent of the parents.
Ultrasound‐based bone tracking using cross‐correlation enables dynamic measurements of knee kinematics during clinical assessments
Authors: Blomquist Matthew B. , Roth Joshua D.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Measuring joint kinematics in the clinic is important for diagnosing injuries, tracking healing and guiding treatments; however, current methods are limited by accuracy and/or feasibility of widespread clinical adoption. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate an ultrasound (US)‐based method for measuring knee kinematics during clinical assessments.

Methods

We mimicked four clinical laxity assessments (i.e., anterior, posterior, varus, valgus) on five human cadaver knees using our robotic testing system. We simultaneously collected B‐mode cine loops with an US transducer. We computed the errors in kinematics between those measured using our bone‐tracking algorithm, which cross‐correlated regions of interest across frames of the cine loops, and those measured using optical motion capture with bone pins. Additionally, we conducted studies to determine the effects of loading rate and transducer placement on kinematics measured using our US‐based bone tracking.

Results

Pooling the trials at experimental speeds and those downsampled to replicate clinical laxity assessments, the maximum root‐mean‐square errors of knee kinematics using our bone‐tracking algorithm were 2.2 mm and 1.3° for the anterior‐posterior and varus‐valgus laxity assessments, respectively. Repeated laxity assessments proved to have good‐to‐excellent repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] of 0.81–0.99), but ICCs from repositioning the transducer varied more widely, ranging from poor‐to‐good reproducibility (0.19–0.89).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that US is capable of tracking knee kinematics during dynamic movement. Because US is a safe and commonly used imaging modality, when paired with our bone‐tracking algorithm, US has the potential to assess dynamic knee kinematics across a wide variety of applications in the clinic.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
ciRS‐7 circular RNA overexpression in plasma cells is a promising molecular biomarker of unfavorable prognosis in multiple myeloma
Authors: Papatsirou Maria , Kontos Christos K. , Ntanasis‐Stathopoulos Ioannis , Malandrakis Panagiotis , Theodorakakou Foteini , Liacos Christine‐Ivy , Mavrianou‐Koutsoukou Nefeli , Fotiou Despina , Migkou Magdalini , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Kastritis Efstathios , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Scorilas Andreas , Terpos Evangelos
Published: June 2024

Several non‐coding RNAs are known to be associated with the pathobiology and progression of multiple myeloma (MM). ciRS‐7 (also known as CDR1‐AS), a key oncogenic circular RNA (circRNA) that sponges miR‐7‐5p and other cancer‐related microRNAs, was recently found to be downregulated in malignant plasma cells resistant to immunomodulatory drugs. Considering that various circRNAs have a strong potential as molecular biomarkers, we aimed to investigate the expression of ciRS‐7 in plasma cell disorders, assess its prognostic importance in MM, and compare these findings with those of individuals with smoldering MM (SMM) and monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). This study included 171 patients (110 newly diagnosed MM, 34 SMM, and 27 MGUS cases), from which bone marrow aspirate samples were collected for CD138+ plasma cell selection. Total RNA was reversely transcribed using random hexamer primers, and the expression levels of ciRS‐7 were quantified using an in‐house‐developed protocol that includes pre‐amplification and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. ciRS‐7 levels were found to significantly differ among CD138+ plasma cells of MM, SMM, and MGUS patients. ROC analysis indicated that ciRS‐7 expression effectively distinguishes between MM and SMM patients. Moreover, high levels of ciRS‐7 were associated with unfavorable prognosis in MM, independently of MM patients’ age and Revised International Staging System stage. Additionally, in silico analysis predicted the binding of 85 microRNAs to ciRS‐7. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the role of ciRS‐7 as a promising molecular marker able to distinguish MM from SMM and predict prognosis in MM.
Design and application of optimum toroidal shaped electromagnetic energy harvesters for unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Balcı M. Şamil , Dalcalı Adem
Published: June 2024

This study presents the design and implementation of electromagnetic energy harvesters for the purpose of charging unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) battery. In the study, the designed harvesters are analyzed through finite element method (FEM) simulations. In the FEM analysis, common and self‐inductance values, as well as magnetic flux density values of the harvesters, are calculated at specific current values. Inductance values are also theoretically calculated for comparison. Subsequently, an experimental setup is established to test the designed harvesters. After winding the core, the induced voltage and the power transferred to the load by the harvesters are measured. Curve fitting is performed after the measurements with different load resistances to find the maximum power transferred to the load. Through curve fitting, the maximum power obtained at each current value and at which load resistance this power is harvested are determined. Considering the intention of using the designed cores to charge UAVs and the importance of weight in UAV flight, the weights of each core, both without winding and after winding, are measured, and their costs are calculated. Taking all these criteria into account, the performance of the harvesters is demonstrated, and those among the used cores that are the most suitable for UAVs are identified in the study.
The Relationship Between Attitudes Toward Authority and Innovative Behavior in Adolescents: The Mediating Roles of Social Support and Perspective Taking
Authors: Chang Chu‐Yang , Kuo Hsu‐Chan
Published: June 2024

Parents and teachers are significant authority figures that substantially impact adolescents' psychological and cognitive development, including their creativity. The current study investigated the relationship between adolescents' attitudes toward authority (parents and teachers) and innovative behavior and examined the mediating effects of social support and perspective taking. According to attachment theory, adolescents' attitudes toward authority may derive from early interaction with primary caregivers, primarily parents. Individuals internalize these interaction experiences and form internal working models, which will be applied in later life stages when interacting with authority figures. These early life experiences also influence individuals' sense of support and empathy abilities. Through analyzing a sample comprising 1,498 adolescents from Taiwan, this study unveils a significant association between adolescents' perceptions of authority and their proclivity for innovative conduct, as well as their levels of social support and capacity for perspective taking. Employing structural equation modeling (SEM), the empirical findings accentuate the mediating role of social support and perspective taking in delineating the nexus between adolescents' attitude toward authority and their manifestation of innovative behavior. The results revealed that adolescents with positive attitudes toward authority are likely to sense support, stand from other viewpoints, and further benefit creativity.
Manipulation of Upconversion Luminescence in Heavily Lanthanide‐Doped Halide Double Perovskites for Optical Information Storage
Authors: Tang Baoling , Zhou Xinquan , Li Tianrui , Li Liang , Zhang Haoran , Molokeev Maxim , Golovnev Nicolay , Xia Zhiguo , Lei Bingfu
Published: June 2024

Upconversion (UC) process involves diverse energy levels and photoluminescence modes, however, it faces the challenge of concentration quenching of the doped lanthanide ions with multiple luminescence centers. Herein, Yb3+/Ho3+ and Yb3+/Tm3+ are heavily codoped into the lead‐free halide double perovskite single crystal Cs2NaErCl6, enabling the controlled energy transfer UC process, and accordingly, the UC materials exhibit anti‐concentration‐quenching owing to the defect tolerance characters. Depending on different doping couples, the UC materials show green and red emissions under the 980 nm laser excitations. Moreover, the green‐to‐red emission ratio in Yb3+/Tm3+ codoped Cs2NaErCl6 changes dynamically with the increasing pumping intensity due to the different sensitivities of the excited energy levels. This study provides a renewed direction of the lanthanide ions heavily‐doped halide double perovskites toward UC materials and facilitates the development of new smart luminescence materials for optical information storage applications.