bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the GeI2‐Assisted Oriented Growth of Perovskite Crystallite for High‐Performance Flexible Sn Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lai Huagui , Olthof Selina , Ren Shengqiang , Kothandaraman Radha K. , Diethelm Matthias , Jeangros Quentin , Hany Roland , Tiwari Ayodhya N. , Zhao Dewei , Fu Fan
Published: July 2024

Tin perovskites are emerging as promising alternatives to their lead‐based counterparts for high‐performance and flexible perovskite solar cells. However, their rapid crystallization often leads to inadequate film quality and poor device performance. In this study, the role of GeI2 as an additive is investigated for controlling the nucleation and crystallization processes of formamidinium tin triiodide (FASnI3). The findings reveal the preferential formation of a Ge‐rich layer at the bottom of the perovskite film upon the introduction of GeI2. It is proposed that the initial formation of the Ge complex acts as a crystallization regulator, promoting oriented growth of subsequent FASnI3 crystals and enhancing overall crystallinity. Through the incorporation of an optimal amount of GeI2, flexible Sn perovskite solar cells with an efficiency of 10.8% were achieved. Furthermore, it was observed that the GeI2 additive ensures a remarkable shelf‐life for the devices, with the rigid cells retaining 91% of their initial performance after more than 13 800 h of storage in an N2 gas environment. This study elucidates the mechanistic role of GeI2 in regulating the nucleation and crystallization process of tin perovskites, providing valuable insights into the significance of additive engineering for the development of high‐performance flexible tin perovskite solar cells.
Lanthanide Complexes Containing a Terminal LnIII−O Bond: Hydrolysis as a Tool to Assess f‐Element Bond Covalency
Authors: Shafi Ziad , Gibson John K.
Published: July 2024

We report the preparation, isolation, and reactivity of gas‐phase lanthanide nitrate and acetate complexes featuring the elusive trivalent LnIII=O bond. Complexes [LnIII(O)(X)2]− (X=NO3− or CH3CO2−; Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Tm, Lu) are prepared from [LnIII(CH3CO2)(X)3]− precursors through decarboxylation followed by nitromethane or acetone elimination. The oxo complexes hydrolyze at rates indicating LnIII=O bond stability. The rates for [LnIII(O)(NO3)2]− are essentially invariant, whereas those for [LnIII(O)(CH3CO2)2]− exhibit a moderate decrease across the lanthanide series. The kinetics of lanthanide‐oxo bond hydrolysis are assessed in the context of participation of 5d2 electrons in bonding, changes in covalency via variations in 5d orbital energies and radial extensions, and steric crowding around the lanthanide center. The observed fast hydrolysis rates and lack of correlation to electronic and qualitative covalent considerations confirm the expected strong polarization in LnIII=O bonding, with variations in covalency minimally impacting reactivity. The LnIII=O bond reactivity is compared with previous results for LnIII−O⋅ and LnIV=O, and actinide AnIII=O and AnIV=O; implications for lanthanide/actinide and lanthanide/lanthanide partitioning are discussed. Additionally, nitromethane and acetone elimination are demonstrated as useful for inducing a 2e− O‐atom transfer resulting in non‐oxidative formation of lanthanide‐oxos.
Exploration of Synthetic Potential of Quinoline‐3‐Carbaldehydes
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Sharma Shubham , Vaishali  , Singh Dharmender , Malakar Chandi C. , Singh Virender
Published: July 2024

Quinoline is one of the most important nitrogen containing heterocycles, being widespread in nature and present in a broad variety of pharmacologically active compounds. Specifically, several quinoline based renowned antimalarial agents have served the mankind for several past decades and showed strong potential applications in other field also. 3‐Formyl‐quinoline is a versatile precursor which can be transformed using several easy methods into a wide range of biologically valuable scaffolds. The exploration of 3‐formyl‐quinolines have gained much more attention to medicinal chemists in the field of drug discovery to design and synthesize new fused/tethered quinolines as potent therapeutical agents. This manuscript summarizes the reports (from 2011 to 2023) which showing the synthetic potential of quinoline‐3‐carbaldehydes.
NaBH4‐Induced Chemoselective Mechanochemical Neat Synthesis of Bio‐Active Dihydrofuran/ϵ‐Hydroxy‐α,β‐Unsaturated Esters and Synthetic Application to Isoindoles
Authors: Barik Paritosh , Pal Chandan Kumar , Chakraborty Sudipta , Azad Sk Abulkalam , Patra Prasanta , Jana Rathin , Molla Mijanur Rahaman , Samanta Shubhankar
Published: July 2024

The synthesis of small heterocycles under neat mechanochemical conditions is of great interest in the field of drug design because most of the commercially available drugs contain at least one heterocyclic unit. The sodium borohydride (NaBH4) promoted reductive cyclization to fused dihydrofuran under grinding technique is one of the compendium additions for the clean future. The development of chemoselective reduction under silica‐gel supported conditions represents significant progress in organic synthesis, offering a versatile and efficient method for selective reduction of specific functional groups within complex molecules. Synthesis of isoindole derivatives from the chemoselective reduce product via a sustainable short synthetic pathway is another significant process of our newly developed protocol. Finally, antileishmanial investigations of our synthesized compounds establish a soft bridge between biology and chemistry.
Neuroinflammatory activation in sensory and motor regions of the cortex is related to sensorimotor function in individuals with low back pain maintained by nociplastic mechanisms: A preliminary proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Shraim Muath A. , Massé‐Alarie Hugo , Farrell Michael J. , Cavaleri Rocco , Loggia Marco L. , Hodges Paul W.
Published: July 2024

Background

Chronic pain involves communication between neural and immune systems. Recent data suggest localization of glial (brain immune cells) activation to the sensorimotor regions of the brain cortex (S1/M1) in chronic low back pain (LBP). As glia perform diverse functions that impact neural function, activation might contribute to sensorimotor changes, particularly in LBP maintained by increased nervous system sensitivity (i.e., nociplastic pain). This preliminary proof‐of‐concept study aimed to: (i) compare evidence of neuroinflammatory activation in S1/M1 between individuals with and without LBP (and between nociceptive and nociplastic LBP phenotypes), and (ii) evaluate relationships between neuroinflammatory activation and sensorimotor function.

Methods

Simultaneous PET‐fMRI measured neuroinflammatory activation in functionally defined S1/M1 in pain‐free individuals (n = 8) and individuals with chronic LBP (n = 9; nociceptive: n = 4, nociplastic: n = 5). Regions of S1/M1 related to the back were identified using fMRI during motor tasks and thermal stimuli. Sensorimotor measures included single and paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and quantitative sensory testing (QST). Sleep, depression, disability and pain questionnaires were administered.

Results

Neuroinflammatory activation was greater in the lower back cortical representation of S1/M1 of the nociplastic LBP group than both nociceptive LBP and pain‐free groups. Neuroinflammatory activation in S1/M1 was positively correlated with sensitivity to hot (r = 0.52) and cold (r = 0.55) pain stimuli, poor sleep, depression, disability and BMI, and negatively correlated with intracortical facilitation (r = −0.41).

Conclusion

This preliminary proof‐of‐concept study suggests that neuroinflammation in back regions of S1/M1 in individuals with nociplastic LBP could plausibly explain some characteristic features of this LBP phenotype.

Significance Statement

Neuroinflammatory activation localized to sensorimotor areas of the brain in individuals with nociplastic pain might contribute to changes in sensory and motor function and aspects of central sensitization. If cause–effect relationships are established in longitudinal studies, this may direct development of therapies that target neuroinflammatory activation.
Optimization method for capacity of BESS considering charge‐discharge cycle and renewable energy penetration rate
Authors: Zhao Yu , Luo Zhongge , Zhang Yi , Wu Mengjing , Wen Li , Li Gen
Published: July 2024

In order to achieve the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals, we must vigorously develop renewable energy power generation. As the penetration of renewables progressively escalates, the corresponding demand for battery energy storage systems (BESS) within the power grid rises concomitantly. This paper presents an innovative optimization approach for configuring BESS, taking into account the incremental variations in renewable energy penetration levels and BESS charge‐discharge cycles. Employing incremental analytical techniques and pivotal metrics such as capacity elasticity, the proposed method determines the optimal penetration rate and corresponding BESS capacity outcomes for deploying energy storage systems. An example analysis of a rural power distribution benchmark is carried out by using the method in this paper, which proves the effectiveness of the method in this paper. This methodology was substantiated through its application to a case study of a rural power distribution benchmark, thereby validating its efficacy. Furthermore, it was compared with the particle swarm optimization, providing a comparative assessment of their relative performance.
Structural and molecular characterization of astrocyte and vasculature connectivity in the mouse hippocampus and cortex
Authors: Lorin Charlotte , Guiet Romain , Chiaruttini Nicolas , Ambrosini Giovanna , Boci Elvis , Abdellah Marwan , Markram Henry , Keller Daniel
Published: July 2024

The relation of astrocytic endfeet to the vasculature plays a key functional role in the neuro‐glia‐vasculature unit. We characterize the spatial organization of astrocytes and the structural aspects that facilitate their involvement in molecular exchanges. Using double transgenic mice, we performed co‐immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and three‐dimensional digital segmentation to investigate the biophysical and molecular organization of astrocytes and their intricate endfoot network at the micrometer level in the isocortex and hippocampus. The results showed that hippocampal astrocytes had smaller territories, reduced endfoot dimensions, and fewer contacts with blood vessels compared with those in the isocortex. Additionally, we found that both connexins 43 and 30 have a higher density in the endfoot and the former is overexpressed relative to the latter. However, due to the limitations of the method, further studies are needed to determine the exact localization on the endfoot. The quantitative information obtained in this study will be useful for modeling the interactions of astrocytes with the vasculature.
Efficacy and safety of proton therapy versus intensity‐modulated radiation therapy in the treatment of head and neck tumors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vasudevan Srivatsa Surya , Deeb Haya , Katta Anuhya , Olinde Lindsay , Pang John , Asarkar Ameya A. , Katz Sanford , Nathan Cherie‐Ann O.
Published: July 2024

To comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety when utilizing proton therapy (PT) versus intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in head and neck cancer patients. Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies on comparative PT and IMRT outcomes. We performed a random effect model meta‐analysis to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) for efficacy and safety outcome variables between PT and IMRT. From 641 identified articles, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 3087 patients (606 treated with PT and 2481 with IMRT). On toxicity analysis, PT is associated with decreased acute grade 1 nausea (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13–0.84, p = 0.02) compared to IMRT. In grade 2 toxicity, PT showed significant advantages over IMRT in mucositis (OR = 0.44, p < 0.0001), dysgeusia (OR = 0.35, p = 0.02), dysphagia (OR = 0.36, p < 0.0001), fatigue (OR = 0.29, p = 0.001), pain (OR = 0.34, p = 0.01), and weight loss (OR = 0.54, p = 0.02). Proton therapy also exhibited increased safety in grade 3 dysphagia incidence (OR = 0.44, p < 0.0001) compared to IMRT. PT demonstrated improved overall survival (OS) compared to IMRT across multiple time points: 1‐year OS (HR = 0.43, p = 0.02), 2‐year OS (HR = 0.44, p < 0.0001), and 5‐year OS (HR = 0.78, p = 0.004). In terms of disease‐free survival (DFS), PT also showed improved outcomes at 2‐year DFS (HR = 0.65, p = 0.03) and 5‐year DFS (HR = 0.81, p = 0.03). Proton therapy demonstrated superior overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and better local control rate (LCR) compared to IMRT. The data also showed better safety outcomes in PT patients, particularly when involving grade 2 acute toxicity events.
“Something we must be proud of”: An interview and document study of team improvisation in the Dutch convalescent plasma project group
Authors: Langi Sasongko Praiseldy , Vrielink Hans , de Bruijne Martine
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic has revealed the importance of organizational resilience, the ability to effectively respond to a disruptive event before, during, and after it occurs. Team improvisation is an important component of organizational resilience as it describes characteristics of team skills and contextual qualities to create order from chaos. In Spring 2020, the Dutch national blood bank, began the convalescent plasma project (CCP). We aimed to study which elements of team improvisation in the CCP group were found and how lessons learned can contribute towards a non‐crisis situation for blood establishments.

Methods

Using Vera and Crossan's framework of improvisation, semi‐structured interviews with eight members of the CCP group were conducted. This was simultaneous to performing a document analysis of 21 Intranet posts and seven internal reports. MAXDA 2020 was used to conduct deductive and inductive thematic analyses.

Results

The CCP group showed strong characteristics of expertise and memory, teamwork quality, experimental culture, and real‐time information and communication that enabled them to improvise in all aspects of the donation process. Improvisation examples included comprehensive communication methods to identify and obtain new donors, asking additional intake questions and collecting additional aliquots to store while waiting for an internal antibody test to be developed, and regulatory respondents allowing a flexible change control procedure to meet the pace of the crisis. Training was evident to a lesser degree.

Conclusion

While improvisation impacted set routines and procedures, the safety and quality of the product were not affected. Regarding organizational resilience, our results showed that the CCP group “coped” well using elements of team improvisation. Blood establishments may consider introducing improvisational training and innovation teams throughout the organization for future preparedness and improving organizational resilience.
Numerical simulation of an impinging jet array in a square channel covered by a porous layer
Authors: Khademi Saeed , Bazargan Majid
Published: July 2024

In many heat transfer applications, the design of the flow field should warrant high heat transfer rates and, meanwhile, reduce the thermal stresses so that hot spots along the heat transfer surface be avoided. A combination of multiple jets impinging on a channel bed together with the surface covered by a porous layer is proposed to satisfy both objectives in the current study. A three‐dimensional numerical simulation using a finite volume method with the second‐order discretization has been applied to visualize the multiple‐impinging jet flow behavior. The impacts of the porous medium parameters, including the thickness, permeability, and porosity, on the magnitude and distribution of the heat transfer along the channel bed have been evaluated. It is shown that the overall heat transfer performance of the proposed flow is significantly improved in comparison with the conventional case of the fluid flowing parallel to the channel bed. The presence of the porous layer leads to a more even spread of the fluid on the target surface, which reduces the thermal stresses and prevents the large differences between the highest and lowest values of heat transfer coefficients. They also found that both the porosity and particularly the permeability of the porous layer enhance the effect of the crossflow along the flow associated with the multiple‐impinging jet setup. For a certain thickness of the porous layer, it is possible to reduce the amplitude of the Nusselt number oscillations effectively, while keeping the overall Nusselt number desirably high.
Effect of maternal obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) on feto‐maternal outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Aujla Savvy , Sandeep Mokanpally , Aparnavi Periasamy , Padhi Bijaya Kumar , Shamim Muhammad Aaqib , Sahoo Swapnajeet , Gangane Neha , Gandhi Aravind P
Published: July 2024

Background

Mental health disorders in pregnant women have been related to unfavorable obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) significantly distresses mothers and affects the maternal–infant bond.

Objectives

The present meta‐analysis and systematic review aimed to assess the association of maternal OCD with adverse feto‐maternal outcomes.

Search Strategy

A systematic search was undertaken in the five databases—Cochrane, Embase, ProQuest, Web of Science, and PubMed—on September 5, 2023.

Selection Criteria

Studies that included pregnant women with OCD in whom the feto‐maternal outcomes were reported were included in the systematic review.

Data Collection and Analysis

Two pass screening (“title‐abstract screening” followed by “full‐text review”), and data extraction by two authors independently using the Nested‐Knowledge Auto living semi‐automated systematic review platform was carried out. The decision for selected studies was reviewed by a third author. Of the 360 studies identified, eight were included for the meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis was conducted using R software.

Main Results

Of the 24 maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes assessed, 11 were found to be associated with maternal OCD, notably pre‐eclampsia (odds ratio [OR] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.57), antepartum hemorrhage or placental abruption (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13–1.54), postpartum hemporrhage (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08–1.31), cesarean section delivery (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.23–1.41), emergency cesarean section (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.15–1.30), preterm birth (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21–1.64), low birth weight (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.28–1.54), low Apgar score at 5 min (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.32–4.27), neonatal hypoglycemia (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.23–1.53), neonatal respiratory distress (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.44–2.16), and major congenital malformations (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.08–1.74).

Conclusion

OCD in pregnant women might be associated with multiple adverse feto‐maternal outcomes.
Demographic and net primary productivity dynamics of primary and secondary tropical forests in Southwest China under a changing climate
Authors: Oo Sai Tun Tun , Panthi Shankar , Fan Ze‐Xin , Song Xiao‐Yang , Zhang‐Zheng Huanyuan , Zaw Zaw , Lu Hua‐Zheng , Chen Hui , Deng Yun , Zhao Rong , Lin Hua , Fu Pei‐Li
Published: July 2024

Tropical forests are major carbon sinks on the Earth's land surface. However, our understanding of how the demographic rate and carbon sink capacities of tropical forests respond to climate change remains limited. In this study, we investigated the impacts of environmental drivers on forest growth, mortality, recruitment, and stem net primary productivity (NPPstem) over 16 years at five tropical forest plots in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China. These plots are along a successional gradient spanning three tropical secondary forests (tropical secondary forest‐1 [TSF‐1], tropical secondary forest‐2 [TSF‐2], and tropical secondary forest‐3 [TSF‐3]) and two primary forests (tropical rainforest [TRF] and tropical karst forest [TKF]). Our results showed that early successional secondary forests (TSF‐2 and TSF‐3) had higher diameter growth rates and relative mortality rates. An extreme drought event during 2009–2010 reduced the growth rate, relative recruitment rate, and NPPstem for most plots while increasing mortality in early successional forest plots. We observed significant negative effects of maximum temperature (Tmax) on NPPstem and diameter growth rate across all plots. Additionally, we found that precipitation had significant positive effects on diameter growth rate across all plots. Furthermore, tree mortality increased with rising Tmax, whereas precipitation significantly enhanced tree recruitment. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of tree growth, mortality, recruitment, and productivity in tropical forests to extreme drought events in Southwest China. Continued climate warming and more frequent droughts will induce higher mortality rates and impede growth, thus reducing the carbon sink capacity of tropical forests, especially in early successional stage tropical secondary forests.
Activity theory perspective to the scale‐up and sustainability of mhealth in armed conflict zones of developing countries
Authors: David Nakama , Tyndall Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Mobile Health (mHealth) presents the potential to facilitate healthcare and improve the quality of life if successful pilot projects are scaled up and sustainable. However, the persistent termination of mHealth at the pilot phase challenges its potential in developing countries. Existing research suggests an absence of understanding of these phenomena for two reasons. First, literature is scarce in the broad context of armed conflict zones in developing countries, particularly in the IS domain. Second, extant literature emphasizes mHealth implementation, while neglecting the scale‐up and sustainability of these technologies. Therefore, this study employs activity theory as a holistic lens to explore how contradictions shape the scale‐up and sustainability of mHealth in the armed conflict zone of developing countries. In this study, rather than viewing contradiction as a challenge, it serves as a driver for effecting changes that can foster scale‐up and sustainability. The Algorithm for the Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses (ALMANACH), provides an empirical basis for this study. The research employs the interpretivism philosophy and the case study method. In‐depth interviews, participatory observations, and document reviews were used to collect data. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select the study's participants. The study reveals a lack of professional expertise among the CHWs, the non‐involvement of the users and beneficiaries in designing ALMANACH, and the lack of financial compensation for using ALMANACH in practice as contradictions. The study further exposes how community volunteer groups and the ALMANACH scientific board were established to steer demand.
Let‑7f‑5p Regulated by Hsa_circ_0000437 Ameliorates Bleomycin‐Induced Skin Fibrosis
Authors: Liu Baiting , Li Chenxi , Bo Yunyao , Tian Guiping , Yang Lijun , Si Jianjun , Zhang Lin , Yan Yuan
Published: July 2024

The current treatment of skin fibrosis is limited in its effectiveness due to a lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Previous research has shown a connection between microRNAs (miRNAs) and the development of skin fibrosis. Therefore, investigating miRNA for the treatment of skin fibrotic diseases is highly important and merits further exploration. In this study, we have discovered that let‐7f‐5p could suppress the proliferation, migration, and expression of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). It was further determined that let‐7f‐5p could target thrombospondin‐1 (THBS1), thereby inhibiting the TGF‐β2/Smad3 signaling pathway and exerting its biological effects. Additionally, let‐7f‐5p is regulated by Hsa_circ_0000437, which acts as a sponge molecule for let‐7f‐5p and consequently regulates the biological function of HDFs. Furthermore, our findings indicate that in vivo overexpression of let‐7f‐5p leads to a reduction in dermal thickness and COL1A1 expression, effectively inhibiting the progression of bleomycin (BLM)‐induced skin fibrosis in mice. Hence, our research enhances the comprehension of the Hsa_circ_0000437/let‐7f‐5p/THBS1/TGF‐β2/Smad3 regulatory network, highlighting the potential of let‐7f‐5p as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of skin fibrosis.
Mitochondrial bioenergetics are not associated with myofibrillar protein synthesis rates
Authors: Holwerda Andrew M. , Dirks Marlou L. , Barbeau Pierre‐Andre , Goessens Joy , Gijsen Annemie , van Loon Luc J.C. , Holloway Graham P.
Published: July 2024

Background

Mitochondria represent key organelles influencing cellular homeostasis and have been implicated in the signalling events regulating protein synthesis.

Methods

We examined whether mitochondrial bioenergetics (oxidative phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species (H2O2) emission, ROS) measured in vitro in permeabilized muscle fibres represent regulatory factors for integrated daily muscle protein synthesis rates and skeletal muscle mass changes across the spectrum of physical activity, including free‐living and bed‐rest conditions: n = 19 healthy, young men (26 ± 4 years, 23.4 ± 3.3 kg/m2) and following 12 weeks of resistance‐type exercise training: n = 10 healthy older men (70 ± 3 years, 25.2 ± 2.1 kg/m2). Additionally, we evaluated the direct relationship between attenuated mitochondrial ROS emission and integrated daily myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic protein synthesis rates in genetically modified mice (mitochondrial‐targeted catalase, MCAT).

Results

Neither oxidative phosphorylation nor H2O2 emission were associated with muscle protein synthesis rates in healthy young men under free‐living conditions or following 1 week of bed rest (both P > 0.05). Greater increases in GSSG concentration were associated with greater skeletal muscle mass loss following bed rest (r = −0.49, P < 0.05). In older men, only submaximal mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (corrected for mitochondrial content) was positively associated with myofibrillar protein synthesis rates during exercise training (r = 0.72, P < 0.05). However, changes in oxidative phosphorylation and H2O2 emission were not associated with changes in skeletal muscle mass following training (both P > 0.05). Additionally, MCAT mice displayed no differences in myofibrillar (2.62 ± 0.22 vs. 2.75 ± 0.15%/day) and sarcoplasmic (3.68 ± 0.35 vs. 3.54 ± 0.35%/day) protein synthesis rates when compared with wild‐type mice (both P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and reactive oxygen emission do not seem to represent key factors regulating muscle protein synthesis or muscle mass regulation across the spectrum of physical activity.
Cementless TKA use as an alternative to cemented TKA in high BMI patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Le Giang Truong , van Duren Bernard Hendrick , Ilo Kevin , Berber Reshid , Matar Hosam E. , Bloch Benjamin V.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Obesity is prevalent, with nearly one‐third of the world's population being classified as obese. In patients with high body mass index (BMI)/body mass undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), there is an increase in strain placed on the implant fixation interfaces. As such, component fixation is a potential concern when performing TKA in the obese patient. To address the growing concerns around the longevity of implant fixation, some have advocated cementless over cemented fixation. However, there is no clear consensus on whether a cementless fixation has more favourable outcomes. The aim of this paper was to present a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the existing evidence to establish if cementless TKA has a lower rate of aseptic loosening in high BMI patients when compared to cemented TKA procedures.

Methods

A systematic review was performed, and the following databases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (1946 to date), PubMed (1966 to date) and Excerpta Medica Database (1974 to date) were searched. All studies comparing cementless to cemented TKA in patients with BMI > 30 were considered. Meta‐analysis compared aseptic loosening and all‐cause revision between cemented and uncemented implant use in BMI > 30 patients.

Results

The search returned 91 articles in total; after duplicates were removed, the yield was 44 studies. Of the remaining studies that were assessed, three studies met the inclusion criteria for meta‐analysis. The pooled odds ratio for all‐cause revisions was 0.17 (95%, 0.08–0.36) in favour of uncemented implants (p < 0.01). The pooled odds ratio for aseptic loosening was 0.15 (95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.90) in favour of uncemented implants (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Meta‐analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in all‐cause revisions and revisions for aseptic loosening when using uncemented fixation in high BMI patients when compared to the use of cemented implants.

Level of Evidence

The level of evidence is 1 for our systematic review.
Extracellular vesicles from seminal plasma interact with T cells in vitro and drive their differentiation into regulatory T‐cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaogang , Greve Patrick F. , Minh Thi Tran Ngoc , Wubbolts Richard , Demir Ayşe Y. , Zaal Esther A. , Berkers Celia R. , Boes Marianne , Stoorvogel Willem
Published: July 2024

Seminal plasma induces immune tolerance towards paternal allogenic antigens within the female reproductive tract and during foetal development. Recent evidence suggests a role for extracellular vesicles in seminal plasma (spEVs). We isolated spEVs from seminal plasma that was donated by vasectomized men, thereby excluding any contributions from the testis or epididymis. Previous analysis demonstrated that such isolated spEVs originate mainly from the prostate. Here we observed that when isolated fluorescently labelled spEVs were mixed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, they were endocytosed predominantly by monocytes, and to a lesser extent also by T‐cells. In a mixed lymphocyte reaction, T‐cell proliferation was inhibited by spEVs. A direct effect of spEVs on T‐cells was demonstrated when isolated T cells were activated by anti‐CD3/CD28 coated beads. Again, spEVs interfered with T cell proliferation, as well as with the expression of CD25 and the release of IFN‐γ, TNF, and IL‐2. Moreover, spEVs stimulated the expression of Foxp3 and IL‐10 by CD4+CD25+CD127‐ T cells, indicating differentiation into regulatory T‐cells (Tregs). Prior treatment of spEVs with proteinase K revoked their effects on T‐cells, indicating a requirement for surface‐exposed spEV proteins. The adenosine A2A receptor‐specific antagonist CPI‐444 also reduced effects of spEVs on T‐cells, consistent with the notion that the development of Tregs and their immune suppressive functions are under the influence of adenosine‐A2A receptor signalling. We found that adenosine is highly enriched in spEVs and propose that spEVs are targeted to and endocytosed by T‐cells, after which they may release their adenosine content into the lumen of endosomes, thus allowing endosome‐localized A2A receptor signalling in spEVs targeted T‐cells. Collectively, these data support the idea that spEVs can prime T cells directly for differentiation into Tregs.
Clinical guideline highlights for the hospitalist: International consensus criteria for pediatric sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Watson James A. , Samuy Nichole
Published: July 2024

GUIDELINE TITLE: International Consensus Criteria for Pediatric Sepsis and Septic Shock

RELEASE DATE: January 21, 2024

PRIOR VERSION(S): International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference: Definitions for Sepsis and Organ Dysfunction in Pediatrics (2005)

DEVELOPER: Society of Critical Care Medicine

FUNDING SOURCE: Society of Critical Care Medicine (grant R01HD105939 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)

TARGET POPULATION: Children with sepsis and septic shock
A systematic review of MRI studies on the effects of maternal obesity on offspring brain structure and function
Authors: Parsaei Mohammadamin , Hashemi Seyedeh Melika , Moghaddam Hossein Sanjari , Peterson Bradley S.
Published: July 2024

Maternal obesity before or during pregnancy has been associated previously in offspring with a wide range of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes and mental health problems. The effects of maternal obesity on offspring brain structure and function that may be responsible for these poor outcomes are not well understood. We, therefore, undertook a systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies that have assessed the associations of maternal obesity with brain measures in offspring. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO on August 20, 2023. Of 15 eligible studies, seven employed functional MRI (fMRI), five diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and four anatomical MRI (one used both DTI and anatomical MRI) in the offspring. The ages of offspring varied widely: one was a study of fetuses in utero, five of neonates, one of infants, five of school‐aged children, two of both neonates and infants, and one of both children and adults. Collectively, 12 studies reported significant associations of maternal obesity with structural or functional alterations of the offspring's brain, most frequently in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. In conclusion, maternal obesity appears to have a profound influence on offspring brain development, particularly within the prefrontal and limbic networks that regulate emotion and behavior. Further studies are needed to identify how changes in brain structure and function mediate the effects of maternal obesity on long‐term emotional and behavioral outcomes, as well as the molecular pathways through which maternal obesity alters offspring brain development.
Current status of wearable cardioverter‐defibrillator use in Japan
Authors: Tonegawa‐Kuji Reina , Nishida Taku , Sumita Yoko , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Kanaoka Koshiro
Published: July 2024

Background

The current status of wearable cardiovascular defibrillators (WCD) use in Japan is unclear.

Methods

Using a nationwide claims database of Japan, we assessed characteristics of patients using WCD and factors influencing subsequent implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation.

Results

In 1049 cases, those with prior cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) or ventricular arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, or device‐related issues were more likely to require permanent ICDs, whereas females were less likely.

Conclusions

Prior CPA or fatal arrhythmia, underlying cardiomyopathy, or device‐related issues were associated with future permanent ICD implantation. These findings offer insights into the current status of WCD use in Japan.
Early nutritional influences on brain regions related to processing speed in children born preterm: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Bando Nicole , Sato Julie , Vandewouw Marlee M. , Taylor Margot J. , Tomlinson Christopher , Unger Sharon , Asbury Michelle R. , Law Nicole , Branson Helen M. , O'Connor Deborah L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Processing speed is a foundational skill supporting intelligence and executive function, areas often delayed in preterm‐born children. The impact of early‐life nutrition on gray matter facilitating processing speed for this vulnerable population is unknown.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐IV Processing Speed Index were acquired in forty 5‐year‐old children born preterm with very low birth weight. Macronutrient (grams per kilogram per day) and mother's milk (percentage of feeds) intakes were prospectively collected in the first postnatal month and associations between early‐life nutrition and the primary outcome of brain regions supporting processing speed were investigated.

Results

Children had a mean (SD) gestational age of 27.8 (1.8) weeks and 45% were male. Macronutrient intakes were unrelated, but mother's milk was positively related, to greater volumes in brain regions, including total cortical gray matter, cingulate gyri, and occipital gyri.

Conclusion

First postnatal month macronutrient intakes showed no association, but mother's milk was positively associated, with volumetric measures of total and regional cortical gray matter related to processing speed in preterm‐born children. This exploratory analysis suggests early‐life mother's milk supports processing speed by impacting structural underpinnings. Further research is needed on this potential strategy to improve preterm outcomes.
Impact of Applicant Signaling for Otolaryngology Interviews
Authors: Yousef Andrew , Nichol Ariadne , Watson Deborah
Published: July 2024

Objective

To assess applicant opinions regarding program signaling and to understand the effect of 25 signals on interview outcomes during the 2023–2024 otolaryngology residency cycle.

Methods

A 36‐item anonymous online survey regarding signaling was sent to applicants who had applied to an otolaryngology residency program at a single institution. Participant demographics, performance in medical school, number of interviews received in relation to signals sent, and applicant perceptions regarding preference signaling were assessed.

Results

Eighty‐one applicants participated with a response rate of 30%. Students applied to a median of 64 programs. Approximately 84.4% of interview offers came from programs which the participants signaled. Participants were 5.4 times more likely to get an interview from a program they signaled over programs they did not signal (F = 31.73, p < 0.001). The most common factors that influenced which programs were chosen by candidates were: location (94.9%), departmental reputation (80.8%), and experience on a sub‐internship rotation (69.2%). Overall, 73.0% of participants found signaling helpful and 82.0% agreed that signaling should continue.

Conclusion

Understanding the implications of a high‐signaling application process in otolaryngology is crucial. Twenty‐five signals led to 84% of interview offers coming from signaled programs and this was the most important variable associated with interview invitations. Location was the most prevalent factor when deciding where to signal. Signaling was well reviewed by most applicants.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2024
Cavity‐Enhanced Superfluorescence Stimulates Coherent Energy Transfer in a Perovskite Quantum Dot Superlattice
Authors: Hu Yongsheng , Mao Danqun , Chen Linqi , Guan Yuanjun , Zhang Long , Dong Hongxing , Xu Hongxing , Xie Wei , Sun Zheng
Published: July 2024

The exploration of cooperative states in many‐body systems is a key research area. It focuses on superfluorescence (SF), a phenomenon linked with radiative dipole coupling, and its intersection with classical lasing effects. This produces a unique lasing‐field‐hybrid cooperative dipole (LCD) state through optical cavity‐enhanced superfluorescence (CESF). A coherent energy transfer is demonstrated between two such states within a perovskite quantum dot (QD) superlattice. This results in competitive luminescence timing dynamics. The findings reveal that stimulated energy transfer occurs when two cooperative cavity‐exciton states coexist, controllable via a dual‐pulse pump technique. This understanding is vital for advancing quantum phenomena knowledge and enhancing optoelectronic devices.
Exosome nanovesicles: biomarkers and new strategies for treatment of human diseases
Authors: Xu Chuan , Jiang Chaoyang , Li Zhihui , Gao Hui , Xian Jing , Guo Wenyan , He Dan , Peng Xingchen , Zhou Daijun , Li Dong
Published: July 2024

Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles of cellular origin. One of the main characteristics of exosomes is their ability to carry a wide range of biomolecules from their parental cells, which are important mediators of intercellular communication and play an important role in physiological and pathological processes. Exosomes have the advantages of biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and wide biodistribution. As researchers’ understanding of exosomes has increased, various strategies have been proposed for their use in diagnosing and treating diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the biogenesis and composition of exosomes, describe the relationship between exosomes and disease progression, and focus on the use of exosomes as biomarkers for early screening, disease monitoring, and guiding therapy in refractory diseases such as tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. We also summarize the current applications of exosomes, especially engineered exosomes, for efficient drug delivery, targeted therapies, gene therapies, and immune vaccines. Finally, the current challenges and potential research directions for the clinical application of exosomes are also discussed. In conclusion, exosomes, as an emerging molecule that can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, combined with multidisciplinary innovative solutions, will play an important role in clinical applications.
Synonymous variant at the terminal nucleotide in exon 3 of F7 causes abnormal splicing: A case report
Authors: Wang Liya , Zeng Wenshan , Qian Yeqing , Sun Yixi , Chen Min , Liu Bei , Hu Junjie , Yu Ping , Dong Minyue
Published: July 2024

Background

Synonymous variants are non‐pathogenic due to non‐substitution of amino acids. However, synonymous exonic terminal nucleotide substitutions may affect splicing. Splicing variants are easily analyzed at RNA level for genes expressed in blood cells. Minigene analysis provides another method for splicing variant analysis of genes that are poorly or not expressed in peripheral blood.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed to screen for potential pathogenic mutations in the proband, which were validated within the family by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the synonymous mutation was analyzed using the minigene technology.

Results

The proband harbored the compound heterogeneous variants c. [291G >A; 572‐50C >T] and c.681 + 1G >T in F7, of which the synonymous variant c.291G >A was located at the terminal position of exon 3. Minigene analysis revealed exon3 skipping due to this mutation, which may have subsequently affected protein sequence, structure, and function.

Conclusion

Our finding confirmed the pathogenicity of c.291G >A, thus extending the pathogenic mutation spectrum of F7, and providing insights for effective reproductive counseling.
Unsupervised shape‐and‐texture‐based generative adversarial tuning of pre‐trained networks for carotid segmentation from 3D ultrasound images
Authors: Chen Zhaozheng , Jiang Mingjie , Chiu Bernard
Published: July 2024

Background

Vessel‐wall volume and localized three‐dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) metrics are sensitive to the change of carotid atherosclerosis in response to medical/dietary interventions. Manual segmentation of the media‐adventitia boundary (MAB) and lumen‐intima boundary (LIB) required to obtain these metrics is time‐consuming and prone to observer variability. Although supervised deep‐learning segmentation models have been proposed, training of these models requires a sizeable manually segmented training set, making larger clinical studies prohibitive.

Purpose

We aim to develop a method to optimize pre‐trained segmentation models without requiring manual segmentation to supervise the fine‐tuning process.

Methods

We developed an adversarial framework called the unsupervised shape‐and‐texture generative adversarial network (USTGAN) to fine‐tune a convolutional neural network (CNN) pre‐trained on a source dataset for accurate segmentation of a target dataset. The network integrates a novel texture‐based discriminator with a shape‐based discriminator, which together provide feedback for the CNN to segment the target images in a similar way as the source images. The texture‐based discriminator increases the accuracy of the CNN in locating the artery, thereby lowering the number of failed segmentations. Failed segmentation was further reduced by a self‐checking mechanism to flag longitudinal discontinuity of the artery and by self‐correction strategies involving surface interpolation followed by a case‐specific tuning of the CNN. The U‐Net was pre‐trained by the source dataset involving 224 3DUS volumes with 136, 44, and 44 volumes in the training, validation and testing sets. The training of USTGAN involved the same training group of 136 volumes in the source dataset and 533 volumes in the target dataset. No segmented boundaries for the target cohort were available for training USTGAN. The validation and testing of USTGAN involved 118 and 104 volumes from the target cohort, respectively. The segmentation accuracy was quantified by Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), and incorrect localization rate (ILR). Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference multiple comparison test was employed to quantify the difference of DSCs between models and settings, where was considered statistically significant.

Results

USTGAN attained a DSC of % in LIB and % in MAB, improving from the baseline performance of % in LIB (p ) and % in MAB (p ). Our approach outperformed six state‐of‐the‐art domain‐adaptation models (MAB: , LIB: ). The proposed USTGAN also had the lowest ILR among the methods compared (LIB: 2.5%, MAB: 1.7%).

Conclusion

Our framework improves segmentation generalizability, thereby facilitating efficient carotid disease monitoring in multicenter trials and in clinics with less expertise in 3DUS imaging.
Efficient segmentation of fetal brain MRI based on the physical resolution
Authors: Xu Yunzhi , Li Jiaxin , Feng Xue , Qing Kun , Wu Dan , Zhao Li ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2024

Background

The image resolution of fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a critical factor in brain development measures, which is mainly determined by the physical resolution configured in the MRI sequence. However, fetal brain MRI are commonly reconstructed to 3D images with a higher apparent resolution, compared to the original physical resolution.

Purpose

This work is to demonstrate that accurate segmentation can be achieved based on the MRI physical resolution, and the high apparent resolution segmentation can be achieved by a simple deep learning module.

Methods

This retrospective study included 150 adult and 80 fetal brain MRIs. The adult brain MRIs were acquired at a high physical resolution, which were downsampled to visualize and quantify its impacts on the segmentation accuracy. The physical resolution of fetal images was estimated based on MRI acquisition settings and the images were downsampled accordingly before segmentation and restored using multiple upsampling strategies. Segmentation accuracy of ConvNet models were evaluated on the original and downsampled images. Dice coefficients were calculated, and compared to the original data.

Results

When the apparent resolution was higher than the physical resolution, the accuracy of fetal brain segmentation had negligible degradation (accuracy reduced by 0.26%, 1.1%, and 1.8% with downsampling factors of 4/3, 2, and 4 in each dimension, without significant differences from the original data). Using a downsampling factor of 4 in each dimension, the proposed method provided 7× smaller and 10× faster models.

Conclusion

Efficient and accurate fetal brain segmentation models can be developed based on the physical resolution of MRI acquisitions.