bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiogenic activity of mitochondria; beyond the sole bioenergetic organelle
Authors: Sadeghsoltani Fatemeh , Hassanpour Parisa , Safari Mir‑Meghdad , Haiaty Sanya , Rahbarghazi Reza , Rahmati Mohamad , Mota Ali
Published: January 2024

Angiogenesis is a complex process that involves the expansion of the pre‐existing vascular plexus to enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery and is stimulated by various factors, including hypoxia. Since the process of angiogenesis requires a lot of energy, mitochondria play an important role in regulating and promoting this phenomenon. Besides their roles as an oxidative metabolism base, mitochondria are potential bioenergetics organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis via sensing alteration in oxygen levels. Under hypoxic conditions, mitochondria can regulate angiogenesis through different factors. It has been indicated that unidirectional and bidirectional exchange of mitochondria or their related byproducts between the cells is orchestrated via different intercellular mechanisms such as tunneling nanotubes, extracellular vesicles, and gap junctions to maintain the cell homeostasis. Even though, the transfer of mitochondria is one possible mechanism by which cells can promote and regulate the process of angiogenesis under reperfusion/ischemia injury. Despite the existence of a close relationship between mitochondrial donation and angiogenic response in different cell types, the precise molecular mechanisms associated with this phenomenon remain unclear. Here, we aimed to highlight the possible role of mitochondria concerning angiogenesis, especially the role of mitochondrial transport and the possible relation of this transfer with autophagy, the housekeeping phenomenon of cells, and angiogenesis.
The role of DNA damage in neural stem cells ageing
Authors: Zhong Yiming , Wang Guangming , Yang Shangzhi , Zhang Yang , Wang Xianli
Published: January 2024

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are pluripotent stem cells with the potential to differentiate into a variety of nerve cells. NSCs are susceptible to both intracellular and extracellular insults, thus causing DNA damage. Extracellular insults include ultraviolet, ionizing radiation, base analogs, modifiers, alkyl agents and others, while intracellular factors include Reactive oxygen species (ROS) radicals produced by mitochondria, mismatches that occur during DNA replication, deamination of bases, loss of bases, and more. When encountered with DNA damage, cells typically employ three coping strategies: DNA repair, damage tolerance, and apoptosis. NSCs, like many other stem cells, have the ability to divide, differentiate, and repair DNA damage to prevent mutations from being passed down to the next generation. However, when DNA damage accumulates over time, it will lead to a series of alterations in the metabolism of cells, which will cause cellular ageing. The ageing and exhaustion of neural stem cell will have serious effects on the body, such as neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this review is to examine the processes by which DNA damage leads to NSCs ageing and the mechanisms of DNA repair in NSCs.
Novel compound heterozygous variants in ARL13B lead to Joubert syndrome
Authors: Lin Zaisheng , Shen Yue , Li Yan , Lu Chao , Zhu Ying , He Ruida , Cao Zongfu , Yin Zhe , Gao Huafang , Guo Bin , Ma Xu , Cao Muqing , Luo Minna
Published: January 2024

Joubert syndrome (JBTS) is a systematic developmental disorder mainly characterized by a pathognomonic mid‐hindbrain malformation. All known JBTS‐associated genes encode proteins involved in the function of antenna‐like cellular organelle, primary cilium, which plays essential roles in cellular signal transduction and development. Here, we identified four unreported variants in ARL13B in two patients with the classical features of JBTS. ARL13B is a member of the Ras GTPase family and functions in ciliogenesis and cilia‐related signaling. The two missense variants in ARL13B harbored the substitutions of amino acids at evolutionarily conserved positions. Using model cell lines, we found that the accumulations of the missense variants in cilia were impaired and the variants showed attenuated functions in ciliogenesis or the trafficking of INPP5E. Overall, these findings expanded the ARL13B pathogenetic variant spectrum of JBTS.
By regulating the IP3R/GRP75/VDAC1 complex to restore mitochondrial dynamic balance, selenomethionine reduces lipopolysaccharide‐induced neuronal apoptosis
Authors: Xu Anqi , Wang Yixuan , Luo Dongliu , Xia Yu , Xue Hua , Yao Haidong , Li Shu
Published: January 2024

Selenium (Se), as one of the essential trace elements, plays an anti‐inflammatory, antioxidation, and immune‐enhancing effect in the body. In addition, Se can also improve nervous system damage induced by various factors. Earlier studies have described the important role of mitochondrial dynamic imbalance in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced nerve injury. The inositol 1,4,5‐triphosphate receptor (IP3R)/glucose‐regulated protein 75 (GRP75)/voltage‐dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) complex is considered to be the key to regulating mitochondrial dynamics. However, it is not clear whether Selenomethionine (SeMet) has any influence on the IP3R/GRP75/VDAC1 complex. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to determine whether SeMet can alleviate LPS‐induced brain damage and to elucidate the function of the IP3R/GRP75/VDAC1 complex in it. We established SeMet and/or LPS exposure models in vivo and in vitro using laying hens and primary chicken nerve cells. We noticed that SeMet reversed endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics and significantly prevented the occurrence of neuronal apoptosis. We made this finding by morphological observation of the brain tissue of laying hens and the detection of related genes such as ERS, the IP3R/GRP75/VDAC1 complex, calcium signal (Ca2+), mitochondrial dynamics, and apoptosis. Other than that, we also discovered that the IP3R/GRP75/VDAC1 complex was crucial in controlling Ca2+ transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondrion when SeMet functions as a neuroprotective agent. In summary, our results revealed the specific mechanism by which SeMet alleviated LPS‐induced neuronal apoptosis for the first time. As a consequence, SeMet has great potential in the treatment and prevention of neurological illnesses (like neurodegenerative diseases).
Transplantation of beige adipose organoids fabricated using adipose acellular matrix hydrogel improves metabolic dysfunction in high‐fat diet‐induced obesity and type 2 diabetes mice
Authors: Quan Yuping , Li Jian , Cai Junrong , Liao Yunjun , Zhang Yuteng , Lu Feng
Published: January 2024

Transplantation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a promising approach for treating obesity and metabolic disorders. However, obtaining sufficient amounts of functional BAT or brown adipocytes for transplantation remains a major challenge. In this study, we developed a hydrogel that combining adipose acellular matrix (AAM) and GelMA and HAMA that can be adjusted for stiffness by modulating the duration of light‐crosslinking. We used human white adipose tissue‐derived microvascular fragments to create beige adipose organoids (BAO) that were encapsulated in either a soft or stiff AAM hydrogel. We found that BAOs cultivated in AAM hydrogels with high stiffness demonstrated increased metabolic activity and upregulation of thermogenesis‐related genes. When transplanted into obese and type 2 diabetes mice, the HFD + BAO group showed sustained improvements in metabolic rate, resulting in significant weight loss and decreased blood glucose levels. Furthermore, the mice showed a marked reduction in nonalcoholic liver steatosis, indicating improved liver function. In contrast, transplantation of 2D‐cultured beige adipocytes failed to produce these beneficial effects. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating beige adipose organoids in vitro and administering them by injection, which may represent a promising therapeutic approach for obesity and diabetes.
Appropriateness of conducting and reporting random‐effects meta‐analysis in oncology
Authors: Ren Jinma , Ma Jia , Cappelleri Joseph C.
Published: January 2024

A random‐effects model is often applied in meta‐analysis when considerable heterogeneity among studies is observed due to the differences in patient characteristics, timeframe, treatment regimens, and other study characteristics. Since 2014, the journals Research Synthesis Methods and the Annals of Internal Medicine have published a few noteworthy papers that explained why the most widely used method for pooling heterogeneous studies—the DerSimonian–Laird (DL) estimator—can produce biased estimates with falsely high precision and recommended to use other several alternative methods. Nevertheless, more than half of studies (55.7%) published in top oncology‐specific journals during 2015–2022 did not report any detailed method in the random‐effects meta‐analysis. Of the studies that did report the methodology used, the DL method was still the dominant one reported. Thus, while the authors recommend that Research Synthesis Methods and the Annals of Internal Medicine continue to increase the publication of its articles that report on specific methods for handling heterogeneity and use random‐effects estimates that provide more accurate confidence limits than the DL estimator, other journals that publish meta‐analyses in oncology (and presumably in other disease areas) are urged to do the same on a much larger scale than currently documented.
Assisting refugee survivors of torture and trauma: An existential perspective
Authors: Fernandes Pearl , Rhodes Paul , Buus Niels
Published: January 2024

Consistent exposure to refugee narratives of trauma and torture can profoundly impact trauma therapists. This secondary analysis reanalyzed data from a narrative inquiry investigating the lived experiences of refugee trauma therapists. We aimed to explore emergent concerns through an existential lens to enrich understanding and provide additional insights into the lived experiences of these individuals. Participants in this purposive sample (N = 19) were therapists who had provided interventions to refugees for 2–34 years. Narrative construction, theory‐guided data analysis, and memo writing were used to reanalyze data generated by semistructured interviews augmented by photo elicitation. The findings indicate that being forced to reevaluate familiar beliefs consequent to one's professional roles induced intense existential moments, described as “a dark night of the soul,” “the paradox of life and death,” “uncanny feelings of not being at home,” and “a falling.” Acknowledging the complexities of the field, an existential framework to assist refugee trauma therapists in metabolizing and living with the professional challenges they encounter instead of focusing on alleviating decontextualized symptoms of distress is recommended. Research to inform requirements of the space to enable refugee trauma therapists to share their concerns and facilitate transitions toward more authentic, nonevasive sense of “being‐in‐the‐world” is suggested.
The Delaware‐Oslo ACL Cohort treatment algorithm yields superior outcomes to usual care 9–12 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Urhausen Anouk P. , Grindem Hege , Engebretsen Lars , Grävare Silbernagel Karin , Axe Michael J. , Snyder‐Mackler Lynn , Risberg May Arna
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Patient‐reported outcomes were compared between participants who followed the treatment algorithm of the Delaware‐Oslo ACL Cohort, consisting of progressive preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation, patient education, clinical testing and shared decision‐making about treatment choice, and those who followed usual care 9–12 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

Participants with primary ACLR were included from the Norwegian arm of the Delaware‐Oslo ACL Cohort and the Norwegian Knee Ligament Registry (usual care). The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale scores and the International Knee Documentation Committee‐Subjective Knee Form (IKDC‐SKF) scores were compared. KOOS scores for the usual care group were converted to IKDC‐SKF scores with recently published validated crosswalk. The percentages of participants with scores above predefined thresholds for patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) were also calculated.

Results

Eighty of 100 (80%) participants from the Delaware‐Oslo ACL Cohort and 1588 of 3248 (49%) from the usual care group participated in the follow‐up. Participants from the Delaware‐Oslo ACL Cohort had higher KOOS subscale (p < 0.001) and IKDC‐SKF scores (p < 0.001), and a higher percentage reached PASS (84%–96% vs. 62%–76%, p ≤ 0.002) for KOOS Pain, symptoms, activities of daily living and sports compared to the usual care group. No significant differences were found for KOOS quality of life scores (not significant [n.s.]) or PASS percentages (80% vs. 74%, n.s.).

Conclusion

Participants with ACLR who followed the Delaware‐Oslo ACL Cohort treatment algorithm had reduced knee symptoms, superior function and higher percentages of satisfactory outcomes than participants who followed usual care.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
To buy or not to buy? The impulse buying dilemma in livestream shopping
Authors: Miranda Sandra , Borges‐Tiago Maria Teresa , Tiago Flávio , Tu Xiangjin
Published: January 2024

Livestream shopping can potentially contribute to impulse buying because this format's immediacy and interactive nature may induce viewers to make unplanned purchases. As a relatively new concept, livestream shopping is still being explored by retailers and consumers alike. Given its rapid rise in recent years, understanding this phenomenon and its potential is crucial. We applied a two‐study strategy to understand the influencer and environmental characteristics that may affect users' impulse‐buying behavior, adopting a stimulus–organism–response framework in both studies. We applied a partial least squares structural equation model to the gathered data (671 questionnaires), revealing that perceived usefulness influences impulse buying more than perceived enjoyment. This difference is more vivid for more experienced livestream shoppers, who tend to value perceived usefulness under the influence of streamer characteristics. With a qualitative approach, the second study evaluated the performance of a top‐streaming influencer in China to determine whether the survey's most influential variables were adopted during the most successful sale ever. Our findings suggest that endorser style and promotion strategies (scarcity and sales promotions) affect consumer behavior. This study thus provides firms with insights into effectively influencing consumers' impulse‐buying behavior in livestreaming commerce.
Bundling and horizontally differentiated innovation
Authors: Chung Hui‐Ling , Lin Yan‐Shu , Shih Pei‐Cyuan
Published: January 2024

This research builds a three‐stage (bundling, horizontally differentiated innovations [HDIs], and outputs) game in which only one multi‐product firm undertakes a bundling strategy in order to analyze the impacts of bundling on HDIs and competes with a single‐product firm. It is found that no matter what the degree of initial product substitution is, bundling will definitely amplify the degree of horizontal product differentiation. When the initial degree of product substitution is large, the bundling strategy subdues the firm's HDI while increasing the competitor's HDI. However, when the initial degree of product substitution is small, the bundling increases both firms' HDIs, resulting in higher competitor's profit, consumer surplus, and social welfare. An important policy implication of our results is that antitrust regulation that allows bundling may contribute to the multi‐product firm's HDI.
Decoding the systemic risk implications of corporate innovation: Evidence from a three‐period game model and a panel data regression
Authors: Huang Xiulu , Zhu Rui , Tang Chuxiong
Published: January 2024

How to understand the implications of corporate innovation in integrating economic development and financial stability is of great importance to the academia and the authority. Based on data from Chinese A‐share listed firms during 2007–2021, this study constructs a three‐period game model and a two‐way fixed effects panel regression model to examine the impact of corporate innovation on systemic risk theoretically and empirically. It is found that innovation measured by quantity and investment significantly pushes up corporate systemic risk, and such an effect is stronger in firms facing a more severe principal‐agent issue and in firms with weaker internal governance and external supervision. The effect pertains to the fact that innovation features high innovation risk and low innovation information robustness. Nevertheless, innovation quality manifested by R&D capitalization has a significant depressing effect on firm systemic risk. Additional tests show that inventive innovation strategies have a significant pushing‐up effect on firm systemic risk. Contrarily, non‐inventive innovation strategies are not necessarily related to a lower failure risk and higher innovation information robustness, and impact firm systemic importance and systemic vulnerability inconsistently, causing an undefined effect on firm systemic risk. The study highlights that the authority should scientifically guide enterprises to innovate and focus on improving innovation quality for structuring a balanced system of stabilizing growth and resolving risks.
Gig work: Does it get you more happiness?
Authors: Klein Galit , Klunover Doron , Shavit Tal
Published: January 2024

Gig work is one of the fastest‐growing trends in the labor market, one that accelerated during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It is therefore important to understand its impact on individual happiness. A simple theoretical framework is constructed to analyze aspects of gig work and their effect on happiness. In particular, we model happiness as being dependent on various characteristics of work, such as income, work flexibility, job stability and job security, employee benefits, and non‐pecuniary benefits. We demonstrate that merging salaried work and gig work can be an effective way to increase happiness. The proposed framework identifies the characteristics of an individual who will achieve greater happiness in gig work. These insights may help to understand the effect of recent changes in the labor market on workers' happiness.
Comparison of brexpiprazole, aripiprazole, and placebo for Japanese major depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Kishi Taro , Sakuma Kenji , Saito Takeo , Nakagawa Atsuo , Kato Masaki , Iwata Nakao
Published: January 2024

Aim

This systematic review and frequentist network meta‐analysis used random‐effects models is conducted to determine whether there are differences in the efficacy, acceptability, tolerability, and safety profiles of brexpiprazole (BRE) and aripiprazole (ARI) for Japanese with major depressive disorder (MDD) who were inadequately responsive to antidepressants.

Methods

Outcome measures were scores on the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (primary), the Clinical Global Impression severity scale, and social functioning scale; the non‐response rate; the non‐remission rate; all‐cause discontinuation; discontinuation due to adverse events (DAE); at least one adverse event (1AE); serious adverse event, akathisia; tremor; weight gain.

Results

A literature search identified three double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials. These comprised one BRE study (with a 1 mg/day [BRE1] and a 2 mg/day [BRE2]) and two ARI studies (with a 3 mg/day arm and a flexible‐dose arm[within the dosage range approved in Japan]) (n = 1736). Both BRE and ARI demonstrated better efficacy than the placebo. BRE but not ARI had a higher DAE than the placebo. ARI but not BRE had a higher 1AE than the placebo. BRE and ARI had a higher risk of akathisia and weight gain than the placebo. There were no significant differences between BRE and ARI for any of the outcomes. Although BRE1 had good efficacy, it carried risk of weight gain. Although BRE2 also had efficacy, it carried risks of DAE, akathisia, and weight gain. However, the risk of akathisia in BRE2 was reduced by an initial dose of 0.5 mg/day rather than 1.0 mg/day.

Conclusions

Overall BRE showed similar utility to ARI and a good risk–benefit balance.
Adult Laryngomalacia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mills John F. , Monaghan Neil P. , Nguyen Shaun A. , O'Rourke Ashli K. , Halstead Lucinda A. , Meyer Ted A.
Published: January 2024

Objective

This review sought to determine the characteristics of adults diagnosed with new onset laryngomalacia including airway symptoms, laryngoscopic findings, treatments, and outcomes. Moreover, we wanted to highlight suspected limitations in the literature.

Data Sources

Studies were identified through CINAHL, Cochrane Review, PubMed, and Scopus published between 1966 and 2023.

Review Methods

The search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist by 2 independent investigators. A meta‐analysis of proportions and continuous measures was conducted.

Results

Of the 1121 abstracts identified, 33 articles pertaining to laryngomalacia in the adult population were included. The most common presenting symptoms were stridor at rest (78.3%, 65.1‐88.3) and dyspnea with exertion (83.8%, 64.8‐96.3). The most suspected etiology was exercise‐induced (86.0%, 69.4‐95.5), and the most common description of laryngomalacia on visualization was collapse of supraglottic structures during exercise (93.3%, 79.0‐99.1). Nonsurgical options were attempted in 87.0% (54.0‐99.1), which included oral appliances, respiratory retraining, breathing techniques, and working with a speech pathologist. Surgical options were ultimately performed in 84.2% (75.0‐91.0). Complete resolution of symptoms following therapy was seen in 61.9% (48.0‐74.6).

Conclusion

Adult onset laryngomalacia is difficult to characterize. It typically presents in patients during exercise, with neurological injury, or idiopathically. Surgical management can lead to improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. The need for a universal nomenclature is highlighted in this review, as it is inconsistently classified.
Trends in Medicare Reimbursements for Commonly Performed Laryngeal Procedures from 2000 to 2021
Authors: Patel Rahul A. , Torabi Sina J. , Izreig Said , Peter Manes R.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Numerous studies among different specialties have suggested that inflation‐adjusted Medicare reimbursements have steadily declined in the last few decades. The objective of this study is to investigate whether this is true within the field of laryngology.

Study Design

Retrospective Cross‐Sectional Study.

Setting

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician Fee Schedule.

Methods

2000‐2021 fees for laryngeal surgeries (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 31530, 31531, 31535, 31536, 31540, 31541, 31545, 31546, 31551‐31554, 31560, 31561, 31570), and laryngectomies (CPTs 31360, 31365, 31367, 31368, 31370, 31375, 31380, 31382, 31390, 31395) were gathered. United States consumer price index (CPI) was used to adjust all gathered data for inflation to 2021 US dollars.

Results

During the study period, unadjusted reimbursement for non‐facility and facility laryngeal surgeries decreased an average of 6.1% and 6.6%, respectively. When adjusting for inflation, non‐facility and facility laryngeal surgeries saw an average decrease of 17.8% (p < 0.001) and 28.5% (p < 0.001), respectively. Unadjusted reimbursement for facility laryngectomies saw an average increase of 40.2%, correlating to an inflation‐adjusted decline of 8.9% (p < 0.001). Among laryngeal procedures overall, there was an average nominal increase of 17.0%, correlating to a 20.3% inflation‐adjusted decline.

Conclusion

In terms of inflation‐adjusted dollars, reimbursements for laryngeal procedures have seen a large decrease in the last two decades. Understanding reimbursement trends is critical for sustainability of otolaryngology practices, and can be used by surgeons, hospital systems, and policymakers to guide future healthcare legislation.
Is Public Interest Associated with Real‐World Management of Ankyloglossia?
Authors: Naseem Danial F. , Sheth Amar H. , Cheng Alan G. , Qian Z. Jason
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Assess the relationship between public interest in ankyloglossia as determined by internet search volume and real‐world medical claims data.

Study Design

Retrospective Cohort Study.

Setting

This retrospective cohort study was conducted using claims data from the Merative™ Marketscan® Research Databases. The internet search data was collected from Google Trends.

Methods

Annual Google Trends data were compiled using search terms associated with “ankyloglossia” and “frenotomy” for the years 2011 to 2021. We obtained incidence of ankyloglossia diagnoses and frenotomy procedures in children under 12 months from Marketscan relative to all infants enrolled. We compared associations between search and incidence data among US states and over time.

Results

Google search correlated with ankyloglossia incidence (r = 0.4104, P = .0031) and with frenotomy incidence (r = 0.4062, P = .0034) per state. Ankyloglossia diagnoses increased with Google search index (coefficient = 0.336, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.284, 0.388) and year (coefficient = 0.028, 95% CI 0.025, 0.031). Similarly, frenotomy procedures increased with Google search index (coefficient = 0.371, 95% CI 0.313, 0.429) and year (coefficient = 0.027, 95% CI 0.024, 0.030).

Conclusions

Associations between online ankyloglossia search trends and both diagnosis and treatment rates, persist across US regions and timeframes. Internet search trends are pivotal in shaping pediatric health care decisions, driving clinical consensus, and disseminating evidence‐based information.
Predictors of Non‐Rhinogenic Facial Pain or Pressure in Otolaryngology Clinic
Authors: Altonji Samuel , Del Risco Amanda , Kilpatrick Kayla W. , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Abi Hachem Ralph , Jang David W.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Identify demographic and clinical characteristics that may help differentiate non‐rhinogenic facial pain or pressure (NRFP) from sinusitis.

Study Design

Retrospective single‐institution study.

Setting

Tertiary Care Center Rhinology Clinic.

Methods

All patients presenting with a complaint of facial pain or pressure over a 3‐year period were included. Patients were categorized into either NRFP or sinusitis groups based on computed tomography imaging and nasal endoscopy. Data pertaining to demographics, history, and SNOT‐22 questionnaire domains were compared via univariate analysis as well as logistic regression with backwards variable selection.

Results

A total of 296 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 128 had NRFP and 168 had sinusitis. A significantly greater percentage of patients in the NRFP group were women of childbearing age (40.6% vs 28.0%, P = .02). Backwards variable selection resulted in a model with four variables predicting a diagnosis of NRFP–female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.998, P < .0001), no history of prior sinonasal surgery (OR = 0.340 for history vs no history, P < .01), low nasal domain score (OR = 0.551, P < .0001), and high ear/facial domain score (OR = 1.453, P < .01).

Conclusion

Accurately identifying patients with NRFP at initial presentation based on history would help direct patients to the appropriate care pathway and prevent ineffective treatments such as antibiotics and sinus procedures. Our findings suggest that the suspicion for NRFP should be higher in women of child‐bearing age as well as patients with greater ear/facial symptoms or lesser nasal symptoms.
Poor Dental Health as a Risk Factor for Alveolar Ridge Malignancies
Authors: Chang Katherine W. , Mazul Angela L. , Lander Daniel P. , Wahle Benjamin M. , Yan Emily Z. , Thorstad Wade L. , Puram Sidharth V. , Jackson Ryan S. , Pipkorn Patrik , Paniello Randal C. , Zolkind Paul A. , Olshan Andrew F. , Zevallos Jose P.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To determine the association between poor dental health and risk of oral cavity squamous cell cancer (OCSCC) at individual tumor subsites.

Study Design

Case‐control and cross‐sectional

Methods

A case‐control study was performed using a population‐based cohort in North Carolina (Carolina Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Study [CHANCE]). A secondary cross‐sectional analysis was performed with an institutional cohort (WashU/Siteman). Cases were adults with primary OCSCC and an identifiable tumor subsite. In the CHANCE cohort, controls were adults without head and neck cancer. In the Washington University/Siteman cohort, patients with tongue cancer served as the comparator group. We used number of missing teeth (categorized 0‐6, 7‐24, 25‐28) as a surrogate for poor dental health, which was self‐reported in CHANCE and measured on a pretreatment computed tomography scan in the WashU/Siteman study. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for missing teeth were estimated for each tumor subsite using binomial logistic regression models.

Results

Near complete tooth loss (25‐28 teeth) was associated with a 3.5‐fold increased risk of alveolar ridge malignancy (aOR: 3.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14‐11.01, P = .03) in the CHANCE study. This association was confirmed in our cross‐sectional analysis (WashU/Siteman study) where missing 25‐28 teeth was associated with an increased risk of alveolar ridge compared to tongue cancer (aOR: 4.60; 95% CI: 1.97‐11.10, P = .001).

Conclusions

This study suggests an association between poor dental health and risk of alveolar ridge cancer independent of smoking, alcohol use, age, race, and sex. Future prospective and translational studies are needed to confirm this association and elucidate the mechanism of dental disease in alveolar ridge malignancies.
Simultaneous rapid detection of glycyrrhizin and sennoside A in Daiokanzoto samples by lateral flow immunoassay
Authors: Ochi Akihiro , Nuntawong Poomraphie , Chaingam Jiranan , Ota Tomoki , Juengwatanatrakul Thaweesak , Putalun Waraporn , Shoyama Yukihiro , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Morimoto Satoshi , Sakamoto Seiichi
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Glycyrrhizin (GLY) and sennoside A (SA) are characteristic bioactive marker compounds of the Kampo medicine Daiokanzoto. Their accurate detection in blends of Rhei rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae radix of several species (4:1 or 4:2) is essential for quality control and to ensure therapeutic efficacy. A rapid, efficient assay can significantly facilitate their detection.

Objective

To establish a rapid qualitative assay for GLY and SA detection, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) was developed using specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) nanoparticles.

Methodology

This assay harnesses the competitive binding of mAb nanoparticles to the immobilized analytes on test strips and free analytes in the samples. Two conjugates for detecting GLY and SA, GLY–bovine serum albumin and SA–human serum albumin, were separately immobilized on the test zones of LFA strips. The detection mechanism is reliant on the visual detection of color changes in the test zones.

Results

When GLY and SA were present in samples, they contended with the immobilized conjugates on the strip to bind with the mAb nanoparticles and produced distinct color patterns in the test zones. The limits of detection of the assay for GLY and SA were both 3.13 μg/mL. The capability of the LFA was substantiated using plant samples and Daiokanzoto, and its alignment with indirect competitive ELISA results was confirmed.

Conclusion

The introduced LFA is a groundbreaking procedure that offers a rapid, straightforward, and sensitive method for simultaneously detecting GLY and SA in Daiokanzoto samples. It is instrumental in ensuring product quality.
Nondestructive discrimination of Potentilla anserina L. from different production areas based on near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Xiaobo , Hai Ping , Zhang Mengqi , Tian Mengyin , Zhang Wei , Li Lian , Zang Hengchang
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Potentilla anserina L. can use both as food and medicine. At present, the market mainly depends on experience to identify the species and determine the production areas of P. anserina. To ensure the quality of P. anserina, it is essential to improve the level of quality control.

Objective

We aimed to establish a rapid and nondestructive discrimination model to identify P. anserina from different production areas by near‐infrared spectroscopy.

Methods

The spectra of complete P. anserina medicinal materials and their powder of the same variety from four production areas were collected, and principal component analysis discriminant analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) were conducted based on different pretreatment methods and band selection methods. Then, the spectra of complete medicinal materials were converted into the spectra of medicinal powder for nondestructive identification.

Results

The correct recognition rate (CRR) of the PLS‐DA discriminant model was the best after spectral preprocessing using autoscaling and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling for band selection. The CRRs of the calibration set and validation set were 100%, the CRRs of the external test set were 95%, 90%, 82%, and 88%, respectively, and the CRRs of the transfer external test set were 84%, 80%, 82%, and 86%, respectively.

Conclusion

We realized the nondestructive and effective identification of P. anserina from different origins and laid a foundation for the industrialization and upgrading of TCM.
Rationality of the ethanol precipitation process in modern preparation production of Zishui‐Qinggan decoction evaluated by integrating UPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS‐based chemical profiling/serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology
Authors: Wu Cheng‐Ying , Guo Yi‐Yin , Ma Zhen‐Yue , Zhou Jing , Long Fang , Shen Hong , Xu Jin‐Di , Zhou Shan‐Shan , Huo Jie‐Ge , Hu Can‐Hong , Li Song‐Lin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Zishui‐Qinggan decoction (ZQD) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula (TCMF) for alleviating menopausal symptoms (MPS) induced by endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients. In the production of TCMF modern preparations, ethanol precipitation (EP) is a commonly but not fully verified refining process.

Objectives

Chemical profiling/serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology approaches were integrated for exploring the rationality of the EP process in the production of ZQD modern preparations.

Material and methods

Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS) was applied to identify the chemical profiles and absorbed components of ZQD. Network pharmacology was used to identify targets and pathways related to MPS‐relieving efficacy.

Results

The chemicals of ZQDs without/with EP process (referred to as ZQD‐W and ZQD‐W‐P, respectively) were qualitatively similar with 89 and 87 components identified, respectively, but their relative contents were different; 51 components were detectable in the serum of rats orally administered with ZQD‐W, whereas only 19 were detected in that administered with ZQD‐W‐P. Key targets, such as AKT1, and pathways, such as the PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway, affected by ZQD‐W and ZQD‐W‐P were similar, while the neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction pathway among others and the MAPK signalling pathway among others were specific pathways affected by ZQD‐W and ZQD‐W‐P, respectively. The specifically absorbed components of ZQD‐W could combine its specific key targets.

Conclusion

The EP process quantitatively altered the chemical profiles of ZQD, subsequently affected the absorbed components of ZQD, and then affected the key targets and pathways of ZQD for relieving MPS. The EP process might result in variation of the MPS‐relieving efficacy of ZQD, which deserves further in vivo verification.
Nonsuicidal self‐injury in elementary schools: School educators' knowledge and professional development needs
Authors: Simundic Amanda , Hove Lisa Van , Baetens Imke , Bloom Elana , Heath Nancy
Published: January 2024

Previous research suggests that nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI; the intentional destruction of bodily tissue without suicidal intent) occurs among elementary‐aged children. However, it remains unclear to what extent elementary school educators encounter NSSI among students and how they respond. Therefore, this study investigated cross‐national differences in Canadian and Belgian elementary school educators' knowledge of, and experience with NSSI among students. More specifically, elementary school educators' perceived reasons and supportive needs of students who engage in NSSI, as well as their own professional development needs, were explored. In total, 181 elementary school educators across Canada (n = 63) and Belgium (n = 118) were recruited through teacher association listservs and by school administrators who distributed the study information to school staff. Chi‐square tests revealed that Canadian elementary school educators had more often encountered NSSI among their students than Belgian educators, although Canadian and Belgian school educators' similarly reported feeling ill‐equipped to deal with NSSI among students. Thematic analyses revealed that educators believe elementary‐aged students engage in NSSI because of various intrapersonal (e.g., low self‐esteem) and interpersonal stressors (e.g., bullying). Moreover, the majority of educators would like professional development to more effectively respond to students. Implications for schools and future research are discussed.
Theoretical Insights on Pb‐Free Rhombohedral CsGeI3 over Cubic CsMX3 (M‐: Pb, Sn, Ge, and X‐: Cl, Br, I) Perovskite‐Based Single‐Junction Solar Cell with Efficiency >30%
Authors: Kale Abhijeet J. , Pal Biswajit , Dixit Ambesh
Published: January 2024

Herein, density functional theory‐based comparative studies on cubic CsMX3 (M‐: Pb, Sn, Ge; X‐: Cl, Br, I) and rhombohedral CsGeI3 perovskites are reported. The structural stability indicator analysis shows that Ge‐based perovskites may exhibit small rhombohedral distortion led by lone pair (4) electrons on off‐centering Ge atom. The role of lone pair on Ge atom in rhombohedral distortion is corroborated by bond length, electronegativity, and charge density distributions. Nearly agreeable bandgap () values are noticed for cubic CsPbX3 (X‐: Cl, Br, I) and rhombohedral CsGeI3, and the corresponding values are 3.04, 2.30, 1.72, and 1.45 eV, respectively. The effect of Jishi et al. reparameteried Tran–Blaha‐modified Becke–Johnson exchange‐correlation (XC) potential is discussed in context of optoelectronic properties. The changes in bandgap are attributed to the lifting of electronic degeneracy either by spin‐orbit coupling or symmetry lowering in rhombohedral distortion. The rhombohedral CsGeI3 is thus further emphasized to account its ferroelectricity with computed total polarization () around 32.75 μC cm−2. The suitable (1.45 eV), high absorption (≈105 cm−1), tolerable reflectivity (19%), and carrier effective masses (0.61 and 0.27) enable rhombohedral CsGeI3 (superior 30.5% spectroscopy‐limited maximum efficiency [SLME] at 1 μm thickness) to outperform conventional CsPbI3 (27.6% SLME at 1 μm) and others which may attract PV community to further address its underexplored promise.
Synergistic Effect of Reduced Graphene Oxide and BaLaMnFeO6 in BaLaMnFeO6/rGO Composite on Electrochemical Behavior
Authors: Dhahiya Renu , Chauhan Neetika , Kumar Ashok
Published: January 2024

Perovskite oxides, with their diverse properties and versatile structures, have emerged as promising materials for electrochemical energy storage devices. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of both BaLaMnFeO6 (BLMFO), and its reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite, synthesized through solvothermal process, revealed the formation of rhombohedral structure with space group R‐3C (no. 167). The estimated lattice parameter are a = 5.59 Å, b = 5.59 Å and c = 13.60 Å. As per the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, BLMFO/rGO composite (≈32.12 m2 g−1) exhibited a higher specific surface area than pristine BLMFO (≈11.85 m2 g−1), which has been attributed to the enhanced porosity resulted due to addition of rGO. The specific capacitance of pristine BLMFO and composite BLMFO/rGO is found to be 170.7 and 330.2 Fg−1, respectively, at the current density 1 Ag−1. The present investigation on the solvothermal synthesis and electrochemical analysis of BLMFO perovskite and its rGO composite, demonstrates potential for energy storage application.
Evidence of Heat‐Assisted Atomic Migration in GeSe Self‐Selecting Memory at High Operating Current Density
Authors: Ravsher Taras , Garbin Daniele , Fantini Andrea , Degraeve Robin , Clima Sergiu , Donadio Gabriele Luca , Kundu Shreya , Hody Hubert , Devulder Wouter , Potoms Goedele , Peissker Tobias , Nyns Laura , Van Houdt Jan , Afanas'ev Valeri , Belmonte Attilio , Kar Gouri Sankar
Published: January 2024

Herein, the operation of a GeSe ovonic threshold switch (OTS) is studied as a self‐selecting memory cell based on the polarity effect. From the observed operating current (Iop) dependence and area scaling behavior, the critical role of Joule heating in ensuring exceptionally large memory window in this material is confirmed. The underlying mechanism is further investigated by means of chemical analysis and is confirmed to be caused by polarity‐dependent atomic migration under high‐Iopregime, consistent with elemental segregation due to electronegativity contrast. More specifically, selective diffusion of Ge atoms through the TiN layer into negatively biased top electrode stack is observed. At the same time, there is no sign of a similar process for Se atoms under opposite voltage polarity. Based on these observations, a novel memory concept utilizing a selective diffusion barrier is proposed. Furthermore, under low‐Iopregime, no major composition change is observed, leaving room for alternative interpretation of the polarity effect under such conditions. Finally, it is demonstrated that functional GeSe OTS‐only memory is fabricated with atomic layer deposition, making it suitable for vertical 3D integration to enable low‐cost applications.
Performance Evaluation of Printable Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells Infiltrated with Reusable CsPbI3:EuCl3 and Standard AVA‐MAPbI3
Authors: Valastro Salvatore , Calogero Gaetano , Smecca Emanuele , Bongiorno Corrado , Arena Valentina , Mannino Giovanni , Deretzis Ioannis , Fisicaro Giuseppe , La Magna Antonino , Alberti Alessandra
Published: January 2024

Hole‐transporting layer‐free mesoporous carbon (mC) architectures represent a printable, low‐cost, and stable solution for the future commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). CsPbI3 perovskite is attracting attention for its inorganic structure, which yields higher structural stability compared to hybrid counterparts and allows reversibility of its photoactive phase. Here the photovoltaic performance of large‐area (144 mm2) devices infiltrated with CsPbI3:EuCl3 is systematically evaluated, using AVA‐MAPbI3 mC‐PSCs as a reference. Measured and simulated J–V curves acquired at various scan rates show a significantly reduced hysteresis for Eu‐doped CsPbI3 with respect to AVA‐MAPbI3 mC‐PSCs. The synergic comparison between experiments and simulations reveals the complex interplay between ionic and electronic charges in the two mC‐PSCs, supporting the argument that cation migration is suppressed in CsPbI3:EuCl3. This also agrees with steady‐state photoconversion efficiency measured and simulated at fixed bias, which is constant over time in CsPbI3:EuCl3, contrary to what occurs in AVA‐MAPbI3 where a decay arises from enhanced ionic migration. In addition, CsPbI3:EuCl3 mC‐PSCs maintain their initial efficiency up to 250 h at 55 °C under continuous illumination during maximum power point tracking measurements. The possibility of reusing the CsPbI3:EuCl3 mC‐PSCs multiple times is demonstrated, pointing out the superiority of this inorganic perovskite in terms of sustainability.
Highly Efficient Solar Steam Generation and Desalination through Gourd‐Flesh Templated Polypyrrole Composite
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Wang Heng , Chen Kuiyong , Liu Yue , Cui Liang , Xu Jiangtao , Liu Jingquan
Published: January 2024

Solar steam generation (SSG) is regarded as a promising technique due to its potential in seawater desalination. Photothermal conversion materials derived from biomass are good evaporators for SSG because of their sustainability and high efficiency. Herein, 3D‐cylindrical‐structured composite materials based on gourd flesh and polypyrrole (GPPY) are designed and used for high efficient SSG. The polypyrrole layer is deposited on the gourd flesh to provide broad optical absorption ability and high photothermal conversion efficiency. In addition, gourd flesh with porous structure can act as thermal insulators, confine the generated heat within the evaporative surface, and facilitate the efficient transport of water to the photothermally active area. Based on these characteristics of the composite, the evaporator made of GPPY can achieve a high evaporation rate of (1.63 kg m−2 h−1), and a superior photothermal conversion efficiency 95.8% under 1 solar irradiation (1 kW m−2). The GPPY can be expected to be a practical photothermal conversion material for commercial SSG based on its high efficiency and sustainability.
Heat and Mass transport phenomenon on 3D MHD Jeffery Nano‐liquid past an exponentially stretchable sheet subject to Soret and Dufour effect: Optimal Solutions
Authors: Basha Hussain
Published: January 2024

The literature survey reveals that nano‐liquids are more efficient for heat and mass transport in association with liquids traditionally. However, insight into established techniques for enhancing heat and mass transport in nano‐materials have filled the gaps. Subsequently, extensive research on the aforementioned model has become dynamic. The present investigation aims to study Magnetohydrodynamics on three‐dimensional incompressible, non‐Newtonian Jeffrey nano‐fluid flow over a bidirectional stretchable surface with slip velocities, convective, and mass fluxed zero conditions. Additionally, the impact of Soret and Dufour effects, along with the rate of the first‐order chemically reacted parameter, are taken into consideration. The dimensional equations are transformed into non‐dimensional ones by adopting the Optimal Homotopy Analysis Method (OHAM) to solve highly coupled non‐linear equations semi‐analytically. The results are represented graphically and listed numerically. The current research reveals a significant finding, the higher Deborah numbers amplify the horizontal velocity gradient, while reducing the Jeffery fluid parameter has a similar effect. Moreover, both the Jeffery fluid parameter and Deborah number contribute to the increase in thermal boundary layer thickness, which contrasts with the gradient of nano‐particle concentration. The obtained results are compared with the non‐availability of literature in the same direction by assuming some special cases on different gradients.