bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating a System of Dual Regulation of Translation and Transcription to Enhance the Production of Recombinant Protein
Authors: Li Xin , Shi Peng‐Wei , Du Fei , Zhang Zi‐Xu , Li Zi‐Jia , Wu Na , Yang Guang , Ma Wang , Sun Xiao‐Man
Published: December 2024

When constructing cell factories, it is crucial to reallocate intracellular resources towards the synthesis of target compounds. However, imbalanced resource allocation can lead to a tradeoff between cell growth and production, reducing overall efficiency. Reliable gene expression regulation tools are needed to coordinate cell growth and production effectively. The orthogonal translation system, developed based on genetic code expansion (GCE), incorporates non‐canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins by assigning them to expanded codons, which enables the control of target protein expression at the translational level in an ncAA‐dependent manner. However, the stringency of this regulatory tool remains inadequate. This study achieved strict translational‐level control of the orthogonal translation system by addressing the abnormal leakage caused by the arabinose‐inducible promoter. Further validation was conducted on the relationship between ncAA concentration and expression level, as well as the host's adaptability to the system. Subsequently, the system's applicability across multiple Escherichia coli hosts was verified by examining the roles of RF1 (peptide chain release factor 1) and endogenous TAG codons. By combining this strategy with inducible promoters, dual‐level regulation of target gene expression at both transcriptional and translational levels was achieved and the dynamic range was further increased to over 20‐fold. When using ncAA to control the expression of T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP), the leakage expression was reduced by 82.7%, mitigating the low production efficiency caused by extensive leakage in the T7 system. As proof of concept, the strategy enhanced the production of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) by 9.82‐fold, demonstrating its excellent capability in controlling gene expression in developing cell factories.
Assessment of Public Stigma, Mental Health Literacy, and Help‐Seeking Intentions Based on Different Dimensions of Obsessive–Compulsive Content: A Study of the Spanish Mental Health‐Naïve Population
Authors: Chaves Antonio , Arnáez Sandra , Roncero Maria , García‐Soriano Gemma
Published: December 2024

Background

Obsessive–compulsive (OC) disorder is a debilitating disorder with a high delay in help‐seeking that could be associated with two barriers that may differ between OC content dimensions: public stigma and mental health literacy.

Objectives

We aim to describe and analyze the differences among OC content dimensions in public stigma, social distance desire, mental health literacy, and help‐seeking intention in a sample of the mental health‐naïve population.

Methods

A total of 487 participants from the Spanish community with no previous knowledge of or experience with OCD were randomly allocated one of six vignettes describing a person with OC symptoms of one out of six contents (i.e., aggression/harm; sexual; religious/blasphemous/immoral; contamination/washing; doubts/checking; or superstition/symmetry/order). After reading the vignette, participants completed the following questionnaires associated with their vignette: Attribution Questionnaire, General Help‐Seeking Questionnaire, Social Distance Scale, and Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire.

Results

There were significant differences among OC content dimensions on the variables of interest. Aggression/harm OC content was associated with the highest public stigma and discriminating desire, and together with the religious/blasphemous/immoral OC contents were associated with the highest social distance desire. Although no differences appear between contents on intention to seek for formal treatment, participants would request less informal support for their sexual OC content than for the other categories. Contamination, doubts/checking, and superstition/symmetry/order OC contents were more frequently identified as OCD, although only around 50% or less of the sample identified the sexual, superstition/symmetry/order, doubts/checking, and religious/blasphemous/immoral OC contents as a mental health problem.

Conclusions

Interventions to reduce stigma and increase help seeking are necessary and should consider OC heterogeneity.
Know how to strengthen processes for religious accommodations requests
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: December 2024

A little more than a year ago, the U.S. Supreme Court issued the most impactful ruling on religious accommodations in decades. Let's start with a little background for the case, which has implications for colleges and universities and other employers. Gerald Groff, a professed Christian and employee of the U.S. Postal Service declined to work on Sundays, citing his religious beliefs. USPS attempted to accommodate him by arranging for co‐workers to exchange shifts, but there were multiple instances where employees weren’t available to trade. Groff didn’t report to work on those days, and USPS terminated his employment as a result.
Metabolomic Diversity and Defensive Phenolic Compounds in Cloud Forest Ferns
Authors: Castrejón‐Varela Alejandra , Monribot‐Villanueva Juan L. , Pérez‐García Blanca , Moya‐Hernández Araceli , Guerrero‐Analco José A. , Mehltreter Klaus
Published: December 2024

The few current metabolomic studies on ferns are mostly restricted to a single species or focused on specific compounds. We performed an untargeted metabolomic study on six of the most common fern species from the cloud forest, followed by a targeted analysis of 64 phenolic compounds, many of which have been associated with herbivore defense. The untargeted analysis revealed a total of 232 putative identified metabolites from 463 to 1427 signals per fern species, each with its proper chemical signature but not necessarily correlated to their phylogenetic relationship. The flavonoid, flavone, and flavonol biosynthesis were the most expressed pathways in all species except for Marattia laxa. Fern species also differed strongly in the concentrations of the 10 detected phenolic compounds. Our results show that ferns, including the most ancestral species, such as M. laxa, display a high metabolomic diversity comparable to seed plants. Each fern species held a different combination of defensive phenolic compounds. Further research is needed to explore the metabolic diversity, to identify the biochemical defenses of ferns, and, in particular, to detect the chemical compounds that act against their specific herbivorous insects in the cloud forest ecosystem.
Synthesis and anti‐fungi/oomycetes activity of cuminic acid derivatives containing thiourea group for crop protection
Authors: yang zi hui , Zhang Yu Tao
Published: December 2024

In search of novel natural product‐based fungicides,twenty‐four cuminic acid derivatives containing thiourea group were synthesized and characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and HRMS spectra. The anti‐fungi/oomycete activity bioassay showed that the some of the title compounds displayed moderate to good anti‐fungi activity against Botryosphaeria dothidea (B. dothidea), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum) and Valsa mali (V. mali). Compound 4k exhibited the best in vitro anti‐fungi activity toward V. mali. The in vivo experiment identified that 4k possessed considerable anti‐V. mali protective and curative effect at 200 mg/L. Antifungal mechanism study showed that 4k could destroy morphology of V. mali mycelia, increase the cell membrane permeability, inhibit the dry weight of V. mali mycelia and led to the increase of reactive oxygen species(ROS) level. The phytotoxicity experiment revealed that compound 4k showed good safety on mung bean. This cuminic acid derivatives would be potential fungicide for controlling apple canker disease.
Unveiling 8,12‐Dimethoxysanguinarine: A Potent Inhibitor of Breast Cancer Metastasis via Fibronectin 1 Downregulation
Authors: Xi Xiuli , Qi Yuxin , Zhang Mingli , Yang Peng , Huang Xueshuang
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the effects of 8,12‐dimethoxysanguinarine (DSG) from Eomecon chionantha Hance on the malignant biological activity of breast cancer cells. RNA‐sequencing measure analysis revealed that metastasis‐related genes were significantly downregulated in DSG‐treated MCF‐7 cells. DSG significantly inhibits the migration ability in MCF‐7 cells. Molecular docking studies demonstrated significant interactions between DSG and the Fibronectin 1 (FN1) protein, with a binding energy of ‐8.91 kcal/mol. Additionally, FN1 messenger RNA expression was significantly upregulated in 1085 breast tumor samples compared to normal tissue in the Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma Collection dataset. DSG also suppressed MCF‐7 cell metastasis by downregulating FN1 expression. Furthermore, DSG was identified as a promising candidate based on absorption distribution metabolism excretion toxicity and drug‐likeness assessments. Combination studies indicated that DSG synergized with the conventional chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin to suppress MCF‐7 cell migration, as confirmed by wound‐healing and transwell assays. Collectively, these findings suggest that DSG may serve as a potential agent for inhibiting breast cancer cell metastasis by decreasing FN1 expression.
Formation of Poly‐L–Lysine‐Porphyrin Derivative Complex Exhibiting Diminished Dark Toxicity in Aqueous Solutions and High Photodynamic Activity
Authors: Egashira Yusuke , Kono Nanami , Tarutani Naoki , Katagiri Kiyofumi , Hino Shodai , Yamana Keita , Kawasaki Riku , Ikeda Atsushi
Published: December 2024

Poly‐L–lysine (PLL) displays a high solubilizing ability for hydrophobic guest molecules, and when in complexes with guest molecules, it exhibits a high intracellular uptake. However, its high cytotoxicity, originating from its cationic character, significantly limits its applications in biological and medicinal chemistry. In this study, the amount of free PLL in an aqueous solution of a PLL–porphyrin complex was immensely reduced, resulting in considerably lower dark toxicity than that of the free PLL. Furthermore, the PLL–porphyrin complex exhibited high photodynamic activity under photoirradiation at 610–740 nm.
Surgical Explantation of an Amplatzer Device for Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in a Patient With Nickel Allergy: A Case Report
Authors: Kumar Ujjawal , Aslam Usman , Cooper Anthony , Khalpey Zain
Published: December 2024

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure using percutaneous devices, such as the Amplatzer occluder, is a common treatment for patients with a history of cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Although generally well‐tolerated, some patients may develop adverse reactions to the device materials, particularly in the presence of a nickel allergy. Symptoms can include chest pain, rashes, and migraines, which may necessitate surgical removal of the device. In such cases, careful surgical planning and execution are essential to ensure successful outcomes and symptom resolution. We present the case of a 39‐year‐old female with existing PFO closure using an Amplatzer device, who developed severe, persistent atypical chest pain radiating to her upper extremities and occasional migraines 1 month after Amplatzer implantation. Patch testing confirmed a nickel allergy, prompting a referral to our service for surgical explantation of the device. The patient underwent Amplatzer device removal and reconstruction of the interatrial septum via sternotomy. The surgical technique involved meticulous excision of the device while preserving maximal septal tissue, allowing for primary closure of the interatrial septum without the need for a pericardial patch. Intraoperatively, significant scar tissue and inflammation were observed surrounding the device and atrial septal tissue, necessitating careful excision while preserving healthy tissue. The left atrial appendage was oversewn using a polypropylene suture for thromboembolism prophylaxis. Amniotic membrane allograft and autologous platelet‐rich plasma were applied to promote wound healing, with specialized suture tapes used for chest closure to avoid using stainless steel sternal wires (the most common alloy, 316 L surgical steel contains around 15% nickel) and minimize the risk of sternal complications. The patient tolerated the procedure well, with complete resolution of symptoms following device removal. At follow‐up, she reported improved exercise tolerance, enhanced quality of life, and was able to discontinue her pregabalin medication after 30 months of use (600 mg once daily). She returned to work with light duties 6 weeks postoperatively. This case highlights the importance of preoperative allergy testing to consider nickel allergy in patients before implanting devices such as an Amplatzer, as well as after considering de novo nickel sensitization as a potential cause when such symptoms develop after implantation. This case also highlights the value of surgical intervention in alleviating symptoms and optimizing patient outcomes in cases of device‐related complications.
Paradoxical Infarction? Inferior STEMI With Unexpected Discovery of ASD in an Oncology Patient: A Case of Combined Percutaneous Intervention
Authors: Balbuena Madera Miguel Angel , Garcia Garcia Juan Francisco , Vargas Cruz Antonio , Aquino Bruno Heberto , González Jasso Jesús Guadalupe
Published: December 2024

This case report explores the management of a 56‐year‐old female oncology patient presenting with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and an incidental atrial septal defect (ASD). The patient, with a history of rectal cancer and hypothyroidism, experienced acute chest pain and dyspnea. She was diagnosed with an inferior STEMI and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the placement of three medicated stents in the right coronary artery. During hospitalization, an echocardiogram revealed a significant ostium secundum ASD. Angiography indicated thrombi, suggesting a potential paradoxical embolism. Percutaneous ASD closure was performed during the same hospital stay, leading to a favorable clinical course without immediate complications. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive evaluation in managing complex cardiovascular conditions, particularly in patients with increased thrombotic risk due to malignancy.
Modified Fly Ash: An Eco‐Friendly, Cost‐Free, and Efficient Iron‐Based Catalyst for Ammonia Decomposition to COx‐Free Hydrogen
Authors: Sekizkardeş Büşra , Kurtoğlu‐Öztulum Samira F.
Published: December 2024

Fly ash (FA), an industrial waste produced in large amounts, is rich in metal oxides such as Al2O3, SiO2, and Fe2O3, making it an ideal candidate for use as a catalyst in ammonia decomposition. However, FA's surface area is very low (<1.0 m2 g−1), limiting its potential. This study investigates the modification of FA by calcination at various temperatures (550, 700, and 1000 °C), HCl treatment, and HCl treatment followed by calcination at 500 °C to convert FA into a catalyst by utilizing its iron content as active sites. The catalyst obtained by treating FA with HCl at 220 °C, calcining at 500 °C, reducing in H2 at 700 °C, and activating in ammonia at 700 °C achieved 86.0% ammonia conversion at a reaction temperature of 700 °C and a space velocity of 30,000 mL NH3 h−1 gcat−1, remaining stable for 140 h following an induction period of 30 h. Enhanced textural properties (18.5 m2 g−1), elimination of S and Cl impurities, and the formation of relatively small Fe crystallites (23.8 nm determined by Scherrer equation and 24.0 nm measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM)) when reduced in H2 were responsible for this performance.
Luminescence and Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Solution by Ta6Br12 Clusters
Authors: Hernández Jhon Sebastián , Atienzar Pedro , Shamshurin Maxim , Benassi Enrico , Sokolov Maxim N. , Feliz Marta
Published: December 2024

An intrinsic metal cluster NIR‐II emission of the {Ta6Br12}2+ aqua/hydroxocomplexes was determined in aqueous solutions under inert atmosphere. The photoluminescence (PL) is enhanced in D2O, and the lifetime scale expands from nanoseconds to microseconds. Possible cluster emission transitions have been assigned and analyzed from a computational perspective. In the presence of O2, the cluster compound kept its robustness but showed partial quenching of the PL. Stern‐Volmer and laser‐flash photolysis studies confirmed that quenching is mainly associated with O2 diffusion. Laser‐flash photolysis experiments showed that singlet oxygen (1O2) was not detected under measurement conditions. Generation of peroxide and superoxide radical species after irradiation in D2O was confirmed by using luminol as a probe, whereas no hydroxide radical species were detected as evidenced by the emission of the 3‐coumarin carboxylic acid (3‐CCA) molecular sensor.
Luminescent Mechanochromism of a Platinum Complex with Four Monodentate Ligands Governed by Intramolecular Interactions Between Ligands
Authors: Seki Tomohiro , Ishikawa Rintaro
Published: December 2024

A platinum complex equipped with 3‐methylbenzofuryl groups was prepared and its crystal structure and emission properties were investigated. This platinum complex has two distinctly emissive polymorphs: a blue‐emissive polymorph with low intensity and a brightly green‐emissive polymorph. Upon mechanical stimulation, the blue‐emitting phase is converted to green‐emitting powder through a crystal‐to‐crystal phase transition. Structure analyses indicated that intramolecular interactions between ligands control the phase‐transition behavior and the emission properties.
Demographic and Treatment Analysis of Periosteal Osteosarcoma
Authors: Larkins Michael C.
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

Periosteal osteosarcoma (PO) is a rare bone cancer that makes up between 1% and 6% of osteosarcomas. No epidemiological survey of the United States has been conducted to study this disease, and most of the literature is limited to single‐center analyses and case reports. We seek to perform the first such assessment.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program was queried for patients with primary PO (ICD‐O‐3 code 9193/3). Analysis of demographic, disease, and treatment variables was conducted via Fisher's exact test and 20‐year cause‐specific survival (20y CSS) was assessed via logrank analysis.

Results

Fifty‐four patients with PO were identified; median age was 20–24 years at diagnosis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated surgery provided 20y CSS benefit (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.08, p = 0.040) while chemotherapy (CTX) did not (p = 0.29); however, given the limited number of events (n = 11), recalculation of Cox regression for each variable demonstrated significance only with race (p = 0.026). Younger patients were more likely to be diagnosed with PO of the appendicular skeleton compared to the axial skeleton (p = 0.038). Mean survival time was greater among patients diagnosed with appendicular PO (16.0 years [14.2, 17.9]) compared to axial PO (10.9 years [9.5, 12.4]). Stage‐stratified survival analysis demonstrated surgery alone was non‐inferior to surgery with the addition of CTX (local disease: p = 0.37; regional disease: p = 0.85).

Conclusion

Axial PO is associated with decreased mean 20y CSS compared to appendicular PO, though in general, appendicular PO is more common than axial PO. In keeping with current literature, treatment of PO with CTX in addition to surgery should be reserved for high‐risk patients, though its use in the treatment of PO is questionable.
Photoelectrochemical Investigation of Hole Scavengers for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on Perovskite‐Type Niobate Nanosheets
Authors: Yilmaz Bengisu , Ünal Uğur
Published: December 2024

Hole‐scavengers are a crucial part of particulate photocatalytic systems. The use of hole‐scavengers increases the photocatalytic activity by preventing electron‐hole recombination. The holes are used in photo‐oxidation of the hole‐scavenger molecules increasing the probability of electrons involved in photoreduction of water. In this study, different hole‐scavengers utilized in photocatalytic water splitting reaction were tested. The impact of different hole scavengers on photocatalytic reactions were investigated on [Ca2Nb3O10]− 2D nanosheets mechanistically. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry tests were employed to assess the impact of hole scavengers on photocatalytic efficiency. The photoelectrochemical tests agree with the results of the photocatalytic reactions. Methanol and EDTA give the largest oxidation photocurrent and the best photocatalytic activity.
Seed size has a major impact on fall seedling vigor in the cover crop hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth)
Authors: Tilhou Neal , Kucek Lisa Kissing , Moore Virginia , Hanson Solveig , Reberg‐Horton S. Chris , Ryan Matthew R. , Ehlke Nancy , Bartow Amy , Carr Brandon , Douglas Joel , Englert John , Crawford Jamie , Crawford Ryan , Ali Shahjahan , Bhamidimarri Suresh , Mirsky Steven , Monteros Maria J. , Hayes Ryan , Riday Heathcliffe
Published: December 2024

Seedling vigor is a critical trait for successful cover crop varieties. Selection for seed size can impact fall seedling vigor in the cover crop hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth). Fall vigor and seed size measurements from 1239 plants and fall vigor measurements from 13,923 progeny across 25 different growing environments were used to calculate narrow sense heritabilities and identify relationships between variance components of fall vigor and seed size. Standardized parent–progeny heritabilities were estimated across multiple years and environments and used to determine the impact of seed size on offspring fall vigor. A genome‐wide association study for seed size (n = 853, m = 1,010,403, two environments) was conducted to explore genetic determinants associated with this trait. Seed size was influenced by parent genetics and parent growing environments and had a significant impact on the fall vigor of the offspring. The narrow sense heritability of seed size was greater than visual fall vigor scores (0.580 and 0.111, respectively) and was less influenced by genotype‐by‐environment variance. Finally, parental seed size had a strong and consistent genetic correlation to offspring fall vigor relative to direct parental measurements of fall vigor (standardized parent–progeny heritability 0.17 for parent seed size‐progeny fall vigor compared to nearly zero for parent fall vigor_offspring fall vigor). The genome‐wide association study did not find significant loci controlling seed size. The strong correlation between seed size and fall vigor highlights an important consideration for growers since larger seed size may increase fall vigor, thus impacting profitability for producers.
A Current‐Fed Switched Capacitor Inverter With Voltage Boosting, Reduced Harmonic Distortion, and Minimal Device Count
Authors: Ashwin K. , Nakul Narayanan K. , Umanand L. , Subba Reddy B.
Published: December 2024

DC–AC inverters are an important set of power converters when it comes to integration of the renewable energy resources in to the AC grid or to local AC loads. The multilevel inverters (MLIs) are a common and popular choice for such applications. However, MLIs require many switching devices for higher number of voltage levels, multiple isolated DC sources, need for additional charge‐balancing circuits for the DC‐link capacitor, and unequal voltage stress in the devices at higher power levels. Switched capacitor–based inverters are emerging as a popular alternative to the conventional MLIs that do provide inherent charge balancing, reduced device stress, output voltage–boosting capability, and highly compact converters. This work proposes such a current‐fed DC–AC switched capacitor converter (SCC). This converter offers advantages such as reduced count of switched capacitors and power devices, elimination of load‐side filtering elements, reduced switching ripple in output voltage due to inherent interleaving, reduced voltage and current total harmonic distortion (THD), and lower ratings of the switched capacitors. An adaptive hysteresis control scheme is used to track the voltage across the switched capacitors to a desired sinusoidal reference. The overall control architecture is straightforward to implement, and the switching architecture uses overlapping logic to prevent interrupting the input current. The work includes a complete analysis and design procedure. A 500‐W laboratory prototype of the proposed converter is built, with the control architecture implemented using the TMS320F28379D microcontroller. Simulation results are verified with experimental outcomes.
Gastric Cytology: A Supplement to Early Diagnosis of Gastric Malignancies
Authors: Venkataramana Chaithra Gowthuvalli , Sinchana K. M. , Lali Bhagat Singh , Rai Sharada , Kini Jyoti R. , Kocherlakota Akhil , Prasad Sriram Sujay , Mohan Saraswathi Ram
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Gastric malignancies are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Rapid accurate interpretation of gastric cytology aids in early diagnosis and management. This study evaluates the utility of gastric cytology in diagnosing gastric malignancies.

Methods

This retrospective, cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology for a period of 3.5 years. The cases with clinical suspicion of gastric malignancy and those who have had both cytology and histopathology examinations were included. Cytology results were reported as positive for malignancy, suspicious for malignancy, atypical cells‐favor reactive, and negative for malignancy. The cytology and histopathology results were correlated, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.

Results

Among 118 patients included in the study, 103 cases were malignant and 15 were nonmalignant. Out of 103 malignant cases, 89 cases were detected in cytology. False positive cases consisted of four gastritis cases with florid reactive atypia and one with moderate dysplasia. False negative cases were of diffuse and intestinal subtypes of adenocarcinoma, followed by non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. Sensitivity and specificity were found to be 86.41% and 66.67%, respectively. The positive predictive value is 94.68% with 41.67% negative predictive value and a diagnostic accuracy of 83.90%.

Conclusion

Gastric cytology is a reliable screening and diagnostic tool with a high positive predictive value and acceptable sensitivity. Negative cytology in suspected cases of gastric malignancy should always be correlated with biopsy reports. Diffuse type, intestinal type gastric adenocarcinoma and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma were the major pitfall on cytology. The cells in the background must be meticulously observed for the malignant features. Gastric cytology is cost‐effective and yields rapid diagnosis with a high positive predictive value, sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy.
The risk of death according to left ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular dilatation in 17 321 adults with heart failure from 40 high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries – A Global Congestive Heart Failure (G‐CHF) study
Authors: Leong Darryl P. , Joseph Philip G. , Dokainish Hisham , Störk Stefan , McMurray John V.V. , Mielniczuk Lisa M. , Sharma Sanjib Kumar , Orlandini Andrés , Karaye Kamilu M. , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , McCready Tara , Grinvalds Alex , Balasubramanian Kumar , Branch Kelley R. , Kragholm Kristian , Yusuf Salim ,    on behalf of the G‐CHF Investigators
Published: December 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to describe the prognostic importance of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) versus right ventricular (RV) dilatation and dysfunction in patients with heart failure (HF) from countries of different income levels.

Methods and results

We enrolled 17 321 participants with HF from 40 countries. Participants were followed for a median (25th–75th percentile) of 2.1 (2.0–4.6) years. Cox proportional hazards models were performed with adjustment for age, sex, HF aetiology, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tobacco and alcohol use, functional class, and the use of HF medications, blood pressure, serum creatinine and HF duration. During follow‐up, 5738 (33%) participants died and 3569 (21%) were hospitalized for HF. Compared with LVEF ≥50%, the hazard ratios (HR) for death were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–0.97, p = 0.009) in patients with LVEF 40–49%, 0.96 (95% CI 0.88–1.05, p = 0.40) for LVEF 30–39%, and 1.18 (95% CI 1.08–1.29, p < 0.0001) for LVEF <30%. RV enlargement was associated with an increased risk of death (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.26–1.44, p < 0.0001). The relationship between LVEF and death differed according to HF aetiology (interaction p = 0.0010). In ischaemic HF and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, there was a continuous inverse association between LVEF and the risk of death, but in hypertensive, valvular and other HF types, there was no association between LVEF and the risk of mortality.

Conclusion

Reduced LVEF was associated with worse prognosis in ischaemic and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy but not in HF of other causes. RV enlargement was associated with a more marked increase in the risk of death.
Analysis of the dynamics of the land use changes in the Mediterranean region of southern Spain and its relationship with water availability
Authors: Sillero‐Medina J. A. , Galacho‐Jimenez F. B. , Molina J. , Ruiz‐Sinoga J. D.
Published: December 2024

In the recent decades, the increase in irrigated agricultural areas has been a constant trend in the Mediterranean region, being concurrent with a reduction in the availability of water resources, due not only to an increase in demand but also to a reduction in supply as a result of the climate crisis. This study has analysed the evolution in land use changes between 1991 and 2021 in the Mediterranean region of southern Spain; the increase in the areas occupied by irrigated crops has been quantified; the climatic and edaphic dynamics linked to water risks have been identified, analysing the evolution of the annual precipitation, the number of rainy days and the distance to the wilting point of the soil; and, finally, it has been determined which factors are the most explanatory in this dynamic of land use. Using several machine learning methods, we could state how the current dynamics of land use are not in accordance with the availability and evolution of water resources, and how the areas where irrigated crops have increased the most are those where the climatic pattern shows a greater decrease in water resources, indicating how decisions on land uses are not done considering climatological conditions, but economic benefits.
The Utility of the PTeye Autofluorescence Detection Device During Parathyroidectomy for the Treatment of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Mancera Camila , King Tonya S. , Long Brittany A. , Tufano Tyler P. , Tufano Ralph P.
Published: December 2024

Background

This study evaluates the utility of PTeye autofluorescence (AF) technology in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review analyzed 232 patients undergoing first‐time parathyroid surgery between September 2021 and 2023. Of these, 92 underwent surgery consecutively without PTeye assistance, then 140 underwent PTeye‐guided surgery consecutively.

Results

The PTeye‐guided surgery group showed significantly higher parathyroid gland identification rates (p < 0.001) and a 20.7 times greater likelihood of identifying all four glands compared to controls (3.3%). No cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism were reported, indicating the procedure's safety.

Conclusions

PTeye appears to be a safe and effective technology that can be used to improve parathyroid gland identification during first time surgery for PHPT. This is particularly beneficial for patient population with a high prevalence of multiglandular disease.
Investigation of Atomized Droplet Characteristics and Heat Transfer Performance in Minimum Quantity Lubrication Cutting Technology
Authors: Li Donghui , Zhang Tao , Zheng Tao , Zhao Nan , Li Zhen
Published: December 2024

Minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) cutting technology is ecologically friendly and efficient in terms of cooling and lubrication. It has be.en widely used in recent years. The atomization effect of the MQL system was characterized by the average diameter of atomized droplets in this study. Second, the MQL heat transfer experimental platform was built, and the cooling experiments were carried out under different MQL parameters. The heat flux density is linearly related to the heat source temperature under steady‐state conditions, and the nozzle target distance has the greatest influence on the cooling effectiveness. The flow state of the lubricating oil is liquid film flow when the heat source temperature is lower than 120°C. The flow state of the lubricating oil is ditch flow when the heat source temperature is higher than 180°C. The average droplet diameter decreased by 43.7% when the pressure was 0.4 MPa compared with 0.2 MPa. An increase in gas supply pressure can improve the cooling effect of MQL. With the increase in flow rate, the average droplet diameter and steady‐state heat flux do not change significantly. At 270°C, the steady‐state heat flux at a flow rate of 90 mL/h was only 2.99% lower than that at 18 mL/h. The average droplet diameter is the smallest, and the cooling effect is the best when the nozzle diameter is 1.5 mm. The heat transfer effect is the best when the nozzle distance is 20 mm at different temperatures. When the nozzle distance is between 20 and 40 mm, the heat transfer capacity of MQL is the most stable. The heat transfer performance of MQL is helpful to improving the efficiency and quality of cutting, and promoting the implementation of a green manufacturing and sustainable development strategy.
Spontaneous hemorrhage in adrenal myelolipoma treated with elective laparoscopic adrenalectomy following selective arterial embolization
Authors: Ito Itsuho , Takehara Kosuke , Miyazaki Yuya , Tsuchiyama Ayaka , Mukae Yuta , Hayakawa Koichi , Sakamoto Ichiro , Irie Junji , Watanabe Junichi
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Adrenal myelolipoma is a benign adrenal tumor that is typically asymptomatic and is rarely associated with hemorrhage or rupture. Here, we present a case of adrenal myelolipoma with spontaneous hemorrhage.

Case presentation

A 72‐year‐old man with a history of obesity and hypertension visited the Department of Emergency Medicine with a sudden onset of severe left flank pain. Enhanced computed tomography showed a left adrenal tumor containing a fat component with a focus of contrast medium visualized extravasation. The patient was diagnosed with adrenal myelolipoma with spontaneous hemorrhage. Selective adrenal arterial embolization was performed to manage the severe pain, and the condition immediately improved. Four months later, laparoscopic left adrenalectomy was performed via a transperitoneal approach. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of adrenal myelolipoma.

Conclusion

Urgent transarterial embolization followed by elective laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and minimally invasive treatment option for managing adrenal myelolipomas with hemorrhage.
Enhancing Apheresis Knowledge: An Educational Intervention for Non‐Apheresis Medical Providers
Authors: Achram Robert , Dent E. Alexander , Yee Marianne , Roback John D. , Guarner Jeannette , Sullivan H. Cliff
Published: December 2024

A knowledge gap exists between apheresis medicine (AM) physicians and providers who request the service, presenting challenges when coordinating care. We investigated an educational intervention consisting of a 40‐min in‐person evidence‐based lecture for neurology residents, neurology attending physicians, and nephrology fellows. Pre−/post‐testing demonstrated substantially improved understanding of apheresis mechanics, indications, complications, and patient consent. We advocate for more educational sessions about AM for the non‐apheresis providers to increase awareness about apheresis and foster collaborative interdisciplinary efforts.
Survive the economic downturn: Operating flexibility, productivity, and stock crash
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Xiaojun , Xu Fangming , Ho Tuan
Published: December 2024

Operating flexibility supports a firm's resilience strategy during challenging times by enabling them to promptly cut down operating costs associated with unproductive resources. We employ a real options model to formalize this insight. Our empirically grounding analytics motivate a firm‐level proxy for downscale operating flexibility (FLEX), which effectively captures the adjustment frictions across different contexts of firms' operations. Using U.S. data between 1961 and 2020, we show that operating flexibility mitigates the risk of stock price crashes, especially during periods of economic recession. Consistent with the loss‐curtailment mechanism, the operating flexibility effect is more pronounced for firms with lower productivity/profitability or higher operating leverage and is further amplified during longer and more severe recessions. Managers may avail themselves of our well‐tested empirical measure of operating flexibility to guide their efforts in building a more resilient operations structure.
Do invasive predators pose a predation risk to roosting shorebirds? Fecal DNA and camera trap analysis
Authors: Williams Louise A. , Dupré Samuel , Stat Michael , Hayward Matt W. , Tourenq Christophe , Griffin Andrea S.
Published: December 2024

Shorebird populations have experienced dramatic population declines worldwide. Reasons for these declines are varied, but one largely understudied threat at migratory shorebird non‐breeding grounds is predation by introduced predators. High‐tide roosting shorebirds may be vulnerable to ground predation, as they roost in a spatially clumped and temporally predictable manner in areas easily accessible to ground predators. We measured predation risk by the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) at high‐tide roosts within 2 internationally important shorebird estuaries in New South Wales, Australia, during a time when non‐breeding shorebird numbers were at their annual peak, using a combination of camera trapping and environmental DNA (eDNA). Foxes were present at all study sites and were seen most frequently at sites encompassing the 2 largest high‐tide roosts within the study estuaries, and least frequently nearest the roosts. Metabarcoding identified a broad range of avian taxa in fox scats collected at roosts, including ground‐dwelling birds, native waterbirds, and introduced pigeons and doves, but no shorebird species. Bird prevalence in fox scats reached levels that far exceeded those reported in prior studies. Future studies should examine whether red foxes present a non‐lethal, rather than lethal, predation threat to high‐tide roosting shorebirds when feeding on other co‐occurring food sources, potentially inducing energetically costly predator avoidance.
2D/Quasi‐2D/3D CsPbIxBr3–x Vertical Heterostructures for High‐Performance Infrared‐Blind Visible‐Light Photodetectors Toward Imaging Application
Authors: Liang Ying , Yan Zhiyu , Feng Bo , Fei Jianjian , Yang Tian , Liang Xifa , Zhu Haiyang , Chen Pinhao , Huang Zhanfeng , Zhu Lu
Published: December 2024

Intrinsic near‐infrared response of silicon‐based photodetectors can cause undesirable noise and thus undermine performance in visible‐light applications. All‐inorganic perovskite CsPbIxBr3–x with the absorption cutoff at ≈720 nm shows significant potential in visible‐light photodetection. However, its poor phase stability and high defect density on surfaces of polycrystalline films significantly impairs its performance. Constructing low‐dimension/3D heterostructure atop CsPbIxBr3–x is an effective way to simultaneously address stability and defect challenges. Herein, a facile and universal strategy is demonstrated to construct 2D PEA2PbI2Br2/quasi‐2D PEA2CsPb2I5Br2/3D CsPbIxBr3–x heterostructures by two‐step sequential surface treatment with phenylethylammonium bromide (PEABr). The PEABr pre‐treatment in the first step favors the volatilization of dimethylammonium iodide to produce higher phase stability. With the addition of strong‐polarity methanol in the solution for the second treatment, PEABr can easily react with the PbIxBr2–x rich surface to form low‐dimensional/3D perovskites heterostructure. Resultant heterostructure‐based photodetectors achieve superior performance in photodiode‐type photodetectors and enhanced stability, specifically a champion external quantum efficiency of 84% and detectivity of 3.1 × 1012 Jones at 690 nm, and linear dynamic range of 163 dB. Finally, the visible‐light imaging is demonstrated. This work offers a universal approach to realize CsPbIxBr3–x heterostructures and stimulates infrared‐blind visible‐light applications.
Orthogonal‐Based Reconfigurable Light‐Controlled Metasurface for Multichannel Amplitude‐Modulation Communication
Authors: Li Yuxi , Zhu Ruichao , Sui Sai , Han Yajuan , Ding Chang , Jia Yuxiang , Wang Shaojie , Feng Cunqian , Qu Shaobo , Wang Jiafu
Published: December 2024

Optical‐control reconfigurable metasurfaces can avoid crosstalk between microwave signal and direct current (DC) signal caused by physical wire connection, which paves a paradigm for dynamically and remotely controlling electromagnetic (EM) wave. However, the traditional light‐controlled reconfigurable metasurfaces mainly focus on the modulation of single polarized EM wave, which is difficult to adapt to the modulation of various signals in communication. In this work, a photoresistor is fully embedded into the meta‐atom as an active device, and a light‐controlled reconfigurable metasurface (LCRM) with multi‐polarization amplitude modulations is proposed. The designed metasurface controls the luminous intensity of light emitting diode (LED) array through computer, and then adjusts the photoresistor value, which can achieve amplitude modulations. In order to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed framework, the metasurface is simulated, fabricated, and measured, and the measurement results are basically consistent with the theoretical simulation results. Based on the EM characteristics of the designed metasurface, linear polarized (LP) wave synthesis and information transmission are carried out to demonstrate the design. This work designs an amplitude modulation metasurface under orthogonal‐polarization wave incidence to expand the LCRM application, which has broad development prospects in many fields such as information transmission, communication systems, and holographic imaging.
An Optimized Ex Vivo n–3 PUFA Supplementation Strategy for Primary Human Macrophages Shows That DHA Suppresses Prostaglandin E2 Formation
Authors: Kirchhoff Rebecca , Kampschulte Nadja , Rothweiler Carina , Rohwer Nadine , Weylandt Karsten‐Henrich , Schebb Nils Helge
Published: December 2024

Evidence suggests beneficial effects of long‐chain n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in inflammatory diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are still subject of research. For this purpose, we developed an ex vivo n–3 PUFA supplementation strategy. M2‐like macrophages were supplemented for 2–3 days with 20–40 µM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during differentiation. Quality parameters include <3% oxylipins for PUFA‐preparation, total fatty acids (FAs) <10 mM, and low oxylipins in plasma, n–3 PUFA <0.25 mM for the selection of donors of plasma as well as %n–6 in highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) ≥70% for donors of cells. Following supplementation, PUFA pattern of cells was shifted toward one described for blood and tissue from subjects with higher n–3 and lower n–6 PUFAs. This was accompanied by a decrease of arachidonic acid‐derived oxylipins in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in favor of n–3 PUFA ones. Stimulation with LPS resulted in decreased levels of pro‐inflammatory prostaglandins in the DHA‐supplemented cells, but no changes in cytokines. In vitro supplementation studies with n–3 PUFA need rigorous controls to exclude the background formation of oxylipins. By accounting for these possible confounders the described approach allows the mechanistic investigation of n–3 PUFAs in primary human immune cells, offering an alternative for intervention studies.
Symmetrical In‐Band Full‐Duplex Antenna With Broad Bandwidth Using Stacked Patch Array
Authors: Prasad D. Venkata Siva , Tripathi Shrivishal , Paltani Punya P.
Published: December 2024

This article proposes a novel symmetrical design for a Broadband Bidirectional In‐band Full‐duplex (IBFD) co‐radiator antenna with high isolation. The distinctive double differential feed network, constructed using orthogonally arranged meander slot baluns, is connected to a pair of co‐radiating patches with the metallic visa, resulting in structural symmetry and offering bidirectional radiation patterns. The null‐coupling features of the balun, that is, the differential potentials and differential filtering, generate good isolation in the antenna with a narrow bandwidth. The limitation of narrow bandwidth has been overcome by employing a stacked patch array above the radiating patch. The installed stacked patch array generates additional resonating modes due to the induced surface waves and enhances the operational bandwidth of the antenna. The multiple techniques of polarization diversity, double differential feed, and stacked patch array in the antenna offer a minimum isolation of 62 dB over a wide operational band of (1.8–2.9) GHz. It offers bidirectional broadside radiation having a lower cross‐polar of dB. Moreover, the structural symmetry of the antenna produces identical S‐parameters, gain, and radiation patterns for both antenna ports. The fabricated prototype of the proposed antenna with overall dimensions of ( is the free space wavelength referring to the lowest operational frequency) shows a good correlation between the simulated and measured results.