bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The capture of extracellular vesicles endogenously released by xenotransplanted tumours induces an inflammatory reaction in the premetastatic niche
Authors: Blavier Laurence , Nakata Rie , Neviani Paolo , Sharma Khounish , Shimada Hiroyuki , Benedicto Aitor , Matei Irina , Lyden David , DeClerck Yves A.
Published: May 2023

The capture of tumour‐derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs) by cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME) contributes to metastasis and notably to the formation of the pre‐metastatic niche (PMN). However, due to the challenges associated with modelling release of small EVs in vivo, the kinetics of PMN formation in response to endogenously released TEVs have not been examined. Here, we have studied the endogenous release of TEVs in mice orthotopically implanted with metastatic human melanoma (MEL) and neuroblastoma (NB) cells releasing GFP‐tagged EVs (GFTEVs) and their capture by host cells to demonstrate the active contribution of TEVs to metastasis. Human GFTEVs captured by mouse macrophages in vitro resulted in transfer of GFP vesicles and the human exosomal miR‐1246. Mice orthotopically implanted with MEL or NB cells showed the presence of TEVs in the blood between 5 and 28 days after implantation. Moreover, kinetic analysis of TEV capture by resident cells relative to the arrival and outgrowth of TEV‐producing tumour cells in metastatic organs demonstrated that the capture of TEVs by lung and liver cells precedes the homing of metastatic tumour cells, consistent with the critical roles of TEVs in PMN formation. Importantly, TEV capture at future sites of metastasis was associated with the transfer of miR‐1246 to lung macrophages, liver macrophages, and stellate cells. This is the first demonstration that the capture of endogenously released TEVs is organotropic as demonstrated by the presence of TEV‐capturing cells only in metastatic organs and their absence in non‐metastatic organs. The capture of TEVs in the PMN induced dynamic changes in inflammatory gene expression which evolved to a pro‐tumorigenic reaction as the niche progressed to the metastatic state. Thus, our work describes a novel approach to TEV tracking in vivo that provides additional insights into their role in the earliest stages of metastatic progression.
A comparison of four common mathematical models to assess baroreflex sensitivity
Authors: Filogonio Renato , Leite Cléo A. C.
Published: May 2023

Different methods have been used to assess baroreflex gain in experiments where changes in the carotid sinus pressure or the arterial blood pressure using different techniques provoke a baroreflex response, usually a rapid variation of heart rate. Four mathematical models are most used in the literature: the linear regression, the piecewise regression, and two different four‐parameter logistic equations: equation 1, Y = (A1–D1)/[1 + eB1(X – C1)] + D1; equation 2, Y = (A2–D2)/[1 + (X/C2)B2] + D2. We compared the four models regarding the best fit to previously published data in all vertebrate classes. The linear regression had the worst fit in all cases. The piecewise regression generally exhibited a better fit than the linear regression, though it returned a similar fit when no breakpoints were found. The logistic equations showed the best fit among the tested models and were similar to each other. We demonstrate that equation 2 is asymmetric and the level of asymmetry is accentuated according to B2. This means that the baroreflex gain calculated when X = C2 is different from the actual maximum gain. Alternatively, the symmetric equation 1 returns the maximum gain when X = C1. Furthermore, the calculation of baroreflex gain using equation 2 disregards that baroreceptors may reset when individuals experience different mean arterial pressures. Finally, the asymmetry from equation 2 is a mathematical artifact inherently skewed to the left of C2, thus bearing no biological meaning. Therefore, we suggest that equation 1 should be used instead of equation 2.
Knockdown of AK142426 suppresses M2 macrophage polarization and inflammation in peritoneal fibrosis via binding to c‐Jun
Authors: Shao Qiuyuan , Jiang Chunming , Zhang Qingyan , Liu Jing , Jin Bo , Zhao Min , Xia Yangyang
Published: May 2023

Background

Peritoneal fibrosis is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis, which may lead to ultrafiltration failure and ultimately treatment discontinuation. LncRNAs participate in many biological processes during tumorigenesis. We investigated the role of AK142426 in peritoneal fibrosis.

Methods

The AK142426 level in peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid was detected by quantitative real‐time‐PCR assay. The M2 macrophage distribution was determined by flow cytometry. The inflammatory cytokines of TNF‐α and TGF‐β1 were measured by ELISA assay. The direct interaction between AK142426 and c‐Jun was evaluated by RNA pull‐down assay. In addition, the c‐Jun and fibrosis related proteins were assessed by western blot analysis.

Results

The PD‐induced peritoneal fibrosis mouse model was successfully established. More importantly, PD treatment induced M2 macrophage polarization and the inflammation in PD fluid, which might be associated with exosome transmission. Fortunately, AK142426 was observed to be upregulated in PD fluid. Mechanically, knockdown of AK142426 suppressed M2 macrophage polarization and inflammation. Furthermore, AK142426 could upregulate c‐Jun through binding c‐Jun protein. In rescue experiments, overexpression of c‐Jun could partially abolish the inhibitory effect of sh‐AK142426 on the activation of M2 macrophages and inflammation. Consistently, knockdown of AK142426 alleviated peritoneal fibrosis in vivo.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that knockdown of AK142426 suppressed M2 macrophage polarization and inflammation in peritoneal fibrosis via binding to c‐Jun, suggesting that AK142426 might be a promising therapeutic target for patients of peritoneal fibrosis.
Factorization‐splitting algorithm based on system incorporated method for periodic nonuniform domains in open regions
Authors: Wu Shihong , Wang Ping , Qiao Yuxin
Published: May 2023

The original Factorization‐Splitting (FS) algorithm solves large number of coefficients and components in each iteration cycle which significantly affects the computational resources and calculation efficiency. Meanwhile, it can merely solve problems in uniform domains due to the limitation of discretized mesh sizes. In order alleviate these drawbacks, system incorporated factorization‐splitting algorithm is proposed to efficiently solve problems in nonuniform domains. The finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) domain is terminated by the higher order perfectly matched layer (PML) formulation which shows advantages in improving the absorbing performance. As the employment of the original domain decomposition method results in the algorithm unstable, an alternative domain decomposition method is proposed which can split the entire nonuniform domain into several sub‐regions. Metamaterial structure is introduced to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithms. Through results, the proposed algorithm can decrease memory consumption and simulation duration due to the calculation prevention of repeated components and coefficients. The absorption can be further improved especially in the low‐frequency band due to the enhanced absorption of propagation waves. In addition, the alternative domain decomposition method shows considerable advantages in the simulation of nonuniform domains.
The impact of recurrence timing and tumor burden score on overall survival among patients undergoing repeat hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Endo Yutaka , Rueda Belisario Ortiz , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Munir Muhammad Musaab , Lima Henrique A. , Katayama Erryk S. , Shaikh Chanza F. , Guglielmi Alfredo , Ruzzenente Andrea , Aldrighetti Luca , Alexandrescu Sorin , Kitago Minoru , Poultsides George , Sasaki Kazunari , Aucejo Federico , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Approximately 15% of patients experience a resectable intrahepatic recurrence after an index curative‐intent hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). We sought to investigate the impact of recurrence timing and tumor burden score (TBS) at the time of recurrence on overall survival among patients undergoing repeat hepatectomy.

Methods

Patients with CRLM who experienced recurrent intrahepatic disease after initial hepatectomy between 2000 and 2020 were identified from an international multi‐institutional database. The impact of time–TBS, defined as TBS divided by the time interval of recurrence, was assessed relative to overall survival.

Results

Among 220 patients, the median age was 60.9 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 53.0–69.0), and 144 (65.5%) patients were male. Most patients experienced multiple recurrences (n = 120, 54.5%) within 12 months after the initial hepatectomy (n = 139, 63.2%). The median tumor size of the recurrent CRLM was 2.2 cm (IQR: 1.5–3.0 cm) with a median TBS of 3.5 (2.3–4.9) at the time of recurrence. Overall, 121 (55.0%) patients underwent repeat hepatectomy, whereas 99 (45.0%) individuals were treated with systemic chemotherapy or other nonsurgical treatments; repeat hepatectomy was associated with better postrecurrence survival (PRS) (p < 0.001). Three‐year PRS incrementally worsened (low time–TBS: 71.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 57.9‐88.8 vs. medium: 63.6%, 95% CI, 47.7–84.8 vs. high: 49.2%, 95% CI, 31.1–77.7, p = 0.02) as time–TBS values increased. Each unit increase in time–TBS score was independently associated with a 41% higher possibility of death (hazard ratio: 1.41; 95% CI, 1.04–1.90, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Time–TBS was associated with long‐term outcomes after repeat hepatectomy for recurrent CRLM. Time–TBS may be an easy tool to help select patients who may benefit the most from repeat hepatic resection of recurrent CRLM.
Assessing the Association Between Time to Surgery and Survival in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nguyen Julia , Patel Rushi , Eloy Jean Anderson , Baredes Soly , Park Richard Chan Woo
Published: May 2023

Introduction

To assess the association between time to surgery (TTS) and survival in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma patients (SSCC).

Methods

We queried the 2004–2016 National Cancer Database for all cases of adult SSCC undergoing primary surgical treatment. Patients with missing TTS information were excluded. We conducted a multivariate analysis of patient demographic and clinicopathological characteristics' effect on overall survival (OS) using a Cox proportional hazards model enhanced with cubic spline non‐linear approximation. Bootstrapping methods were utilized to detect the aggregate risk of TTS delay on patient OS.

Results

A total of 2,881 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were male (63.5%), White (86.3%), and over the age of 60 (58.4%). Parametric cubic spline approximation Cox hazard model detected a non‐linear association between patient OS and TTS below 30 days with the lowest risk occurring at 18 days and steadily increasing subsequently. To analyze the aggregate risk and identify the optimal TTS cut‐off after 30 days of surgical delay, the cohort sample was bootstrapped and dichotomized. The largest increase in aggregated risk was identified at 59 days (Hazards Ratio [HR] = 1.006 [0.839–1.084], p = 0.003). 60 days were used as the optimal TTS cut‐off for analyzing the survival rate using the Cox proportional hazard model. Undergoing surgery within 60 days translated to a 14.6% decreased chance of death (HR: 0.854 [0.83–0.96]).

Conclusions

Increasing TTS is associated with worse overall survival in patients with SSCC. Our study suggests that surgery should be done within 60 days to achieve optimal survival results.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:3389–3395, 2023
Pediatric Custom Tracheostomies: A Ten‐Year Experience
Authors: Harris Jacob C. , Patel Rosemary C. , Ruiz Ryan L.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To describe the use of customized and custom tracheostomies at our institution, and to identify trends in patient presentation and tracheostomy design.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted for patients at our institution for whom a customized or custom tracheostomy tube was ordered between January 2011 and July 2021. Customized tracheostomy tubes allow for a small selection of alterations to trach design, such as cuff length and flange type. Custom tracheostomies have a unique design created by tracheostomy tube engineers in collaboration with the clinical provider, and are built specifically for a single patient.

Results

A total of 235 patients were included, of whom 220 (93%) received customized tracheostomies and 15 custom (7%). The most common indications for customized tracheostomy were tracheal or stomal breakdown on a standard tracheostomy (n = 73, 33%) and ventilation difficulties (n = 61, 27%). The most frequent customization was shaft length (n = 126, 57%). The most common indication for custom tracheostomies was a persistent air leak on a standard or customized trach (n = 9) and the most frequent designs were custom cuffs (n = 8), flanges (n = 4), and anteriorly curved shafts (n = 4). Patients treated with a customized tracheostomy had a 5‐year overall survival of 75.3%, compared to 51.4% for custom.

Conclusion

These are the first cohorts of pediatric patients with customized and custom tracheostomies to be described. Modifications to tracheostomies, in particular shaft length and cuff design, can address common complications of extended tracheostomy, and may help improve ventilation in the most challenging cases.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:452–458, 2024
LAI‐based reduction in growth of semiarid grasslands and its responses to climate change on China's Loess Plateau
Authors: Niu Xiaotao , Fan Jun
Published: May 2023

Understanding the response of vegetation growth to climate change can provide key information for predicting future ecosystem dynamics. Over the past 6 years, the semiarid regions of the Loess Plateau in China have experienced a transition from wet to dry years, but little is known about the response of grass growth to this change. Thus, this study aimed to analyze and evaluate the effect of climate change on grass growth. Using observed climate data and leaf area index (LAI) data obtained with hemispherical photography from 2016 to 2021, we investigated changes in trends of five climatic factors, including precipitation (P), temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), and solar radiation (Rs), and their impact on the growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Stipa bungeana plantations in the semiarid area of the Loess Plateau. The results showed a tendency to become colder in spring and drier in summer and autumn. In response, LAI tended to decrease in alfalfa and S. bungeana plots with interannual variation rates of 0.21 year−1 and 0.12 year−1, respectively. Additionally, linear regression methods showed that P had the greatest effect on LAI of two grasslands during the growing season (R2 > 0.84, p < 0.01), followed by RH and T (0.30 < R2 < 0.50, p < 0.01), a negative effect of WS (R2 = 0.36, p < 0.01), and no significant effect of Rs on LAI were found. Conversely, the path analysis indicated that Rs and P were the largest decision coefficients affecting the monthly LAI of alfalfa and S. bungeana, respectively, due to the different time‐to‐peak LAI and root growth depth of these two grass species. This study can provide theoretical support for ecological restoration and system management of semiarid grasslands.
A review of intelligent models for mapping city development and urban flooding
Authors: Senthilkumar Pavithraa , Arthur Menaka Pushpa
Published: May 2023

With urbanization is on the rise, it wreaks havoc on the hydrological processes within a catchment, resulting in a deteriorating water environment. Floods can greatly raise the cost of mitigation efforts due to their damaging consequences. The natural water balance is disrupted by an increase in impermeable areas. As runoff rises, so do flood peaks and volumes even in short, low‐intensity showers. Urban flooding is a significant impact of urbanization that has drawn the attention of experts. Currently, there are techniques based on distributed hydrologic modeling and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) used to assess the influence of land use for urbanization on the environment. Deep learning techniques with their immense performance in Computer Vision and Image Processing fields have been extended to the problem of urban floods by integrating them with a GIS‐based methodology. This study outlines multiple techniques that have been used to address urban floods.
Pyridinium‐Functionalized Ionic Porous Organic Polymer for Rapid Scavenging of Oxoanions from Water
Authors: Nayak Shibashis , Sahoo Aniket , Naidu G Swarna , Giri Arkaprabha , Patra Abhijit
Published: May 2023

Metal oxoanions adversely affect the food chain through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Therefore, they are among the major freshwater contaminants that require immediate remediation. Although several adsorbents are developed over the years for sequestering these micropollutants, the selective removal of oxoanions remains still a formidable challenge. Herein, pyridinium and triazine‐based ionic porous organic polymer, iPOP‐Cl, developed through a Brønsted acid‐catalyzed aminal formation reaction, is reported as a suitable anion exchange material for the selective removal of metal oxoanions from wastewater. The positively charged nitrogen centers, along with exchangeable chloride counter‐ions in the porous polymer, allow facile oxoanion uptake. iPOP‐Cl is found to be a selective scavenger of permanganate (MnO4−) and dichromate (Cr2O72−) from water in the presence of a high concentration of competing anions generally found in brackish water. The material exhibits fast sorption kinetics, a high uptake capacity (333 mg g−1 for MnO4− and 358 mg g−1 for Cr2O72−), and excellent recyclability.
Hybrid Fabrication of Prestrain‐Locked Acrylic Dielectric Elastomer Thin Films and Multilayer Stacks
Authors: Han Ziqing , Peng Zihang , Guo Yuxuan , Wang Huiying , Plamthottam Roshan , Pei Qibing
Published: May 2023

Dielectric elastomers based on commercial acrylic dielectric elastomers (VHB adhesive films) are widely investigated for soft actuators due to their large electrically driven actuation strain and high work density. However, the VHB films require prestretching to overcome electromechanical instability, which adds fabrication complexity. In addition, their high viscoelasticity leads to a low response speed. Interpenetrated polymer networks (IPNs) are developed to lock the prestrain in VHB films, resulting in free‐standing films that are capable of large‐strain actuation. In this work, a prestrain‐locked high‐performance dielectric elastomer thin film (VHB‐IPN‐P) by introducing 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate to create an IPN in the VHB network and a plasticizer to enhance the actuation speed is reported. VHB‐IPN‐P based actuators exhibit stable actuation at 60% strain up to 10 Hz and reach a peak energy density of 102 J kg⁻1. In addition, a hybrid process is also developed for the fabrication of multilayer stacks of VHB‐IPN‐P with strong inter‐layer bonding and structural integrity. Four‐layer stacks fabricated preserve the strain and energy density of single‐layer VHB‐IPN‐P films but with linearly scaled force and work output.
A common variant SNP rs1937810 in the MPP7 gene contributes to the susceptibility of breast cancer in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Li Rong , Zhang Wenpei , Shi Bohui , Ma Li , Jiang Fanliu , Wang Xiaochen , Li Jieqiong
Published: May 2023

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is common cancer caused by environmental factors and genetic ones. Previous evidence has linked gene MAGUK P55 Scaffold Protein 7 (MPP7) to BC, despite that there has been no research evaluating the relationship between MPP7 genetic polymorphisms and BC susceptibility. We aimed to investigate the potential association of the MPP7 gene with the susceptibility to BC in Han Chinese individuals.

Methods

In total, 1390 patients with BC and 2480 controls were enrolled. For genotyping, 20 tag SNPs were chosen. The serum levels of protein MPP7 were measured in all subjects using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Genetic association analysis was performed in both genotypic and allelic modes, and the relationship between BC patients' clinical features and genotypes of relevant SNPs was examined. The functional implications of significant markers were also evaluated.

Results

After adjusting for Bonferroni correction, SNP rs1937810 was found to be significantly associated with the risk of BC (p = 1.19 × 10−4). The odds ratio of CC genotypes in BC patients was 49% higher than in controls (1.49 [1.23–1.81]). Serum MPP7 protein levels were significantly higher in BC patients than in controls (p < 0.001). The protein level of the CC genotype was the highest, and that of the CT and TT genotypes decreased in turn (both p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results linked SNP rs1937810 to the susceptibility of BC and the clinical features of BC patients. This SNP is also proved to be significantly related to the serum level of protein MPP7 in both BC patients and controls.
In silico prediction of drug‐induced liver injury with a complementary integration strategy based on hybrid representation
Authors: Gu Yaxin , Wang Yimeng , Wu Zengrui , Li Weihua , Liu Guixia , Tang Yun
Published: May 2023

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the major causes of drug withdrawals, acute liver injury and blackbox warnings. Clinical diagnosis of DILI is a huge challenge due to the complex pathogenesis and lack of specific biomarkers. In recent years, machine learning methods have been used for DILI risk assessment, but the model generalization does not perform satisfactorily. In this study, we constructed a large DILI data set and proposed an integration strategy based on hybrid representations for DILI prediction (HR‐DILI). Benefited from feature integration, the hybrid graph neural network models outperformed single representation‐based models, among which hybrid‐GraphSAGE showed balanced performance in cross‐validation with AUC (area under the curve) as 0.804±0.019. In the external validation set, HR‐DILI improved the AUC by 6.4 %‐35.9 % compared to the base model with a single representation. Compared with published DILI prediction models, HR‐DILI had better and balanced performance. The performance of local models for natural products and synthetic compounds were also explored. Furthermore, eight key descriptors and six structural alerts associated with DILI were analyzed to increase the interpretability of the models. The improved performance of HR‐DILI indicated that it would provide reliable guidance for DILI risk assessment.
Adaptive control of cooperative robots in the presence of disturbances and uncertainties: A Bernstein–Chlodowsky approach
Authors: Izadbakhsh Alireza , Nikdel Nazila , Deylami Ali
Published: May 2023

The function approximation technique (FAT) is a powerful mathematical tool recently utilized to design model‐free controllers for robots. However, some FAT‐based controllers depend on joint velocities, which may not be available in many real‐world applications. This problem is solved in this paper by proposing an output feedback tracking control for cooperative robotic arms using the Bernstein–Chlodowsky polynomial as an uncertainty approximator. In other words, the Bernstein–Chlodowsky approach is adopted to approximate the lumped uncertainties consisting of disturbances and unmodeled dynamics. An adaptive rule is then suggested to update the approximator's coefficients matrix. Moreover, it is assured that controlled system error signals are uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) utilizing the Lyapunov lemma. Finally, the designed Bernstein–Chlodowsky controller is applied to a cooperative system with two arms handling a load. Besides, the results of applying the designed technique are compared with the outcomes of the Chebyshev neural network (CNN) as a state‐of‐the‐art approximation method. The simulation outcomes indicate the capability of the designed method.
An examination of complex fractional order physical phenomena in IOPD controller design
Authors: Demiroğlu Uğur , Şenol Bilal , Matušů Radek
Published: May 2023

This research focuses on the fractional complex order plant (FCOP). The significant contribution is the role of complex plant models in system stability and robustness and associated physical phenomena. A general transfer function is studied in the paper. Other plant models may be built with this structure since the FCOP is a general mathematical form covering integer order plant (IOP) and fractional order plant (FOP). Using the equations produced with the proposed technique and the recommended integer order proportional derivative (IOPD controller, physical changes in integer, fractional and complex coefficients, and orders are observed within this paper. Analysis of the plant controlled with an IOPD controller is done by applying an integrator to reveal the differences. The effects of the parameters are discussed together with the visuals, supported by simulations. The aim is to tune the controller parameters to achieve the phase and specifications as the researcher desired. It is observed that the integrator greatly takes part in reducing the steady‐state error. The IOP with the integrator showed the lowest steady‐state error, and also, the settling and overshoot time were enhanced. Increase in the phase margin also caused an increase in the phase crossover frequency. It is also observed that the fractional order affected the phase crossover frequency comparing with the IOP, and the complex order modification also had an effect comparing to the fractional order version. The complex order of the system is considered with its conjugate components in the imaginary part thus, the results are found separately for each case.
On a competition model with nonlocal diffusion arising from ecosystems
Authors: Rasouli S. H.
Published: May 2023

The main goal of this paper is to investigate the existence of positive solutions of a competition model with nonlocal diffusion and nonhomogeneous harvesting. Comparison arguments and sub‐super solutions method play a significant role in our main proof.
A MC‐based anthropomorphic test case for commissioning model‐based dose calculation in interstitial breast 192‐Ir HDR brachytherapy
Authors: Peppa Vasiliki , Thomson Rowan M. , Enger Shirin A. , Fonseca Gabriel P. , Lee Choonik , Lucero Joseph N. E. , Mourtada Firas , Siebert Frank‐André , Vijande Javier , Papagiannis Panagiotis
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To provide the first clinical test case for commissioning of 192Ir brachytherapy model‐based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs) according to the AAPM TG‐186 report workflow.

Acquisition and Validation Methods

A computational patient phantom model was generated from a clinical multi‐catheter 192Ir HDR breast brachytherapy case. Regions of interest (ROIs) were contoured and digitized on the patient CT images and the model was written to a series of DICOM CT images using MATLAB. The model was imported into two commercial treatment planning systems (TPSs) currently incorporating an MBDCA. Identical treatment plans were prepared using a generic 192Ir HDR source and the TG‐43‐based algorithm of each TPS. This was followed by dose to medium in medium calculations using the MBDCA option of each TPS. Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was performed in the model using three different codes and information parsed from the treatment plan exported in DICOM radiation therapy (RT) format. Results were found to agree within statistical uncertainty and the dataset with the lowest uncertainty was assigned as the reference MC dose distribution.

Data Format and Usage Notes

The dataset is available online at http://irochouston.mdanderson.org/rpc/BrachySeeds/BrachySeeds/index.html,https://doi.org/10.52519/00005. Files include the treatment plan for each TPS in DICOM RT format, reference MC dose data in RT Dose format, as well as a guide for database users and all files necessary to repeat the MC simulations.

Potential Applications

The dataset facilitates the commissioning of brachytherapy MBDCAs using TPS embedded tools and establishes a methodology for the development of future clinical test cases. It is also useful to non‐MBDCA adopters for intercomparing MBDCAs and exploring their benefits and limitations, as well as to brachytherapy researchers in need of a dosimetric and/or a DICOM RT information parsing benchmark. Limitations include specificity in terms of radionuclide, source model, clinical scenario, and MBDCA version used for its preparation.
A retrospective review on the histopathological pattern of childhood malignant solid tumors in Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Rahell Hailu , Yimer Yodit Getahun , Bekuretsion Yonas , Muhe Lulu M. , Patel Shivani A. , Cunningham Solveig A. , Hailu Daniel , Watkins Benjamin
Published: May 2023

In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), malignancies remain underreported due to lack of quality data. This study outlines the histopathological pattern of pediatric solid malignancies in children aged 0–15 years at the largest referral hospital in Ethiopia. A total of 432 solid malignancies were evaluated. The most common malignancies were lymphoma (21.8%), retinoblastoma (19.4%), and Wilms tumor (13.9%). Burkitt lymphoma accounted for 2.1%, despite being the most reported pediatric malignancy in sub‐Saharan Africa in published literature. Definitive diagnosis could not be made in 7% of cases, related to the lack of confirmatory testing. The study highlights the need for improvement in diagnostic capabilities in LMICs.
Association between marital satisfaction of female patients with persistent depressive disorder, and their own and husbands’ autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder traits
Authors: Toshishige Yuko , Kondo Masaki , Watanabe Takafumi , Yamada Atsurou , Hashimoto Hiroya , Okazaki Junya , Tokuyama Nishikiran , Kuwabara Junya , Mizushima Hiroko , Akechi Tatsuo
Published: May 2023

Aim

Patients’ and spouses’ neurodevelopmental traits may influence marital relationships, which are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. However, no studies have examined marital relationships in persistent depressive disorder (PDD) in terms of neurodevelopmental traits. This study aimed to explore the association between the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits of female PDD patients and both partners’ (patient and husband) marital satisfaction.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was administered during two predetermined consecutive months at seven institutions. Participants were female outpatients who fulfilled the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria for PDD and their husbands. The instruments of the study were the following validated surveys: the Quality Marriage Index (QMI), the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient Japanese version‐21 (AQ‐J‐21), and the Adult ADHD Self‐Report Scale Part A (ASRS Part A).

Results

The patients’ AQ‐J‐21 showed a positive significant association with their QMI in all patients who responded to this study's questionnaire, whereas among couples wherein both patient and husband responded, the ASRS Part A exhibited a positive significant association with the patients’ QMI. Conversely, the husbands’ ASRS Part A exhibited a negative significant association with the patients’ QMI.

Conclusion

The patients’ ASD and ADHD traits may play a positive role in the marital satisfaction of female PDD patients, while their husbands’ ADHD traits may play a negative role. For female PDD patients with low marital satisfaction, it may be important to consider whether their husbands have ADHD traits; if so, it may be necessary to develop intervention strategies focused on the traits for improving the low marital satisfaction. However, our conclusions are not sufficiently convincing.
Leveraging mathematical modeling to analyze nonadherence for hydroxyurea therapy in sickle cell disease
Authors: Pandey Akancha , Raja Rubesh , Estepp Jeremie H. , Ramkrishna Doraiswami
Published: May 2023

Nonadherence is common in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) on hydroxyurea therapy and can be observed with waning improvements in hematologic parameters or biomarkers like mean cell volume and fetal hemoglobin level over time. We modeled the impact of hydroxyurea nonadherence on longitudinal biomarker profiles. We estimated the potential nonadherent days in individuals exhibiting a drop in biomarker levels by modifying the dosing profile using a probabilistic approach. Incorporating additional nonadherence using our approach besides existing ones in the dosing profile improves the model fits. We also studied how different patterns in adherence give rise to various physiological profiles of biomarkers. The key finding is consecutive days of nonadherence are less favorable than when nonadherence is interspersed. These findings improve our understanding of nonadherence and how appropriate intervention strategies can be applied for individuals with SCD susceptible to the severe impacts of nonadherence.
A Hybrid‐Density Functional Theory Study of Intrinsic Point Defects in MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) Monolayers
Authors: Akkoush Alaa , Litman Yair , Rossi Mariana
Published: May 2023

Defects can strongly influence the electronic, optical, and mechanical properties of 2D materials, making defect stability under different thermodynamic conditions crucial for material–property engineering. Herein, an account of the structural and electronic characteristics of point defects in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides MX2 with M = Mo/W and X = S/Se is investigated through density functional theory using the hybrid HSE06 exchange–correlation functional including many‐body dispersion corrections. For the simulation of charged defects, a charge compensation scheme based on the virtual crystal approximation (VCA) is employed. The study relates the stability and the electronic structure of charged vacancy defects in monolayer MoS2 to an explicit calculation of the S monovacancy in MoS2 supported on Au(111), and finds convincing indication that the defect is negatively charged. Moreover, it is shown that the finite‐temperature vibrational contributions to the free energy of defect formation can change the stability transition between adatoms and monovacancies by 300–400 K. Finally, defect vibrational properties are probed by calculating a tip‐enhanced Raman scattering image of a vibrational mode of a MoS2 cluster with and without an S monovacancy.
Stronger negative priming effect and lower basal respiration rates in nutrient‐poor as compared to nutrient‐rich forestry‐drained peatland
Authors: Linkosalmi Maiju , Lohila Annalea , Biasi Christina
Published: May 2023

Rationale

Land‐use changes, e.g., forestry drainage, modify the characteristics of peatland soil and affect the peatland carbon (C) balance. Peat soil nutrient status, related mainly to the original peatland type, also has an impact on the C balance after drainage, as observed earlier at the ecosystem scale for two forestry‐drained sites in Southern Finland. Here the aim was to compare the soil CO2 fluxes from the two sites, nutrient‐poor and nutirent‐rich forestry‐drained peatlands, and study the effect of plant photosynthates on the decomposition of peat C. Therefore, the respiration rates and priming effect (PE) of peat soils with variable nutrient status were examined in the laboratory.

Methods

Half of the samples were labelled with 13C‐glucose to study the effect of fresh C addition on the soil decomposition. The 13CO2‐samples were analysed with isotope ratio mass spectrometry. A two‐pool mixing model was applied to separate the soil‐ and sugar‐derived respirations and to determine the PE.

Results

The nutrient‐rich peat soil respired generally more than the nutrient‐poor peat. A negative PE was observed in both peat soils, suggesting that the addition of fresh C did not increase the soil decomposition, but on the contrary decreased it. The negative PE was significantly more pronounced in nutrient‐poor peat soil than in the nutrient‐rich peat treatments, suggesting that the higher nutrient availability suppresses the negative PE.

Conclusions

These results imply that microbes prefer utilizing fresh C instead of old C in the short term and that the peat decomposition is suppressed in the presence of fresh C inputs from vegetation at forestry‐drained peatlands. These effects are even stronger in peat soils with less nutrients available. Ecosystem scale and soil process models could be improved with the help of these results.
Management of alveolar‐pleural fistula secondary to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with bronchial occlusion using a combination of Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot and N‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate: A case report
Authors: Tsukamoto Shinya , Nagata Kazuma , Tomii Keisuke
Published: May 2023

Alveolar‐pleural fistulas that do not improve with thoracic drainage can be conservatively treated via endobronchial occlusion and pleurodesis, among other options. However, for inoperable cases, the treatment strategy to be followed, in the event that conventional conservative management fails, is unclear. Herein, we report a case of alveolar‐pleural fistula managed by bronchial occlusion using a combination of Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot (EWS) and N‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate (NBCA). A 79‐year‐old man on prednisolone for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features was diagnosed with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and Aspergillus pyothorax infection. He was administered voriconazole; however, a pneumothorax developed and did not improve with thoracic drainage. Bronchial occlusion with EWS failed due to spigot migration. However, a combination of EWS with NBCA could control the alveolar‐pleural fistula. Thus, an EWS and NBCA combination may help prevent EWS migration, providing another option for patients who are unfit for surgery.
Niche development after closure of caesarean uterotomy by conventional double‐suture or modified single‐suture technique (NICUM): A randomized trial
Authors: Glavind Julie , Forman Axel , Johansen Maria J. , Uldbjerg Niels , Hvidman Lone , Bor Isil P.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The aim of the study was to compare two different techniques for closure of the caesarean uterotomy on the occurrence of a caesarean scar niche.

Methods

The study was a randomized controlled trial performed in a tertiary hospital with inclusion of singleton pregnant women with a scheduled, first caesarean section. We randomized participants to two different uterotomy closure techniques; (1) Conventional double‐suture using a running suture involving the myometrium followed by a running superficial suture or (2) modified single‐suture technique with running alternating deep‐superficial stitches. The primary outcome was the proportion of caesarean scar niches >2 mm deep at 6 months' follow‐up using transvaginal hysterosalinography. Secondary outcomes included residual myometrial thickness and scar niche measurements. Analyses were by intention‐to‐treat.

Results

We randomized 230 women; 115 in each intervention group. The follow‐up rate was >70% in both groups. Caesarean scar niches >2 mm deep occurred in 42/81 women (52%) after double‐suture versus 35/81 women (43%) after single‐suture closure (risk difference [RD] 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] −6.9; 24.2)). Women in the single‐suture group had more additional stitches to the uterotomy closure. The niche was deeper after double‐suture than after single‐suture (RD 0.52 mm (95% CI 0.01–1.02). There were no other differences in ultrasonograpic or maternal clinical secondary outcomes between the two groups.

Conclusion

We hypothesized a decreased occurrence of caesarean scar niches using a single‐suture technique as compared to double‐suture closure but did not observe a difference in niche occurrence between the two techniques.
Valuing investments in the Global Carbon Market Mechanism as compound real options: Lessons from the Clean Development Mechanism
Authors: Cassimon Danny , Engelen Peter‐Jan , Peters Linda , Prowse Martin
Published: May 2023

The Global Carbon Market Mechanism (GCMM) aims to incentivize national or sub‐national actors to invest in climate mitigation projects at the same time as limiting the global costs of tackling global warming. Using the worked example of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), this article shows that the exact valuation of a mitigation project requires the application of compound real options techniques, as it is able to account for the multi‐staged nature of a project cycle, as well as the two basic sources of uncertainty (the probability of not moving successfully to the next stage of the cycle, technical risk, and the uncertainty related to future emission reduction credit prices, market risk). Using parameters from the global database of registered CDM projects, this article illustrates that longer than projected lead times, higher than projected transaction costs, and higher than projected rates of failure lowered the value of investing in CDM projects considerably, alongside offset prices and their variability. Regulators of and participants within the patchwork of existing emission trading schemes and market mechanisms, including the GCMM (Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement), could benefit through wider appreciation of the benefits of this valuation method.
Insights into Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Bioactivity and Computational Studies of Cu(II) and Zn(II) Carboxylates Containing Aminopyridine
Authors: Rekha Boruah Smriti , Bhattacharjee Maitri , Dutta Purkayastha Ranendra N. , Modak Snehashish , Aktar Tamanna , Maiti Debasish , Sieroń Lesław , Maniukiewicz Waldemar , Gomila Rosa M. , Frontera Antonio
Published: May 2023

[Cu2(μ‐2‐chlorobenzoato‐O,O’)4Cl2].2(4‐DMAPH) (1) and [Zn2(μ‐2‐chlorobenzoato‐O,O’)4(4‐DMAP)2] (2) (4‐DMAP=4‐Dimethylaminopyridine) were synthesized from CuCl2/Zn(NO)3)2 . 6H2O, 2‐chlorobenzoic acid and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine in methanol under reflux. Compounds were comprehensively characterized by elemental analyses, conductance measurement, spectroscopic and X‐ray diffraction studies. Complexes crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n having dinuclear paddle‐wheel structure. DFT studies along with NCI plot, QTAIM analysis indicate presence of N−H⋯Cl, C−H⋯O, C−H⋯π interactions in 1 and CH3⋯π, π⋯π and C−H⋯Cl in 2. The charge distribution in the complexes was shown via MEP analysis. Complexes interact with CT‐DNA in moderately strong non‐intercalative mode of binding. Antimicrobial study against Shigella flexneri (B), Streptococcus pneumoniae (K), Klebsiella pneumoniae (P) and Shigella boydii (Q) shows appreciable activity of 1 whereas compound 2 is comparatively less active. In vitro cytotoxicity study against cell lines (L‐132) exhibits moderate activity by the complexes, but compound 2 shows significant cell inhibition activity against cell lines K‐562. The complexes are emissive in nature.
Synthesis of Spirooxindoles and Study of their Self‐Assembly features; Hirshfeld Surface, Energy Framework andIn Silicoanalysis
Authors: Lalhruaizela  , Marak Brilliant N. , Khiangte Laldingluaia , Hazarika Biki , Kataria Ramesh , Singh Ved Prakash
Published: May 2023

In this study, the 2‐oxospiro[indoline‐3,4′‐pyran]‐5′‐carbonitrile derivatives were synthesized, crystallized, and their molecular geometries were established by the SCXRD method. The significance of weak intermolecular interactions in the self‐assembly of 2‐oxospiro[indoline‐3,4′‐pyran]‐5′‐carbonitriles was then investigated. The supramolecular framework analysis indicated that 2‐oxospiro[indoline‐3,4′‐pyran]‐5′‐carbonitriles establish their network in self‐assembly mainly by N−H⋅⋅⋅O, N−H⋅⋅⋅N, C−H⋅⋅⋅O, C−H⋅⋅⋅C, C−H⋅⋅⋅N, and C−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions. The energy framework analysis revealed the dominant contribution of electrostatic energy in the crystal packing of the titled compounds. The PASS prediction of the titled compounds has shown a reasonably good affinity towards Insulin‐regulated aminopeptidase. Further, the molecular docking study with Insulin‐regulated aminopeptidase receptor has shown the higher affinity of the titled compounds to the zinc binding pocket over the other pockets.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Kirenol Derivatives as MMP‐8 Inhibitors with Anti‐inflammatory Activity
Authors: Zhao Ting‐Ting , Liu Lei , Wu Ying‐Li , Sun Kang‐Ping , Sun Jing‐Yong
Published: May 2023

The diterpene kirenol has notable biological activity. In this study, molecular docking software (Discovery Studio) was adopted to investigate the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties of kirenol. Twenty‐nine kirenol derivatives were synthesized based on the molecular docking outcomes. Cytotoxicity analyses of the kirenol derivatives were performed in Raw264.7 macrophages using the CCK‐8 assay, and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were determined using the Griess assay. The DCFH‐DA approach identified the general pattern of reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluctuations. The mitochondrial mass and morphology were detected using the Mito‐Tracker Red fluorescent probe. Preliminary bioassay tests indicated that the concentration of NO was substantially reduced by certain derivatives. Moreover, these derivatives inhibited LPS‐induced ROS generation, and one of them exhibited a further reducing ROS generation and pro‐inflammatory response by suppressing excessive mitochondrial fission. These findings suggest that this particular derivative may be a promising natural compound for combating oxidative inflammatory diseases.
Amorphous Solid Dispersion of Niclosamide with Water‐Soluble β‐Cyclodextrins for Dissolution and Bioavailability Enhancement
Authors: Gupta Deepank S. , Kotwal Pankul , Nandi Utpal , Bharate Sonali S.
Published: May 2023

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides widely employed for the solubility enhancement of poorly water‐soluble drugs. Niclosamide is a BCS class II drug for tapeworm infections and is currently under repurposing for various other indications, including COVID‐19. Due to its low aqueous solubility, a high daily dose (2 g) is required for clinical efficacy. Herein, we investigate the potential of beta‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and its sulfobutylether and hydroxypropyl derivatives for the dissolution enhancement of niclosamide. The solid dispersions were prepared by kneading the drug and cyclodextrins together by adding solvent, water: methanol (1 : 1 v/v). Among various CDs studied, 2‐Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) in the 1: 2 molar ratio (SB‐IC‐N4 batch) shows the most significant improvement in water solubility of niclosamide (6.3 vs. 182 μg/ml), resulting in 2‐fold improved in‐vitro dissolution. The comparative oral pharmacokinetics in Wistar rats at 50 mg/kg produced 1.69‐fold higher plasma exposure of niclosamide. The spectral characterization provided molecular insights into interactions of niclosamide with HP‐β‐CD. These results suggest that the dispersion of niclosamide with HP‐β‐CD aid in faster dissolution and better drug bioavailability.