bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Utility of Sirolimus Eluting Balloons in the Setting of Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia in Asian Patients from Singapore – 12 Months Results of the PRISTINE Registry
Authors: Tang T. Y. , Yap C. , Chan S. L. , Soon S. X. Y. , Sivanathan C. , Gogna A. , Patel A. K. , Chong T. T.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of PRISTINE was to evaluate the 6 and 12 months safety and efficacy of the Selution Sustained Limus Release (SLR)™ sirolimus-coated balloon for treatment of complex lower limb occlusive lesions (TASC II C & D) in patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) from Singapore.

Methods

PRISTINE was a prospective, non-randomized, single arm, observational, multi-investigator, single-center clinical study. Complication-free survival at 30 days was the safety clinical endpoint. Immediate technical success (ability to cross and dilate the lesion and achieve residual angiographic stenosis < 30%), 6-month primary vessel patency, limb salvage, clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR) and amputation free survival (AFS) were the efficacy endpoints of interest.

Results

Seventy five patients were included. There were 50 (68.0%) males; mean age, 69.0 ± 10.7 years. CLTI severity was based on the Rutherford Scale (R5 = 51; R6 = 17). Significant co-morbidities included diabetes mellitus (n = 68; 91.0%) and end-stage renal failure (n = 28; 37.0%). 112 atherosclerotic lesions were treated (TASC II D = 58 (52%); 76 (67%) de novo). There was 100% technical success. Mean lesion length treated was 22.4 ± 13.9 cm. Primary vessel patencies at 6 and 12 months were 64/86 (74%) and 43/74 (58%) and freedom from clinically driven TLR were 72/86 (84%) and 55/74 (74%) respectively. AFS was 61/73 (84.0%; five deaths and seven major lower extremity amputation) at 6-months. Mean Rutherford score improved from 5.1 ± 0.55 at baseline to 1.1 ± 2.05 (p < 0.05) at one year and there was a wound healing rate of 38/48 (79%) at the same timepoint.

Conclusions

The Selution SLR™ drug eluting balloon is safe and efficacious in treating highly complex infra-inguinal atherosclerotic lesions in an otherwise challenging frail population of CLTI patients with a high incidence of diabetes and end-stage renal failure. It is associated with highly satisfactory acute technical and clinical success, 12-month target lesion patency and AFS.

Level of Evidence

Level 2b, Individual Cohort Study.

Graphical Abstract
Work-related support for employed and self-employed people with rheumatoid arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional online survey of patients
Authors: Bakker N. F. , van Weely S. F. E. , Boonen A. , Vliet Vlieland T. P. M. , Knoop J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Little is known about the provision of work-related support for (self-)employed people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) by healthcare providers (HCPs) or employers.

Objective

This study aims to explore the experiences of (self-)employed people with RA or axSpA regarding work-related support from HCPs and employers in the Netherlands.

Methods

This cross-sectional study concerned an online survey for (self-)employed people, aged ≥ 16 years and diagnosed with RA or axSpA. The survey focused on experiences with HCPs and employers’ work-related support and included questions on sociodemographic factors, health and work characteristics and work-related problems.

Results

The survey was completed by 884 participants, 56% with RA and 44% with axSpA, of whom 65% were employed, 8% self-employed and 27% not employed. In total, 95% (589/617) of (self-)employed participants reported work-related problems. Sixty-five percent of employed and 56% of self-employed participants had discussed these work-related problems with rheumatologists and/or other HCPs. Whereas 69% of employees with their employer. Both employed and self-employed participants reported that work-related advices or actions were more often provided by other HCPs (53%) than rheumatologists (29%). Fifty-six percent of employees reported this work-related support by the employer.

Conclusion

This survey among (self-)employed people with RA or axSpA found that the majority reported work-related problems, but only half of them received any work-related support for these problems. Discussion of work-related problems with HCPs was more often reported by employed than self-employed participants. More attention from especially rheumatologists and other HCPs is important to identify and address work-related problems promptly.
Deficiency of multiple RNA silencing-associated genes may contribute to the increased susceptibility of Nicotiana benthamiana to viruses
Authors: Ludman Márta , Anita Schamberger , Fátyol Károly
Published: June 2024

Key message

Recently published high-quality reference genome assemblies indicate that, in addition to RDR1-deficiency, the loss of several key RNA silencing-associated genes may contribute to the hypersusceptibility of Nicotiana benthamiana to viruses.
BODYFAT: a new calculator to determine the risk of being overweight validated in Spanish children between 11 and 17 years of age
Authors: Martín-Miguel María Victoria , Delgado-Martín María Victoria , Barreiro-Arceiz Carolina , Goicoechea-Castaño Ana , Rodríguez-Pastoriza Sara , González-Formoso Clara , Fernández-Pérez Martín , García-Cendón Clara , Roca Javier , Clavería Ana
Published: June 2024

The assessment of body fat of children in primary care requires consideration of the dynamic changes in height, weight, lean mass, and fat mass during childhood growth. To achieve this, we aim to develop a predictive equation based on anthropometric values, with optimal diagnostic utility. This is a cross-sectional observational study, involving schoolgoers aged 11–17 years in the Vigo metropolitan area. Out of 10,747 individuals, 577 were randomly recruited. Variables: age, sex, ethnicity/country of origin, weight, height, 8 skinfolds, 3 diameters, 7 perimeters, and 85% percentile of body fat mass as the gold standard. Generalized additive regression was selected by cross-validation and compared using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, true positive and true negative values, false positive and false negative values, accuracy, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated. Two models were identified. The optimal model includes sex, weight, height, leg perimeter, and arm perimeter, with sensitivity of 0.93 (0.83–1.00), specificity of 0.91 (0.83–0.96), accuracy of 0.91 (0.84–0.96), and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.957 (0.928–0.986). The second model includes sex, age, and body mass index, with sensitivity of 0.93 (0.81–1.00), specificity of 0.90 (0.80–0.97), accuracy of 0.90 (0.82–0.96), and an AUC of 0.944 (0.903–0.984).

Conclusion: Two predictive models, with the 85th percentile of fat mass as the gold standard, built with basic anthropometric measures, show very high diagnostic utility parameters. Their calculation is facilitated by a complementary online calculator.

What is Known:• In routine clinical practice, mainly in primary care, BMI is used to determine overweight and obesity. This index has its weaknesses in the assessment of children.

What is New:• We provide a calculator whose validated algorithm, through the determination of fat mass by impedanciometry, makes it possible to determine the risk of overweight and obesity in the community setting, through anthropometric measurements, providing a new practical, accessible and reliable model that improves the classification of overweight and obesity in children with respect to that obtained by determining BMI.
Ersteinschätzung in der klinischen Akut- und Notfallmedizin – Hintergrundwissen für die Praxis
Authors: Gräff I. , Schacher S. , Kümpers P. , Kogej M.
Published: June 2024

Die Ersteinschätzung in der klinischen Akut- und Notfallmedizin sorgt dafür, dass die PatientInnen nach ihrer medizinischen Dringlichkeit behandelt werden. In Deutschland hat sich die pflegerische Ersteinschätzung zu einem unverzichtbaren Instrument entwickelt, besonders seit dem Beschluss des Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses (G-BA) von 2020. Überwiegend werden das Manchester Triage System (MTS) und der Emergency Severity Index (ESI) eingesetzt, die zwar validiert sind, jedoch noch Schwächen in der Ersteinschätzungsgenauigkeit haben. Dies ist allgemein wenig bewusst, genau wie die subjektiven Elemente der Ersteinschätzung, die insbesondere bei älteren PatientInnen oder in überfüllten Notaufnahmen zu Fehleinschätzungen führen können. Die Validierung von Ersteinschätzungssystemen stellt eine Herausforderung dar, da es bisher keine konsentierten Referenzstandards gibt. Mit der Entscheidung für ein Ersteinschätzungssystem ist der Prozess nicht abgeschlossen, regelmäßige Schulungen, eine Überwachung der Adhärenz und Audits sind erforderlich und benötigen Personal- und Zeitressourcen. Zukünftig könnte der Einsatz von Systemen die auf künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) basieren die ersteinschätzenden Pflegekräfte unterstützen und die Qualität verbessern. Trotzdem sind die Erfahrung und die Schulung des Pflegepersonals unentbehrlich.
Photobiomodulation versus fractional carbon dioxide laser for stria alba in phototype III-IV: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Hafez Vanessa , Mahgoub Doaa , Satour Elsayed Mohamed Ali , Mikhail Marina Mozeih Shaker , El-Kalioby Mona
Published: June 2024

Striae distensae are common dermatological complaint. Cold laser using low-level light/laser therapy (LLLT) offers healing and analgesic effects and was not yet compared to ‘hot lasers’ efficacy. Study objective: to assess the efficacy and safety of LLLT in the management of stria alba compared to fractional carbon dioxide (FCO2) laser alone and to the combined use of both devices. Thirty patients with stria alba were randomized to receive either LLLT using diode 808 nm; 8–12 sessions, 2–3 sessions weekly (Group A) or FCO2 laser; 2 monthly sessions (Group B) or combined both devices simultaneously (Group C). Follow up was at 1 month and 3 months after last session. The efficacy of LLLT was statistically comparable to FCO2, despite numerical superiority of the latter. The combined group had the least numerical values in all efficacy outcomes. Patients in LLLT group did not experience any downtime. LLLT is effective in the management of stria alba comparable to the FCO2 laser. The lack of downtime with LLLT is reflected positively on patient’s satisfaction. However, this is counterbalanced by the frequent weekly visits. Although adding LLLT to FCO2 laser palliates the laser side effects but it offers the least efficacy. Trial registration number NCT04165226 (clinicaltrials.gov)
A step-by-step guide to causal study design using real-world data
Authors: Hoffman Sarah Ruth , Gangan Nilesh , Chen Xiaoxue , Smith Joseph L. , Tave Arlene , Yang Yiling , Crowe Christopher L. , dosReis Susan , Grabner Michael
Published: June 2024

Due to the need for generalizable and rapidly delivered evidence to inform healthcare decision-making, real-world data have grown increasingly important to answer causal questions. However, causal inference using observational data poses numerous challenges, and relevant methodological literature is vast. We endeavored to identify underlying unifying themes of causal inference using real-world healthcare data and connect them into a single schema to aid in observational study design, and to demonstrate this schema using a previously published research example. A multidisciplinary team (epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics) reviewed the literature related to causal inference and observational data to identify key concepts. A visual guide to causal study design was developed to concisely and clearly illustrate how the concepts are conceptually related to one another. A case study was selected to demonstrate an application of the guide. An eight-step guide to causal study design was created, integrating essential concepts from the literature, anchored into conceptual groupings according to natural steps in the study design process. The steps include defining the causal research question and the estimand; creating a directed acyclic graph; identifying biases and design and analytic techniques to mitigate their effect, and techniques to examine the robustness of findings. The cardiovascular case study demonstrates the applicability of the steps to developing a research plan. This paper used an existing study to demonstrate the relevance of the guide. We encourage researchers to incorporate this guide at the study design stage in order to elevate the quality of future real-world evidence.
Playing an Augmented Reality Escape Game Promotes Learning About Fake News
Authors: Buchner Josef
Published: June 2024

The spread of fake news poses a global challenge to society, as this deliberately false information reduce trust in democracy, manipulate opinions, and negatively affect people’s health. Educational research and practice must address this issue by developing and evaluating solutions to counter fake news. A promising approach in this regard is the use of game-based learning environments. In this study, we focus on Escape Fake, an augmented reality (AR) escape game developed for use in media literacy education. To date, there is limited research on the effectiveness of the game for learning about fake news. To overcome this gap, we conducted a field study using a pretest-posttest research design. A total of 28 students (14 girls, mean age = 14.71 years) participated. The results show that Escape Fake can address four learning objectives relevant in fake news detection with educationally desired effect sizes: Knowledge acquisition (d = 1.34), ability to discern information (d = 0.39), critical attitude toward trustworthiness of online information (d = 0.53), and confidence in recognizing fake news in the future (d = 0.41). Based on these results, the game can be recommended as an educational resource for media literacy education. Future research directions are also discussed.
Comparing Family Health Before and After a Family-Focused Nutrition Program during the Pandemic
Authors: Mahoney Margaret Rose , Sommer Evan C , Popescu Filoteia , Adams Laura E , Barkin Shari
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic affected child health behaviors, leading to worse physical health. Given the importance of good family health in improved child health outcomes, this secondary cohort analysis tested the hypothesis that family health would improve from baseline to 12-week follow-up after participation in a novel family nutrition program.

Methods

Diverse parent-child dyads participated in a home-based virtual Teaching Kitchen Outreach (vTKO) program (11 weekly healthy, low-cost recipes, cooking videos, and associated groceries delivered). The primary outcome was the Family Healthy Lifestyle Subscale (FHLS). Secondary outcomes were parent and child nutrition, and food insecurity. Statistical testing and modeling were used to evaluate pre-post outcomes.

Results

Of 123 enrolled dyads, 114 (93%) had sufficient data for analysis. Participants were 11% Hispanic, 54% Black, and 28% White; 31% completed high school or less; and 30% indicated food insecurity. Cohort mean pre-post FHLS scores significantly increased (25.5 vs. 27.3;p < 0.001). There were significant improvements in parent nutrition (p < 0.001) and child nutrition (p = 0.02 to < 0.001), but not in food security. After adjusting for baseline covariates, tobit regression found statistically significant pre-post FHLS differences (2.3; 95% CI=[1.4, 3.3];p < 0.001).

Discussion

Participants in the novel home-based vTKO program reported improved family health over 12 weeks.
A predictive model of pregnancy loss using pre-pregnancy endocrine and immunological parameters in women with abnormal glucose/lipid metabolism and previous pregnancy loss
Authors: Mu Fangxiang , Wang Mei , Zeng Xianghui , Liu Lin , Wang Fang
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the clinical and endocrine risk factors for pregnancy loss in women with abnormal glucose/lipid metabolism and a history of pregnancy loss, and to develop a predictive model to assess the risk of pregnancy loss in these women’s subsequent pregnancies.

Methods

Patients with a history of pregnancy loss who had abnormal glucose/lipid metabolism were retrospectively included in this study, and their pre-pregnancy baseline and clinical characteristics were collected. A predictive nomogram was constructed based on the results of the multivariable logistic regression model analysis, and its calibration and discriminatory capabilities were evaluated. The internal validation was then performed and the net benefits were assessed by the clinical decision curve.

Results

The predictive model was eventually incorporated eight variables, including maternal age, previous pregnancy losses, anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) IgG, aCL IgM, thyroid peroxidase antibody, complement 4, free thyroxine and total cholesterol. The area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram was 0.709, and Chi-square value and P value of the Hosmer–Lemeshow test were 12.786 and 0.119, respectively, indicating that the nomogram had a satisfactory calibration and discriminatory performance. The validation cohort showed a similar result for the discrimination of the nomogram (AUC = 0.715). The clinical decision curve demonstrated the nomogram had good positive net benefits.

Conclusions

This is the first study to predict the risks of subsequent pregnancy loss in women with abnormal glucose/lipid metabolism and history of pregnancy loss using pre-pregnancy clinical and endocrine parameters. This predictive nomogram may provide clinicians assistance to personalize the management of subsequent pregnancies in these patients.
Local ontology: reconciling processualism and new mechanism
Authors: Brunet Tyler D. P.
Published: June 2024

What should we do when two conflicting ontologies are both fruitful, though their fruitfulness varies by context or location? To achieve reconciliation, it is not enough to advocate pluralism. There are many varieties of pluralism and not all pluralisms will serve equally well; some may be inconsistent, others unhelpful. This essay considers another option: local ontology. For a pair of ontologies, a local ontology consists of two claims: (1) each location enjoys a unique ontology, and (2) neither ontology is most fundamental nor most global. To argue for this view and provide an example, I develop a local ontology for two scientific ontologies: processualism and new mechanism. To further support this ontology, I argue against two varieties of pluralism: first, a pluralism based on directly unifying the assumptions of both ontologies and, second, one of allowing both ontologies to coexist within a discipline. I argue that the first option is inconsistent and the second is unhelpful. I conclude that this local ontology provides us with a consistent and fruitful account that includes elements from both mechanism and processualism.
Herbicides in modern sustainable agriculture: environmental fate, ecological implications, and human health concerns
Authors: Parven A. , Meftaul I. Md , Venkateswarlu K. , Megharaj M.
Published: June 2024

Herbicides play a crucial role in modern agriculture by controlling weeds and ensuring sustainable crop productivity. However, the use of herbicides has raised concerns regarding their contamination, posing serious threat to the environment, biodiversity, and food safety. Recent trends indicate a decline in the overall volume of herbicides usage, suggesting a shift towards more specific and targeted formulations of herbicides. Also, there has been an increased use of systemic and pre-emergence herbicides. The global agriculture still faces several challenges because of the adverse environmental impacts caused by herbicide contamination, both at the application site and offsite. In view of the growing concern, it is necessary to develop new herbicides with greater selectivity or bio-based herbicide that can degrade after successful control of the intended weed population and minimize or eliminate the environmental hazards. Furthermore, the adoption of integrated weed management practices rather than prolonged and repeated use of herbicide in agriculture can effectively reduce the growth of herbicide-resistant weed populations. The present review is a single valuable resource, providing insights into the recent trends and future challenges associated with herbicide use in modern agriculture, with a focus on human health and food safety. Also, we emphasize the advancements in herbicide technology, emergence of new herbicide-resistant weed species, regulatory considerations, and alternative approaches in herbicide use, all of which are particularly valuable to agroecology, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Graphical Abstract
The feasibility of visualizing and quantifying muscle changes in postoperative oral cancer patients using Quantitative Muscle Ultrasound (QMUS)
Authors: Vander Cruyssen Emily , van de Ven Jelmer , Dik Eric , Knuijt Simone
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Quantitative muscle ultrasound (QMUS) is a patient friendly tool for examining orofacial muscles. Resection of tissue can have an effect on the architecture and function of these muscles. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of visualizing and quantifying muscle changes in postoperative oral cancer patients and to relate the findings to tumor and patient characteristics.

Methods

Adult patients with a resected first primary pT1 or T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma, at least one year post operatively, where included. Ultrasound data were collected of the geniohyoid muscle, digastric muscles, masseter muscle, transverse muscle and genioglossus muscle. Ultrasound images were labeled as clearly visible, questionable or unclear. Of the clear muscles, echogenicity and muscle thickness were measured.

Results

37 patients were included. The masseter muscle was clearly visible in all ultrasound images, both intrinsic tongue muscles had the lowest visibility (45.9%). There was a significant correlation between visibility and tumor localization for the genioglossus (p = 0.029). Age correlated with the visibility of the genioglossus muscle, BMI with the genioglossus and transverse muscles. Echogenicity and muscle thickness of the clearly identified muscles did not differ from normative values.

Conclusion

QMUS of orofacial muscles is feasible in postoperative oral cancer patients with relatively small tumor sizes. Tongue resections negatively affected the visibility of the two intrinsic tongue muscles. These preliminary results for particular muscles indicate that the use of ultrasound might be promising in oral cancer patients to help determine targeted goals in post-operative rehabilitation.
European grid development modeling and analysis: established frameworks, research trends, and future opportunities
Authors: Qu Chunzi , Bang Rasmus Noss
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive survey of recent literature on European energy system modeling and analysis with special focus on grid development. Spanning the years from 2013 to 2023, we analyze 59 selected articles, organizing them by geographical scope, grid expansion strategies, research focus, and methodology. Additionally, we provide an overview of established and recurring frameworks, including ELMOD, EMPIRE, AnyMOD, LIMES, TIMES, FlexPlan, PyPSA, REMix, and Balmorel. Further, we elaborate on the recent trends in research and modeling. Based on our observations, we propose avenues for future research. For instance, considering recent changes in the geopolitical environment, we suggest shifting the geographical research focus from the North Sea region to the Central and Eastern European regions. Other suggestions include investigating grid development under imperfect market competition, merging the study of grid development with sector coupling, and increasing the focus on blue hydrogen, which appear to not receive much focus, as opposed to green hydrogen. Overall, this work may serve as a useful resource for newcomers to grid-related research and a practical guide for seasoned researchers in the field.
Warm‐Season Drying Across Europe and Its Links to Atmospheric Circulation
Authors: Bešťáková Zuzana , Kyselý Jan , Lhotka Ondřej , Heilig Maximilian , Eitzinger Josef
Published: June 2024

We study drying trends across the central latitude strip of Europe (47.5–52.5°N and 2.5–27.5°E) during 1980–2019 and their links to atmospheric circulation. Daily differences between potential evapotranspiration and precipitation (PET–P) calculated from the E–OBS data are used to characterize dryness, and atmospheric circulation is represented by circulation types classified using daily sea level pressure patterns from the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis. Circulation types favoring dry conditions in vegetation season (April–September) are identified based on daily PET–P, and their temporal changes, seasonal variations, and links to trends in dryness in individual European regions are analyzed. In the early vegetation season (AMJ), drying trends are observed mainly in Western and Central Europe while in the late vegetation season (JAS), they are located predominantly in Eastern Europe. The dry circulation types include all anticyclonic types in all regions, as well as northeast to south (southwest in Eastern Europe) directional types. Trends of the dry circulation types correspond to those of dryness: the largest increase is found during AMJ in Western and Central Europe but during JAS in Eastern Europe. The results show that trends in dryness in the central latitude strip of Europe in the warm half‐year were associated with changes in atmospheric circulation, as the largest increases in frequency of dry circulation types occurred in the regions and months affected by pronounced drying. The increasing frequency of anticyclonic types in AMJ and reduced inflow of moist air masses from the Atlantic are the key factors supporting intensification of dry conditions in European mid‐latitudes.
Critical Role of Vertical Radiative Cooling Contrast in Triggering Episodic Deluges in Small‐Domain Hothouse Climates
Authors: Song Xinyi , Abbot Dorian S. , Yang Jun
Published: June 2024

Seeley and Wordsworth (2021, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586‐021‐03919‐z) showed that in small‐domain cloud‐resolving simulations the temporal pattern of precipitation transforms in extremely hot climates (≥320 K) from quasi‐steady to organized episodic deluges, with outbursts of heavy rain alternating with several dry days. They proposed a mechanism for this transition involving increased water vapor greenhouse effect and solar radiation absorption leading to net lower‐tropospheric radiative heating. This heating inhibits lower‐tropospheric convection and decouples the boundary layer from the upper troposphere during the dry phase, allowing lower‐tropospheric moist static energy to build until it discharges, resulting in a deluge. We perform cloud‐resolving simulations in polar night and show that the same transition occurs, implying that some revision of their mechanism is necessary. We perform further tests to show that episodic deluges can occur even if the lower‐tropospheric radiative heating rate is negative, as long as the magnitude of the upper‐tropospheric radiative cooling is about twice as large. We find that in the episodic deluge regime the period can be predicted from the time for radiation and reevaporation to cool the lower atmosphere.
Stochastic Modeling of Thin Mud Drapes Inside Point Bar Reservoirs With ALLUVSIM‐GANSim
Authors: Hu Xun , Song Suihong , Hou Jiagen , Yin Yanshu , Hou Mingqiu , Azevedo Leonardo
Published: June 2024

Modeling inclined fine‐scale mud drapes inside point bars, deposited on accretion surfaces during stages of low energy or slack water, is critical to modeling fluid flow in complex sedimentary environments (e.g., fluvial and turbidity flows). These features have been modeled using deterministic or geostatistical modeling tools (e.g., object‐, event‐, and pixel‐based). However, this is a non‐trivial task due to the need to preserve geological realism (e.g., connectivity within sedimentary features and facies hierarchy), while being able to condition the generated models to point data (e.g., well data). Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) have been successfully applied to reproduce several large‐scale scenarios (e.g., braided rivers and carbonate reservoirs), yet their potential for capturing small‐scale and hierarchical features remains largely unexplored. Here, we propose a geo‐modeling workflow for fast modeling of small‐scale conditional mud drapes based on ALLUVSIM and GANSim. Initially, improved ALLUVSIM produces realistic unconditional models of mud drapes along accretionary surfaces, serving as GAN training data. GANSim is then employed to achieve conditioning to well data and probability maps derived from geophysical modeling. Finally, temporal pressure data observed in wells are further conditioned via a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling method. The proposed geo‐modeling workflow is validated in a two‐dimensional synthetic example as the pre‐trained generator extracts mud‐drapes‐features and generates multiple facies realizations conditioned to diverse information. A field application example in a modern meandering river verifies the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed workflow in real case application examples. The application examples illustrate the potential of the proposed method to predict mud drapes inside point bar reservoirs.
Dual Impacts of Space Heating Electrification and Climate Change Increase Uncertainties in Peak Load Behavior and Grid Capacity Requirements in Texas
Authors: Ssembatya Henry , Kern Jordan D. , Oikonomou Konstantinos , Voisin Nathalie , Burleyson Casey D. , Akdemir Kerem Ziya
Published: June 2024

Around 60% of households in Texas currently rely on electricity for space heating. As decarbonization efforts increase, non‐electrified households could adopt electric heat pumps, significantly increasing peak (highest) electricity demand in winter. Simultaneously, anthropogenic climate change is expected to increase temperatures, the potential for summer heat waves, and associated electricity demand for cooling. Uncertainty regarding the timing and magnitude of these concurrent changes raises questions about how they will jointly affect the seasonality of peak demand, firm capacity requirements, and grid reliability. This study investigates the net effects of residential space heating electrification and climate change on long‐term demand patterns and load shedding potential, using climate change projections, a predictive load model, and a direct current optimal power flow (DCOPF) model of the Texas grid. Results show that full electrification of residential space heating by replacing existing fossil fuel use with higher efficiency heat pumps could significantly improve reliability under hotter futures. Less efficient heat pumps may result in more severe winter peaking events and increased reliability risks. As heating electrification intensifies, system planners will need to balance the potential for greater resource adequacy risk caused by shifts in seasonal peaking behavior alongside the benefits (improved efficiency and reductions in emissions).
Quantifying Channel Mobility and Floodplain Reworking Timescales Across River Planform Morphologies
Authors: Greenberg Evan , Chadwick Austin J. , Li Gen K. , Ganti Vamsi
Published: June 2024

Source‐to‐sink transfer of sediment and organic carbon (OC) is regulated by river mobility. Quantifying trends in river mobility is, however, challenging due to diverse planform morphologies (e.g., meandering, braided) and measurement methods. Here, we utilize a remote‐sensing method applicable to all planform morphologies to quantify the mobility timescales of 80 rivers worldwide. Results show that, across the continuum from meandering to braided rivers, there is a systematic reduction in the timescales of channel mobility and—to a lesser extent—floodplain reworking. This leads to a decrease in the efficiency with which braided rivers rework old floodplain material compared to their meandering counterparts. Reduced floodplain reworking efficiency of braided rivers leads to smaller channel‐belt areas relative to their size. Results suggest that river‐mobility timescales derived from remote sensing can aid in the characterization of sediment and OC storage and transit times at a global scale.
Hydrodynamics of Meander Chute Cutoffs in Microtidal Mudflats
Authors: Gao Chao , Wang Ya Ping , Li Zhiwei , Liu Cong‐Qiang , Gao Shu
Published: June 2024

River cutoffs and oxbow lakes represent ubiquitous features in alluvial plains, shaped by unidirectional meandering flow. Extensive studies have been conducted on these features as their presence immediately decreases meander sinuosity and plays a significant role in the long‐term eco‐morphodynamic and sedimentary evolution of landscapes they carved in. In contrast, limited attention has been given to meander cutoffs formed in tidal environments by bidirectional currents, and the corresponding hydrodynamical processes within these features are poorly understood. Here, we present new, first‐handed hydroacoustic data collected through a series of fixed‐point and cross‐sectional flow measurements along a chute cutoff located in the microtidal Diaokou Mudflat, the Yellow River Delta, China. The investigated cutoff bend displays higher hydrologically active than the newly‐formed chute channel at low tide, whereas the chute channel gradually become the main conduit for tidal flow propagation with water stage increasing. Specifically, poorly‐developed flow separation zones are compensated by widespread secondary circulation cells that are more pronounced under the influence of turbulences and complex bedforms rather than channel curvatures. Unlike fluvial cutoffs, which tend to be hydrologically disconnected to parent channels by coarse‐grained bed sediment plugging near the entrances, our study case is characterized by the absence of plug bars and widespread bank slumps instead. Consequently, our results support earlier suggestions that tidal cutoffs seldom disconnect from parent channels due to frequent overbank events and flow confluences, which can keep cutoffs active by flushing away fine‐grained, cohesive sediments, especially in mudflat systems.
Activated platelet-derived exosomal LRG1 promotes multiple myeloma cell growth
Authors: Gao Meng , Dong Hang , Jiang Siyi , Chen Fangping , Fu Yunfeng , Luo Yanwei
Published: June 2024

The hypercoagulable state is a hallmark for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and is associated with disease progression. Activated platelets secrete exosomes and promote solid tumor growth. However, the role of platelet-derived exosomes in MM is not fully clear. We aim to study the underlying mechanism of how platelet-derived exosomes promote MM cell growth. Flow cytometry, Western blot, proteome analysis, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining, and NOD/SCID mouse subcutaneous transplantation model were performed to investigate the role of exosomal LRG1 on multiple myeloma cell growth. Peripheral blood platelets in MM patients were in a highly activated state, and platelet-rich plasma from MM patients significantly promoted cell proliferation and decreased apoptotic cells in U266 and RPMI8226 cells. Leucine-rich-alpha-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) was significantly enriched in MM platelet-derived exosomes. Blocking LRG1 in recipient cells using LRG1 antibody could significantly eliminate the proliferation-promoting effect of platelet-derived exosomes on MM cells. And high exosomal LRG1 was associated with poor prognosis of patients with MM. Mechanistic studies revealed that LRG1 interacted with Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4) to accelerate MM progression by activating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathway and promoting angiogenesis. Our results revealed that blocking LRG1 is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MM.
Bias polarity dependent low-frequency noise in ultra-thin AlOx-based magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Chen Chun-Yen , Gonzalez-Ruano César , Martinez Isidoro , Aliev Farkhad G. , Ling Dah-Chin , Tang Yu-Hui , Hong Jhen-Yong
Published: June 2024

We exploit bias polarity dependent low-frequency noise (LFN) spectroscopy to investigate charge transport dynamics in ultra-thin AlOx-based magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with bipolar resistive switching (RS). By measuring the noise characteristics across the entire bias voltage range of bipolar RS, we find that the voltage noise level exhibits an bias polarity dependence. This distinct feature is intimately correlated with reconfiguring of the inherently existing oxygen vacancies ($${V}_{O}^{..}$$

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) in as-grown MTJ devices during the SET and RESET switching processes. In addition, we observe two-level random telegraph noise (RTN) with a longer and shorter tunneling length in the high resistance state (HRS) and low resistance state (LRS) at a low bias voltage. The intrinsic voltage fluctuations of RTN arise from the dynamics of electron trapping/de-trapping processes at the $${V}_{O}^{..}$$

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-related trap sites. Notably, the RTN magnitude is similar in LRS but nonidentical in that of HRS for different bias polarity. These findings strongly suggest that the inherent $${V}_{O}^{..}$$

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are distributed near the top CoFe/AlOx interface in the HRS; in contrast, they are expanded to the middle region of the AlOx in the LRS. More importantly, we demonstrate that the location and distribution of the inherent $${V}_{O}^{..}$$

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can be electrically tuned, which plays an essential role in the charge transport dynamics in the ultra-thin AlOx-based MTJs and have significant implications for developing emergent memory and logic devices.
Disulfidptosis-related genes serve as potential prognostic biomarkers and indicate tumor microenvironment characteristics and immunotherapy response in prostate cancer
Authors: Zhou Rongbin , Lu Dingjin , Mi Junhao , Wang Chengbang , Lu Wenhao , Wang Zuheng , Li Xiao , Wei Chunmeng , Zhang Huiyong , Ji Jin , Zhang Yifeng , Zhang Duobing , Wang Fubo
Published: June 2024

Disulfidptosis, a newly identified programmed cell death pathway in prostate cancer (PCa), is closely associated with intracellular disulfide stress and glycolysis. This study aims to elucidate the roles of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in the pathogenesis and progression of PCa, with the goal of improving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We analyzed PCa datasets and normal tissue transcriptome data from TCGA, GEO, and MSKCC. Using consensus clustering analysis and LASSO regression, we developed a risk scoring model, which was validated in an independent cohort. The model's predictive accuracy was confirmed through Kaplan–Meier curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and nomograms. Additionally, we explored the relationship between the risk score and immune cell infiltration, and examined the tumor microenvironment and somatic mutations across different risk groups. We also investigated responses to immunotherapy and drug sensitivity. Our analysis identified two disulfidosis subtypes with significant differences in survival, immune environments, and treatment responses. According to our risk score, the high-risk group exhibited poorer progression-free survival (PFS) and higher tumor mutational burden (TMB), associated with increased immune suppression. Functional enrichment analysis linked high-risk features to key cancer pathways, including the IL-17 signaling pathway. Moreover, drug sensitivity analysis revealed varied responses to chemotherapy, suggesting the potential for disulfidosis-based personalized treatment strategies. Notably, we identified PROK1 as a crucial prognostic marker in PCa, with its reduced expression correlating with disease progression. In summary, our study comprehensively assessed the clinical implications of DRGs in PCa progression and prognosis, offering vital insights for tailored precision medicine approaches.
Identification of 8 candidate microsatellite instability loci in colorectal cancer and validation of the ACVR2A mechanism in the tumor progression
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Zhang Zhe , Liu Hui , Liu Nian , Hu Yucheng , Guo Wenjuan , Li Xiangzhao
Published: June 2024

This study probes the utility of biomarkers for microsatellite instability (MSI) detection and elucidates the molecular dynamics propelling colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. We synthesized a primer panel targeting 725 MSI loci, informed by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and ancillary databases, to construct an amplicon library for next-generation sequencing (NGS). K-means clustering facilitated the distillation of 8 prime MSI loci, including activin A receptor type 2A (ACVR2A). Subsequently, we explored ACVR2A’s influence on CRC advancement through in vivo tumor experiments and hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. Transwell assays gauged ACVR2A’s role in CRC cell migration and invasion, while colony formation assays appraised cell proliferation. Western blotting illuminated the impact of ACVR2A suppression on CRC’s PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway protein expressions under hypoxia. Additionally, ACVR2A’s influence on CRC-induced angiogenesis was quantified via angiogenesis assays. K-means clustering of NGS data pinpointed 32 MSI loci specific to tumor and DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) tissues. ACVR2A emerged as a pivotal biomarker, discerning MSI-H tissues with 90.97% sensitivity. A curated 8-loci set demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity for MSI-H detection in CRC. In vitro analyses corroborated ACVR2A’s critical role, revealing its suppression of CRC proliferation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, ACVR2A inhibition under CRC-induced hypoxia markedly escalated MMP3, CyclinA, CyclinD1, and HIF1α protein expressions, alongside angiogenesis, by triggering the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade. The 8-loci ensemble stands as the optimal marker for MSI-H identification in CRC. ACVR2A, a central element within this group, deters CRC progression, while its suppression amplifies PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and angiogenesis under hypoxic stress.
Low-molecular-weight heparin in the prevention of unexplained recurrent miscarriage: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Scarrone Margherita , Salmeri Noemi , Buzzaccarini Giovanni , Canti Valentina , Pasi Federica , Papaleo Enrico , Rovere-Querini Patrizia , Candiani Massimo , Alteri Alessandra , Busnelli Andrea , Vanni Valeria Stella
Published: June 2024

The etiology of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is complex and multifactorial and in half of patients it remains unexplained (U-RPL). Recently, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has gained increasing relevance for its therapeutic potential. On this regard, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) from the beginning of pregnancy in terms of live birth rates (LBR) in U-RPL. Registered randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. We stratified findings based on relevant clinical factors including number of previous miscarriages, treatment type and control type. Intervention or exposure was defined as the administration of LMWH alone or in combination with low-dose aspirin (LDA). A total of 6 studies involving 1016 patients were included. The meta-analysis results showed that LMWH used in the treatment of U-RPL was not associated with an increase in LBR with a pooled OR of 1.01, a medium heterogeneity (26.42%) and no publication bias. Results of other sub-analyses according to country, treatment type, and control type showed no significant effect of LMWH on LBR in all subgroups, with a high heterogeneity. The results highlight a non-significant effect of LMWH in U-RPL on LBR based on moderate quality evidence.

Registration number: PROSPERO: (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022326433).
Compact coherent perfect absorbers using topological guided-mode resonances
Authors: Park Chan Young , Lee Ki Young , Choi Yu Sung , Yoon Jae Woong
Published: June 2024

We propose a topological coherent perfect absorber that enables almost ideal performance with remarkably compact device footprint and tight incident beams. The proposed structure is based on a topological junction of two guided-mode-resonance gratings. The structure provides robust systematic ways of remarkably tight lateral confinement of the absorbing resonance mode and near-perfect mode-match to arbitrary incident beams, which are unavailable with the conventional approaches. We demonstrate an exemplary amorphous Si thin-film structure that enables near-perfect absorptance modulation between 1.7 and 99% with device footprint width of 30-μm and 10-μm-wide incident Gaussian beams. Therefore, our proposed approach greatly improves practicality of guided-mode-resonance coherent perfect absorbers.
The risk factors in diabetic foot ulcers and predictive value of prognosis of wound tissue vascular endothelium growth factor
Authors: Xu Jing , Gao Jian , Li Hui , Zhu Zhoujun , Liu Junliang , Gao Chong
Published: June 2024

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a leading cause of high-level amputation in DM patients, with a low wound healing rate and a high incidence of infection. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in diabetes mellitus (DM) related complications. This study aims to explore the VEGF expression and its predictive value for prognosis in DFU, in order to provide basis for the prevention of DFU related adverse events. We analyzed 502 patients, with 328 in healing group and 174 in non-healing/recurrent group. The general clinical data and laboratory indicators of patients were compared through Spearman correlation analysis, ROC analysis and logistic regression analysis. Finally, the independent risk factors for adverse prognosis in DFU patients were confirmed. Spearman analysis reveals a positive correlation between the DFU healing rate and ABI, VEGF in wound tissue, and positive rate of VEGF expression, and a negative correlation with DM duration, FPG, HbA1c, TC, Scr, BUN, and serum VEGF. Further logistic regression analysis finds that the DM duration, FPG, HbA1c, ABI, serum VEGF, VEGF in wound tissue, and positive rate of VEGF expression are the independent risk factors for adverse prognosis in DFU (p < 0.05). DM duration, FPG, HbA1c, ABI, serum VEGF, VEGF in wound tissue, and positive rate of VEGF expression are the independent risk factors for prognosis in DFU patients. Patients with these risk factors should be screened in time, which is of great significance to prevent DFU related adverse events and improve outcomes.
Physiological platelet aggregation assay to mitigate drug-induced thrombocytopenia using a microphysiological system
Authors: Harada Kosuke , Wenlong Wang , Shinozawa Tadahiro
Published: June 2024

Developing a reliable method to predict thrombocytopenia is imperative in drug discovery. Here, we establish an assay using a microphysiological system (MPS) to recapitulate the in-vivo mechanisms of platelet aggregation and adhesion. This assay highlights the role of shear stress on platelet aggregation and their interactions with vascular endothelial cells. Platelet aggregation induced by soluble collagen was detected under agitated, but not static, conditions using a plate shaker and gravity-driven flow using MPS. Notably, aggregates adhered on vascular endothelial cells under gravity-driven flow in the MPS, and this incident increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Upon comparing the soluble collagen-induced aggregation activity in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood, remarkable platelet aggregate formation was observed at concentrations of 30 µg/mL and 3 µg/mL in PRP and whole blood, respectively. Moreover, ODN2395, an oligonucleotide, induced platelet aggregation and adhesion to vascular endothelial cells. SYK inhibition, which mediated thrombogenic activity via glycoprotein VI on platelets, ameliorated platelet aggregation in the system, demonstrating that the mechanism of platelet aggregation was induced by soluble collagen and oligonucleotide. Our evaluation system partially recapitulated the aggregation mechanisms in blood vessels and can contribute to the discovery of safe drugs to mitigate the risk of thrombocytopenia.