bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for glia‐mediated, age‐dependent remodeling of myelin at the axon initial segment
Authors: Furusho Miki , Terasaki Mark
Published: February 2024

Due to its proximity to the axon initial segment (AIS), the paranode of the first myelin segment can influence the threshold for action potentials and how a neuron participates in a neuronal circuit. Using serial section electron microscopy, we examined its three‐dimensional (3D) organization in the ventral horn of the mouse spinal cord. The myelin loops of postnatal day 18 mice resemble those at the node of Ranvier. However, in 3‐month‐old mice, 13 of 22 para‐AIS showed 4 types of alteration: (A) A cytoplasmic foot process, with ultrastructural characteristics of an astrocyte, was interposed between the axolemma and the myelin loops. (B) A thin extension of the inner tongue was present between the foot process and axolemma. (C) The foot process was absent. The inner tongue extension was a broad lamella from which a thin extension reached beyond the loops and spiraled around axon. (D) One set of loops was adjacent to the axon, and another was further back and underlain by compact myelin. We suggest that (A)–(C) are steps in a progression toward (D). In this progression, a glial process displaces the original loops, the inner tongue reactivates and extends beneath the foot process, then wraps around the axon to form a new set of loops. This is the first study of the 3D organization of myelin at the AIS and provides evidence for glia‐mediated age‐dependent remodeling at this critical region.
N‐convergence in one–component plasma: Comparison of Coulomb, Ewald, and angular–averaged Ewald potentials
Authors: Demyanov G. S. , Onegin A. S. , Levashov P. R.
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigate the dependence of potential energy of the one–component plasma on the number of particles with pure Coulomb, Ewald, and angular–averaged Ewald potentials. We show that in the weakly–coupled regime, the Coulomb potential provides a faster convergence of the energy to the thermodynamic limit. However, in the medium‐ and, especially, strong‐coupling regime, the Ewald potential shows significantly better convergence. Thus, the criticism of the Ewald potential in [Fraser et al. Phys. Rev. B 53, 1814 (1996)] within classical simulations turns out to be unjustified in this case: the accounting for long‐range interaction effects greatly improves the ‐convergence of one–component plasma thermodynamic functions.
A novel arc‐shaped four‐port wideband (21.8–29.1 GHz) MIMO antenna with improved characteristics for 5G NR networks
Authors: Nasri Nour El houda , EL GHZAOUI Mohammed , Das Sudipta , Islam Tanvir , Ali Wael , Fattah Mohammed
Published: February 2024

A novel antenna system that utilizes multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) technology to suit the requirements of 5G applications is proposed in this article. The antenna has a wide operating bandwidth and high isolation in n257/n258/n261 5G bands. The suggested arc‐shaped MIMO antenna is composed of four similar patch units with modified ground planes arranged in a four‐port configuration and is made on a Rogers RT/duroid 5880 substrate, which measures 31.891 × 37.5885 × 0.508 mm3. The prototype of the suggested MIMO antenna is realized to confirm the obtained simulated results and validate the proposed design. The four‐port MIMO antenna features a broad frequency range of 7.3 GHz from 21.8 to 29.1 GHz, a peak gain of 5.76 dBi at 29 GHz, and a good isolation less than −18 dB. The proposed antenna's MIMO performance is evaluated by analyzing several diversity parameters. The findings of the evaluation demonstrate an envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) value of less than 0.001, a diversity gain (DG) value exceeding 9.995 dB, and an average mean effective gain (MEG) of −3 dB within the operational frequency band. The suggested MIMO antenna's compact size and impressive performance make it a suitable choice for intended n257/n258/n261 5G NR networks.
Case of lung fine needle aspiration showing mucinous cells and extracellular mucin
Authors: Saliba Maelle , Smithgall Marie C. , Saqi Anjali , Crapanzano John P. , Sung Simon
Published: February 2024

Mucinous neoplasm with extracellular mucin can be challenging to interpret on fine needle aspiration and core biopsies. Determining the biologic origin of the mucin/mucinous cells, that is, benign/incidental versus neoplasm, invasive versus in situ, and primary versus metastatic tumors, requires a thorough multidisciplinary evaluation. The work up of these lesions includes morphologic analysis with ancillary immunohistochemical and/or molecular studies and correlation with clinical and imaging studies. This review outlines a practical approach to the diagnosis of mucinous lesions in the lung with comprehensive review of literature.
Droplet Laplace valve‐enabled glaucoma implant for intraocular pressure management
Authors: Wang Yuyang , Fang Zecong , Li Sen , Lin Kexin , Zhang Zhifeng , Chen Junyi , Pan Tingrui
Published: February 2024

Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is closely linked to aqueous overaccumulation and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). For refractory glaucoma, aqueous shunts with valves are commonly implanted for effective aqueous drainage control and IOP stabilization. However, existing valved glaucoma implants have the disadvantages of inconsistent valve opening/closing pressures, poor long‐term repeatability due to their reliance on moving parts, and complex architectures and fabrication processes. Here, we propose a novel valving concept, the droplet Laplace valve (DLV), a three‐dimensional printable moving‐parts‐free microvalve with customizable and consistent threshold valving pressures. The DLV uses a flow discretization unit governed by capillarity, comprising a droplet‐forming nozzle, and a separated reservoir to digitize continuous flow into quantifiable droplets. Unlike the classic one‐time‐use Laplace valves, the DLV's unique design allows for its reusability. The opening pressure is adjustable by varying the nozzle size, like the classic Laplace valves (following the Young–Laplace equation), while the closing pressure can be modified by tuning the separation distance and the reservoir size. Various DLVs with customizable opening pressures from 5 to 11 mmHg have been demonstrated, with opening/closing pressure differences suppressed down to <0.5 mmHg (<0.15 mmHg under the best conditions). Thanks to its moving‐parts‐free nature and digitized flow properties, the DLV shows a highly repeatable valving performance (<1.7%, 1000 cycles) and a predictable linear flow rate–pressure correlation (R2 > 0.99). Preliminary ex vivo validation in an enucleated porcine eye confirms the DLV's efficiency in aqueous shunting and prompt IOP stabilization. The DLV technology holds great promise in glaucoma implants for IOP management and various microsystems for flow control.
A systematic review of literature on Insulin‐like growth factor‐2‐mediated hypoglycaemia in non‐islet cell tumours
Authors: Ata Fateen , Choudry Hassan , Khan Adeel Ahmad , Anum  , Khamees Ibrahim , Al‐sadi Anas , Mohamed Abdelaziz , Malkawi Lujain , Aljaloudi Esra'a
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Insulin‐like growth factor‐2 (IGF‐2)‐mediated hypoglycemia is a rare yet clinically significant entity with considerable morbidity and mortality. Existing literature is limited and fails to offer a comprehensive understanding of its clinical trajectory, management and prognostication.

Methods

Systematic review of English‐language articles reporting primary patient data on IMH was searched using electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and Embase) from any date up to 21 December 2022. Data were analysed in STATA‐16.

Results

The systematic review contains 172 studies, including 1 Randomised controlled trial, 1 prospective observational study, 5 retrospective observational studies, 150 case reports, 11 case series and 4 conference abstracts. A total of 233 patients were analysed, averaging 60.6 ± 17.1 years in age, with comparable proportions of males and females. The commonest tumours associated with Insulin‐like Growth Factor‐2‐mediated hypoglycaemia were fibrous tumours (N = 124, 53.2%), followed by non‐fibrous tumours originating from the liver (N = 21, 9%), hemangiopericytomas (N = 20, 8.5%) and mesotheliomas (N = 11, 4.7%). Hypoglycaemia was the presenting feature of NICT in 42% of cases. Predominant clinical features included loss of consciousness (26.7%) and confusion (21%). The mean IGF‐2 and IGF‐1 levels were 882.3 ± 630.6 ng/dL and 41.8 ± 47.8, respectively, with no significant correlation between these levels and patient outcomes. Surgical removal was the most employed treatment modality (47.2%), followed by medication therapy. The recovery rate was 77%, with chronic liver disease (CLD) significantly associated with a poor outcome (OR: 7.23, P: 0.03). Tumours originating from fibrous tissues were significantly associated with recovery (p < .001). In the logistic regression model, CLD remained a significant predictor of poor outcomes.

Conclusion

This systematic review highlights that most non‐islet‐cell tumour‐hypoglycaemia (NICTH) is due to fibrous tumours. NICTs demonstrate a variable prognosis, which is fair if originating from fibrous tissue. Management such as octreotide, corticosteroids, diazoxide, embolization, radiotherapy and surgical resection have disparate success rates.
Photoinduced Radical Borylation of Alkyl Chlorides
Authors: Bai Lutao , Jiao Lei
Published: February 2024

The traditional method for the preparation of alkylboronic esters involves transition metal catalysis or transition metal‐free methods relying on single electron transfer. Each method relies on the suitable choice of catalyst or electron transfer mediator. In this study, we have developed a new method for the synthesis of alkylboronic esters from alkyl chlorides and diboron(4) compounds, without the need for additional metal or non‐metal catalysts. We discovered that under 400 nm visible light irradiation, alkyl chlorides can be activated in the presence of bis(neopentyl glycolato)diboron and an alkoxide base to form alkyl radical intermediates, which then react with diboron(4) compounds, resulting in high yields of alkylboronic esters. The reaction is applicable to both primary and secondary alkyl chlorides. The simplicity of operation and the broad substrate scope of this method make it practical for the synthesis of valuable alkylboronic ester intermediates.
Kinetic Resolution of a Planar–Chiral [2.2]Paracyclophane via Michael Addition to Nitroolefins Catalyzed by N‐Terminal Guanidinylated Helical Peptide
Authors: Tian Jiaqi , Tamaribuchi Kenya , Yoshikawa Isao , Kudo Kazuaki
Published: February 2024

Kinetic resolution of 4‐(2‐nitrovinyl)[2.2]paracyclophane based on N‐terminal–guanidinylated resin–bound helical peptide catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition of malonate esters was developed. This approach provides a new pathway to enantiopure paracyclophane derivatives characterized by both planar and central chirality, along with the recovery of the chiral substrate with a selectivity factor of up to 111. Additionally, the synthetic potential of the resulting products has been showcased through their successful transformation into derivatives of β‐substituted γ‐aminobutyric acid.
Aroma release regularities of Rosa damascena from Xuancheng via HS‐GC‐IMS and P&T‐GC–MS
Authors: Wang Haitao , Yao Lingyun , Song Shiqing , Wang Huatian , Sun Min , Liu Qian , Yu Chuang , Feng Tao
Published: February 2024

Damascus rose (DR) is an important economic crop. In recent years, DR has been widely planted and utilized in China. In order to improve its aroma quality, the volatile releasing regularities of DR need to be studied. Therefore, HS‐GC‐IMS were used to examine the style of aroma release in DR under three flowering states: pre‐bloom (PB), half‐bloom (HB) and full bloom (FB). The results show that HS‐GC‐IMS detected 56 volatile compounds to investigate the changes of volatile compounds in three states of DR during the growth period. The results of PCA showed that changes in aroma substances were obvious during the growth stage of DR. In addition, FB contributed some key aroma molecules of DR. Thus, volatiles in DR at different times of a day (5 AM, 11 AM, 5 PM) and were further examined by using P&T‐GC–MS towards FB. Finally, a total of 68 volatile compounds were identified; most of them were terpenoids (47.83%–59.62%). Totally 21 volatiles were considered key compounds due to their high concentration (≥1%). These key compounds showed the highest levels at 5 AM and lowest levels at 5 PM. Heat map clustering showed that most of the key compounds possessing higher levels in the flowers had maximum levels at 5 AM and compounds with lower levels peaked at 11 AM. This study will provide a theoretical understanding of the aroma generation mechanism of DR. It also helps the rose farmers to plant and sow rose flowers practically.
Prognostic risk factors of buccal squamous cell carcinoma: A case–control study
Authors: Callander Jacquelyn K. , Souza Spenser S. , Eltawil Yasmin , El‐Sayed Ivan H. , George Jonathan R. , Ha Patrick , Ryan William R. , Xu Mary Jue , Heaton Chase M.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To describe the clinicopathologic presentation of buccal squamous cell carcinoma and identify risks factors for recurrence and overall survival.

Methods

This is a retrospective case–control study of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) treated at a single tertiary care center between 2010 and 2022. All patients with buccal subsite OCSCC treated during this time frame were included and paired with a randomly selected age and gender matched patient with non‐buccal OCSCC. Relevant data was collected via chart review.

Results

Seventy‐seven patients with buccal SCC were matched with 77 non‐buccal OCSCC controls. The median follow‐up time was 27 months (IQR 14–61). Median age was 67 years (IQR 57–75) and 53% of the cohort was female. Twenty (26%) buccal SCC patients experienced a recurrence versus 19 (25%) in the controls. Age ≥65‐years‐old increased odds of all‐cause mortality in the buccal SCC group, but not in the control group. Perineural invasion and positive margins increased odds of recurrence in the buccal group only. Overall survival and progression‐free survival did not differ between the groups, despite a greater number of T2 buccal tumors and T1 non‐buccal tumors.

Conclusions

Buccal SCC presents at a higher T stage than other oral cavity SCC subsite and may exhibit variance in the pathologic risk factors that predict poor outcomes versus non‐buccal OCSCC. Despite these relatively minor differences, however, oncologic outcomes between these groups were similar.
KLF4 interacts with TXNIP to modulate the pyroptosis in ulcerative colitis via regulating NLRP3 signaling
Authors: Chen Yuan , Sun Lifeng , Liu Haiyan , Li Jiamei , Guo Lu , Wang Zhiyi
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the most common diseases in the gastrointestinal tract related to abnormal inflammation. Pyroptosis, which is characterized by the formation of inflammasome, activation of caspase‐1, and separation of N‐ and C‐terminus of gasdermin D (GSDMD), and may be involved in the pathogenesis of IBD. Krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) is a zinc finger transcription factor expressed in differentiated epithelial cells. KLF4 mediates proinflammatory signaling in macrophages. Here, we tested whether KLF4 is functional in pyroptosis of UC.

Methods

In human UC tissues and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/adenosine 5‐triphosphate (ATP) stimulation human colon epithelial cells, KLF4, TXNIP, Cleave‐Caspase‐1, and GSDMD expression were detected through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemical and western blot assay. Interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18 levels were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We successfully constructed a KLF4‐silenced colon epithelial cell line using an adenovirus vector. We apply the UCSC and JASPAR to predict the KLF4 binding sites in the promoter region of TXNIP.

Results

In human UC tissues and/or LPS/ATP stimulation human colon epithelial cells, KLF4, TXNIP, Caspase‐1, and GSDMD expression level were significantly elevated via quantitative reverse transcription PCR, immunohistochemical and western blot assay. Moreover, We identified that there is an interaction between KLF4 and TXNIP through Yeast double hybrid assay and CO‐IP assay. We successfully constructed a KLF4‐silenced human intestinal epithelial cell line. In LPS/ATP stimulation KLF4‐silenced human intestinal epithelial cells, KLF4, TXNIP, Cleave Caspase‐1, ASC, and GSDMD expression level were significantly decreased via quantitative reverse transcription PCR.

Conclusion

Our results confirm that KLF4 can positively regulate the expression of TXNIP and regulate the pyroptosis process of UC through the TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway.
Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in adults: A single‐center analysis of 5 cases
Authors: Chen Qingqing , Zhang Jing , Huang Huijun , Qiu Tonglu , Jin Ze , Shi Yu , Zhu Huayuan , Fan Lei , Li Jianyong , Shi Wenyu , Miao Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) is a self‐limited inflammatory disease of unknown pathogenesis. A very small fraction of patients with HNL could develop hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a hyperinflammatory disorder. These patients are diagnosed as HNL with HLH (HNL‐HLH). HNL‐HLH in the pediatric population has been systemically studied, however, the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features and outcomes of adult patients with HNL‐HLH remain to be explored. We aimed to explore the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features and outcomes of adult patients with HNL‐HLH.

Methods

We collected the clinical data of patients with HNL‐HLH admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from October 2010 to June 2015. All the patients underwent lymph node biopsy and have a pathological diagnosis of HNL. The age, gender, clinical presentation, lymph node signs, laboratory findings and imaging data, and pathological findings of the patients were collected.

Results

In this study, we reported five adult patients with HNL‐HLH. All five patients showed enlarged lymph nodes and prolonged fever. Laboratory findings were consistent with the diagnosis of HLH. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) showed enlarged lymph nodes with increased FDG uptake and splenic hypermetabolism could be present. All the patients responded well to corticosteroids and had a good prognosis. Two of the five patients were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus during the follow‐up.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that adult patients with HNL‐HLH showed distinct clinical, laboratory, and radiological features. And the prognosis is good and patients could be managed with steroids and supportive care.
The relationship between inflammatory cytokines and in‐hospital complications of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yao Jiaxin , Zhang Shuangshuang , Zhou Fei , Zhuang Mengting , Fei Sujuan
Published: February 2024

Objective

Acute necrotic collection (ANC), acute peripancreatic fluid collection (APFC), pleural effusion, and ascites are common early complications of acute pancreatitis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between 12 serum cytokines and the early complications and severity of acute pancreatitis (AP).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 307 patients with AP, and divided them into severe group and mild‐to‐moderate group according to the revised Atlanta classification. Propensity score matching was used to control for confounding factors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between cytokine levels and early complications of AP.

Results

Serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐17, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were significantly higher in the severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) group than in the non‐SAP group (p < .05). After adjusting for confounding factors, the upper quartiles of IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 were associated with an increased risk of ANC compared with those in the lowest quartile (IL‐6: quartile 3, odds ratio [OR] = 3.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.95–8.16; IL‐8: quartile 4, OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.27–4.84; IL‐10: quartile 2, OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.09–4.56). APFC was associated with high serum levels of IL‐6 (quartile 3, OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.02–1.72), pleural effusions were associated with high serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 (IL‐1β: quartile 4, OR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.21–4.58; IL‐6: quartile 3, OR = 4.67, 95% CI = 2.27–9.61; IL‐8: quartile 3, OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.51–5.79; IL‐10: quartile 4, OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.61–6.36), and high serum levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10 were associated with an increased risk of ascites (IL‐6: quartile 3, OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.42–6.37; IL‐10: quartile 3, OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.23–5.37).

Conclusion

Serum cytokine levels, including IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 may be associated with the occurrence of early complications of AP. In daily clinical practice, IL‐6 may be the most worthwhile cytokine to be detected.
Efficiency and financial risk management practices of microfinance institutions
Authors: Baltas Konstantinos N. , Liñares‐Zegarra José M.
Published: February 2024

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have evolved in different and complex ways to solve various market frictions, with some of them providing a wide range of financial products and using different lending technologies to reach poor and underserved populations. As a result, some MFIs are more efficient than others, but are efficiency gains aligned with risk management practices? The specific characteristics of the microfinance industry make the answer to this question less obvious than that of commercial banks. This paper tries to shed light on these issues by analysing the efficiency and risk management of MFIs and describing the potential implications of these relationships for the microfinance industry. After considering several measures of financial risk management ratios commonly used in the microfinance literature, our results show that cost efficiency improves asset quality and solvency of MFIs, but also reduces the need for holding idle cash or liquid assets. The results of this paper can help academics, policymakers, and regulators to better understand the impact of cost efficiency on financial risks management practices in the microfinance industry.
A combination of multi‐scale and attention based on the U‐shaped network for retinal vessel segmentation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lan Qingyan , Sun Yemei , Ma Chunming
Published: February 2024

Automated partitioning of retinal vessels depicted in fundus images is beneficial in the detection of specific ailments like hypertension and diabetes. However, retinal vessel images have the problems of a large semantic range, more spatial detail, and limited differentiation among the blood vessels and surroundings, which make vessel segmentation challenging. To overcome these obstacles, we designed a new U‐shaped network named SMP‐Net. First, we propose the sequencer‐convolution (SC) module to obtain the ability to extract both local and global features, thereby improving segmentation accuracy. The SC module is used to filter out shallow noise and enable the fusion of deep and shallow features in the maximum skip connection of the U‐shaped network. Then, the residual multi‐kernel pooling (MP) module is designed to obtain additional contextual information while also mitigating the loss of spatial information caused by constant pooling and convolution to improve vessel coherence. Finally, the pixel attention (PA) module redistributes the weight of each pixel using an element‐wise product multiplication operation. This increases the weight of the vascular feature pixels and improves the ability to identify blood vessels in blurred backgrounds. The proposed method has been demonstrated to be effective through sufficient experimentation on publicly available retinal datasets such as DRIVE, STARE, and CHASE_DB1.
Developing practical measures of the price of pesticide resistance: A flexible computational framework with global sensitivity analysis
Authors: Cho Chanheung , Brown Zachary , Gross Kevin , Tregeagle Daniel
Published: February 2024

Pesticide resistance poses an increasing challenge for agricultural sustainability. Pesticide susceptibility is a depletable biological resource, but resistance management rarely quantifies marginal, forward‐looking economic costs to users of depletion. To facilitate the development of such costs, we use a generic stochastic bioeconomic model of resistance evolution in a crop pest population, stochastic dynamic programming, and global sensitivity analysis to analyze the “marginal user costs” of resistance. The most impactful parameters are population density dependence and pesticide prices. The least impactful is the fitness cost of resistance, which is noteworthy because of prior emphasis on this parameter in the resistance management literature.
Nongrade quality factor influence on origin soybean basis: Evidence from North Dakota
Authors: Bullock David W. , Wilson William W. , Thompson Ryan
Published: February 2024

Recent evidence indicates that end‐users of US soybeans are placing additional quality specifications in their contracts that are outside those covered by the official USDA grades and standards (such as protein and essential amino acid [EAA] content). This has led some industry groups to publish additional quality data on an annual basis. Using a 14‐year panel data set from North Dakota, this study examines whether the release of quality data has an impact on the basis for soybeans at origins. The regression results strongly support the hypothesis that the additional EAA data had a statistically significant impact upon origin basis.
Regime shift of the leading mode of winter surface wind speed in northwest China in 2003/04 and its possible link with Barents–Kara sea ice
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhou Zi‐Han , Liu Xin‐Yu , Wang Cheng‐Hai , Xiao Dong , Li Wen‐Yao , Qin Hao‐Jun
Published: February 2024

Using the ERA‐5 reanalysis datasets, NCEP/NCAR sea ice concentration (SIC) and observed winter surface wind speed (WSWS) in northwest China during 1979–2020, this study examined the regime shift of the leading mode of observed WSWS in northwest China and investigated its possible link with the winter Barents–Kara Sea (BKS) SIC. The leading mode of observed WSWS in northwest China showed negative anomalies in southern and northeastern Xinjiang, Gansu, western and northern Shaanxi Provinces, and positive anomalies in northwestern and middle Xinjiang, Qinghai and Ningxia Provinces. The signs of WSWS in the leading mode is generally opposite to their trends during 1979–2020. Leading principal component (PC1) of observed WSWS in northwest China underwent an obvious decreasing regime shift in 2003/04, as well as the winter BKS SIC. There are significant correlations between PC1 and BKS SIC on both interdecadal and interannual timescales. Decadal decrease of BKS SIC is accompanied with a positive phase of Scandinavia pattern (SP) with positive anomalies of 500‐hPa geopotential height over subtropical North Atlantic, Arctic‐Ural region and southern Asia, and negative anomalies over northern North Atlantic‐West Europe and Siberia regions. BKS SIC and SP significantly influenced the Northern China Wind Index (NCWI) at 200 hPa on interdecadal timescale, which was related to the PC1 on both interdecadal and interannual timescales after removing the signal of Arctic Oscillation. Meridional configuration of Siberian cyclonic anomaly and southern Asian anticyclonic anomaly associated with the winter BKS SIC could enhance the intensity of NCWI, which favoured the increase of observed WSWS in northwest China and thereby may contribute to the regime shift in 2003/04 of the leading mode. However, there were still some stations showing decreasing regime shift, which mainly located at the region of steeping terrain. These decreasing changes of WSWS may be related to circumfluence effect of terrain, urbanization and local microclimate, and these reasons still need further detailed study.
Care partners and consumer health information technology: A framework to guide systems‐level initiatives in support of digital health equity
Authors: Wolff Jennifer L. , Wec Aleksandra , Peereboom Danielle , Gleason Kelly T. , Amjad Halima , Burgdorf Julia G. , Cassidy Jessica , DesRoches Catherine M. , Fabius Chanee D. , Green Ariel R. , Lin C. T. , Nothelle Stephanie K. , Powell Danielle S. , Riffin Catherine A. , Smith Jamie , Lum Hillary D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Consumer‐oriented health information technologies (CHIT) such as the patient portal have a growing role in care delivery redesign initiatives such as the Learning Health System. Care partners commonly navigate CHIT demands alongside persons with complex health and social needs, but their role is not well specified.

Methods

We assemble evidence and concepts from the literature describing interpersonal communication, relational coordination theory, and systems‐thinking to develop an integrative framework describing the care partner's role in applied CHIT innovations. Our framework describes pathways through which systematic engagement of the care partner affects longitudinal work processes and multi‐level outcomes relevant to Learning Health Systems.

Results

Our framework is grounded in relational coordination, an emerging theory for understanding the dynamics of coordinating work that emphasizes role‐based relationships and communication, and the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model. Cross‐cutting work systems geared toward explicit and purposeful support of the care partner role through CHIT may advance work processes by promoting frequent, timely, accurate, problem‐solving communication, reinforced by shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect between patients, care partners, and care team. We further contend that systematic engagement of the care partner in longitudinal work processes exerts beneficial effects on care delivery experiences and efficiencies at both individual and organizational levels. We discuss the utility of our framework through the lens of an illustrative case study involving patient portal‐mediated pre‐visit agenda setting.

Conclusions

Our framework can be used to guide applied embedded CHIT interventions that support the care partner role and bring value to Learning Health Systems through advancing digital health equity, improving user experiences, and driving efficiencies through improved coordination within complex work systems.
Hard Coatings from Soft Latexes: A Review of Routes to Overcome the Film Formation Dilemma
Authors: Jiménez Nerea , Ballard Nicholas , Asua José M.
Published: February 2024

The use of polymer latexes for high‐performance coatings is challenging as the properties required to allow for film formation at reasonable temperatures tend to result in films with relatively poor mechanical properties. In this review, routes to overcome this so‐called film‐formation dilemma are discussed. First, the use of coalescing agents, focusing in particular on more recent approaches to minimize the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), is reviewed. Subsequently, approaches that utilize hybrid latexes are considered. This includes the use of high/low Tg latex blends, nanocomposites that include a second, non‐polymeric phase, and multiphase latexes. Finally, the use of crosslinking technologies is considered, with a focus on necessary developments to reduce environmental impact. The review concludes with a summary and a discussion of possible future directions for research.
Sciellin promotes the development and progression of thyroid cancer through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Guo Haohao , Wang Ziyang , Yin Keyu , Ma Runsheng , Zhang Yifei , Yin Fanxiang , Li Hongqiang , Yin Detao
Published: February 2024

Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of the most common endocrine tumors worldwide. Sciellin (SCEL) is involved in various disease processes, including burn wound healing and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs); it is highly expressed in TC. However, its biological impact on TC and related mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SCEL on the function of human TC cell lines B‐CPAP and OCUT‐2C (cancer cell lines with BRAF V600E mutations). Analyses of data sets and clinical samples revealed enhanced expression of SCEL in TC than in adjacent normal tissue. SCEL knockout suppresses proliferation and cell cycle progression in TC cells, and these results were reversed by the upregulated SCEL expression in TC. SCEL knockout inhibited tumor development in xenograft mouse models. Western blot (WB) demonstrated that the expression of p‐JAK2 and p‐STAT3 was reduced in SCEL‐knockdown TC. These results suggest that SCEL plays a key role in TC progression through the JAK2‐STAT3 pathway. Therefore, SCEL can be considered a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for TC.
Abdominal fat depots are related to lower cognitive functioning and brain volumes in middle‐aged males at high Alzheimer's risk
Authors: Golan Shekhtman Sapir , Boccara Ethel , Ravona‐Springer Ramit , Inbar Yael , Zelicha Hila , Livny Abigail , Bendlin Barbara B. , Lesman‐Segev Orit , Yore Iscka , Heymann Anthony , Sano Mary , Mardor Yael , Azuri Joseph , Schnaider Beeri Michal
Published: February 2024

Objective

High BMI, which poorly represents specific fat depots, is linked to poorer cognition and higher dementia risk, with different associations between sexes. This study examined associations of abdominal fat depots with cognition and brain volumes and whether sex modifies this association.

Methods

A total of 204 healthy middle‐aged offspring of Alzheimer's dementia patients (mean age = 59.44, 60% females) underwent abdominal magnetic resonance imaging to quantify hepatic, pancreatic, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue and to assess cognition and brain volumes.

Results

In the whole sample, higher hepatic fat percentage was associated with lower total gray matter volume (β = −0.17, p < 0.01). Primarily in males, higher pancreatic fat percentage was associated with lower global cognition (males: β = −0.27, p = 0.03; females: β = 0.01, p = 0.93) executive function (males: β = −0.27, p = 0.03; females: β = 0.02, p = 0.87), episodic memory (males: β = −0.28, p = 0.03; females: β = 0.07, p = 0.48), and inferior frontal gyrus volume (males: β = −0.28, p = 0.02; females: β = 0.10, p = 0.33). Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue was inversely associated with middle frontal and superior frontal gyrus volumes in males and females.

Conclusions

In middle‐aged males at high Alzheimer's dementia risk, but not in females, higher pancreatic fat was associated with lower cognition and brain volumes. These findings suggest a potential sex‐specific link between distinct abdominal fat with brain health.
Serine/threonine‐protein kinase D2‐mediated phosphorylation of DSG2 threonine 730 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Liu Yin‐Qiao , Xu Yi‐Wei , Zheng Zheng‐Tan , Li Die , Hong Chao‐Qun , Dai Hao‐Qiang , Wang Jun‐Hao , Chu Ling‐Yu , Liao Lian‐Di , Zou Hai‐Ying , Li En‐Min , Xie Jian‐Jun , Fang Wang‐Kai
Published: February 2024

Desmoglein‐2 (DSG2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the desmosomal cadherin family, which mediates cell–cell junctions; regulates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; and promotes tumor development and metastasis. We previously showed serum DSG2 to be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), although the significance and underlying molecular mechanisms were not identified. Here, we found that DSG2 was increased in ESCC tissues compared with adjacent tissues. In addition, we demonstrated that DSG2 promoted ESCC cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, using interactome analysis, we identified serine/threonine‐protein kinase D2 (PRKD2) as a novel DSG2 kinase that mediates the phosphorylation of DSG2 at threonine 730 (T730). Functionally, DSG2 promoted ESCC cell migration and invasion dependent on DSG2‐T730 phosphorylation. Mechanistically, DSG2 T730 phosphorylation activated EGFR, Src, AKT, and ERK signaling pathways. In addition, DSG2 and PRKD2 were positively correlated with each other, and the overall survival time of ESCC patients with high DSG2 and PRKD2 was shorter than that of patients with low DSG2 and PRKD2 levels. In summary, PRKD2 is a novel DSG2 kinase, and PRKD2‐mediated DSG2 T730 phosphorylation promotes ESCC progression. These findings may facilitate the development of future therapeutic agents that target DSG2 and DSG2 phosphorylation. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Noninvasive single‐cell‐based prenatal genetic testing: A proof of concept clinical study
Authors: Bellair Michelle , Amaral Elisabete , Ouren Mason , Roark Cameron , Kim Jaeweon , O'Connor April , Soriano Adrianna , Schindler Margaret L. , Wapner Ronald J. , Stone Joanne L. , Tavella Nicola , Merriam Audrey , Perley Lauren , Breman Amy M. , Beaudet Arthur L.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To clinically assess a cell‐based noninvasive prenatal genetic test using sequence‐based copy number analysis of single trophoblasts from maternal blood.

Methods

Blood was obtained from 401 (243 + 158) individuals (8–22 weeks) and shipped overnight. Red cells were lysed, and nucleated cells stained for cytokeratin (CK) and CD45 and enriched for positive CK staining. Automated scanning was used to identify and pick single CK+/CD45‐ trophoblasts which were subjected to next‐generation sequencing.

Results

Blood was obtained from 243 pregnancies scheduled for CVS or amniocentesis. Luna results were normal for 160 singletons while 15 cases were abnormal (14 aneuploidy and one monozygotic twin with Williams syndrome deletion). The deletion was confirmed in both fetuses. Placental mosaicism occurred in 7 of 236 (3.0%) Luna cases and in 3 of 188 (1.6%) CVS cases (total 4.6%). No scorable trophoblasts were recovered in 32 of 236 usable samples. Additionally, 158 low‐risk pregnancies not undergoing CVS/amniocentesis showed normal results in 133 cases. Seven had aneuploidy results, and there were three likely pathogenic deletions/duplications, including one15q11‐q13 deletion.

Conclusion

Although the sample size is modest and statistically accurate measures of test performance are not possible, the Luna test detected aneuploidy and deletions/duplications based on concordance with CVS/amniocentesis.
Preparation and characterization of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐iron(5‐acrylamido‐1,10‐phenanthroline)) based electro‐responsive hydrogel
Authors: Zhang Changzheng , Ma Qiang , Mao Han , Li Yiran , Xu Guohe , Zhang Bin
Published: February 2024

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐iron(5‐acrylamido‐1,10‐phenanthroline)) based electro‐responsive hydrogel is prepared by the radical polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), iron (5‐acrylamido‐1,10‐phenanthroline) and bis (1,10‐phenanthroline) (ferroin monomer), using 2,2‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) as cross‐linker. The structure of the hydrogel is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The impact of different contents of ferroin and cross‐linker on swelling properties, crosslinking degree, mechanical properties, and deformation properties of hydrogels are investigated, which indicates that the hydrogels containing ferroin are low voltage responsive. The hydrogel exhibits a deformation rate of 71.56% and a deformation speed of 2%/s at a voltage of 10 V when the ferroin content is 2.67%. The deformation rate and deformation speed of hydrogels increase with increasing voltage. Therefore, the deformation rate can reach 80.69%, and the deformation speed can reach 15.56%/s. The crosslinking degree increases with increasing BIS content in hydrogels, while leading to a reduction in swelling degree and swelling rate. Moreover, the elongation at break decreases first and then increases, the tensile strength and compressive strength increase. Furthermore, the minimum responsive voltage of hydrogels for deformation decreases, the deformation rate and deformation speed increase first and then decrease.
Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Okura Kazuki , Nonoyama Tadayoshi , Shibuya Manaka , Yamamoto Shuhei , Kawachi Shohei , Nishie Kenichi , Nakayama Katsutoshi
Published: February 2024

Background and Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and acceptability of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the effectiveness and accessibility of NMES and compared them with usual care in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD by searching databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials published up to April 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with COPD who were treated within 3 weeks of acute exacerbation onset were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tools. We pooled limb muscle strength and adverse events and performed a comparison between NMES and usual care. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

Results

Five RCTs, including 168 patients, met the eligibility criteria. The meta‐analysis showed that limb muscle strength was significantly higher in the NMES group (four studies with 148 patients; standardized mean difference, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–1.30; p < 0.001). The quality of evidence was very low due to the risk of bias within the studies, imprecision of the estimates, and small number of studies. Any adverse events served as outcomes in three studies (86 patients), although no adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

NMES is safe for patients with acute exacerbation of COPD and may maintain and improve limb muscle strength; however, the quality of evidence was very low.
Bioactivities of scent gland chemicals from Mictis fuscipes Hsiao (Hemiptera: Coreidae) on Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Zhong Jiamei , Fox Eduardo G. P. , Ling Siquan , Yan Zheng , Xu Jinzhu , Yang Hua , Hong Ziqiong , Qin Changsheng , Qiu Hualong
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Given the chemical diversity within stink bugs scent glands, they can be convenient models for bioprospecting novel pest control products. Preliminary behaviour observations indicated that adult Mictis fuscipes stink bugs secrete liquid droplets when defending against Solenopsis invicta fire ants, killing them within minutes. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the chemical composition of the metathoracic scent gland secretions of M. fuscipes adults, as well as assess their biological activities against fire ants.

RESULTS

Bioassaying fire ants against secretions of several local stink bugs confirmed that the defensive secretions of two Mictis species are significantly more lethal, where M. fuscipes was the most lethal. Volatiles chromatography analysis indicated the secretions of female and male M. fuscipes stink bugs contains 20 and 26 components, respectively, chiefly hexanoic acid and hexyl hexanoate. Five compounds were consistently present in the secretion of female adults: hexyl hexanoate, hexanoic acid, hexyl acetate, hexyl butyrate, and eugenol. These yielded a strong electrophysiological antennal (EAD) response from S. invicta workers, female alates and males, where hexyl acetate showed the strongest response. The combination of these five compounds proved strongly repellent to S. invicta. When tested singly, hexanoic acid, hexyl butyrate, hexyl hexanoate, and eugenol were repellent to S. invicta, but hexyl acetate seemed slightly attractive. Additionally, the same mixture of five components exhibited strong contact and fumigant toxicity towards S. invicta workers, eugenol being the strongest.

CONCLUSION

Defensive chemicals of M. fuscipes exhibit robust biological activity against S. invicta and could inspire the development of biopesticides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Structural Elucidation and Evaluation of Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of Lu–La Co‐substituted M‐Type Hexagonal Ferrites Synthesized by Chemical Co‐precipitation Method
Authors: Wang Huang‐Yi , Han Jia‐Jun
Published: February 2024

In this research, LuxLaySr1–yFe12–xO19, an M‐type strontium ferrite, is synthesized using the coprecipitation method with precursor chemicals. The samples undergo analysis for structure, morphology, and elemental composition through X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Magnetic and dielectric properties are determined using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and a dielectric property measurement instrument (LCR), respectively. The primary objective of this study is to enhance the dielectric performance of the samples through rare‐earth element doping. The XRD analysis reveals that the samples display a hexagonal single‐phase magnetoplumbite crystal structure. SEM micrographs illustrate a regular hexagonal structure of the grains. VSM analysis affirms LuxLaySr1–yFe12–xO19 as a hard magnetic material with a high coercivity. As the rare‐earth element content increases, the coercivity of the samples significantly decrease from 2065.3 to 910.3 Oe. Dielectric property analysis demonstrates that augmenting the rare‐earth element (Lu–La) content notably increases the relative dielectric constant of the samples. In the low‐frequency region, the relative dielectric constant ranges from 6.71 × 103 to 1.28 × 105, while in the high‐frequency region, it ranges from 3.09 × 103 to 2.03 × 104. Samples doped with rare‐earth elements exhibit a high dielectric constant and low coercivity, rendering them suitable for applications in electromagnetic shielding materials. This can help reduce interference from magnetic fields on internal components while blocking electromagnetic waves.