bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idealized branch sections and hydrodynamic analysis characterize rainfall partitioning
Authors: Puri Aryan , Kunadi Ashvath , Pfefferle David , Ghisalberti Marco , Thompson Sally
Published: June 2024

Water flow on plant canopies determines the partitioning of intercepted rainfall between stemflow and throughflow, yet understanding of these flow processes remains minimally developed. Plant canopies may concentrate intercepted water into rivulets that flow beneath branches. If the rivulets remain attached to branches until they encounter the main tree trunk, they form stemflow. If the rivulets detach from branches, however, they form ‘pour points’, regions of concentrated throughfall. Here, rivulet flow below uniform cylinders was studied experimentally. Experimental observations were interpreted using hydrodynamic theory to predict the likelihood of a rivulet detaching based on a critical rivulet height (). Predictions of rivulet detachment were explored for a simplified case where water is introduced at known flow rates at a discrete point above a uniform, cylindrical ‘branch’. Where the branch was straight, the percentage of trials forming a rivulet, or the rivulet formation rate, increased with increasing branch inclination angle to the horizontal axis. Rivulet formation rates did not vary with flow rate. However, the volume of water collected at the end of the branch, analogous to stemflow, decreased with a higher flow rates due to the formation of flow instabilities. Rivulets forming on straight branches did not detach. Instead, the rivulet stream accelerated and reduced in height as it flowed along the cylinder. Rivulets formed on curved branches detached only when the branch axis after the curve approached the horizontal. Future theoretical and experimental studies can extend this work to improve understanding of more complex surfaces and branch architectures to mechanistically understand canopy interception.
Three‐dimensional bioprinting biphasic multicellular living scaffold facilitates osteochondral defect regeneration
Authors: Yu Xingge , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher , Wang Xudong , Yuan Changyong , Lin Kaili
Published: June 2024

Due to tissue lineage variances and the anisotropic physiological characteristics, regenerating complex osteochondral tissues (cartilage and subchondral bone) remains a great challenge, which is primarily due to the distinct requirements for cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration. For cartilage regeneration, a significant amount of newly generated chondrocytes is required while maintaining their phenotype. Conversely, bone regeneration necessitates inducing stem cells to differentiate into osteoblasts. Additionally, the construction of the osteochondral interface is crucial. In this study, we fabricated a biphasic multicellular bioprinted scaffold mimicking natural osteochondral tissue employing three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology. Briefly, gelatin‐methacryloyl (GelMA) loaded with articular chondrocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (ACs/BMSCs), serving as the cartilage layer, preserved the phenotype of ACs and promoted the differentiation of BMSCs into chondrocytes through the interaction between ACs and BMSCs, thereby facilitating cartilage regeneration. GelMA/strontium‐substituted xonotlite (Sr‐CSH) loaded with BMSCs, serving as the subchondral bone layer, regulated the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts and enhanced the secretion of cartilage matrix by ACs in the cartilage layer through the slow release of bioactive ions from Sr‐CSH. Additionally, GelMA, serving as the matrix material, contributed to the reconstruction of the osteochondral interface. Ultimately, this biphasic multicellular bioprinted scaffold demonstrated satisfactory simultaneous regeneration of osteochondral defects. In this study, a promising strategy for the application of 3D bioprinting technology in complex tissue regeneration was proposed.
Spatially and Single‐Cell Resolved Profiling of RNA Life Cycle and Epitranscriptomics
Authors: Zhou Qiyang , Guo Jianting , Wang Xiao
Published: June 2024

The intricate network of cell functions relies on gene expression programs, where the whole RNA life cycle from DNA to protein is subjected to extensive transcriptional and post‐transcriptional gene regulation events. Established bulk RNA sequencing methods provide an averaged, transcriptome‐wide quantification of the RNA life cycle, including transcription, processing, translation, transport, and degradation through RNA‐protein interactions. Furthermore, numerous studies using bulk epitranscriptomic profiling unveiled that dynamic RNA modifications (e. g., N6‐Methyladenosine), add another layer of gene regulations. However, many regulatory events are cell‐type specific, subcellularly localized, and subjected to cell‐cell communications within the native tissue environment. Thanks to the advances in single‐cell sequencing, spatial sequencing, and highly multiplexed imaging methods, we can routinely measure single‐cell and spatial transcriptomics. Yet more comprehensive methods to profile every step of the RNA life cycle with single‐cell and spatial information are still lacking. In this review, we will summarize and compare early explorations in developing state‐of‐the‐art methods for spatially and single‐cell resolved mapping of RNA kinetics, translation, RNA‐protein interactions, and epitranscriptomics. It is promising that these new techniques will greatly facilitate our understanding of the RNA‐centered regulation landscapes in different cell types and how the post‐transcriptional regulations are interconnected within cellular and tissue architecture.
LncRNA MEG3 regulates ferroptosis of lens epithelial cells via PTBP1/GPX4 axis to participate in age‐related cataract
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Zheng Chuanfei , Zhao Jiuhong , Xu Xiaoming , Yao Jun
Published: June 2024

Age‐related cataract (ARC) is regarded as the principal cause of vision impairment among the aged. The regulatory role of long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) in ARC remains unclear. The lncRNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) has been reported to promote ARC progression, and the underlying mechanism was further investigated in this study. Lens epithelium samples were collected to verify the expression of MEG3. Lens epithelial cells (LECs) were treated with H2O2 to mimic microenvironment of ARC in vitro. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species, and ferroptosis were evaluated during the in viro experiments. In the present work, lncRNA MEG3 was highly expressed in ARC group, compared with normal group. MEG3 was induced, cell viability and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) level were inhibited, and ferroptosis was promoted in H2O2 treated LECs. LncRNA MEG3 silence reversed the effects of H2O2 on viability and ferroptosis in LECs. Thereafter, lncRNA MEG3 was found to bind to PTBP1 for GPX4 degradation. Silencing of GPX4 reversed the regulation of lncRNA MEG3 inhibition in H2O2‐treated LECs. To sum up, lncRNA MEG3 exhibited high expression in ARC. In H2O2‐induced LECs, inhibition of lncRNA MEG3 accelerated cell viability and repressed ferroptosis by interaction with PTBP1 for GPX4 messenger RNA decay. Targeting lncRNA MEG3 may be a novel treatment of ARC.
Counting connected partitions of graphs
Authors: Caro Yair , Patkós Balázs , Tuza Zsolt , Vizer Máté
Published: June 2024

Motivated by the theorem of Győri and Lovász, we consider the following problem. For a connected graph on vertices and edges determine the number of unordered solutions of positive integers such that every is realized by a connected subgraph of with edges. We also consider the vertex‐partition analogue. We prove various lower bounds on as a function of the number of vertices in , as a function of the average degree of , and also as the size of ‐partite connected maximum cuts of . Those three lower bounds are tight up to a multiplicative constant. We also prove that the number of unordered ‐tuples with , that are realizable by vertex partitions into connected parts, is at least .
心尖部心室瘤を有する心室中部閉塞性肥大型心筋症に合併したKounis症候群の1例(A case of Kounis syndrome with midventricular obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with apical aneurysm)
Authors: 朋子 菅野 , 高寛 湯川 , 里織 大坪 , 武志 山際
Published: June 2024

Kounis症候群とはアレルギー反応に伴い急性冠症候群を来す疾患である。今回我々は，肥大型心筋症にKounis症候群を合併した症例を経験したため報告する。症例は45歳の女性。抗菌薬を初回内服後，皮膚の掻痒感と呼吸困難感を自覚し救急搬送された。来院時橈骨動脈の触知微弱であり，全身皮膚紅潮と膨疹を認め，アナフィラキシーショックと診断しアドレナリン0.3mgを計2回大腿外側に筋肉注射した。また，心電図でII，III，aVF，V1–V5のSTおよび心筋逸脱酵素の上昇，心エコーで心尖部心室瘤を認めた。来院後30分間程度ショックが遷延したが，次第に安定した。急性冠症候群を疑い緊急冠動脈造影検査を施行したが両側冠動脈に有意狭窄は認めず，Kounis症候群タイプIと診断した。また，心臓造影MRI検査で左心室中部の心筋壁が肥厚しており，心尖部心室瘤を有する心室中部閉塞性肥大型心筋症と診断し，肥大型心筋症へのアドレナリン投与がショックの遷延に影響したと考えられた。アナフィラキシーショックの初期治療後もショックが遷延した場合は迅速に心電図，心エコーを実施し，Kounis症候群や既存心疾患の病態増悪を鑑別に挙げる必要がある。また，Kounis症候群に心室中部閉塞性肥大型心筋症などの心疾患を合併した場合は，薬物治療の選択に注意が必要である。
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hospitalized human metapneumovirus patients in Israel, 2015–2021: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jurkowicz Menucha , Cohen Hodaya , Nemet Ital , Keller Nathan , Leibovitz Eugene , Sherman Gilad , Kriger Or , Barkai Galia , Mandelboim Michal , Stein Michal
Published: June 2024

This study evaluated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection among hospitalized patients with acute respiratory infections during 2015–2021 and assessed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on hMPV infection. A single‐center, retrospective cohort study was performed, including pediatric and adult patients with laboratory‐confirmed hMPV. Of a total of 990 patients, 253 (25.6%), 105 (10.6%), 121 (12.2%), and 511 (51.6%) belonged to age groups 0–2, 3–17, 18–59, and ≥60 years, respectively. The highest percentage (23.0%) of patients were hospitalized during 2019 and the lowest (4.7%) during 2020. Patients < 18 years experienced high rates of comorbidities (immunodeficiencies: 14.4% and malignancies: 29.9%). Here, 37/39 (94.9%) of all bronchiolitis cases were diagnosed in patients < 2 years, whereas more patients in older age groups were diagnosed with pneumonia. A greater proportion of hMPV patients diagnosed with viral coinfection (mostly respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus) were <18 years. The highest percentages of intensive care unit admissions were recorded among patients < 18 years. Our findings demonstrate that hMPV is an important cause of morbidity in young children and a possibly underestimated cause of morbidity among older adults.
Intravenous fluid therapy in hospitalized adult dengue patients without shock: Impact on subsequent severe dengue and potential adverse effects
Authors: Xu Baihui , Tewari Pranav , Thein Tun Linn , Sin Leo Yee , Lye David Chien Boon , Chia Po Ying , Lim Jue Tao
Published: June 2024

There is a lack of evidence on the optimal administration of intravenous (IV) fluids in hospitalized adult dengue patients without compensated and hypotensive shock. This study utilized a well‐established cohort of dengue patients to compare risks of progressing to severe dengue (SD) over time for patients who were administered IV fluid versus others who were not. We included adult patients (n = 4781) who were hospitalized for dengue infection from 2005 to 2008. Cases were patients who developed SD (n = 689) and controls were patients who did not up until discharge (n = 4092). We estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and risk of SD over time between groups administered different volumes of IV fluids versus the no IV fluid comparison group using Cox models with time‐dependent covariates. The doubly‐robust estimation approach was used to control for the propensity of fluid administration given clinical characteristics of patients. Subgroup analyses by age, sex, and dengue warning signs before IV fluid administration were conducted. High (>2000 mL/day) IV fluids volume was associated with a higher risk of development of SD for those who had warning signs (HR: 1.77 [1.05–2.97], p: 0.0713) and for those below 55 years old (HR: 1.53 [1.04–2.25], p: 0.0713). Low (<1000 mL/day) IV fluids volume was protective against SD for patients without warning signs (HR: 0.757 [0.578–0.990], p: 0.0883), no lethargy (HR: 0.770 [0.600–0.998], p: 0.0847), and females (HR: 0.711 [0.516–0.980], p: 0.0804). Over the course of hospitalization, there were no significant differences in IV fluid administration and SD risk in most subgroups, except in those who experienced lethargy and were administered IV fluid volume or quantity. Administering high volumes of IV fluids may be associated with an increased risk of SD during hospitalization for adult dengue patients without shock. Judicious use of IV fluids as supportive therapy is warranted.
First report of betalain production from endolichenic Bacillus sp. LDAB‐1 from Dirinaria aegilita: Insights from novel quantification methodology of image processing
Authors: Sankar Karthikumar , Samuel Karl Joseph , Rajaram Shyam Kumar , Karuppiah Ponmurugan , Periyasami Govindasami , Karunakaran Gopalu
Published: June 2024

Pigments are widely used in food supplements envisaging attractive colors along with health benefits. The desired advancements in the nutraceutical and antioxidant properties of pigments utilized in food products necessitate the search for novel additives. The present study is the first in the field to report the pigment‐producing endolichenic bacteria, Bacillus sp. LDAB‐1 from Dirinaria aegilita. Morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization of the bacterium emphasizes that ideal pigment production occurs when utilizing sucrose and sodium nitrate. The pigment was salted out and dialyzed for further qualitative characterization using ultraviolet–visible, fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared spectra and the results corroborated the presence of betalains. The antioxidant activity of betalain is closer to the efficiency of α‐tocopherol, which confers the pigment properties for antioxidant and nutraceutical significance. An optimal methodology for pigment affirmation is an issue when using an alternative methodology. Hence, the present assessment employs a comparative analysis of findings from both a spectrophotometric method and image processing technology encompassing RGB, CMYK, YCbCr, and L*a*b* color space models. Amongst these, the L*a*b* model potentially provides an effective modality for determining the pigment concentration. Bland–Altman plot analysis indicates similar consistency levels in betalain quantification by both methods at 95% confidence intervals, affirming the integrity and consistency of color image processing technology. Consequently, the present study represents novelty and innovativeness in reporting endolichenic Bacillus sp. LDAB‐1 from D. aegilita and a rational image optimization protocol for pigment elucidation characteristics.
The influence of ESG score on financial performance: Evidence from the European health care industry
Authors: Candio Paolo
Published: June 2024

Company managers are increasingly recognizing that sustainable practices are not just ethical imperatives but potential drivers of long‐term value. To determine the degree to which this is grounded in business reality, a growing body of empirical studies have examined whether higher environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance predicts better financial performance. However, conflicting findings have emerged, with reviews highlighting the role that methodological choices, normative setting, and industry can play in moderating that relationship. Unlike other industries, health care has been the focus of only a handful of heterogeneous quantitative studies. To contribute to this evidence base for the European context, the present study comprehensively examined whether and how ESG score can influence both accounting‐ and market‐based measures of financial performance. Company data from the top health care companies listed in the STOXX 600 Index over the last decade (2012–2022) were gathered and analyzed. The analysis results confirmed that a marked heterogeneity of effects across the different ESG scores and measures of financial performance exists, which is not merely due to differences in empirical strategy, with modest positive effects being estimated in most cases. Of the three pillars, the governance score consistently predicted more positive financial performance among the sample of listed European companies. The environmental pillar score only influenced accounting‐based measures, though inconsistently, whereas the social pillar did not seem to have any predicting role for accounting‐based measures. Future research should consider replicating the proposed analytical framework in other data settings and normative contexts to strengthen the current evidence base and therefore deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the investigated relationships in the health care industry.
Regulation of gut microbiota and serum neurotransmitters in mice by Streptococcus thermophilus GA8‐ and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HAO9‐fermented milk containing high levels of gamma‐aminobutyric acid
Authors: Han Mei , Dong Yao , Wang Shuo , Huang Xiaohui , Bai Chen , Gai Zhonghui
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important neurotransmitter in the human body, with several negative emotions reported as being associated with GABA dysregulation. This study investigates the safety and modulatory effects of GABA‐enriched milk, fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus GA8 and Lacticasebacillus rhamnosus HAO9, on the gut microbiota and neurotransmitter profiles in mice.

RESULTS

Through rigorous culturing and fermentation processes, we achieved consistent GABA production in milk, with concentrations reaching 4.6 and 8.5 g L−1 for GA8‐fermented and co‐fermented milk, respectively, after 48 h. Using SPF male C57BL/6J mice, we administered either mono‐culture or combined‐culture milk treatments and monitored physiological impacts. The treatments did not affect mouse body weight but induced significant changes in gut microbiota composition. Beta diversity analysis revealed distinct microbial profiles between treatment groups, highlighting fermentation‐specific microbial shifts, such as an increase in Verrucomicrobia for the GA8 group and a modulation in Saccharibacteria_genera_incertae_sedis for the GA8 + HAO9 group. Serum neurotransmitter levels were elevated in both treatment groups, with significant increases in l‐glutamine, l‐tryptophan and, notably, serotonin hydrochloride in the GA8 + HAO9 group. Correlation analysis identified a positive association between specific bacterial genera and neurotransmitter levels, suggesting a probiotic effect on neuroactive substances.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that fermented milk has potential as a probiotic supplement for mood improvement and stress relief, highlighting its role in modulating the gut–brain axis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identifying iliotibial band graft length and incision site may minimise the potential risk of harming adjacent structures: A novel approach for surgeon guidance
Authors: Gonera Bartosz , Balcerzak Adrian , Ruzik Kacper , Maślanka Krystian , Zielinska Nicol , Drobniewski Marek , Borowski Andrzej , Olewnik Łukasz
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The Iliotibial band (ITB) is a fibrous thickening of the fascia lata originating at the iliac crest and inserting at Gerdy's tubercle on the lateral tibia. The ITB significantly contributes to lateral knee stabilisation. Due to its size, tensile strength and easy access, it is widely used in orthopaedic surgery as an autograft during reconstruction procedures. Although ITB harvesting may result in complications, such as reduced knee extension or hip flexion, no safety margins or guidelines have been proposed for the procedure. Our aim was to determine the maximal safe length of an ITB graft, that is, that does not harm the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), tensor fasciae latae (TFL), gluteus maximus (GM) or adjacent structures, and reduce the complication rate.

Methods

The study included 50 lower limbs of 25 human cadavers, previously fixed in 10% formalin solution. The inclusion criterion was the lack of visible signs of surgical interventions in the study region. Forty lower limbs were included in the study: 16 female (mean age 83.1 ± 3.4 years) and 24 male (mean age 84.2 ± 6.8 years). Dissection was performed with a previously established protocol. Morphometric measurements were then obtained twice by two researchers.

Results

The mean femur length was 404.8 mm [female (F) = 397.3 mm, male (M) = 409.9 mm, standard deviation (SD): F = 23.8 mm, M = 24.1 mm]. The mean ITB length was 318.9 mm (F = 309.4 mm, M = 325.2 mm, SD: F = 25.7 mm, M = 33.7 mm). Longer femurs were associated with longer ITB (p < 0.05). The mean distance from the insertion of the GM to the myofascial junction of TFL and ITB was 34.6 mm (F = 34.5 mm, M = 34.6 mm, SD: F = 3.2 mm, M = 3.3 mm). The longer femurs or ITBs demonstrated a greater distance from GM insertion to the myofascial junction of the TFL and ITB (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

ITB grafts longer than 21 cm may contribute to the greater risk of TFL rupture. Based on simple measurements of the femur length, the surgeon may assess approximate ITB length, and thus assess the length of the maximal graft length. Moreover, to avoid harming the LCL, the incision should be performed 5 cm proximal to the articular surface of the lateral femoral condyle or 13 mm proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle. Such preparation and preoperative planning may greatly reduce the risk of complications during ITB harvesting, while performing, for instance, the over‐the‐top technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in skeletally immature patients.

Level of the Study

Basic I.
Nodal Metastases in Stage 3 Head and Neck Melanoma: Patterns of Metastases and Patterns of Failure
Authors: Tzelnick Sharon , de Almeida John R. , Yao Christopher M.K.L. , Kibel Seth , Kuehne Nathan , Grewal Rajan , Butler Marcus O , Saibil Sam , Spreafico Anna , Easson Alexandra , Goldstein David P
Published: June 2024

Objective

Stage 3 patients with clinically positive nodal metastasis are treated with therapeutic neck dissection and adjuvant systemic therapy. The aim of our study was to examined the predictability of pre‐operative CT as a nodal drainage assessment tool.

Methods

Retrospective review of all patients with clinically positive head and neck cutaneous melanoma between 2010 and 2019. Clinical disease was diagnosed as radiological suspicious, biopsy‐proven node. A pre‐operative CT evaluation for nodal metastasis was compared to pathology report.

Results

A total of 53 patients were included. Forty patients (75.5%) were males with a mean age of 59 (SD 15.52). The majority of patients (26.4%) had an unknown primary site. The most common sites for primary were the cheek in eight patients (15.1%) followed by forehead (9.4%) and lateral neck (9.4%). Preoperative CT predicted nodal disease in 84.6% of cases. The primary region that mainly failed from the previously described clinical prediction was the upper anterior neck with 83.3% parotid involvement. A total of 10 patients (18.9%) were diagnosis with non‐clinical nodes on pathology with a median non‐clinical node of 1 (range 1–2). Of them, 9 (90%) were in the same clinical levels detected by CT. Pre‐operative CT was associated with a neck level accuracy of 98.1%.

Conclusion

Stage 3 head and neck melanoma with clinically positive nodal metastasis that are eligible for an adjuvant systemic treatment, may benefit from a highly selective neck dissection according to their pre‐operative imaging studies. This should be further evaluated in a large‐scale clinical trial.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:4292–4297, 2024
The Digital Twin Framework for the Physical Wideband and Long‐Haul Optical Fiber Communication Systems
Authors: Yang Hang , Niu Zekun , Fan Qirui , Li Lyu , Shi Minghui , Zeng Chuyan , Xiao Shilin , Hu Weisheng , Yi Lilin
Published: June 2024

Digital twin (DT) modeling is essential to optical fiber communication systems, particularly for enhancing system performance, controlling the system in real time, and understanding signal nonlinearity. Conventional split‐step Fourier method ‐based simulations, however, struggle with wide‐band transmissions, plagued by increasing complexity and inherent biases due to inconsistent link parameter availability. Addressing these challenges, a hybrid data‐driven and model‐driven DT approach for the wide‐band and long‐haul physical systems with various system effects is developed. The approach utilizes a neural network (NN) to capture fiber nonlinear features as well as biased perturbations as “lumped” stochastic noises while offloading the linear effects to modules described by physical models of link elements. The model, tested in a 30.5‐Tbps 1200 km fiber transmission link with 40 channels, achieves a mean Q factor error of less than 0.1 dB and a maximum runtime of 1.3 s for NN processing under various launch powers, transmission lengths, and optical signal‐to‐noise ratios. Furthermore, the study has implemented a nonlinear compensation algorithm on the DT model, yielding a consistent enhancement in experimental data. The accuracy and adaptability of the DT model underline its suitability for planning, design, and optimization within the physical optical fiber communication systems.
Low‐Migration Compounds with Amine Functionality as Coinitiators of Radical Polymerization
Authors: Chen Hong , Schmitt Michael , Graff Bernadette , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Hahn Christoph , Kelch Hauke , Maletz Reinhard , Willner Alexander , Lalevée Jacques
Published: June 2024

The utilization of two‐component systems comprising camphorquinone (CQ) and aromatic amines has become prevalent in the photopolymerization. However, there are still concerns about the safety of this CQ/amine system, mainly because of the toxicity associated with the leaching of aromatic amines. In light of these concerns, this study aims to develop novel coinitiator combinations featuring CQ and amines which cannot be leached out of materials, enabling free radical polymerization of representative dentalmethacrylate resins under blue light irradiation. This approach involves the initial design and analysis of hydrogen donors with low C─H bond dissociation energy through molecular modeling. Subsequently, copolymerizable methacrylate functional groups are incorporated via chemical modification, allowing it to act as both coinitiator and copolymerization monomer to achieve low migrationand leachability properties. This work presents, for the first time, the synthesis of the innovative coinitiator and compares its performance with the benchmark CQ/ethyl‐4‐dimethylaminobenzoate (EDB)‐based photoinitiation system (PIS). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the newly proposed PIS. Finally, an in‐depth investigation is conducted into the reaction mechanism associated with this PIS through molecular orbital calculations and electron spin resonance studies.
Survival and infection rates of microvascular free flaps in pediatric mandibular reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Ryan S. , Benour Ali , Wong Riff Karen W. Y.
Published: June 2024

Background

Vascularized free tissue transfer has been established as an effective method in the reconstruction of mandibular defects. However, a limited understanding of its efficacy in pediatric patients persists due to its infrequent presentation. The aim of this study is to systematically consolidate the survival and infection rates of free flaps in pediatric mandibular reconstruction.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted on Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies published up to January 2024. We included peer‐reviewed studies reporting on survival and infection outcomes associated with free flap mandibular reconstruction in pediatric patients (<18 years). We performed a random‐effects meta‐analysis with the inverse‐variance weighted approach to estimate survival and infection rates. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2, and publication bias was examined using Egger's test.

Results

A total of 26 studies, reporting on 463 free flaps and 439 pediatric patients with a mean age of 10.7 years, were included in our study. Most free flaps originated from the fibula (n = 392/463, 84.7%) and benign tumors were the most common cause for mandibular reconstruction (n = 179/463, 38.7%). The pooled estimate for survival of flaps was 96% (95% CI: 93–97, I2 = 0%), and recipient‐site infections were estimated to occur in 9% (95% CI: 6–13, I2 = 0%) of cases. The most common reported complications within the study timeframe were early malocclusion (n = 28/123, 21.4%) and bite abnormalities (18/131, 13.7%).

Conclusion

Free tissue transfer for mandibular reconstruction in pediatric patients is effective and safe. Further research is required to explore functionality following mandibular reconstruction in diverse pediatric populations.
3D‐printed high‐gain beam‐switching dielectric transmitarray fed by an integrated lens antenna
Authors: Kumar Vimal , Srivastava Gunjan , Mohan Akhilesh
Published: June 2024

This article presents a high‐gain linearly polarized three‐dimensionally‐printed dielectric transmitarray with an integrated lens antenna (ILA) as a feed source. The proposed transmitarray contains 1336 unit cells of 16 different types with a gradual phase change of 22.5°. The unit cells have a cross‐section of 5.4 × 5.4 mm, and their height varies from 0 to 24.2 mm for different gradual phase changes. The designed transmitarray shows a maximum gain of 19.5 dBi at 28 GHz with a 3‐dB beamwidth of less than 7° in both the E‐ and H‐planes. Furthermore, a holder with seven distinct feed positions has been designed to alter the location of the feed antenna in the focal plane of the transmitarray. The main beam can be switched by exciting these feeds individually. In addition, it has an impedance bandwidth (|S11 | <−10 dB) from 24.5 GHz to 32.5 GHz for all the feed positions. The proposed antenna system is a good candidate for radar, wireless power transmission, and high‐power military applications.
A scattering‐foil free electron beam to increase dose rate for total skin electron therapy (TSET)
Authors: Ding George X. , Chen Zhe (Jay) , Homann Kenneth
Published: June 2024

Background

Electron beams are used at extended distances ranging between 300 to 700 cm to uniformly cover the entirety of the patient's skin for total skin electron therapy (TSET). Even with electron beams utilizing the high dose rate total skin electron (HDTSe) mode from the Varian 23iX or TrueBeam accelerators, the dose rate is only 2500 cGy/min at source‐to‐surface distance (SSD) = 100 cm. At extended distances, the decrease in dose rate leads to long beam delivery times that can limit or even prevent the use of the treatment for patients who, in their weakened condition, may be unable to stand on their own for extended periods of time. Previously, to increase dose rate, a customized 6 MeV electron beam was created by removing the x‐ray target, flattening filter, beam monitor chamber, and so forth. from the beam path (Chen, et at IJROBP 59, 2004) for TSET. Using this scattering‐foil free (SFF) electron beam requires the treatment distance be extended to 700 cm to achieve dose uniformity from the single beam. This room size requirement has limited the widespread use of the 6 MeV‐SFF beam.

Purpose

This study explores an application of a dual‐field technique with a 6 MeV‐SFF beam to provide broad and uniform electron fields to reduce the treatment distances in order to overcome treatment room size limitations.

Methods

The EGSnrc system was used to generate incident beams. Gantry angles between 6 MeV‐SFF dual‐fields were optimized to achieve the similar patient skin dose distribution resulting from a standard 6 MeV‐HDTSe dual‐field configuration. The patient skin dose comparisons were performed based on the patient treatment setup geometries using dose‐volume‐histograms.

Results

Similar dose coverage can be achieved between 6 MeV‐SFF and 6 MeV‐HDTSe beams by reducing gantry angles between dual‐field geometries by 8° and 7° at treatment distances of 400 and 500 cm, respectively. To achieve 95% mean dose to the first 5 mm of skin depth in the torso area, the mean dose to depths of 5–10 mm and 10–15 mm below the skin surface was 74% (74%) and 49% (50%) of the prescribed dose when using 6 MeV‐SFF (6 MeV‐HDTSe) beam, respectively.

Conclusions

The 6 MeV‐SFF electron beam is feasible to provide similar TSET skin dose coverage at SSD ≥ 400 cm using a dual‐field technique. The dose rate of the 6 MeV‐SFF beam is about 4 times that of current available 6 MeV‐HDTSe beams at treatment distances of 400–500 cm, which significantly shortens the treatment beam‐on time and makes TSET available to patients in weakened conditions.
Sodium phenylbutyrate–taurursodiol access, adherence and adverse event in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Experience at one center in the United States
Authors: Mamarabadi Mansoureh , Fafoutis Eleni , Geronimo Andrew , Walsh Susan , Simmons Zachary
Published: June 2024

Introduction/Aims

Sodium phenylbutyrate–taurursodiol (PB‐TURSO) was recently approved for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Third‐party payors' coverage policies are evolving, and adverse events are just being fully assessed. The goals of this study were to evaluate patients' experiences in obtaining and continuing PB‐TURSO and assess adverse events and medication adherence.

Methods

Medical records of 109 ALS patients who were considered PB‐TURSO candidates by the treating physician at a tertiary ALS clinic from October 2022 to May 2023 were reviewed. Data was recorded for demographics, clinical, and insurance information. A survey was e‐mailed to patients asking about out‐of‐pocket expenses for PB‐TURSO, financial assistance, medication start and (if applicable) stop dates, and reasons for discontinuation.

Results

Insurance information was available for 91 patients [57 males (62%); mean age 64.8 years (range 25.7–88)]. Of 79 who applied for insurance approval, 71 (90%) were approved; however, 19 required 1–3 appeals. Among 73 patients with available data about medication status, 54 started PB‐TURSO and 19 did not, most commonly due to personal choice or out‐of‐pocket expenses. About 44% of patients (24/54) stopped taking PB‐TURSO, primarily due to adverse events. Monthly out‐of‐pocket expenses varied from $0 to $3500 and 36 patients qualified for financial assistance. Administrative and nursing staff devoted 7.2 hours/week to the insurance authorization process.

Discussion

Most patients received insurance approval for PB‐TURSO, but one‐fourth required appeals. Some out‐of‐pocket costs were very high. Investment of staff time was substantial. These findings have implications for insurance coverage of, and adherence to, future ALS treatments.
TikTok misinformation and user engagement in female pelvic floor conditions
Authors: Stephan Alicia P. , Hauc Sacha C. , Marks Victoria A. , Bercik Richard , Rickey Leslie
Published: June 2024

Importance

Social media platforms are increasingly utilized to distribute medical information. Our study emphasizes the need for accuracy in pelvic health education on social media and the involvement of female pelvic floor (FPF) specialists in content creation.

Aims

In this cross‐sectional study, we assessed the FPF TikTok videos with the highest engagement for quality of information and misinformation and investigated the relationship between misinformation and user engagement.

Methods

We collected all TikTok videos on the US app with hashtags related to FPF conditions, including 76 on pelvic organ prolapse, 323 on urinary tract infection, 84 on overactive bladder, and 972 on incontinence. The top 20 videos for each FPF condition were selected based on highest engagement, and 74 videos total met inclusion criteria. TikTok videos were scored with the validated DISCERN instrument for quality of consumer health information and a 5‐point Likert scale for misinformation. The correlation between misinformation and user engagement was assessed.

Results

Our analysis revealed positive correlations among higher average misinformation scores and shares (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), likes (r = 0.23, p = 0.004), and overall engagement (r = 0.25, p = 0.002) in FPF TikTok videos as a group, likely driven by the #UTI category. Most TikTok videos (96%) had poor quality of information (DISCERN score < 3), and 18% of TikTok videos contained misinformation.

Conclusion

The poor quality and prevalence of misinformation in FPF‐related TikTok videos with the highest engagement raise concerns about the propagation of nonevidence‐based health information.
Screen‐shooting resistant robust document watermarking in the Discrete Fourier Transform domain
Authors: Zhang Yazhou , Huang Chaoyue , Liu Shaoteng , Huang Leichao , Yang Tianshu , Zhang Xinpeng , Wu Hanzhou
Published: June 2024

Metaverse's augmented reality (AR) function allows virtual information to be seamlessly superimposed onto real scenes through the camera of a head‐mounted device. However, this raises concerns about privacy protection and copyright authentication when transmitting cross‐media information. Additionally, there is a risk of secret information leakage due to screen candid shooting in the real world. Ensuring information security and copyright authentication in case of unauthorized screen capturing is crucial. To prevent information loss and interference from cross‐media transfer between screens and cameras, we implement digital watermarking for copyright protection. We have proposed an innovative framework for automatic document watermarking that can resist screen‐shooting. Our approach involves embedding a ring watermark in the document underlay. On the extraction side, the watermark extraction process is divided into three key steps: automatic location, automatic correction, and automatic extraction. First, the document image is located in the covert photography. Then, perspective correction is performed based on the text line features of the document. Finally, the watermark information is extracted by combining the ring watermark features. Our method is capable of automatically extracting watermarks from covert photography while considering aspects such as concealment, robustness, and visual quality. The watermark is embedded in the document underlay, which ensures good visual quality and does not affect the normal reading and editing. We also propose various embedding strength schemes that can adapt to different usage scenarios, providing resistance to screen‐shooting or screenshot attacks, as well as various noise attacks. Through extensive experiments, we have demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed automated framework and the robustness of the watermarking algorithm, as well as the superiority and broad application prospects of our method.
Research and application of Rayleigh wave imaging based on the Born–Jordan time‐frequency distribution
Authors: Min Xiang , Xuhui Zhang , Xiaoyong Yao , Zhongxiang Jiang
Published: June 2024

Currently, the horizontal resolution of Rayleigh wave exploration is low. In this study, we propose the Born–Jordan time‐frequency distribution to analyse Rayleigh waves. The seismic signal was filtered with a wavelet transform for denoising, and the Rayleigh wave was separated in the time domain. Using the Born–Jordan time‐frequency distribution, the time waveform of each frequency comprising the Rayleigh wave from every seismic channel was obtained, and the time difference of the Rayleigh wave with the same frequency was calculated, based on which the dispersion curve between the two channels was obtained. Combined with the multichannel Rayleigh wave dispersion curve, phase velocity and frequency imaging under the seismic arrangement were obtained. Applying this method to detect abnormal geological bodies in engineering investigations showed that hard geologic bodies, such as comcrete rocks, have high velocity and frequency, whereas weak ones have low velocity and frequency. This strategy facilitated the detection of fractured zones, underground goafs and obstacles during pipe‐jacking construction near the surface.
Polyetherimide nanocomposite with enhanced mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties by incorporating synergistically exfoliated‐chemical functionalization induced hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Ni Ke Yang , Zhao Wei , Bian Jun , Li Xin Kang , Yang Ke Cheng , Jing Si Yi , Wei Cong , Lin Hai Lan , Chen Dai Qiang
Published: June 2024

The present study aims to improve the mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties of polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposite via simplified method, involving the creation of a nanocomposite using PEI incorporated with exfoliated‐chemical functionalization induced hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS). XRD, FTIR and Raman elucidated the chemical structure of functionalized BNNS and indicated the success preparation of functionalized BNNS. Functionalization effectively improved the compatibility of nanocomposites and contributed to the property improvements. Morphological analysis unveiled a compact and dense microstructure within the nanocomposites in correlation with functionalized BNNS. Broad band dielectric spectroscopy revealed excellent dielectric properties of produced PEI nanocomposite. DMA testing verified a noteworthy enhancement in both Tg and storage modulus upon incorporating of BNNS. In summary, this comprehensive investigation highlights the impact of functionalized BNNS on mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties of developed PEI dielectric nanocomposite and is expected to expand the application of PEI in the field of high‐temperature energy storage.

Highlights

Polyetherimide (PEI) was used as polymer matrix and boron nitride derivatives as dielectric fillers to prepare PEI dielectric nanocomposite.

Due to the influences of dielectric properties by interface polarization effect and the local distribution of electric field of the fillers in PEI matrix, the dielectric constant, breakdown strength and energy storage density of PEI nanocomposites were obviously improved compared with pure PEI.

The effects of interfacial interactions between PBNNS and PEI contributes to the uniform dispersion and comprehensive property improvements of PEI dielectric nanocomposites.

This work presents a systematic investigation into the fabrication of PEI/BNNS nanocomposite using a one‐step solution blending method, inspiring the research and development of PEI in the energy storage applications areas in the future.
Impact of single versus multiple dose lithium on renal dysfunction in bipolar patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Harada Hiroyuki , Kato Tadafumi
Published: June 2024

Aim

Bipolar disorder significantly affects social functioning and maintenance treatment is crucial. Lithium is considered as a first‐line maintenance treatment in all treatment guidelines, but careful administration is necessary due to concerns about renal dysfunction caused by its use. Lithium can be administered in divided doses from two to three times a day or once a day. However, it is controversial which regimen, single or multiple dose, should be recommended in light of adverse effects. This study aims to clarify the difference in renal dysfunction due to the number of divided lithium doses using data from the electronic medical record in a retrospective cohort.

Methods

We targeted 72 patients who were prescribed lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder in the Juntendo University Hospital electronic medical record from April 2021 to March 2023. There were 35 cases in the single‐dose group and 37 cases in the multiple‐dose group. The outcome was the change in creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during the observation period. The effect of the regimen was evaluated using multiple regression analysis.

Results

There were no significant differences in the change in creatinine and eGFR between the single‐ and the multiple‐dose group, though renal function measured by creatinine and eGFR significantly worsened depending on the duration of treatment or aging.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in renal dysfunction between the single‐dose group and the multiple‐dose group; thus, considering the expected positive effect on adherence, a once‐daily regimen is recommended in maintenance lithium treatment.
Creating advanced photonics AI assistants
Authors: Tepper Erez , Suchowski Haim
Published: June 2024

The AI assistants that have emerged in the past couple of years open up new domains of knowledge, allowing us to be educated and guided in many new and versatile domains. However, for domain experts such as optical designers, scientists, and photonics engineers, they often have limitations in their information accuracy and scope. 3DOptix has developed a dynamic approach to overcome these limitations that enables the creation of a proficient optical design copilot. This copilot assists experts in every step of the design process, including conducting precise calculations, searching for components, and simulating actions.
A Novel and Economical Approach for the Fusarium Oxysporum Mediated Myco‐Synthesis of Mesoporous Floral‐Shaped Silica Nanoparticles from Coal Fly Ash Waste
Authors: Yadav Virendra Kumar , Choudhary Nisha , Ali Daoud , Alarifi Saud , Dwivedi Vinay , Patel Ashish , Fulekar M. H.
Published: June 2024

Nanotechnological applications involving the fabrication of potential nanomaterials and novel strategies for mitigation of contaminants have helped a lot in environmental cleanup. The chemical route for silica nanoparticle (NPs) synthesis using tetra ethyl oxy silicone and tetramethyl oxy silicone is expensive and energy intensive. Silica NPs synthesis from coal fly ash waste could prove to be economical. In this study, the investigators have used coal fly ash for silica NPs synthesis via a noble and economical approach. This biosynthetic approach involved two steps: (1) extraction of crude sodium silicate by using alkali treatment of fly ash and (2) the addition of crude sodium silicate to the supernatant of Fusarium oxysporum for fabrication of silica NPs. The developed silica NPs are analyzed by the analytical instruments where the microscopic techniques revealed 10–50 nm‐sized floral‐shaped mycogenic silica NPs. The X‐ray diffraction revealed the amorphous nature of the silica NPs with a broad spectrum starting from 8º and ending at 23º having centered at 13.1°. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, in region 400–1200 cm−1, exhibited three distinguishing bands for silica NPs. The current study reports a novel and effective method for the development of silica NPs with a high yield and purity of about 95%.