bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Bioequivalence for Avapritinib Tablets in Chinese Participants Under Fasting Conditions Using a Reference‐Scaled Average Bioequivalence Method
Authors: Yue Zenglian , Wang Yin , Li Zeng , Jin Tao , Sheng Yucheng
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to assess the bioequivalence of 2 avapritinib tablets formulations. A randomized, open‐label, single‐center trial was conducted on fasting, healthy Chinese participants. The study utilized a partial replicated design with 3 sequences and 3 periods. Participants were assigned to 1 of 3 sequences, with each sequence receiving the reference formulation twice and the test formulation once. Plasma samples were collected and analyzed to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. The bioequivalence of the 2 avapritinib formulations was assessed using reference‐scaled average bioequivalence for the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the average bioequivalence analysis for the area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC). Out of 39 participants, 38 completed the study. For Cmax, the 1‐sided 95% upper confidence interval (CI) bound from the scaled approach was −0.035 (<0) and the point estimate value was 0.958, falling inside the acceptance range of 0.8‐1.25. For both the AUC over all concentrations measured (AUC0‐t) and the AUC from time 0 to infinity (AUC0‐inf), the 90% CIs of geometric mean ratios (0.87‐1.01) also met the bioequivalence criteria of 0.8‐1.25. Consequently, the study demonstrated that the 2 avapritinib formulations were bioequivalent under fasting conditions.
MH‐ARO: Meta‐heuristic based adaptive routing for large scale opportunistic networks
Authors: Chaurasia Soni , Kumar Kamal
Published: March 2024

In wireless sensor networks, sensor nodes (SNs) are placed throughout a wide area and gather information from the surroundings. SN used to detect and send data consumes a lot of energy and dies instantly, which causes network overhead issues. Due to network overhead, network faults occur and do not cover a significant region for data transmission. A meta‐heuristic‐based adaptive routing for large‐scale opportunistic networks (MH‐ARO) is proposed in this work to overcome these problems. The network exploits the dragonfly approach (DA) with opportunistic routing in this protocol. The DA is based on local and global search (GS) optimization. In local search (LS), each node assigns/uses a rank for data transmission and selects the forwarder node after applying the decision level matrix in a single group. In GS, an opportunistic network has multiple groups. Each group sends optimal data to the next group. Each group assigns a relay ranking based on the forwarder node's highest rank. The BS receives critical data from the relay and increases the survival of the node. Based on LS and GS, MH‐ARO is categorized into two parts: (1) optimal forwarder opt (OFO) and (2) optimal route selection (ORS). In OFO, forwarder node selection is based on the following factors: relay ranking, node density, group ranking, residual energy, forwarder distance, and relay distance. ORS follows the adaptive routing and sends the data to BS using the best optimal route. The BS receives critical data without network failure and increases the survival of the node. The maximum active node participates in the network and consumes less energy so that a node covers a large region for communication. Comparing MH‐ARO's performance to competing routing protocols, key performance indicators such as PDR, MSR, alive node, survivability, AEC, AD, and throughput are examined. The results demonstrate that the MH‐ARO performs noticeably better than its rivals regarding energy efficiency.
XPS Analysis of FexNiyPS3 vdW Materials Used in the Hydrogen Evolution Processes
Authors: Guo Yefei , Cai Guopu , Zhou Junhao , Yang Jiali , Voloshina Elena , Dedkov Yuriy
Published: March 2024

In response to the global demand for sustainable energy solutions, the quest for stable and cost‐effective hydrogen production has garnered significant attention in recent decades. Here, the emergence of layered metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MPX3, M: transition metal, X: chalcogen) materials and their two‐dimensional counterparts with customizable composition and electronic structure holds great promise for such purposes. In the present study, we successfully synthesized large‐scale and high‐quality FePS3, NiPS3, and an alloyed counterpart, Fe0.5Ni0.5PS3. Subsequent systematic investigations were conducted to probe their respective electronic structures and assess their hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) properties. Remarkably, our results unveiled the successful modulation of the bandgap for FexNiyPS3, ultimately bestowing it with the most favorable HER performance for Fe0.5Ni0.5PS3 when compared to the other two samples. Furthermore, our exploration into the evolution of the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra demonstrated that the charge conversions of metal cations play a pivotal role in the HER reactions. This critical insight further enriches our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms governing the performance of the prepared layered MPX3‐based electrocatalysts, thus facilitating a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the pre‐ and post‐HER reactions. This work not only sheds light on the intricate interplay between composition, electronic structure, and catalytic performance in the realm of novel electrocatalysts, but also contributes to the broader scientific community's pursuit of sustainable and efficient hydrogen production.
An ultra low‐power double‐node‐upsets hardened latch design
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Xie Yuqiao , Liang Jingfeng , Bi Dawei , Hu Zhiyuan , Zhang Zhengxuan
Published: March 2024

In this paper, a novel low‐cost, double‐node upset (DNU) tolerant latch aiming at nourishing the lack of these devices in the state of the art was presented, especially featuring high reliability while maintaining a low‐cost profile. The proposed latch is based on a low‐cost single event double‐node upset tolerant latch and also provides self‐recoverability against double‐node‐upsets. The latch uses clock‐controlled DICE (Dual‐interlocked storage cell) cell and CE(C‐Elements) cell to tolerate double‐node‐upsets fully. The Simulation waveforms and analysis results show that the proposed latch can maintain the correct output in any case of DNU. In addition, under the premise of high radiation tolerance, the minimum improvement of the area‐power‐delay product (APDP) of the proposed low‐power double‐node‐upsets hardened latch (LPDHL) is 16.60%, compared with the latest DNU tolerant latch on the literature.
SGLT2 inhibition and three urological cancers: Up‐to‐date results
Authors: Lin Lede , Ning Kang , Xiang Liyuan , Peng Liao , Li Xiang
Published: March 2024

Objective

To identify the causal role of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition on three urological cancers.

Methods

Six single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the expression level of SLC5A2, a proxy for SGLT2 inhibition, from a recent publication were extracted. Three common urological cancers, including bladder cancer, prostate cancer and kidney cancer, were analysed. The main cohort of bladder cancer was derived from UK Biobank (1279 cases and 372,016 controls). The prostate cancer cohort was from the Prostate Cancer Association Group to Investigate Cancer Associated Alterations in the Genome (PRACTICAL) consortium (79,148 cases and 61,106 controls). The kidney cancer phenotype was from the UK Biobank cohort of 463,010 individuals (1114 cases and 461,896 controls). Primary and sensitivity analysis were performed to validate the results. In vitro analysis was also incorporated to validate the Mendelian randomisation results.

Results

In primary analysis, SGLT2 inhibition was associated with reduced risk of bladder cancer (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99) per unit lowering of HbA1c level. A protective association was also observed for prostate cancer with odds ratio = 0.31 (95% CI = 0.21–0.47). However, we did not discover a causal relationship between SGLT2 inhibition and kidney cancer (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.99–1.00). Sensitivity analysis and in vitro validation did not support the causal role of SGLT2 inhibition in increasing cancer risk.

Conclusions

We did not find any evidence that SGLT2 inhibition could increase the risk of the three cancers. Even in some analysis, SGLT2 inhibition tended to show protective effects on the three urological cancers.
Population genomic evidence of structured and connected Plasmodium vivax populations under host selection in Latin America
Authors: Kattenberg Johanna Helena , Monsieurs Pieter , De Meyer Julie , De Meulenaere Katlijn , Sauve Erin , de Oliveira Thaís C. , Ferreira Marcelo U. , Gamboa Dionicia , Rosanas‐Urgell Anna
Published: March 2024

Pathogen genomic epidemiology has the potential to provide a deep understanding of population dynamics, facilitating strategic planning of interventions, monitoring their impact, and enabling timely responses, and thereby supporting control and elimination efforts of parasitic tropical diseases. Plasmodium vivax, responsible for most malaria cases outside Africa, shows high genetic diversity at the population level, driven by factors like sub‐patent infections, a hidden reservoir of hypnozoites, and early transmission to mosquitoes. While Latin America has made significant progress in controlling Plasmodium falciparum, it faces challenges with residual P. vivax. To characterize genetic diversity and population structure and dynamics, we have analyzed the largest collection of P. vivax genomes to date, including 1474 high‐quality genomes from 31 countries across Asia, Africa, Oceania, and America. While P. vivax shows high genetic diversity globally, Latin American isolates form a distinctive population, which is further divided into sub‐populations and occasional clonal pockets. Genetic diversity within the continent was associated with the intensity of transmission. Population differentiation exists between Central America and the North Coast of South America, vs. the Amazon Basin, with significant gene flow within the Amazon Basin, but limited connectivity between the Northwest Coast and the Amazon Basin. Shared genomic regions in these parasite populations indicate adaptive evolution, particularly in genes related to DNA replication, RNA processing, invasion, and motility – crucial for the parasite's survival in diverse environments. Understanding these population‐level adaptations is crucial for effective control efforts, offering insights into potential mechanisms behind drug resistance, immune evasion, and transmission dynamics.
Bioenergetic modelling of a marine top predator's responses to changes in prey structure
Authors: Silva Mariana P. , Oliveira Cláudia , Prieto Rui , Silva Mónica A. , New Leslie , Pérez‐Jorge Sergi
Published: March 2024

Determining how animals allocate energy, and how external factors influence this allocation, is crucial to understand species' life history requirements and response to disturbance. This response is driven in part by individuals' energy balance, prey characteristics, foraging behaviour and energy required for essential functions. We developed a bioenergetic model to estimate minimum foraging success rate (FSR), that is, the lowest possible prey capture rate for individuals to obtain the minimum energy intake needed to meet daily metabolic requirements, for female sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). The model was based on whales' theoretical energetic requirements using foraging and prey characteristics from animal‐borne tags and stomach contents, respectively. We used this model to simulate two prey structure change scenarios: (1) decrease in mean prey size, thus lower prey energy content and (2) decrease in prey size variability, reducing the variability in prey energy content. We estimate the whales need minimum of ~14% FSR to meet their energetic requirements, and energy intake is more sensitive to energy content changes than a decrease in energy variability. To estimate vulnerability to prey structure changes, we evaluated the compensation level required to meet bioenergetic demands. Considering a minimum 14% FSR, whales would need to increase energy intake by 21% (5–35%) and 49% (27–67%) to compensate for a 15% and 30% decrease in energy content, respectively. For a 30% and 50% decrease in energy variability, whales would need to increase energy intake by 13% (0–23%) and 24% (10–35%) to meet energetic demands, respectively. Our model demonstrates how foraging and prey characteristics can be used to estimate impact of changing prey structure in top predator energetics, which can help inform bottom‐up effects on marine ecosystems. We showed the importance of considering different FSR in bioenergetics models, as it can have decisive implications on estimates of energy acquired and affect the conclusions about top predator's vulnerability to possible environmental fluctuations.
Environmental heterogeneity influences liana community differentiation across a Neotropical rainforest landscape
Authors: Ek‐Rodríguez Iván Leonardo , Meave Jorge A. , Navarrete‐Segueda Armando , González‐Arqueros M. Lourdes , Ibarra‐Manríquez Guillermo
Published: March 2024

We examined the variation in liana community composition and structure across geopedological land units to test the hypothesis that environmental heterogeneity is a driving force in liana community assembly. The study site was the Los Tuxtlas Tropical Biology Station, SE Mexico, a reserve that encompasses 640 ha of tropical rainforest. We sampled all lianas with basal diameter ≥1 cm in three 0.5‐ha plots established in each of five land units (totaling 15 plots and 7.5 ha). We censused 6055 individuals and 110 species. Overall, the most speciose families were also the most abundant ones. Density and basal area of some dominant liana species differed among land units, and a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and a non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordination (NMDS) revealed differences in the presence, density, and basal area of liana species across the landscape. Liana composition and structure were highly heterogeneous among land units, suggesting that variations in soil water availability and relief are key drivers of liana community spatial differentiation. By showing that soil and topography play an important role at the landscape scale, we underscore the ecological relevance of environmental heterogeneity for liana community assembly. In the future, as our ability to assess the local environmental complexity increases, we will gain a better understanding of the liana community assembly process and their heterogeneous distribution in tropical forests.
Climate‐driven mitochondrial selection in lacertid lizards
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Chen Jian , Luo Hong‐Yu , Chen Xin , Zhong Jun , Ji Xiang
Published: March 2024

The mitochondrion, which is an intracellular organelle responsible for most of the energy‐producing pathways, can have its genome targeted for climate‐driven selection. However, climate‐driven mitochondrial selection remains a sparsely studied area in reptiles. Here, we reported the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of a lacertid lizard (Takydromus intermedius) and used mitogenomes from 54 species of lacertid lizards to study their phylogenetic relationships and to identify the mitochondrial genes under positive selection by climate. The length of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of T. intermedius was 17,713 bp, which was within the range of lengths (17,224–18,943) ever reported for Takydromus species. The arrangement of mitochondrial genes in T. intermedius was the same as in other congeneric species. The 54 lacertid species could be divided into three geographically and climatically different clades. We identified three mitochondrial genes (ATP6, ATP8, and ND3) under positive selection by climate, and found that isothermality, temperature seasonality, precipitation of wettest month, and precipitation seasonality were the most important climatic variables contributing to the gene selection.
Dispersing across habitat boundaries: Uncovering the demographic fates of populations in unsuitable habitat
Authors: Szojka Megan C. , Germain Rachel M.
Published: March 2024

Patchy landscapes are characterized by abrupt transitions between habitats, forcing species to cross habitat boundaries in order to spread. Although individuals that disperse into unsuitable habitat are often presumed dead in population models, reality may be more nuanced. If survival within an unsuitable habitat is possible (however transiently), then through time, individuals may be able to reach distant, suitable habitat. In this study, conducted with annual plant species in a fragmented Californian grassland, we examined the fate of habitat specialists moving between serpentine patches and an invaded nonserpentine matrix. First, we tested whether habitat specialists use seed dormancy to transiently survive beyond the habitat boundary. We found that dormancy maintained populations of patch specialists deep into the matrix—these patterns were not observed for matrix specialists in serpentine patches. Seeds of patch specialists that lacked morphologies for assisted dispersal accumulated downslope of patches, suggesting that even the most dispersal‐limited species could eventually reach suitable patches even if they first land in the matrix. Second, because an invasive matrix specialist (Avena fatua) is highly abundant, we were interested in determining whether seeds spilled into serpentine patches were strong enough to maintain sink populations. We found that A. fatua was largely absent deep in patches, where the components of fitness plummeted and there was no evidence of a dormant seedbank (in contrast to a sizable seedbank of patch specialists in the matrix). Our results suggest that the demographic fates of individuals that land in unsuitable habitat depend on the direction by which the boundary is crossed (patch ➝ matrix ≠ matrix ➝ patch), with different ecological consequences for species in each habitat type. Dormancy is often understood as a mechanism for persisting in the face of temporal variability but may serve as a means of traversing unsuitable habitat in patchy systems, warranting its consideration in estimates of habitat connectivity.
Exploring the Reactivity of Melanins as Photocatalysts for Reductive Dehalogenations
Authors: Capucciati Andrea , Foli Valentina , Lioniello Pasquale , Alfieri Maria Laura , Cassera Elena , Merli Daniele , Manini Paola , Ravelli Davide
Published: March 2024

Four melanin polymers prepared from different precursors (5,6‐dihydroxyindole, 5,6‐dihydroxyindole 2‐carboxylic acid, 1,8‐dihydroxynaphthalene and dopamine) have been adopted as photocatalysts in the reductive dehalogenation of a series of model α‐halogen carbonyl derivatives. The best performing melanin was that obtained from 5,6‐dihydroxyindole 2‐carboxylic acid, which allowed to dehalogenate efficiently both bromomalonate esters and phenacyl bromide; on the other hand, chloromalonate esters were almost unreactive under the same reaction conditions. Electrochemical and control experiments enabled to elucidate the reaction mechanism, demonstrating the key role of electrons as charge carriers in the observed photocatalytic process.
Building sustainable capacity for better access to diabetes care in low‐resource settings: A critical review of global efforts and integrated strategies
Authors: Lamptey Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

The alarming state of global insulin access in low‐resource settings presents a major barrier to diabetes care. A comprehensive review of these challenges is lacking at the global level. To address this weakness, enhance affordability and build capacity for a more sustainable approach to scaling up access. This review analyzes the specific issue of inconsistent access to insulin in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Using this analysis, we mapped the scope and intensity of issues such as the unaffordability and unavailability of insulin. We also identified six innovative and integrative strategies for increasing and securing accessibility in the areas of policy making, marketing, clinical practice, health education, domestication, and multisectoral approaches.
Three‐year survival of breast cancer patients attending a one‐stop breast care clinic nested within a primary care health facility in sub‐Saharan Africa‐Zambia
Authors: Songiso Mutumba , Nuñez Olivier , Cabanes Anna , Mutale Mpimpa , Munalula Jabulani , Pupwe George , Henry‐Tillman Ronda , Parham Groesbeck P.
Published: March 2024

In Zambia, women with breast symptoms travel through multiple levels of the healthcare system before obtaining a definitive diagnosis. To eradicate this critical barrier to care, we nested a novel breast specialty service platform inside a large public‐sector primary healthcare facility in Lusaka, Zambia to offer clinical breast examination, breast ultrasound, and ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsy in a one‐stop format, tightly linked to referral for treatment. The objective of the study was to determine the life expectancy and survival outcomes of a prospective cohort of women diagnosed with breast cancer who were attended to and followed up at the clinic. The effect of breast cancer stage on prognosis was determined by estimating stage‐specific crude survival using the Kaplan–Meier method. Survival analysis was used to estimate mean lifespan according to age and stage at diagnosis. We enrolled 302 women with histologically confirmed breast cancer. The overall 3‐year survival was 73%. An increase in patients presenting with early breast cancer and improvements in their survival were observed. Women with early‐stage breast cancer had a lifespan similar to the general population, while loss of life expectancy was significant at more advanced stages of disease. Our findings suggest that implementing efficient breast care services at the primary care level can avert a substantial proportion of breast cancer‐related deaths. The mitigating factor appears to be stage of disease at the time of diagnosis, the cause of which is multifactorial, with the most influential being delays in the referral process.
How have US colorectal cancer mortality trends changed in the past 20 years?
Authors: Tan Jia Yi , Yeo Yong‐Hao , Ng Wern Lynn , Fong Zhi Ven , Brady Justin T.
Published: March 2024

In the last two decades, colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality has been decreasing in the United States. However, the mortality trends for the different subtypes of CRC, including different sides of colon, rectosigmoid, and rectal cancer remain unclear. We analyzed the mortality trends of different subtypes of CRC based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research data from 1999 to 2020. We calculated age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 individuals and examined the trends over time by estimating the average annual percent change (AAPC) using the Joinpoint Regression Program. Our study shows that the overall CRC rates decreased significantly from 26.42 to 15.98 per 100,000 individuals, with an AAPC of −2.41. However, the AAMR of rectosigmoid cancer increased significantly from 0.82 to 1.08 per 100,000 individuals, with the AAPC of +1.10. Men and Black individuals had the highest AAMRs respectively (23.90 vs. 26.93 per 100,000 individuals). The overall AAMR of CRC decreased for those aged ≥50 years but increased significantly from 1.02 to 1.58 per 100,000 individuals for those aged 15–49 years, with an AAPC of +0.75. Rural populations had a higher AAMR than the urban populations (22.40 vs. 19.60 per 100,000 individuals). Although overall CRC mortality declined, rising trends in young‐onset CRC and rectosigmoid cancer warrant attention. Disparities persist in terms of sex, race, and geographic region, and urbanization level, emphasizing the need for targeted public health measures.
Effect of Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Fenfluramine and Norfenfluramine
Authors: Mittur Aravind , Madanick Ryan , Langlois Melanie , Boyd Brooks
Published: March 2024

Fenfluramine (Fintepla®) is approved for the treatment of seizures associated with the rare epileptic encephalopathies Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. Fenfluramine is extensively metabolized; thus, patients with hepatic impairment (HI) might experience changes in exposure to fenfluramine or its metabolites. In this phase 1 study, we investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of a single oral dose of 0.35 mg/kg fenfluramine in subjects with mild (n = 8), moderate (n = 8), or severe (n = 7) HI (Child–Pugh A/B/C, respectively) and healthy control subjects (n = 22) matched for sex, age, and BMI. All subjects underwent serial sampling to determine total plasma concentrations of fenfluramine and its active metabolite, norfenfluramine. Hepatic impairment was associated with increases in fenfluramine exposures, mainly area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC). Geometric least squares mean ratios (90% confidence intervals) for fenfluramine AUC0‐∞ in mild, moderate, and severe HI versus healthy controls were 1.98 (1.36–2.90), 2.13 (1.43–3.17), and 2.77 (1.82–4.24), respectively. Changes in exposure to norfenfluramine in mild, moderate, and severe HI were minimal compared with normal hepatic function. Exposures to fenfluramine and norfenfluramine in all HI groups were within the ranges that have been characterized in the overall development program, including ranges examined in exposure–response relationships for efficacy and safety in patients, and determined to have an acceptable safety profile. Mild and moderate HI had a modest effect on fenfluramine exposure that was not clinically meaningful, whereas the higher fenfluramine exposure in severe HI may require dose reduction based on general caution in this population. The modest decrease in norfenfluramine exposure is not considered clinically relevant.
Quantitative 1H Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Normal and Pathologic Rat Bones by Solid‐State 1H ZTE Sequence with Water and Fat Suppression
Authors: Kassey Víctor B. , Walle Matthias , Egan Jonathan , Yeritsyan Diana , Beeram Indeevar , Kassey Sharon P. , Wu Yaotang , Snyder Brian D. , Rodriguez Edward K. , Ackerman Jerome L. , Nazarian Ara
Published: March 2024

Background

Osteoporosis (OP) and osteomalacia (OM) are metabolic bone diseases characterized by mineral and matrix density changes. Quantitative bone matrix density differentiates OM from OP. MRI is a noninvasive and nonionizing imaging technique that can measure bone matrix density quantitatively in ex vivo and in vivo.

Purpose

To demonstrate water + fat suppressed 1H MRI to compute bone matrix density in ex vivo rat femurs in the preclinical model.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

Fifteen skeletally mature female Sprague–Dawley rats, five per group (normal, ovariectomized (OVX), partially nephrectomized/vitamin D (Vit‐D) deficient), 250–275 g, ∼15 weeks old.

Field Strength/Sequence

7T, zero echo time sequence with water + fat (VAPOR) suppression capability, μCT imaging, and gravimetric measurements.

Assessment

Cortical and trabecular bone segments from normal and disease models were scanned in the same coil along with a dual calibration phantom for quantitative assessment of bone matrix density.

Statistical Tests

ANOVA and linear regression were used for data analysis, with P‐values <0.05 statistically significant.

Results

The MRI‐derived three‐density PEG pellet densities have a strong linear relationship with physical density measures (r2 = 0.99). The Vit‐D group had the lowest bone matrix density for cortical bone (0.47 ± 0.16 g cm−3), whereas the OVX had the lowest bone matrix density for trabecular bone (0.26 ± 0.04 g cm−3). Gravimetry results confirmed these MRI‐based observations for Vit‐D cortical (0.51 ± 0.07 g cm−3) and OVX trabecular (0.26 ± 0.03 g cm−3) bone groups.

Data Conclusion

Rat femur images were obtained using a modified pulse sequence and a custom‐designed double‐tuned (1H/31P) transmit‐receive solenoid‐coil on a 7T preclinical MRI scanner. Phantom experiments confirmed a strong linear relation between MRI‐derived and physical density measures and quantitative bone matrix densities in rat femurs from normal, OVX, and Vit‐D deficient/partially nephrectomized animals were computed.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
No evidence of association between either Modic change or disc degeneration and five circulating inflammatory proteins
Authors: Compte Roger , Freidin Maxim B. , Granville Smith Isabelle , Le Maitre Christine L. , Vaitkute Dovile , Nessa Ayrun , Lachance Genevieve , Williams Frances M. K.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Intervertebral disc degeneration and Modic change are the main spinal structural changes associated with chronic low back pain (LBP). Both conditions are thought to manifest local inflammation and if inflammatory proteins translocate to the blood circulation could be detected systemically. The work here assesses whether the presence of disc degeneration is associated with detectable blood level changes of five inflammatory markers and whether chronic LBP is associated with these changes.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and forty TwinsUK cohort participants with both MRI disc degeneration grade and Modic change extent, and IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐8 TNF, and CX3CL1 protein blood concentration measurements were included in this work. Linear mixed effects models were used to test the association of blood cytokine concentration with disc degeneration score and Modic change volumetric score. Association of chronic LBP status from questionnaires with disc degeneration, Modic change, and cytokine blood concentration was also tested.

Results

No statistically significant association between disc degeneration or Modic change with cytokine blood concentration was found. Instead, regression analysis pointed strong association between cytokine blood concentration with body mass index for IL‐6 and with age for IL‐6 and TNF. Mild association was found between IL‐8 blood concentration and body mass index. Additionally, LBP status was associated with Modic change volumetric score but not associated with any cytokine concentration.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that Modic change and disc degeneration are able to produce changes in tested blood cytokine concentration. However, age and body mass index have strong influence on cytokine concentration and both are associated with the conditions studied which may confound associations found in the literature. It is then unlikely that cytokines produced in the disc or vertebral bone marrow induce chronic LBP.
Effects of groundwater level decline on soil‐vegetation system in semiarid grassland influenced by coal mining
Authors: Feng Haibo , Duan Ying , Zhou Jianwei , Su Danhui , Li Ran , Xiong Ruimin
Published: March 2024

Although it is well known that groundwater significantly influences the plant communities, there have been few studies on how the soil and plant communities respond to a rapid decline of groundwater in a short time affected by coal mining. This paper focuses on the examination of changes in groundwater depth before and after coal mining and the soil‐vegetation response in a typical semi‐arid grassland coal mine area of Hulunbuir Steppe, Northeastern China. The IsoSource model, based on the dual stable isotopes of δ D and δ18O, was employed to estimate groundwater contributions to shallow soil (0–100 cm) water under different groundwater depths. The results revealed that groundwater was the dominant water source (75.7% ± 17.1%) for shallow soil water when the groundwater depth is less than 4 m, indicating that 4 m is a threshold in groundwater depth, separating groundwater‐dependent, and precipitation‐driven vegetation system in the study area. Secondly, a strong nonlinear response was observed between vegetation species, height, coverage, and the decline in groundwater. The vegetation properties were found to be the lowest in the areas where groundwater depth increased from 1.5–4 m to 4–28 m before and after coal mining. Finally, the groundwater level decline in the mining area significantly influenced the groundwater‐dependent vegetation ecosystem, the soil cation exchange capacity and organic matter reduced lead to the degradation of plant communities and the transition of mesophytes to xerophytes. Besides, the soil‐vegetation system in the non‐groundwater‐dependent area has no obvious response to the groundwater decline. These results suggest that caution should be exercised when mining in groundwater‐dependent ecosystem regions.
Above‐ground biomass retrieval with multi‐source data: Prediction and applicability analysis in Eastern Mongolia
Authors: Ji Shuxin , Dashpurev Batnyambuu , Phan Thanh Noi , Dorj Munkhtsetseg , Jäschke Yun , Lehnert Lukas
Published: March 2024

Grassland aboveground biomass (AGB) is a key variable to measure grassland productivity, and accurate assessment of AGB is important for optimizing grassland resource management and understanding carbon, water, and energy fluxes. Current approaches on large scales such as the Mongolian Steppe Ecosystem often combine field measurements with optical and/or synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. Meanwhile, especially the representativeness of the field measurements for large‐scale analysis have seldom been accounted for. Therefore, we provide the first remotely sensed AGB product for central and Eastern Mongolia which (1) uses random forest (RF), (2) is fully validated against over 600 field samples, and (3) applies a novel method, dissimilarity index (DI), to derive the area of applicability of the model with respect to the training data. Therefore, different remote sensing data sources such as multi‐scale and multi‐temporal optical images—Worldview 2 (WV2), Sentinel 2 (S2), and Landsat 8 (L8) in combination with SAR data are tested for their suitability to provide an area‐wide estimation on large scale. The results showed that the AGB prediction by combining Sentinel 1 (S1) and S2 using RF had the highest accuracy. Furthermore, the model was applicable to at least 72.61% of the steppe area. Areas where the model was not applicable are mostly distributed along the edges of grassland. This study demonstrates the potential of combining Sentinel‐derived indices and machine learning to provide a reliable AGB prediction for grassland for extremely large ecosystems with strong climatic gradients.
Measurements of the inherent optical properties of aqueous suspensions of microplastics
Authors: Koestner Daniel , Foster Robert , El‐Habashi Ahmed , Cheatham Shea
Published: March 2024

Libraries of inherent optical properties (IOPs) of microplastics are sparse, yet they are essential for the development of optical techniques to detect and quantify microplastics in the ocean. In this study, we describe our results and technique for the measurement of the IOPs of microplastic suspensions generated from commonly utilized plastics. The measurements included angle‐resolved polarized light scattering, and spectral absorption and beam attenuation coefficients. We also performed ancillary characterization of particle properties, including size distribution, shape, and mass concentration of suspended matter. We observed several unique optical characteristics regarding absorption, scattering, and polarization properties compared with typical marine particle assemblages. We show that these results are useful for radiative transfer simulations as well as the potential development of novel plastic detection techniques from above‐ or in‐water optical measurements.
3D‐printed intrinsically stretchable room‐temperature‐curable electrodes
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Chen Guoliang , Fei Zekai , Ou Xingcheng , Li Ziqian , Guo Shuang‐Zhuang
Published: March 2024

3D printing technology has driven the development of flexible and stretchable electronic devices. In this field, silver‐based silicone rubber composites have emerged as promising materials due to their commendable conductivity, stretchability, and printability. However, the manufacturing of stretchable silver electrode materials at room temperature faced significant challenges, including intricate ink preparation methods, phase separation requiring high‐temperature annealing, and subpar conductivity. To address these issues, SP‐RTV ink was developed by mechanically blending room‐temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV) with commercial conductive silver paste (SP). Subsequently, the 3D‐printed SP‐RTV electrodes were both stretchable and curable at room temperature, demonstrating excellent conductivity across various substrates. By optimizing the ink ratio, we achieved outstanding electrical conductivity of 5.17 × 105 S/m for the SP‐RTV electrode comprising 90 wt% silver paste. Moreover, the SP‐RTV electrodes containing 70 wt% silver paste exhibited excellent stretchability of 110% along with a gauge factor of 14.87, making them suitable for detecting finger and wrist movements. Additionally, the 80 wt% SP‐RTV maintained stable relative resistance changes during stretching, positioning it aptly for intrinsic stretchable organic electrochemical transistor applications. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the room‐temperature manufacturing of flexible electrodes, paving the way for advancements in this burgeoning field.
Job satisfaction among physiotherapists working as an academician in Gujarat—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Choksi Khushali , Patel Jagruti , Solanki Shivkumar
Published: March 2024

Context

Job satisfaction is an integral part of an individual's Professional life. It denotes to the worker's perception of their workplace settings, relationships among fellows, salary as well as endorsement opportunities.

Aim

To determine job satisfaction among physiotherapists working as academicians in Gujarat, India.

Study design

A Cross‐Sectional Study.

Methods and Material

A self‐administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was developed on Google Forms and consisted of 15 closed questions, equally distributed on job and career satisfaction, eight of which focused on job satisfaction, and seven on career satisfaction. The socio‐demographic factor and work related factor questions were also added to the questionnaire. A total of 102 responses were received and recorded on an Excel spreadsheet for further data analysis.

Statistical analysis used

Descriptive analysis and Chi‐square test were performed using SPSS.

Results

The respondents from different colleges working in government or private colleges, different age groups, marital status and having children or no children and different years of job experience showed non‐significant differences in the job satisfaction (p value > 0.05). There was a significant difference in gender and salary the respondents received (p value < 0.05). The study revealed that from a total of 26 (100%) male participants, 10 (38.5%) male participants were satisfied and 16 (61.5%) male were dissatisfied, whereas from a total of 76 (100%) female participants, 58 (76.3) female were satisfied and 18 (23.7%) female were dissatisfied.

Conclusion

Majority of physiotherapists in the current study were satisfied with their job and career, but different factors need to be considered in order to gain high satisfaction in different factors of job satisfaction. The study also concluded major dissatisfaction in salary. Recognition in the society and research opportunities in India.
Gain Characteristics of Optically Pumped UVC Lasers with Wide AlGaN Single‐Quantum‐Well Active Regions
Authors: Cardinali Giulia , Kölle Sebastian , Schulz Alexander , Susilo Norman , Hauer Vidal Daniel , Guttmann Martin , Blonski Markus A. , Römer Friedhard , Witzigmann Bernd , Nippert Felix , Wagner Markus R. , Wernicke Tim , Kneissl Michael
Published: March 2024

Herein, the lasing threshold and gain characteristics of ultraviolet‐C optically pumped edge‐emitting lasers with thick single‐quantum‐well (SQW) active regions are investigated by the variable‐stripe length method. Positive net modal gain is observed in lasers with AlGaN‐based SQWs with thicknesses up to 12 nm. The lasers show a reduction of the threshold power density with increasing SQW thickness, with the lowest threshold of 1.3 MW cm−2 achieved for a 9 nm SQW laser. The high gain and low threshold in lasers with thick quantum wells are attributed to lasing from excited states, where the polarization fields are screened by the carriers in the fundamental state and the barriers, thus recovering larger electron and hole wavefunctions overlap. These findings are supported by k · p simulations, and for a 9 nm SQW, the calculation predicts a contribution of the fundamental transition to the gain of 75% for non‐resonant optical excitation and below 1% for resonant optical or electrical excitation.
Giant bullous emphysema successfully treated with percutaneous drainage followed by resection: A case complicated by lung cancer diagnosed by intraoperative biopsy
Authors: Hasegawa Sachie , Yokoyama Mako , Inui Toshihide , Ishikawa Hiroaki , Watanabe Hiroko , Kimura Masaki , Yoshida Susumu , Sakamoto Tohru
Published: March 2024

We present a case of bilateral giant bullous emphysema (GBE) with rapidly progressive dyspnea. The dyspnea was thought to be due to tension bullae caused by the check valve mechanism in COVID‐19 bronchitis. Multiple nodules were also detected on both sides of the lung. As the patient had poor pulmonary reserve for surgical bullectomy, we first performed percutaneous intracavitary drainage. Prior to this procedure, we placed a chest tube in the thoracic cavity to avoid tension pneumothorax. As a result, the patient's remaining lung expanded and respiratory status improved, allowing him to undergo surgical bullectomy. Intraoperatively, needle biopsy of the lung nodule was directly performed, which led to a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Despite multiple distant metastases, the patient's general condition improved postoperatively, and chemotherapy was successfully initiated.
Effects of paternal ionizing radiation exposure on fertility and offspring's health
Authors: Li Jiaqun , Liu Juan , Zhang Yanye , Qiu Hong , Zheng Junyan , Xue Jinglei , Jin Jiani , Ni Feida , Zhang Chunxi , Chen Chuan , Sun Xiao , Wang Huiquan , Zhang Dan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The intergenerational effects of ionizing radiation remain controversial. Extensive insights have been revealed for DNA mutations and cancer incidence in progeny, yet many of these results were obtained by immediate post‐radiation mating. However, conception at short times after radiation exposure is likely to be avoided. After a long period of fertility recovery, whether unexposed sperm derived from exposed spermatogonia would challenge the health of the offspring is not yet clearly demonstrated.

Methods

Ten‐week‐old C57BL/6J males underwent whole‐body acute γ irradiation at 0 and 6.4 Gy. Testes and sperm were collected at different times after radiation to examine reproductive changes. The reproductive, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental parameters were measured in the offspring of controls and the offspring derived from irradiated undifferentiated spermatogonia.

Results

Paternal fertility was lost after acute 6.4 Gy γ radiation and recovered at 10–11 weeks post irradiation in mice. The reproductive, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental health of offspring born to irradiated undifferentiated spermatogonia were comparable to those of controls.

Conclusion

The male mice could have healthy offspring after recovery from the damage caused by ionizing radiation.
Efficacy and safety of follitropin delta versus follitropin alpha/beta in infertility treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Komiya Shinnosuke , Watanabe Jun , Terayama Takero , Kamijo Kyosuke , Okada Hidetaka
Published: March 2024

Background

Follitropin δ may be an alternative to conventional follitropin α/β for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) within assisted reproductive treatment (ART), but its efficacy and safety remain unknown. We performed a random‐effects meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of follitropin δ and follitropin α/β.

Methods

We searched randomized controlled trials comparing follitropin δ and follitropin α/β using MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO‐ITCRP on December 14, 2022. The primary outcomes were the live birth rate and the incidence of moderate or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation approach. The protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework.

Results

Three studies involving 2682 participants were included in our meta‐analysis. The results indicated that follitropin δ may result in little to no difference in live birth rates (risk ratio [RR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91–1.38; low certainty) and the incidence of moderate or severe OHSS (RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.48–1.26; low certainty) compared with follitropin α/β.

Conclusion

Follitropin δ may result in little to no difference in COS compared with follitropin α/β, especially in terms of live births and safety.
Energy‐saving technologies and energy efficiency in the post‐COVID era
Authors: Gorina Larisa , Korneeva Elena , Kovaleva Olga , Strielkowski Wadim
Published: March 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic made people reevaluate their energy consumption and energy efficiency. It held up a mirror to humanity's opportunistic and ruthless deployment of energy sources. As the city streets went empty and the international air traffic stopped altogether, people witnessed the significant drop in CO2 emissions, realized their dependence upon energy sources, and became aware of global climate change. In addition, with lockdowns and home offices, the demand for energy and the usual peak hours shifted offering a new perspective in energy consumption. The pandemic delivered a devastating blow to the human belief in having the constant and everlasting supply of energy that can be relied upon in everything. All these attracted the attention of researchers focusing on energy consumption and efficiency during the COVID‐19 pandemic. As a result, the vast body of academic literature on the topic burgeoned in the past four years yielding many exciting perspectives and viewpoints. Our paper conducts a comprehensive review of this body of literature employing the bibliometric network analysis of 12960 publications indexed in Web of Science database. It demonstrates the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing energy‐saving technologies, altering energy consumption behavior, and implementing novel ICT solutions in a post‐COVID world. In addition, it highlights the importance of energy efficiency measures and examines novel technologies that can contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy future. Our findings emphasize the need for robust policies, technological advancements, and public engagement for fostering energy efficiency and mitigating environmental impacts of post‐pandemic energy consumption.