bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of microfossil / sediment separations performed by two magnetic separation systems
Authors: Thomas F C
Published: January 2012

To test the efficacy of two commercial magnetic separators, the Frantz Isodynamie Magnetic Separator Model L 1 and The lntermagnetics General Corporation's Magstream Model 100, for isolating foraminifera and other shelly microfossils from mineral grains,
replicate well cuttings samples were processed in both machines. The fractions isolated by the instruments were microscopically examined and compared to picked microfossil slides previously made from the samples in order to assess the capability of the two machines. These were challenging samples,
since the target fossils in the samples included a range of grain sizes and shapes. More importantly, the fossils exhibited a range of compositions, from calcium carbonate to siliceous and even pyritic in some cases. Results indicated that neither machine was able to perform a completely efficient
separation with all the fossils concentrated in one mineral-free split. Some success was achieved by bath systems in some samples, but both also had little success with others. Performance of the instruments on each sample was judged on the relative sizes of the fossiliferous and non-fossiliferous
fractions. ldeally, ail fossils should be concentrated in one fraction, with little or no mineral matter. Since the two test instruments are quite different in many respects, including mode of operation, it is not possible to arbitrarily state that one is inherently better than the other for
sediment/microfossil separation.
Beyond categories, proper names, types and norms toward a fragile openness (Offen-barkeit) of différance, but always from within the text
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht
Published: January 2012

This article sought to respond to Wessel Stoker’s interpretation of transcendence, specifically his last type: transcendence as alterity. It explored the possibilities of this last type as it moves beyond categories, proper names, types and norms toward a fragile openness of différance, always from within the text. This transcendence of alterity paves a way for discussion on what is beyond being or beyond language, either horizontally or vertically, so as to move away from dogmatic assertiveness toward a more poetic humility. This poetic humility, because of its openness (Offen-barkeit) and its ‘undogmaticness’, offers a fragile creativeness to our cultural–social–environmental encounters and praxis. Such poetics is found in Heidegger’s work, as he interpreted humanity to dwell poetically in the house of being (language), if language speaks as the Geläut der Stille. Yet Heidegger did not move far enough beyond names and proper names, as he named and identified the kind of poetry that would be ‘proper’ to respond to the Geläut der Stille. Derrida deconstructed Heidegger’s interpretation and exposed Heidegger’s disastrous method of capitalising cultural-political names, moving beyond such capitalisation of ‘proper’ names toward différance and a messianic expectation without Messiah. In this artricle, both Heidegger and Derrida’s conceptions were brought into dialogue with the types of transcendence proposed by Stoker. This showed that Derrida’s thoughts deconstruct Heidegger’s proper poems and, in doing so, move towards openness and a continual response to différance not with grand German-Greek poetry, but with fragile, temporary and maybe even prophetic poetry that is wounded by the continuous expectation of the messianic still to come. As an (in)conclusion, the article explored the possibilities that such a hermeneutics of différance can offer religion and culture in a particular local and highly divided national context of post-apartheid South Africa as a microcosm of a global world, whilst being fully aware of the dangerous return of too many proper names and Begriffe within such an (in)conclusion.
Management of Dialysis Access-Associated “Steal” Syndrome with DRIL Procedure: Challenges and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Anaya-Ayala Javier E. , Pettigrew Candace D. , Ismail Nyla , Diez-De Sollano Ana L. , Syed Fahad A. , Ahmed Farhan G. , Davies Mark G. , Peden Eric K.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The Distal Revascularization Interval-Ligation (DRIL) procedure has demonstrated efficacy in the management of Dialysis Access-associated Steal Syndrome (DASS); however, this has not been widely used because of concerns about complexity, risk of ligating a native artery, and lack of long-term outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective review of all patients with DASS who underwent DRIL procedure from March 2005 to August 2011. Indications, clinical considerations, bypass grafts, and patency rates were determined; complications, reinterventions, and factors influencing their outcomes were studied.

Results

33 patients, (70% women, mean age of 56 ± 13) with DASS underwent a DRIL. Indications were ischemic pain alone in 12 (36%) patients, loss of neurologic function in 7 (21%), both ischemic pain and loss of neurologic function in 4 (12%) tissue loss in 7 (21%), pain during hemodialysis in one (3%), and “prophylactic” DRIL during a Femoral Vein transposition (FVt) fistula in two (6%). Technical success was 100%; Ischemic symptoms fully resolved by DRIL in 24 of the 31 symptomatic patients (77%) and during the follow up period DASS did not develop in the subjects we judged at high risk and underwent DRIL during FVt. One serious complication occurred because of early bypass thrombosis causing worsening hand gangrene requiring transmetacarpal amputation. The primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency rates of the arterial bypass at 12 months were 65%, 75%, and 95% respectively. AV access primary, assisted-primary, and secondary patency were 29%, 85%, and 94% at 12 months.

Conclusions

DRIL procedure is effective at relieving symptoms in carefully selected patients, but does have potential complications such as bypass failure and worsened ischemia. DASS remains a complex clinical entity in that it is not fully understood, and deserves further study.
Operative Outcomes for Cervical Degenerative Disease: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Nishizawa Kazuya , Mori Kanji , Saruhashi Yasuo , Matsusue Yoshitaka
Published: January 2012

To date, several studies were conducted to find which procedure is superior to the others for the treatment of cervical myelopathy. The goal of surgical treatment should be to decompress the nerves, restore the alignment of the vertebrae, and stabilize the spine. Consequently, the treatment of cervical degenerative disease can be divided into decompression of the nerves alone, fixation of the cervical spine alone, or a combination of both. Posterior approaches have historically been considered safe and direct methods for cervical multisegment stenosis and lordotic cervical alignment. On the other hand, anterior approaches are indicated to the patients with cervical compression with anterior factors, relatively short-segment stenosis, and kyphotic cervical alignment. Recently, posterior approach is widely applied to several cervical degenerative diseases due to the development of various instruments. Even if it were posterior approach or anterior approach, each would have its complication. There is no Class I or II evidence to suggest that laminoplasty is superior to other techniques for decompression. However, Class III evidence has shown equivalency in functional improvement between laminoplasty, anterior cervical fusion, and laminectomy with arthrodesis. Nowadays, each surgeon tends to choose each method by evaluating patients’ clinical conditions.
Aerodynamic Shape Optimization of a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Using Differential Evolution
Authors: Carrigan Travis J. , Dennis Brian H. , Han Zhen X. , Wang Bo P.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study is to introduce and demonstrate a fully
automated process for optimizing the airfoil cross-section of a
vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT). The objective is to maximize
the torque while enforcing typical wind turbine design constraints
such as tip speed ratio, solidity, and blade profile. By fixing
the tip speed ratio of the wind turbine, there exists an airfoil
cross-section and solidity for which the torque can be maximized,
requiring the development of an iterative design system. The
design system required to maximize torque incorporates rapid
geometry generation and automated hybrid mesh generation tools
with viscous, unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
simulation software. The flexibility and automation of the modular
design and simulation system allows for it to easily be coupled
with a parallel differential evolution algorithm used to obtain an
optimized blade design that maximizes the efficiency of the wind
turbine.
Colonial Tropes and Postcolonial Tricks
Authors: Wylie Lesley
Published: January 2012

The vision of the South American rainforest as a wilderness of rank decay, poisonous insects, and bloodthirsty savages in the Spanish American novela de la selva has often been interpreted as a belated imitation of European travel literature. This book offers a new reading of the genre by arguing that, far from being derivative, the novela de la selva re-imagined the tropics from a Latin American perspective, redefining tropical landscape aesthetics and ethnography through parodic rewritings of European perceptions of Amazonia in fictional and factual travel writing. With particular reference to the four emblematic novels of the genre  W. H. Hudsons Green Mansions [1904], José Eustasio Riveras La vorágine [1924], Rómulo Gallegoss Canaima [1935], and Alejo Carpentiers Los pasos perdidos [1953]  the book explores how writers throughout post-independence Latin America turned to the jungle as a locus for the contestation of both national and literary identity, harnessing the superabundant tropical vegetation and native myths and customs to forge a descriptive vocabulary which emphatically departed from the reductive categories of European travel writing. Despite being one of the most significant examples of postcolonial literature to emerge from Latin America in the twentieth century, the novela de la selva has, to date, received little critical attention: this book returns a seminal genre of Latin American literature to the centre of contemporary debates about postcolonial identity, travel writing, and imperial landscape aesthetics.
Postcolonial Eyes
Authors: Loingsigh Aedin Li
Published: January 2012

Over the past two decades interest in travel has developed significantly. Critical engagement with imperialism, postcolonialism, diasporas, ethnography and cultural anthropology has led to increasingly sophisticated readings of the travel writing genre and a growing acknowledgement of its complex history. Postcolonial Eyes is the first study of its kind to identify a specifically Sub-Saharan African lineage within the broader tradition of travel writing. As well as exploring the reasons for Africans exclusion from the genre, the book examines the important relationship between ethnicity and travel and identifies the concerns and preoccupations that define African writers approaches to travel.
The Macbride Principles
Authors: McNamara Kevin
Published: January 2012

Published in November 1984, The MacBride Principles contained nine affirmative action proposals aimed at eliminating religious discrimination in the employment practices of United States corporations with subsidiaries in Northern Ireland. The weapon used by the MacBride campaigners was the federal constitution of the United States. States and cities in the Union could pass their own corporate legislation incorporating the MacBride Principles and use their pension fund investments to table shareholder resolutions seeking the Principles inclusion in employment policies. Later developments saw their application to US and foreign firms supplying goods and services to states and cities. Using devolved legislation, the MacBride Campaign broke the stranglehold on the discussion of Irish issues maintained by the US, UK and Irish governments in the Congress. It was debated in state legislatures and city councils.  Irish-America was motivated to participate in a nonviolent campaign to achieve social justice in Northern Ireland. Supported by the United States government, there was a fierce reaction by the British government to the Principles. Its attempts to suppress them were unsuccessful. Using interviews with key personalities involved and hitherto unpublished and inaccessible archives of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin, and papers obtained using the Freedom of Information Acts of the United States the United Kingdom, the evolution of the McBride Campaign is mapped out in full by Kevin McNamara, who brings particular insight through is role as a British Member of Parliament and former Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The Historical Jesus and the Literary Imagination 1860-1920
Authors: Stevens Jennifer
Published: January 2012

Fictional reconstructions of the Gospels continue to find a place in contemporary literature and in the popular imagination. Present day writers of New Testament fiction and drama are usually considered as part of a tradition formed by mid-to-late-twentieth-century authors such as Robert Graves, Nikos Kazantzakis and Anthony Burgess. This book looks back further to the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, when the templates of the majority of todays Gospel fictions and dramas were set down. In doing so, it examines the extent to which significant works of biblical scholarship both influenced and inspired literary works. Focusing on writers such as Oscar Wilde, George Moore and Marie Corelli, this timely new addition to the English Association Monographs series will be essential reading for scholars working at the intersection of literature and theology.
La institucionalización del concepto de industrias culturales en el proceso de debate sobre políticas culturales en la Unesco y el Consejo de Europa (1970- 1982)
Authors: Carrasco Campos Ángel , Saperas Lapiedra Enric
Published: January 2012

El concepto «industrias culturales» constituye uno de los pilares teóricos fundamentales de la investigación comunicativa, hundiendo sus raíces en el canon clásico de la teoría de la comunicación a través de su original singular «industria cultural». Sin embargo, no existe hasta la fecha ningún estudio que analice con atención el cambio de su singular a su plural, llegándose incluso a reconocerse en la actualidad, implícita o explícitamente, ambas formas como sinónimos intercambiables en función de las necesidades estrictamente gramaticales del discurso. A partir de una amplia exploración bibliográfica y documental, el presente escrito se propone como objetivo un análisis de la pluralización y consolidación institucional (Unesco, consejo de Europa) de la industria cultural en diferentes industrias culturales. Se pretende con ello un resumen sistemático de los principales datos que explican un proceso que se inicia en la Primera Conferencia Internacional sobre los Aspectos Institucionales, Administrativos y Financieros de las Políticas Culturales de la Unesco (Venecia, 1970) y que culminará con el Informe MacBride, de 1980. Como resultado, se propone un mapa cronológico del desarrollo institucional del concepto de industrias culturales a partir de los objetivos que guiaron el proceso y los principales actores que lo llevaron a cabo. Con ello, pretendemos comenzar a llenar el vacío analítico que, a este importante respecto, existe actualmente en la investigación comunicativa española.
Association Between Cost Sharing and Naloxone Prescription Dispensing
Authors: Chua Kao-Ping , Conti Rena M. , Lagisetty Pooja , Bohnert Amy S. , He Sijia , Nguyen Thuy D.
Published: June 2024

Importance

Increasing access to naloxone (an opioid antagonist that can reverse overdose) could slow the US opioid epidemic. Prior studies suggest cost sharing may be a barrier to dispensing of naloxone prescriptions, but these studies were limited by their cross-sectional designs and use of databases that do not capture prescriptions that are not filled (abandoned).

Objective

To evaluate the association between cost sharing and naloxone prescription abandonment (nondispensing of naloxone prescriptions).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional, regression discontinuity analysis exploited the fact that deductibles typically reset at the beginning of the year in commercial and Medicare plans. The included data were derived from the 2020-2021 IQVIA Formulary Impact Analyzer (a pharmacy transactions database that represents 63% of prescriptions at US pharmacies). The analysis included claims for naloxone nasal spray among commercially insured patients and Medicare patients that occurred during the 60 days before January 1, 2021, through 59 days after January 1, 2021.

Exposure

Cost sharing, which is defined as the amount patients would have to pay to fill prescriptions.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Local linear regression models were used to assess for abrupt changes in cost sharing and the probability of prescription abandonment on January 1, 2021. To estimate the association between cost sharing and prescription abandonment, a fuzzy regression discontinuity analysis was conducted.

Results

These analyses included naloxone claims for 71 306 commercially insured patients and 101 706 Medicare patients (40 019 [56.1%] and 61 410 [60.4%], respectively, were female). The commercially insured patients and Medicare patients accounted for 73 311 and 106 076 naloxone claims, respectively. On January 1, 2021, the mean cost sharing per claim increased by $15.0 (95% CI, $13.8-$16.2) for commercially insured patients and increased by $12.3 (95% CI, $10.9-$13.6) for Medicare patients and the probability of abandonment increased by 4.7 (95% CI, 3.2-6.2) percentage points and 2.8 (95% CI, 1.6-4.1) percentage points, respectively. The results from the fuzzy regression discontinuity analysis suggest a decision by commercial and Medicare plans to increase naloxone cost sharing by $10 would be associated with percentage-point increases of 3.1 (95% CI, 2.2-4.1) and 2.3 (95% CI, 1.4-3.2), respectively, in the probability of abandonment.

Conclusions

The elimination of cost sharing might be associated with increased naloxone dispensing to commercially insured and Medicare patients.
Well-Child Visits for Early Detection and Management of Maternal Postpartum Hypertensive Disorders
Authors: Amro Farah H. , Smith Kim C. , Hashmi Syed S. , Barratt Michelle S. , Carlson Rachel , Sankey Kristen Mariah , Bartal Michal Fishel , Blackwell Sean C. , Chauhan Suneet P. , Sibai Baha M.
Published: June 2024

Importance

Innovative approaches are needed to address the increasing rate of postpartum morbidity and mortality associated with hypertensive disorders.

Objective

To determine whether assessing maternal blood pressure (BP) and associated symptoms at time of well-child visits is associated with increased detection of postpartum preeclampsia and need for hospitalization for medical management.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a pre-post quality improvement (QI) study. Individuals who attended the well-child visits between preimplementation (December 2017 to December 2018) were compared with individuals who enrolled after the implementation of the QI program (March 2019 to December 2019). Individuals were enrolled at an academic pediatric clinic. Eligible participants included birth mothers who delivered at the hospital and brought their newborn for well-child check at 2 days, 2 weeks, and 2 months. A total of 620 individuals were screened in the preintervention cohort and 680 individuals were screened in the QI program. Data was analyzed from March to July 2022.

Exposures

BP evaluation and preeclampsia symptoms screening were performed at the time of the well-child visit. A management algorithm—with criteria for routine or early postpartum visits, or prompt referral to the obstetric emergency department—was followed.

Main Outcome and Measures

Readmission due to postpartum preeclampsia. Comparisons across groups were performed using a Fisher exact test for categorical variables, and t tests or Mann-Whitney tests for continuous variables.

Results

A total of 595 individuals (mean [SD] age, 27.2 [6.1] years) were eligible for analysis in the preintervention cohort and 565 individuals (mean [SD] age, 27.0 [5.8] years) were eligible in the postintervention cohort. Baseline demographic information including age, race and ethnicity, body mass index, nulliparity, and factors associated with increased risk for preeclampsia were not significantly different in the preintervention cohort and postintervention QI program. The rate of readmission for postpartum preeclampsia differed significantly in the preintervention cohort (13 individuals [2.1%]) and the postintervention cohort (29 individuals [5.6%]) (P = .007). In the postintervention QI cohort, there was a significantly earlier time frame of readmission (median [IQR] 10.0 [10.0-11.0] days post partum for preintervention vs 7.0 [6.0-10.5] days post partum for postintervention; P = .001). In both time periods, a total of 42 patients were readmitted due to postpartum preeclampsia, of which 21 (50%) had de novo postpartum preeclampsia.

Conclusions and Relevance

This QI program allowed for increased and earlier readmission due to postpartum preeclampsia. Further studies confirming generalizability and mitigating associated adverse outcomes are needed.
Influenza Vaccination Requirements for Health Care Personnel in US Hospitals
Authors: Greene M. Todd , Linder Kathleen A. , Fowler Karen E. , Saint Sanjay
Published: June 2024

This survey study assesses changes from 2017 to 2021 in self-reported annual influenza vaccination among workers in nonfederal and Veterans Affairs hospitals.
Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Gynecological Oligometastatic and Oligoprogessive Tumors
Authors: Donovan Elysia K. , Lo Simon S. , Beriwal Sushil , Chen Hanbo , Cheung Patrick , Keller Andrew , Nwachukwu Chika , Mantz Constantine , Pond Gregory R. , Schnarr Kara , Swaminath Anand , Albuquerque Kevin , Leung Eric
Published: June 2024

Importance

The role of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for gynecologic malignant tumors has yet to be clearly defined despite recent clinical uptake.

Objective

To evaluate the outcomes of SABR in patients with oligometastatic and oligoprogressive gynecologic cancers.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this retrospective pooled analysis, patients with oligometastatic and oligoprogressive gynecologic cancers receiving SABR at 5 institutions from Canada and the US were studied. Data were collected from January 2011 to December 2020, and data were analyzed from January to December 2023.

Exposure

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cumulative incidence of local and distant recurrence, chemotherapy-free survival (CFS), and overall survival (OS) probabilities after SABR were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Univariable and multivariable analysis was conducted using Cox regression methods.

Results

A total of 215 patients with 320 lesions meeting criteria were included in the analysis; the median (range) age at primary diagnosis was 59 (23-86) years. The median (range) follow-up from SABR was 18.5 (0.1-124.5) months. The primary site included the endometrium (n = 107), ovary (n = 64), cervix (n = 30), and vulva or vagina (n = 14). Local cumulative incidence of recurrence was 13.7% (95% CI, 9.4-18.9) and 18.5% (95% CI, 13.2-24.5) at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Distant cumulative incidence of recurrence was 48.5% (95% CI, 41.4-55.1) and 73.1% (95% CI, 66.0-79.0) at 1 and 5 years, respectively. OS was 75.7% (95% CI, 69.2-81.1) and 33.1% (95% CI, 25.3-41.1) at 1 and 5 years, respectively. The median CFS was 21.7 months (95% CI, 15.4-29.9). On multivariable analysis, local recurrence was significantly associated with nodal metastasis, lesion size, biologically effective dose, treatment indication, institution, and primary disease type. Distant progression-free survival was associated with nodal targets and lesion size. OS and CFS were significantly associated with lesion size.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, SABR appeared to have excellent local control with minimal toxic effects in this large patient group, and certain patients may achieve durable distant control and OS as well. It may be possible to delay time to chemotherapy in select patient subtypes and therefore reduce associated toxic effects. Prospective multicenter trials will be critical to establish which characteristics procure the greatest benefit from SABR use and to define the ideal time to implement SABR with other oncologic treatments.
Home Time Among Older Adults With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Following Chemotherapy
Authors: Richardson Daniel R. , Zhou Xi , Reeder-Hayes Katherine , Jensen Christopher E. , Islam Jessica , Loh Kah Poh , Gupta Arjun , Basch Ethan , Bennett Antonia V. , Bridges John F. P. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Wood William A. , Baggett Christopher D. , Lund Jennifer L.
Published: June 2024

Importance

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) recognize days spent at home (home time) vs in a hospital or nursing facility as an important factor in treatment decision making. No study has adequately described home time among older adults with AML.

Objective

To describe home time among older adults with AML (aged ≥66 years) and compare home time between 2 common treatments: anthracycline-based chemotherapy and hypomethylating agents (HMAs).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cohort of adults aged 66 years or older with a new diagnosis of AML from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database in 2004 to 2016 was identified. Individuals were stratified into anthracycline-based therapy, HMAs, or chemotherapy, not otherwise specified (NOS) using claims.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was home time, quantified by subtracting the total number of person-days spent in hospitals and nursing facilities from the number of person-days survived and dividing by total person-days. A weighted multinomial regression model with stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting to estimate adjusted home time was used.

Results

The cohort included 7946 patients with AML: 2824 (35.5%) received anthracyclines, 2542 (32.0%) HMAs, and 2580 (32.5%) were classified as chemotherapy, NOS. Median (IQR) survival was 11.0 (5.0-27.0) months for those receiving anthracyclines and 8.0 (3.0-17.0) months for those receiving HMAs. Adjusted home time for all patients in the first year was 52.4%. Home time was highest among patients receiving HMAs (60.8%) followed by those receiving anthracyclines (51.9%). Despite having a shorter median survival, patients receiving HMAs had more total days at home and 33 more days at home in the first year on average than patients receiving anthracyclines (222 vs 189).

Conclusions and Relevance

This retrospective study of older adults with AML using SEER-Medicare data and propensity score weighting suggests that the additional survival afforded by receiving anthracycline-based therapy was entirely offset by admission to the hospital or to nursing facilities.
Longitudinal Trends and Disparities in Diabetic Retinopathy Within an Aggregate Health Care Network
Authors: Markle Jonathan , Shaia Jacqueline K. , Araich Harman , Sharma Neha , Talcott Katherine E. , Singh Rishi P.
Published: June 2024

Importance

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in the US, warranting updates on its prevalence and incidence in the setting of advancements in diabetic care over recent years.

Objective

To determine recent trends in DR prevalence stratified by baseline demographics to identify those populations at greater risk.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a cross-sectional epidemiologic evaluation conducted using deidentified data from the large federated TriNetX Analytics health research network composed of 56 health care organizations in the US. Patients from 2015 to 2022 who had an International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision code of type 1 DR (T1DR) or type 2 DR (T2DR) were included in this analysis. Patients were further stratified by age cohorts (20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, and 70 years or older), race and ethnicity, and sex.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prevalence per 100 000 patients and prevalence odds ratios (ORs) were calculated in Microsoft Excel and Posit (formerly RStudio).

Results

A total of 359 126 patients with T1DR or T2DR (mean [SD] age, 67 [14] years; 52% female) were included in this study between January 1, 2015, and December 21, 2022. T1DR increased in prevalence from 2015 to 2022, with T1DR increasing 1.15-fold affecting 70.4 patients per 100 000 in 2022. T2DR increased 1.07-fold affecting 461.7 patients per 100 000 in 2022. For T1DR, the cohort aged 20 to 39 years had the most substantial increase at 4.7 and 1.96 fold. Overall, White males had the largest prevalence ORs of T1DR at 1.41 (95% CI, 1.36-1.47) compared with White females (reference group). In T2DR, patients aged 20 to 39 years again had a 2.5- and 1.6-fold prevalence increase from 2015 to 2022. Regardless of age group, Hispanic males demonstrated larger prevalence OR at 4.08 (95% CI, 3.97-4.19) compared with White females followed by Hispanic females at 2.49 (95% CI, 2.42-2.56), Black males at 2.23 (95% CI, 2.17-2.29), and Black females at 2.00 (95% CI, 1.95-2.05).

Conclusion and Relevance

The prevalence of both T1DR and T2DR increased in this network from 2015 to 2022, with individuals aged 20 to 39 years showing large increases. Additionally, T2DR was associated with greater increases in both Hispanic and Black communities. These findings support DR screening in young adults and for T2DR interventions specifically designed for racial and ethnic minoritized patients most affected by disease. Future investigations are warranted to further investigate these trends among young adults.
Enzyme‐Assisted Activation Technique for Producing Versatile Hydrogel Microparticle Scaffolds with High Surface Chemical Reactivity
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zeng Yunfeng , Heng Yongyuan , Shen Yu , Sun Ximeng , Wang Yijia , Zheng Haiping , Zeng Ming , Yu Ziyi
Published: June 2024

Advancing the integration of nonliving and living components relies heavily on functional hydrogel materials with biocompatibility and customizability. In this study, an enzyme‐assisted surface activation method is developed to produce reactive hydrogel microparticles (HMPs) comprising thiolated hyaluronic acid and hyperbranched poly(β‐hydrazide esters). Fluorescence labeling analysis reveals an over six‐fold increase in surface‐active functional group density on the hydrogels and three‐fold on HMPs after enzyme activation. This enhancement improves accessibility of active elements, facilitating post‐functionalization and optimizing their capacity to support initial cell adhesion and spreading as carriers for cell cultures. Additionally, by utilizing the exposed reactive double bonds on the HMP surfaces post‐enzymatic treatment, thiolated HMPs are produced through a thiol‐ene coupling reaction with thiolated polymers. These thiolated HMPs bond together spontaneously, resulting in the formation of annealed granular hydrogels with interconnected large‐pore networks and a tunable storage modulus (G’) from tens to hundreds of pascals, compatible with most soft tissues. Integrated with 3D bioprinting, this hydrogel ink generates prints that foster cell adhesion, migration, growth, and network formation. Moving forward, integrating various granular hydrogel scaffold systems with the enzyme‐assisted activation technique holds significant promise for enhancing performance and expanding applications in regenerative medicine and innovative living materials.
Access to β‐Lactam Sulfonamides from Sulfamoyl Chlorides via Photoredox Catalyzed C−S Bond Formation
Authors: Petek Nejc , Brodnik Helena , Grošelj Uroš , Svete Jurij , Štefane Bogdan
Published: June 2024

Sulfonyl chlorides are a synthetically attractive source of sulfonyl radicals in photoredox catalysis and are useful precursors in the synthesis of sulfones. Sulfamoyl chlorides, on the other hand, remain poorly represented despite their similar potential. In this study, N‐chlorosulfonylated β‐lactams were prepared from readily available precursors and utilized in an atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) reaction with a variety of olefins, producing β‐lactam sulfonamides in 49–95% yields. β‐Lactams fused to a dihydro‐1,2‐thiazine ring which closely resemble carbacephems, a widely used class of antibiotics, were also synthesized by an intra‐molecular ATRA reaction. This methodology enables the preparation of β‐lactam sulfonamides, a class of compounds that are of great interest in pharmacology.
Coupling of Induction with Damping Behavior for Viscosity Sensing via Design of Magnetized Oscillator
Authors: Liang Yuanzhe , Dai Ziyi , Ding Sen , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Yinning , Zhou Bingpu
Published: June 2024

Detection of liquid viscosity is important from chemical engineering to daily safety. To match the emergence of internet of things, precise and fast viscosity determination is attracting intention in the society. However, most miniature viscometers face limitations such as high operation frequency, moving component, and non‐linear sensing, etc. Herein, a flexible viscometer is developed via coupling the electromagnetic induction with inherent oscillation of a magnetized oscillator. The mechanism allows vibration of the oscillator to be electrically reflected using damping signals. By analyzing the damping factor from viscosity‐dependent voltage profiles, viscosity of an unknown liquid can be accurately obtained. Furthermore, the 3D structures is developed with a dual‐template method, which enables convenient and high‐throughput preparations of devices with complex 3D structures. Via optimizing the structural and physical parameters, the “sphere” oscillator enables a linear relationship between the damping factor and the square root of viscosity for quantitative sensing in range of 0.01809–24.7 mPa s. The principle of electromagnetic induction renders the viscometer with superiorities of low operating frequency, remote sensing, self‐powered and chemical stability. It is expected that the methodology and damping dominant mechanism will serve as a promising platform for cost‐effective, portable and convenient viscosity detection for applications in diverse fluids.
Reversing MET‐Mediated Resistance in Oncogene‐Driven NSCLC by MET‐Activated Wnt Condensative Prodrug
Authors: Liu Na , Zheng Xiaoqiang , Yan Jin , Jiang Aimin , Yao Yu , He Wangxiao
Published: June 2024

The amplification of MET is a major cause of acquired resistance to targeted therapy in EGFR‐mutant non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), only to be temporarily restrained by the partial efficacy of MET inhibitors. This study reveals that the MET inhibitor has unexpectedly limited efficacy due to amplified MET triggering a strong positive feedback loop in the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, allowing optimal functionality even when the MET pathway is suppressed again. To test this conjecture and specifically target the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, a cleverly designed Wnt condensative pro drug called WntSI is developed using reversible supramolecular self‐assembly driven by liquidliquid phase separation (LLPS). This process involves a MET/pH‐responsive peptide (Tyr‐Pep) and a potent Wnt inhibitor known as CA. Upon recognition and phosphorylation of Tyr‐Pep by over expressed MET in cells, it disrupts LLPS propensity and facilitates the disintegration of WntSI. Consequently,this enables it to suppress the carcinogenic effect mediated by β‐catenin,effectively overcoming acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs caused by MET amplification in both cell line‐derived and patient‐derived tumor xenograft (PDX) mouse models while maintaining exceptional biosecurity. This effective strategy not only suppresses the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway selectively, but also serves as an innovative example for pro‐drug development through biologically responsive LLPS.
Early Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer Based on Bisulfite‐free Site‐specific Methylation Identification PCR Strategy: High‐Sensitivity, Accuracy, and Primary Medical Accessibility
Authors: Zhen Linqing , Tang Xinlu , Xu Zhengguo , Huang Yizhou , Qian Xiaohua , Lin Haiping , Li Chao , Cui Rong , Fang Hongsheng , Yang Hao , Qiu Jiani , Fang Zhaoqi , Peng Xiaohuan , Jin Yifeng , Nie Jianing , Guo Shiwei , Wang Yuguang , Zhong Ming , Gu Hongchen , Xu Hong
Published: June 2024

Due to its decade‐long progression, colorectal cancer (CRC) is most suitable for population screening to achieve a significant reduction in its incidence and mortality. DNA methylation has emerged as a potential marker for the early detection of CRC. However, the current mainstream methylation detection method represented by bisulfite conversion has issues such as tedious operation, DNA damage, and unsatisfactory sensitivity. Herein, a new high‐performance CRC screening tool based on the promising specific terminal‐mediated polymerase chain reaction (STEM‐PCR) strategy is developed. CRC‐related methylation‐specific candidate CpG sites are first prescreened through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases using self‐developed bioinformatics. Next, 9 homebrew colorectal cancer DNA methylated STEM‒PCR assays (ColoC‐mSTEM) with high sensitivity (0.1%) and high specificity are established to identify candidate sites. The clinical diagnostic performance of these selected methylation sites is confirmed and validated by a case‐control study. The optimized diagnostic model has an overall sensitivity of 94.8% and a specificity of 95.0% for detecting early‐stage CRC. Taken together, ColoC‐mSTEM, based on a single methylation‐specific site, is a promising diagnostic approach for the early detection of CRC which is perfectly suitable for the screening needs of CRC in primary healthcare institutions.
Metal–Organic Frameworks in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy–Based Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Allegretto Juan A. , Dostalek Jakub
Published: June 2024

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are a major class of environmental pollutants hazardous to human health, but also highly relevant in other fields including early disease diagnostics and organoleptic perception of aliments. Therefore, accurate analysis of VOC is essential, and a need for new analytical methods is witnessed for rapid on‐site detection without complex sample preparation. Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) offers a rapidly developing versatile analytical platform for the portable detection of chemical species. Nonetheless, the need for efficient docking of target analytes at the metallic surface significantly narrows the applicability of SERS. This limitation can be circumvented by interfacing the sensor surface with Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOF). These materials featuring chemical and structural versatility can efficiently pre‐concentrate low molecular weight species such as VOC through their ordered porous structure. This review presents recent trends in the development of MOF‐based SERS substrates with a focus on elucidating respective design rules for maximizing analytical performance. An overview of the status of the detection of harmful VOC is discussed in the context of industrial and environmental monitoring. In addition, a survey of the analysis of VOC biomarkers for medical diagnosis and emerging applications in aroma and flavor profiling is included.
Reversible Optical Switching of Polyoxovanadates and Their Communication via Photoexcited States
Authors: Vogelsberg Eric , Griebel Jan , Engelmann Iryna , Bauer Jens , Taube Florian , Corzilius Björn , Zahn Stefan , Kahnt Axel , Monakhov Kirill Yu.
Published: June 2024

The 2‐bit Lindqvist‐type polyoxometalate (POM) [V6O13((OCH2)3CCH2N3)2]2–with a diamagnetic {V6O19} core and azide termini shows six fully oxidized VVcenters in solution as well as the solid state, according to51V NMR spectroscopy. Under UV irradiation, it exhibits reversible switching between its ground S0state and the energetically higher lying states in acetonitrile and water solutions. TD‐DFT calculations demonstrate that this process is mainly initialized by excitation from the S0to S9state. Pulse radiolysis transient absorption spectroscopy experiments with a solvated electron point out photochemically induced charge disproportionation of VVinto VIVand electron communication between the POM molecules via their excited states. The existence of this unique POM‐to‐POM electron communication is also indicated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies on gold‐metalized silicon wafers (Au//SiO2//Si) under ambient conditions. The amount of reduced vanadium centers in the “confined” environment increases substantially after beam irradiation with soft X‐rays compared to non‐irradiated samples. The excited state of one POM anion seems to give rise to subsequent electron transfer from another POM anion. However, this reaction is prohibited as soon as the relaxed T1state of the POM is reached.
Dissecting Acute Drug‐Induced Hepatotoxicity and Therapeutic Responses of Steatotic Liver Disease Using Primary Mouse Liver and Blood Cells in a Liver‐On‐A‐Chip Model
Authors: Liu Hanyang , Yin Guo , Kohlhepp Marlene Sophia , Schumacher Fabian , Hundertmark Jana , Hassan Mohamed I. Abdelwahab , Heymann Felix , Puengel Tobias , Kleuser Burkhard , Mosig Alexander Sandy , Tacke Frank , Guillot Adrien
Published: June 2024

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is hallmarked by hepatic steatosis, cell injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. This study elaborates on a multicellular biochip‐based liver sinusoid model to mimic MASLD pathomechanisms and investigate the therapeutic effects of drug candidates lanifibranor and resmetirom. Mouse liver primary hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells, and endothelial cells are seeded in a dual‐chamber biocompatible liver‐on‐a‐chip (LoC). The LoC is then perfused with circulating immune cells (CICs). Acetaminophen (APAP) and free fatty acids (FFAs) treatment recapitulate acute drug‐induced liver injury and MASLD, respectively. As a benchmark for the LoC, multiplex immunofluorescence on livers from APAP‐injected and dietary MASLD‐induced mice reveals characteristic changes on parenchymal and immune cell populations. APAP exposure induces cell death in the LoC, and increased inflammatory cytokine levels in the circulating perfusate. Under FFA stimulation, lipid accumulation, cellular damage, inflammatory secretome, and fibrogenesis are increased in the LoC, reflecting MASLD. Both injury conditions potentiate CIC migration from the perfusate to the LoC cellular layers. Lanifibranor prevents the onset of inflammation, while resmetirom decreases lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and increases the generation of FFA metabolites in the LoC. This study demonstrates the LoC potential for functional and molecular evaluation of liver disease drug candidates.
Untethered Fluidic Engine for High‐Force Soft Wearable Robots
Authors: Di Lallo Antonio , Yu Shuangyue , Slightam Jonathon E. , Gu Grace X. , Yin Jie , Su Hao
Published: June 2024

Fluid‐driven artificial muscles exhibit a behavior similar to biological muscles which makes them attractive as soft actuators for wearable assistive robots. However, state‐of‐the‐art fluidic systems typically face challenges to meet the multifaceted needs of soft wearable robots. First, soft robots are usually constrained to tethered pressure sources or bulky configurations based on flow control valves for delivery and control of high assistive forces. Second, although some soft robots exhibit untethered operation, they are significantly limited to low force capabilities. Herein, an electrohydraulic actuation system that enables both untethered and high‐force soft wearable robots is presented. This solution is achieved through a twofold design approach. First, a simplified direct‐drive actuation paradigm composed of motor, gear‐pump, and hydraulic artificial muscle (HAM) is proposed, which allows for a compact and lightweight (1.6 kg) valveless design. Second, a fluidic engine composed of a high‐torque motor with a custom‐designed gear pump is created, which is capable of generating high pressure (up to 0.75 MPa) to drive the HAM in delivering high forces (580 N). Experimental results show that the developed fluidic engine significantly outperforms state‐of‐the‐art systems in mechanical efficiency and suggest opportunities for effective deployment in soft wearable robots for human assistance.
Insect‐Inspired Drones: Adjusting the Flapping Kinetics of Insect‐Inspired Wings Improves Aerodynamic Performance
Authors: Mordoch Leeor , Sabag Eyal , Ribak Gal , Pinchasik Bat‐El
Published: June 2024

Insects flap their wings through a highly specialized musculoskeletal system that allows the wings to rotate about three degrees of freedom. Consequently, the wingtip trajectory is adjustable in 3D, and accompanied with appropriate wing feathering (wing pitch). Remarkably, the complex flapping motion is achieved by thoracic muscles acting on the wing hinge. The wings themselves do not possess muscles but adjust their shape and orientation by elastically deforming due to the loads applied on them during flapping. Previous attempts to develop insect‐inspired flapping drones have mostly focused on simplified linear flapping mechanisms, which do not utilize the interaction between the wing flexibility and flapping kinematics to its full potential. Here, the aim is to improve flapping drones’ performance by introducing mechanisms that mimic insects’ flight. The first is an elastic beam mechanism, allowing the wing root to swing during flapping, and the second is a passive wing pitch mechanism that allows the wing to rotate at stroke reversals. The two mechanisms are tested using high‐fidelity insect‐inspired 3D‐printed wings and show a sixfold improvement of aerodynamic performance compared to linear flapping kinetics of the same flexible wings. This underscores the necessity of bioinspired flapping mechanisms in future flapping drones.
A Microfluidic Chip on a Robotic Manipulator for Loading and Reloading of Oocytes
Authors: Liang Shuzhang , Amaya Satoshi , Sugiura Hirotaka , Mo Hao , Dai Yuguo , Arai Fumihito
Published: June 2024

Loading individual oocytes is a critical step for injecting RNA, expressing heterologous proteins, performing electrophysiological measurements, and so on. However, existing methods remain a challenge for automatically loading multiple single oocytes into different locations. Herein, a novel microfluidic chip on a robotic manipulator (chip‐on‐robot) with feedback control for flexible manipulation of multiple oocytes within a large spatial range is proposed. The manipulator automatically controls the microfluidic chip to reach different locations based on imaging feedback. The microfluidic chip then utilizes the hydrodynamic focusing effect of the main channel to separate oocytes for individual loading or reloading under capacitive sensor feedback. The separation distance reaches approximately 16 times the oocyte diameter. Moreover, capacitive signal feedback on the number of oocytes for flow direction control ensures the separation of all oocytes. For close‐loop control of the loading/reloading process, image‐based oocyte detection is combined using deep learning to calculate the target position of the oocyte. Finally, an automatic sequence is achieved to load multiple single oocytes into a well chip by using the chip‐on‐robot. As a demonstration, the oocytes are reloaded into a specified location based on the conditions. The proposed chip‐on‐robot with feedback control has significant advantages in the micromanipulation of oocytes.