bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between Black racial identity, military identity, and postdeployment reintegration of Black male veterans
Authors: Winters Keiana , Hutchins Darvelle , Nelson Leslie R.
Published: July 2023

Given the increasing rate of military service members who experience mental health issues during reintegration into civilian culture, the need for counselors who specialize in postdeployment reintegration practices for Black men persists. Moreover, a nuanced approach to understanding how best to provide culturally competent support in therapeutic contexts for Black male veterans, a psychologically vulnerable population due to historical experiences of oppression and discrimination, is worthy of additional consideration. This study explored the impact of Black U.S. men's (N = 94) racial and military identities on postdeployment reintegration. Results indicated a significant predictive relationship between Black racial identity, military identity, and postdeployment reintegration. Practical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Antimicrobial properties of green synthesized novel TiO2 nanoparticles using Iranian propolis extracts
Authors: Tahmasebi Elahe , Mohammadi Mehdi , Yazdanian Mohsen , Alam Mostafa , Abbasi Kamyar , Hosseini Hamideh Mahmoodzadeh , Tavakolizadeh Maryam , Khayatan Danial , Hassani Zahra , Tebyaniyan Hamid
Published: July 2023

The oral antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of green synthesized novel titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) using Iranian propolis extracts were investigated on oral bacteria and fibroblast cells. In this study, propolis was sampled, and alcoholic extracts were prepared. The TiO2 NPs were biosynthesized using propolis extracts. The synthesized TiO2 NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction analysis, energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis), transmission electron microscope, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and zeta potential. MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), minimal inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, biofilm formation, and degradation tests were studied to clarify the oral antimicrobial properties of green synthesized TiO2 NPs. According to the FTIR analysis, the propolis extract contained flavonoids and phenolic compounds in addition to TiO2 NPs. Additionally, UV‐Vis revealed that intense bands had formed NPs. EDX spectra and SEM images revealed that the stabilizing agent was in perfect quasi‐spherical shapes around 21 nm. An EDX spectrum was used to verify the presence of titanium and oxygen. There were no significant cytotoxicity effects. The antibacterial results showed that Pro1TiO2 (Khalkhal sample) had better effects than Pro2TiO2 (Gilan sample) and TiO2 NPs. The present study presents a new process for synthesizing TiO2 NPs from propolis extracts with less toxic effects and user‐friendly, eco‐friendly, and economical materials. Pro1TiO2 NPs may be considered the best candidate for clinical application.
Foot kinematics as a function of ground orientation and weightbearing
Authors: Conconi Michele , Pompili Alessandro , Sancisi Nicola , Durante Stefano , Leardini Alberto , Belvedere Claudio
Published: July 2023

The foot is responsible for the bodyweight transfer to the ground, while adapting to different terrains and activities. Despite this fundamental role, the knowledge about the foot bone intrinsic kinematics is still limited. The aim of the study is to provide a quantitative and systematic description of the kinematics of all bones in the foot, considering the full range of dorsi/plantar flexion and pronation/supination of the foot, both in weightbearing and nonweightbearing conditions. Bone kinematics was accurately reconstructed for three specimens from a series of computed tomography scans taken in weightbearing configuration. The ground inclination was imposed through a set of wedges, varying the foot orientation both in the sagittal and coronal planes; the donor body‐weight was applied or removed by a cable‐rig. A total of 32 scans for each foot were acquired and segmented. Bone kinematics was expressed in terms of anatomical reference systems optimized for the foot kinematic description. Results agree with previous literature where available. However, our analysis reveals that bones such as calcaneus, navicular, intermediate cuneiform, fourth and fifth metatarsal move more during foot pronation than flexion. Weightbearing significantly increase the range of motion of almost all the bone. Cuneiform and metatarsal move more due to weightbearing than in response to ground inclination, showing their role in the load‐acceptance phase. The data here reported represent a step toward a deeper understanding of the foot behavior, that may help in the definition of better treatment and medical devices, as well as new biomechanical model of the foot.
A multimodal assessment of cementless tibial baseplate fixation using radiography, radiostereometric analysis, and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Broberg Jordan S. , Koff Matthew F. , Howard James L. , Lanting Brent A. , Potter Hollis G. , Teeter Matthew G.
Published: July 2023

Fixation in cementless total knee arthroplasty is provided by osseous integration. Radiography, radiostereometric analysis (RSA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used simultaneously to investigate fixation. Relationships between RSA‐measured implant micromotions and MRI‐evaluated osseous integration at the component–bone interface were assessed in 10 patients up to 6 months postoperation. Supine MRI (using multispectral imaging sequences) and RSA exams were performed to evaluate osseous integration and measure longitudinal migration, respectively. Inducible displacement was measured from standing RSA exams. Radiolucent lines were detected on conventional radiographs. Of 10 patients, 6 had fibrous membranes detected on MRI. No fluid or osteolytic interfaces were found, and no components were scored loose. Of 10 patients, 6 had radiolucent lines detected. Average maximum total point motion (MTPM) for longitudinal migration at 6 months was 0.816 mm (range 0.344–1.462 mm). Average MTPM for inducible displacement at 6 months was 1.083 mm (range 0.553–1.780 mm). Fictive points located in fibrous‐classified baseplate quadrants had greater longitudinal migration than fictive points located in baseplate quadrants with normal interfaces at 2 weeks (p = 0.031), 6 weeks (p = 0.046), and 3 months (p = 0.047), and greater inducible displacements at 3 months (p = 0.011) and 6 months (p = 0.045). Greater early micromotion may be associated with the presence of fibrous membranes at the component–bone interface. Clinical significance: This multimodal imaging study contributes knowledge of the fixation of modern cementless TKA, supporting the notion that osseous integration is important for optimal implant fixation.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis for the detection and differentiation of dopamine and DOPAC in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Pimiento Paula A. , Dunn Natalie E. , Sharma Bhavya
Published: July 2023

Dopamine (DA) is a vital neurotransmitter for brain functions, including pleasure, memory, motivation, and movement control. Dopaminergic neuron degradation is correlated to neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, and changes in DA concentration are related to mental health disorders. Currently, the gold standard for monitoring DA concentrations in the brain is electrochemistry. However, although electrochemistry has high sensitivity, it has low specificity for molecules with similar molecular structures, such as DA and its metabolites. Here, we demonstrate that surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a vibrational spectroscopy that provides molecule‐specific information with excellent sensitivity, requires small sample sizes/volumes, and is non‐destructive, is optimal for the detection and differentiation of DA and its metabolites. We show that SERS combined with multivariate analysis allows for the detection and differentiation of DA and its metabolites, including 3‐O‐methyldopamine (3‐OMD), homovanillic acid (HVA), 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and 3‐methoxytyramine (3‐MT) at physiologically relevant concentrations in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF).
Simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer and synchronous colorectal liver metastases: A risk stratified analysis of the NSQIP database
Authors: Radomski Shannon N. , Chen Sophia Y. , Stem Miloslawa , Done Joy Z. , Efron Jonathan E. , Safar Bashar , Atallah Chady
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

Over 25% of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) will develop colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Controversy exists over the surgical management of these patients. This study aims to investigate the safety of a simultaneous surgical approach by stratifying patients based on procedure risk and operative approach.

Methods

Using ACS‐NSQIP (2016–2020), patients with CRC who underwent isolated colorectal, isolated hepatic, or simultaneous resections were identified. Colorectal and hepatic procedures were stratified by morbidity risk (high vs. low) and operative approach (open vs. minimally invasive). Thirty‐day overall morbidity was compared between risk matched isolated and simultaneous resection groups.

Results

A total of 65 417 patients were identified, with 1550 (2.4%) undergoing simultaneous resections. A total of 1207 (77.9%) underwent a low‐risk colorectal and low‐risk liver resection. On multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in overall morbidity between patients who had a simultaneous open high‐risk colorectal/low‐risk hepatic procedure compared to patients who had an isolated open high‐risk colorectal procedure (odds ratio: 1.19; 95% confidence interval: 0.94–1.50; p = 0.148). All other combinations of simultaneous procedures had statistically significant higher rates of morbidity than the isolated group.

Conclusions

Simultaneous resection of colorectal and synchronous CRLM is associated with an increased risk of morbidity in most circumstances in a risk stratified analysis, although rates of readmission and reoperation were not increased. Minimally invasive surgical approaches may significantly mitigate this morbidity.
Five‐year survival of resectable stage IIIA non‐small cell lung cancer in Brazil
Authors: de Barros Maria Laura Gritti Paes , Silva Vinícius G. , Moreira Frederico Rafael , Perez Stela V. , Younes Riad N. , Abrão Fernando Conrado
Published: July 2023

Background

In stage IIIA non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), surgery plays a role in terms of multimodal treatment. Surgery rates have increased in recent years, mainly due to the combination of more accurate imaging tools, electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy, robotic bronchoscopy, robotic surgery, and a wide range of challenging clinical scenarios to lead surgeons and oncologists to include surgery as an option in therapeutic management.

Objectives

To assess the prognostic factors, the 5‐year overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) of patients with resectable stage III‐NSCLC.

Methods

Patients' information was extracted from 76 Hospitals' Cancer Registry. OS and CSS were constructed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the log‐rank test was used to assess differences between curves. In addition, Cox regression was conducted to evaluate the patients' characteristics leading to better OS and CSS.

Results

Overall, 433 stage III NSCLC surgical patients followed over 19 years were included. The median age was 61.29 ± 9.62 years, 58.4% male, 50.1% with adenocarcinoma, 29.3% with squamous cell carcinoma, 3.7% with large‐cell lung carcinoma, and 16,9% with other lung cancer types. The 5‐year OS was 30.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.4–36.1), and the CSS was 35.0% (95% CI: 29.4–41.0). In the Cox multivariate regression, squamous cell carcinoma was associated with reduced OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.07–1.83; p=0.014) and CSS (HR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.17–2.08; p = 0.002), in comparison with adenocarcinoma. The 2015–2019 quinquennial had a 50% reduction in HR (0.49; 95% CI: 0.29–0.81; p = 0.006), and the 2010–2014 group had a 40% reduction (0.59; 95% CI: 0.42–0.83; p = 0.006) in comparison with the 2000–2004 patients' group.

Conclusion

The OS and CSS of patients with resectable stage III NSCLC have improved over the past 19 years in our region. Squamous cell carcinoma was associated with increased mortality risk from any cause or specific cancer.
An optimized extraction and gas chromatography analysis method for the quantification of diluent hydrocarbons in froth treatment tailings
Authors: Heshka Nicole E. , Rathie Kara , Degenhardt Dani
Published: July 2023

Froth treatment tailings are one type of waste stream generated during the extraction of surface‐mined oil sands bitumen. To remove water and solids from bitumen froth recovered during the water‐based extraction process, hydrocarbon diluent is added, and settling and/or centrifugation are applied to the diluted bitumen froth, producing diluted bitumen and froth treatment tailings. While recovery processes are in place to remove and recycle the diluent from froth treatment tailings, some residual diluent can remain. Since tailings are stored in outdoor ponds, the residual diluent can have implications for methanogenic microbial processes and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. This work presents a methodology to accurately extract and quantify diluent hydrocarbons from froth treatment tailings using gas chromatography. A cold‐start temperature program is used to separate diluent hydrocarbons from any residual bitumen in the sample, and diluent is quantified using commercial standards as well as unprocessed diluent. A series of extraction parameters were tested and results from multiple conditions are shown with a rationale for the selected optimized parameters. Quantification of diluent in tailings samples is demonstrated from 60 to 5329 μg/g, and results from quality control standards show an average diluent recovery of 100 ± 10%.
The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of EBUS‐TBNA for Intrathoracic Metastasis in Previously Treated Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Li Sheng‐Ping , Zhang Zhen‐Ming , Bao Yu , Zhou Ling‐Xiao , Zhao Rui , Li Ji‐Man , Zhou Ye‐Han , Chen Xi , Hu Shang‐Zhi , Liu Wu‐Song
Published: July 2023

Objective

The present study assessed the diagnostic and prognostic significance of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) for suspected intrathoracic metastasis after HNC treatment.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 75 patients with a prior history of head and neck cancer treatment who underwent EBUS‐TBNA for suspected intrathoracic metastases between March 2012 and December 2021.

Results

A total of 126 targeted lesions, including 107 mediastinal/hilar lymph nodes and 19 intrapulmonary/mediastinal masses, were sampled. The metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC) cases detected by EBUS‐TBNA consisted of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (n = 24), oropharyngeal carcinoma (n = 3), hypopharynx carcinoma (n = 6), laryngeal carcinoma (n = 6), and oral cavity carcinoma (n = 6). Cases with negative EBUS‐TBNA results consisted of tuberculosis (n = 9), sarcoidosis (n = 3), anthracosis (n = 9), and reactive lymphadenitis (n = 9). Six false‐negative cases were found among the 75 patients with suspected intrathoracic metastases. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of the EBUS‐TBNA procedure for metastatic HNC were 88.2, 100.0, 100.0, 80, and 92.0%, respectively. The diagnosis of HNC intrathoracic metastasis by EBUS‐TBNA correlated with an adverse prognosis in terms of overall survival (OS) (P = .008). The log‐rank univariate analysis and Cox regression multivariate analysis results indicated that the detection of metastatic HNC through EBUS‐TBNA was a significant independent prognostic factor for patients with HNC who had received prior treatment.

Conclusions

Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure for assessing suspected intrathoracic metastasis in HNC patients after treatment. The intrathoracic metastasis detected by EBUS‐TBNA has crucial prognostic significance in previously treated HNC patients.
Risk of inpatient epistaxis admission related to oral anticoagulation medication use
Authors: Mitchell Margaret B. , Workman Alan D. , Lu Richard , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: July 2023

We utilized a case control study to determine if novel oral anticoagulants were associated with a higher risk of inpatient epistaxis admission. Adult patients admitted with a principal diagnosis of epistaxis in 2019–2021 were identified as well as a control group of patients matched 1:1 for age, sex, race, and medical comorbidities. For both cohorts, the presence or absence of an oral anticoagulant, classified as vitamin K inhibitors, direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) or platelet inhibitors, was identified. 158 adult unique inpatient admissions with a principal diagnosis of epistaxis were identified. Vitamin K inhibition was present in 5.7% of cases versus 0.6% of controls (p = 0.02; OR 9.48, range 1.19‐75.77), DOACs in 4.4% of cases versus 5.1% of controls (p = 1.0) and platelet inhibitors in 2.5% of cases versus 3.8% of controls (p = 0.75). We concluded vitamin K inhibitors, compared to DOACs and platelet inhibitors, may be associated with higher likelihood of epistaxis admission.
Deployment of cisplatin in Veterans with oropharyngeal cancer: toxicity and impact on oncologic outcomes
Authors: Soliman Ola , Wilde David C. , Kemnade Jan O. , Sabichi Anita L. , Chen George , Chen Albert , Little Samantha N. , Huang Andrew T. , Hernandez David J. , Sandulache Vlad C.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Cisplatin forms the backbone of systemic chemotherapy treatment for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The ideal cisplatin dosing regimen remains yet to be fully defined for achieving optimal efficacy and toxicity profiles in patients with comorbidity.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed oncologic and toxicity data for patients with OPSCC treated at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center between 2000 and 2020 who initiated curative intent, definitive chemo‐radiation with one of three single agent regimens: high dose (HD) cisplatin, low dose (LD) cisplatin or cetuximab.

Results

Patients with HPV‐associated tumors and nonsmokers demonstrated improved overall and disease‐free survival along with locoregional and distant metastatic control regardless of chemotherapy regimen. Regardless of regimen selection, patients which received a cumulative cisplatin dose ≥200 mg/m2 had a lower rate of distant metastasis. The HD regimen resulted in a greater fraction (75% vs. 50%) of patients receiving a cumulative cisplatin dose ≥200 mg/m2 and a comparable measured toxicity burden compared to the LD regimen.

Conclusions

Both HD and LD cisplatin regimens can be safely delivered to a Veteran OPSCC patient population which should allow for straightforward application of conclusions drawn from completed and active clinical trials testing cisplatin regimens.

Level of Evidence

4.
Mitochondria–Endoplasmic Reticulum Contact Sites Dynamics and Calcium Homeostasis Are Differentially Disrupted in PINK1‐PD or PRKN‐PD Neurons
Authors: Grossmann Dajana , Malburg Nina , Glaß Hannes , Weeren Veronika , Sondermann Verena , Pfeiffer Julia F. , Petters Janine , Lukas Jan , Seibler Philip , Klein Christine , Grünewald Anne , Hermann Andreas
Published: July 2023

Background

It is generally believed that the pathogenesis of PINK1/parkin‐related Parkinson's disease (PD) is due to a disturbance in mitochondrial quality control. However, recent studies have found that PINK1 and Parkin play a significant role in mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and are involved in the regulation of mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum contact sites (MERCSs).

Objective

The aim of our study was to perform an in‐depth analysis of the role of MERCSs and impaired calcium homeostasis in PINK1/Parkin‐linked PD.

Methods

In our study, we used induced pluripotent stem cell–derived dopaminergic neurons from patients with PD with loss‐of‐function mutations in PINK1 or PRKN. We employed a split‐GFP‐based contact site sensor in combination with the calcium‐sensitive dye Rhod‐2 AM and applied Airyscan live‐cell super‐resolution microscopy to determine how MERCSs are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis.

Results

Our results showed that thapsigargin‐induced calcium stress leads to an increase of the abundance of narrow MERCSs in wild‐type neurons. Intriguingly, calcium levels at the MERCSs remained stable, whereas the increased net calcium influx resulted in elevated mitochondrial calcium levels. However, PINK1‐PD or PRKN‐PD neurons showed an increased abundance of MERCSs at baseline, accompanied by an inability to further increase MERCSs upon thapsigargin‐induced calcium stress. Consequently, calcium distribution at MERCSs and within mitochondria was disrupted.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated how the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria work together to cope with calcium stress in wild‐type neurons. In addition, our results suggests that PRKN deficiency affects the dynamics and composition of MERCSs differently from PINK1 deficiency, resulting in differentially affected calcium homeostasis. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Novel evaluation of sub‐seasonal precipitation ensemble forecasts for identifying high‐impact weather events associated with the Indian monsoon
Authors: Kolusu Seshagiri Rao , Mittermaier Marion , Robbins Joanne , Ashrit Raghavendra , Mitra Ashis K.
Published: July 2023

We assess the skill of the fully coupled lagged ensemble forecasts from GloSea5‐GC2, for the sub‐seasonal to seasonal (S2S) timescale up to 4 weeks, with the aim of understanding how these forecasts might be used in a Ready‐Set‐Go style decision‐making framework. Integrated Multi‐satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG‐GPM) are used to seamlessly verify these ensemble forecasts up to monthly timescales whereby forecast and observed precipitation fields are summed over a sequence of increasing lead time accumulation windows (LTAWs), from 1d1d up to 2w2w. Results show that model biases grow with increasing LTAW and with ensemble member age. The S2S model exhibits both wet and dry biases across different parts of the Indian domain. The S2S model error grows from around 10 mm for a 24‐h accumulation to 50 mm for the 2‐week LTAWs. The actual skill and potential skill of the ensemble forecasts reveal that the potential skill is not always greater than actual skill everywhere. The sensitivity to the number and age of ensemble members was tested, with potential skill showing more impact from the exclusion of older members at all LTAWs. We conclude that the older lagged members do not necessarily add value by being included in the short to medium range or even for the extended range forecasts. GloSea5‐GC2 shows some skill in detecting large accumulations, which are not always tied to locations where they are climatologically frequent.
Adaptive barrier function‐based fractional‐order chattering‐free finite‐time control for uncertain chaotic systems
Authors: Askari Sepestanaki Mohammadreza , Soofi Mohammad , Barhaghtalab Mojtaba Hadi , Bahmani Hamidreza , Mobayen Saleh , Jalilvand Abolfazl
Published: July 2023

This study proposes the adaptive continuous barrier function as the fractional‐order control system using the terminal sliding mode control technique with chattering‐free property to stabilize chaotic systems that have unknown uncertainties. The important reason for using the fractional‐order controller is its greater flexibility than the integer‐order controller. Using adaptive approach and Lyapunov's stability theory, an adaptive continuous barrier fractional‐order chattering‐free finite‐time controller for a category of chaotic systems with the unknown uncertainties and external disturbances is presented. The suggested controller can stabilize the chaotic system excellently with a continuous and smooth control law even without knowing the boundaries and in the presence of unknown disturbances due to the model uncertainties. According to MATLAB simulation results, the high efficiency of the suggested control technique to control the chaotic systems in the attendance of unknown perturbations is obviously confirmed.
Regularity of the attractor for a fractional Klein‐Gordon‐Schrödinger system with cubic nonlinearities
Authors: Missaoui Salah
Published: July 2023

We study the long time behavior of the solutions for a weakly damped forced nonlinear fractional Klein‐Gordon‐Schrödinger system

for a given
considered in the whole space
. We prove that this system provides an infinite dimensional dynamical system in
that possesses a global attractor
in the same space and more particularly that this attractor is in fact a compact set of
.
Creating patient‐specific digital phantoms with a longitudinal atlas for evaluating deformable CT‐CBCT registration in adaptive lung radiotherapy
Authors: Meyer Sebastian , Alam Sadegh , Kuo Li Cheng , Hu Yu‐Chi , Liu Yilin , Lu Wei , Yorke Ellen , Li Anyi , Cerviño Laura , Zhang Pengpeng
Published: July 2023

Background

Quality assurance of deformable image registration (DIR) is challenging because the ground truth is often unavailable. In addition, current approaches that rely on artificial transformations do not adequately resemble clinical scenarios encountered in adaptive radiotherapy.

Purpose

We developed an atlas‐based method to create a variety of patient‐specific serial digital phantoms with CBCT‐like image quality to assess the DIR performance for longitudinal CBCT imaging data in adaptive lung radiotherapy.

Methods

A library of deformations was created by extracting the longitudinal changes observed between a planning CT and weekly CBCT from an atlas of lung radiotherapy patients. The planning CT of an inquiry patient was first deformed by mapping the deformation pattern from a matched atlas patient, and subsequently appended with CBCT artifacts to imitate a weekly CBCT. Finally, a group of digital phantoms around an inquiry patient was produced to simulate a series of possible evolutions of tumor and adjacent normal structures. We validated the generated deformation vector fields (DVFs) to ensure numerically and physiologically realistic transformations. The proposed framework was applied to evaluate the performance of the DIR algorithm implemented in the commercial Eclipse treatment planning system in a retrospective study of eight inquiry patients.

Results

The generated DVFs were inverse consistent within less than 3 mm and did not exhibit unrealistic folding. The deformation patterns adequately mimicked the observed longitudinal anatomical changes of the matched atlas patients. Worse Eclipse DVF accuracy was observed in regions of low image contrast or artifacts. The structure volumes exhibiting a DVF error magnitude of equal or more than 2 mm ranged from 24.5% (spinal cord) to 69.2% (heart) and the maximum DVF error exceeded 5 mm for all structures except the spinal cord. Contour‐based evaluations showed a high degree of alignment with dice similarity coefficients above 0.8 in all cases, which underestimated the overall DVF accuracy within the structures.

Conclusions

It is feasible to create and augment digital phantoms based on a particular patient of interest using multiple series of deformation patterns from matched patients in an atlas. This can provide a semi‐automated procedure to complement the quality assurance of CT‐CBCT DIR and facilitate the clinical implementation of image‐guided and adaptive radiotherapy that involve longitudinal CBCT imaging studies.
An optimized framework for cone‐beam computed tomography‐based online evaluation for proton therapy
Authors: Chang Chih‐Wei , Nilsson Rasmus , Andersson Sebastian , Bohannon Duncan , Patel Sagar A. , Patel Pretesh R. , Liu Tian , Yang Xiaofeng , Zhou Jun
Published: July 2023

Background

Clinical evidence has demonstrated that proton therapy can achieve comparable tumor control probabilities compared to conventional photon therapy but with the added benefit of sparing healthy tissues. However, proton therapy is sensitive to inter‐fractional anatomy changes. Online pre‐fraction evaluation can effectively verify proton dose before delivery to patients, but there is a lack of guidelines for implementing this workflow.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a cone‐beam CT‐based (CBCT) online evaluation framework for proton therapy that enables knowledge transparency and evaluates the efficiency and accuracy of each essential component.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with various lesion sites were included to conduct a retrospective study of implementing the proposed CBCT evaluation framework for the clinic. The framework was implemented on the RayStation 11B Research platform. Two synthetic CT (sCT) methods, corrected CBCT (cCBCT), and virtual CT (vCT), were used, and the ground truth images were acquired from the same‐day deformed quality assurance CT (dQACT) for the comparisons. The evaluation metrics for the framework include time efficiency, dose‐difference distributions (gamma passing rates), and water equivalent thickness (WET) distributions.

Results

The mean online CBCT evaluation times were 1.6 ± 0.3 min and 1.9 ± 0.4 min using cCBCT and vCT, respectively. The dose calculation and deformable image registration dominated the evaluation efficiency, and accounted for 33% and 30% of the total evaluation time, respectively. The sCT generation took another 19% of the total time. Gamma passing rates were greater than 91% and 97% using 1%/1 mm and 2%/2 mm criteria, respectively. When the appropriate sCT was chosen, the target mean WET difference from the reference were less than 0.5 mm. The appropriate sCT method choice determined the uncertainty for the framework, with the cCBCT being superior for head‐and‐neck patient evaluation and vCT being better for lung patient evaluation.

Conclusions

An online CBCT evaluation framework was proposed to identify the use of the optimal sCT algorithm regarding efficiency and dosimetry accuracy. The framework is extendable to adopt advanced imaging methods and has the potential to support online adaptive radiotherapy to enhance patient benefits. It could be implemented into clinical use in the future.
Maxillomandibular Advancement Efficacy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients With Class 2 Versus 3 Dentofacial Deformity
Authors: Abdelwahab Mohamed , Taheri Nazlie , Eltahir Lina , Erdogan Can , Lee Kyra , Liu Stanley Y.‐C.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To compare the efficacy of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with class 2 versus 3 dentofacial deformities (DFDs).

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary sleep surgery center.

Methods

Patients with OSA and DFD class 2 versus 3 undergoing MMA at Stanford Sleep Surgery between 2014 and 2021 were matched by preoperative body mass index (BMI), age, and sex. Postoperative outcome was compared with polysomnography measures and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Results

Twenty‐eight matched subjects, 14 in each deformity group were identified and assessed. The mean age (standard deviation) was 34.29 (10.21) and 33.86 (10.23) for classes 2 and 3, respectively. The apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 43.42 (28.30) to 9.6 (5.29) (p < .001) and 37.17 (35.77) to 11.81 (15.74) (p = .042) in class 2 and 3 subjects, respectively. The oxygen desaturation index (ODI) changed from 30.48 (24.02) to 6.88 (3.39) (p = .024) and 11.43 (11.40) to 5.44 (7.96) (p = .85) in class 2 and 3 subjects, respectively. The Epworth sleepiness scale changed from 8.93 (5.28) to 3.91 (2.70) (p = .018) and 10.23 (4.38) to 4.22 (3.07) (p = .006) in class 2 and 3 subjects, respectively.

Conclusion

Among age, sex, and BMI‐matched subjects, MMA is equally effective in both dentofacial class 2 and 3 groups, both objectively and subjectively. Preoperatively, dentofacial class 2 patients with OSA presented with the more severe disease with higher AHI and ODI. Dentofacial class 3 patients with OSA may require additional attention to improve nasal function outcomes.
Compounds Derived from 9,9‐Dialkylfluorenes: Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Initial Binding Studies (Part II)
Authors: Seidel Pierre , Seichter Wilhelm , Mazik Monika
Published: July 2023

New representatives of 2,4,7‐trisubstituted 9,9‐dialkyl‐9H‐fluorenes were prepared and used for crystallographic investigations as well as initial binding studies towards metal ions and carbohydrates. The binding studies, which included 1H NMR spectroscopic titrations and fluorescence measurements, demonstrated the ability of the tested fluorene‐based compounds to act as complexing agents for ionic and neutral substrates. Depending on the nature of the subunits of the fluorene derivatives, “turn on” or “turn off” fluorescent chemosensors can be developed. Compounds composed of 4,6‐dimethylpyridin‐2‐yl‐aminomethyl moieties have the potential to be used as sensitive “turn‐on” chemosensors for some metal ions.
Polycaprolactone and its derivatives for drug delivery
Authors: Pawar Ranjitsinh , Pathan Anam , Nagaraj Srishti , Kapare Harshad , Giram Prabhanjan , Wavhale Ravindra
Published: July 2023

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is polymer of 21st centuries. PCL is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer used for various healthcare applications. This review explores the properties, synthesis, and processing of PCL. The use of PCL polymer for nanoparticles (NPs), microparticles, films, and fibers offers several advantages for biomedical applications. The review highlights the potential of PCL‐based materials for tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, and implantable medical devices. We also critically analyzed challenges in PCL‐based materials and the strategies used to overcome for successful translation into clinical applications. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of PCL as a valuable biomaterial for healthcare applications.
The impact of COVID‐19 on school psychologists and evaluation
Authors: Hunt Tiffany L. , Kassel Amy K. , Perkins Mark A.
Published: July 2023

With the challenges, the pandemic created for school districts, schools, educators, and families, school psychologists faced unique challenges. To understand the lived experiences of school psychologists related specifically to conducting their jobs during the pandemic and the impact the pandemic had on them professionally and personally, we conducted a phenomenological study. Within this work, 12 school psychologists engaged in one‐on‐one semistructured interviews specifically designed to understand the unique perspectives and experiences of school psychologists derived by the pandemic. Participants expressed concerns that little guidance or support was provided specific to testing protocols, which, many expressed, led to ethical dilemmas regarding testing and data validity, and ultimately resulted in concerns about under‐ and overidentification of students with disabilities. We conclude, evaluation decisions made during the height of the pandemic may need to be reassessed as additional data dictates. Additionally, we recognize the unique and unforeseen complexities the pandemic continues to present, particularly for minority and low socioeconomic students, and recommend school psychologists receive administrative support, guidance, and training. Additionally, we encourage individualized education program teams to work collaboratively and rely on their collective expertise when making eligibility and programming decisions.
Effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on an international sample of golfers with disabilities
Authors: Darcy Rose , Lewis Christopher , Fausett Cameron , Neuville Alexander , Bennett Tony , Jayabalan Prakash
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Participation in adaptive sports can mitigate the risk for obesity and social isolation/loneliness in individuals with disabilities (IWDs). The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and related changes in physical activity exacerbated existing barriers to participation in adaptive sports. There is limited literature assessing the potentially disproportionate effect of pandemic‐related changes to physical activity in IWDs.

Objective

To determine how golf benefits IWDs and understand the effect of changes to golfing habits during the pandemic.

Design

A survey was distributed to all registered players (n = 1759) of the European Disabled Golf Association (April 2021). It assessed participants' demographic information (age, sex, race/ethnicity, nationality, impairment, golf handicap), golf habits before/after the pandemic, and perceived impact of golf and COVID‐19‐related golf restrictions to physical/mental health and quality of life (QoL).

Setting

European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) worldwide database.

Patients

Responses were received from 171 IWDs representing 24 countries. Age 18 years or older and registration with EDGA were required for inclusion.

Interventions

Survey.

Outcomes

Self‐reported golfing habits, mental/physical health, and QoL.

Results

Mean participant age was 51.4 ± 12.9 years. Most respondents were amputees (41.5%) or had neurological diagnoses (33.9%). Pre‐pandemic, 95% of respondents indicated that golf provided an opportunity to socialize, and most participants reported that golf positively affected physical/mental health and QoL. During the pandemic, more than 20% of participants reported golfing with fewer partners and 24.6% of participants reported playing fewer rounds per month (p < .001 for both); these findings were consistent across geographical region, ethnicity, and type of disability. Most participants (68.4%) perceived that their ability to golf had been impacted by COVID‐19 and that these changes negatively affected their mental/physical health and QoL.

Conclusions

Golf benefits the physical/mental health and QoL of IWDs internationally. Changes to golfing habits throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic negatively affected these individuals. This highlights the need to create opportunities for physical activity engagement and socialization among adaptive athletes during a global pandemic.
Utilizing Hydrazine and Hydrogen as Reducing Agents to Control the Nanoscale Surface Morphology of the Palladium Thin Films
Authors: Mpofu Brighton S. , Madhovi Musindo R. T. , Majuru Tanaka , Munjeri Kudakwashe , Gutu Timothy
Published: July 2023

A key challenge facing fabrication of nanomaterials is the ability to precisely control the surface morphology of the nanostructures through exploitation of process parameters. In this study, palladium thin films with carefully controlled surface morphologies are obtained through the careful choice of the reducing agent used during the pre‐plating activation step in the three‐step autocatalytic electroless plating consisting of 1) surface functionalization; 2) surface activation; and 3) deposition of the film onto alumina substrates. It is important to note that the reducing agents that influenced the surface morphology of the palladium thin films are employed in the pre‐plating activation step instead of the widely utilized electroless deposition step. It is revealed in the high‐resolution scanning electron microscope results that the hydrogen reducing agent yields a dense film with 3D spheroidal morphologies with an average cluster size of ≈415 nm while the hydrazine reducing agent produces a very smooth uniform surface morphology consisting of extremely small grains. The obtained results can be exploited in controlling and tailoring the surface‐dependent properties of the palladium thin film for applications in gas sensors, detectors, or palladium‐based membranes.
Hydrodynamic modeling of ephemeral flow in the Iishana channel systems of the Cuvelai Basin—Northern Namibia
Authors: Arendt Robert , Reinhardt‐Imjela Christian , Faulstich Leona , Schulte Achim , Assmann André , Jüpner Robert , Johannes Petrina T. , Mashauri Damas Alfred
Published: July 2023

The transboundary region of the Iishana system in the western Cuvelai Basin, between southern Angola and northern Namibia, is frequently affected by floods at irregular intervals. As a result, the predominantly rural, subsistence farming population has experienced crop failures, human, and economic losses. To date, very little is known about the generation of floods, flood concentration, and stormwater drainage dynamics in this region. In this study, 2D‐hydrodynamic modeling was applied to reconstruct one of the latest major flood events during the rainy season from November 2008 to March 2009 in order to study the runoff behavior and interconnectivity of the Iishana system. The model focused on the eastern part of the Iishana system, which was most affected by floods and flood damage due to the high population density in and around Oshakati, the regional capital. Two main streams were identified noteworthy because they merge and subsequently affect Oshakati. Regarding the simulated flood event water depths vary from 0.1 m to 14 m, with an average of 0.2 m, while water depths above 5 m were attributed to borrow pits. The inundation area ranged up to 1860 km2 and the amount of water left after the rainy season on March 25th, 2009, was determined between 0.116 and 0.547 km3, depending on the amount of evapotranspiration considered in the model. Thus, in the Angolan part of the Iishana system, significantly larger quantities of water are available for longer periods of time during the subsequent dry season, whereas the system in Namibia stores less water, resulting in a shorter water retention period.
Polysaccharide‐Stabilized Capsules for Delivery of Indomethacin
Authors: Milkova Viktoria , Goycoolea Francisco M.
Published: July 2023

Indomethacin was encapsulated in oil‐core capsules stabilized by carrageenan/chitosan film formed through subsequent electrostatic adsorption of oppositely charged polysaccharides on lecithin‐stabilized oil‐in‐water emulsion droplets. In order to investigate the influence of the physicochemical properties of polysaccharides on drug encapsulation, chitosan samples with different degrees of acetylation (DA) and molecular weight (Mw) were chosen in this study. The variation of the electrokinetic charge and hydrodynamic diameter of the droplets were measured after each adsorption step by Dynamic light scattering. The experimental results indicated that the diameter of the loaded capsules and encapsulation efficiency of the drug (in the range of 70 %–94 %) depend on the Mw of the chitosan. The electrokinetic measurements indicated the achievement of overcompensation of the surface charge and re‐stabilization of the dispersion after each deposition step.
PhI(OAc)2‐Mediated One‐Pot Oxidative [3+2] Cycloaddition/ Heterocyclization Reactions of Aldoximes with N‐Arylmaleimides: A Facile Access to N‐Substituted Pyrrolo‐Isoxazoles
Authors: Gairola Deepti , Raza Mohammad Saim , Roshani Km , Peddinti Rama Krishna
Published: July 2023

A convenient and efficient metal‐free oxidative [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of N‐arylmaleimides with nitrile oxides generated in situ from the corresponding aldoximes using diacetoxyiodobenzene (DIB) as hypervalent iodine reagent under mild conditions has been established. The one‐pot oxidative cycloaddition afforded corresponding bioinspired bicyclic isoxazole/pyrrolo‐isoxazole derivatives in up to 91 % yield at room temperature. To demonstrate the efficacy of this methodology, the reaction was scaled up to the gram‐scale showing synthetic potential in industrial application. The one‐pot fashion makes the strategy highly time‐economic, atom‐economic and minimizes chemical waste by circumventing several purification steps.
Investigations on the Factors Influencing the Mercaptan Removal through Adsorption with Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zeng Yaojun , Fu Xinyang , Jia Dandan , Jiang Junnan , Xu Jianing , Gao Hongyi
Published: July 2023

Metal‐organic framework materials (MOFs) have the characteristics of versatile composition, high specific surface area, rich and orderly pore structure and adjustable pore size, which provide an ideal platform to develop desulfurization adsorbent and investigate the factors influencing the mercaptan removal performance. In this study, five kinds of MOFs with different adsorption sites (Cu, Ni, Zn), topological structure, pore size and defect degree were prepared and evaluated the desulfurization performance. The mercaptan adsorption capacity followed the order of CuBDC‐D>CuBDC>NiBDC>ZIF‐8>MOF‐5, and the metal site and defect were considered the main influence factors. The present study suggested that defect engineering of Cu based MOFs is a promising strategy to design efficient adsorbent for mercaptan removal.
Erxian Decoction Enhances the Tamoxifen Sensitivity in Luminal Breast Cancer through the PI3K‐AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Xinbin , Zhang Zhongwen , Wang Haorui , Ma Ruiling , Zhang Yi , Wang Rong
Published: July 2023

Background: The primary and secondary resistance of luminal breast cancer (LBC) against endocrine therapy is a serious clinical problem. At present, it has been confirmed that Erxian Decoction can improve the sensitivity of LBC to tamoxifen (TAM), but its mechanism is not clear. The purpose of this paper is to explore the molecular mechanism that causes Erxian Decoction to increase the sensitivity of LBC to TAM.

Methods: The potential targets and related pathways of Erxian Decoction inhibiting LBC were screened through bioinformatics. The small molecular compounds that could stably bind to LBC targets were determined by molecular docking. The stable interaction of the target and the small molecular compounds was revealed by the cell thermal shift assay (CETSA). Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) was used to verify the effect of Erxian Decoction and TAM on the cell activity of LBC. Flow cytometry was used to verify the effect of Erxian Decoction and TAM on the apoptosis of LBC cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PI3K‐AKT pathway‐related proteins in cells.

Results: ERBB2 was screened as a potential target for the treatment of LBC. Based on molecular docking and CETSA results, the stable interaction between luteolin and ERBB2 was confirmed. CCK‐8 results showed that luteolin could inhibit the cell activity of LBC, and luteolin treatment could improve the drug sensitivity of tumor cells to TAM. The results of flow cytometry showed that compared with TAM treatment alone, the addition of luteolin trefatment promoted the apoptosis level of LBC cells. Western blot results indicated that luteolin could inhibit the PI3K‐AKT signal pathway by combining with ERBB2.

Conclusion: Luteolin in Erxian Decoction inhibited the progression of LBC and enhanced the sensitivity of LBC to TAM by binding with ERBB2 to down‐regulate the activity of the PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway. This study provided theoretical support for endocrine therapy of TAM‐resistant LBC patients.