bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bright spectroscopic binaries: III. Binary systems with orbital periods of P > 500 days
Authors: Jack Dennis , Hernández Huerta Missael Alejandro , Rosas‐Portilla Faiber Danilo , Schröder Klaus‐Peter
Published: January 2024

We present an analysis of nine bright spectroscopic binaries (HD 1585, HD 6613, HD 12390, HD 39923, HD 55201, HD 147430, HD 195543, HD 202699, HD 221643), which have orbital periods of  days. These well‐separated binaries are the last stars of our sample that we observed with the TIGRE telescope obtaining intermediate‐resolution spectra of . We applied the same method as described in our previous publication of this series. For the analysis of the radial velocity curves, we used the toolkit RadVel, which allowed us to determine all orbital parameters. Recently published orbital solutions of some systems from Gaia DR3 agree with our results. However, our solutions have much smaller uncertainties. We determined the basic stellar parameters of the primary stars with our automatic script using iSpec. The parameter determination allowed us to place all nine stars in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. We found that all stars have already evolved to the giant phase. A comparison with stellar evolution tracks of the Eggleton code was applied to determine the stellar masses and ages. As a result of our analysis, we were able to estimate the masses of the secondary stars and the orbital inclinations of the binary systems.
Mucoadhesive and antifouling Janus polysaccharide film for prevention of colorectal cancer recurrence post‐surgery
Authors: Lee Jaebeom , Seo Hee Seung , Park Chun Gwon , Shin Mikyung
Published: January 2024

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, and current treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Most patients undergo surgery, which often requires extensive resection of the colon to prevent recurrence and metastasis of residual malignant tumor cells, leading to postoperative pain and discomfort in daily routines. Although versatile therapeutic patches have been developed to induce tumor apoptosis, achieving both great adhesiveness on the mucus layers of the colon tissue and anti‐cell/tissue adhesion to other surrounding organs remains a challenge. Herein, we report a Janus polysaccharide film comprising two polymers: mussel‐inspired catechol‐conjugated chitosan (Chi‐C) with muco‐adhesiveness, and alginate (Alg) with anti‐adhesion property. The Chi‐C and Alg polymers form a stably entangled bilayer film via electrostatic interactions. The Janus film shows a strong tissue adhesive strength of ∼10 kPa for the Chi‐C layer and weak strength of ∼1 kPa for the Alg layer. Particularly, the Janus film encapsulating an anti‐cancer drug exhibits a directional release profile to the tumor site, which is effective for triggering tumor death in in vivo colorectal tumor resection model. Ultimately, such anti‐cancer material strategies using bilayered structures are promising for advanced tumor therapy.
Running women or women runners: Does identity salience affect intention to exercise outside and feelings of safety?
Authors: Skilton Lisa , McMahon Grace , Muldoon Orla T.
Published: January 2024

Safety concerns for women are prevalent and influence their likelihood to exercise outside. While some women modify their exercise behaviour due to safety concerns, others exercise outside more freely. In this paper, two experiments are reported with women runners to examine whether making their identity as a runner or a woman salient changed their self‐reported likelihood of exercising outside, sense of safety and personal safety anxiety. While study 1 (n = 153) found no significant experimental effect, it revealed a trend: women whose runner identity was made salient were more likely to self‐report their willingness to exercise outside than those in the gender identity condition. Study 2 (n = 236) was conducted to examine this trend further. The second study employed a larger sample size and a more robust manipulation of social identity salience. A significant effect of the experimental condition on women's sense of safety was observed. Specifically, women in the runner identity salience condition had significantly greater feelings of safety than women in the gender identity salience condition. A similar trend emerged for self‐reported likelihood to exercise outside. These findings corroborate prior research on the impact of identity salience on intention to engage in health behaviours. They contribute to the existing body of literature on the intricate interplay between women's physical activity intentions and safety concerns. Furthermore, these findings could aid in the development of interventions to increase women's physical activity levels. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Advancements in Single Atom Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction Reaction
Authors: Liu Lingyue , Zheng Shourong
Published: January 2024

Due to the urgent demand for nitrate wastewater treatment, the quest for an efficient and environmentally friendly treatment method has emerged as a new research focus. The utilization of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) in electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) for ammonia production is presently recognized as an effective strategy to address pollution issues and obtain high value‐added products. In this review, we summarized the recent research advancements in NO3RR based on SACs. This review includes a comprehensive analysis of the identification and structural determination techniques for SACs, as well as the mechanism of NO3RR over SACs. Furthermore, this review investigates the impact of regulating single atom structures on NO3RR, providing valuable insights for enhancing reaction efficiency. It explores the application of in‐situ technology in real‐time monitoring and control of NO3RR. Finally, perspectives and challenges regarding the application of SACs in NO3RR are presented. Overall, this extensive review offers valuable insights for researchers and industry professionals in the field of nitrate reduction and environmental catalysis.
Controlling the Activation at NiII−CO22− Moieties through Lewis Acid Interactions in the Second Coordination Sphere
Authors: Wolff Siad , Pelmenschikov Vladimir , Müller Robert , Ertegi Mervan , Cula Beatrice , Kaupp Martin , Limberg Christian
Published: January 2024

Nickel complexes with a two‐electron reduced CO2 ligand (CO22−, “carbonite”) are investigated with regard to the influence alkali metal (AM) ions have as Lewis acids on the activation of the CO2 entity. For this purpose complexes with NiII(CO2)AM (AM=Li, Na, K) moieties were accessed via deprotonation of nickel‐formate compounds with (AM)N(iPr)2. It was found that not only the nature of the AM ions in vicinity to CO2 affect the activation, but also the number and the ligation of a given AM. To this end the effects of added (AM)N(R)2, THF, open and closed polyethers as well as cryptands were systematically studied. In 14 cases the products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and correlations with the situation in solution were made. The more the AM ions get detached from the carbonite ligand, the lower is the degree of aggregation. At the same time the extent of CO2 activation is decreased as indicated by the structural and spectroscopic analysis and reactivity studies. Accompanying DFT studies showed that the coordinating AM Lewis acidic fragment withdraws only a small amount of charge from the carbonite moiety, but it also affects the internal charge equilibration between the LtBuNi and carbonite moieties.
1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Polycyclic Aromatic Azomethine Ylides and Alkynylbenziodoxoles for Synthesis of Functional Dibenzoullazines†
Authors: Han Hui , Goh Glen Wee Zhuan , Li Yongxin , Yoshikai Naohiko , Ito Shingo
Published: January 2024

Comprehensive Summary

A new family of dibenzoullazine derivatives was synthesized through 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of polycyclic aromatic azomethine ylides with alkynylbenziodoxoles followed by oxidation. The benziodoxole moiety in the resulting products was used as a versatile linchpin for the synthesis of structurally diverse functional dibenzoullazines that are difficult to access by other synthetic methods.
The Scope of the Applicability of Non‐relativistic DFT Calculations of NMR Chemical Shifts in Pyridine‐Metal Complexes for Applied Applications
Authors: Shenderovich Ilya G.
Published: January 2024

Heavy metals are toxic, but it is impossible to stop using them. Considering the variety of molecular systems in which they can be present, the multicomponent nature and disorder of the structure of such systems, one of the most effective methods for studying them is NMR spectroscopy. This determines the need to calculate NMR chemical shifts for expected model systems. For elements beyond the third row of the periodic table, corrections for relativistic effects are necessary when calculating NMR parameters. Such corrections may be necessary even for light atoms due to the shielding effect of a neighboring heavy atom. This work examines the extent to which non‐relativistic DFT calculations are able to reproduce experimental 15N and 113Cd NMR chemical shift tensors in pyridine‐metal coordination complexes. It is shown that while for the calculation of 15N NMR chemical shift tensors there is no real need to consider relativistic corrections, for 113Cd, on the contrary, none of the tested calculation methods could reproduce the experimentally obtained tensor to any extent correctly.
Understand the process of strategic planning, then regularly review/update your plan
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: January 2024

If your department has not assessed its overall functioning for a while, consider ­doing it soon. Strategic planning helps departments progress to a stronger position in the future. Specifically, it will help determine where the department stands now, its current assets, where it can be, and how to get there. It will also determine if, and how effectively, those goals have been achieved. Unlike tactics, which employ short‐term or immediate action conducted with the resources at hand, a strategic plan evolves over time as forces, conditions, and resources change.
New year; new issues: A note from the Editor
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: January 2024

It's a new year, and Disability Compliance for Higher ­Education is looking forward to covering the salient topics and emerging trends in disability services. We welcome feedback from readers on what topics you’d like to see covered in the newsletter this year. You all are the experts — the professionals supporting students (and employees) with disabilities. And that means you have unique perspectives on how to drive change in the field of accessibility services. It means you have important ideas about how to help students with disabilities unlock their potential and thrive on campus.
Researcher effects on the biological structure and edaphic conditions of field sites and implications for management
Authors: Rinehart Shelby A. , Dybiec Jacob M. , Richardson Parker , Walker Janet B. , Peabody James D. , Cherry Julia A.
Published: January 2024

Field studies are necessary for understanding natural processes in spite of the human‐induced disturbances they cause. While researchers acknowledge these effects, no studies have empirically tested the direct (e.g., harvesting plants) and indirect (i.e., trampling) effects of researcher activities on biological structure and edaphic conditions. We leveraged field studies in Alabama and California to monitor the recovery of tidal marshes following research activities. Researcher effects on animals, plants, and sediment conditions remained prevalent almost one year after the disturbance ended. For instance, trampled plots had 14%–97% lower plant cover than undisturbed plots after >10 months of recovery. Researcher effects also impacted plant composition, leading to increased subordinate species abundance. We encourage field researchers to adopt strategies that reduce their scientific footprints, including reducing field visits, limiting field team size, and considering ways to limit potential environmental impacts during study design.
Deep learning‐based response spectrum analysis method for building structures
Authors: Kim Taeyong , Kwon Oh‐Sung , Song Junho
Published: January 2024

The response spectrum method has gained widespread acceptance in practical applications owing to its favorable compromise between accuracy and practical efficiency. The method predicts the peak responses of multi‐degree‐of‐freedom (MDOF) systems by combining modal responses. The Square Root of the Sum of Squares (SRSS) and Complete Quadratic Combination (CQC) rules are commonly used for modal combinations. However, it has been widely known that these rules have limitations in accurately predicting responses influenced by higher modes and cross‐modal correlations. To improve the accuracy of the response spectrum analysis method for building structures, this paper proposes a Deep learning‐based modal Combination (DC) rule by introducing modal contribution coefficients predicted by a deep neural network (DNN) model. The DC rule enhances prediction accuracy by considering the characteristics of ground motion and the dynamic properties of a structural system. The DC rule provides more accurate predictions than the conventional rules, particularly for irregular response spectra and responses affected by higher modes. The efficiency and applicability of the DC rule are demonstrated by numerical investigations of multistory shear buildings and steel frame structures with regular and irregular shapes. The source codes, data, and trained models are available for download at https://github.com/tyongkim/ERD2.
Bioimaging and prospects of night pearls‐based persistence phosphors in cancer diagnostics
Authors: Shang Ruipu , Yang Feifei , Gao Ge , Luo Yu , You Hongpeng , Dong Lile
Published: January 2024

Inorganic persistent phosphors feature great potential for cancer diagnosis due to the long luminescence lifetime, low background scattering, and minimal autofluorescence. With the prominent advantages of near‐infrared light, such as deep penetration, high resolution, low autofluorescence, and tissue absorption, persistent phosphors can be used for deep bioimaging. We focus on highlighting inorganic persistent phosphors, emphasizing the synthesis methods and applications in cancer diagnostics. Typical synthetic methods such as the high‐temperature solid state, thermal decomposition, hydrothermal/solvothermal, and template methods are proposed to obtain small‐size phosphors for biological organisms. The luminescence mechanisms of inorganic persistent phosphors with different excitation are discussed and effective matrixes including galliumate, germanium, aluminate, and fluoride are explored. Finally, the current directions where inorganic persistent phosphors can continue to be optimized and how to further overcome the challenges in cancer diagnosis are summarized.
Adjuvant effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: A case series
Authors: Ferreira Rita de Cassia , Cecatto Rebeca Boltes , Perez Silvana Torres , Mesquita‐Ferrari Raquel Agnelli , Bussadori Sandra Kalil , Duran Cinthya Cosme , Horliana Anna Carolina Tempestini , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical evolution of patients with diabetic foot ulcer treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using the Bates‐Jensen (BJ) scale. A total of 21 patients were monitored, with an average age of 58 years. Patients underwent the standard treatment protocol of the institution, supplemented with aPDT utilizing 0.01% methylene blue (MB) and laser irradiation (660 nm, 100 mW, 6 J per point). Following aPDT, the lesions were protected with hydrofiber dressings containing silver. The Bates‐Jensen Scale was employed at pre‐treatment and post‐aPDT sessions to assess lesion progression. The results demonstrated a significant difference between pre‐ and post‐treatment values in the overall BJ score. The use of MB in aPDT proved to be an effective, safe, well‐tolerated treatment with high patient adherence and the potential for implementation in the care of diabetic foot conditions.
Detection of acute and early‐delayed radiation‐induced changes in the white matter of the rat brain based on numerical processing of optical coherence tomography data
Authors: Achkasova Ksenia , Kukhnina Liudmila , Moiseev Alexander , Kiseleva Elena , Bogomolova Alexandra , Loginova Maria , Gladkova Natalia
Published: January 2024

Detection of radiation‐induced changes of the brain white matter is important for brain neoplasms repeated surgery. We investigated the influence of irradiation on the scattering properties of the white matter using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Healthy Wistar rats undergone the irradiation of the brain right hemisphere. At seven time points from the irradiation procedure (2–14 weeks), an ex vivo OCT study was performed with subsequent calculation of attenuation coefficient values in the corpus callosum followed by immunohistochemical analysis. As a result, we discovered acute and early‐delayed changes characterized by the edema of different severity, accompanied by a statistically significant decrease in attenuation coefficient values. In particular, these changes were found at 2 weeks after irradiation in the irradiated hemisphere, while at 6‐ and 12‐week time points they affected both irradiated and contralateral hemisphere. Thus, radiation‐induced changes occurring in white matter during the first 3 months after irradiation can be detected by OCT.
Theoretical insights into the impact of hydrogen bonding interactions and proton‐transfer phenomena on the excited state of HBT‐TMS fluorophore: Solvent‐induced effects
Authors: Li Chaozheng , Liu Rivaille , Dong Hao
Published: January 2024

Inspired by the design of distinguished optical materials, novel organic molecules exhibiting excited state intramolecular proton‐transfer (ESIPT) characteristics have emerged as a prominent research topic. In this study, we focus on investigating the excited state dynamics of 2‐(5‐trifluoromethyl‐benzothiazol‐2‐yl)‐4,6‐bis‐trimethylsilanylethynyl‐phenol (HBT‐TMS), a novel color‐tunable multifunctional ESIPT emitter. By considering four different aprotic solvents with varying polarities, we confirm the influence of solvent polarity on photo‐induced hydrogen bonding interactions, charge redistribution, and associated ESIPT phenomena. Through comparison and quantification of the magnitudes of excited state reaction barriers in different solvents, our findings suggest that highly polar solvents facilitate the ESIPT reaction for HBT‐TMS fluorophore.
Illicit drug abuse and complexity of tibial shaft fracture based on AO/OTA classification: Is there any connection?
Authors: Sharafi Amirmohammad , Ghaderi Ali , Shahbazi Parmida , Ghaseminejad‐Raeini Amirhossein , Ramezani Akam , Soleimani Mohammad , Talebiyan Parham , Shafiei Seyyed Hossein
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Illicit drug abuse is a global epidemic afflicting millions worldwide. Several studies have investigated the contribution of this dependence as a risk factor for fracture, but its impacts on fracture severity have been rarely studied. The present study primarily aims to determine the relationship between illicit drug abuse and the severity of tibial shaft fractures.

Methods

This retrospective study consecutively included patients aged ≥18 years with tibial shaft fracture who attended Sina Tertiary Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between 2016 and 2021. The fracture patterns were assessed according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification. Participants were divided into three individual specialists into groups: simple (A), wedge (B) and multifragmentary (C) fractures. The association of illicit drug abuse and other recorded variables, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, physical activity, smoking habits and mechanism of injury, was also examined and assessed in multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Of 219 patients, 26 were drug abusers, and 193 had no history of use. A total of 20 out of 26 drug abusers experienced a complex fracture, yielding a rate of 76.9%, while this rate for nonusers was 50.3% (97 out of 193), indicating a statistically significant difference between the two subgroups (p = 0.011). The smoking history also influenced the fracture pattern (p = 0.027) based on univariate analysis; however, using adjusted multivariate analysis yielded only illicit drug abuse (odds ratio = 3.495; confidence interval = 1.144–10.680) as a risk factor for more complex fractures.

Conclusion

The evidence from this study suggests that complexity and fracture patterns can depend on illicit drug abuse history.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Proteome encoded determinants of protein sorting into extracellular vesicles
Authors: Waury Katharina , Gogishvili Dea , Nieuwland Rienk , Chatterjee Madhurima , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Abeln Sanne
Published: January 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous structures released by cells into the extracellular space and are thought to be involved in cell‐to‐cell communication. While EVs and their cargo are promising biomarker candidates, sorting mechanisms of proteins to EVs remain unclear. In this study, we ask if it is possible to determine EV association based on the protein sequence. Additionally, we ask what the most important determinants are for EV association. We answer these questions with explainable AI models, using human proteome data from EV databases to train and validate the model. It is essential to correct the datasets for contaminants introduced by coarse EV isolation workflows and for experimental bias caused by mass spectrometry. In this study, we show that it is indeed possible to predict EV association from the protein sequence: a simple sequence‐based model for predicting EV proteins achieved an area under the curve of 0.77 ± 0.01, which increased further to 0.84 ± 0.00 when incorporating curated post‐translational modification (PTM) annotations. Feature analysis shows that EV‐associated proteins are stable, polar, and structured with low isoelectric point compared to non‐EV proteins. PTM annotations emerged as the most important features for correct classification; specifically, palmitoylation is one of the most prevalent EV sorting mechanisms for unique proteins. Palmitoylation and nitrosylation sites are especially prevalent in EV proteins that are determined by very strict isolation protocols, indicating they could potentially serve as quality control criteria for future studies. This computational study offers an effective sequence‐based predictor of EV associated proteins with extensive characterisation of the human EV proteome that can explain for individual proteins which factors contribute to their EV association.
Synthesis and characterization of a highly fluorescent benzofuran dimer derived from estradiol
Authors: Santiago‐Sampedro Gerardo I. , Mayorquín‐Torres Martha C. , Aguilar‐Granda Andrés , Iglesias‐Arteaga Martin A.
Published: January 2024

Pd‐catalyzed cyclization of a fluorescent dimer in which two cores of the potent estrogenic estradiol are bridged by the 1,4‐diethynil benzene moiety led to a steroid dimer bearing the 1,4‐di(benzofuran‐2‐yl)benzene. The obtained compound showed an intense blue fluorescence characterized by a broad emission band between 350 and 550 nm, with four maxima at 384, 403, 435, and 456 nm. The benzofuran dimer showed an 18‐fold increased quantum yield compared with that of its synthetic precursor.
Role of Additional MRI‐Based Morphologic Measurements on the Performance of VI‐RADS for Muscle‐Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Gong Yu , Cheng Yi , Zhang Jing , Bao Mei‐Ling , Zhu Fei‐Peng , Sun Xue‐Ying , Zhang Yu‐Dong
Published: January 2024

Background

Vesical Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (VI‐RADS) is a pathway for the standardized imaging and reporting of bladder cancer staging using multiparametric (mp) MRI.

Purpose

To investigate additional role of morphological (MOR) measurements to VI‐RADS for the detection of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) with mpMRI.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 198 patients (72 MIBC and 126 NMIBC) underwent bladder mpMRI was included.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T/T2‐weighted imaging with fast‐spin‐echo sequence, spin‐echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted imaging and dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging with fast 3D gradient‐echo sequence.

Assessment

VI‐RADS score and MOR measurement including tumor location, number, stalk, cauliflower‐like surface, type of tumor growth, tumor‐muscle contact margin (TCM), tumor‐longitudinal length (TLL), and tumor cellularity index (TCI) were analyzed by three uroradiologists (3‐year, 8‐year, and 15‐year experience of bladder MRI, respectively) who were blinded to histopathology.

Statistical Tests

Significant MOR measurements associated with MIBC were tested by univariable and multivariable logistic regression (LR) analysis with odds ratio (OR). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with DeLong's test and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to compared the performance of unadjusted vs. adjusted VI‐RADS. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

TCM (OR 9.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.77–20.8), TCI (OR 5.72; 95% CI 2.37–13.8), and TLL (OR 3.35; 95% CI 1.40–8.03) were independently associated with MIBC at multivariable LR analysis. VI‐RADS adjusted by three MORs achieved significantly higher AUC (reader 1 0.908 vs. 0.798; reader 2 0.906 vs. 0.855; reader 3 0.907 vs. 0.831) and better clinical benefits than unadjusted VI‐RADS at DCA. Specially in VI‐RADS‐defined equivocal lesions, MOR‐based adjustment resulted in 55.5% (25/45), 70.4% (38/54), and 46.4% (26/56) improvement in accuracy for discriminating MIBC in three readers, respectively.

Data Conclusion

MOR measurements improved the performance of VI‐RADS in detecting MIBC with mpMRI, especially for equivocal lesions.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Association between NTCP hepatic expression and inflammation/fibrosis as well as gender‐specific differences in chronic HBV‐infected patients
Authors: Shi Jingyi , Wang Xu , Qi Wenqian , Wang Song , Fu Yao , Zhang Yonggui , Zhang Qian , Han Liang , Xu Yanhui , Duan Honglei , Liu Jia , Cong Xianling , Zhou Changyu , Zhao Ping , Wang Jiangbin
Published: January 2024

To investigate the relationship between the expression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) functional receptor sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) with disease progression and gender‐specific differences in chronic HBV‐infected patients. Liver samples were collected from chronic HBV‐infected patients who underwent percutaneous liver biopsy or liver surgery. HBV DNA levels and the mRNA and protein expression levels of NTCP in liver tissues were determined. The relationship between NTCP expression and HBV DNA levels, inflammatory activity, fibrosis, and gender‐specific differences were analyzed. A total of 94 chronic HBV‐infected patients were included. Compared with patients with a METAVIR score of A0‐1 or F0‐1, patients with score of A2 or F2/F3 had a relatively higher level of NTCP expression. NTCP levels were positively correlated with HBV DNA levels. The inflammatory activity scores and fibrosis scores of women <50 years were significantly lower than those of women ≥50 years and age‐matched males. In patients with score A0‐2 or F0‐3, women <50 years have lower NTCP expression level compared to women ≥50 years and age‐matched males. NTCP can promote the disease progression by affecting the viral load of HBV. The NTCP expression difference may be why male and postmenopausal women are more prone to disease progression than reproductive women.
Gastrointestinal manifestations seen in pediatric patients diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Nabar Shruti , Fernandez Jenelle , Prakash Vikram , Safder Shaista
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) affects the fibers involved in cutaneous and visceral pain and temperature sensation and are a crucial part of the autonomic nervous system. Autonomic dysfunction secondary to SFN and autoimmune receptor antibodies is being increasingly recognized, and gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations include constipation, early satiety, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Enteric nervous system involvement may be a possible explanation of abnormal GI motility patterns seen in these patients.

Methods

Children suspected to have SFN based on symptoms underwent skin biopsy at the Child Neurology clinic at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, which was processed at Therapath™ Neuropathology. SFN was diagnosed using epidermal nerve fiber density values that were below 5th percentile from the left distal leg (calf) as reported per Therapath™ laboratory.

Results

Twenty‐six patients were diagnosed with SFN. Retrospective chart review was performed, including demographic data, clinical characteristics, and evaluation. A majority of patients were white adolescent females. Autonomic dysfunction, including orthostasis and temperature dysregulation were seen in 61.5% of patients (p = 0.124). Somatosensory symptoms, including pain or numbness were seen in 85% of patients (p < 0.001). GI symptoms were present in 85% of patients (p < 0.001) with constipation being the most common symptom seen in 50% of patients. This correlated with the motility testing results.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with SFN commonly have GI symptoms, which may be the main presenting symptom. It is important to recognize and look for symptoms of small fiber neuropathy in children with refractory GI symptoms that may explain multisystemic complaints often seen in these patients.
Monitoring pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis disease activity using an unsedated blind esophageal brushing model: A pilot study
Authors: Thomas Jessina , Deb Chirajyoti , Bittar Khaled , Bornstein Jeffrey , Mehta Devendra , Smadi Yamen
Published: January 2024

Background

Recurrent upper endoscopies are essential for monitoring therapy response and disease activity in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), leading to increased costs, procedural complications, and anesthesia exposure. The aim of this study was to examine an office‐based model using serial sedation‐free blind esophageal epithelial brushing (BEEB) to monitor therapy response through eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN) levels and guide therapy plans in pediatric EoE patients.

Methods

EoE patients (≤21 years of age) were enrolled in this prospective study. Subjects were placed on dietary, pharmacologic, or combination therapy with the goal of inducing or maintaining remission. To assess response to sequential interventions, subjects underwent sequential sedation‐free BEEBs through nasogastric tubes to measure EDN levels. Based on serial brushings, an individual plan of diet, medications, or a combination of both was created for each subject, and a final endoscopy was then performed to validate the accuracy of the individual plans.

Results

Twenty‐four subjects completed the study. The average peak eosinophil count in patients with active EoE was 58.1 ± 30.8 eosinophils per high‐power field and mean EDN level was 165.2 ± 191.3 μg/mL. A total of 42 BEEBs were completed. Individual therapy plans based on sequential BEEB were accurate in 19 out of the 24 patients (79%) and specifically nine out of 10 patients (90%) treated with elimination diets.

Conclusion

This study suggests that office‐based sedation‐free BEEBs can be used to monitor therapy response and disease activity in pediatric EoE patients.
Factors associated with successful electrolarynx use after total laryngectomy, a multi‐institutional study
Authors: Pan Cassie , Andrews Leah I. B. , Johnson Emily , Bhatt Neel K. , Rizvi Zain H.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To identify characteristics associated with successful electrolarynx (EL) use after total laryngectomy (TL).

Methods

Records of 196 adults who underwent TL from 03/15/2012 to 03/15/2022 at the University of Washington and Puget Sound Veterans Affairs were reviewed. Characteristics included age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, social support, pre‐operative radiation (RT) and chemoradiation (CRT), and 6‐month post‐TL swallow status. EL success was evaluated using pre‐defined criteria of intelligibility, reliability, and independence with use. Poisson regressions and robust standard error estimates were used to estimate unadjusted risk ratios for each characteristic. Statistically significant characteristics were included in multivariate analysis (MVA) to estimate adjusted risk ratios.

Results

Median age was 64, median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 5, 170 (87%) were male, 159 (81%) had high social support, and 159 (81%) attained post‐TL full‐oral diet. Pre‐operatively, 110 (56%) had RT, including 55 (28%) with CRT. Ninety‐three (47%) met our criteria for EL success. Characteristics significantly associated with EL success included social support (p = .037) and post‐TL full‐oral diet (p = .037); both approached significance on MVA. EL success varied by pre‐operative treatment on univariate (p = .005) and MVA (p = .014). Compared to no prior RT or CRT, the probability of EL success was 29% higher with prior RT and 29% lower with prior CRT in MVA, although these associations did not reach significance.

Conclusions

In this retrospective review, EL success correlated with high social support, post‐TL full‐oral diet, and pre‐operative treatment history. These results warrant validation in a larger prospective study to help guide the choice of voice rehabilitation modalities or intensified speech therapy.

Level of Evidence

4.
Overcoming NMR line broadening of nitrogen containing compounds: A simple solution
Authors: Ma Junhe , Ye Qingmei , Green Rebecca A. , Gurak John , Ayers Sloan , Huang Yande , Miller Scott A.
Published: January 2024

This study presents a straightforward solution to the challenge of elucidating the structures of nitrogen containing compounds undergoing isomerization. When spectral line broadening occurs related to isomerization, be it prototropic tautomerism or bond rotations, this poses a significant obstacle to structural elucidation. By adding acids, we demonstrate a simple approach to overcome this issue and effectively sharpen NMR signals for acid stable prototropic tautomers as well as the conformational isomers containing a morpholine or piperazine ring.
Investigation of metabolite correlates of CEST in the human brain at 7 T
Authors: Schmitz‐Abecassis Bárbara , Najac Chloé , Plugge Jaimy , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Ercan Ece
Published: January 2024

Metabolite‐weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI can be used to indirectly image metabolites such as creatine and glutamate. This study aims to further explore the contrast of CEST at 2 ppm in the human brain at 7T and investigate the metabolite correlates of CEST at 2 ppm via correlations with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Simulations were performed to establish the optimal acquisition parameters, such as total saturation time (tsat) and B1 root mean squared (B1rms) for CEST at 2 ppm in the human brain. Parameters were validated via in vitro phantom studies at 7T using concentrations, pH and temperature comparable to what is found in the human brain. Finally, 10 healthy volunteers were scanned at 7T for comparison with MRS. Our results show that the optimal parameters to acquire CEST at 2 ppm images are: B1rms = 2.14 μT & tsat = 1500 ms, respectively. Comparison with MRS showed no significant correlation between CEST at 2 ppm and total Creatine measured by MRS (R = 0.19; p‐value = 0.273). However, a significant correlation was found between CEST at 2 ppm and Glu (R = 0.39; p‐value = 0.033), indicating the broad Glutamate‐weighted CEST as the main measurable contributor to CEST at 2 ppm. We identified and confirmed optimal CEST at 2 ppm sequence parameters and validated CEST at 2 ppm measurements in a controlled in vitro environment. Our findings suggest that glutamate is a substantial contributor to the CEST at 2 ppm contrast observed in the human brain, whereas the creatine contribution to CEST at 2 ppm in the brain did not show a measurable contribution.
Algorithms and complexity for the almost equal maximum flow problem
Authors: Haese Rebekka , Heller Till , Krumke Sven O.
Published: January 2024

In the equal maximum flow problem (EMFP), we aim for a maximum flow where we require the same flow value on all arcs in some given subsets of the arc set, so called homologous arc sets. In this article, we study the closely related almost equal maximum flow problems (AEMFP) where the flow values on arcs of one homologous arc set differ at most by the valuation of a so called deviation function . We prove that the integer AEMFP is in general ‐complete, and show that even the problem of finding a fractional maximum flow in the case of convex deviation functions is also ‐complete. This is in contrast to the EMFP, which is polynomial time solvable in the fractional case. Additionally, we provide inapproximability results for the integral AEMFP. For the (fractional) concave AEMFP we state a strongly polynomial algorithm for the linear and concave piecewise polynomial deviation function case for a fixed number of homologous sets using a parametric search approach.
Reduced order modeling based inexact FETI‐DP solver for lattice structures
Authors: Hirschler T. , Bouclier R. , Antolin P. , Buffa A.
Published: January 2024

This paper addresses the overwhelming computational resources needed with standard numerical approaches to simulate architected materials. Those multiscale heterogeneous lattice structures gain intensive interest in conjunction with the improvement of additive manufacturing as they offer, among many others, excellent stiffness‐to‐weight ratios. We develop here a dedicated HPC solver that benefits from the specific nature of the underlying problem in order to drastically reduce the computational costs (memory and time) for the full fine‐scale analysis of lattice structures. Our purpose is to take advantage of the natural domain decomposition into cells and, even more importantly, of the geometrical and mechanical similarities among cells. Our solver consists in a so‐called inexact FETI‐DP method where the local, cell‐wise operators and solutions are approximated with reduced order modeling techniques. Instead of considering independently every cell, we end up with only few principal local problems to solve and make use of the corresponding principal cell‐wise operators to approximate all the others. It results in a scalable algorithm that saves numerous local factorizations. Our solver is applied for the isogeometric analysis of lattices built by spline composition, which offers the opportunity to compute the reduced basis with macro‐scale data, thereby making our method also multiscale and matrix‐free. The solver is tested against various 2D and 3D analyses. It shows major gains compared to black‐box solvers; in particular, problems of several millions of degrees of freedom can be solved with a simple computer within few minutes.
Marked alteration of phosphoinositide signaling‐associated molecules in postmortem prefrontal cortex with bipolar disorder
Authors: Hino Mizuki , Kunii Yasuto , Shishido Risa , Nagaoka Atsuko , Matsumoto Junya , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Hashizume Yoshio , Hayashi Hideki , Kakita Akiyoshi , Tomita Hiroaki , Yabe Hirooki
Published: January 2024

Aim

The etiology of bipolar disorder (BD) remains unknown; however, lipid abnormalities in BD have received increasing attention in recent years. In this study, we examined the expression levels of enzyme proteins associated with the metabolic pathway of phosphoinositides (PIs) and their downstream effectors, protein kinase B (Akt1) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), which have been assumed to be the targets of mood stabilizers such as lithium, in the postmortem brains of patients with BD.

Methods

The protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase type‐1 gamma (PIP5K1C), phosphatidylinositol 4‐kinase alpha (PIK4CA), phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN), Akt1, and GSK3β were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and multiplex fluorescent bead‐based immunoassays in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Specifically, PTEN, Akt1, GSK3β, and PIP5K1C were measured in seven BD patients and 48 controls. Additionally, PIK4CA was analyzed in 10 cases and 34 controls.

Results

PTEN expression levels were markedly decreased in the PFCs of patients with BD, whereas those of Akt and GSK3β were prominently elevated. Moreover, patients medicated with lithium exhibited higher Akt1 expression levels and lower PTEN expression levels in comparison with the untreated group.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the expression levels of Akt1/GSK3β and its upstream regulator PTEN are considerably altered.
Synthesis of an alkynyl‐ and allyla‐ terminated modifiers and its thermal and mechanical properties in copolymer with epoxy resin
Authors: Yuan Zhigang , Sun Mingming , Zhang Xugang , Derradji Mehdi , Zhang Bin , Li Jianhui , Zhao Ming , Liu Caizhao , Xue Shuangle , Liu Bo
Published: January 2024

In this work, this study aimed to overcome the inherent disadvantage of low thermal stability and brittleness of epoxy resins. A novel modifiers containing alkynyl‐ and allyla‐ groups, (E)‐1‐(4‐(allyloxy)‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐N‐(3‐ethynylphenyl)methanimine (MNEM) was prepared and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and selected to improve the thermal stability and toughness of bisphenol A‐type epoxy resin (E51). The blend resins were produced by blending with different contents of MNEM into E51 resin, named E‐MNEM resins. Meanwhile, the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and micromorphology of E‐MNEM blends were analyzed in details. It was found that the thermal stability of E‐MNEM resins was improved by increasing the proportion of MNEM. Compared with E‐0MNEM resin, when the MNEM concentration reached 40 wt%, the char yield (Yc) increased from 14.95 to 29.62%, reflecting a 98.1% improvement. In addition, an appropriate concentration of MNEM could be conductive to improving the mechanical properties. An improvement of 25.5 and 7.1% in elongation and tensile strength along with the maximum value of 17.6 kJ/m2 for the impact strength was achieved by the cured E‐MNEM resins containing 20 wt% of MNEM. Finally, the fracture surface morphology of the E‐MNEM resins was analyzed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Microwave‐assisted molecularly imprinted polymer synthesis for chemometric and rebinding mechanism of drug release applications
Authors: Lawai Vannessa , Ngaini Zainab , Farooq Saba , Wahi Rafeah , Bhawani Showkat Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) has gained wide interest as drug delivery vehicles in recent years. The conventional one‐variable‐at‐a‐time method for determining the best formulation ratio of MIP templates is resource‐ and time‐consuming. Thus, this study focused on the response surface methodology optimization of the best formulation for MIP preparation using methacrylic acid and divinylbenzene as functional monomer and cross‐linker, respectively. Two preparation systems were studied, namely microwave (MW)‐assisted and conventional synthesis. The MIPs showed spherical particles with smaller particle sizes (500 nm–1.45 μm) and higher yields (0.5–1.2 g) via MW‐assisted synthesis as compared to the conventional synthesis (size 660 nm–3.65 μm, yield 0.5–1.15 g). MW‐assisted synthesis is faster and more efficient to synthesize controlled shapes and sizes of MIP particles. The rebinding properties of prepared MIP via MW were higher (7.15 ± 0.02 mg/g) than conventional synthesis (3.00 ± 0.31 mg/g). The empirical models were developed to correlate the output response of rebinding properties and input variables. The analysis of variance confirmed that experimental data were superbly fitted to the proposed response models. A satisfactory correlation between the experimental and predicted values was obtained by both MIP prepared via MW‐assisted and conventional synthesis.
Oncological and endocrinological outcomes for children and adolescents with testicular and ovarian sex cord‐stromal tumors. Results of the TGM13 National Registry
Authors: Fuentes Clemence , Ouldbey Yaelle , Orbach Daniel , Sudour‐Bonnange Helene , Verité Cecile , Rome Angelique , Dumesnil Cecile , Thebaud Estelle , Hameury Frederic , Dijoud Frederique , Chabaud Sylvie , Cote M. Daval , Fresneau Brice , Faure‐Conter Cecile
Published: January 2024

Rationale

Sex cord‐stromal tumors (SCST) are hormonally active and rare. The aim was to describe their endocrinological presentation and outcomes.

Method

Patients (< 19 years) registered in the TGM13 registry between 2014 and 2021 for SCST were selected.

Results

Sixty‐three ovarian SCST (juvenile granulosa tumor (JGT) n = 34, Sertoli‐Leydig cell tumor (SLCT) n = 17, other SCST n = 12) were included. Median age was 13.1 years (0.4‐17.4). Germline DICER1 pathogenic variant was present in 9/17 SLCT. Sixty‐one were FIGO stage I (IC n = 14). Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered for 15. Seven had recurrence (FIGO IA n = 3, IX n = 2, III n = 2), leading to one death. With a median follow‐up of 42 months (2.5‐92), the 3‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) was 89% (95% CI 76%‐95%). Median age was 6.4 years (0.1‐12.9) among the 15 testicular SCST (Leydig cell tumor n = 6, JGT n = 5, Sertoli cell tumor n = 3, mixed SCST n = 1). Tumor‐nodes‐metastases (TNM) stage was pSI in 14. Eight underwent a tumorectomy, 7 an orchiectomy. None experienced recurrence.

Endocrinological data were reviewed for 41 patients (18 prepubescent). Endocrine symptoms were present at diagnosis in 29/34 females and 2/7 males (gynecomastia). After a median follow‐up of 11 months, 15 patients had persistent endocrine abnormalities: gynecomastia/breast growth (2 males, 1 prepubescent female), precocious/advanced puberty (4 prepubescent females), and hirsutism/menstruation disorders/voice hoarseness/hot flashes (8 pubescent females). The mean height at the last follow‐up was within normal ranges (+0.3 standard deviation).

Conclusions

SCSTs have a favorable prognosis. Tumorectomy appears safe with testicular primary. Endocrinological disorders, common at diagnosis, may persist warranting endocrinological follow‐up.
Application of artificial neural network to evaluation of dimensional accuracy of 3D‐printed polylactic acid parts
Authors: Gunes Seyhmus , Ulkir Osman , Kuncan Melih
Published: January 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) has begun to replace traditional fabrication because of its advantages, such as easy manufacturing of parts with complex geometry, and mass production. The most important limitation of AM is that dimensional accuracy cannot be achieved in all parts. Dimensional accuracy is essential for high reliability, high performance, and useful final products. This study investigates the impact of printing parameters on the dimensional accuracy of samples fabricated through fused deposition modeling (FDM), an additive manufacturing (AM) method utilizing polylactic acid (PLA) material. The experimental design process was performed using Taguchi methodology. ANOVA was used to determine the most important parameter affecting accuracy. Based on experimental studies, the optimal printing parameters for parts are determined as follows: concentric infill pattern, 3 mm wall thickness, 70% infill density, and a layer thickness of 200 μm. Artificial neural network (ANN) was used in the evaluation and prediction of the results. The R‐square (R2) performance evaluation criterion was above 95% from the ANN results. This value shows that the results are significant. The data acquired from this study may assist in identifying optimal parameters that contribute to the fabrication of samples with high dimensional accuracy using the FDM method.