bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐low dose radiation therapy for primary cutaneous indolent B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Kasera Shalini , Weil Christopher R. , Wada David , Bowling Marianne , Hu Boyu , Gaffney David K. , Maity Amit , Tao Randa
Published: April 2024

Background

Primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma (PCFCL) and primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL) are indolent radiosensitive lymphomas, with national guidelines recommending 24 Grey (Gy) in 12 fractions, despite shorter regimens showing no difference in overall survival. Multiple studies demonstrate 4 Gy in two fractions is effective in other indolent lymphomas. Shorter regimens may result in less toxicity for patients.

Objectives

We aim to characterise local control rates in PCFCL and PCMZL treated with radiation therapy (RT) with 4 Gy in two fractions.

Methods

From a single institution database, we retrospectively identified all patients with PCFCL and PCMZL treated with 4 Gy in two fractions between 2011 and 2022. Prior topical or systemic treatments were permitted. T‐cell or high‐grade B‐cell cutaneous lymphomas, or those with less than 6 months follow‐up, were excluded. Primary outcomes were rates of response and local failure per lesion as determined by a radiation oncologist and oncologic dermatologist.

Results

Forty‐three consecutive patients with 98 lesions treated were identified. Twenty‐four (56%) of the patients had PCMZL, and the remainder had PCFCL. Most lesions (97%) received RT with electrons. The complete response or partial response rate was 94%. Six local failures were identified (6%). With a median follow‐up of 2.75 years, 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year local failure‐free survival were 94%, 94% and 92%, respectively. There was minimal acute toxicity, no late toxicity and no cosmesis issues. No clinical features were predictive of local failure.

Conclusions

Ultra‐low dose radiation was associated with high rates of local control and minimal toxicity and may reduce personal burden and financial toxicity in appropriately selected patients.
Shape Memory Polyurethane Composite With Fast Response to Near‐Infrared Light Based on Tannic Acid–Iron and Dynamic Phenol‐Carbamate Network
Authors: Yong Yong , Liu Yang , Zhang Zetian , Dai Songbo , Yang Xiaohan , Li Fufen , Li Zhengjun
Published: April 2024

Intelligent materials derived from green and renewable bio‐based materials garner widespread attention recently. Herein, shape memory polyurethane composite (PUTA/Fe) with fast response to near‐infrared (NIR) light is successfully prepared by introducing Fe3+ into the tannic acid‐based polyurethane (PUTA) matrix through coordination between Fe3+ and tannic acid. The results show that the excellent NIR light response ability is due to the even distribution of Fe3+ filler with good photo‐thermal conversion ability. With the increase of Fe3+ content, the NIR light response shape recovery rate of PUTA/Fe composite films is significantly improved, and the shape recovery time is reduced from over 60 s to 40 s. In addition, the mechanical properties of PUTA/Fe composite film are also improved. Importantly, owing to the dynamic phenol–carbamate network within the polymer matrix, the PUTA/Fe composite film can reshape its permanent shape through topological rearrangement and show its good NIR light response shape memory performance. Therefore, PUTA/Fe composites with high content of bio‐based material (TA content of 15.1–19.4%) demonstrate the shape memory characteristics of fast response to NIR light; so, it will have great potential in the application of new intelligent materials including efficient and environmentally friendly smart photothermal responder.
Variation in energy density of northwest Atlantic forage species: Ontogenetic, seasonal, annual, and spatial patterns
Authors: Wuenschel Mark J. , Bean Kelcie A. , Rajaniemi Tara , Oliveira Kenneth
Published: April 2024

Objective

Energy density (ED) estimates for marine forage species have been limited, impeding our understanding of this important trophic level. We studied the EDs of eight key forage species: Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus, Atlantic Herring Clupea harengus, Silver Hake Merluccius bilinearis, Northern Sand Lance Ammodytes dubius, Atlantic Mackerel Scomber scombrus, Butterfish Peprilus triacanthus, northern shortfin squid Illex illecebrosus, and longfin inshore squid Doryteuthis pealeii (also known as Loligo pealeii).

Methods

Samples were obtained during spring and fall bottom trawl surveys across five regions (Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, southern New England, northern Middle Atlantic Bight, and southern Middle Atlantic Bight) from 2017 to 2019. In the laboratory, we developed predictive relations between the percent dry weight (%DW) and ED (kJ/g wet weight) determined by proximate composition analysis (n = 606; r2 = 0.76–0.98) to estimate the ED of additional samples (n = 4583). For each species, we modeled ED as a function of size, depth, season, and year (as factors) as well as location (latitude, longitude) using generalized additive models (GAMs).

Result

Alewife, Atlantic Herring, Northern Sand Lance, Atlantic Mackerel, and Butterfish were classified as high-quality prey (ED > 6 kJ/g), although Atlantic Herring ED was nearly half the values reported in earlier studies. Silver Hake, northern shortfin squid, and longfin inshore squid were classified as moderate-quality prey (4 kJ/g < ED < 6 kJ/g). Most species had higher EDs in the fall following summer feeding than in the spring after spawning and/or reduced winter feeding. The best-fitting GAMs included weight, depth (by season), season, and year effects for most species. Location (by season) explained significant amounts of variation.

Conclusion

Observed variation in ED across regions, species, seasons, and years provides the empirical data necessary to consider hypotheses related to “upstream” regulation of ED (via environmental drivers and productivity) and “downstream” effects on recruitment for these forage species as well the species that prey on them.
Blowing‐up solutions for the Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation with a viscoelastic memory and an external force
Authors: Kirane Mokhtar , Draifia Ala Eddine , Jlali Lotfi
Published: April 2024

The Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation with a viscoelastic memory and a forcing term is considered. The existence and uniqueness of a local solution are obtained via Faedo–Galerkin's method. Furthermore, it is shown that solutions with or without a positive initial energy experience blowing‐up due to the nonlinear forcing term.
Resistive‐reactive class‐X power amplifier with bandwidth beyond one octave
Authors: Ye Junze , Guo Xin , Wu Wen
Published: April 2024

This article presents a resistive‐reactive Class‐X power amplifier (PA) with bandwidth beyond one octave. By introducing resistive component into the second‐harmonic load of Class‐X power amplifier, the impedance design space is expanded. The basic theory of extended Class‐X PA is deduced, including impedance calculation, high‐efficiency design consideration and targeted impedance trace design. An impedance overlapping region between fundamental and second‐harmonic impedances with high drain efficiency is obtained, paving the way for bandwidth enhancement. For validation, the Class‐X and extended Class‐X theory are employed to design a broadband PA with bandwidth of 0.6–2.6 GHz (125%), drain efficiency of 57%–70%, and gain of 10.2–13.2 dB.
AAPM WGVRTO report 390: A survey of veterinary radiation oncology equipment and infrastructure in 2022
Authors: Basran Parminder S. , Turek Michelle , Selting Kimberly A. , Rancilio Nicholas
Published: April 2024

Since 2010, there has been little published data on the state of equipment and infrastructure in veterinary radiation oncology clinical practice. These data are important not only to identify the status and use of technology within the veterinary radiation oncology community but also to help identify the extent of medical physics support. The purpose of our study is to report findings from a survey of veterinary radiation oncologists in the USA, Canada, and select centers outside of North America in 2022. A 40‐question survey covering topics such as type of radiotherapy equipment, techniques offered, treatment planning systems and dose calculation algorithms, special techniques, board‐certified radiation oncologists and residents, and extent of medical physics support was distributed through an online survey tool. Results from 40 veterinary radiation oncology institutions, with equipment explicitly used for veterinary care, suggest that the current state of practice is not dissimilar to what currently exists in human radiation oncology facilities; techniques and technologies commonly employed include flattening filter‐free mode megavoltage beams, volumetric arc therapy, daily cone‐beam computed tomography, image‐guided radiation therapy, and sophisticated dose calculation algorithms. These findings suggest the need for modern radiation oncology acceptance testing, commissioning, and quality assurance programs within the veterinary community. The increase in veterinary radiation oncology residency positions and increasing sophistication of equipment suggests that increased levels of standardized medical physics support would benefit the veterinary radiation oncology community.
Sacral neuromodulation in nursing home residents: Predictors of success and complications in a national cohort of older adults
Authors: Dreyfuss Leo D. , Nik‐Ahd Farnoosh , Wang Lufan , Shatkin‐Margolis Abigail , Covinsky Kenneth , John Boscardin W. , Suskind Anne M.
Published: April 2024

Aims

There is limited evidence to support the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for older adults with overactive bladder (OAB). This study aims to report outcomes following SNM among nursing home (NH) residents, a vulnerable population with high rates of frailty and comorbidity.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of long‐stay NH residents who underwent a trial of percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE) or Stage 1 permanent lead placement (Stage 1) between 2014 and 2016. Residents were identified using the Minimum Data Set linked to Medicare claims. The primary outcome of this study was successful progression from trial to implant. Rates of 1‐year device explant/revisions were also investigated.

Results

Trial of SNM was observed in 1089 residents (mean age: 77.9 years). PNE was performed in 66.9% of residents and 33.2% underwent Stage 1. Of Stage 1 procedures, 23.8% were performed with simultaneous device implant (single‐stage). Overall, 53.1% of PNEs and 72.4% of Stage 1 progressed to device implant, which was associated with Stage 1 procedure versus PNE (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.34; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.21–1.49) and female versus male sex (aRR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.09–1.46). One‐year explant/revision was observed in 9.3% of residents (6.3% for PNE, 10.5% for Stage 1, 20.3% single‐stage). Single stage procedure versus PNE was significantly associated with device explant/revision (aRR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.9–6.2).

Conclusions

In this large cohort of NH residents, outcomes following SNM were similar to previous reports of younger healthier cohorts. Surgeons managing older patients with OAB should use caution when selecting patients for single stage SNM procedures.
To mesh or not mesh “apical prolapse,” that is the question!
Authors: Lin Frank C. , Gilleran Jason P. , Powell C. R. , Atiemo Humphrey O.
Published: April 2024

Aims

The management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) involves both nonsurgical and surgical management. Views on best surgical approach for apical prolapse is an evolving field based on recent evidence and events related to transvaginal mesh.

Methods

At the 97th Annual Meeting of the North Central Section of the American Urological Association (Scottsdale, AZ, USA), this topic was discussed and debated. The following article summarizes the concepts presented that day as well as the interactive debate with three perspectives on apical prolapse surgeries. The authors were asked to support their approach in various scenarios including: extremes of age, prior hysterectomy and intact uterus, desire to avoid mesh, sexual activity, and presence of comorbidities.

Results

Surgical approaches for POP have evolved and is a popular topic for debate, particularly when discussing apical prolapse. Transvaginal native tissue repairs remain the mainstay of POP surgeries; however, transabdominal approaches continue to evolve. Use of interposition material, such as synthetic polypropylene mesh, is the standard when performing an abdominal sacrocolpopexy, however, use of autologous fascia can be considered. Small series have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of autologous fascia‐based repairs; however, larger studies with longer follow‐up are needed.

Conclusions

There are a variety of surgical strategies to repair POP. Ultimate decision making on specific surgeries should be determined by patient preference and goals after appropriate counseling on all options.
Translation and validation of the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire—Bowel in Danish men and women with pelvic floor disorders
Authors: Due Ulla , Hulbaek Mette , Majgaard Margit , Duelund‐Jakobsen Jakob , Jangö Hanna
Published: April 2024

Background

We lack a comprehensive validated Danish questionnaire to evaluate symptoms and bother regarding anal incontinence (AI). The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Bowel (ICIQ‐B) is an internationally recommended questionnaire containing 21 items, of which 17 are scored in three subscales: bowel pattern, bowel control, and quality of life.

Aims

To translate the ICIQ‐B into Danish and to validate the Danish version in pelvic floor disorder (PFD) patients with and without AI.

Methods

The ICIQ‐B was translated by a panel of healthcare professionals followed by cognitive interviews with PFD patients attending an outpatient clinic. Revisions were undertaken using an iterative process, and a backward translation was performed for the final version. Pretesting and test‐retest of the ICIQ‐B were done online and administrated together with the St. Mark's score. Content, structural, convergent and discriminant validity were assessed, followed by an evaluation of relative and absolute reliability, including the smallest real difference (SRD).

Results

Thirty cognitive patient interviews were performed, resulting in three revisions. The Danish ICIQ‐B was found to be comprehensible and relevant but lacked items addressing the psychological impact of bowel problems. The ICIQ‐B was completed online by 227 PFD patients with and without AI. The structural validity of the bowel pattern subscale could not be retrieved. Patients indicating AI had significantly higher ICIQ‐B and St. Mark's scores than patients without AI, and ICIQ‐B subscale scores correlated moderately with St. Mark's scores.

Internal consistency was good except for the bowel pattern subscale. Seventy‐six patients completed test‐retest. Relative reliability was excellent for subscale scores and moderate or good for single items except for the item concerning stool consistency, which was weak. The SRD was found to be 2.8 for the bowel pattern subscale, 4.3 for bowel control subscale, and 3.6 for the quality‐of‐life subscale.

Conclusion

The Danish version of the ICIQ‐B can be used for Danish patients with PFD, and discriminant validity is good. The structural validity and the internal consistency of the bowel pattern subscale are questionable, indicating that some items do not represent the underlying construct. Test‐retest reliability of the ICIQ‐B is acceptable, but the change needed to reflect a real change above the measurement error in each subscale is three to four points.
Mentoring medical students as a means to increase healthcare assistant status: A qualitative study
Authors: Davison Elizabeth , Semlyen Joanna , Lindqvist Susanne
Published: April 2024

Aim

To offer a practical way in which the status of healthcare assistants (HCAs) can be increased by drawing on their experience, knowledge and skillset, whilst mentoring medical students during an HCA project.

Design

Qualitative, reflexive thematic analysis.

Methods

One‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews were conducted between April and June 2019, with 13 participants. Participants included five healthcare assistants; three practice development nurses, two of whom were former HCAs; one registered general nurse and four clinical educators.

Results

Two themes were identified: HCAs as silent, invisible caregivers (theme 1) and the formation of an HCA identity through mentoring (theme 2). HCAs are often silent performers of complex patient care with limited opportunity to engage in the interprofessional team dialogue. Social perceptions of HCAs describe them as a marginalised, poorly understood, ‘unqualified’ group with ‘lowly status’. Mentoring medical students allows HCAs to draw on their experience, knowledge and skillset by actively contributing to the learning and development of future doctors.

Conclusion

The mentoring of medical students gave HCAs an active voice within the interprofessional team, instilling their confidence and self‐worth. Mentoring allowed HCAs to move from a homogenous, group‐based social identity to a role‐based one that enabled HCAs to reveal the true extent of their work whilst negotiating their place and identity within the interprofessional team.

Impact

Leaders in healthcare will see that a re‐evaluation of HCAs as performers of basic, hands‐on patient care is needed to breakdown ingrained beliefs, eliminating a ‘us and them’ mentality. Involving HCAs in the mentoring of medical students will impact on the personal development of both HCAs and medical students in the cultivation of a future, person‐centred, inclusive and collaborative workforce.

Reporting Method

COREQ guidelines to enhance methodological rigour were strictly adhered to.

Patient and Public Involvement

There is no patient or public involvement.
A systematic review of the beneficial effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on ADHD
Authors: Allahyari Pooneh , Abbas Torki Saheb , Aminnezhad Kavkani Bahareh , Mahmoudi Zahra , Mousavi Hoseini Mohadeseh Sadat , Moradi Mahdi , Alami Farkhondeh , Keshavarz Mohammadian Mohammad , Bahoo Sele Bani Samira , Abbasi Mobarakeh Khadijeh , Shafaei Hanieh , Khoshdooz Sara , Hajipour Azadeh , Doaei Saeid , Gholamalizadeh Maryam
Published: April 2024

Background

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit from probiotics and prebiotics, but the effects are unclear. To determine whether probiotics and prebiotics affect children with ADHD, a systematic review was conducted.

Methods

The present systematic review analyzed cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that examined whether prebiotics and probiotics are associated with ADHD. Seven randomized controlled trials and two cohort studies met our inclusion criteria.

Results

Research on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) probiotic supplementation showed that children with ADHD had better emotional, physical, social, and school functioning, and a higher health‐related quality of life compared to the placebo group. The studies also showed that Synbiotic 2000 reduces markers of intestinal and vascular inflammation in children with ADHD, in part through increasing SCFA levels.

Conclusion

The use of probiotics and prebiotics as adjuvants therapy in patients with ADHD is beneficial. Further studies with longer duration, including more participants and a variety of age groups, and using various evaluation techniques such as in vivo observation are required to examine the effects of prebiotics and probiotics on ADHD.
Design and synthesis of low‐dieclectric polyaryl ethers containing bulky tetraphenyl vinyl pendant group
Authors: Hou Wenhua , Zong Lishuai , Zhu Linyan , Wang Jiaming , Zhang Yabin , Li Zhansheng , Wang Jinyan , Jian Xigao
Published: April 2024

A tetraphenylethylene‐containing bisphenol monomer 5‐[4‐(triphenylvinyl)phenyl]benzene‐1,3‐diol (TPE‐OH) was designed and synthesized by Suzuki coupling and nucleophilic substitution reaction. By adjusting the proportion of TPE‐OH, a series of rigid polyaryl ether, namely PPTES, were facilely synthesized by homopolymerization or copolymerization with 4‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2,3‐diazepine‐1‐one (DHPZ) and 4,4′‐difluorodiphenyl sulfone (DFS). The following characterization of their structures with nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy confirmed successful synthesis of both monomers and polymers. Large, volume‐twisted and non‐coplanar rigid tetraphenylethylene could effectively increase the molecular chain spacing and reduce the regularity of the molecular chain, as evidenced by molecular dynamics simulation with Materials Studio, in turn to form an amorphous nature of PPTES phase state. In addition, such PPTESs have excellent solubility, heat resistance, and other comprehensive properties. Their glass transition temperature (Tg) is between 219 and 300°C, and the 5% thermogravimetric temperature of PPTESs locates at 490–539°C under N2 atmosphere. At 1 GHz, the intrinsic dielectric permittivity of polymer films is between 2.32 and 2.61, gradually decreases with TPE‐OH content. This work would provide new idea and choice for the selection of polyaryl ether resin bisphenol monomer, and promote the development and application of low‐dielectric polyarylether materials.
Disease‐modifying therapies for sickle cell disease: Decisional needs and supports among adolescents and young adults
Authors: Ding Ke , Bear Benjamin , Sood Erica , Alderfer Melissa , Crosby Lori , Hildenbrand Aimee K.
Published: April 2024

Background

Shared decision‐making is one promising solution to addressing barriers in use of disease‐modifying therapies for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with sickle cell disease (SCD). A thorough understanding of decisional needs can guide the development of decisional supports and promote shared decision‐making.

Procedure

Informed by the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF), we conducted a qualitative analysis to assess decisional needs and supports reported by AYAs with SCD, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with AYAs and their caregivers, and online crowdsourcing was used with SCD providers. Thematic and descriptive content analyses were used to summarize perspectives on decisional needs and supports regarding disease‐modifying therapies.

Results

Fourteen AYAs (Mage = 21 years, 57% male, 93% non‐Hispanic Black, 79% HbSS), 11 caregivers (80% female, 100% non‐Hispanic Black), and 40 healthcare providers (65% female, 65% non‐Hispanic White, Myears in practice = 14.8 years, 75% physicians) participated. Thematic analysis revealed needs related to: decisional conflict, inadequate knowledge, unclear expectations, and inadequate supports and resources. Six forms of support emerged as important for decision‐making: establishing an open and trusting patient/family–provider relationship, providing information, accepting ambivalence and unreadiness, supporting implementation of a decision, addressing inadequate health and social services, and promoting adequate social, emotional, and instrumental help.

Conclusions

This is the first study to assess decisional needs and supports for AYAs with SCD considering disease‐modifying therapies. Additional research is needed to examine which decision supports are the most impactful to promote effective shared decision‐making in this population.
A mixed‐methods approach to identify elements of culturally‐attuned teacher−student relationship interventions
Authors: Garner Pamela W. , Legette Kamilah , Shadur Julia M.
Published: April 2024

We employed a mixed‐methods design to identify intervention elements that may improve relational inclusion in classrooms through equity‐framed and culturally‐attuned teacher−student relationship interventions. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 29 (26 female) school mental health professionals and 19 parents (mostly mothers) of racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse students. Using a convergent mixed‐methods design, we first analyzed the individual data points and then integrated the quantitative and qualitative data in the interpretation and discussion of the results. Our findings showed that, for school mental health professionals, the quantitative data largely complemented the qualitative results, which represented four themes: School−family partnerships, critical consciousness, educator preparation, and transformational social‐emotional learning. Parents of minoritized students identified unique elements, including microaggressions, color evasion, recognition of bias, storytelling, and systemic change as important for the development of culturally‐attuned interventions. The two groups had parallel and contrasting recommendations about elements that may contribute to improved classroom relational inclusion for minoritized students. Results illustrate how merging professional and parent perspectives could contribute to the development of teacher−student relationship interventions that appropriately address issues of equity and culture in ways that are meaningful to end users and other stakeholders.
Design, synthesis, antifungal evaluation and mechanism study of novel norbornene derivatives as potential laccase inhibitors
Authors: Jin Dao‐Jun , Yang Zi‐Hui , Qiu Yi‐Gui , Zheng Yi‐Ming , Cui Zhen‐Nan , Gu Wen
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

To discover novel fungicide candidates, five series of novel norbornene hydrazide, bishydrazide, oxadiazole, carboxamide and acylthiourea derivatives (2a‐2t, 3a‐3f, 4a‐4f, 5a‐5f and 7a‐7f) were designed, synthesized and assayed for their antifungal activity toward seven representative plant fungal pathogens.

RESULTS

In the in vitro antifungal assay, some title norbornene derivatives presented good antifungal activity against Botryosphaeria dothidea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium graminearum. Especially, compound 2b exhibited the best inhibitory activity toward B. dothidea with the median effective concentration (EC50) of 0.17 mg L−1, substantially stronger than those of the reference fungicides boscalid and carbendazim. The in vivo antifungal assay on apples revealed that 2b had significant curative and protective effects, both of which were superior to boscalid. In the preliminary antifungal mechanism study, 2b was able to injure the surface morphology of hyphae, destroy the cell membrane integrity and increase the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of B. dothidea. In addition, 2b could considerably inhibit the laccase activity with the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.02 μM, much stronger than that of positive control cysteine (IC50 = 35.50 μM). The binding affinity and interaction mode of 2b with laccase were also confirmed by molecular docking.

CONCLUSION

This study presented a promising lead compound for the study of novel laccase inhibitors as fungicidal agrochemicals, which demonstrate significant anti‐B. dothidea activity and laccase inhibitory activity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Tree‐temporal scan statistics for safety signal detection in vaccine clinical trials
Authors: Haguinet François , Tibaldi Fabian , Dessart Christophe , Bate Andrew
Published: April 2024

The evaluation of safety is critical in all clinical trials. However, the quantitative analysis of safety data in clinical trials poses statistical difficulties because of multiple potentially overlapping endpoints. Tree‐temporal scan statistic approaches address this issue and have been widely employed in other data sources, but not to date in clinical trials. We evaluated the performance of three complementary scan statistical methods for routine quantitative safety signal detection: the self‐controlled tree‐temporal scan (SCTTS), a tree‐temporal scan based on group comparison (BGTTS), and a log‐rank based tree‐temporal scan (LgRTTS). Each method was evaluated using data from two phase III clinical trials, and simulated data (simulation study). In the case study, the reference set was adverse events (AEs) in the Reference Safety Information of the evaluated vaccine. The SCTTS method had higher sensitivity than other methods, and after dose 1 detected 80 true positives (TP) with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 60%. The LgRTTS detected 49 TPs with 69% PPV. The BGTTS had 90% of PPV with 38 TPs. In the simulation study, with simulated reference sets of AEs, the SCTTS method had good sensitivity to detect transient effects. The LgRTTS method showed the best performance for the detection of persistent effects, with high sensitivity and expected probability of type I error. These three methods provide complementary approaches to safety signal detection in clinical trials or across clinical development programmes. All three methods formally adjust for multiple testing of large numbers of overlapping endpoints without being excessively conservative.
Multifaceted physiological and therapeutical impact of curcumin on hormone‐related endocrine dysfunctions: A comprehensive review
Authors: Wang Xiuying , Zhang Wei , Zhou Shengxue
Published: April 2024

Over the past five decades, Curcumin (Cur), derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has gained considerable attention for its potential therapeutic applications. Synthesizing insights from clinical trials conducted over the last 25 years, this review delves into diseases where Cur has demonstrated promise, offering a nuanced understanding of its pharmacokinetics, safety, and effectiveness. Focusing on specific examples, the impact of Cur on various human diseases is explored. Endocrine glands and associated signaling pathways are highlighted, elucidating how Cur influences cellular signaling. The article underscores molecular mechanisms such as hormone level alteration, receptor interaction, cytokine and adipokine expression inhibition, antioxidant enzyme activity, and modulation of transcription factors. Cur showcases diverse protective mechanisms against inflammation and oxidative damage by suppressing antiapoptotic genes and impeding tumor promotion. This comprehensive overview emphasizes the potential of Cur as a natural agent for countering aging and degenerative diseases, calling for further dedicated research in this realm.
Mitochondrial aberrations in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis: Insights and therapeutic implications
Authors: Li Haoguang , Zhou Lu , Zhou Wei , Zhang Xiuling , Shang Jingjing , Feng Xueqin , Yu Le , Fan Jie , Ren Jie , Zhang Rongwei , Duan Xinwang
Published: April 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease, is marked by impaired immune tolerance and heightened activity in both innate and adaptive immune systems. Hallmarks of SLE include elevated type I interferons and autoantibody production, though the exact causes of SLE remain elusive despite advances in research techniques. Crucial to SLE research is understanding its pathogenesis and developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Recent studies have highlighted a significant link between mitochondrial abnormalities and SLE's development and progression. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in SLE pathogenesis through various mechanisms such as mitochondrial DNA mutations, oxidative stress, immune metabolic reprogramming, and cellular death. These factors collectively contribute to the loss of self‐tolerance, increased autoantibody production, and impaired clearance of immune complexes, leading to their deposition. This triggers sustained inflammatory responses and damages multiple organs. This review focuses on the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches related to mitochondrial abnormalities in SLE. Targeting mitochondrial pathways presents a promising strategy for treating SLE, potentially improving prognosis and quality of life for those affected. Future research should further investigate the role of mitochondria in the onset and progression of SLE, providing new avenues for understanding and managing this complex disease.
Combined orchiectomy and limb immobilization recapitulate early age‐related changes to skeletal muscle in mice
Authors: Debruin Danielle A. , Murphy Jasmaine , Campelj Dean G. , Bagaric Ryan , Timpani Cara A. , Goodman Craig A. , Hanson Erik D. , Rybalka Emma , Hayes Alan
Published: April 2024

Background

Muscle mass and function decline in middle age, ultimately resulting in sarcopenia in the elderly and poor health outcomes, reducing quality of life. There is a lack of cost‐ and time‐effective murine models that recapitulate the physiological changes associated with muscle mass decline to study possible interventions to delay sarcopenia. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining orchiectomy (ORC) surgery to simulate age‐related androgen decline and hindlimb immobilization (IM) in inducing age‐related skeletal muscle changes.

Methods

Four‐month‐old male C57BL/6J mice (n = 10) were subjected to ORC, followed by IM (right hindlimb casting) for 14 days. Upon completion of the casting period, ex vivo muscle contractile function, histology, and various mitochondrial markers were assessed, and results were compared with age‐matched controls (CON; n = 8) and middle‐aged (MA; 12 ± 1 months, n = 9) animals.

Results

IM combined with ORC induced a 30%–40% decrease in muscle mass across multiple hindlimb muscles (P < 0.0001), with the magnitude of muscle loss comparable with the MA group when corrected for body weight (P < 0.0001). In the IM limb of ORC mice, soleus muscle force significantly decreased when compared with the contralateral limb (P < 0.05) and aged‐matched CON group (P < 0.05). The decrements in muscle force and mass present in the IM limb of ORC mice were accompanied by a 70% reduction in the expression of the muscle structural protein dystrophin and various mitochondrial markers, including cytochrome C (−55%), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma co‐activator 1‐beta (PGC1‐β) (−49%), and cytochrome oxidase IV (COX‐IV) (−73%) when compared with CON animals (P < 0.001). Lastly, our model also demonstrated specific fibre‐type shifts in fast‐ and slow‐twitch muscles, which mimicked changes in the MA group.

Conclusions

Applying treatments during IM could target acute muscle atrophy in MA adults, while applying them following cast removal in a low‐testosterone environment could represent a window for rehabilitation therapeutics.
How does equity derivative market affect economic growth? Evidence from the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Samarakoon S. M. R. K. , Pradhan Rudra P. , Maradana Rana P.
Published: April 2024

This research scans the association between economic growth and derivatives markets in the Asia‐Pacific region between 2001 and 2022. Using the autoregressive distributed lag model, we reveal a bidirectional linkage between derivative markets and economic growth. We further demonstrate that both derivatives and stock markets have a strong positive association with economic growth, underscoring the significance of financial markets in driving economic advancement. We suggest policies prioritizing sustainable economic development and regulation of financial markets, particularly derivatives and stock markets, to increase market transparency, reduce information asymmetry, and foster economic growth.
Adaptive output consensus of heterogeneous nonlinear multi‐agent system under random link failures with partially unknown transition rates
Authors: Liu Yaning , Fan Huijin , Liu Lei , Wang Bo
Published: April 2024

Considering the complexity of communication environment in reality, this paper investigates the adaptive output consensus problem for heterogeneous nonlinear multi‐agent system (MAS) under random link failures, in which connection of each link may suffer from link failure. The major challenge lies in dealing with the coupling among different nonlinearities and integrator orders of heterogeneous agents while the distributed communication may fail randomly. Hence, a two‐level distributed adaptive control scheme based on the virtual model‐reference strategy will be presented. In the first level, virtual reference models are constructed to deal with the uncertainties caused by the random link failures, and a distributed consensus control strategy is designed based on the established communication observer of each agent. In the second level, an adaptive backstepping tracking controller drives each agent's output to follow its virtual reference model and compensate for the agent's uncertainties. The mean square stability of the controlled MAS has been rigorously proved. An illustrative example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the given control scheme.
The ReSWARM microgravity flight experiments: Planning, control, and model estimation for on‐orbit close proximity operations
Authors: Doerr Bryce , Albee Keenan , Ekal Monica , Ventura Rodrigo , Linares Richard
Published: April 2024

On‐orbit close proximity operations involve robotic spacecraft maneuvering and making decisions for a growing number of mission scenarios demanding autonomy, including on‐orbit assembly, repair, and astronaut assistance. Of these scenarios, on‐orbit assembly is an enabling technology that will allow large space structures to be built in situ, using smaller building block modules. However, like many of these scenarios, robotic on‐orbit assembly involves several technical hurdles, such as changing system models. For instance, grappled modules moved by a free‐flying “assembler” robot can cause significant changes in the combined system inertia, which have cascading impacts on motion planning and control portions of the autonomy stack. Further, on‐orbit assembly and other scenarios require collision‐avoiding motion planning, particularly when operating in a “construction site” scenario of multiple assembler robots and structures. Multiple key technologies that address these complicating factors for autonomous microgravity close proximity operations are detailed in this work, in particular: (1) application of global long‐horizon planning, accomplished using offline and online sampling‐based planner options that consider the system dynamics; (2) adaptation of the recently proposed RATTLE information‐aware planning framework for on‐orbit reconfiguration model learning; and (3) connection with robust control tools to provide low‐level control robustness using current system knowledge. These approaches were demonstrated for an autonomous on‐orbit assembly use case by the RElative Satellite sWarming and Robotic Maneuvering (ReSWARM) experiments using NASA's Astrobee robots on the International Space Station. Results of the ReSWARM experiments are provided along with significant operational and implementation detail discussing the practicalities of hardware implementation and unique aspects of working with the Astrobee free‐flyer robots in microgravity. ReSWARM provides a base set of planning and control tools for robotic close proximity operations, demonstrates them in microgravity, and outlines some of the important hardware aspects that future autonomous free‐flyers will need to consider.
Flood modeling in the Ba River basin using a coupled hydrodynamic model—MIKE FLOOD
Authors: Tuan Luc Anh , Van Can Thu , Binh Doan Van , Kantoush Sameh A. , Sumi Tetsuya , Quyen Le Van , Huong Ta Thi
Published: April 2024

The problem of flooding in Central Vietnam in general and the lower Ba River in particular is one of the natural disasters that frequently threatens people's lives and socioeconomic development in the region. Especially, climate change is becoming ever more prominent and hotter, making extreme natural disasters more unusual and unpredictable. In this research, MIKE‐FLOOD—a model that connects a 1‐dimensional (1‐D) MIKE 11 Hydrodynamics (HD) model with a 2‐dimensional (2‐D) MIKE 21 HD model—was used to set up. The model was calculated for three floods: (1) flood in October 1993, (2) flood in November 2003, and (3) flood in November 2007; these are floods with high frequency and relatively large magnitude. The results show that the 1993 flood rose and receded quickly. The flood peak inundated an area of 22,600 ha, accounting for 52% of the natural area. The flooded areas deeper than 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 m were 16500, 11,000, 7000, 4200, and 2200 ha, respectively. In the center of Tuy Hoa city, the flooded area at the time of maximum water level was almost 100%.
Promoting sustainable urban mobility via automated sidewalk defect detection
Authors: Yussif Abdul‐Mugis , Zayed Tarek , Taiwo Ridwan , Fares Ali
Published: April 2024

Encouraging sustainable mobility through sidewalk condition improvement is a critical concern for urban transportation. Sidewalk condition affects pedestrian safety, satisfaction, and mobility inclusiveness. Early sidewalk defect detection and repair ensure transport justice by addressing pedestrian inequality caused by walkability issues. This study presents novel Sidewalk Defect Detection Models (SDDMs) using computer vision to identify and delineate sidewalk defect boundaries accurately. The SDDMs provide a cost‐effective and efficient sidewalk inspection method, achieving high accuracy in recognizing defects for concrete and brick materials (mIoU of 0.91 and mAP of 0.99 for concrete, mIoU of 0.90, and mAP of 0.97 for brick). Integrated with Google Street View for data acquisition, it offers a rapid solution for monitoring sidewalk conditions remotely, promoting sustainability through timely repairs. This research provides significant advancements in urban planning and transport research, ultimately improving pedestrian safety and satisfaction. Thus, it makes human settlements more inclusive, safe, and sustainable.
Continuing to Put People First: Embedding community investment in the sustainability standards of international financial institutions
Authors: Gulakov Ilya , Vanclay Frank
Published: April 2024

We discuss environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in international development projects, especially those funded by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC). Their social safeguard policies were adopted because of neglect of social impacts by projects. Although development assistance goals have shifted from economic growth towards poverty reduction and shared prosperity, mitigating adverse impacts of projects does not necessarily address the multiple dimensions of poverty or the Sustainable Development Goals. ‘Do no harm’ has limited ability to achieve social development objectives. Instead, a significant contribution to international development could come by embedding community investment in the environmental and social frameworks of international financial institutions, and social impact assessment and international development practise. This would ensure that projects contribute to improving the lives of project affected peoples. We propose changes to the IFC Performance Standards that could be implemented by other multilateral development banks and in the Equator Principles.
Sustainable performance measurement through digital transformation within the sustainable development framework: The mediating effect of supply chain concentration
Authors: Sun Le , Ong Tze San , Teh Boon Heng , Di Vaio Assunta
Published: April 2024

This study establishes a conceptual framework, “digital transformation – supply chain concentration – sustainable performance”, to address the existing knowledge gap and elucidate the nuanced connections between digital transformation, supply chain concentration, and sustainable performance. Indeed, the existing body of literature does not offer detailed analyses of the pathways and effects concerning the interplay among the three dimensions within the sustainable development framework. The model's foundation is rooted in stakeholder theory. By examining a sample of 3947 listed Chinese firms, this study's results highlight a noteworthy link between digital transformation and enhanced sustainable performance, assessed through the triple bottom line framework, thus helping to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as the eighth and ninth SDGs. This improvement is attributed to reducing supply chain concentration and promoting a diversified supply chain configuration. Furthermore, the correlation between digital transformation and sustainable performance settings demonstrates significant heterogeneity. This study enhances stakeholder theory by demonstrating that digital transformation and supply chain concentration contribute to sustainable performance, supporting the eighth and ninth SDGs and offering managers a pathway for sustainable development. It also calls for policies that promote digital transformation and diversified supply chains to improve societal welfare and sustainability practices.
Is personal income associated with attitudes towards climate change risk? A moderated mediation analysis for the UK from 2009 to 2020
Authors: Liu Ting , Shryane Nick , Elliot Mark
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the effect of personal income on attitudes towards climate change risk, considering the mediator of responsibility attribution (RA) for climate change and the moderator of educational attainment. Using a latent growth curve model applied to data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study dataset from 2009 to 2020, this study indicated that personal income growth heightens the likelihood of expressing concern about climate change while reducing the propensity for holding sceptical or paradoxical attitudes over time. Attributing climate change to personal behaviour mediated the income‐attitude relationship. Significant differences in the mediation effect were observed between individuals who had received a university education and those who had not, even after controlling for covariates such as age, sex, political affiliation and employment status. These findings suggest that climate campaign emphasising RA can address attitude disparities across income and education strata, further promoting sustainable climate action and mitigation.
Finding the best subgroup with differential treatment effect with multiple outcomes
Authors: Zhao Beibo , Fine Jason , Ivanova Anastasia
Published: April 2024

Precision medicine aims to identify specific patient subgroups that may benefit the most from a particular treatment than the whole population. Existing definitions for the best subgroup in subgroup analysis are based on a single outcome and do not consider multiple outcomes; specifically, outcomes of different types. In this article, we introduce a definition for the best subgroup under a multiple‐outcome setting with continuous, binary, and censored time‐to‐event outcomes. Our definition provides a trade‐off between the subgroup size and the conditional average treatment effects (CATE) in the subgroup with respect to each of the outcomes while taking the relative contribution of the outcomes into account. We conduct simulations to illustrate the proposed definition. By examining the outcomes of urinary tract infection and renal scarring in the RIVUR clinical trial, we identify a subgroup of children that would benefit the most from long‐term antimicrobial prophylaxis.