bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of serum TM, PAF, and CD62P in patients with autologous arteriovenous fistula and the correlation with vascular access function
Authors: Jiang Yan , Liu Zongyang , Liu Liting , Xiong Zhiqian , Chen Yan , Zhang Shuai , Su Chaojiang
Published: March 2024

Background

End‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is the final stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Aims

We aimed to analyze the expression differences of serum thrombomodulin (TM), platelet‐activating factor (PAF), and P‐selectin (CD62P) in patients with autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and the correlation with vascular access function.

Methods

The case data were retrospectively analyzed. Moreover, 160 patients with AVF maintenance hemodialysis were selected as the AVF group, and 150 healthy participants were selected as the healthy control group. According to the function of vascular access, patients in the AVF group were divided into Group A (n = 50, after the first establishment of AVF), Group B (n = 64, normal vascular access function after hemodialysis treatment), and Group C (n = 46, vascular access failure). Pearson analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between serum TM, PAF, CD62P content, and vascular pathological examination indicators, to evaluate the value of TM, PAF, and CD62P levels in predicting vascular access failure in patients with AVF.

Results and Discussion

The serum levels of TM, PAF, and CD62P were positively correlated with the expressions of CD68 and MCP‐1, respectively (p < .001). Serum TM was positively correlated with the levels of PAF and CD62P (p < .001), and PAF was positively correlated with the levels of CD62P (p < .001), respectively. Serum levels of TM, PAF and CD62P were risk factors for vascular access failure in AVF patients (p < .05). The area under the curve of serum TM, PAF and CD62P levels in predicting vascular access failure in AVF patients was 0.879.

Conclusion

The serum levels of TM, PAF, and CD62P in AVF patients were correlated with the vascular access function of AVF patients, which was very important for maintaining the stability of vascular access function, and had certain value in predicting vascular access failure/disorder in AVF patients, and could be popularized and applied.
Prediagnostic use of menopausal hormone therapy and long‐term survival of localized epithelial ovarian cancer: The Extreme study
Authors: Duus Alberte Hjorth , Hannibal Charlotte Gerd , Baandrup Louise , Zheng Guoqiao , Galanakis Michael , Maltesen Thomas , Hertzum‐Larsen Rasmus , Mørch Lina S. , Kjær Susanne K.
Published: March 2024

Use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) prior to an epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) diagnosis has been suggested to be associated with improved survival. In a recent nationwide cohort study, we found that prediagnostic long‐term MHT use, especially estrogen therapy (ET), was associated with improved long‐term survival in women with nonlocalized EOC. Our aim was to investigate the influence of prediagnostic MHT use on long‐term survival among women with localized EOC in the same nationwide study. Our study cohort comprised all women aged 50 years or older with an EOC diagnosis in Denmark 2000–2014 (n = 2097) identified from the Extreme study. We collected information on usage of systemic ET and estrogen plus progestin therapy (EPT) from the Danish National Prescription Registry. By using pseudo‐values, 5‐ and 10‐year absolute and relative survival probabilities were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) while adjusting for histology, comorbidity, and income. Relative survival probabilities >1 indicate better survival. The 5‐year absolute survival probabilities were 61% and 56%, respectively, among women who were nonusers and users of prediagnostic MHT, whereas these numbers were 46% and 41%, respectively, regarding 10‐year survival. Use of MHT was not significantly associated with an improved 5‐ or 10‐year survival in women with localized EOC (5‐year relative survival probability = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.89–1.02; 10‐year relative survival probability = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84–1.02). Similar findings were seen for systemic ET or EPT use. Our findings do not suggest a positive benefit from prediagnostic MHT use on long‐term survival of localized EOC.
An intelligent self‐powered life jacket system integrating multiple triboelectric fiber sensors for drowning rescue
Authors: Zhang Yiping , Li Chengyu , Wei Chuanhui , Cheng Renwei , Lv Tianmei , Wang Junpeng , Zhao Cong , Wang Zhaoyang , Li Fangming , Peng Xiao , Xu Minyi , Dong Kai
Published: March 2024

The inherent unpredictability of the maritime environment leads to low rates of survival during accidents. Life jackets serve as a crucial safety measure in underwater environments. Nonetheless, most conventional life jackets lack the capability to monitor the wearer's underwater body movements, impeding their effectiveness in rescue operations. Here, we present an intelligent self‐powered life jacket system (SPLJ) composed of a wireless body area sensing network, a set of deep learning analytics, and a human condition detection platform. Six coaxial core‐shell structure triboelectric fiber sensors with high sensitivity, stretchability, and flexibility are integrated into this system. Additionally, a portable integrated circuit module is incorporated into the SPLJ to facilitate real‐time monitoring of the wearer's movement. Moreover, by leveraging the deep‐learning‐assisted data analytics and establishing a robust correlation between the wearer's movements and condition, we have developed a comprehensive system for monitoring drowning individuals, achieving an outstanding recognition accuracy of 100%. This groundbreaking work introduces a fresh approach to underwater intelligent survival devices, offering promising prospects for advancing underwater smart wearable devices in rescue operations and the development of ocean industry.

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Suitability of Fourier transform infrared microscopy for the diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis in human tissue sections
Authors: Brunner A. , Unterberger S. H. , Auer H. , Hautz T. , Schneeberger S. , Stalder R. , Badzoka J. , Kappacher C. , Huck C. W. , Zelger B. , Pallua J. D.
Published: March 2024

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a global health concern caused by cestodes, posing diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and inconclusive radiographic results. Diagnosis relies on histopathological evaluation of affected tissue, demanding comprehensive tools. In this retrospective case study, Fourier transform infrared microscopy was explored for detecting and identifying CE through biochemical changes in human tissue sections. Tissue samples from 11 confirmed CE patients were analyzed. Archived FFPE blocks were cut and stained, and then CE‐positive unstained sections were examined using Fourier transform infrared microscopy post‐deparaffinization. Results revealed the method's ability to distinguish echinococcus elements from human tissue, irrespective of organ type. This research showcases the potential of mid‐infrared microscopy as a valuable diagnostic tool for CE, offering promise in enhancing diagnostic precision in the face of the disease's complexities.
Saliency enhancement method for photoacoustic molecular imaging based on Grüneisen relaxation nonlinear effect
Authors: Wang Xiatian , Xie Zhihua , Lin Riqiang , Shu Chengyou , Lv Shengmiao , Guo Pengkun , Xu Haoxing , Zhang Jinke , Dong Liquan , Gong Xiaojing
Published: March 2024

Photoacoustic molecular imaging technology has a wide range of applications in biomedical research. In practical scenarios, both the probes and blood generate signals, resulting in the saliency of the probes in the blood environment being diminished, impacting imaging quality. Although several methods have been proposed for saliency enhancement, they inevitably suffer from moderate generality and detection speed. The Grüneisen relaxation (GR) nonlinear effect offers an alternative for enhancing saliency and can improve generality and speed. In this article, the excitation and detection efficiencies are optimized to enhance the GR signal amplitude. Experimental studies show that the saliency of the probe is enhanced. Moreover, the issue of signal aliasing is studied to ensure the accuracy of enhancement results in the tissues. In a word, the feasibility of the GR‐based imaging method in saliency enhancement is successfully demonstrated in the study, showing the superiorities of good generality and detection speed.
Silencing of circ_0088036 inhibits growth and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma through miR‐203/SP1 axis
Authors: Liu Xiuhua , Feng Yan , Wang Linna , Shi Lei , Ji Kunxiang , Hu Nan , Du Yang , Liu Mingyang , Wang Man
Published: March 2024

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0088036 is a recently discovered circRNA known for its roles in rheumatoid arthritis. The study aimed to study the function of circ_0088036 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Circ_0088036 expressions were analyzed in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The relationship between circ_0088036 expressions and clinicopathological data of LUAD was assessed. The messenger RNA and protein levels were analyzed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Cell viability, apoptosis, and invasion were tested by Cell Counting Kit‐8, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. The direct interaction between microRNA‐203 (miR‐203) and circ_0088036 or specificity protein 1 (SP1) was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull‐down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Circ_0088036 was overexpressed in LUAD from the analysis of the GEO database. The poor prognosis was found in the patients with high expressions of circ_0088036. The level of Circ_0088036 was increased in LUAD tissues and cells. In terms of function, the deletion of circ_0088036 inhibited LUAD tumorigenesis in vitro by repressing cell growth, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). In mechanism, circ_0088036 could competitively sponge miR‐203, thereby affecting the expressions of the target gene SP1. In addition, lessening of miR‐203 and enlarging of SP1 could eliminate the anticancer effect of short hairpin RNA‐circ_0088036 on LUAD cells. Besides, the knockout of circ_0088036 hindered the growth of xenografted tumors in vivo. Circ_0088036 promoted the LUAD cell growth, invasion, and EMT via modulating the miR‐203/SP1 axis in LUAD.
Unraveling Hypothalamus‐Pituitary dysregulation: Hypergonadotropism in F1 progeny due to prenatal exposure to hexavalent chromium
Authors: Navin Ajit Kumar , Aruldhas Mariajoseph Michael , Mani Kathiresh Kumar , Navaneethabalakrishnan Shobana , Venkatachalam Sankar , Banu Sakhila K.
Published: March 2024

The endocrine disruptor hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a proven reproductive toxicant. We recently demonstrated that prenatal Cr(VI) exposure causes testicular resistance to gonadotropins, resulting in hypergonadotropic hypoandrogenism in F1 rats. However, the mechanism driving hypergonadotropism in F1 rats exposed to Cr(VI) prenatally remains an enigma. Therefore, we hypothesized that ‘Prenatal Cr(VI) exposure may disrupt steroid hormones‐mediated negative feedback regulation of the hypothalamic GnRH, and its receptor in the pituitary of F1 rats, leading to hypergonadotropism.’ We administered potassium dichromate (50, 100, or 200 mg/L) to pregnant rats through drinking water between days 9 and 14, and their male F1 offspring were euthanized at 60 days of age. Prenatal Cr(VI) exposure in F1 rats resulted in the accumulation of Cr in the hypothalamus and pituitary. Western blot detected decreased hypothalamic GnRH, Kisspeptin1, and its receptor GPR54, along with diminished ERα, AR, aromatase, and 5α reductase, and GnRH regulatory transcription factors Pit‐1 and GATA‐4 proteins. Immunohistochemical studies revealed increased immunopositivity of GnRH receptor, AR, 5α reductase, ERα, ERβ, and aromatase proteins in the pituitary, whereas decreased Kisspeptin1, GPR54, and inhibin β. Our findings imply that Cr(VI) exposure during the prenatal period disrupts the hypothalamic Kisspeptin‐GPR54‐Pit‐1/GATA4‐GnRH network, boosting the pituitary GnRH receptor. We conclude that prenatal exposure to Cr(VI) alters GnRH expression in the hypothalamus and its receptor in the pituitary of F1 progeny through interfering with the negative feedback effect of androgens and estrogens.
Lack of vitamin D signalling in mesenchymal progenitors causes fatty infiltration in muscle
Authors: Hosoyama Tohru , Kawai‐Takaishi Minako , Iida Hiroki , Yamamoto Yoko , Nakamichi Yuko , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Takemura Marie , Kato Shigeaki , Uezumi Akiyoshi , Matsui Yasumoto
Published: March 2024

Background

Recent studies have indicated the importance of muscle quality in addition to muscle quantity in sarcopenia pathophysiology. Intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), which originates from mesenchymal progenitors (MPs) in adult skeletal muscle, is a key factor affecting muscle quality in older adults, suggesting that controlling IMAT formation is a promising therapeutic strategy for sarcopenia. However, the molecular mechanism underlying IMAT formation in older adults has not been clarified. We recently found that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is highly expressed in MPs in comparison to myotubes (P = 0.028, N = 3), indicating a potential role of vitamin D signalling in MPs. In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of vitamin D signalling in MP kinetics, with a focus on adipogenesis.

Methods

MPs isolated from mouse skeletal muscles were subjected to adipogenic differentiation conditions with or without vitamin D (1α,25(OH)2D3, 100 nM) for 7 days, and adipogenicity was evaluated based on adipogenic marker expression. For in vivo analysis, tamoxifen‐inducible MP‐specific VDR‐deficient (VdrMPcKO) mice were newly developed to investigate whether lack of vitamin D signalling in MPs is involved in IMAT formation. To induce muscle atrophy, VdrMPcKO male mice were subjected to tenotomy of the gastrocnemius muscle, and then muscle weight, myofibre cross‐sectional area, adipogenic marker expression, and fatty infiltration into the muscle were evaluated at 3 weeks after operation (N = 3–4). In addition, a vitamin D‐deficient diet was provided to wild‐type male mice (3 and 20 months of age, N = 5) for 3 months to investigate whether vitamin D deficiency causes IMAT formation.

Results

Vitamin D treatment nearly completely inhibited adipogenesis of MPs through Runx1‐mediated transcriptional modifications of early adipogenic factors such as PPARγ (P = 0.0031) and C/EBPα (P = 0.0027), whereas VDR‐deficient MPs derived from VdrMPcKO mice differentiated into adipocytes even in the presence of vitamin D (P = 0.0044, Oil‐Red O+ area). In consistency with in‐vitro findings, VdrMPcKO mice and mice fed a vitamin D‐deficient diet exhibited fat deposition in atrophied (P = 0.0311) and aged (P = 0.0216) skeletal muscle, respectively.

Conclusions

Vitamin D signalling is important to prevent fate decision of MPs towards the adipogenic lineage. As vitamin D levels decline with age, our data indicate that decreased vitamin D levels may be one of the causes of IMAT formation in older adults, and vitamin D signalling may be a novel therapeutic target for sarcopenia.
The future of faculty recruitment: Inspiring students into an academic career
Authors: Wong Cynthia L. , Melo Mary Anne S. , Scarpa‐Lota Nathalie , Moazzez Rebecca , Furness Alan , Stewart Kelton T.
Published: March 2024

The dilemma surrounding faculty shortages within dental education continues to present significant challenges for the dental profession. There remains a tremendous need to create an effective and sustainable pathway for the recruitment of faculty into dental academia, with an emphasis on the establishment of a more diverse and representative faculty composition. This perspective paper proposes a blueprint to nurture and inspire dental students into academia.
Altered glycosylation in secreting cells of the gastric glands of aquaporin‐4‐deficient mice
Authors: Mentino Donatella , Nicchia Grazia Paola , Frigeri Antonio , Desantis Salvatore , Guglielmi Marco Vito , Semeraro Daniela , Scillitani Giovanni , Mastrodonato Maria
Published: March 2024

Aquaporins (AQPs) are important for water transport in the gastrointestinal tract. Changes in their expression and/or localization could cause in disorders and be used as therapeutic targets. Aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) is expressed predominantly on the basolateral membrane of the parietal cells in the corpus of the murine gastric glands. Although the secretion of gastric juice is not affected in AQP4‐deficient knockout, we evaluated by light microscopy whether the lack of AQP4 affects the glycopatterns of secreting gastric cells. Wild type (WT) and AQP4‐deficient knockout mice (KO) were fed a standard diet ad libitum before sacrifice. Segments of stomach corpus were collected, fixed in buffered formalin, and embedded in paraffin wax. Sections, 5‐μm thick, were analyzed by histochemical methods (Periodic acid‐Schiff, Alcian Blue pH 2.5), and binding of lectins specific to GalNAc (SBA, DBA), Gal (PNA) GlcNAc (WGA, GSAII) mannose and/or glucose (ConA), and fucose (UEA‐I, AAA, LTA). Immunohistochemical methods such as anti‐Muc6 for neck cells and anti‐ β‐ H+/K+‐ATPase for parietal cells were also performed. Compared to WT mice, in the mucous cells of KO lower amounts of glycans with galactosyl/galactosaminylated, glycosyl/glycosaminylated, and fucosylated residues were observed; lower fucosylation resulted also in the parietal cells. The observed differences of KO in respect to WT could lead to severer pathological conditions.

Research Highlights

Glycopatterns in gastric glands were compared between wild type (WT) and AQP4‐deficient knockout (KO) mice by histochemical and lectin‐binding methods.

In the mucous cells of KO lower amounts of glycans with galactosyl/galactosaminylated, glycosyl/glycosaminylated and fucosylated residues were observed.

In the parietal cells lower fucosylation also resulted.

AQP4‐deficiency affects glycosylation and could result in altered functionality and pathological conditions.
Nationwide implementation of lenalidomide maintenance in multiple myeloma: A retrospective, real‐world study
Authors: Harsløf Mads , Chanchiri Iman , Silkjær Trine , Frølund Ulf Christian , Teodorescu Elena Manuela , Nielsen Kristina Buchardi , Nielsen Per Ishøy , Pedersen Per Trøllund , Iversen Katrine Fladeland , Lund Thomas , Grønbæk Kirsten , Thorsteinsdottir Sigrun , Vangsted Annette , Szabo Agoston Gyula
Published: March 2024

Lenalidomide maintenance (LM) has shown benefit in progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in clinical trials. LM is the recommended standard of care in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) after high‐dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM‐ASCT). In Denmark, LM has been approved and publicly funded for all patients treated with HDM‐ASCT since June 2019. Patients with newly diagnosed MM treated with their first HDM‐ASCT between June 2019 and March 2022 were included and followed until data cut‐off in June 2023. To compare outcomes, a historical pre‐LM cohort from the Danish MM Registry, consisting of 364 MM patients treated with HDM‐ASCT between June 2015 and June 2019, was used. Among 364 patients treated with HDM‐ASCT after June 2019, 22.3% received consolidation therapy and 3.7% underwent tandem HDM‐ASCT. During follow‐up, 297 patients (81.6%) initiated maintenance therapy, with 277 (76.1%) receiving LM. Overall, 145 patients (52.3%) discontinued LM most commonly due to toxicity 75 (51.7%), with fatigue (30.7%), cytopenia (25.3%), and neuropathy (17.3%) being the main reasons. In a 6‐month landmark analysis, early discontinuation did not negatively impact PFS or OS. The LM cohort had similar PFS, and OS compared to the pre‐LM cohort. The 3‐year PFS and OS rates in the LM cohort were 61% and 86%, respectively, while the pre‐LM cohort had a 3‐year PFS of 55% and a 3‐year OS of 89%. In conclusion, the introduction of LM as a nationwide treatment option in Denmark did not lead to improved clinical outcomes.
Vascular stenting of a malignant arterial blowout as a bridge to effective systemic and regional therapy
Authors: Williams Taylor P. , Cox Mitchell W. , Jana Bagi , Ross Merrick I. , Fisher Sarah B. , Walker John P. , Hume Celyne B. , Mayo Lauren L. , Tyler Douglas S.
Published: March 2024

Locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can erode into blood vessels, leading to vascular blowout, requiring emergent surgical intervention. We describe a first case of this disease complication which was effectively managed with endovascular stenting as a bridge to effective systemic and regional therapy. We discuss the efficacy of this staged approach which is novel and timely in a clinical environment of increasingly effective systemic therapies.
Breast cancer survivorship
Authors: Valente Stephanie , Roesch Erin
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer survivorship care transitions from active treatment to focus on surveillance and health maintenance. This review article discusses the crucial aspects of breast cancer survivorship, which include cancer surveillance, management of treatment side effects, implementation of a healthy lifestyle, and psychosocial support.
Recycled bone grafts treated with extracorporeal irradiation or liquid nitrogen freezing after malignant tumor resection
Authors: Takeuchi Yuta , Sakamoto Akio , Noguchi Takashi , Toguchida Junya , Matsuda Shuichi
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Recycled bone autografts prepared using extracorporeal irradiation (ECIR) or liquid nitrogen freezing (LNF) methods have been used for the reconstruction of skeletal elements after wide resection of sarcomas involving bone tissues. Few reports include long‐term follow‐up data for histological analyses of recycled autografts, particularly in the case of ECIR autografts.

Materials

A total of 34 malignant bone and soft tissue tumors were resected and reconstructed using 11 ECIR‐ and 23 LNF‐recycled autografts; the mean postoperative follow‐ups were 14 and 8 years, respectively. ECIR was used for either osteosarcomas or Ewing sarcomas, whereas in addition to these tumors LNF was used for chondrosarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas involving bone tissues. Recycled bone was implanted as total bone, osteoarticular, or intercalary grafts, with or without prosthesis or vascularized fibular grafts.

Results

The 10‐year graft survival rate was similar between groups, 81.8% using ECIR and 70.2% using LNF. There were no autograft‐related tumor recurrences in either group. Graft survival was unrelated to type of graft or additional procedures. Complication rates tended to be higher using ECIR (64%) compared with LNF (52%) and the infection rate was significantly higher with ECIR (27%) versus LNF (0%). At the final assessment, plain radiographs revealed original recycled bone was present in 7 of 11 ECIR cases and in zero cases treated with LNF autografts, indicating that recycled bone treated with LNF autografts was remodeled into new bone. Histological examination of ECIR‐treated bones revealed a delayed and incomplete endochondral ossification process, necrosis and empty lacunae. Conversely, LNF autografts showed remodeled bones with normal trabecular structures.

Conclusions

ECIR and LNF treatment of autografts provided adequate tumor control with acceptable clinical results as a reconstruction method.
A framework on interplay of knowledge types and dimensions in pandemics – Example of COVID‐19
Authors: Parameswar Nakul , Venkitachalam Krishna
Published: March 2024

Recent literature has documented numerous knowledge management (KM) policy frameworks and models utilised for managing pandemics such as COVID‐19. Perhaps the major focus of existing scholarly work is on the role and relevance of healthcare KM in the COVID‐19 crisis compared to the understanding of healthcare knowledge dimensions and knowledge types in pandemic management and control. Considering the complexities of COVID‐19, we attempt to address a literature gap in the management knowledge of pandemics as the study problem in this paper. The paper proposes a framework to analyse the interplay between the dimensions and knowledge types and its application benefits using the example of COVID‐19 management in the state of Kerala. Considering the disparities in how the pandemic was managed globally, we use the Kerala case to illuminate the different interactions between the three types and four dimensions of knowledge for pandemic management. Future studies may explore the extension and testing of the proposed interplay framework in other contexts.
Re‐emergent Tremor in Parkinson's Disease: Evidence of Pathologic β and Prokinetic γ Activity
Authors: Ding Hao , Nasseroleslami Bahman , Mirzac Daniela , Isaias Ioannis Ugo , Volkmann Jens , Deuschl Günther , Groppa Sergiu , Muthuraman Muthuraman
Published: March 2024

Background

Re‐emergent tremor is characterized as a continuation of resting tremor and is often highly therapy refractory. This study examines variations in brain activity and oscillatory responses between resting and re‐emergent tremors in Parkinson's disease.

Methods

Forty patients with Parkinson's disease (25 males, mean age, 66.78 ± 5.03 years) and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included in the study. Electroencephalogram and electromyography signals were simultaneously recorded during resting and re‐emergent tremors in levodopa on and off states for patients and mimicked by healthy controls. Brain activity was localized using the beamforming technique, and information flow between sources was estimated using effective connectivity. Cross‐frequency coupling was used to assess neuronal oscillations between tremor frequency and canonical frequency oscillations.

Results

During levodopa on, differences in brain activity were observed in the premotor cortex and cerebellum in both the patient and control groups. However, Parkinson's disease patients also exhibited additional activity in the primary sensorimotor cortex. On withdrawal of levodopa, different source patterns were observed in the supplementary motor area and basal ganglia area. Additionally, levodopa was found to suppress the strength of connectivity (P < 0.001) between the identified sources and influence the tremor frequency‐related coupling, leading to a decrease in β (P < 0.001) and an increase in γ frequency coupling (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Distinct variations in cortical–subcortical brain activity are evident in tremor phenotypes. The primary sensorimotor cortex plays a crucial role in the generation of re‐emergent tremor. Moreover, oscillatory neuronal responses in pathological β and prokinetic γ activity are specific to tremor phenotypes. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Unilateral Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy Thalamotomy for Essential Tremor
Authors: Aubignat Mickael , Tir Mélissa , Ouendo Martial , Boussida Salem , Constans Jean‐Marc , Lefranc Michel
Published: March 2024

Background

Essential tremor (ET) affects numerous adults, impacting quality of life (QOL) and often defying pharmacological treatment. Surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and lesional approaches, including radiofrequency, gamma‐knife radiosurgery, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–guided focused ultrasound, offer solutions but are not devoid of limitations.

Objectives

This retrospective, single‐center, single‐blinded pilot study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of unilateral MRI‐guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRIg‐LITT) thalamotomy for medically intractable ET.

Methods

Nine patients with ET, unresponsive to medications and unsuitable for DBS, underwent unilateral MRIg‐LITT thalamotomy. We assessed tremor severity, QOL, cognitive function, and adverse events (AE) over a 12‐month period.

Results

Tremor severity significantly improved, with a reduction of 83.37% at 12 months post‐procedure. QOL scores improved by 74.60% at 12 months. Reported AEs predominantly included transient dysarthria, proprioceptive disturbances, and gait balance issues, which largely resolved within a month. At 3 months, 2 patients (22%) exhibited contralateral hemiparesis requiring physiotherapy, with 1 patient (11%) exhibiting persistent hemiparesis at 12 months. No significant cognitive impairment was detected post‐procedure.

Conclusions

Unilateral MRIg‐LITT thalamotomy yielded substantial and enduring tremor alleviation and enhanced QOL in patients with ET that is resistant to medication. The AE profile was acceptable. Our findings support the need for additional research with expanded patient cohorts and extended follow‐up to corroborate these outcomes and to refine the role of MRIg‐LITT as a targeted and minimally invasive approach for ET management. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
On the slow–fast dynamics of a tri‐trophic food chain model with fear and Allee effects
Authors: Salman Sanaa Moussa , Shchepakina Elena
Published: March 2024

A three‐species food chain model with Allee and fear effects on both prey and predator is investigated in this work. The model consists of ODEs describing the evolution and interaction of prey, predator, and top predator populations in a biological system. We assume that the intrinsic growth rate of the prey is much smaller than a threshold value determined by other biological parameters of the model. Consequently, the model is transformed into a singularly perturbed system that acts on two different time scales, ranging from slow for both prey and predator to fast for the top predator. Positivity and boundedness of the solutions of the model along with the stability for its equilibria are investigated. The model possesses the exact invariant manifold with changing stability (black swan) and exhibits the canard phenomenon. Some numerical simulations are performed to validate our analysis.
The utility of electrodiagnostic testing in unprovoked rhabdomyolysis in the era of next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Skolka Michael P. , Milone Margherita , Litchy William J. , Laughlin Ruple S. , Rubin Devon I. , Liewluck Teerin
Published: March 2024

Introduction/Aims

Rhabdomyolysis is an etiologically heterogeneous, acute necrosis of myofibers characterized by transient marked creatine kinase (CK) elevation associated with myalgia, muscle edema, and/or weakness. The study aimed to determine the role of electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing relative to genetic testing and muscle biopsy in patients with unprovoked rhabdomyolysis in identifying an underlying myopathy.

Methods

EDX database was reviewed to identify unprovoked rhabdomyolysis patients who underwent EDX testing between January 2012 and January 2022. Each patient's clinical profile, EDX findings, muscle pathology, laboratory, and genetic testing results were analyzed.

Results

Of 66 patients identified, 32 had myopathic electromyography (EMG). Muscle biopsy and genetic testing were performed in 41 and 37 patients, respectively. A definitive diagnosis was achieved in 15 patients (11 myopathic EMG and 4 nonmyopathic EMG; p = .04) based on abnormal muscle biopsy (4/11 patients) or genetic testing (12/12 patients, encompassing 5 patients with normal muscle biopsy and 3 patients with nonmyopathic EMG). These included seven metabolic and eight nonmetabolic myopathies (five muscular dystrophies and three ryanodine receptor 1 [RYR1]‐myopathies). Patients were more likely to have baseline weakness (p < .01), elevated baseline CK (p < .01), and nonmetabolic myopathies (p = .03) when myopathic EMG was identified.

Discussion

Myopathic EMG occurred in approximately half of patients with unprovoked rhabdomyolysis, more likely in patients with weakness and elevated CK at baseline. Although patients with myopathic EMG were more likely to have nonmetabolic myopathies, nonmyopathic EMG did not exclude myopathy, and genetic testing was primarily helpful to identify an underlying myopathy. Genetic testing should likely be first‐tier diagnostic testing following unprovoked rhabdomyolysis.
Evaluation of the performance of a 7‐T 8 × 2 transceiver array
Authors: Kim Junghwan , Sun Changyu , Moon Chan Hong , Hetherington Hoby , Pan Jullie
Published: March 2024

The decoupled 8 × 2 transceiver array has been shown to achieve a mean B1+ of 11.7 uT with a coefficient of variation of ~11% over the intracranial brain volume for 7‐T MR imaging. However, this array may be thought to give lower signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and higher g‐factors for parallel imaging compared with a radio frequency (RF) receive‐only coil due to the latter's higher coil count and use of coil overlap to reduce the mutual impedance. Nonetheless, because the transceiver's highly decoupled design (pertinent for transmission) should also be constructive for reception, we measured the noise correlation, g‐factors, and SNR for the decoupled transceiver in comparison with a commercial reference coil. We found that although the transceiver has half the number of receive elements in comparison with the reference coil (16 vs. 32), comparable g‐factors and SNR over the head were obtained. From five subjects, the transceiver versus reference coil SNR was 65 ± 10 versus 67 ± 15. The mean noise correlation for all coil pairs was 10% ± 5% and 12% ± 9% (transceiver and reference coil, respectively). As changes in load impedance may alter the S parameters, we also examined the performance of the transceiver with tuned and matched (TM) versus untuned and unmatched (UTM) conditions on five subjects. We found that the noise correlation and SNR are robust to load variation; a noise correlation of 10% ± 5% and 10% ± 6% was determined with TM versus UTM conditions (SNRUTM/SNRTM = 0.97 ± 0.08). Finally, we demonstrate the performance of the array in human brain using T2‐weighted turbo spin echo imaging, finding excellent SNR performance in both caudal and rostral brain regions.
Latent profiles of nurses’ subjective well‐being and its association with social support and professional self‐concept
Authors: Miao Chuyuan , Liu Chunqin , Zhou Ying , Chung Joanne W. Y. , Zou Xiaofang , Tan Wenying , Ma Yu , Luo Qing , Chen Jiani , Wong Thomas Kwok Shing
Published: March 2024

Aim

To identify latent profiles of nurses’ subjective well‐being (SWB) and explore its association with social support and professional self‐concept.

Design

This study used an online survey and cross‐sectional latent profile analysis design.

Methods

A total of 1009 nurses from 30 hospitals in Guangdong Province, China, were selected using convenience sampling. An online questionnaire survey comprising the following scales was distributed: Index of Well‐Being, Nurses’ Professional Self‐concept Questionnaire and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Nurses’ SWB was examined and categorized into profiles using nine Index of Well‐being items as explicit variables and ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to explore factors related to the distinct categories.

Results

Nurses’ SWB was divided into four latent profiles: extremely low, low, moderate and high. Regression analysis showed that social support and professional self‐concept influenced SWB. There were statistically significant differences in age, title, working years, social support and professional self‐concept among nurses in the different well‐being categories. Ordered logistic regression analysis showed that social support and professional self‐concept are associated with different SWB profiles.
Effect of processing conditions on morphology and mechanical damage in glass‐reinforced polypropylene composite
Authors: Nouira Samia , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Peixinho Jorge , Benfriha Khaled , Hassine Tarek , Fitoussi Joseph
Published: March 2024

This study aims to analyze the effect of processing parameters, particularly the cooling rate, on the morphology and mechanical properties of reinforced glass fiber polypropylene (GF‐PP) films. To achieve the objective, a multi‐scale analysis was performed to study the different morphology of neat PP and reinforced PP films obtained by controlling the thermal condition during the fabrication process. Films of PP with a thickness of about 100 μm have been prepared to observe the crystalline microstructure's formation and follow its kinetics on the scale of the spherulites. The same procedure was followed using a single glass fiber to obtain the mono‐composite film of PP by controlling the interface/interphase between the fiber and the matrix. Moreover, the dependence of the damage mechanisms on the spherulite diameters and the mechanical test conditions was established. The deformation mechanisms (intra and inter‐spherulitic damage) were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively according to the controlled morphologies produced for the polymer and the composite, especially at the level of the transcrystalline phase. The results confirm that the processing parameters affect not only the width of the transcrystalline phase but also the morphology of the fiber‐matrix interface. Furthermore, increasing the thickness of the transcrystalline phase exhibited remarkably higher interfacial shear strength, as demonstrated by the single fiber fragmentation test.

Highlights

Impact of cooling rate on morphology and mechanical properties of glass fiber polypropylene (GF‐PP).

Multi‐scale analysis to investigate the distinct morphologies of PP and GF‐PP.

Deformation mechanism particularly intra and inter‐spherulitic damage.

Attention to the impact on the transcrystalline phase and the fiber‐matrix interface.

Influence of transcrystalline phase thickness on interfacial strength.
Bone health and the masters runner
Authors: Raiser Sara N. , Schroeder Allison N. , Lawley Richard J. , Tenforde Adam S.
Published: March 2024

Masters runners are often defined as those ages 35 years and older who train and compete in running events. These runners represent a growing population of the overall running community and experience running‐related injuries including bone stress injuries (BSIs). Similar to younger runners, health considerations in masters runners include the goal to optimize bone health with focus on mitigating age‐associated loss of bone strength and preventing BSIs through a combination of ensuring appropriate physical activity, optimizing nutrition, and correcting faulty biomechanics. Importantly, BSIs in masters runners may include characteristics of both overuse injury from insufficient recovery and failure of bone weakened by age‐related loss of bone (insufficiency fractures). This narrative review covers the limited available research on strategies to optimize bone health in masters runners. Applying knowledge on masters athletes and extrapolating from other populations, we propose strategies on treatment and prevention of BSIs. Finally, the review highlights gaps in knowledge that require further age‐specific discoveries to advance treatment and prevention.
Social imaginaries of digital technology in South Korea during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Yoon Kyong
Published: March 2024

This study examines common themes identified in discourses about digital technology–driven responses to COVID‐19 in South Korea. By examining how digital technology is represented and thematised in policy and news discourses, the study explores how particular modes of society and societal order are circulated and particular visions of the postpandemic society emerge. By employing the notion of social imaginary as a collective vision and practice of a desirable future, this research contributes to expanding the scope of policy studies that tend to be limited to rational decision‐making processes. It explores the role of the government that extends institutional forces to disseminate particular visions of the postpandemic society while addressing the media's response to the government‐circulated dominant social imaginary.
Revisiting the application of molecular probe diagnostics on quantifying aqueous OH radicals in plasma–liquid systems
Authors: Tang Qingjin , Zhang Mingjia , Wu Binhong , Wang Xin , Tu Xin , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Liu Linsheng , Chen Qiang
Published: March 2024

We revisit one of the most used techniques for quantifying the aqueous OH radicals (OHaq) in plasma–liquid systems, the molecular probe method which obtains the [OHaq] by measuring a stable material formed through a rapid reaction between the molecular probe and the OHaq. In this study, we used disodium terephthalate (NaTA) as the molecular probe; the experimental results with a theoretical analysis suggest that to obtain the correct OHaq concentration, the concentration of the molecular probe should be greater than a certain value, which depends on the types of the plasma–liquid systems. However, this is not the case in most of the existing reports in which the NaTA is often much less than the requisite value.
Ectomycorrhizal necromass turnover is one‐third of biomass turnover in hemiboreal Pinus sylvestris forests
Authors: Hagenbo Andreas , Fransson Petra , Menichetti Lorenzo , Clemmensen Karina E. , Olofsson Madelen A. , Ekblad Alf
Published: March 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Efficient mitigation of climate change requires predictive models of forest ecosystems as sinks for atmospheric carbon. Mycorrhizal fungi are drivers of soil carbon storage in boreal forests, yet they are typically excluded from ecosystem models, because of a lack of information about their growth and turnover. Closing this knowledge gap could help us better predict future responses to climate change and guide policy decisions for sustainable management of forest ecosystems. This study provides new estimates of the production and turnover of mycorrhizal mycelial biomass and necromass. This information can facilitate the integration of mycorrhizal fungi into new predictive models of boreal forest soils.

In boreal forests, turnover of biomass and necromass of ectomycorrhizal extraradical mycelia (ERM) are important for mediating long‐term carbon storage. However, ectomycorrhizal fungi are usually not considered in ecosystem models, because data for parameterization of ERM dynamics is lacking.

Here, we estimated the production and turnover of ERM biomass and necromass across a hemiboreal Pinus sylvestris chronosequence aged 12 to 100 years. Biomass and necromass were quantified in sequentially harvested in‐growth bags, and incubated in the soil for 1–24 month, and Bayesian calibration of mathematical models was applied to arrive at parametric estimates of ERM production and turnover rates of biomass and necromass.

Steady states were predicted to be nearly reached after 160 and 390 growing season days, respectively, for biomass and necromass. The related turnover rates varied with 95% credible intervals of 1.7–6.5 and 0.3–2.5 times yr−1, with mode values of 2.9 and 0.9 times yr−1, corresponding to mean residence times of 62 and 205 growing season days.

Our results highlight that turnover of necromass is one‐third of biomass. This together with the variability in the estimates can be used to parameterize ecosystem models, to explicitly include ERM dynamics and its impact on mycorrhizal‐derived soil carbon accumulation in boreal forests.
Analysis method of explosive electromagnetic radiation energy
Authors: Cui Yuanbo , Jiang Jian
Published: March 2024

The energy of electromagnetic radiation from explosions is coupled to electronic equipment circuits, disrupting the initiation sequence or causing failure in an increasing number of cases, which seriously affects the stability of weapon systems. There is a significant difference between the characteristics of the explosive electromagnetic radiation signals and modulated electromagnetic signals. The electric field intensity and signal power cannot directly represent the magnitude of the explosive electromagnetic radiation energy, and traditional electromagnetic signal analysis methods are unsuitable for explosion electromagnetic signal analysis. To solve this problem, the mechanism of explosive electromagnetic radiation was first analyzed. Through verification experiments of the explosion electromagnetic intensity and temperature, it was concluded that there is a strong correlation between the explosion plasma temperature and electromagnetic intensity. The temperature of the explosive plasma is derived based on the measured surface temperature of the explosive fireball, a functional relationship is established between the energy of the explosive plasma and the temperature of the plasma, and plasma energy is introduced as a parameter for electric field intensity correction. The interference signal analysis method based on eye diagram is used to calibrate the electromagnetic radiation damage ability, achieving quantitative analysis of the interference degree of electromagnetic radiation energy on the signal, and providing a new approach for the analysis of explosive electromagnetic radiation energy.
A constitutive model of solid propellants considering aging and confinement pressure
Authors: Qin Pengju , Zhang Taotao , Zhang Xiangyu , Sha Baolin , Xiao Jinyou , Wen Lihua , Lei Ming , Hou Xiao
Published: March 2024

Aging during storage and confinement pressure during launch are the two major loading conditions that affect the integrity of solid rocket motors. In comparison to other component materials, solid propellants, as highly filled composites, have a low modulus and fracture toughness and are therefore common sources of failure. The key to improving the integrity of the solid rocket motor is in assessing the health of the solid propellants during storage or launch. To address this issue, we revised the previous model for the progressive damage viscoelasticity of solid propellants to include the effect of chemical aging during storage and the influence of confinement pressure during launch. Specifically, the increase in relaxation time due to aging and the nonequilibrium volume dilatation characteristics under triaxial tension and compression of solid propellants have been considered. To validate the developed model, standard relaxation tests and uniaxial tensile tests on solid propellants without aging were used to calibrate the model parameters. Furthermore, the model was validated by comparison with uniaxial tensile tests under confined pressure after aging and well predicts the aging temperature/time‐dependent mechanical responses of solid propellants. After validation, the developed model was used to study the influence of confinement pressure on microscopic damage evolution and macroscopic volume expansion. Overall, the developed model can be used for the analysis of the integrity of the solid rocket motor after the aging process.
Inhibitory protein–protein interactions of the SIRT1 deacetylase are choreographed by post‐translational modification
Authors: Krzysiak Troy C. , Choi You‐Jin , Kim Yong Joon , Yang Yunhan , DeHaven Christopher , Thompson Lariah , Ponticelli Ryan , Mermigos Mara M. , Thomas Laurel , Marquez Andrea , Sipula Ian , Kemper Jongsook Kim , Jurczak Michael , Thomas Gary , Gronenborn Angela M.
Published: March 2024

Regulation of SIRT1 activity is vital to energy homeostasis and plays important roles in many diseases. We previously showed that insulin triggers the epigenetic regulator DBC1 to prime SIRT1 for repression by the multifunctional trafficking protein PACS‐2. Here, we show that liver DBC1/PACS‐2 regulates the diurnal inhibition of SIRT1, which is critically important for insulin‐dependent switch in fuel metabolism from fat to glucose oxidation. We present the x‐ray structure of the DBC1 S1‐like domain that binds SIRT1 and an NMR characterization of how the SIRT1 N‐terminal region engages DBC1. This interaction is inhibited by acetylation of K112 of DBC1 and stimulated by the insulin‐dependent phosphorylation of human SIRT1 at S162 and S172, catalyzed sequentially by CK2 and GSK3, resulting in the PACS‐2‐dependent inhibition of nuclear SIRT1 enzymatic activity and translocation of the deacetylase in the cytoplasm. Finally, we discuss how defects in the DBC1/PACS‐2‐controlled SIRT1 inhibitory pathway are associated with disease, including obesity and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.