bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resting‐State Electroencephalogram Complexity Is Associated With Oral Ketamine Treatment Response: A Bayesian Analysis of Lempel–Ziv Complexity and Multiscale Entropy
Authors: Mitchell Jules S. , Anijärv Toomas E. , Can Adem T. , Dutton Megan , Hermens Daniel F. , Lagopoulos Jim
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Subanesthetic doses of ketamine are a promising novel treatment for suicidality; however, the evidence for predictive biomarkers is sparse. Recently, measures of complexity, including Lempel–Ziv complexity (LZC) and multiscale entropy (MSE), have been implicated in ketamine's therapeutic action. We evaluated electroencephalogram (EEG)‐derived LZC and MSE differences between responders and nonresponders to oral ketamine treatment.

Methods

A total of 31 participants received six single, weekly (titrated) doses of oral racemic ketamine (0.5–3 mg/kg) and underwent EEG scans at baseline (Week 0), post‐treatment (Week 6), and follow‐up (Week 10). Resting‐state (eyes closed and open) recordings were processed in EEGLAB, and complexity metrics were extracted using the Neurokit2 package. Participants were designated responders or nonresponders by clinical response (Beck Suicide Scale [BSS] score reduction of ≥ 50% from baseline to the respective timepoint or score ≤ 6) and then compared in terms of complexity across resting‐state conditions and time.

Results

Employing a Bayesian mixed effects model, we found strong evidence that LZC was higher in the eyes‐open compared to eyes‐closed condition, as were MSE scales 1–3. At a global level, responders displayed elevated eyes‐open baseline complexity compared to nonresponders, with these values decreasing from baseline to post‐treatment (Week 6) in responders only. Exploratory analyses revealed that the elevated baseline eyes‐open LZC in responders was spatially localized to the left frontal lobe (F1, AF3, FC1, and F3).

Conclusion

EEG‐complexity metrics may be sensitive biomarkers for evaluating and predicting oral ketamine treatment response, with the left prefrontal cortex bein a possible treatment response region.
Neurodiversity in children: Accommodate or celebrate?
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: November 2024

Neurodiversity, a term increasingly used to describe a range of neurological differences, is more prevalent than we might think. Conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette's syndrome, once loosely considered forms of “mental illness,” are now understood as part of the diverse neurological landscape. In the United States, the overall prevalence rate of neurodiversity in children is often reported at about 20%. Recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022) suggest that approximately one in 36 children in the United States are identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Further estimates suggest that 5–10% of children experience attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 2–6% experience Tourette's syndrome, and 1–3% experience other neurodevelopmental disorders. These numbers underscore the importance of understanding neurodiversity in our communities.
Study on the correlation between aroma compounds and texture of cooked rice: A case study of 15 Japonica rice species from Northeast China
Authors: Ye Guodong , Guan Lina , Zhang Min , Li Sixuan , Mi Yongjie
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives

The texture and aroma of cooked rice are two key properties that determine its eating quality (EQ), but the correlation between them needs to be clarified. To better reveal the relationship between the two, 15 japonica rice samples from Northeast China were selected. The sensory evaluation method was used to evaluate rice's EQ intuitively. Then, the texture analyzer and gas chromatography‐olfactometry‐mass spectrometry (GC‐O‐MS) were used to analyze the texture and aroma characteristics of cooked rice. Finally, a Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the sensory evaluation results, aroma compounds, and texture of the cooked rice.

Findings

The sensory evaluation scores in the Jilin and Liaoning regions were higher than those in the Heilongjiang region. The hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness of cooked rice in the Jilin region were lower than those in the Heilongjiang and Liaoning regions. The sample in Heilongjiang had the highest content of aroma compounds, but it was inversely proportional to the odor score in the sensory evaluation. Pearson correlation analysis showed that hexanal, (E)‐2‐heptenal, octanal, and (E)‐2‐octenal were negatively correlated with cooked rice hardness, while hexanal, octanal, and (E)‐2‐dodecenal were positively correlated with cohesiveness.

Conclusion

Aroma compounds and texture jointly determine the EQ of cooked rice, and a certain correlation exists between the two. Therefore, it is feasible to develop rice products with good texture and aroma based on this correlation.
Schwannoma of the Soft Palate: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Adhikari Manoj , Jha Kanistika , Kunwar Shova , Sarita K.C. , Rayamajhi Mallika
Published: November 2024

Oral schwannomas are rare, with only 18 cases of soft palate involvement reported since 1985. We report a case of a 15‐year‐old male with a soft palate schwannoma who was successfully treated by surgical excision and had no complications over a one‐year follow‐up. Histologically, schwannomas exhibit Antoni A and B patterns.
Navigating the Needles: Unveiling the Risks of Acupuncture: A Case Report
Authors: Arora Harkesh , Sivasubramanian Dhiran , Sivakumar Sinduja , Yadunath Sivaguha , Avula Sreekant
Published: November 2024

Acupuncture, an increasingly popular alternative medical therapy, has heightened the demand for information on its safety profile. This is a case report involving a 28‐year‐old female who presented with intense right‐sided chest pain and breathlessness after an acupuncture session where needles were inserted into her chest wall. The immediate medical evaluation revealed a tension pneumothorax with radiographic evidence of a mediastinal shift, compelling, urgent intervention via chest tube insertion. The patient's symptoms persisted for 2 days before the pneumothorax diminished, facilitating the removal of the chest tube. This case emphasizes the atypical presentation of pneumothorax after acupuncture, suggesting a delayed onset of symptoms possibly related to the size of the bronchopleural fistula formed by the acupuncture needle. While acupuncture‐related adverse events are uncommon, serious life‐threatening complications like tension pneumothorax underscore the necessity for rigorous safety standards. Amidst the growing popularity of acupuncture, this report urges healthcare professionals to be aware of and report such incidents for enhanced patient education and safety.

Trial Registration: This is not an interventional study. We only reported the patient's findings from our database as a case report
Cyclometalated IrIII Complex Possessing Chiral MIC ligand: Regiospecific sp3 C−H Activation and Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketone
Authors: Saha Tarak Nath , Mondal Bhaskar , Mahato Rina , Naskar Rajat , Hazra Chinmoy Kumar , Maity Ramananda
Published: November 2024

Cyclometalation offers a wide number of organometallic metallacycles showing diverse applications. However, such NHC complexes synthesized via an sp3 C−H bond activation are rare. An iridium(III) complex with a chiral mesoionic N‐heterocyclic carbene (MIC) ligand, where the IrIII forms an additional Ir−C bond via a regiospecific sp3 C−H bond activation at the N‐methylbenzyl wingtip, was synthesized and characterized. To our best knowledge, this represents the first example of cyclometalated iridium(III) complex possessing a chiral MIC donor ligand. The formation of the complex was followed by 2D correlation NMR spectroscopy and the molecular formula mass was evidenced by ESI‐HRMS mass spectrometry. The molecular structure of the IrIII‐MIC complex was unambiguously established by the single crystal XRD data. This cyclometalated IrIII complex was employed in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of 4‐bromoacetophenone, and the complex was successful to transfer chirality to the final alcohol molecules (up to 92 % ee).
The Photophysics of Naphthalimide‐Phenoselenazine Electron Donor‐Acceptor Dyads: Revisiting the Heavy‐Atom Effect in Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: Pei Yuying , Sukhanov Andrey A. , Chen Xi , Iagatti Alessandro , Doria Sandra , Dong Xin , Zhao Jianzhang , Li Yanqin , Chi Weijie , Voronkova Violeta K. , Di Donato Mariangela , Dick Bernhard
Published: November 2024

We prepared thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitter dyads, NI‐PTZ, NI‐PTZ‐2Br and NI‐PSeZ, with naphthalimide (NI) as electron acceptor and 10H‐phenothiazine (PTZ) or 10H‐phenoselenazine (PSeZ) as electron donor to study the heavy‐atom effect on the intersystem crossing (ISC) and reverse ISC (rISC) in the TADF emitters. The delayed fluorescence lifetimes of the dyads containing heavy atoms (
=5.9 μs for NI‐PSeZ and
=16.5 μs for NI‐PTZ‐2Br, respectively) are longer than the heavy atom‐free counterpart NI‐PTZ (
=2.0 μs). Nanosecond transient absorption (ns‐TA) spectral study and the time‐resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectra show the presence of both 3LE and 3CS states. These findings represent solid experimental evidences for the spin‐vibronic coupling mechanism of TADF. Moreover, the ns‐TA spectra show that the heavy atoms don't have a significant effect since the lifetime of the triplet transient species (1.3 μs for NI‐PTZ) is not shortened in their presence (4.5 μs for NI‐PSeZ and 5.3 μs for NI‐PTZ‐2Br). These results show that the previously claimed heavy‐atom effect on rISC and TADF is not a universal principle. The femtosecond transient absorption (fs‐TA) spectra of the compounds indicate the occurrence of fast charge separation within 1–2 ps, and the charge recombination is slow (>4 ns)
Vascular endothelial growth factor and programmed cell death‐1 inhibition in bone sarcomas
Authors: Reinhorn Daniel , D’Angelo Sandra P.
Published: November 2024

This editorial examines vascular endothelial growth facto and programmed cell death‐1 inhibition combinations in bone sarcomas, revealing limited efficacy in unselected patients. Future success in treating these challenging tumors requires better predictive biomarkers and more effective immunotherapy combinations.
Comprehensive care for patients with bladder cancer: Addressing the interplay of physical, nutritional, and emotional well‐being
Authors: Bergerot Cristiane Decat , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Crane Tracy E. , Klaassen Zachary , Bergerot Paulo Gustavo
Published: November 2024

This editorial underscores the benefits of combining exercise, nutrition, and psychosocial support in bladder cancer care to enhance patients' quality of life and recovery outcomes. Evidence from multimodal interventions highlights the value of this approach, with telehealth emerging as a promising tool to address access barriers and support comprehensive care.
Reductive Depolymerization of Lignin to Aromatic Compounds over Promoted Nickel Catalysts in Sub‐ and Supercritical Methanol
Authors: Parker Julia , Santillan‐Jimenez Eduardo , Harman‐Ware Anne E. , Umenweke Great C. , Heintz Olivier , Caboche Gilles , Crocker Mark
Published: November 2024

The use of γ‐Al2O3‐supported Ni catalysts promoted with either Cu or Fe was investigated for the reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of hybrid poplar in methanol at 200 and 250 °C. The effectiveness of lignin depolymerization was quantified in terms of the lignin oil production, the quantity and distribution of identifiable monomers present in the lignin oil, and the yield of residual solids. All of the Ni‐based catalysts tested provided improved yields of lignin oil and monomers, along with reduced char formation, relative to blank (sans catalyst) runs. The highest monomer yield of 51 % was obtained at 250 °C over a 20 wt.% Ni‐5 wt.% Cu/Al2O3 catalyst, the improved performance obtained through Cu promotion being attributed to the ability of Cu to facilitate NiO reduction, resulting in an increased amount of Ni0 on the catalyst surface and, consequently, improved hydrogenation activity. The main monomers formed were propanol‐, propyl‐ and propenyl‐substituted guaiacol and syringol, the S/G ratio of the products corresponding closely to that in the native lignin.
A Differential LNA Employing Feedforward and Complementary Techniques for Integration of 5G Sub‐6 GHz With Legacy Communication Standards
Authors: Moghaddam Navid Habibpour , Maghami Mohammad Hossein , Bod Mohammad , Mohammadi Fatemeh
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes a highly linear, wideband low noise amplifier (WBLNA) with differential structure in 0.13‐μm CMOS Technology. The proposed WBLNA is designed for a 2‐ to 6‐GHz band that covers multiple standards, such as Bluetooth, Wi‐Fi, 3G, 4G, and 5G sub‐6‐GHz band. The presented circuit utilizes a well combination of recently published techniques, including inductive source degeneration, inductively series‐peaking common source stage, cross‐coupled topology, distributed structure, and noise cancelation methods. Moreover, the proposed amplifier utilizes feedforward and complementary techniques to attenuate both second‐ and third‐order nonlinearity effects and improve the nonlinearity favorably. According to the post‐layout simulation results, the proposed LNA achieves input return loss (S11) lower than −10 dB, input third‐order intercept point (IIP3) in between 13.42 and 13.48 dBm, flat noise figure (NF) of 3.4 ± 0.2, and flat power gain (S21) of 12.93 ± 0.2 dB over 2‐ to 6‐GHz frequency range. Furthermore, the proposed circuit meets the average input second‐order intercept point (IIP2) of 64.5 dBm at 6 GHz and figure of merit (FOM) of 30.05 GHz while drawing 16.73 mA from the 1.2 V power supply.
Investigating the Association Between Family Socioeconomic Profile and Diabetes Control in Children: A Cross‐Sectional Study From Sudan
Authors: Hajomer Hiba Ali Elzaki , Elkhidir Osama Ahmed , Mohammed Rooa , Elhassan Suodad , Abdelrahim Aya , Mohammed Yousra Ibrahim Abdallah
Published: November 2024

Aims

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease in childhood which significantly impacts quality of life, morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic background of children with diabetes and their families and to assess its association with diabetes control.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in Khartoum State, Sudan, in 2018, at three outpatient diabetes clinics, using standardised questionnaires. We included 138 diabetic children (T1D and T2D) aged 2–18 years using systematic random sampling. Descriptive statistics, economic indicator and inferential statistics were applied using SPSS version 20. An HbA1C level of > 7.0% was set as the cut‐point for uncontrolled diabetes. A p‐value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean age of the children was 11.1 (3.64) years. Over half of the respondents were not covered by any insurance scheme and 73% lived in urban areas. Mothers had a mean age of 37.3 (7.8), with one‐fourth being illiterate, while fathers had a mean age of 45.4 (9.3). Twenty per cent of parents had higher education. Two‐thirds of the participants had their HbA1C levels checked within the last 3 months. The prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes was 78.0%. No statistically significant association was found between HbA1C levels and families' socioeconomic, demographic or clinical characteristics (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Neither children' nor parents' characteristics influenced HbA1C level. The high rate of uncontrolled diabetes (78.0%), and other countries showing better profiles of control, suggests the need for exploring other contributing factors. Insulin availability and lack of home glucose monitoring need to be considered. We recommend future prospective studies to consider these factors and use multiple HbA1C measures' average as a better indicator of diabetic control.
Amination of Alkylboronic Esters
Authors: Almutairi Norah E. A. , Elsharif Nada A. , Kamranifard Telma , Wang Junning , Partridge Benjamin M.
Published: November 2024

Alkylboronic esters are high value chemical building blocks which can be used to make complex, C‐sp3 rich molecules. The ability to convert the C−B bond in a range of C−C and C‐heteroatom bond‐forming reactions, in addition to their broad functional group compatibility, gives alkylboronic esters significant synthetic utility. Methods to convert boronic esters into amines have particular interest, due to the wide prevalence of nitrogen‐based functional groups in biologically active compounds, functional materials, and catalysts. In this review, we explore different methods for the amination of alkylboronic esters. These can be split into three distinct classes based on the mechanism of reaction: amination through 1,2‐metallate rearrangement, amination using nucleophilic ‘ate’ complexes, and oxidative amination reactions such as alkyl variants of the Chan‐Lam reaction.
Contactless Conductivity Detection for Capillary Electrophoresis—Developments From 2020 to 2024
Authors: Hauser Peter C. , Kubáň Pavel
Published: November 2024

The review covering the development of capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection from 2020 to 2024 is the latest in a series going back to 2004. The article considers applications employing conventional capillaries and planar lab‐on‐chip devices as well as fundamental and technical developments of the detector and complete electrophoresis instrumentation.
Efficacy and safety of everolimus for patients with focal cortical dysplasia type 2
Authors: Kim Se Hee , Kang Hoon‐Chul , Roh Yun Ho , Hahn Jongsung , Min Kyung Lok , Lee Seok‐Jin , Yang Donghwa , Choi Han Som , Park Soyoung , Lee Jeong Ho , Lee Sang‐Guk , Kim Se Hoon , Chang Min Jung , Kim Heung Dong
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of everolimus in treating seizures associated with focal cortical dysplasia type 2 (FCD 2).

Methods

A prospective, crossover, placebo‐controlled clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03198949) enrolled patients aged 4–40 years with pathologically confirmed FCD 2 and a history of ≥3 seizures per month for two out of the 3 months prior to screening. The trial included a 4‐week baseline phase, two 12‐week core phases, and a 29‐week extension phase. Patients received everolimus or placebo in a blinded manner during core phase I, with crossover to the alternate treatment in core phase II. Everolimus dosage started at 4.5 mg/m2/day, targeting a serum level of 5–15 ng/mL. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving ≥50% seizure reduction from baseline in the last month of each core phase. Safety profiles were compared between groups.

Results

Between May 11, 2017, and June 19, 2020, 21 patients completed the core phases. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome between everolimus and placebo groups (24% vs. 19%, p = 0.66). The patients showed varied responses. Three patients with a pathogenic variant in the MTOR gene or no genetic abnormalities achieved seizure freedom with everolimus in the last month of the core phase, while none of the patients with variants in other genes did. Adverse events, such as mucositis or skin ulceration, were more common with everolimus (19/21 vs. 7/21, p < 0.001). All adverse events resolved without study drug withdrawal.

Significance

Everolimus treatment for 12 weeks did not show overall superiority in reducing seizures compared to placebo. However, it showed promise, mostly in patients with a pathogenic variant in the MTOR gene, highlighting the need for further research into patient‐specific factors influencing treatment response. The everolimus treatment was generally safe and manageable.

Plain Language Summary

This study tested everolimus for reducing seizures in patients with focal cortical dysplasia type 2 (FCD 2). While the drug was not more effective than a placebo for most, few patients showed better results, with some becoming seizure‐free. Side effects were common but manageable. More research is needed to understand why certain patients respond better to treatment.
Seismic Behavior of a Stone Curtain Wall System With Undercut Bolt Anchorage Under Various Loading Protocols
Authors: Ji Xiaodong , Luo Rongwei , Zhuang Yuncheng , Gao Xiang , Lim Wanhui , Qu Zhe
Published: November 2024

This paper presents full‐scale experimental tests on the seismic behavior of a stone curtain wall system with undercut bolt anchorage (SCWS‐UBA). Experimental set‐ups were developed to test full‐scale stone curtain wall systems subjected to three loading protocols: quasi‐static in‐plane loading, dynamic in‐plane loading, and dynamic coupled in‐plane and out‐of‐plane loading. In all three tests, the SCWS‐UBA failed due to connector disengagement, followed by fracture of silicone sealant and transom‐to‐mullion connection welds and, finally, the falling out of stone panels. The SCWS‐UBA specimens exhibited a large displacement capacity with an ultimate falling‐out drift exceeding 3.0% in all tests. The drift ratio at connector disengagement was almost identical for both quasi‐static and dynamic in‐plane loading scenarios, indicating that in‐plane accelerations had a minimal impact on stone curtain wall failure. In addition, disengagement of the connector was dependent on the horizontal edge distance and vertical overlap depth between the connector and the L‐shaped steel angle. Simplified formulas for calculating the horizontal and vertical displacement of the connector were then developed. Based on these, seismic design recommendations were proposed for the overlap depth and edge distance between the connector and L‐shaped steel angle, thereby preventing the falling out of stone panels.
A Physics‐Based Simulation Approach for Urban‐Scale Earthquake Disaster From Fault to City: Theory, Verification, and Application
Authors: Fu Jisai , Ba Zhenning , Liang Jianwen , Wang Fangbo
Published: November 2024

By employing the frequency‐wavenumber (FK) method to simulate the propagation of seismic wavefield in the crustal layer, using the spectral element method (SEM) to simulate the propagation of wavefield in the near‐surface soil, and using the multi‐degree‐of‐freedom (MDOF) model to simulate the seismic response of building clusters in city, this paper establishes the FK‐SE‐MDOF approach (a two‐step method) for urban earthquake disaster analysis of fault‐to‐city based on the concept of domain reduction. The approach can simultaneously consider factors such as earthquake source parameters, propagation paths, local site effects, site‐city interaction (SCI) effects, and the dynamic nonlinear responses of buildings (hereafter referred to as source‐to‐city factors) in a physics‐based model. Firstly, the theories of the approach were introduced, and the correctness of the approach was verified. Furthermore, the applicability and the necessity of considering source‐to‐city factors were examined using a building cluster on an ideal sedimentary basin under the action of a point dislocation source. Finally, the seismic response of buildings in a region was simulated using buildings in the Nankai District of Tianjin as examples. This approach avoids the influences caused by expert experience differences in empirical and hybrid methods, establishes a connection between fault rupture and buildings dynamic response, and can more realistically reflect the distribution of seismic wavefields, building seismic responses, and damage state distribution under the earthquake scenario. It can be applied to earthquake disaster simulation for urban buildings at the scale of tens of thousands of buildings, and the simulation results can provide quantitative guidance for urban planning, earthquake‐resistant design, risk assessment, post‐earthquake rescue, etc.
DEM‐based sand dune analysis: Identification and morphological regionalization in the Grand Erg Oriental
Authors: Zhu Hui , Chen Yang , Yang Xin , Wei Hong , Li Chenrui , Tang Guoan
Published: November 2024

Sand dunes are predominantly distributed in arid regions. Automatic mapping and regionalization of sand dunes in large‐scale areas are crucial to understanding the evolution trends of aeolian sand environments. Different from existing studies primarily focused on mapping the extent of desert areas, this study proposes a framework for automatic identification and comprehensive regionalization based on dunes morphology. First, the basal terrain of the dune area is constructed, and the difference between this basal terrain and the DEM is calculated using threshold segmentation to delineate the extent of dunes. Further, some landscape metrics are selected to quantify the collective morphological characteristics of sand dunes. Then, a spatially constrained multivariate clustering method is applied to regionalize dunes comprehensively. Compared to existing DEM‐based dune extraction methods, this method can represent dune characteristics more accurately. The application in the Grand Erg Oriental achieved a high extraction accuracy of 94.17%, indicating its suitability for identifying dunes with diverse types in large‐scale areas. a six‐region map is generated that can clearly demonstrate diverse landscape patterns of dunes. The results indicate that the subregions containing branching linear dunes and network dunes have the highest area proportions, accounting for 27.68% and 26.83% of the total study area, respectively. This study provides valuable reference for aeolian geomorphology research specifically offering support for studies in the Grand Erg Oriental region.
Monitoring Oral Reading Fluency From Electronic Shared Book Reading: Insights From a Full‐Length Book Reading Study With Relay Reader®
Authors: Wang Zuowei , Beigman Klebanov Beata , O'Reilly Tenaha , Sabatini John
Published: November 2024

Existing research reveals a robust relationship between self‐reported print exposure and long‐term literacy development, yet few studies have demonstrated how reading skills change as children read a book in the short term. In this study, 50 children (mean age 9.7 years, SD = .8) took turns with a prerecorded narrator reading aloud a popular children's novel, producing 6,092 oral reading responses over 1,093 book passages. Each oral reading response was evaluated by a speech engine that calculated words‐correct‐per‐minute (WCPM). Mixed effect models revealed that text level differences, between‐individual differences, and within‐individual variations explained 13%, 56% and 32% of variance in WCPM, respectively. On average, children started reading the book at about 93 WCPM, and they improved by 2.26 WCPM for every 10,000 words of book reading. Random effects showed that the standard deviation of the growth rate was 1.85 WCPM, suggesting substantial individual difference in growth rate. Implications for reading instruction and assessment were discussed.
Significance of REV7 Expression in p16‐Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Momiyama Kaho , Tsutsumi Shohei , Sakurai Yasutaka , Mogi Sachiyo , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Murakumo Yoshiki , Yamashita Taku
Published: November 2024

Background

REV7 is a multifunctional protein involved in various biological processes, including DNA damage response. REV7 expression in human cancer cells influences sensitivity to DNA‐damaging agents, and its high expression level is reportedly associated with a poor prognosis in many carcinomas. However, the significance of REV7 expression in human papillomavirus 16–negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) remains unclear.

Methods

REV7 expression was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis in 79 patients with HPV16‐negative OPSCC. We evaluated the effects of inhibiting REV7 expression on the proliferation and cisplatin sensitivity of FaDu, an HPV16‐negative pharyngeal SCC cell line.

Results

In patients with p16‐negative OPSCC, the high‐REV7‐expression group experienced significantly shorter overall survival than the low‐REV7‐expression group (p = 0.03) in the Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, REV7‐deficient FaDu cells showed suppressed cell growth and enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin in vitro.

Conclusions

REV7 expression is associated with a poor prognosis in HPV16‐negative OPSCC.
Dual specific STAT3/5 degraders effectively block acute myeloid leukemia and natural killer/T cell lymphoma
Authors: Pölöske Daniel , Sorger Helena , Schönbichler Anna , de Araujo Elvin D. , Neubauer Heidi A. , Orlova Anna , Timonen Sanna H. , Abdallah Diaaeldin I. , Ianevski Aleksandr , Kuusanmäki Heikki , Surbek Marta , Heyes Elisabeth , Eder Thomas , Wagner Christina , Suske Tobias , Metzelder Martin L. , Bergmann Michael , Dahlhoff Maik , Grebien Florian , Fleck Roman , Pirker Christine , Berger Walter , Hadzijusufovic Emir , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Kenner Lukas , Valent Peter , Aittokallio Tero , Herling Marco , Mustjoki Satu , Gunning Patrick T. , Moriggl Richard
Published: November 2024

The transcription factors STAT3, STAT5A, and STAT5B steer hematopoiesis and immunity, but their enhanced expression and activation promote acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKCL). Current therapeutic strategies focus on blocking upstream tyrosine kinases to inhibit STAT3/5, but these kinase blockers are not selective against STAT3/5 activation and frequent resistance causes relapse, emphasizing the need for targeted drugs. We evaluated the efficacy of JPX‐0700 and JPX‐0750 as dual STAT3/5 binding inhibitors promoting protein degradation. JPX‐0700/−0750 decreased the mRNA and protein levels of STAT3/5 targets involved in cancer survival, metabolism, and cell cycle progression, exhibiting nanomolar to low micromolar efficacy. They induced cell death and growth arrest in both AML/NKCL cell lines and primary AML patient blasts. We found that both AML/NKCL cells hijack STAT3/5 signaling through either upstream activating mutations in kinases, activating mutations in STAT3, mutational loss of negative STAT regulators, or genetic gains in anti‐apoptotic, pro‐proliferative, or epigenetic‐modifying STAT3/5 targets. This emphasizes a vicious cycle for proliferation and survival through STAT3/5. Both JPX‐0700/−0750 treatment reduced leukemic cell growth in human AML or NKCL xenograft mouse models significantly, being well tolerated by mice. Synergistic cell death was induced upon combinatorial use with approved chemotherapeutics in AML/NKCL cells.
Stability of Shielded Pentacenes under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Ludwig Philipp , Kilian Paul , Mayerhofer Patrick , Hippchen Nikolai , Rominger Frank , Freudenberg Jan , Bunz Uwe Heiko
Published: November 2024

The stabilization of pentacene through variation of substituents serves as a test bed to access stable organic semiconductors, transferable to the larger soluble acenes and azaacenes. Pentacene is stable enough for derivatization via wet‐chemistry but sufficiently labile to test its (induced) (photo)decomposition. In this article, we describe the synthesis of shielded pentacenes, either via covalent jacketing with ester macrocycles or via steric shielding with biphenylyl substituents, together with attempts to access a bis(ortho‐quaterphenyl) substituted Geländer pentacene. The photostability of the pentacenes is assessed under ambient conditions (air, light) to simulate handling under typical laboratory conditions and put into perspective with reference compounds, such as TIPS‐ethynylated, ether‐jacketed or our previously reported Geländer pentacenes.
Substitutions and their Generalisations
Authors: Mañibo Neil
Published: November 2024

Tilings and point sets arising from substitutions are classical mathematical models of quasicrystals. Their hierarchical structure allows one to obtain concrete answers regarding spectral questions tied to the underlying measures and potentials. In this review, we present some generalisations of substitutions, with a focus on substitutions on compact alphabets, and with an outlook towards their spectral theory. Guided by two main examples, we will illustrate what changes when one moves from finite to compact (infinite) alphabets, and discuss under which assumptions do we recover the usual geometric and statistical properties which make them viable models of materials with almost periodic order. We also present a planar example (which is a two‐dimensional generalisation of the Thue−Morse substitution), whose diffraction is purely singular continuous.
Caregiver‐implemented intervention to increase use of positive airway pressure for adults with Down syndrome and sleep apnea
Authors: Walker Emma J. , Lerman Dorothea C. , Nguyen Jennifer , Feliciano Gabby , Young Gregory
Published: November 2024

Many individuals with Down syndrome are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a medical condition that substantially affects health and quality of life. The most common treatment for OSA is positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Few studies have examined interventions to improve PAP therapy adherence for adults with developmental disabilities or have recruited the assistance of caregivers to improve adherence with this therapy in the home. This study evaluated the efficacy of a caregiver‐implemented behavioral intervention to increase PAP use for four adults with Down syndrome and OSA. The experimenters trained caregivers via telehealth to implement the intervention in their homes. The intervention consisted of graduated exposure, noncontingent reinforcement, and differential positive and negative reinforcement without escape extinction. The intervention increased the duration of PAP use for all four participants. These results provide preliminary support for the efficacy of this intervention and service‐delivery model.
METTL3‐Dependent YTHDF2 Mediates TSC1 Expression to Regulate Alveolar Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and Promote Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Liu Min , Sheng Yingying , Li Mengyu , Pan Tianyu , Jiang Wei , Zhang Yafei , Pan Xin , Huang Cheng , Li Jun , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: November 2024

Diffuse, progressive interstitial lung disease with few treatment options and low survival rates is known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Alveolar epithelial cell damage and dysfunction are the main features of IPF. TSC1 has been documented to exert a pivotal function in governing cellular growth, proliferation, and ontogenesis. This work investigated TSC1's function and mechanism in IPF. Mice were given BLM to cause pulmonary fibrosis, and A549 cells underwent epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to TGF‐β1. According to the data, TSC1 expression was reduced in IPF. Overexpression of TSC1 was established by adenopathy‐associated virus in vivo and adenovirus in vitro to significantly block the EMT process. Besides, the findings from the RNA‐sequencing analysis indicate that overexpression of TSC1 mitigated the EMT process by suppressing the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway via downregulation of ACTN4 expression. To examine the upstream regulatory mechanism, we employed the SRAMP database to predict m6A modification of TSC1 mRNA, followed by verification of m6A modification levels and expression using MERIP‐qPCR, Dot blot, RT‐qPCR, and WB. The results indicated a high degree of m6A modification in TSC1 mRNA in pulmonary fibrosis. The expression of METTL3 was further found to be significantly elevated. METTL3 knockdown impeded EMT progression. METTL3 inhibits TSC1 expression by increasing TSC1 m6A modification through the reading protein YTHDF2. In conclusion, our study elucidated that the METTL3/YTHDF2/TSC1 signaling axis activates the AKT/mTOR pathway to promote the development of IPF. This study provides potential molecular‐level therapeutic targets for IPF disease.
Near infrared‐II light‐sheet microscopy: Basic principle, intellectualization, and medical application
Authors: Li Yuan , Ao Siyu , Zhu TianYu , Zhao Rong , Yang Hao , Wang QiZhong , Mu Xiaoyu , Wang Hao , Liu Pengfei , Zhang Xiao‐Dong
Published: November 2024

Fluorescence microscopy has emerged as a pivotal tool in biological and medical research, wherein the assessment of penetration depth and imaging resolution serves as crucial indicators of a microscope's efficacy. However, the intricate interaction between photons and biological tissues gives rise to substantial background noise, presenting a formidable challenge. Fortunately, the near‐infrared window (NIR), particularly the NIR‐II range (1000–1700 nm), has emerged as a viable solution to mitigate these challenges and attain optimal imaging outcomes. This review centers on the progressive developments in light‐sheet microscopy techniques, elucidating their distinctive characteristics and applications in the field of biological imaging. Furthermore, the incorporation of optical design enhancements, encompassing light‐sheet microscopy is discussed as a pivotal strategy to augment imaging quality. The discussion extends to include refinements in imaging precision and the integration of deep learning methodologies with NIR imaging, especially for unique applications in NIR clinical exploration. The ensuing discourse endeavors to furnish a comprehensive synthesis of advancements in fluorescence microscopy, emphasizing the significance of the NIR windows, while also elucidating the role of sophisticated optical design and machine learning methodologies in enhancing overall imaging capabilities.
Are We Competitive? A Firm Competitiveness Fit Scale
Authors: Arraya Marco , Ferreira João J.
Published: November 2024

This study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive measure of firm competitiveness fit, a second‐order composite construct consisting of seven strategic dimensions: vision, leadership, work passion, people‐centric, customer‐centric, infrastructural, and viability. These dimensions have been identified as critical factors that influence a firm's competitiveness; however, there is no widely accepted scale to evaluate them. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive scale that assesses a firm's competitiveness and links specific practices to improvements or decreases in competitiveness. This study used a mixed‐method approach that included both qualitative and quantitative phases. The qualitative stage involved interviewing 10 C‐suite executives to gain insights into the dimensions' impact on firm competitiveness and to generate items that reflect an understanding of the dimensions. The quantitative phase involved distributing a survey to 188 participants to measure the relationships between the strategic dimensions and firm competitiveness fit and to assess the scale's reliability, validity, and operability. To achieve this goal, PLS‐SEM (partial least squares structural equation modeling) was used. The results reveal that firm competitiveness fit is a composite second‐order construct, and the incorporation of the seven strategic dimensions into the model demonstrates its validity as a reliable predictor of firm competitiveness. This study has implications for theoretical and practical applications.
Impact of Gender‐Affirming Rhinoplasty Techniques on Objective Facial Appearance
Authors: Fakurnejad Shayan , Park Andrea M. , Seth Rahul , Knott P. Daniel
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of transfemale gender‐affirming rhinoplasty on nasal appearance as evaluated by common facial analysis measures.

Methods

Retrospective case series of patients undergoing gender‐affirming nasal surgery at a single tertiary care center from March 2016 to July 2022. Pre‐ and postoperative photographs were analyzed, using iris width to normalize the measurements. Parametric tests were applied to identify differences in facial analytical measures.

Results

A total of 33 male to female transgender patients met the inclusion criteria for study entry. Reductive rhinoplasty techniques were frequently utilized. Osteotomies and dorsal reduction were performed in 90.9% and 72.7% of cases, respectively. Tip width decreased on average by 2.3 mm. There was a mean increase of 10.0° in nasolabial angle, and 5.5° increase in nasofrontal angle. Among the 51.5% of patients who underwent alar base reduction, there was a mean decrease of 2.3 mm in alar base width, and 3.1 mm decrease in nasal width. Alar base excision and nasal tip grafting were utilized in 51.5% and 63.6% cases respectively.

Conclusions

Transfemale gender‐affirming rhinoplasty techniques consistently and predictably altered facial analytical measures, and were effective in aligning nasal appearance with desired gender identity. Alar base excision and tip grafting were commonly employed techniques.

Level of Evidence

Level 4—Quantitative cohort study Laryngoscope, 2024
Cochlear nerve visualization in Normal anatomy and inner ear malformations
Authors: Assiri Majed , Khurayzi Tawfiq , Almuhawas Fida , Schlemmer Kurt , Hagr Abdulrahman , Dhanasingh Anandhan
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the variations in nerve bundles between patients with normal anatomy and those with inner‐ear anomalies.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the temporal bones of candidates for cochlear implants (CIs) enrolled at a tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed from the clinical database. The 3.0‐Tesla MRI scans were analyzed using a three‐dimensional slicer to visualize the nerve bundles in the internal auditory canal.

Results

A total of 49 ears were analyzed. Twenty ears exhibited normal inner ear anatomy, whereas 29 ears had various inner‐ear malformations. The cochlear nerve (CN) was visible on all 20 scans with normal inner‐ear anatomy. In addition, the CN was visualized in 18 scans with inner ear malformations. Furthermore, the CN was identified in six of the eight scans with IP type I, whereas in two scans, the CN and vestibular nerve were unclear. Three scans with a common cavity showed only two nerve bundles.

Conclusion

The findings of this study show that the CN can be visualized in most inner‐ear anatomical types. Even in severely malformed inner ears, the common nerve bundle that represents the cochlear and vestibular nerves can be visualized. The MRI is highly recommended for CN assessment before CI surgery.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
High Quality Lithium Niobate Euler Racetrack Resonators
Authors: Kang Shuting , Jia Di , Yu Xuanyi , Gao Feng , Bo Fang , Zhang Guoquan , Xu Jingjun
Published: November 2024

Racetrack resonators is widely utilized in integrated photonics which is adaptable for applying electric, heat, or polarization to the resonator for modulation and wavelength conversion. High‐performance optical devices are proposed based on racetrack resonators on thin‐film lithium niobate (TFLN) owing to its multi‐functional character. Nevertheless, mode‐crossing due to the anisotropic properties of lithium niobate degraded the performance of the devices. Here, the systematic investigation of Euler bend structure in TFLN is reported. TFLN Euler racetrack resonators are demonstrated on X‐cut and Z‐cut TFLN with suppressed mode‐crossing, different footprint, and high‐quality factors both in simulation and experiment. The racetrack Euler cavities prepared with a single etching step achieve intrinsic quality factors up to 5.53 million. The standard deviation of free spectral range (FSR) σFSR of Euler cavity is 33 times lower than the circular cavity for small footprint cavities (1328 × 60 µm2) and 5 times lower for large footprint cavities (4355 × 200 µm2) in X‐cut TFLN cavity. The method paves the way for achieving single‐mode racetrack cavities with reduces mode crossing, which can be applied in integrated optical devices such as electro‐optic (EO) comb generation or EO modulator.
Reconfigurable Generation and Spin Manipulation of Structured Beams Based on Cascaded Liquid Crystal Pancharatnam–Berry Phase Elements
Authors: Tian Jibo , Min Li , Chen Yu , Jing Le , Yang Peng , Zeng Kang , Zeng Linzhou , Ke Yougang , Zhou Xinxing
Published: November 2024

Structured light, with spatially varying amplitude, phase, and polarization, has attracted widespread attention for its potential application in many fields ranging from optical communications to imaging. However, it remains a challenge to realize reconfigurable manipulation of structured light beams in a compact and convenient method. Here, through mechanical operations on the two cascaded liquid crystal Pancharatnam–Berry phase elements such as rotation and translation, diverse kinds of typical structured light can be experimentally generated in a reconfigurable manner, including Gaussian, Hermitian–Gaussian, vortex, and cylindrical vector beams. Moreover, by rotating a liquid crystal element, tunable photonic spin Hall effect is also achieved in the proposed cascaded‐elements scheme, which allows for tailoring the spin‐dependent shifts in the structured beams. In such a reconfigurable generator, the mechanical operations on the phase element bring new degrees of freedom into the manipulation of structured light field, which may pave the avenue for future optical applications.
Non‐Hermitian Loss‐driven Broadband Low‐Loss on‐Chip Terahertz Photonic SPDT Switch
Authors: Ren Hang , Zhang Xu‐Lin , Lyu Zhidong , Chen Hong , Song Ya‐Qi , Wang Lei , Yu Yong‐Sen , Yu Xianbin , Chen Qi‐Dai , Xu Su
Published: November 2024

Terahertz photonic single‐pole double‐throw (SPDT) switches, which facilitate on‐chip channel control and signal routing, serve as the key components of future terahertz communication and sensing systems. However, broadband and low‐loss on‐chip photonic SPDT switches still present a formidable challenge due to the restricted capability of manipulating terahertz waves in photonic circuits. Here, a non‐Hermitian loss‐driven solution is proposed for achieving broadband and low‐loss terahertz on‐chip photonic SPDT switches. As proof of concept, an all‐silicon terahertz SPDT switching chip is experimentally demonstrated around the center frequency of 125 GHz with a relative bandwidth of 7.2%. The two paths are driven by external optical pumping and evolve adiabatically around an exceptional point (EP) in the unbroken and broken PT‐symmetric phases. Interestingly, the strong non‐Hermitian loss instead enforces the photonic modes to the low‐loss energy level and thereby keeps the switch working at the low‐loss transmission status. As a result, the minimum optical powers require for the ultrafast terahertz communications are only −2 and 1 dBm. Both channels of the SPDT switch support on‐chip 16‐QAM streams with a 36‐Gbit s−1 data rate. The design as a basic building block is anticipated for a myriad of on‐chip applications, including 6G communications, detection, and sensing.
Broadband Rapid Polarization Manipulation and Imaging Based on Pancharatnam‐Berry Optical Elements
Authors: Zhang Qi , Shang Yingjie , Qiao Siyuan , Guo Yinghui , Zhong Rongjun , Pu Mingbo , Ha Yingli , Wang Maoyu , Lei Jian , Zhang Fei , Xu Mingfeng , Luo Xiangang
Published: November 2024

Polarization imaging, which can reveal indiscernible information that cannot easily be detected with traditional intensity cameras, plays a crucial role in many research fields. There are two main types of polarization imaging methods: time‐division multiplexed polarization imaging and space‐division multiplexed polarization imaging. These two methods confront the problems of temporal and spatial resolution reduction. In this work, a rapid linear‐polarization arbitrary manipulation technique based on Pancharatnam–Berry Optical Elements is proposed and achieved as an arbitrary polarization manipulation module with a manipulation speed of up to 899 Hz. Applying this compact modulator to optical or microscopic imaging systems can easily establish a rapid, high‐resolution polarization imaging system. This method is verified at microscopic detection, indoor and outdoor photographic experiments, visible and near‐infrared bands, exhibiting excellent imaging results. It is proven as a valid approach to solve the major dilemma of the incompatibility between temporal and spatial resolution in polarization imaging, it also highlights the potential of multidimensional imaging applications.