bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial therapy outcomes in acute cholangitis: Hilar multiple obstructions versus single hilar and common bile duct obstructions
Authors: Masuda Sakue , Imamura Yoshinori , Jinushi Ryuhei , Kubota Jun , Kimura Karen , Makazu Makomo , Sato Ryo , Kako Makoto , Kobayashi Masahiro , Uojima Haruki , Ichita Chikamasa , Koizumi Kazuya
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim

The appropriate duration of antimicrobial therapy for acute cholangitis (AC) arising from multiple hilar biliary obstructions as opposed to simple obstruction in the extrahepatic bile duct has not been established. This study assessed the efficacy of the duration of antimicrobial treatments in the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 for AC based on the cause and site of obstruction.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study involved patients with AC who underwent successful biliary drainage and completed a 7‐day or shorter antimicrobial treatment. Patients were categorized into three groups: Group 1, bile duct stone or benign obstruction; Group 2, simple biliary obstruction due to malignancy; and Group 3, multiple hilar biliary obstruction due to malignancy. The primary outcome was clinical cure rate, and the secondary outcomes were 3‐month recurrence rate and length of hospital stay.

Results

A total of 373 patients were selected. Patients in Group 3 were younger or had Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥4, and had fewer positive blood cultures. In Group 3, the clinical cure rate (87.1%) and 3‐month recurrence rate (32.3%) were less favorable than those in the other groups. In Group 1, the clinical cure rate was significantly higher (98.1%, P = 0.02) with a much lower 3‐month recurrence rate of only 3.4% (P < 0.001) than that in the other groups. The median hospital stay for all groups was 7 days.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the outcomes in Group 3 may be worse than those in Groups 1 or 2, regardless of the duration of the antibiotic treatment.
Intra‐Asian Creativity in Hong Kong Education and Activism
Authors: Harris Daniel X. , Chan Kelly Ka‐Lai
Published: March 2024

This essay draws on empirical research from two studies examining creativity, activism, and education in Hong Kong. We use a decolonizing and deimperializing approach to centering creativity as a lever for social change, and demonstrate the ways in which the specifics of culture, region, time, and place uniquely produce forms of creativity, as has long been documented by creativity scholars. We build upon Kuan‐hsing Chen's Asia as Method: Toward Deimperialization (2010), applying it to creativity and the ways in which we can better attend to cultural and regional differences rather than adhere to universalizing “creative industries” or developmental psychological discourses. Here we are not interested in documenting “non‐western” modes of creativity, in the ways this has sometimes been addressed as local craft or traditional cultural practices. Rather, we advance a theory of intra‐Asian creativity (including Australia) with its own onto‐epistemological legacies and innovations. We celebrate these formations as emergent from and imbricated with conceptual traditions such as Taoism and Western knowledge systems, rejecting binarized individualist “versus” collectivist approaches. The emerging field of critical creativity studies points to the ways in which decolonizing, deimperializing and collaborative research are reorienting our work toward benefit for all, rather than the (white) (western) few.
Longitudinal CT‐based finite element analyses provide objective fracture healing measures in an ovine tibia model
Authors: Hetreau Carla , Mischler Dominic , Schlatter Jérôme , Valenti Alessia , Ernst Manuela , Varga Peter , Schwarzenberg Peter
Published: March 2024

Measuring the healing status of a bone fracture is important to determine the clinical care a patient receives. Implantable devices can directly and continuously assess the healing status of fracture fixation constructs, while subject‐specific virtual biomechanical tests can noninvasively determine callus structural integrity at single time points. Despite their potential for objectification, both methods are not yet integrated into clinical practice with further evidence of their benefits required. This study correlated continuous data from an implantable sensor assessing healing status through implant load monitoring with computer tomography (CT) based longitudinal finite element (FE) simulations in a large animal model. Eight sheep were part of a previous preclinical study utilizing a tibial osteotomy model and equipped with such a sensor. Sensor signal was collected over several months, and CT scans were acquired at six interim time points. For each scan, two FE analyses were performed: a virtual torsional rigidity test of the bone and a model of the bone‐implant construct with the sensor. The longitudinal simulation results were compared to the sensor data at corresponding time points and a cohort‐specific empirical healing rule was employed. Healing status predicted by both in silico simulations correlated significantly with the sensor data at corresponding time points and correctly identified a delayed and a nonunion in the cohort. The methodology is readily translatable with the potential to be applied to further preclinical or clinical cohorts to find generalizable healing criteria. Virtual mechanical tests can objectively measure fracture healing progressing using longitudinal CT scans.
EResNet‐SVM: an overfitting‐relieved deep learning model for recognition of plant diseases and pests
Authors: Xiong Haitao , Li Juan , Wang Tiewei , Zhang Fan , Wang Ziyang
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The accurate recognition and early warning for plant diseases and pests are a prerequisite of intelligent prevention and control for plant diseases and pests. As a result of the phenotype similarity of the hazarded plant after plant diseases and pests occur, as well as the interference of the external environment, traditional deep learning models often face the overfitting problem in phenotype recognition of plant diseases and pests, which leads to not only the slow convergence speed of the network, but also low recognition accuracy.

RESULTS

Motivated by the above problems, the present study proposes a deep learning model EResNet‐support vector machine (SVM) to alleviate the overfitting for the recognition and classification of plant diseases and pests. First, the feature extraction capability of the model is improved by increasing feature extraction layers in the convolutional neural network. Second, the order‐reduced modules are embedded and a sparsely activated function is introduced to reduce model complexity and alleviate overfitting. Finally, a classifier fused by SVM and fully connected layers are introduced to transforms the original non‐linear classification problem into a linear classification problem in high‐dimensional space to further alleviate the overfitting and improve the recognition accuracy of plant diseases and pests. The ablation experiments further demonstrate that the fused structure can effectively alleviate the overfitting and improve the recognition accuracy. The experimental recognition results for typical plant diseases and pests show that the proposed EResNet‐SVM model has 99.30% test accuracy for eight conditions (seven plant diseases and one normal), which is 5.90% higher than the original ResNet18. Compared with the classic AlexNet, GoogLeNet, Xception, SqueezeNet and DenseNet201 models, the accuracy of the EResNet‐SVM model has improved by 5.10%, 7%, 8.10%, 6.20% and 1.90%, respectively. The testing accuracy of the EResNet‐SVM model for 6 insect pests is 100%, which is 3.90% higher than that of the original ResNet18 model.

CONCLUSION

This research provides not only useful references for alleviating the overfitting problem in deep learning, but also a theoretical and technical support for the intelligent detection and control of plant diseases and pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Analyzing Vocal Fold Frequency Dynamics Using High‐Speed 3D Laser Video Endoscopy
Authors: Patel Rita R. , Döllinger Michael , Jakubaß Bernhard , Pinhack Hanna , Katz Ute , Semmler Marion
Published: March 2024

Objective

To examine changes in lateral and vertical vibratory motion along the anterior, middle, and posterior sections of the vocal folds, as a function of vocal frequency variations.

Methods

Absolute measurements of vocal fold surface dynamics from high‐speed videoendoscopy with custom laser endoscope were made on 23 vocally healthy adults during sustained /i:/ production at 10%, 20%, and 80% of pitch range. The 3D parameters of amplitude (mm), maximum velocity opening/closing (mm/s), and mean velocity opening/closing (mm/s) were computed for the lateral and vertical vibratory motion along the anterior, middle, and posterior sections of the vocal folds. Linear mixed model analysis was conducted to evaluate the differences in (a) vocal frequency levels (high vs. normal vs. low pitch), (b) axis level (vertical vs. lateral), (c) position level (anterior vs. middle vs. posterior), and (d) gender differences (male vs. female).

Results

Overall, the superior surface vertical motion of the vocal fold is greater compared with the lateral motion, especially in males. Along the superior surface, the mean and maximum closing velocities are greater posteriorly for low pitch. The location (anterior, middle, and posterior) along the superior surface is relevant only for vocal fold closing rather than opening, as the dynamics are different along the various locations.

Conclusions

The study highlights the significance of assessing the vertical motion of the superior surface of the vocal fold to understand the complex dynamics of voice production.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:3267–3276, 2024
A video monitoring and computational system for estimating migratory juvenile fish abundance in river systems
Authors: Marjadi Meghna N. , Batchelder Sidney , Govostes Ryan , Roy Allison H. , Sheppard John J. , Slocombe Meghan‐Grace , Llopiz Joel K.
Published: March 2024

Diadromous fishes migrate between marine and fresh waters for reproduction. For anadromous species, which spawn in freshwater, improved access to freshwater spawning and nursery habitats and ability of juveniles to emigrate to the ocean may support population recovery. Despite the potentially enormous influence of early life stage survival on adult population size, managers and scientists have limited capacity to assess numbers of juvenile anadromous fishes leaving freshwater ecosystems. Such data are critical for evaluating reproductive success and habitat suitability and have been identified as a top priority in anadromous fish research and management. We developed a state‐of‐the‐art underwater video and computational system to collect videos to estimate abundances and migration timing for juvenile river herring (Alosa pseudoharengus; Alosa aestivalis). We collected continuous video in the Monument River (Bourne, Massachusetts, USA) from June to November 2017. We trained three types of neural network models to detect and count fish in video frames and evaluated model performance by comparing human counts to model outputs. Our top model assessed presence and absence (F1 = 87%) and counted fish (counting error 9.4%) with an accuracy comparable to human counters (F1 = 88%). Our system's capability to collect accurate counts of emigrating juveniles will provide critical information that could be related to the numbers of spawning adults, system‐specific productivity, and spawning and nursery habitat suitability. Both the video collection system and computational model may be transferrable to other sites and for other species where tracking juvenile emigration may inform management efforts.
A Design of Transesterification Vitrimers with Variable Fractions of Network Defects and the Creep Characteristics
Authors: Inaba Takaya , Hayashi Mikihiro
Published: March 2024

Vitrimer materials have attained great interest owing to their sustainable functions and distinctive physical properties. Compared with conventional cross‐linked materials, the thermoplastic‐like nature, such as the stress relaxation and creep at high temperatures, is outstanding, which is owing to the activation of the bond exchange in the cross‐linked network. The activation temperature of the bond exchange, so‐called topology freezing temperature (Tv), are treated as the important material parameters, and non‐isothermal (i.e., temperature‐ramp) creep test is one of the method to determine the Tv. This study investigates effects of network defects, that is, the breaking point of network connectivity, on the creep and Tv. The transesterification vitrimer samples with varying fraction of the network defects are designed using thiol‐epoxy click reaction, where the overall fraction of the bond exchange units, that is, the ester bond and hydroxyl group, is kept constant. Non‐isothermal creep tests are conducted with varying temperature‐ramp rate and applied stress levels, and the difference of Tv and creep behaviors at T > Tv are discussed in terms of network strand diffusion during bond exchange and chain elongation under stress.
Effects of color variation and physiological state on ascidian microbiomes
Authors: Morrison Samantha K. , Erwin Patrick M. , López‐Legentil Susanna
Published: March 2024

Ascidians, known for their color variation, host species‐specific microbial symbiont communities. Some ascidians can also transition into a nonfiltering (resting) physiological state. Recent studies suggest that the microbial symbiont communities may vary across different physiological states and color morphs of the host. The colonial ascidian, Polyclinum constellatum, which exhibits several color morphs in the Caribbean Sea, periodically ceases its filtering activity. To investigate if color variation in P. constellatum is indicative of sibling speciation, we sequenced fragments of the ribosomal 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I genes. Additionally, we sequenced a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the microbial communities of two common color morphs (red and green) in colonies that were either actively filtering (active) or nonfiltering (resting). Phylogenetic analyses of both ascidian genes resulted in well‐supported monophyletic clades encompassing all color variants of P. constellatum. Interestingly, no significant differences were observed among the microbial communities of the green and red morphs, suggesting that color variation in this species is a result of intraspecific variation. However, the host's physiological state significantly influenced the microbial community structure. Nonfiltering (resting) colonies hosted higher relative abundances of Kiloniella (Alphaproteobacteria) and Fangia (Gammaproteobacteria), while filtering colonies hosted more Reugeria (Alphaproteobacteria) and Endozoicomonas (Gammaproteobacteria). This study demonstrates that microbial symbiont communities serve as reliable indicators of the taxonomic state of their host and are strongly influenced by the host's feeding condition.
A spaceborne broadband circularly polarized conformal antenna for UHF band applications
Authors: Wang Xiaotian , Liu Min , Lu Fan
Published: March 2024

A Spaceborne broadband circularly polarized conformal antenna for ultra high frequency band is presented. The antenna mounted on the outer surface of the circular arc spherical cone satellite works in 390–450 MHz frequency band, and has the characteristics of broadband, light miniature. The measured results for the antenna demonstrate an impedance bandwidth of 32.5% from 360 to 500 MHz, an axial ratio bandwidth of 27.2% from 380 to 500 MHz, and a peak gain of 6.7 dBic. The antenna form can be applied to the field of broadband circularly polarized conformal antenna on satellite and missile, and has a wide application prospect.
Medical Maintenance Therapy Following Laser Excision in Patients With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (GPA)‐Associated Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Aden Aisha A. , Awadallah Andrew S. , Xie Katherine Z. , Wallerius Katherine P. , O'Byrne Thomas J. , Bowen Andrew J. , Edell Eric S. , Bayan Semirra L. , Ekbom Dale C. , Koster Matthew J.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To report on a series of patients with cANCA/PR3‐positive, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)‐associated subglottic stenosis (SGS) and evaluate response to medical maintenance therapy with rituximab versus other immunosuppressants following initial endoscopic laser excision.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary academic center.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients with SGS and cANCA/PR3‐positive GPA who received immunosuppressive maintenance therapy following endoscopic laser excision at our institution from June 1989 to March 2020 was performed. Data pertaining to patient demographics, clinical features, medications, and endoscopic laser procedures were collected.

Results

A total of 27 patients (15 women) with mean age (range) of 40 (19‐59) years and mean (range) follow‐up of 12.6 years (1.5‐28.6) were identified. Sixteen patients (60%) had limited GPA. Six patients (24%) had previously received local intervention with open surgery (n = 1, 4%) or endoscopic techniques (n = 5, 20%). All patients experienced symptom improvement following initial CO2 laser excision at our institution without any procedural complications or adverse events. Following initial laser excision, 15 patients (60%) were treated with rituximab and 10 patients (40%) were treated with nonrituximab immunosuppressive agents. Patients treated with rituximab were less likely to recur (P = 0.040). Limited GPA was associated with an increased incidence of recurrence (P = 0.031). Median time (years) to recurrence (range) was 3.2 (0.3‐19.3) and was not significantly associated with treatment or GPA subtype.

Conclusion

Endoscopic CO2 laser excision is a safe and effective local intervention for GPA‐associated SGS. Medical maintenance therapy with rituximab reduces risk of recurrence following initial laser excision relative to treatment with non‐rituximab agents.
Recalcitrant Stenosis Following Pediatric LTR: Contributing Factors and Clinical Impact
Authors: Blumenthal Daniel , Leonard James A. , Behzadpour Hengameh , Zalzal George , Preciado Diego
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) has revolutionized the management of pediatric subglottic stenosis (SGS). However, postoperative stenosis remains a difficult hurdle to overcome. Our goal is to determine the clinical impact of recalcitrant stenosis after LTR and the factors contributing to postoperative stenosis.

Study Design

Retrospective review of 181 open LTR patients between 2008 and 2021.

Setting

Stand‐alone tertiary children's hospital.

Methods

Recalcitrant stenosis was defined as new or worsening stenosis despite open LTR. Fisher's exact and Mann‐Whitney tests were used to detect differences in categorical and continuous clinical data between patients with and without treatment‐resistant stenosis. Time‐to‐decannulation analysis of both groups was performed using Kaplan‐Meier analysis and evaluated with log‐rank and Cox proportional hazards regression. Multivariate logistical regression was used to assess the validity of associations found in univariate analysis.

Results

As expected, the 27 patients with postoperative stenosis were less likely to be decannulated (P < .001, Fisher's Exact), more likely to require a postoperative tracheostomy (P < .001, Fisher's Exact) or revision LTR (P < .001, Fisher's Exact) and had prolonged time to decannulation (P < .001, Log‐rank). Children with Grade IV SGS (P = .004, Fisher's Exact), and those with longer suprastomal stent duration (P = .03, Fisher's Exact) were more likely to suffer from recalcitrant stenosis. Stent duration longer than 4 weeks (P = .01) contributed to refractory stenosis when controlling for all aforementioned variables using multivariable logistic regression. Interposition grafts had a protective effect (P = .005).

Conclusion

Maintaining suprastomal stents over 4 weeks after LTR increases the risk for postoperative stenosis and its sequelae.

Level of Evidence

4
Assessing Postoperative Phosphate and Calcium/Phosphate Ratio as Surrogates for Parathyroid Hormone Following Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Kappauf Catharine , Gold Brandon , Gonzalez‐Velazquez Camilo , Xing Monica H. , O'Malley Quinn F. , Sandler Mykayla , Chai Raymond L.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Evaluate utility of postoperative phosphate and calcium/phosphate ratio (Ca/P) as surrogates for parathyroid hormone (PTH) following total thyroidectomy.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients 18 years or older who underwent total thyroidectomy in a tertiary care hospital by a single surgeon from 2015 through 2021. Patients with incomplete data, pre‐existing hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, or renal failure were excluded. All patients had PTH drawn within 4 hours of surgery and serum calcium, albumin, and phosphate levels on postoperative Day 1. Corrected calcium was used to calculate a Ca/P. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to compare phosphate level or Ca/P with PTH. Each possible surrogate was assessed relative to PTH cutoffs of less than 5, 10, 15, and 20 pg/mL. A good screening test was defined as having an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.8.

Results

A total of 185 patients underwent total thyroidectomy with 1 fellowship‐trained otolaryngologist. Most patients were female (62%), median age 48 years. Most surgeries were performed for cancer (68%). Six (3.2%) patients required IV calcium supplementation and 2 (1.1%) required readmission for symptomatic hypocalcemia. ROC curves comparing phosphate and Ca/P to PTH at the listed cutoffs demonstrated AUC ranging from 0.55 to 0.66 and 0.61 to 0.79, respectively. None met the threshold for a good screening test.

Conclusion

Postoperative phosphate and Ca/P ratio are not surrogates for PTH levels following total thyroidectomy. More research is needed to identify cost‐effective strategies for postoperative calcium monitoring in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Level of evidence

Retrospective cohort study.
Patterns and Trends in Adjuvant Therapy for Major Salivary Gland Cancer
Authors: Patel Aman M. , Haleem Afash , Choudhry Hassaam S. , Povolotskiy Roman , Roden Dylan F.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To investigate adjuvant therapy indications, utilization, and associated survival disparities in major salivary gland cancer (MSGC).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

The 2006 to 2017 National Cancer Database.

Methods

Patients with surgically resected MSGC were included (N = 11,398). pT3‐4 classification, pN2‐3 classification, lymphovascular invasion, pathologic extranodal extension (pENE), and positive surgical margin (PSM) were considered indications for adjuvant radiotherapy (aRT). pENE and PSM were considered possible indications for adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were implemented.

Results

Among 6694 patients with 1 indication for aRT, 1906 (28.5%) received no further treatment and missed aRT. Age, race, comorbidity status, facility type, and distance to reporting facility were associated with missed aRT (P < .025). Among 4003 patients with ≥1 possible indication for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (aCRT), 914 (22.8%) received aCRT. Patients with pENE only (38.5%) and both pENE and PSM (44.0%) received aCRT more frequently than those with PSM only (17.0%) (P < .001). Academic facility was associated with aCRT utilization (P < .05). aCRT utilization increased between 2006 and 2017 in both academic (14.8% vs 23.9%) and nonacademic (8.8% vs 13.5%) facilities (P < .05). Among 2691 patients with ≥1 indication for aRT alone, missed aRT portended poorer OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28‐2.03, P < .001). Among 4003 patients with ≥1 possible indication for aCRT, aRT alone (HR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.89‐1.18, P = .780) and aCRT were associated with similar OS.

Conclusion

Missed aRT in MSGC occurs frequently and portends poorer OS. Further studies clarifying indications for aCRT are required.
Mechanics behavior and failure mechanism of the intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod
Authors: Zhang Yanwen , Che Jiaqi , Pei Dongdong , Wang Hanxiang , Zhang Jin , Li Feng
Published: March 2024

The carbon/glass hybrid rod exhibits high tensile strength, light weight, and strong corrosion resistance. However, the bottleneck of interlayer splitting exists in the interlayer hybrid rod, severely impeding safe operation. To solve the problem of rod splitting, this paper proposed a new scheme of an intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod. Based on the material constitutive model, a full‐scale simulation model was developed. The stress distribution and deformation of the hybrid rod were analyzed and the progressive damage mechanism of the hybrid rod was explained. The results indicated that, for the intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod, (a) the ultimate experimental tensile load witnessed a significant increase, rising by 14.0% from 452.4 to 515.7 kN compared to the interlayer hybrid rod; (b) the numerical model predicted the tensile load of 525.9 kN, with an error of 1.9% compared to the test result, meeting engineering accuracy requirements; (c) the elastic deformation stage saw a 146.7% increase from 280.2 to 691.3 MPa in the maximum axial stress of the carbon‐fiber layer, and a 120% increase from 89.8 to 198.0 MPa in the maximum radial stress of the glass fiber layer as the tensile displacement increased from 0.16 to 0.32 mm. In conclusion, the intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod proposed in this paper can significantly improve the tensile strength compared to the interlayer hybrid rod, which can accelerate the application of carbon/glass hybrid rods in oil and gas fields.

Highlights

According to the problem of interlayer splitting in the interlayer carbon/glass hybrid rods, a novel scheme of an intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod was proposed.

Based on the material constitutive model, a full‐scale simulation model of an intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rod was developed to analyze the stress distribution and deformation response under tensile load.

The dynamic progressive damage analysis method for intralayer carbon/glass hybrid rods was proposed to reveal the damage evolution mechanism.
Plant biology education: A competency‐based vision for the future
Authors: Hubbard Katharine
Published: March 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Plant biology is an essential discipline for addressing global challenges from food security to climate change. In order to achieve this, we need to educate plant biologists who can contribute to research, enterprise, policy, public engagement and beyond. This article explores the potential of competency‐based education, which emphasises what students can do rather than what we know. A flexible and adaptable model of competency based plant biology education is presented, along with practical suggestions and examples. This provides a framework through which we can educate plant biologists equipped to address major scientific and societal challenges of the future.

Plant biology is an essential discipline for addressing global challenges from food security to climate change. In order to achieve this we need to educate plant biologists who can contribute to research, enterprise, policy, public engagement and beyond. In this article, I explore some of the issues and challenges facing plant biology education from authentic research driven curricula to the impact of AI. In order to effectively educate the plant biologists of the future I propose moving to a competency based approach to education. Competency based education emphasises what students can do rather than what they know. I present a three‐domain competency model for plant biology, structured around (i) knowledge and information literacy (ii) disciplinary and professional experience and (iii) self‐awareness and personal development as three interdependent aspects of competency. I accompany this with twelve proposed competencies for plant biologists. The model is flexible, robust and adaptable to specific local requirements and future demands of plant biology education. In reimagining plant biology education in this way we can present our discipline as exciting and relevant to students, and equip them with the capabilities required to contribute to plant biology activity from research to public policy.
Thoracic radiotherapy timing and prognostic factors in elderly patients with limited‐stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Huan , Qi Yue , Zhang Lanfang , Xing Meng , Yang Fujun
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study assessed the outcomes of elderly patients with limited‐stage small cell lung cancer (LS‐SCLC), which may be linked to the timing of thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) following chemotherapy.

Methods

Elderly patients (n = 78) with LS‐SCLC were divided into three groups depending on the timing of radiotherapy. The patients in the TRT group were stratified into early (TRT after 1–2 cycles of chemotherapy, n = 29), medium‐term (TRT after 3–4 cycles of chemotherapy, n = 33), and late (TRT after 5–6 cycles of chemotherapy, n = 16) TRT groups. The overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were assessed and compared.

Results

The medium‐term TRT group demonstrated significantly longer mPFS (20.12 months) and better mOS (35.97 months) than those in the other groups (PFS: P = 0.021;OS: P = 0.035). A pairwise comparison of the three groups revealed that those who received medium‐term TRT exhibited significantly improved PFS than the early (mPFS: 20.12 vs. 10.36 mouths, P = 0.018) and late (mPFS: 20.12 vs. 9.17 months, P = 0.016) TRT. The medium‐term TRT group demonstrated significantly improved OS than the early TRT (mOS: 35.97 vs. 25.22 months, P = 0.007) but not in comparison with the late TRT (mOS: 35.97 vs. 21.63 months, P = 0.100).

Conclusion

In elderly patients with LS‐SCLC, the addition of TRT after 3–4 cycles of chemotherapy appears to be a viable and potentially beneficial treatment approach.
The role of histamine H1 receptor in the anterior cingulate cortex on nociception level following acute restraint stress in male rats
Authors: Daniali Roxana , Zeraati Fatemeh , Mohammadi Mojdeh , Haddadi Rasool
Published: March 2024

Considering the importance of pain and stress, we decided to investigate the intra‐anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) microinjection of histamine and mepyramine alone and concurrently on acute pain induced by hot plate following restraint stress in male rats. 24‐gauge, 10 mm stainless steel guide cannula was implanted over the ACC in the incised scalp of 4 groups. Restraint stress in healthy rats produced a significant increase (p < .05) in the pain threshold. The simultaneous microinjection of 4 μg/side histamine and 8 μg/side mepyramine as a histaminergic system inverse agonist in healthy nonrestraint animals did not affect the pain threshold. Although Histamine decreased the threshold of pain meaningfully, mepyramine elevated it in a significant manner (p < .05). In the restrained animals, intra‐ACC microinjection of histamine produced no significant impact on the pain threshold. However, intra‐ACC microinjection of mepyramine before histamine, significantly (p < .01) altered the result and enhanced the threshold of pain. The results of our study demonstrated that histaminergic neurons have an important role in the processing of pain in the ACC following restraint stress.
A theoretical study of the electronic properties of hydrogenated spherical‐like SiC quantum dots with C‐rich and Si‐rich compositions
Authors: Ojeda‐Martínez Miguel , Thirumuruganandham Saravana Prakash , Baños Alejandro Trejo , Figueroa José Luis Cuevas
Published: March 2024

Quantum dots have many potential applications in opto‐electronics, energy storage, catalysis, and medical diagnostics, silicon carbide quantum dots could be very attractive for many biological and technological applications due to their chemical inertness and biocompatibility, however, there are seldom theoretical studies that could boost the development of these applications. In this work, the electronic properties of hydrogenated spherical‐like SiC quantum dots with C‐rich and Si‐rich compositions are investigated using density functional theory calculations. The quantum dots are modeled by removing atoms outside a sphere from an otherwise perfect SiC crystal, the surface dangling bonds are passivated with H atoms. Our results exhibit that the electronic properties of the SiC‐QD are strongly influenced by their composition and diameter size. The energy gap is always higher than that of the crystalline SiC, making these SiC QD's suitable for applications at harsh temperatures. The density of states and the energy levels show that the Si‐rich quantum dots had a higher density of states near the conduction band minimum, which indicates better conductivity. These results could be used to tune the electronicproperties of SiC quantum dots for optoelectronic applications.
Switchable Synthesis of Benzothiazoles, Benzothiazines and Benzothiazepines through the Reaction of Hetareno[e]pyrrole‐2,3‐Diones with o‐Aminothiophenol
Authors: Belozerova Dzhamilia N. , Sukhanova Polina V. , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Mashevskaya Irina V.
Published: March 2024

We report the substrate and conditions switchable synthetic methods for the preparation of benzothiazoles, benzothiazines and benzothiazepines based on the reactions of o‐aminothiophenol with hetareno[e]pyrrole‐2,3‐diones, 1H‐pyrrole‐2,3‐diones fused at the [e]‐side to heterocycles. The series of novel five‐, six‐ and seven‐membered N,S‐heterocycles were prepared in fair to excellent yields. The reported reactions proceeded under mild, catalyst‐free conditions, and the products were isolated by simple workup procedures.
Sulfatobetaine Synthesis from Epoxides and Tertiary Amine‐Sulfur Trioxide Complexes
Authors: Kozlov Sergei V.
Published: March 2024

The sulfatobetaine formation from epoxides and tertiary amine‐sulfur trioxide complexes was studied. It was revealed that heterocyclic tertiary amine‐sulfur trioxide complexes being the most electrophilic and reactive complexes produce sulfatobetaines in 15.5–62.6 % isolation yields, the aliphatic tertiary amine sulfur‐trioxide complexes failed to form the expected products. The presence of the amine taken in 5‐fold excess improves the isolation yields of the sulfatobetaines (52–100 %).
Detailed Reaction Mechanism of Anthracene‐Bridged bis‐(3‐Pyridiniumboronic Acid) Chemosensor with D‐Glucose
Authors: Tanaka Rei , Matsuo Keigo , Suzuki Shota , Mikami Gento , Suzuki Yota , Sugaya Tomoaki , Iwatsuki Satoshi , Inamo Masahiko , Ishihara Koji
Published: March 2024

Detailed reaction mechanisms of 4‐(N‐methyl)pyridinium boronic acid (1) and anthracene‐bridged bis(pyridinium boronic acid) compounds (diboronic acids 2 and 3) with D‐glucose were kinetically investigated in aqueous methanolic solutions. The crystal structure of diboronic acid 3 was determined using X‐ray crystallography. The pKa values of the two boronic acid moieties of diboronic acid (2 or 3) differed by one unit, indicating electronic interactions between the two boronic acid moieties. The kinetics of the reaction of boronic acid 1 with D‐glucose showed that both trigonal boronic acid and tetrahedral boronate ions were reactive with D‐glucose. UV‐Vis spectrophotometry and 1H NMR spectrometry of the reactions of phenylboronic acid with some model compounds of D‐glucose showed that the reactive moiety of α‐D‐glucofuranose towards phenylboronic acid was not the 1,2‐diol site, but the 3,5,6‐triol site. In the reactions of diboronic acids 2 and 3 with D‐glucose, the 3,5,6‐triol site of α‐D‐glucofuranose reacts first with one of the two equivalent boronic acid moieties of diboronic acid to form a 3,5‐bicoordinate intermediate as a rate‐determining step, followed by the reaction of the 1,2‐diol site of α‐D‐glucofuranose with another boronic acid moiety of diboronic acid to form the final 1,2 : 3,5‐tetracoordinate cyclic compound as a fast step.
Sustainable Chemical Derivatization of Hydroxycinnamic Acids
Authors: Longobardo Luigi , Di Fabio Giovanni , Zarrelli Armando
Published: March 2024

Green solvents like ethyl acetate and acetone convert hydroxycinnamic acids into natural and unnatural derivatives such as amides, esters, and other valuable synthetic intermediates. Employing as protection‐activation a system based on an alkyl chloroformate and N‐methyl morpholine, ethyl acetate emerges as an excellent solvent for coupling O‐carbonate‐protected mixed anhydrides in acylation reactions of C‐protected amino acids, amines, and catalyzed acylation of alcohols. This results in high yields of O‐protected phenolic amides and esters. Acetone is preferred for acyl nucleophilic substitution reactions involving ionic species like free amino acids, sodium azide, and sodium hydroxide, all added in water. This approach releases the resultant O‐protected acylation products. Free phenolic compounds are promptly obtained on demand through carbonate deprotection. This synthetic method offers a simplified procedure and employs low‐cost reagents to prepare natural and unnatural hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives.
In Situ Construction of a Type II Heterojunction UiO/BMO‐x for Improving the Photocatalytic Reduction of Cr (VI)
Authors: Liu Cong , Zhang Liuxue , Xu Xuetong , Qiao Jiaolong , Jia Xu , Wang Fuying , Wang Xiulian
Published: March 2024

Photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) is one of the most promising technologies to remove Cr(VI) pollution because of its environmental friendliness, cost‐effective and energy saving. In this experiment, two‐dimensional Bi2MoO6(BMO) nanosheets and cerium‐based MOFs UiO‐66(Ce) were synthesized by solvent thermal method, and in the presence of BMO, the UiO/BMO‐x heterojunction composites were constructed in situ to explore its photocatalytic reduction properties of Cr(VI). The experiment showed that 4 mM of Cr (VI) solution could be reduced 100 % to Cr (VI) by 15 mg catalyst under optimal reaction conditions. The composite photocatalyst prepared in this experiment can realize the green treatment of Cr(VI) in the environment under photocatalytic conditions, and has potential application value in the remediation of heavy metal pollution.
Research progress of metal oxide supports for fuel cells electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Yuedie , Liu Chang , Wang Weixia , Chenge Junxiang , Li Xucong , Cheng Ping , Chen Chunguang , Zhu Yuanzheng , Zhang Shuping
Published: March 2024

Fuel cell technology, as a new way of energy conversion, is widely used in various fields. At present, the electrocatalyst, as one of the key components of the electrochemical reaction of fuel cells, still suffers from the problems of high cost, low activity and poor stability. Excellent fuel cell electrocatalysts must have excellent catalytic activity, anti‐poisoning ability, electrical conductivity and stability. Metal oxides with corrosion resistance, electrochemical stability and strong metal support interaction effects have been intensively studied. The influence of the synthesis method on the catalytic performance is also crucial. In this review, the importance of fuel cells and their catalysts is introduced. The characteristics of catalysts with three metal oxides, titanium dioxide, cerium dioxide and tungsten oxide, as supports, preparation methods and applications in different fuel cells are reviewed. The synthesis of metal oxide supported catalysts by impregnation, precipitation and hydrothermal methods is described. Finally, the research on metal oxide supported catalysts is prospected.
TiN‐Au/HfO2‐Au Multilayer Thin Films with Tunable Hyperbolic Optical Response
Authors: Zhang Yizhi , Shen Jianan , Tsai Benson Kunhung , Sheng Xuanyu , Hu Zedong , Zhang Xinghang , Wang Haiyan
Published: March 2024

Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMM) possess significant anisotropic physical properties and tunability and thus find many applications in integrated photonic devices. HMMs consisting of metal and dielectric phases in either multilayer or vertically aligned nanocomposites (VAN) form are demonstrated with different hyperbolic properties. Herein, self‐assembled HfO2‐Au/TiN‐Au multilayer thin films, combining both the multilayer and VAN designs, are demonstrated. Specifically, Au nanopillars embedded in HfO2 and TiN layers forming the alternative layers of HfO2‐Au VAN and TiN‐Au VAN. The HfO2 and TiN layer thickness is carefully controlled by varying laser pulses during pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Interestingly, tunable anisotropic physical properties can be achieved by adjusting the bi‐layer thickness and the number of the bi‐layers. Type II optical hyperbolic dispersion can be obtained from high layer thickness structure (e.g., 20 nm), while it can be transformed into Type I optical hyperbolic dispersion by reducing the thickness to a proper value (e.g., 4 nm). This new nanoscale hybrid metamaterial structure with the three‐phase VAN design shows great potential for tailorable optical components in future integrated devices.
A Review of Perovskite/Copper Indium Gallium Selenide Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Zeng Li , Tang Liting , Luo Zekai , Gong Junbo , Li Jianmin , Xiao Xudong
Published: March 2024

In recent years, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a focal point for numerous researchers due to their excellent photoelectric performance. In comparison to their single‐junction devices, double‐junction cells have exhibited the potential for superior power conversion efficiency (PCE). Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells, a well‐established photovoltaic technology, can be used as a viable bottom cell candidate for double‐junction tandem solar cells (TSCs). Recently, the PCE of the most advanced 4T perovskite/CIGS TSCs reached 29.9%, while the highest PCE of 2T perovskite/CIGS TSC is 24.2%, which develops relatively slowly. In contrast to the leading perovskite/silicon (Si) TSCs in terms of PCE (PCE2T = 33.9%, PCE4T = 30.35%), perovskite/CIGS TSCs exhibit distinctive advantages such as adjustable bandgap, high absorption coefficient, radiation resistance, and can be prepared on flexible substrates. Building upon these advantages, the optimization process in four‐terminal and two‐terminal perovskite/CIGS TSCs is elucidated, the key technologies and challenges in material, structure, and photoelectric performance of the tandem cells are summarized, and a prospective analysis of their future overall development in this review is provided. Furthermore, it is hoped to give readers a comprehensive understanding of perovskite/CIGS TSCs.
The effect of NaOH concentration on ferrate electrosynthesis
Authors: Van Anh Nguyen Thi , Binh Phan Thi , Xuan Mai Thi , Thuy Mai Thi Thanh
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the electrochemical characteristics of mild steel anode in NaOH solutions with concentrations ranging from 8 to 16 m to elucidate their impact on the electrochemical synthesis of ferrate and determine the optimal electrolyte concentration for this process. The electrochemical properties of anode material were determined using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the Tafel polarization. The ferrate concentration was determined by UV–vis method and the conductivity of electrolytes was evaluated through EIS measurement in the high‐frequent range. The results showed that a passive layer easily formed on the anode surface in NaOH solution with a concentration range of 8–12 m, preventing the formation of ferrate. Conversely, at higher electrolyte concentrations (14 and 16 m NaOH), the dissolution capability of the passive layer was enhanced, resulting in a better ability to synthesize ferrate.
Green synthesis of 2‐thioxo‐4‐quinazolinones from 2‐aminobenzamide and isothiocyanates
Authors: Vo Ngoc Binh , Nguyen Le Thanh Hang , Tran Thi Yen , Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang , Nguyen Le Anh , Ngo Quoc Anh
Published: March 2024

Novel green synthesis protocols of 2‐thioxo‐4‐quinazolinones starting from 2‐aminobenzamide and isothiocyanates have been reported. Method A: the reaction was carried out at 60 °C, in water, reaction time of 16 h. Method B: The reaction was carried out under solvent‐free conditions at 100 °C for 16 h. Based on these methods, six 2‐thixo‐4‐quinazolinone derivatives were synthesized with good yield. These methods have advantages, including no use of organic solvents, additives that avoid the generation of toxic waste, simple processes, cost‐effectiveness, good yields, ease of product isolation, and purification.
Fabrication and application of functionalized carbon nanotubes for highly sensitive and selective sensing of enrofloxacin
Authors: Doan Tien Dat , Pham Yen Thi Hai , Nhung Hac Thi , Oanh Ho Thi , Duc Tuyen Nguyen , Le Hung Quoc , Vu Thu Ha Thi , Pham Phong Hong , Hoang Mai Ha
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces an innovative electrochemical sensor that detects enrofloxacin (ENR) utilizing a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with reduced carbon nanotubes (rCNT). The fabrication process involved a simple drop‐coating technique using water‐soluble oxidized CNTs (oCNT), followed by electrochemical reduction to obtain the rCNT/GCE electrode. The electrochemical properties of the modified electrodes, including GCE, CNT/GCE, oCNT/GCE, and rCNT/GCE, were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results demonstrated significantly improved electrochemical surface area and faster electron transfer rate for the rCNT/GCE electrode compared to the other configurations. Consequently, the rCNT/GCE electrode exhibited the highest electrochemical signal for ENR detection. Under optimized conditions, the rCNT/GCE‐based sensor displayed excellent performance for ENR detection. It achieved a low detection limit of 0.002 µm and demonstrated linearity within the ranges of 0.005–0.05 µm and 0.05–1.5 µm. Furthermore, the proposed sensor exhibited good selectivity, as well as excellent repeatability and reproducibility. To assess the sensor's practical utility, a quantitative analysis of ENR in shrimp meat samples was conducted. The results demonstrated the high sensitivity and accuracy of the proposed sensor in quantifying ENR, highlighting its potential as a reliable tool for environmental monitoring of water resources.
Anaesthetic management in adult reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) undergoing exploratory laparotomy for jejuno‐jejunal intussusception surgery resection
Authors: Cristina Parra Martínez , Natalie Young , Andrew Fiske‐Jackson , Cristina Bianchi
Published: March 2024

A 2‐year‐old, male reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) presented for further investigations and treatment of acute colic signs. On clinical investigations, an ultrasonographic abdominal exam revealed multiple hypomotile, dilated and fluid‐filled small intestinal loops. Based on clinical findings and increased signs of abdominal pain, small intestine obstruction was suspected, and an exploratory laparotomy was performed. The animal was premedicated with medetomidine (0.003 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg) intravenously. General anaesthesia was induced with ketamine (2 mg/kg intravenously) and propofol (3 mg/kg intravenously), and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Additional analgesia was provided with methadone (0.1 mg/kg intravenously) and ketamine (0.5 mg/kg intravenously). A jejuno‐jejunal intussusception requiring resection of approximately 6 inches (15 cm) was identified and jejuno‐jejuno anastomosis was performed. Fluid resuscitation was administered for treatment of hypotension during general anaesthesia. Recovery from anaesthesia was uneventful. Nevertheless, the deer was euthanased 5 days later due to clinical deterioration.